Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Start-up of biohydrogen production from Palm Oil Mill Effluent under non-sterile condition in 50 L Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor.

Feasibility study of biohydrogen production from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) using POME sludge as a mixed culture of natural inoculum was conducted. The experiment was done using a 150 mL serum bottle and 50 L Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) in batch and continuous modes, respectively. The biogas produced from both fermentations was free from methane due to heat treatment of the sludge prior to inoculation. The results obtained showed that the biohydrogen content in 150 mL serum bottle was higher (70%) than that of 50 L CSTR (25%). The biohydrogen rates for serum bottle and 50 L bioreactor were 74 and 33 NmL/h/L, respectively. Butyrate, propionate and acetate were the main soluble metabolites produced during the fermentation and reduced the pH of broth.
EFFECTS OF NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM ON YIELD AND MATURITY OF CAULIFLOWER

The effects of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on the yield and maturity of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. ssp. botrytis cv. Snowball Y) were investigated at a total of nine locations during three successive cropping seasons. Yields were substantially increased at most locations by applications of nitrogen and phosphorus but were only slightly affected by applied potassium. Maturity was slightly delayed by a lack of phosphorus. Maximum yields were generally obtained where N was applied at 112–224 kg/ha, P at 49–98 kg/ha, and K at 93 kg/ha.
The Nomenclature and Taxonomic Status of the Mosquitoes of the Anopheles Maculipennis Complex

The mosquitoes of the Anopheles maculipennis group have been the subject of many hundreds of papers since the publication, in 1920 and 1921, of the theories of Roubaud, Wesenberg-Lund, and Grassi to account for the absence of malaria in regions where maculipennis is abundant. Roubaud thought that there were two “physiological races,” one adapted to feeding on man, the other on large domestic animals. Wesenberg-Lund thought that in Denmark the species had changed its food habits, becoming adapted to large domestic animals. Grassi, like Roubaud, thought there was a “biological race” that did not bite man. The search for the explanation of this problem of “anophelism without malaria” has made maculipennis one of the most thoroughly studied of all insects, and has uncovered a situation that is of considerable general biological interest from the point of view of the “species problem. ”
Chironomids (Diptera) and their salivary gland chromosomes as indicators of trace-metal genotoxicity

Abstract The long-term impact of pollution in freshwater aquatic environments can be assessed realistically only if the mutagenic effects of pollutants on organisms inhabiting aquatic biotopes are evaluated. To do this, the larvae of Chironomids (Diptera) can serve as suitable indicators of potential environmental genotoxicity. These larvae exhibit aberrations in their polytene chromosomes, which, when analyzed, indicate an early response to toxicity more efficiently than morphological analysis, up to now the usual technique. Chironomids have excellent salivary gland chromosomes with well-defined bands and permanent somatic pairing, where there are two important regions of active transcription—Balbiani rings (BRs) and Nucleolar organizers (NOR). We have described the responses of different Chironomid species in two situations: in the field and in the laboratory, where we performed Cr, Al, Pb and Cu trace-metal-exposure experiments with Chironomus riparius. In both situations, the genome response consisted in a statistically significant increase in somatic chromosome aberrations and decrease in BR and NOR activity to levels lower than those of larvae under standard conditions. The main chromosome aberrations consisted in inversions, amplifications, deletions and deficiencies. Deletions in the chromosome G in C. riparius transformed it into a pompon-like structure. Chromosome aberrations were not randomly distributed: they occurred mainly in sites with repetitive DNA elements that have a highly interspersed location in the C. riparius genome. Hence C. riparius is the species most likely to produce aberrations and can be used as a model for cost-effective monitoring of the early genomic response to trace metals and other stress agents.
Inhibition of pheromone action in Sesamia nonagrioides by haloacetate analogues

The electrophysiological activity of some halogenated analogues of the major component of the sex pheromone of the corn stalk borer Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. (1) is presented. The analogues comprise a series of fluoro-, chloro- and bromoacetate analogues4–10 as well as trifluoromethyl ketone 11. The fluoro derivatives 4–6 displayed remarkable electro-antennogram (EAG) intrinsic activities in comparison with the parent acetate 1, while the remaining analogues elicited significantly lower response. The compounds have also been tested as inhibitors of the sex pheromone perception in EAG and in the field. In the laboratory. fluoro analogues 4–6 were better inhibitors than chloro derivatives 7–9, which in turn behaved similarly to the bromoacetate 10. Trifluoromethyl ketone 11, however, was a poor inhibitor of the pheromone action. In the field, baits of mixtures of compounds 5–11 with the corn stalk borer pheromone in 10:1 ratio inhibited the concomitant attraction of the clover cutworm moth Scotogramma irifolii Rott. , while the difluoro analogue 5, trichloroacetate 9 and trifluoromethyl ketone 11 also diminished the number of catches of the armyworm Mythimna unipuncta Haw. The monofluoroacetate 4. trifluoro analogue 6 and bromo derivative 10 significantly disrupted the pheromone action of the corn borer, whereas trifluoromethyl ketone 11 synergistically increased the number of males attracted to the pheromone trap alone. Addition of 11 to baits containing the corn borer pheromone caught S. nonagrioides selectively with regard to the other habitat-sharing species M. unipuncta and S. trifolii.
Distribution, Introduction Pathway, and Invasion Risk Analysis of the North American Crayfish Procambarus Clarkii (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in Southeast Brazil

This study reports new records of Procambarus clarkii Girard, 1852 in Southeastern Brazil and investigates its possible pathways of introduction. The Brazilian crayfish pet trade was surveyed with regard to species’ availability and price, reporting its persistence, even though illegal. An invasion risk analysis was performed by applying a protocol developed specifically to invasive freshwater invertebrates (FI-ISK). Procambarus clarkii has confirmed occurrences from urban and non-urban areas in the state of Sao Paulo, including the Jaragua State Park, an Atlantic Forest conservation area. The pet trade is an important introduction vector but some subsequent translocation can also be due to the release of live bait by anglers. Besides passive dispersal, these newly discovered populations, especially those located in non-urban areas, are likely to naturally disperse further through active spread and river drift of juveniles. Although confirmed colonized areas are all located in the state of Sao Paulo, the invasive risk analysis showed that P. clarkii is a potential highly invasive species for Brazil. These introductions have unknown consequences; however, many impacts are associated with this species establishment around the world, underlining the urgency to understand the invasion process in Brazil and develop efficient management techniques.
Nitric Oxide Reduced Chlorophyll Degradation in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) Florets During Senescence

Nitric oxide (NO) was applied to broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) florets and analyzed its effect on chlorophyll degradation during postharvest senescence. Florets were treated with 1000mL/L of NO for 5 h and placed in darkness at 20 � C. During storage, the NO treatment delayed yellowing and retarded the onset of chlorophyll degradation. The activity of lipoxygenase was not related to the development of yellowing during storage. However, the accumulation of malondialdehyde, which could be used as an index of lipid peroxidation, was higher in the control than observed in the NO treatment. In untreated broccoli florets during storage, lipid peroxidation influenced the yellowing of broccoli florets while NO-treated florets maintained chlorophyll levels and decreased lipid peroxidation.
Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Primary Rectal Cancer: Immune Histology with Prognostic Impact?

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and prognostic significance of neuroendocrine differentiation in primary rectal cancer with special reference to ki-67 staining index. Methods: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 94 rectal carcinomas were used for immunohistochemical analysis of chromogranin A (CgA), synatophysin (Syn) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Inclusion criteria were sporadic rectal adenocarcinoma resected curatively by total mesorectal excision, adjuvant radiochemotherapy in UICC stages II and III, and complete intrainstitutional follow-up. Results of immunohistochemistry were correlated with clinical and histopathologic data. End points of analysis were tumor progression and 5-year survival. Statistics included univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Of 94 rectal carcinomas studied, 20% (19/94) were CgA-positive, 7% (7/94) were Syn-positive, and 3% (3/94) were NSE-positive. No expression of neuroendocrine markers was documented in 72% (68/94). There was no carcinoma which expressed all three markers, and only 3% (3/94) showed a combination of at least two markers. Neither for Syn nor for NSE any significant association with clinical or histopathological variables could be found. Expression of CgA significantly correlated with age and differentiation (p = 0.03). Within a mean follow-up of 50 months, tumor progression occurred in 14 patients (15.4%): 2 patients had local recurrences (isolated), 4 had local and distant recurrence and 8 had metachronous distant metastases without local recurrence. Only UICC stage and preoperative CEA serum level were significantly associated with tumor progression, whereas the neuroendocrine markers failed to show any correlation. Focusing solely on distant recurrence, the incidence of metachronous distant metastases was significantly associated with UICC stage, depth of invasion, preoperative CEA serum level, and CgA expression (23.5% in CgA-positive vs. 5.9% in CgA-negative tumors, p = 0.02). The neuroendocrine markers did not show any relation with survival prognosis. Correlated to ki-67 expression, 89.5% (17/19) of CgA-positive tumors showed a concurrent high ki-67 expression of more than 40% of cells (staining index > 0.4). Conclusions: The expression of the neuroendocrine marker CgA seems to have a prognostic impact in primary rectal cancer for the incidence of metachronous distant recurrence. It seems that the increased proliferation (assessed by ki-67 staining index) could play a role in curatively resected rectal cancer.
The petD group II intron as a species level marker: utility for tree inference and species identification in the diverse genus Campanula (Campanulaceae)

Abstract Borsch T. , Korotkova N. , Raus T. , Lobin W. & Löhne C. : The petD group II intron as a species level marker: utility for tree inference and species identification in the diverse genus Campanula (Campanulaceae). — Willdenowia 39: 7–33. — Online ISSN 1868-6397; © 2009 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.39. 39101 (available via http://dx.doi.org/) Chloroplast introns have a high potential as tools for phylogeny inference and DNA barcoding. This study examines the molecular evolution of the petD group II intron in Campanulaceae based on a sequence data set of 114 ingroup taxa. Three small mutational hotspots had to be excluded from phylogenetic analysis, the two most variable being located in the D4 loop (domain IV). A (GT)4–7 microsatellite in domain II is conserved at species level but of limited phylogenetic use due to unclear homology of individual repeat units. Sequences of the petD group II intron depict Cyphioideae, Lobelioideae and Campanuloideae as major Campanulaceae clades. Core Campanuloideae comprise two major radiations of Campanula species: a Musschia clade (including C. lactiflora) and a Jasione clade. Campanula is highly paraphyletic to a number of smaller genera such as Azorina, Michauxia and Edraianthus. The closed-tubular flowered taxa (Phyteuma and allies) are resolved sister to C. persicifolia. Within core campanuloids petD sequences identify 90 % of the taxon samples included in this study. Considering the ease of amplification and sequencing, and its high information content, the petD intron appears to be a good candidate in a two-tailed approach integrating molecular phylogenetics and species identification in the needed sampling of all core Campanuloideae species.
Development of thecal plates and pellicle in the dinoflagellate Scrippsiella hexapraecingula (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) elucidated by changes in stainability of the associated membranes

The development of the pellicle and thecal plates of the dinoflagellate Scrippsiella hexapraecingula Horiguchi et Chihara was investigated with particular emphasis on cellulose synthesis. In young motile cells, incipient thecal plates appear as several groups of granular material within individual sites that are thought to be amphiesmal vesicles and develop into thin, sheet-like plates. These plates subsequently thicken with the deposition of amorphous material and cellulose microfibrils to form mature thecal plates. After ecdysis, non-motile cells form a pellicle consisting of three layers, L1-3. L1 is electron dense, while L2 and L3 are electron transparent. L1 and L2 are non-cellulosic, but L3 contains cellulose microfibrils. A new type of putative cellulose-synthesizing enzyme complex was found in non-motile cells. It consists of two rows of particles occurring on the plasmatic fracture face of the plasma membrane and begins to appear 0.5 – 1 h after ecdysis. The periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate test (PATAg) strongly stains the plasma membrane in both motile and non-motile cells throughout most of the life cycle of this species. The only time when it does not stain the plasma membrane is during an approximately 1-h period following ecdysis. During this period, the plasma membrane stains strongly with a silicotungstic acid-chromic acid mixture (STA-CA). STA-CA also stains the inner membranes of amphiesmal vesicles in both motile and non-motile cells. Thus, changes in the ability of PATAg and STA-CA to stain membranes during development suggest that the plasma membrane in non-motile cells is undergoing transformation after ecdysis.
Variation in the composition and content of ellagitannins in the heartwood of European oaks (Quercus robur and Q petraea). A comparison of two French forests and variation with heartwood age

La concentration des ellagitannins a ete mesuree dans les extraits aqueux des differentes parties du bois de coeur de carottes de sondage provenant de trois chenes (Quercus robur) preleves en Russie et un preleve en Angleterre. La concentration des ellagitanins solubles totaux presentait une diminution logarithmique au fur et a mesure que l'âge du bois augmentait, tandis que les divers ellagitanins presentaient des teneurs variables. Un modele simple reliant la concentration en ellagitanins solubles totaux avec l'âge a ete etabli. Dans une etude ulterieure, deux echantillons de bois de coeur provenant chacun de 20 chenes europeens (Q robur et Q petraea) issus chacun de deux forets francaises tres differentes (Limousin et Troncais). Plus de 70 % de la variation totale de la concentration en ellagitanins solubles extraits de ces echantillons a ete attribuee a la difference entre les forets, tandis qu'une relativement faible variation pouvait etre attribuee aux deux echantillons preleves a l'interieur de chaque arbre. Les teneurs en tanins solubles etaient plus faibles chez les arbres provenant de la foret Troncais que chez ceux de la region du Limousin, et ceci ne pouvait pas etre explique seulement par les legeres differences d'âge du bois de coeur des echantillons. Une correlation entre la couleur du bois, mesuree dans le systeme CIELab avec les parametres de teinte, de saturation et la coordonnee chromatique, la teneur en phenols totaux et les tanins solubles a ete aussi observee. Les deux forets presentaient bien des differences du point de vue de l'environnement, des traitements sylvicoles et des dominances d'especes.
Qualidade físico-química e de fritura de tubérculos de cultivares de batata na safra de inverno

Physicochemical and frying quality of potato cultivars in winter season Given the raising consumption of potato chips, the identification of quality parameters of potato tubers has become essential. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and frying quality of potato tubers of different cultivars grown in the winter cropping season. Tubers were obtained from a field experiment in the winter season in Itai, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental design was of completely randomized blocks with four replications. Treatments consisted of five potato cultivars (Agata, Asterix, Atlantic, Markies and Mondial). Tubers of Mondial and Agata cultivars showed suitable characteristics for fresh market, so they can be recommended for the preparation of pasta and baked dishes, for which the preservation of the tuber shape is essential. Markies showed double cooking ability, i.e., suitable for preparation of pasta as well as for frying. The tubers of Atlantic, Asterix and Markies cultivars presented good frying quality, however, Markies cultivar showed pulp, sticks and chips with more intense yellow color.
New Early Triassic Lingulidae (Brachiopoda) genera and species from South China

Peng, Y. & Shi, G.R. , June, 2008. New Early Triassic Lingulidae (Brachiopoda) genera and species from South China. Alcheringa 32, 149–170. ISSN 0311-5518. Two new genera, Sinolingularia gen. nov. and Sinoglottidia gen. nov., together with three new species, Sinolingularia huananensis gen. et sp. nov., Sinolingularia yini gen. et sp. nov. and Sinoglottidia archboldi gen. et sp. nov., are described on the basis of a large collection of well-preserved specimens from several sections straddling the Permian – Triassic boundary in South China.
Dietary protein requirement of white sea bream (Diplodus sargus) juveniles

A trial was undertaken to estimate the protein requirement of white sea bream (Diplodus sargus). Five fish meal-based diets were formulated to contain graded levels of protein (from 60 to 490 g kg⁻¹). Each diet was assigned to triplicate groups of 25 fish with a mean individual body weight of 22 g. Fish fed the 60 g kg⁻¹ protein diet lost weight during the trial, while growth improved in the other groups as dietary protein level increased up to 270-370 g kg⁻¹. Feed efficiency improved as dietary protein level increased. Maximum protein efficiency ratio (PER) was observed with the 17% protein diet. N retention (NR) (% N intake) was not different among groups fed diets with 17% protein and above. Ammonia excretion (g kg⁻¹ABW day⁻¹) increased as dietary protein level increased, while no differences in urea excretion were noted. An exponential model was used to adjust specific growth rate and NR (g kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) to dietary protein level. Based on that model, dietary protein required for maximum retention was 330 g kg⁻¹, while for maximum growth it was 270 g kg⁻¹. On a wet weight basis, there were no differences in whole body composition of fish-fed diets with 170 g kg⁻¹ protein and above, except for the protein content, which was lower in group fed the 170 g kg⁻¹ protein diet than the 490 g kg⁻¹ protein diet. Specific activities of hepatic amino acid catabolism enzymes (glutamate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) increased as dietary protein levels increased. There were no differences among groups in fatty acid synthetase and malyc enzyme but 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) was significantly lower in fish fed the 60 g kg⁻¹ protein diet than the 170 and 490 g kg⁻¹ protein diets.
Is There Enough Science for Conservation Action?

We argue that there is not enough science to appropriately support many of the conservation measures currently being proposed, and hence, we cannot be sure of the objectivity of the conservation actions being implemented. The objectivity claimed to be underlying conservation actions is more assumed than real. We also suggest that the approach to conservation is driven more by moral commitments than by tested concepts, and it is further biased by our anthropocentric evaluation of ecological processes and their outcomes. Conservation science is a young subject, which needs to be nourished while it continues to feed on its roots‐ecology and evolutionary biology.
Primary homology assessment in the male atrial system of the Polycystididae (Platyhelminthes: Eukalyptorhynchia)

Abstract A comparative lightmicroscopical study of the male atrial system of the Polycystididae is presented. Firstly, the different glandular structures associated with the male atrial system are compared. This has lead to the recognition of eight different types of glandular vesicles, four of which are considered prostate, the other four accessory. Secondly, the different hard structures that can be found in the male atrium are discussed and compared. These hard structures can consist of numerous hard spines (armed cirrus), but mostly the hard structure is a single- or double-walled tubiform stylet, or a plate-shaped stylet. Different types of stylets can be recognised, some of which are associated with a prostate vesicle and therefore considered prostate stylets. Using the criteria of position and conjunction, conjectures of homologies are put forward. These primary homologies are compared with homology assessments found in earlier literature.
Molecular Characterization of a cDNA Encoding Vitellogenin and Its Expression in the Hepatopancreas and Ovary during Vitellogenesis in the Kuruma Prawn, Penaeus japonicus

Abstract In Crustacea, reproductive function and mechanisms regulating vitellogenesis have not been fully elucidated. This is due in great part to a lack of information concerning the biochemical nature of the vitellogenin molecule, the hemolymph precursor of yolk protein, vitellin, as well as the functional expression of the vitellogenin-encoding gene. We have therefore cloned a cDNA encoding vitellogenin in the kuruma prawn, Penaeus japonicus based on the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 91 kDa subunit of vitellin. The open reading frame of this cDNA encoded 2,587 amino acid residues. This is the first investigation reporting a full-length cDNA and its corresponding amino acid sequence for vitellogenin in any crustacean species. Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization have revealed that mRNA encoding vitellogenin was expressed in both the follicle cells in the ovary and the parenchymal cells in the hepatopancreas. In nonvitellogenic females, vitellogenin mRNA levels were negligible in both the ovary and hepatopancreas, but in vitellogenic females, levels were dramatically increased in both tissues. In the ovary, highest levels were observed during the early exogenous vitellogenic stage, and thereafter rapidly decreased, whereas in the hepatopancreas, high levels were maintained until the onset of the late vitellogenic stage. Differing profiles of vitellogenin mRNA levels in the ovary and hepatopancreas suggest that the contribution of these tissues to vitellogenin synthesis harbor separate and complementary roles during vitellogenesis.