Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity and conservation of Ipomoea microdactyla (Convolvulaceae): an endemic vine from the Bahamas, Cuba, and southeastern Florida

Ipomoea microdactyla Griseb. (Convolvulaceae) is restricted to the Bahamian archipelago, Cuba, and southeastern Florida. The species is listed as a state endangered species in Florida, where it is mostly restricted to the hyperfragmented pine rockland of Miami-Dade County. Using seven DNA microsatellite loci, we assessed levels of genetic diversity for 12 populations of this species from Andros Island in the Bahamas (six sites), Cuba (one site), and Florida (five sites). We found significantly greater mean numbers of alleles, and higher mean values for both observed and expected heterozygosity in populations from the continuous forest on Andros than those from the habitat fragments in Florida. It is unknown if these patterns of genetic diversity in the Florida populations are the result of habitat fragmentation or founder effects. The population from Cuba exhibited relatively high levels of genetic variation, suggesting that this island is a major center of diversity and dispersal for this species. It appears that hybrid introgression for I. carolina alleles within I. microdactyla individuals occurred at a single site on Andros Island. Overall, the mean inbreeding coefficient value was 0.089, suggesting low levels of inbreeding. The highest inbreeding coefficient values were mostly recorded in Florida. Two groups were revealed, one containing the populations from Florida, and the second one encompassing those from the Bahamas and Cuba. Our results highlight the negative genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation and support initiatives recently established to establish corridors to connect the remnants of the pine forest of the Miami-Dade County.
Factors affecting in vitro formation of tannin‐protein complexes

In interaction of condensed tannins from Desmodium intortum and Lotus pedunculatus and tannic acid (hydrolysable tannin) with salivary mucoproteins (from sheep and goats), plant leaf proteins and bovine serum albumin were evaluated. These studies were carried out over a pH range of 2‐0‐9‐0 and different inorganic ion conditions to simulate conditions in which dietary proteins would interact with tannins in a ruminant digestive tract. Insoluble tannin‐protein interactions were found at pH 4–5–5–5 for bovine serum albumin and 3–5–5–5 for plant leaf protein. The present study showed that pH alone was not the sole determinant for tannin‐protein complex formation, since tannin‐protein complexation was found in the pH range 6‐0–6‐5 when different inorganic ions were added to the solutions. Insoluble complexes were not formed with salivary proteins, although precipitation by tannic acid was achieved at 5°C. This suggests that tannins may form soluble rather than insoluble complexes with salivary proteins. It was concluded that purified F1 leaf protein (the major protei occurring in leaf tissue) ought to be used as the test protein for evaluating tannin‐protein interactions for in vitro assay procedures. Using this method it was calculated that 27–43% and 19–40% of available plant protein may interact with condensed tannins from Desmodium intortum and Lotus pedunculatus, respectively.
Floristic composition of the Montane Forest in the Almadina-Barro Preto axis, Southern Bahia, Brazil

The aim of this study is to survey the angiosperms of two montane forest remnants in the southern Bahia, Brazil: Corcovado (SCO) and Pedra Lascada (SPL). Both fragments are located in the municipality of Almadina and Barro Preto, respectively, and are 18 km distant from each other. We sampled 899 species of angiosperms distributed in 437 genera and 116 families. The SCO was the richest area with 678 species, distributed in 367 genera and 100 families. SPL showed 466 species in 269 genera and 88 families. The percentage of species identified was 85.8% and of this total, 37.7% are endemic to the Atlantic Forest, 11.2% are endemic to southern Bahia and northern Espirito Santo and 7% are disjunct between the Atlantic Forest and Amazon. The remaining percentages (44.3%) were of species widely distributed. The richest families in the two areas were Orchidaceae (10%), Rubiaceae (7%), Bromeliaceae (5.5%), Melastomataceae (4.2%) and Poaceae (4%). The richest genera were Psychotria (2%), Piper (1.8%), Ocotea (1.6%), Vriesea (1.5%) and Peperomia (1.4%). More than half of the recorded species showed non-arboreal habit, regarding life forms documented. That comes against the assertion that many authors in the tropical forests, where species richness in angiosperms is expected for non-woody species, especially in montane forests. Twelve species have been identified as new, but seven others already described from collections previously obtained in these two areas. Orchidaceae, Rubiaceae, Poaceae and Bromeliaceae showed significant richness in this study these families are commonly reported as the richest in other inventories in the Atlantic Forest in southern Bahia reinforcing their importance to the regional flora. The high levels of richness, endemism, and the growing numbers of new taxonomic discoveries from the SPL and SCO sites indicate the biological importance of these two forest remnants. The implementation of parks or other protected environmental reserves would be essential to the conservation of its species.
Growth analysis of dry matter accumulation and N uptake of forage maize cultivars affected by N supply

The productivity of eight forage maize cultivars (Zea mays L.) in response to N was investigated in a 3-year field experiment located in Northern Germany. Nitrogen fertilizer applications were zero, 50 and 150 kg N/ha given each year shortly after sowing. Each cultivar was grown on the same plot, beginning in 1993, following the ploughing up of a 2-year old grass sward, to which slurry had been added. Plants were sampled regularly for dry matter (DM) production and N uptake. A non-linear regression equation was used to compare the data. Growth analysis and N uptake characteristics (maximum crop growth rate, duration of maximum crop growth rate, period until maximum crop growth rate, maximum N uptake rate, duration of maximum N uptake rate, period until maximum N uptake rate) which derived from the function were used to compare the cultivars. The cultivars DM yield and N uptake were highest in 1993 and declined in the next two years partly due to a decrease in soil N mineralization following the ploughing of the grass sward and partly due to the drier weather conditions during the summers of 1994 and 1995. Duration of the maximum crop growth rate was greater during the cool year of 1993. In contrast, maximum crop growth rate was at its highest in the dry vegetation period of 1995. A significant N×cultivar interaction for growth analysis characteristics (P<0·05) was found in 1995. Cultivars with a high maximum crop growth rate (above the average value of the eight cultivars tested) and a short duration of maximum crop growth rate (below the average) accumulated more DM than those genotypes which showed an inverse relationship. Increasing N yield was determined by increased maximum N uptake rather than by a greater duration of maximum N uptake. A significant N×genotype interaction for N uptake parameters (P<0·05) was found in 1994 and 1995. With some exceptions, cultivars with a high maximum N uptake rate (above average) accumulated more N per unit area compared to those genotypes which had low uptake rates. The exceptions had a longer duration of uptake, which could not, however, compensate for the lower rate. Maximum N uptake rate occurred earlier and duration of maximum N uptake rate increased compared to the start and duration of maximum crop growth rate. Especially in 1995, the amount of N taken up before the day of maximum crop growth rate accounted for 71% of total N uptake. The N uptake rate and the amount of accumulated N until the day of maximum crop growth rate were highly correlated with DM yield. This result indicates the availability of genotypic variability in crop growth and N uptake rate to assist the improvement of DM yield by selection.
Description of the Radula of Buccinanops globulosus (Neogastropoda, Nassariidae) and an Assessment of Its Variability in Northern Patagonian Gulfs

Fil: Avaca, Maria Soledad. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigacion Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnologica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Rio Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganaderia y Pesca. Centro de Investigacion Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnologica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagonico. Centro de Investigacion Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnologica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina
Characterisation of genetic structure of Dicentrarchus labrax larvae in two nurseries of the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean)

Despite extensive knowledge of the genetic structure of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) populations, no studies have investigated genetic structure within early life stages, or compared such structure between such stages and (sub)adults. Using nine newly developed microsatellite loci, we investigated patterns of genetic variation and relatedness among juveniles that settled in two NW Mediterranean nursery grounds in close geographical proximity. There was no evidence for differentiation among samples at settlement (θ = −0.0010), and no significant genetic relatedness. Nevertheless, significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were detected in each sample, which could not be attributed exclusively to the presence of null alleles and to Wahlund effect. These results are compared with and discussed in relation to the genetic structure of adults described in the same area 10 years ago.
A New Species of the Neotropical Catfish Genus Trichomycterus (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) Representing a New Body Shape for the Family

Abstract Trichomycterus crassicaudatus is described as a new species from the Rio Iguaçu basin in southern Brazil. The new species has an exceptionally deep posterior region of the body (caudal peduncle depth 22.8–25.4% SL), resulting in an overall shape which distinguishes it at once from all other members of the Trichomycteridae. The caudal fin of the species is broad-based and forked, a shape also distinguishing it from all other species in the family. A number of autapomorphic modifications of T. crassicaudatus are associated with the deepening of the caudal region, including an elongation of the hemal and neural spines of the vertebrae at the middle of the caudal peduncle. Phylogenetic relationships of the new species are yet unresolved, but it shares a similar color pattern and a thickening of caudal-fin procurrent rays with T. stawiarski, a poorly-known species also from the Rio Iguaçu basin. Coloration and body shape also include similarities with T. lewi from Venezuela.
DNA cytosine methylation alterations associated with aluminium toxicity and low pH in Sorghum bicolor

Aluminium (Al) toxicity stress reduces crop yields in acidic soils. In this study, we investigated the level of DNA Cytosine methylation polymorphism caused by 150 μM Al3+ (89.97% free Al3+) induction, low pH (4.0) and continuous application of 150 μM Al3+ in Sorghum inbred lines using methylation sensitive amplified polymorphism analysis (MSAP) and searched for homologies using the BLASTN program. We found that 150 μM Al3+ toxicity and low pH induced a persistent moderate DNA cytosine (C) methylation changes at early seedling stage. Analysis of DNA CG and CNG methylation levels showed variations amongst the inbreeds with more changes occurring at the CNG level than in the CG level. Morphological observations showed that Al and low pH stress triggered crop yield changes. BLAST analysis suggested that possible polymorphisms occurred in the regulatory regions of Al tolerance genes mainly via histone deacetylase, methyltransferase, peptide signals and transcription factors and could have definite roles in allelic effects which influence gene expression and an increase in Sorghum stress resistance. Key words: Aluminium toxicity, DNA methylation, epigenetics, methylation sensitive amplified polymorphism analysis (MSAP), sorghum.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA PRODUCING BRIGHT RED PIGMENT FROM THE DYE YIELDING PLANT BETA VULGARIS L

Objectives: Isolation of endophytic bacteria from the of Beta vulgaris L. for production of pigment. Characterization of isolated bacterial endophyte with respect to morphological, biochemical and molecular biological aspects which lead to their identification. Methods: Plant materials were sterilized by standard methods. Isolation of bacterial endophyte using nutrient media was carried out. Sterility check of explants was performed using two techniques. Morphological, biochemical and molecular biology methods were employed for identification of isolated endophyte. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, molecular gene sequencing was performed on endophytic isolate KC1. Phylogenetic tree was constructed to find the similarity of KC1 and other bacteria. Results: The isolate KC1 was found acoccobaccilus, gram negative, which gave a catalase positive reaction and after molecular identification, it was designated as Serratiamarcescens strain VIT-PTS (GenBank Accession Number: KJ716445.1) Conclusion: The results indicate that 17 endophytic bacteria are isolated out of that one bacterial isolate KC1 secretes red pigment. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, isolate KC1 and Serratiamarcescens were in the same terminal clade. This bacterial pigment, which is expected to be prodigiosin, is promising as potential textile and food colorant.
Assessment of the protein quality of twenty nine grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp. L.) accessions using amino acid analysis and one-dimensional electrophoresis

Protein deficiency in diets adversely affects growth and development. Novel source of high quality protein and its utilization is essential in improving the nutritive status of the vulnerable groups. Total protein content and protein fractions of 29 amaranth accessions and a soybean cultivar used as reference were determined. The amino acid composition of ten representative accessions of amaranth was also determined. Total protein content ranged from 11.77 to 19.01 g/100 g. One-dimensional gel electrophoretic separations revealed albumin, globulin and glutelin as the major protein fractions; prolamin was not detected. All accessions had similar seed protein electrophoretic profile, ranging from 6.5 to 66 kDa. The glutelin fraction of all amaranth accessions shared similar electrophoretic bands with the soybean cultivar at the 4 to 14, 24 to 36 and 65 to 66 kDa regions. All amaranth accessions contained a good balance of the nine essential amino acids. The sum of essential amino acids ranged from 31.22 to 44.88 g/100 g and 60.87 g/100 g total protein in amaranth and soybean, respectively; limited only in tryptophan and leucine for amaranth, and methionine for soybean. Amaranth is a good source of high quality protein and may serve as a nutritive substitute for some cereals in functional foods. Keywords : Amaranthus, amino acid, gel electrophoresis, protein quality, protein fractions African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(15), pp. 1802-1810
Nutritional Interaction of Methionine Sources and Sodium and Potassium Levels on Broiler Performance Under Brazilian Summer Conditions

SUMMARY Two experiments were conducted to study the performance of heat-stressed chickens fed different levels of Na or K with 2 Met sources. In experiment 1, chickens from 7 to 21 d were fed Na at 3 levels (0.15, 0.20, or 0.25%) and from 21 to 48 d at 0.12, 0.17, or 0.22% Na. In experiment 2, chickens from 8 to 21 d were fed K at 3 levels (0.9, 1.0, or 1.1%) and 22 to 48 d at 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0% K. In both experiments, chickens were fed 2 Met sources, DLMet(DLM),and2-hydroxy-4methylthiobutanoicacid(HMB),addedequimolar.Inexperiment 1, all-vegetable diets (corn-soy) were used, and in experiment 2, meat and bone meal was included. Both experiments were performed under Brazilian summer conditions. In experiment 1, no significant interactions between Met and Na levels were found. A positive response for HMB, compared with DLM, was found across Na levels for weight gain (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR P < 0.02) at 48 d. There was no response to Na for weight gain and feed intake (FI), but birds fed the higher level had the best FCR (P < 0.03). In experiment 2, K levels showed a consistent interaction with Met for FI: the highest level of K showed greater FI in HMB birds, but this was not seen when DLM was used. Low and intermediate K levels resulted in better FCR (P < 0.03) compared with higher K levels. No differences in litter moisture were observed between different levels of K. Feathering problems were not evidenced in either experiment. The HMB used in an equimolar amount to DLM resulted in equal bird performance.
Quantifying Patterns of Morphological Diversity

One of the central questions of biology is how shape is formed by the interaction of gene expression, cell growth and differentiation. The canonical approach to this problem is the detailed study of all these basic processes in a small number of selected model species. In this study we will approach this question from a slightly different perspective, by investigating patterns of diversity in closely related organisms. Can we quantitatively understand these patterns of morphological diversity? In general, this question is even harder to answer than the classical problem described before. Closely related species share many aspects of their developmental program, which constrains the possible morphologies that can develop. In addition, the selective pressures on the morpholgies of closely related species might also be similar, creating an additional mechanism to create patterns of similarity. The relative importance of constraints due to a shared developmental program versus selection in determining patterns of morphology can strongly vary, further complicating matters. However the deemphasis of model species allows us to study asymptotic limits, that is systems where the pattern is nearly totally dominated by one of the above factors. We first investigate the shapes of songbird beaks, and uncover an intriguing pattern where the beak profiles of closely related birds are nearly perfectly approximated as conic sections. Based on this pattern of morphology we determine what features the underlying developmental mechanism of all species must share to produce exactly this pattern, but no other shapes. We uncover a strong constraint on the dynamics of the growth zone of dividing cells that initially shapes the beak in terms of power laws for its size and and movement. In the opposing limit we study a central element of the ascomycete spore shooting mechanism. Apical rings function as natural O-rings that seal of a pressure reservoir, while at the same time minimizing friction for ejected fungal spores. The trade-off between sealing and minimizing friction enforces a highly non-linear optimum ring shape. 90% of real apical ring geometries lie within 2% of this theoretical optimum.
Sentiment Analysis for Open Domain Conversational Agent

The applicability of common sentiment analysis models to open domain human robot interaction is investigated within this paper. The models are used on a dataset specific to user interaction with the Alana system (a Alexa prize system) in order to determine which would be more appropriate for the task of identifying sentiment when a user interacts with a non-human driven socialbot. With the identification of a model, various improvements are attempted and detailed prior to integration into the Alana system. The study showed that a Random Forest Model with 25 trees trained on the dataset specific to user interaction with the Alana system combined with the dataset present in NLTK Vader outperforms other models. The new system (called 'Rob') matches it's output utterance sentiment with the user's utterance sentiment. This method is expected to improve user experience because it builds upon the overall sentiment detection which makes it seem that new system sympathises with user feelings. Furthermore, the results obtained from the user feedback confirms our expectation.
Habitat and Grazing Influence on Terrestrial Ants in Subtropical Grasslands and Savannas of Argentina

ABSTRACT The maintenance of species diversity in modified and natural habitats is a central focus of conservation biology. The Iberá Nature Reserve (INR) protects highly diverse ecosystems in northeastern Argentina, including one of the largest freshwater wetlands in South America. Livestock grazing is one of the major disturbances to these ecosystems; however, its effect on ant diversity is poorly known. The objective of this work was to study the effect of savanna versus grassland and grazing on the structure and composition of subtropical terrestrial ants focusing on the particular response of the native red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Unbaited pitfall traps were used to capture worker ants in 25 grazed and 20 nongrazed sites. Fifty ant species were collected. The savanna showed more species, individuals, biomass, and functional groups of ants than the grassland. S. invicta was the most frequently captured (61.4%) and numerically dominant species; however Camponotus punctulatus punctulatus Mayr showed the highest biomass. Grazing simplified vegetation structure in both habitats, but its impact on vegetation seemed only to promote a higher total biomass especially in the grassland, and/or functional groups, favoring occurrence of hot-climate specialists in the savanna. This study revealed that habitat type strongly affected the organization of the terrestrial ant assemblages at the INR. However, as in other studies, we did not find clear evidence that habitat modification by grazing significantly affected terrestrial ant assemblages. The weak grazing influence could be the consequence of the short enclosure time as to recover the original ant communities, the differential response of ant species to habitat type, and/or the resilience of ants.
Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of N-(5-amino-2-methylphenyl)-4-(3-pyridyl)-2-pyrimidinamine derivatives

A series of novel N-(5-amino-2-methylphenyl)-4-(3-pyridyl)-2-pyrimidinamine derivatives, 4(a-f) were synthesized by the reaction of N-(5-amino-2-methylphenyl)-4-(3-pyridyl)-2-pyrimidinamine with various ketones in order to determine their in vitro antimicrobial activities against clinically isolated strains. The antioxidant activity was also determined by diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay method. The chemical structures were confirmed by elemental analyses, UV-Vis, FT-IR and 1 H NMR spectral studies. The synthesized compounds 4b, 4c and 4e showed moderate antimicrobial activity compared to standard drugs against bacterial and fungal strains tested. The compounds, 4b and 4c showed good antioxidant activity in diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay method.