Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Activity of Raphanus Sativus Linn. Seed Extract

Raphanus sativus Linn. (Radish) is an annual herb of family Cruciferae or Brassicaceae and grown as an edible root. Objectives : The aim of the study is to test the potentiality of different solvent extracts (Ethanol, Methanol, Ethyl Acetate, Chloroform, Benzene, Aqueous hot and Aqueous cold) against various pathogenic bacterial strains E.coli (ATCC-25922), Klebsiella pneumonia (ATCC-27736), Proteus vulgaris (ATCC-6380), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC-27853), Staphalococcus aureus (ATCC-25923), Shigella sonnie (ATCC-25931), Salmonella typhi (ATCC-25241) and Salmonella paratyphi (ATCC-9150). Methods : The antibacterial activity was performed in vitro using Agar well diffusion assay and diameter of zone of inhibition was measured. Results : Among all the extracts Ethanolic and Methanolic extracts showed maximum antibacterial activity against all the bacterial strain used with a zone of inhibition ranges from 12-21mm and the least activity was observed in Aqueous cold extract with zone of inhibition ranges from 7-9mm. The test results were compared with standard antibiotics chloramphenicol and Ciprofloxacine. Conclusions : The qualitative analysis of different extracts of Raphanus sativus seed reveals the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Phenols, Tannins, Saponin, Sterols and Protien which may be responsible for the observed antibacterial activity. The results suggest that ethnolic and methnolic extracts can be used in the treatment of infection caused by these bacterial strains used in this study.
Modelling the effects of ecology on wildlife disease surveillance

Surveillance is the first line of defence against disease, whether to monitor endemic cycles or to detect emergent epidemics. Knowledge of disease in wildlife is of considerable importance for managing risks to humans, livestock and wildlife species. Recent public health concerns (e.g. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, West Nile Virus, Ebola) have increased interest in wildlife disease surveillance. However, current practice is based on protocols developed for livestock systems that do not account for the potentially large fluctuations in host population density and disease prevalence seen in wildlife. A generic stochastic modelling framework was developed where surveillance of wildlife disease systems are characterised in terms of key demographic, epidemiological and surveillance parameters. Discrete and continuous state-space representations respectively, are simulated using the Gillespie algorithm and numerical solution of stochastic differential equations. Mathematical analysis and these simulation tools are deployed to show that demographic fluctuations and stochasticity in transmission dynamics can reduce disease detection probabilities and lead to bias and reduced precision in the estimates of prevalence obtained from wildlife disease surveillance. This suggests that surveillance designs based on current practice may lead to underpowered studies and provide poor characterisations of the risks posed by disease in wildlife populations. By parameterising the framework for specific wildlife host species these generic conclusions are shown to be relevant to disease systems of current interest. The generic framework was extended to incorporate spatial heterogeneity. The impact of design on the ability of spatially distributed surveillance networks to detect emergent disease at a regional scale was then assessed. Results show dynamic spatial reallocation of a fixed level of surveillance effort led to more rapid detection of disease than static designs. This thesis has shown that spatio-temporal heterogeneities impact on the efficacy of surveillance and should therefore be considered when undertaking surveillance of wildlife disease systems.
Immunity to teladorsagia circumcincta infection in Scottish blackface sheep: an investigation into the kinetics of the immune response, antigen recognition and the MHC

The kinetics of the host's immune responses to challenge infection were studied and identified clear patterns in plasma IgA activity, peripheral eosinophil counts, faecal egg counts and plasma pepsinogen concentrations but not in plasma IgG activity. It was determined that when used in parallel and when tested at multiple time points, these parameters have much greater potential as markers of resistance than when used individually or more importantly if only assessed on a single occasion. Further work investigated the recognition of stage specific parasite antigens by host plasma IgA by Western blotting. After adjusting for differences in the activity of IgA in each plasma sample the work in this thesis identified that preferential recognition of a different set of antigens was associated with resistance in the group of experimentally challenged animals compared to previous publications. Additionally, and for the first time this investigation was also carried out on naturally infected animals. There was little correlation in the patterns of antigen recognition between the experimentally challenged and naturally infected animals. Finally, the role of MHC was investigated and it was determined that MHC heterozygotes produced significantly more plasma IgA then MHC homozygotes but did not harbour significantly shorter worms. The analysis also confirmed in naturally infected sheep that there was no obvious relationship between MHC polymorphism and antigen recognition. The results suggested that resistance was due to the recognition of several molecules rather than a single molecule. The work detailed in this thesis has further increased our understanding of the complex host/parasite relationship and has confirmed that selective breeding using the various phenotypic and genetic markers studied is possible. However, this will only be viable if the tests involved in assessing these traits become cheaper and easier to perform, especially if they are to be carried out by the farmer, on the farm.
PRECISION OF AN EQUATION TO ESTIMATE DRY MATTER DEGRADABILITY OF Clitoria ternatea

The objective of this study was to evaluate the precision of an equation developed to estimate the dry matter digestibility (DMD) of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ) when used on the tropical legume Clitoria ( Clitora ternatea ). Acid detergent fiber from Clitoria was determined and its DMD estimated using the equation: %DMD = 88.9 - (0.779 x %ADF), and subsequently in situ and in vitro degradability (DMDE) of the mentioned legume was determined. Mathematical, in situ and in vitro estimates were compared by ANOVA as a completely randomized design and precision of the equation as DMDE estimator of Clitoria hay was determined if P>0.05. Mathematical DMD estimates were not different (P>0.05) to those obtained by in vitro method, and both were significantly different (P<0.05) and lower than in situ estimates. It can be concluded that the equation initially developed to estimate the DMD of alfalfa was a closer estimator of in vitro DMDE of Clitoria, whereas underestimated the in situ parameter by 8.6%.
Degradation of discarded appendicularian houses by oncaeid copepods

We examined the degradation of discarded appendicularian houses due to feeding by oncaeid copepods in surface waters of the Kuroshio region. Vertical distributions of oncaeid copepods and discarded houses were investigated by optical sampling using a video plankton recorder (VPR). In situ VPR observations revealed that oncaeid copepods were commonly associated with discarded houses: the proportion of individuals attached to discarded houses reached saturated values of 25‐39% at house concentrations above 2000 houses m−3, suggesting that feeding by oncaeids was not limited by encounters at house concentrations typically observed in the upper 50 m. Laboratory observations confirmed that oncaeid copepods attached to the surface of discarded houses and ingested both house membranes and adhering particles. Individual feeding rates of the dominant Oncaea species, O. venusta and O. media, determined by measuring fecal pellet production and assimilation efficiency, varied from 0.13 μg C ind. −1 d−1 to 1.3 μg C ind. −1 d−1 (10‐37% body C d−1). Our results indicate that the oncaeid copepod community consumed up to 10% of house biomass each day in the upper 100 m of the water column, and show that through their close trophic coupling with discarded appendicularian houses, the oncaeids contribute significantly to house degradation in surface waters.
Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray

El genero Tithonia , con mas de 10 especies, es originario de Centroamerica pero se encuentra ampliamente distribuido en el area tropical de diferentes continentes, lo que le confiere una gran plasticidad ecologica. Tithonia diversifolia es una planta herbacea o arbustiva robusta, conocida con diversos nombres comunes que identifican o manifiestan su amplitud de usos beneficos o caracteristicas parecidas a otras plantas, como son arbol maravilla, falso girasol y arnica de la tierra, entre otros. El presente articulo trata diferentes aspectos de esta especie, tales como: la botanica, su origen y distribucion, los factores agronomicos y la produccion de biomasa, el contenido nutricional y los metabolitos secundarios, ademas de su utilizacion. Se incluyen incipientes resultados de la Republica de Cuba, asi como algunas interrogantes acerca de los metabolitos secundarios, en las cuales se debe profundizar. T. diversifolia es capaz de adaptarse a las mas diversas condiciones ecologicas; su valor nutricional y composicion bromatologica, asi como la poca exigencia a las labores fitotecnicas y los elevados rendimientos de biomasa (la cual puede ser consumida por las mas diversas categorias de animales) la convierten en un recurso fitogenetico excepcional. Como fuente de alto valor proteico, se utiliza en pastoreo o como forraje para rumiantes y monogastricos; ademas, en la dieta alimentaria puede ofrecerse presecada o molida en forma de harina y pienso; asimismo, es posible su almacenamiento por periodos relativamente largos. Sin dudas, es una nueva opcion de alimento que puede ser empleada para paliar la carencia alimentaria, sobre todo en los paises del tropico con insuficientes insumos y recursos.
Effect of DL-Alpha-Difluoromethylornithine Pretreatments in Maize Callus Differentiation

The effect of pretreatments with DL-alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an irreversible suicide inhibitor of the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, in plant differentiation, polyamine (PA) and amino acid contents of maize callus cultures was investigated. This study indicates that DFMO pretreatments can be used to improve regenerative response from maize callus cultures. These findings may also be useful in other recalcitrant cultures.
Evaluation of the toxicity and antiulcerogenic activity of the ethanol extract of Maytenus obtusifolia Mart. leaves

Maytenus obtusifolia is used in folk medicine for the treatment of serious ulcers, general inflammations and cancer. Despite of the ethnopharmacological importance of this species, no study was conducted to evaluate its toxicity and antiulcerogenic activity. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity and antiulcerogenic property of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Maytenus obtusifolia (MO-EtOH). The MO-EtOH (10-1000 µg/mL) showed low toxicity for larvae of A. salina with LC50 higher than 1000 µg/mL. The MO-EtOH (2000 mg/kg, p.o.) did not change the body and organs weight of the mice, but it was observed an increase in the water consumption of males and a decrease in the food consumption of females. During the study no deaths and no macroscopic changes in the organs were observed in the mice. MO-EtOH (62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) and lansoprazole (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced the ulcerative index for 65.58 ± 8.74, 43.00 ± 9.53, 15.50 ± 7.56, 54.75 ± 8.88 and 36.13 ± 9.55, respectively, in comparison with saline 82.13 ± 12.48. In conclusion, the MO-EtOH showed low toxicity and antiulcerogenic activity, confirming the popular use of M. obtusifolia.
Molecular characterisation of the cowpea mosaic virus movement protein

One of the crucial steps in a viral infection of plants is the spread of the virus from an infected cell to a neighbouring, uninfected cell. Intensive research over the past decades has shown that this process, known as cell-to-cell movement, is controlled by a class of specialised viral proteins called movement proteins (MPs), that facilitate the transport of viral genomes through plasmodesmata, small channels that interconnect adjacent plant cells. In this review, we wi l l give an overview of plant virus cell-to-cell movement and focus on the roles of the viral MPs in this process. MPs have been classified according to their mechanism of action and each mechanism wil l be illustrated by describing the properties of one MP in detail. The review wil l end with a short description of the phenomenon of trans-complementation and some remarks on the idea that plant viruses use a host mechanism for macromolecular transport through plasmodesmata for their own purposes. Peter Bertens, Joan Wellink and Ab van Kammen Submitted for publication
A salt on the bioenergy and biological invasions debate: salinity tolerance of the invasive biomass feedstock Arundo donax

Arundo donax L. , commonly known as giant reed, is promising biomass feedstock that is also a notorious invasive plant in freshwater ecosystems around the world. Heretofore, the salt tolerance of A. donax had not been quantified even though anecdotal evidence suggests halophytic qualities. To test whole‐plant and leaf level responses, we established a pot experiment on 80 scions propagated from an A. donax population that has naturalized on the shore of the San Francisco Bay Estuary. To quantify growth and physiological responses to salinity (NaCl), A. donax scions were divided into eight treatments and grown for 60 days across a range of salinities (0–42 dS m−1). Classic growth analysis showed >80% reduction in overall growth at the highest salinities. Yet, there was zero mortality indicating that A. donax is able to tolerate high levels of salt. Declining photosynthesis rates were strongly correlated (R2 > 0.97) with decreasing stomatal conductance, which was in turn closely related to increasing salinity. Leaf gas exchange revealed that stomata and leaf limitations of carbon dioxide were three times greater at high salinities. Nonetheless, even when salinities were 38–42 dS m−1 A. donax was able to maintain assimilation rates 7–12 μmol m−2 s−1. Further, by maintaining 50% relative growth at salinities ~12 dS m−1 A. donax can now be classified as ‘moderately salt tolerant’. A. donax leaf gas exchange and whole‐plant salt tolerance are greater than many important food crops (i.e. maize, rice), the bioenergy feedstock Miscanthus × giganteus, as well as some uncultivated plant species (i.e. Populus and Salix) that are indigenous in regions A. donax currently invades. The results of this study have implications for both agronomists wishing to expand A. donax to fields dominated by saline soils, and for others who are concerned about the spread of A. donax with altered stream hydrology or sea‐level rise.
Phylogenetic patterns of diversification in a clade of Neotropical frogs (Anura: Aromobatidae: Mannophryne)

We used partial sequences of mitochondrial 16S and cytochrome oxidase I genes to perform a phylogenetic study of collared frogs (Anura: Aromobatidae: Mannophryne), a genus endemic to Venezuela and the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. We analysed 1.2 kb from 13 of the 15 described species of Mannophryne. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses support the monophyly of Mannophryne. Mannophryne consists of three deeply differentiated clades that split from each other in a relatively short period of time. The diversification of Mannophryne occurred well before the glacial-interglacial periods of the Quaternary. Our data support the taxonomic validity of M. olmonae, a species endemic to Tobago Island. Mannophryne olmonae is more closely related to the continental species Mannophryne riveroi than to the Trinidad island endemic Mannophryne trinitatis. As in most tropical clades of frogs, molecular evidence indicates that species richness in Mannophryne is largely underestimated and, consequently, current priorities for conservation are inadequate. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 97, 185–199.
Stable isotope evidence for trophic overlap of sympatric Mexican Lake Chapala silversides (Teleostei: Atherinopsidae: Chirostoma spp.)

We explore the trophic role that a diverse sympatric group of fishes in the genus Chirostoma play in a large, shallow lake in central Mexico, Lake Chapala. We use δ13C and δ15N stable isotope - based food web analyses to explore how they relate to other components of the Lake Chapala ecosystem. We find five Chirostoma species in top trophic levels of the Chapala food web compared to other fishes, relying on a combination of zooplankton, fish and benthic resources as energy sources. Food web metric analyses showed generally overlapping trophic niches for members of Chirostoma, especially in terms of δ13C. However, C. jordani had lower mean δ15N isotopic values than C. promelas. As a group, "pescados blancos" (C. sphyraena and C. promelas) also had higher δ15N signatures than "charales" (C. consocium, C. jordani and C. labarcae) reflecting greater piscivory, but these differences were not strong for all food web metrics used. Trophic overlap among species of Chirostoma in Lake Chapala raises questions about the forces that might have led to a morphologically diverse but functionally similar and monophyletic group of species.
Dimensions of local public attitudes towards invasive species management in protected areas

Abstract Context. Invasive species management is often a source of contention; therefore, understanding human dimensions is viewed increasingly as critical for management success. Aims. Using invasive Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in the Royal National Park (RNP), Sydney, as a case study, we sought to identify key dimensions of local public attitudes towards deer and associated management interventions, to identify the most divisive issues, and to assess the influence of experiences on attitudes. Methods. We used a mixed-methods approach, using a questionnaire targeted at residents closest to the border of the RNP (n = 406, 30% response rate). The potential for conflict index (PCI2) was used to analyse 32 framing statements, generated through in-depth interviews with 18 key stakeholders from a range of stakeholder groups (e.g. conservation, hunting, animal welfare). We also tested for significant differences in attitudes between those who had or had not experienced deer impacts or received information on deer management. We conducted qualitative analysis of open comments to identify emergent themes and develop an attitudes framework. Key results. We identified three overarching dimensions to local attitudes, namely, stakeholder, wildlife and management dimensions, each consisting of key themes and issues, forming the attitudes framework. The most divisive issues based on PCI2 analysis related to deer remaining in the park (PCI2 = 0.626), the heritage value of deer (PCI2 = 0.626), the need to remove deer (PCI2 = 0.531) and the need to kill non-natives in national parks (PCI2 = 0.535). Experience of deer–vehicle collisions and property damage were associated with significantly more negative attitudes towards deer and non-native species and more trust in ecological evidence (P < 0.001), whereas positive experience of deer had the opposite effect (P < 0.001). These experiences were also associated with attitudes towards aerial shooting (P < 0.05) but not hunting. Receiving information improved trust in ecological evidence and decreased belief in heritage value of deer (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Attitudes of the local public were varied and complex; however, a mixed-methods bottom-up approach allowed us to identify specific key issues of divisiveness and make management recommendations. Implications. The framework and analysis have the potential to facilitate conflict mitigation and develop invasive species management strategies that are inclusive of the local community.
Effect of Temperature on the Behavior of Stage IV American Lobster (Homarus americanus) Larvae

ABSTRACT The behavior of stage IV American lobster (Homarus americanus) larvae in relation to various water temperatures was observed in laboratory. Time budgets were documented in 2009 in trials using a single larva per experimental enclosure in relation to three temperature exposures (10°C. 15°C. and 20°C). Larvae acclimated at a given temperature (15°C and 20°C) were used. The same treatments were used in 2010, where one larva was observed within a group of five individuals per experimental enclosure. Larvae took less time to hide when they were acclimated to 15°C and then exposed to 20°C. Video observations showed that larvae were stressed (repeated tail flicks) when treatments simulated important heat shocks (e.g., larvae acclimated at 20°C and exposed to 10°C). Results for single larva were similar to those from groups of larvae. The tail-flicks display was also observed in 2010 with larvae acclimated at 15°C and then exposed to 10°C. Observations from both years showed that the time budget was similar regardless of the larval cohort used in trials (different brood stocks and times of the season). Overall, results confirm that water temperature affects the behavior of lobster larvae. Acclimation to a given temperature, however, tends to show that larvae may acclimate to cold water. This study provides interesting results to better understand the ecology of American lobster, particularly at the time of settlement. These results should also be of interest for the lobster industry, which looks to improve stock enhancement procedures through, for instance, lobster-stocking programs.
Independent Trafficking of Ig-α/Ig-β and μ-Heavy Chain Is Facilitated by Dissociation of the B Cell Antigen Receptor Complex 1

The BCR relays extracellular signals and internalizes Ag for processing and presentation. We have previously demonstrated that ligation of the BCR destabilizes Ig-α/Ig-β (Ig-αβ) from μ-H chain (μm). In this study we report that receptor destabilization represents a physical separation of μm from Ig-αβ. Sucrose gradient fractionation localized Ig-αβ to GM1-containing lipid microdomains in the absence of μm. Confocal and electron microscopy studies revealed the colocalization of unsheathed μm with clathrin-coated vesicles. Furthermore, μm failed to associate with clathrin-coated vesicles when receptor destabilization was inhibited, suggesting that unsheathing of μm is required for clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In summary, we found that Ag stimulation physically separates Ig-αβ from μm, facilitating concomitant signal transduction and Ag delivery to the endocytic compartment.
OBSERVATIONS ON SEX PROPORTIONS AND MATURITY TRENDS IN CYNOGLOSSUS BILINEATUS (LACEPEDE) AND C. MACROLEPIDOTUS (BLEEKER) AT CALICUT DURING 1968-73

Occasional specimens of C. macrolepidotus and C. bilineatus noticed in random sample's of the iMalabar sole were examined from 1968 to 1973. Males, females and indetenminates formed 30.1%, 34.2% and 14.0%, respectively, in C. macrolepidotus and 45.0%, 44.0% and 5.0%, respectively, in C. bilineatus. In the former species, 95.2% of the females were in stage I while only 1% were in stage IM, 4% in stage IV and nil in other maturity stages. In the latter species 70.5% of the females were in stage I, 4.6% each-in stages HI and V, 6.8% in stage 11 and 12.5% in stage IV.