Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation in the Sensitivities of Hairy Beggarticks (Bidens pilosa) Plants and Their Progenies to Glufosinate Ammonium

The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of hairy beggarticks plants to different doses of glufosinate ammonium and the range in sensitivities of the plants and their progenies to the herbicide. Three studies were conducted, all in a greenhouse and repeated at different times. In the first study, two experiments were conducted to examine the dose–response curve, and the treatments were seven different doses of the herbicide glufosinate ammonium (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,600 g ai ha−1), with four replications each. In the second study, which examined the range in sensitivity of hairy beggarticks to glufosinate ammonium, 44 plants were sprayed with a dose of 200 g ai ha−1 of the herbicide. Finally, in the third study, the range in sensitivity of the progeny of hairy beggarticks to glufosinate ammonium was investigated; in this experiment, the progenies of seven of the previous plants were sprayed with 200 g ai ha−1 of herbicide. The ammonium contents in the tissues were measured and percent injury wase visually assessed. Ammoniun content in hairy beggarticks leaves was increased more than seven times by glufosinate application and the maximum ammonium content was observed for the highest dose of the herbicide. Variability existed in the ammonium content among the individuals of the population of hairy beggarticks; however, the behavior was not replicated in the same way in the progenies. The survival of the plants after application of the herbicide allows the production of progenies with wide variability in their sensitivity to the product, independent of the behavior for the progenitor plants. Nomenclature: Glufosinate ammonium; hairy beggarticks, Bidens pilosa L.
Mechanisms for the propagation and recognition of human centromeres

Each time a cell divides, the genome must be segregated equally between the two new daughter cells. To accomplish this, a specific region of each chromosome, termed the centromere, recruits the macromolecular kinetochore structure to mediate attachments to spindle microtubules. In vertebrates, each chromosome must establish a single site of microtubule attachment. The failure to maintain this site or the generation of multiple distinct microtubule attachment sites on a single chromosome can have profoundly deleterious effects on cell and organismal viability. My graduate work has used cell biological analyses in tissue culture cells and biochemical reconstitutions to define the molecular mechanisms by which human cells maintain one and only one site of microtubule attachment on each chromosome. First, I defined the regulatory paradigms that ensure the faithful propagation of the centromere. I identified Polo-like kinase 1 as a key player in controlling the deposition of the epigenetic mark that specifies the centromere, the CENP-A nucleosome. I defined the molecular basis for this control, as well as an additional level of control downstream of the cyclin-dependent kinases. By identifying and dissecting the molecular features of this two-step regulatory paradigm, I developed a strategy to bypass the control of CENP-A deposition, which resulted in severe mitotic defects. In my second project, I defined the architecture and properties of the sixteen-protein assembly that connects CENP-A to the other proteins of the kinetochore. I analyzed the genetic relationships between these proteins in human cells through a combination of inducible knockouts and inducible protein degradation. I then reconstituted the sixteen proteins in vitro as five sub-complexes and defined their interactions biochemically. These analyses revealed an intricate meshwork of direct interactions between the proteins at the centromere-kinetochore interface, which is critical for ensuring assembly of the kinetochore at the correct site on the chromosome. Together, these findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of centromere propagation and kinetochore assembly. Thesis Supervisor: lain M. Cheeseman Title: Associate Professor of Biology
The complete mitochondrial genome of the broad-winged damselfly Mnais costalis Selys (Odonata: Calopterygidae) obtained by next-generation sequencing

We used next-generation sequencing to characterise the complete mitochondrial genome of the damselfly Mnais costalis (Odonata, Calopterygidae). Illumina paired end reads were mapped against COI and 16S sequences from M. costalis and then extended using an iterative de novo map procedure. The final assembly was a contiguous sequence of 15,487 bp, which contained all standard mitochondrial coding regions and the putative A+T rich region. The gene configuration of the M. costalis mitogenome is similar to that of other odonates, comprising 13 protein-coding genes, large and small rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes. We found three intergenic spacers that are also present in all available whole odonate mitogenomes. Base composition of the M. costalis mitogenome is 40% (A), 20% (C), 14% (G) and 26% (T), with a high A+T content (66%). The characterisation of the complete mitochondrial genome of M. costalis adds to the growing list of mitogenomes currently available for odonates, and will help to improve primer design for future population genetic studies. A phylogenetic analysis including the currently available mitochondrial genome sequences of odonates suggests that Epiophlebia superstes is more closely related to the Zygoptera than to the Anisoptera.
A method for detecting and enumerating airborne virulent bacteriophages of dairy starter cultures

Pour evaluer la teneur en bacteriophages de l'air ambiant des usines fabriquant des fromages frais, on a preleve des echantillons d'air a l'aide d'un appareil de prise d'echantillon d'air et developpe une methode de routine simple pour transporter et preparer les echantillons et pour determiner ensuite les titres phagiques. L'echantillonnage etait effectue sur des filtres de gelatine qui etaient dissous dans un simple systeme tampon et soudes dans des sacs en plastique steriles pour transporter les echantillons (une solution de Ringer (1/4) a laquelle etait additionne 10% (vol/vol) du lait ecreme s'est averee appropriee). On a determine les titres des phages (unites formant des plaques (UFP) par m 3 d'air ambiant) a l'aide des isolats sensibles aux phages du levain utilise (Lactococcus lactis). Sur les filtres de gelatine les phages collectes ont montre, dans des conditions de stockage et de transport normales, une stabilite tout a fait satisfaisante - meme apres un stockage prolonge pendant plusieurs jours a des temperatures differentes et une valeur repetable des titres phagiques. La methode s'est averee appropriee pour les differents types de phages qui sont tres repandus dans les usines transformatrices du lait (en particulier les phages a tete isometrique et a tete allongee (prolate) des especes 936 et c2). La limite inferieure de detection de la methode etait inferieure a 5 UFP/m 3 d'air ambiant (echantillonnage de 12 min, volume aspire : 100 litres/min). A proximite des separateurs qui se sont averes une source essentielle d'aerosols de phages, on a mesure une teneur allant jusqu'a 2x10 8 UFP/m 3 d'air ambiant. Dans la zone de production, on a etabli un gradient de concentration descendant jusqu'a 2x10 2 UFP par m 3 d'air ambiant a proximite des tanks de fermentation.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the Korean oily shinner Sarcocheilichthys nigripinnis morii (Cypriniformes, cyprinidae): mitogenome characterization and phylogenetic analysis

Abstract The Korean oily shinner (Sarcocheilichthys nigripinnis morii) is a subspecies belonging to the subfamily Gobioninae in the family Cyprinidae and is endemic to Korea. Herein, we report the first sequencing and assembly of the complete mitochondrial genome of S. nigripinnis morii. The complete mitochondrial genome is 16,679 bp long, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and a control region. It has the typical vertebrate mitochondrial gene arrangement. Phylogenetic analysis using mitogenomes of 16 species showed that S. nigripinnis morii was clustered with S. nigripinnis and S. variegatus microoculus and grouped with the other Cyprinidae species.
Functional flower traits and their diversity drive pollinator visitation

Recent studies have shown that the diversity of flowering plants can enhance pollinator richness and visitation frequency and thereby increase the resilience of pollination. It is assumed that flower traits explain these effects, but it is still unclear which flower traits are responsible, and knowing that, if pollinator richness and visitation frequency are more driven by mass-ratio effects (mean trait values) or by trait diversity. Here, we analyse a three-year data set of pollinator observations collected in a European grassland plant diversity experiment (The Jena experiment). The data entail comprehensive flower trait measurements, including reward traits (nectar and pollen amount), morphological traits (height, symmetry, area, colour spectra) and chemical traits (nectar-amino acid and nectar-sugar concentration). We test if pollinator species richness and visitation frequency of flower communities depend on overall functional diversity combining all flower traits within a community, single trait diversities (within trait variation) and community-weighted means of the single traits, using Bayesian inference. Overall functional diversity did not affect pollinator species richness, but reduced visitation frequency. When looking at individual flower traits separately, we found that single trait diversity of flower reflectance and flower morphology were important predictors of pollinator visitation frequency. Moreover, independent of total flower abundance, community-weighted means of flower height, area, reflectance, nectar-sugar concentration and nectar-amino acid concentration strongly affected both pollinator species richness and visitation frequency. Our results, challenge the idea that functional diversity always positively affects ecosystem functions. Nonetheless, we demonstrate that both single trait diversity and mass-ratio effects of flower traits play an important role for diverse and frequent flower visits, which underlines the functionality of flower traits for pollination services.
Acceptability of cotton fabric treated with dye extracted from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces based on its phytochemical composition and evaluation of organoleptic attributes

The study evaluated the acceptability of 100% cotton fabric treated with dye extracted from roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces based on its phytochemical compositions and organoleptic attributes. A quasi-experimental design was adopted by the study and was carried out at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study population comprised of 41 panelists made up of 17 Lecturers and 24 Postgraduate students drawn from the university. Spectrophotometric and gravimetric methods were adopted for the quantitative analysis of phytochemical constituents of extracts from roselle calyces. Questionnaire was used to collect data on the organoleptic attributes and acceptability of cotton fabric treated with roselle dye and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including percentages, means, and standard deviation. A null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance using t-test. The following phytochemical components were present in roselle dye extract: carotenoid (1.96%), flavonoid (0.02%), lutein (0.03%), polyphenol (0.12%), tannin (0.88%) per 100 g of roselle calyces. Organoleptic attributes of cotton fabric treated with dye extracted from roselle calyces identified include: Fairly warm maroon colour hue, fairly light value, fairly brilliant chroma, smooth and fairly soft textures, odourless and even shade colour which were all accepted as good attributes of dye on fabrics by both categories of evaluators. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the mean rating responses of both categories of evaluators on the acceptability of the organoleptic attributes of cotton fabric treated with roselle dye. The null hypothesis was accepted at 0.05 level of significance. Roselle dye has good organoleptic attributes and could be used for 100% cotton fabric colouration.
Molecular dynamics simulation of chitinase I from Thermomyces lanuginosus SSBP to ensure optimal activity

Abstract The fungal chitinase I obtained from Thermomyces lanuginosus SSBP, a thermophilic deuteromycete, has an optimum growth temperature and pH of 323.15 K and 6.5, respectively. This enzyme plays an important task in the defence mechanism of organisms against chitin-containing parasites by hydrolysing β-1, 4-linkages in chitin. It acts as both anti-fungal and biofouling agents, with some being thermostable and suitable for the industrial applications. Three-dimensional model of chitinase I enzyme was predicted and analysed using various bioinformatics tools. The structure of chitinase I exhibited a well-defined TIM barrel topology with an eight-stranded α/β domain. Structural analysis and folding studies at temperatures ranging from 300 to 375 K using 10 ns molecular dynamics simulations clearly showed the stability of the protein was evenly distributed even at higher temperatures, in accordance with the experimental results. We also carried out a number of 20 ns constant pH molecular dynamics simulations of chitinase I at a pH range 2–6 in a solvent. This work was aimed at establishing the optimum activity and stability profiles of chitinase I. We observed a strong conformational pH dependence of chitinase I and the enzyme retained their characteristic TIM barrel topology at low pH.
Phenolic compounds’ characterization of Artemisia rutifolia spreng from Pakistani flora and their relationships with antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes

ABSTRACT Artemisia rutifolia (Asteraceae) had been used in traditional medicines for the treatment of different ailments. In the current study, an effort was made to explore the phenolic composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of different solvent extracts obtained from A. rutifolia leaves. The reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) analysis revealed the higher extent of polyphenolic compounds (i.e., gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, sinapic acid, p-coumaric acid, m-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, myricetin, and quercetin) in methanol extract. Methanol extract consistently showed the highest total phenolic contents (98 ± 2 µg GAE/mg of plant extract), total flavonoid contents (28 ± 0.0 µg QE/mg of plant extract), antimicrobial activity, free radical (DPPH) scavenging (IC50 = 39 µg/mL) activity, and reducing power (18.3 ± 0.2 mg GAE/g of plant extract) followed by those of chloroform and hexane extracts, respectively. The current study concluded that extracts of A. rutifolia are novel natural source of antioxidative and antimicrobial agents for the treatment of oxidative stress-related disorders and microbial infections.
Distribution and life-history traits of Calathus cinctus Motschulsky, 1850 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Croatia, with distribution of closely related species

Abstract Calathus cinctus Motschulsky, 1850 was only recently separated from the group Calathus melanocephalus (Linnaeus, 1758). C. cinctus has now been recorded for the first time in Croatia, along the temporary Krčić River situated beneath Mt. Dinara. However, revision of museum collections revealed that this species also occurs at other localities in Croatia, in the Alpine region and along the Adriatic coast. Its sister species C. melanocephalus, as the type species of the group, is widely distributed in Croatia, whereas C. mollis Marsham, 1802 is mostly restricted to the coastal region, with a few records from Alpine and Continental Croatia. The distribution range of C. cinctus overlaps with the distribution ranges of its sister species. Life-history traits were studied using pitfall traps in a karst region of Croatia, including eu-Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean zones, in riparian and karst habitats, and on agricultural land. Based on goodness-of-fit criteria, the zero-inflated negative binomial model and negative binomial model best described the distribution of C. cinctus. For both models, there was a statistically significant difference between habitat types for activity density, indicating that C. cinctus has a preference for open habitats. It was recorded above a range of soil types (e.g. red, brown, sandy, cultivated), with sparse vegetation, suggesting that sufficient sun exposure is a more important requirement than soil type. The seasonal dynamics of C. cinctus differed between eu-Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean zones, despite the rather close proximity of the studied localities. Geographical variability of seasonal activity was most likely due to differences in climate, altitude and the vicinity of the high mountain. Calathus cinctus populations in both zones were wing-dimorphic, with brachypterous specimens prevailing in both populations, indicating population stability.
Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity and composition of five alpine plant species growing at different elevations on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

Background : Alpine plants on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau are exposed to an extremely harsh environment, namely severe cold, strong ultraviolet radiation, hypoxia and low CO2 partial pressure. These conditions are sources of oxidative stress, which increase in severity with increasing elevation. Aims: To examine whether antioxidant capacity and chemical composition of alpine plants change with increasing elevation. Methods : We measured the Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and chemical composition of five alpine plant species at 3016, 3814 and 4621 m a.s. l. Results : With increasing elevation: (1) the TEAC increased and total phenols and tannins tended to increase in two forb and two shrub species but not in a sedge species; (2) concentrations of protein and fat increased in all five plant species; (3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased and (4) mineral concentrations tended to decrease, but trends were inconsistent. Conclusions : We conclude that with increasing elevation, TEAC and total phenols and tannins increased which we interpreted as an adaptation to higher oxidative stress; and protein and fat contents increased to support high metabolic activity. The increase in PUFA and the trend for minerals to decrease with increasing elevation require further investigation.
La biblioteca comunitaria : gestora de red social

Despues de un recorrido por el desarrollo de las bibliotecas comunitarias en varios paises de America Latina (Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, Brasil y, finalmente Colombia), las autoras, en una amplia exposicion, nos conducen por el proceso de conformacion y desarrollo de las bibliotecas comunitarias de Suba, en Bogota, cuyo marco es la historia y el territorio de un contexto social en el que tambien confluyen acciones de organizacion social y gestion cultural. La descripcion de la organizacion de tales bibliotecas da entrada a un amplio trabajo de sistematizacion de experiencias, a partir de las historias de vida de sus coordinadoras. En esta investigacion, las autoras emplean el enfoque participativo, desde la perspectiva de los actores, para identificar una serie de categorias que aportan importantes elementos conceptuales a la comprension de las bibliotecas comunitarias y su relacion con las comunidades. En este trabajo se considera la sistematizacion de experiencias como un asunto complejo en el que las practicas sociales se entienden como procesos historicos, donde intervienen diversos actores que llevan a cabo sus actividades en contextos economicos, politicos y sociales determinados y en el espacio institucional del cual forman parte. En este sentido, sistematizar significa comprender el proceso, dandole orden y reconstruyendo lo sucedido para entender algun fenomeno social. En el libro La biblioteca comunitaria, gestora de red social, este proceso se logra con la identificacion de una serie de categorias que emanan del discurso de las bibliotecarias de la localidad, y que ofrecen valiosos y renovados conceptos a la reflexion teorica y la practica bibliotecaria. Las principales entre estas categorias son: biblioteca comunitaria, usuarios, coordinadores, gestion de la biblioteca comunitaria, la red como proyecto social, promocion de la lectura en la biblioteca comunitaria, canon literario y comunidades lectoras. Este panorama de nuevos conceptos abarca una buena parte de los intereses conceptuales y teoricos de la bibliotecologia, desde la comprension de la institucionalidad bibliotecaria hasta los modos como entendemos y estudiamos los usuarios de la informacion, pasando por las formas de gestion bibliotecaria, constituyen intereses clasicos y contemporaneos en el estudio de la transferencia social de la informacion y dan lugar a nuevas interpretaciones sobre las maneras tradicionales de ver los problemas en el ambito bibliotecario. Finalmente, este trabajo representa un punto de vista investigativo poco explorado en nuestra disciplina para la construccion de conceptos y la investigacion de practicas bibliotecarias, una perspectiva desde los bibliotecarios, las acciones cotidianas y la experiencia personal de quienes tienen contacto diario con la comunidad en el ejercicio de la profesion. Palabras claves: Biblioteca comunitaria, Red social, America Latina, Bibliotecologia, Gestion cultural.
Galls of Cecidoses eremita Curtis and Eucecidoses minutanus Brèthes (Lepidoptera: Cecidosidae) in Magdalena, Buenos Aires Province: preliminary study and associated fauna

En Argentina se registran cinco especies cecidogenas de la familia Cecidosidae (Lepidoptera), entre ellas Cecidoses eremita Curtis y Eucecidoses minutanus Brethes. Se reporta un estudio preliminar de agallas de estas dos especies en "molles" (Schinus longifolius (Lindl.) Speg. ) de Magdalena (Buenos Aires). En abril de 2013 se censaron las agallas de C. eremita y E. minutanus en molles seleccionados al azar. En abril y diciembre de 2013, se colectaron mediante muestreo aleatorio agallas de ambas especies, se trasladaron en bolsas hermeticas y se conservaron a -18 oC hasta ser examinadas. Se midieron el diametro maximo y el grosor de la pared. Un 84% de los molles observados (103/123) presentaron agallas de C. eremita y/o E. minutanus. La mediana de agallas cerradas por arbol fue 12 (Q1=6 y Q3=22). Las agallas de E. minutanus presentaron un diametro menor (U11;53= 583; P<0,05) y una pared mas delgada (U10;52=506,5; P<0,05) que las de C. eremita. Los organismos asociados a las agallas abiertas fueron Pseudoescorpionida, Araneae (Segestriidae y Salticidae), y larvas de Lepidoptera y de Hymenoptera. Dentro de las agallas cerradas se encontraron adultos de Torymidae y de Chalcidoidea, y larvas de Ichneumonoidea.