Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Simulated Defoliation on Growth and Photosynthetic Characteristics of an Invasive Liana, Ipomoea cairica (Convolvulaceae)

Abstract To better understand the response of Ipomoea cairica (Cairo morningglory) to herbivory, the compensatory growth and photosynthetic characteristics of plants were measured after simulated herbivory by leaf trimming at four intensities: 25, 50, 75, and 100% removal, starting from the apex. Defoliation at 25% had no significant influence on plant biomass, but the total biomass (−19 to −66%) and root biomass (−31 to −75%) of the plants decreased significantly when defoliation intensity was ≥ 50% (P < 0.05). Photosynthetic rates (Pn) increased with defoliation intensity (P < 0.01), and Pn values in the defoliated plants were 10 to 72% greater than those in the control plants, a relationship that could be attributed to a decrease in stomatal limitation (−11 to −34%) and the increase in rubisco content (9 to 18%) as well as higher photosynthetic efficiency and less light energy dissipated as heat. At defoliation intensities up to 50%, plants needed more energy to compensate photosynthetically, which could influence the plant photosynthetic characteristics as well as the allocation of assimilates, resulting in less root development. Since the spread of I. cairica depends primarily on clonal growth, smaller roots could limit uptake of nutrients from the soil. These direct and indirect effects indicate that leaf-feeding herbivores may have potential for biological control of I. cairica but to have any effect the herbivores would need to consume ≥ 50% of the leaf biomass. Nomenclature: Cairo morningglory, Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet. Management Implications: Studies of the population ecology of a weed are valuable prior to implementation of biological control programs. This study suggested that agents that can consume 50% or more of the leaf biomass should be given priority for I. cairica control. It will help to find out a suitable density of insect population in the future. When we use the beetle Cassida circumdata to control I. cairica, herbivore feeding would need to consume at least 50% of the leaf.
Flavonoid compounds: a review of anticancer properties and interactions with cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum(II)

Flavonoid compounds, especially quercetin and genistein, have antitumor activity. These compounds are cytotoxic to cancer cells but have no or insignificant activity in normal cells. These beneficial properties prompted synthesis of flavonoid synthetic derivatives, e.g., flavopiridol; 5‐amino‐2,3‐fluorophenyl)‐6,8‐difluoro‐7‐methyl‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐one; B43‐genistein and EGF‐genistein). cis‐DDP (cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum(II)) is one of the most effective drugs used for chemotherapy, but its actions are limited by many side effects. Beneficial synergistic effects of flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, genistein, butein, tannic acid) and cis‐DDP were found in cis‐DDP‐sensitive and resistant cancer cells that resulted in a lower toxicity for cis‐DDP. Further studies focused on the synthesis of complexes of compounds belonging to different groups, e.g., cis‐bis(3‐aminoflavone)dichloroplatinum(II) where introduction of the flavone ligand altered the DNA‐binding properties of the complex as compared to cis‐DDP alone. The beneficial anticancer and antioxidant properties of flavonoids and their synthetic derivatives have prompted further research on the synergistic interactions of these compounds with routinely applied chemotherapeutic drugs, e.g. cis‐DDP. Drug Dev. Res. 63:200–211, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ecology of benthic macro-invertebrates in soft-sediment environments : A review of progress towards quantitative models and predictions

This paper reviews the ecology of soft-sediment macro-invertebrates and, in particular, evaluates how much progress has been made in the recent literature towards elaborating statistical models of the ecology of these biota and in using quantitative predictions derived from these models. Steps to formulating statistical models on the dynamics of populations and assemblages are discussed. Current models are mostly conceptual (∼70% of studies surveyed), falling into 2 main classes: population dynamics (including recruitment, mortality, dispersal and availability of patches) and process-orientated studies (including the response of individuals to the physical environment, biogenic habitat modification, biological interactions and physical perturbations). Most recent studies were descriptive or on the population dynamics of species and were undertaken mostly at spatial scales of up to 1 km and temporal scales of months. The development of statistical models appears to be impeded by the limited scope of studies, an over-emphasis on conceptual models (but recognizing an important role for a rigorous experiment framework) and a difficulty in using outcomes from small-scale processes at the level of individual organisms to predict larger scale outcomes where many interactions contribute to variation in abundances. Currently, few studies undertake field assessments of the defining characteristics of habitats, the dynamics of those habitats and the relative importance of different habitats to individual populations. Much urgent work is required to develop large scale (space: > I km; time: > I years) statistical models. This is because attention needs to be given to those interactions and processes in the ecological systems that will provide for the greatest reduction in uncertainty in the quantitative predictions derived from these models.
An Ecological Survey of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in a Landscaped Suburban Habitat

The campus of North Carolina State University at Raleigh was surveyed for ants, with emphasis given to landscaped suburban habitats. Fifty-six species in 27 genera were distributed among four ecological categories. Twelve species were collected in fields and lawns away from bushes and trees, 33 species in sunny areas with ornamental bushes, 37 species in shaded areas with ornamental bushes and 29 species in wooded areas. The higher numbers of species in the sunny and shaded categories with ornamental bushes were due primarily to the presence of forest ants in addition to those typical of fields. Sidewalks and brick plazas were important in providing nesting sites. Species not native to the United States formed an important component of the fauna with one, Tetramorium caespitum (L.), being one of the most common species on campus. Species previously not reported from North Carolina are Hypoponera opaciceps (Mayr), Trichoscapa membranifera (Emery), Camponotus caryae caryae (Fitch) and Lasius speculiventris Emery.
An Improved Histochemical Technic for Acid Phosphatase

Causes of failure in the histochemical technic for acid phosphatase were studied. It was found that the ratio of buffer to substrate in the incubating mixture is an important factor in the constancy of results. In the case of glycerophosphate as a substrate, the optimal ratio is 5 to 6; with other substrates it may be different. The mechanism of the effect of this ratio on the results is explained.
Xylanase‐Mediated Hydrolysis of Wheat Bran: Evidence for Subcellular Heterogeneity of Cell Walls

Previous work has shown that (1→4)‐β‐D‐endoxylanase‐mediated hydrolysis of wheat bran leads to solubilization of 50% of arabinoxylans. However, xylanase efficiency on the individual bran tissues is unequal because of histological and chemical heterogeneity. We describe here the results of an immunocytochemical study that is aimed at an understanding of in situ enzyme action on bran xylans at different hydrolysis kinetic stages. Two polyclonal antibodies were used, one against xylanase and the other against (1→4)‐β‐D‐unsubstituted xylopyranosyl residues, to target poorly substituted arabinoxylans. These antibodies were used on optical microscopy or transmission electron microscopy sections of xylanase‐treated and water‐treated wheat bran. After 30 min of xylanase treatment, xylanase distribution was found to be confined to the aleurone cell walls close to the endosperm, and arabinoxylan labeling had been lost. After 75 min, xylanase had progressed throughout the aleurone and had begun to attack the nucellar layer. After 24 h, the aleurone was completely lost, while some remnants of the nucellar layer were still observable. In contrast, the morphology of the pericarp and the testa was unaltered, and no xylanase labeling in these tissues was detected. Xylanase localization was correlated to the level of arabinoxylan substitution. That way, we showed that xylanase is preferentially localized and degrades poorly substituted arabinoxylans, as shown by visible subcellular heterogeneity of aleurone and nucellus walls.
Human Factors For Health Technology Safety: Evaluating and Improving the Use of Health Technology In The Real World

HumanEra was commissioned to write this book by the International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering’s (IFMBE) Clinical Engineering Division (CED) to support biomedical technology professionals in using human factors methods to improve the safety of health technology within a range of organizations. For the purposes of this book, a biomedical technology professional refers to any person, regardless of their title (e.g., clinical engineer, biomedical engineer, biomedical equipment technician, medical technology manager, materials manager, health technology manager, administrator, clinician), responsible for managing technology in a healthcare setting. While they are not explicitly referenced throughout the book, the intent is to support patient safety leaders of all roles and titles in their efforts to improve health technology safety, as well as students learning to master human factors methods for applications in healthcare. Show full item record
Antiviral Efficacy of Citra-kill ® , Disinfectant Solution Against Avian Influenza Virus

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) is already panzootic in poultry and caused a considerable economic loss in poultry industry. In addition, HPAIV continues to cross species barriers to infect humans and other mammals, often with fatal outcomes. In this study, the virucidal efficacy of Citra- composed to quaternary ammonium chloride and citric acid was investigated against avian influenza H9N2 virus (AIV). A virucidal efficacy was determined with the viability of AIV contacted with the disinfectant in the allantoic membrane of chicken embryos. Citra- and AIV was reacted on the distilled water (DW), hard water (HW) or organic matter suspension (OM) condition. On DW condition, AIV was inactivated with 2,000 fold dilutions of Citra-. When the antiviral effect on HW condition was evaluated, the antiviral activity of the disinfectant showed on 1,500 fold dilutions against AIV. With the investigation of the antiviral effect of the disinfectant on OM condition, AIV was inactivated on 500 fold dilutions of Citra-. As Citra- possesses virucidal efficacy against AIV, the disinfectant solution can be used to limit the spread of animal viral diseases.
Characterization of Sulphonoglycolipid from the Red Alga Laurencia pedicularioides

Sulfonic acid-containing lipids are commonly referred to as sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols (SQDG). These lipids are structural components of chloroplast membranes and occur widely in higher plants, algae and photosynthetic microorganisms (Gustafson et at. 1989). The SQDG are acidic lipids located in the thylakoid membranes of oxygen-evolving photosynthetic organisms. The thylakoid membranes are comprised of about 50% protein and 50% lipid and are the intracellular sites of chlorophyll which is bound in specific chlorophyll-protein complexes. Chloroplast thylakoids have a characteristic lipid composition, the major components being monogalactosyl diacylglycerol and digalactosyl diacylglycerol (Araki et al 1989, Johns et al 1977). Sulphonoglycolipids of marine algae have received considerable attention in recent years because of their important biological functions as mentioned above as well as their interesting biological activities (Fusetani and Hashimoto 1975, Gustafson et al 1989, Kitagawa et al 1979, Siddhanta et al 1991 and Son 1990) including anti-HIV-1 activity (Gustafson et al 1989). There are several reports of Sulphonoglycolipids from marine green and red algae (Araki et al 1989, Fusetani and Hashimoto 1975, Siddhanta et al 1991 and Son 1990) and blue-green algae (Gustafson et al 1989). In the course of our continuing programme for isolating biologically active metabolites from marine algae, we have isolated a Sulphonoglycolipid from the methanolic extract of Laurencia pedicularioides (Boerg.) Lamouroux, a marine red alga. Laurencia species are best known for their fascinating array of secondary metabolites including halogenated terpenoids, acetogenins, eicosanoids and polyheterocyclic compounds (Bernart et al 1992). In this communication we report, for the first time, the isolation and characterization of a Sulphonoglycolipid from L. pedicularioides from Indian waters. Materials and Methods
Studies of the infection of the winged bean by Synchytrium psophocarpi in Papua New Guinea

SUMMARY Infection of leaves and stems of Psophocarpus tetragonolobus by Synchytrium psophocarpi only occurred following spray inoculation of motile zoospore suspensions and incubation for a minimum of 12 h in polyethylene bags or a mist chamber. The incubation period was 7 days and generation time 22 days at temperatures of 31 oC max, 24 oC min and r.h. of 90% max, 70% min. Young, 1–2 day-old leaves were most susceptible; there was no infection on 10 day-old leaves and susceptibility was not increased by the removal of leaf waxes. No infection occurred when plants were grown from seed from infected pods, seed inoculated with zoospores or sporangia and seed sown in soil containing infected leaf debris. Resting spores were not found in infected tissues stored for 12 wk or in plant debris. S. psophocarpi did not infect Arachis hypogaea, Glycine max, Phaseolus aureus, P. coccineus, P. vulgaris, Pisum sativum, Psophocarpus scandens, Vicia faba, Vigna sesquipedalis and V. unguiculata. S. minutum did not infect winged bean. Inoculation confirmed the susceptibility of the winged bean lines UPS 62, UPS 122, UPS 126 and resistance of two Thai winged bean lines 1602/1 and 1611/2.
The Pst I polymorphism of the human apolipoprotein AI gene in Korean elite athletes

Serum lipid and lipoprotein levels are influenced by genetic factors, and exercise increases the concentrations of cardio‐protective parameters such as high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐cholesterol) and apolipoproteinAI (apoAI) in human serum. In the present study, we tested the effect of adaptation to endurance exercise on the association of a genetic polymorphism (Pst I RFLP) in the apoAI gene with these biochemical parameters. The genotype and allele frequencies for the Pst I RFLP were not significantly different between the elite athletes and sedentary controls (P>0.05). There were also no significant associations between the Pst I RFLP of the apoAI gene and the biochemical parameters in elite athletic group. Thus, our results suggest that the Pst I RFLP of the apoAI gene was not significantly associated with the serum apoAI and HDL‐cholesterol concentrations as well as athletic performance in Koreans.
Mitochondrial DNA Confirms Low Genetic Variation of the Greater Mouse-Eared Bats, Myotis myotis, in Central Europe

Recent data shows that range expansion of the greater mouse-eared bat Myotis myotis (Borkhausen, 1797) to Central Europe occurred mainly from the Iberian glacial refugium and in a lesser extent from South-eastern Europe. Here we present sequences of the mitochondrial control region obtained from 16 localities in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and NW Romania. From the 97 sequences, 87 were identical with the haplotype H1, the most frequent one of haplogroup A occurring throughout Western Europe, and nine sequences (eight haplotypes) differed from H1 only by one substitution. This confirms decrease of genetic variability from south to north and colonisation of Central Europe from the Iberian Peninsula. However, we found a new haplotype, which is closely related to sequences from haplogroup D so far described in the nominative form of this species only from Greece and Bulgaria, which suggests two possible scenarios. First, colonization route from the Balkan refugium existed in this species as well, which is supported also by recently published analyses of historical DNA. Second, the Balkan haplotype entered Central Europe via interspecific hybridisation with M. blythii, a species, in which the haplogroup D is the most frequent in Europe and which is known to have colonised Europe from south-east.
Phenolic compounds, lycopene and antioxidant activity in commercial varieties of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum)

Nine commercial varieties of tomato (Rambo, Senior, Ramillete, Liso, Pera, Canario, Durina, Daniella and Remate) produced in Spain were analysed for their lycopene content, content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The phenolic compounds were characterised as flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and naringenin) and hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids). Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH and ABTS assays. The concentrations of lycopene and the various phenolic compounds as well as the antioxidant activity were significantly influenced by the tomato variety. Quercetin, the most abundant flavonoid, was found in concentrations ranging between 7.19 and 43.59 mg kg -1 fresh weight, while naringenin levels were lower than 12.55 mg kg -1 . The most abundant hydroxycinnamic acid was chlorogenic acid, with values ranging from 14 to 32 mg kg -1 fresh weight, followed by caffeic acid, while p-coumaric and ferulic acids showed similar concentrations lower than 5 mg kg -1 . The highest content of lycopene was found in Ramillete, Pera and Durina (>50 mg kg -1 fresh weight), while the concentration in the other varieties was between 50 and 30 mg kg -1 , with the exception of Liso (less than 20 mg kg 1 ). The antioxidant activity of tomato extracts varied with the tomato variety and the assay method used. Individual compounds found to be significantly related to antioxidant capacity were lycopene and ferulic and caffeic acids, but not quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Les tomates (Lycopersicum esculentum) sont consommees crues ou apres transformation et peuvent fournir une part significative des antioxydants totaux du regime alimentaire. Ceux-ci se trouvent principalement sous la forme de carotenes et de composes phenoliques. Parmi les carotenoides, les lycopenes predominent et sont responsables de la couleur rouge des tomates. L'objectif de cette etude est de determiner la teneur des flavonoides principaux, des acides hydroxycinnamiques et des lycopenes dans des varietes commerciales de tomates cultivees en Espagne et d'explorer la relation entre les concentrations de ces composes et l'activite antioxydante totale du fruit.
A Revision of the South African Genus Hermas (Apiaceae)

Abstract The morphologically and phylogenetically anomalous genus Hermas is revised and nine perennial species are recognized, all endemic to mountain slopes within the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. The new combination Hermas lanata is instated as the correct name for H. pillansii, based on the oldest available basionym. The latter species is also shown to be a very narrow endemic of the Cape Peninsula (Table Mountain to Noordhoek), not extending into the Jonkershoek Mountains as previously reported. The genus is characterized by fruits with woody endocarps, rhomboidal crystals, and pseudo-wings, all features shared with subfamily Azorelloideae, but recent phylogenetic analyses suggest that Hermas is an isolated lineage in the family, possibly sister to subfamily Apioideae s. l. An isolated position for Hermas is supported further by the unique floral morphology, viz. petaloid sepals and filiform petals, both of which are recovered as generic synapomorphies. The species may be distinguished on the basis of their habits, the size, shape, and vestiture of the leaves and involucral bracts, the synflorescence structure, the colour and venation of the sepals and petals, and the morphology and anatomy of the fruits. Species relationships are assessed in the form of a cladistic analysis of 11 morphological characters, resulting in a well-resolved phylogenetic hypothesis. A comprehensive taxonomic treatment is presented, including a key to the species, updated nomenclature, typification, descriptions, and geographical distributions.
Embryonic duration and post‐embryonic growth rates of the tropical freshwater shrimp Caridina nilotica (Decapoda:Atyidae) under laboratory and experimental field conditions

SUMMARY. Embryonic durations and post embryonic growth rates of Caridina nilotica were determined under laboratory conditions at constant temperatures near 18, 24 and 30°C. Embryonic durations and intermoult intervals were negative curvilinear functions of temperature. At a given temperature moulting frequency varied inversely with shrimp size and slight sexual differences were apparent. Moulting frequency of berried females was governed by the temperature-specific embryonic durations. Growth rates were determined from changes in carapace length (CL) of individual shrimps (laboratory) or batches of shrimps (field enclosures) over 1 month and these data were used to calculate temperature-specific life-long growth curves for males and females. Growth in body mass was estimated indirectly from the carapace length-mass relationship of C. nilotica. On average, males grew marginally faster than females during the first 2 months of life, but growth of males larger than CL= 4 mm was considerably depressed relative to that of females. Inflexions in growth rate, apparently related to the onset of sexual maturity, were apparent in both sexes. Under laboratory conditions, the growth rate of males increased with temperature, but temperature-related differences were not as marked in females. Notwithstanding the more rapid moulting rate at 30°C the growth rate of females was slightly slower at 30 than at 24°C as a result of marginally but significantly smaller per moult growth increments observed at 30°C in animals up to CL= 5.5 mm. Possible reasons for this depressed growth are discussed. Growth rates of animals in field enclosures in Lake Sibaya over 1 month in winter (20 ± 3°C) were generally comparable to those estimated for the 18°C laboratory experiments. Growth rates in enclosures containing tripled standing stocks were almost identical to those containing the naturally occurring biomass of animals, suggesting a non-limited environment at least during the time of the experiment.
Comparison of types of cell death: apoptosis and necrosis

Cell death is an essential factor in many biological processes including development. In addition, it contributes to disease states such as cancer. Two main types of cell death have been identified: apoptosis and necrosis. Necrosis occurs when cells are irreversibly damaged by an external trauma. In contrast, apoptosis is thought to be a physiological form of cell death whereby a cell provokes its own demise in response to a stimulus. The practical described here is an investigation into the two types of cell death: necrosis (induced by sodium azide) and apoptosis (induced by sodium chromate) that has been delivered to undergraduate students during several years. Key features that differ between these two types of cells death — loss of membrane integrity and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation — are illustrated in this paper. Model data is provided to allow this exercise to also be presented as a workshop.