Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of ozone fumigation and different Brassica rapa lines on the feeding behaviour of Pieris brassicae larvae

Elevated levels of tropospheric ozone and their effects on plants have been studied for a great number of years. Ozone is a gaseous pollutant and acts as a phytotoxin. Even though ozone is known to change the physiology of plants, little attention has been given to the indirect effects of ozone on plant‐insect interactions. This paper addresses this question by investigating the interactive effects of ozone and plant genotype on insects. Lines of rapid‐cycling Brassica rapa (L.) selected for their contrasting sensitivity to ozone and Pieris brassicae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) were used as a model system. The effect of differences in ozone sensitivity and ozone fumigation on the plant's carbon and nitrogen pools, the feeding preference, and behaviour of P. brassicae larvae were investigated. The results show that the plant's susceptibility to ozone interacts in a complex way with ozone induced alterations in the suitability of the plant for the insect. Only the larval performance on the sensitive line was affected by ozone exposure. Biochemical changes in the resistant B. rapa line made the plant a better food source for the insects, since the digestibility of this plant was significantly higher than that of the sensitive line, and the larvae pupated more quickly and were heavier.
Natural antioxidants in grapes and wines

The concentrations of phenolics of three grape varieties and two red wines were determined. The red grape variety and the red wines contain phenolics at concentrations of 920 mg/kg and 1800 and 3200 mg/L, respectively. The antioxidative effects of wine phenolics on the catalysis of lipid peroxidation by biological catalysts such as myoglobin, cytochrome c, iron ascorbate, and copper ions were estimated. Lipid peroxidation catalyzed by myoglobin, cytochrome c, and iron ascorbate was inhibited (I 50 ) by wine phenolics at concentrations of 0.2, 0.35, and 0.9 μg of phenolics/mL
Critical Tail Autotomy for Reduction of Maximal Swimming Performance in a Plethodontid Salamander (Desmognathus quadramaculatus)

Abstract Although tail autotomy often has an immediate survival benefit, tail loss may subsequently hinder locomotion and the ability to escape from predators. Maximal locomotor performance can be reduced after tail autotomy in the plethodontid salamander Desmognathus quadramaculatus. The loss of a large proportion of the tail length (>60%) is costly for this semiaquatic species in terms of a reduction in maximal swimming performance (i.e., burst speed is about 50% less after such autotomy). However, the minimal amount of tail loss that causes a significant reduction in swimming performance (i.e., the “critical tail autotomy” for locomotion) is unknown. I examined the effect of partial tail loss (either 15% or 30% of tail length) on burst swimming performance. After the loss of about 15% of tail length in one experimental group (N = 15), burst speeds for individuals were not significantly different from preautotomy burst speeds. After the loss of about 30% of tail length in a second experimental group (N = 15), burst speeds for individuals were significantly less than preautotomy burst speeds. These results indicate that the critical tail autotomy for reduction of maximal swimming performance is between 15% and 30% of tail length. About 50% of individuals in the field (N = 69) experienced tail autotomy and most (80%) of these individuals lost more than 30% of their tails. This study shows that tail autotomy often results in a reduction in maximal swimming performance and thus a locomotor cost for individuals of this species.
Neurobehavioral, reflexological and physical development of Wistar rat offspring exposed to ayahuasca during pregnancy and lactation

Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage prepared by the decoction of plants native to the Amazon Basin region. The beverage has been used throughout the world by members of some syncretic religious movements. Despite the recent legalization of ayahuasca in Brazil for religious purposes, there is little pre-clinical and clinical information attesting to its safety, particularly in relation to the use during pregnancy. The aim of the current work was to determine the effects of perinatal exposure to ayahuasca (from the 6th day of pregnancy to the 10th day of lactation) on physical, reflexology and neurobehavioral parameters of the Wistar rat offspring. The offspring showed no statistically significant changes in the physical and reflexology parameters evaluated. However, in adult rats, perinatally exposed to ayahuasca, an increase in frequency of entries in open arms in elevated plus-maze test, a decrease in total time of interaction in social interaction test, a decrease in time of latency for the animal to start swimming and a decrease of the minimum convulsant dose induced by pentylenetetrazol were observed. In conclusion, our results showed that the use of ayahuasca by mothers during pregnancy and lactation reduced the general anxiety and social motivation of the rat offspring. Besides, it promoted a higher sensitivity for initiation and spread of seizure activity.
VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES RELATIONSHIP AND GRASSLAND PRODUCTIVITY IN ARNICA MONTANA HABITATS IN THE LIMESTONE AREA OF GÂRDA DE SUS VILLAGE (APUSENI MOUNTAINS – ROMANIA)

The Apuseni Mountains region (Romania) holds one of the most important romanian grassland areas with the medicinal species protected over Europe – Arnica montana. Following several studies on vegetation growing in the limestone region of Gârda de Sus village, one can conclude that there are some correlations between the species present in the Arnica montana habitats and also between those and the grasslands productivity. The coverage degree of every species was quantified by metric frame method. Arnica montana shows a weak positive correlation with the strong oligotrophic species within the studied grasslands. The habitats productivity show variable correlations with the vascular plants within the Arnica montana habitats. The Arnica montana presents no preferences for the productivity level of the grasslands where it grows, but only within a very restricted range of low productivity that characterize this grasslands.
Morphological and Genetic Variation among Four High Desert Sphaeralcea Species

The herbaceous perennial species in the genus Sphaeralcea have desirable drought tolerance and aesthetics with potential for low-water use landscapes in the Intermountain West. However, taxonomy of these species is ambiguous, which leads to decreased consumer confidence in the native plant nursery industry. The goal of this study was to test and clarify morphological and genetic differentiation among four putative Sphaeralcea species. Morphological characteristics of the type specimens were used as species references in canonical variate analysis to generate a classification model. This model was then used to assign putative species names to herbarium voucher specimens and to field-collected voucher specimens to clarify genetic variation among species. Field specimens were also classified using Bayesian cluster analyses of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genotypes. Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. and S. grossulariifolia (Hook. & Arn.) Rydb. formed a composite group morphologically and genetically distinct from the S. munroana (Douglas) Spach and S. parvifolia A. Nelson composite group. Each composite group displayed genetic isolation by geographic distance. Also, morphological traits of S. munroana and S. parvifolia correlated to geographic distance. Taken together these results suggest that our samples represent two sympatric yet reproductively isolated groups. Distinguishing between these two Sphaeralcea composite groups can create greater consumer confidence in plant material developed for use in Intermountain West low-water landscaping.
The riverscape of Western Amazonia – a quantitative approach to the fluvial biogeography of the region

Aim To provide a quantitative spatial analysis of the riverscape (open‐water bodies and their surrounding areas) of the Western Amazonian lowlands using a consistent surface of remotely sensed imagery. Taking into account the essential significance of fluvial environments for the Amazonian biota, we propose that an enhanced understanding of the Amazonian riverscape will provide new insight for biogeographical studies in the region and contribute to the understanding of these megadiverse tropical lowlands.
Sources of variation in the grazing behaviour of dairy cows

SUMMARY Measurements of grazing, ruminating and idling time and number and duration of bouts of these activities were made on cows grazing a perennial ryegrass-white clover sward on a number of different occasions between 8 May and 10 July 1990 at the North Wyke Research Station, Devon, UK. Repeatabilities, calculated using the residual maximum likelihood method, were low for all measurements, the highest being for idling time. Coefficients of variation were generally lower between periods than between animals for total activity times and ruminating and idling bout duration but were higher for the number of bouts of all activities and for meal duration. Grazing time and meal duration increased significantly as the season progressed, while the number of bouts of all activities declined. Behaviour was not significantly correlated with meteorological conditions. There were no significant correlations between production traits and mean behaviour of cows across periods.
Characterization of the Antibacterial Activity of the Type VI Secretion System

This dissertation summarizes advances made toward understanding of the composition, structure, mechanism, and regulation of the bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS). The T6SS is a widely conserved bacterial nanomachine used by Gram-negative bacteria to deliver toxic effector proteins into the extracellular environment or into adjacent target cells. Systematic deletion of open reading frames present in the Vibrio cholerae T6SS gene cluster revealed the genes essential for T6SS activity and provided key insights into understanding the mechanism by which this organelle is assembled and its components are recycled. Characterization of one phage-related T6SS component yielded insight into the mechanism by which many effectors associate with the T6SS organelle and are delivered into target cells. This T6SS component serves both to sharpen the tip of the membrane-puncturing T6SS spike complex and as a vehicle for attaching a diverse set of effector proteins. Time-lapse fluorescence microscopy of GFPlabeled T6SS components revealed key insights into the behavior and regulation of the T6SS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The T6SS in this organism assembled in response to exogenous T6SS attack by adjacent sister cells as well as heterologous T6SS species V. cholerae and Acinetobacter baylyi. This retaliatory T6SS counterattack was precisely aimed and caused no collateral damage to neighboring, non-aggressive bacteria. These counterattacks are mediated by
Reproduction in Polemonium: Assessing the Factors Limiting Seed Set

Evidence of pollen and/or resource limitation of seed production in the herbaceous perennial plant Polemonium foliosissimum was investigated. Large numbers of open flowers on selected individuals were hand-pollinated at regular intervals, and seed set was compared with that of control blossoms on those same plants as well as with that of control flowers on control individuals. Experimental and control individuals were monitored and reproductive output measured during the following flowering season as well. Although hand-pollinated flowers set significantly more seeds than did either set of control blossoms, the results suggest that individual reproduction (i.e., the total number of seeds produced by a plant) was limited by resources other than pollen. Pollen availability may also have limited seed production, but to a lesser extent. A proper protocol for examining the limitation of seed set is developed, and the biases inherent in most of the simplified procedures currently in use are discussed.
Resource selection in a high-altitude rangeland equid, the kiang (Equus kiang): influence of forage abundance and quality at multiple spatial scales

Herbivores foraging in arid and seasonal environments often face choices between plant patches varying in abun- dance and nutritional quality at several spatial and temporal scales. Because of their noncompartmented digestive system, equids typically rely on abundant forage to meet their nutrient requirements. In forage-limited environments, therefore, scarcity of food resources represents a challenge for wild equids. We investigated hierarchical resource-selection patterns of kiangs (Equus kiang Moorcroft, 1841), a wild equid inhabiting the high-altitude steppes of the Tibetan Plateau, hypothesizing that vegetation abundance would be the main factor driving resource selection at a large scale and that plant quality would influence resource selection at finer scales. We investigated resource-selection patterns at three spatial levels (habitat, feeding site, and plant (vegetation groups, i.e., grasses, sedges, forbs, and shrubs)) during summer and fall. At the habitat level, kiangs selected both mesic and xeric habitats in summer and only xeric habitats (plains) during fall. At the feeding-site level, feeding sites had higher plant biomass and percentage of green foliage than random sites in the same habitats. At the plant level, grasses were selected over forbs and shrubs, and sedges were used in proportion to their availability during all seasons. Our results indicate that resource-selection patterns in kiangs vary across scales and that both forage abundance and quality play a role in resource selection. Plant quality appeared more important than hypothesized, possibly to increase daily nutrient intake in forage-limited and highly seasonal high-altitude rangelands.
Transcription networks in heart development and disease with detailed analysis of TBX20 and DPF3

The T-box family of transcription factors has been shown to have major impact on human development and disease. In animal studies Tbx20 is essential for the development of the atrioventricular channel, the outflow tract and valves, suggesting its potential causative role for the development of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in humans. In the presented study, we analyzed TBX20 in cardiac biopsies derived from patients with TOF, ventricular septal defects (VSDs) and normal hearts. Mutation analysis did not reveal any disease causing sequence variation, however, TBX20 is significantly upregulated in tissue samples of patients with TOF, but not VSD. In depth analysis of TBX20 transcripts lead to the identification of two new exons 30 to the known TBX20 message resembling the mouse variant Tbx20a, as well as an extended 50UTR. Functional analysis of the human TBX20 promoter revealed a 100 bp region that contains strong activating elements. Within this core promoter region we recognized functional binding sites for TFAP2 transcription factors and identified TFAP2 as repressors of the TBX20 gene in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, decreased TFAP2C levels in cardiac biopsies of TOF patients underline the biological significance of the pathway described. In summary, we provide first insights into the regulation of TBX20 and show its potential for human congenital heart diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1022–1033, 2008. 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
AN ECO-FRIENDLY APPROACH FOR SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING Ipomoea Pes-Caprae ROOT EXTRACT AND THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES

objective: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were obtained through green synthesis using Ipomoea pes-caprae root extract for the first time. The active biomolecules present in the roots of I. pes-caprae, are ergoline alkaloids, indolizidine alkaloids, benzenoids and phenolic compounds act as both the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. Methods: The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results: A peak at 400 nm was obtained in UV-Visible spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AgNPs. TEM microgram confirms that AgNPs were in the nano range and spherical in nature, the size was observed to be 50 nm. Conclusion: A higher zone of inhibition was observed in the AgNPs synthesized from the root extract of I. pes-caprae because of the active biomolecules capped on the AgNPs that has greater efficacy against bacteria. Keywords: Ipomoea pes-caprae, Silver nanoparticles, Antimicrobial activity.
Azadinium spinosum gen. et sp. nov. (Dinophyceae) identified as a primary producer of azaspiracid toxins

Azaspiracids (AZAs) are a group of lipophilic marine biotoxins associated with human incidents of shellfish poisoning. During a research cruise to the North Sea, we analysed size-fractionated plankton for AZA by mass spectrometry and successfully isolated an AZA-producing dinoflagellate from the east coast of Scotland. As shown previously, an axenic culture of this dinoflagellate produces AZA 1, AZA 2 and an isomer of AZA 2. Here we give a taxonomic description of this new taxon Azadinium spinosum gen. et sp. nov., as a de novo producer of AZAs. Azadinium spinosum is a small (12–16 µm length and 7–11 µm width) peridinin-containing photosynthetic dinoflagellate with a superficial resemblance under light microscopy to gymnodinioids, but with a thin theca. The large nucleus is spherical and located posteriorly, whereas the single chloroplast is parietal, lobed, and typically extends into both the epi- and hyposome. The Kofoidian thecal tabulation is APC, 4′, 3a, 6″, 6C, 5? S, 6′″, 2″″. This plate pattern has an epithecal affinity to the Peridiniales and a hypothecal affinity to the Gonyaulacales, but is distinctly different from described dinoflagellate genera. The assignment of A. spinosum to the dinoflagellates is supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis of four genes, SSU rDNA, LSU rDNA (D1/D2 region), ITS and cytochrome oxidase (sub-unit 1) (COI). In agreement with the morphological description, phylogenetic analysis did not show any particularly close affiliation to the Peridiniales or Gonyaulacales, nor to any other dinoflagellate order represented in molecular databases. Consequently, we erected a new genus, Azadinium, for this taxon. However the ordinal affiliation of the genus is uncertain. This study represents the first description and confirmation of a new dinoflagellate species capable of producing AZA and is thus an important advance in surveillance programmes for toxigenic microalgae and toxins of human health significance.
Análise econômica de um sistema agrossilvipastoril de área montanhosa na Zona da Mata mineira

The objective of this work was to evaluate the economic viability of an agrosilvipastoral system developed for Zona da Mata mountainous areas in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, as well as to compare different options for wood (Eucalyptus grandis and Acacia mangium) commercialization of the second thinning. The data were obtained from a 10 year-old agrosilvipastoral system established in four hectares at Embrapa Gado de Leite station in Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil. As evaluation criteria for the economic viability analysis, the adopted methods were the net present value (NPV) and the internal rate of return (IRR), both calculated at 6% interest rate. Despite the small difference, adding value to forest products increased the attractiveness of the proposed system. Considered separately, the agricultural activity was impracticable, whereas the forestry and livestock activities were independently viable. The studied system seems to be equally tolerant to price variations for forest and livestock products, as well as strongly tolerant to variations in production costs.
Bioassay to Detect MON-37500 and Triasulfuron Residues in Soils1

Abstract: Sulfonylurea herbicide residues in soil can affect rotational crops even at low concentrations. Although analytical methods are efficient enough to measure them, the lack of an efficient herbicide extraction technique makes bioassays useful for determining the presence of phytotoxic levels of sulfonylurea residues in soil. A growth chamber bioassay using sunflower was developed to detect MON-37500 and triasulfuron residues in two different soils. Root length was measured 15 d after the treatment. A sigmoid equation described plant root length response as a function of herbicide concentration. The nonlinear regression established a range of I50 values from 0.9 to 2.9 ppb ai for both sulfonylureas. Nomenclature: MON-37500 (proposed common name, sulfosulfuron), 1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-[(2-ethanesulfonyl-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine)sulfonyl]urea; triasulfuron; sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. ‘Albani’. Additional index words: Dose–response curves, I50, phytotoxicity, rotational crops, sulfonylurea herbicides. Abbreviations: I20, dose required for 20% inhibition; I50, dose required for 50% inhibition; OM, organic matter.
Mosaic diseases of the Cucumber.

Summary. Three cucumber mosaic diseases of this country and the causal viruses are described. The first disease, green-mottle mosaic (cucumber virus 3), and the second, yellow mosaic (cucumber virus 4), are not transmissible to solanaceous plants. Cucumber virus 3, on cucumber, causes a dark green mottle with blistering and distortion of the leaves, but the fruit is not usually marked; while cucumber virus 4 gives rise to a distinct type of leaf-mottle, yellow to silver-white in colour, and the fruit may be seriously marked. The third disease, yellow-mottle mosaic (cucumber virus 1), is characterised by a diffuse yellow mottle of cucumber leaves and fruit and is transmissible to solanaceous plants. Cucumber viruses 3 and 4 are described for the first time. Notes are given on fern leaf of tomato, insect vectors and control measures.
An Expanded Clay Pebble, Continuous Recirculating Drip System for Viable Long-Term Hydroponic Grapevine Culture

Grapevines were grown for more than one month in aerated solution culture (ASC) and developed nutrient deficiency-like symptoms. After eliminating possible problems with pests, pathogens, or nutrient concentrations in the solution, we hypothesized that the roots suffered from hypoxia because of oxygen diffusion limitations. A continuous recirculating drip system (RDS) was designed to provide precise nutrient control, consistent water potentials, and approximate a well-drained soil. Two-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines grown for 37 days in the RDS grew vigorously and were healthy. In contrast, vines in ASC grew less vigorously, eventually displaying leaf nutrient deficiency symptoms and root deterioration. Photosynthesis, photosystem II function, and stomatal conductance were reduced after 37 days in ASC compared with the RDS. The steady-state transcript abundance of two hypoxia-induced transcripts, alcohol dehydrogenase II and α-amylase, increased slowly after six days in ASC but not in the RDS. These results indicated that mature vines with woody roots suffered slow and chronic hypoxic stress in ASC. In contrast, vines grown in the RDS did not suffer hypoxic symptoms. Thus, the RDS appeared to approximate a well-drained soil and was ideal for long-term greenhouse growth of grapevines, maintaining the advantages that solution culture provides for controlled abiotic-stress experimentation and ease of root harvest.