Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of PAR and high UVR on enzymes and other proteins involved in the function and protection of the photosynthetic apparatus of marine macroalgae.

The changes in the quality and quantity of the solar radiation may affect photosynthetic organisms. An increase in irradiation of UVB of the solar radiation that reaches the earth’s surface due to thinning of the ozone layer, for instance, can cause destructive consequences to these photoautotrophs. Thus, like any other photoautotrophs, macroalgae are deemed to be affected and loss of these important biomass producers of the aquatic ecosystem may disrupt the primary productivity and the whole ecosystem integrity. However, the macroalgae have somehow developed protective mechanisms to ensure their survivality in the extreme environment. In this study, short-term responses of five marine macroalgae, Solieria chordalis, Palmaria palmata, Laminaria digitata, Dictyota dichotoma and, Ulva lactuca to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) were investigated. The algae were irradiated for 5 h to a high UVR in combination with either low or high background photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) Four light regimes were created using cut-off filters: PAR, PAR+UVA, PAR+UVA+UVB or UVA+UVB. Recovery kinetics were also determined by incubating the irradiated algae in dim light for 18 h. Responses were evaluated on the basis of photosynthetic performance (i.e. Fv/Fm, rETRmax, a and Ik), photodamage or photoinactivation (i.e. via pigments analysis, total soluble proteins content, RuBisCo activity and its large subunit (LSU) composition, GAPDH activity and D1 protein content), and photoprotective mechanisms (i.e. via antioxidative enzymes activity, presence of stress proteins and non-photochemical quenching). All of the algae examined were strongly inhibited by the high UV and high PAR. High tolerance to UVB was displayed by the algae at much lower UVB fluxes. Even though UVB generally caused damaging effects, some of the algae responded positively to UVB. Whilst the brown algae L. digitata and D. dichotoma collectively showed the highest inhibition, the green alga U. lactuca was the least affected and was well-prepared and well-adapted to the high light effect. The red algae S chordalis and P. palmata were also strongly inhibited but recovered more slowly than the rest of the algal classes.
SCREENING OF SALT TOLERANT POTENTIALITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF IN VITRO TISSUE CULTURE SYSTEM FOR SOME L

The present investigation was aimed to establishment of an efficient in vitro tissue culture system with high frequency callus and regeneration induction of some local rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties. Mature Seed Scutellum (MSS) as explants for three rice varieties which were Rajashail, Katicota, and BRRI-22 were taken as an experimental material and cultured on MS based different PGRs and additives supplemented media. In this study, in vitro experiments were conducted for assessing the effects of salt stress on germination rate, length of shoot and root of germinated plant, callus induction, fresh weight of callus and finally regeneration. For germination and callus induction frequency, MSS was cultured on MS-based medium supplemented with different concentrations of NaCl from 0.2% to 1.5%. With increasing the NaCl concentration, both the rate of germination and callus proliferation were decreased. In case of callus induction, callus was formed only for the medium contained 0.2% and 0.5% and 1% NaCl. Gradual reductions in regeneration frequency as well as number of plantlet were observed with increasing the salt concentration in MS-based medium supplemented with 2.5 mgl-1 BAP. All cultivars responded well on medium supplemented with 0.2% and 0.5% NaCl. The best responded regarding the callus induction frequency, the regeneration frequency and the number of shoot per callus were obtained from cv. Rajashail and Katicota among three varieties. A number of regeneration media were also evaluated for regeneration. The optimized medium for plant regeneration was MS + 2.0 mgl-1BAP + 3 mgl-1NAA. These studies revealed that callus induction and plant regeneration frequency were determined by medium combinations as well as genotype of plant. Thus, for developing a new and more potent salt tolerant cell lines, these 2 varieties can be used as suitable sources.
ESTUDO, CARACTERIZAÇÃO E DETERMINAÇÃO DO GRAU DE PUREZA DE AMOSTRAS COMERCIAIS DE SACARINA

A termogravimetria (TG) e a calorimetria exploratoria diferencial (DSC) sao tecnicas importantes, e sao atualmente empregadas em pesquisa e controle de qualidade na area de alimentos. Neste estudo, atraves das tecnicas termoanaliticas TG e DSC bem como da espectroscopia de absorcao na regiao do infravermelho (FT-IR) e analises quimicas qualitativas e quantitativas, foram comparadas diferentes amostras comerciais de sacarina com um padrao, cujas perdas de massa e transformacoes fisicas e/ou quimicas foram acompanhadas pelas tecnicas citadas. Palavras-chave: TG, DSC, pureza, qualidade
The Variation of Mycorrhizal Colonization Parameters in Festuca Rubra under the Influence of Climatic Factors and Differentiated Fertilization

Intensification of natural ecosystems may be beneficial for a series of plants, which are favored to become the dominant at the level of grass cover. However, no matter how low would be the inputs applied, the first effects are observed in the symbiotic organisms of existing plants in the ecosystem. Adaptation of plants and soil microorganisms to environmental conditions have made the type and dosage of fertilizer applied to become factors with limiting effect on the balanced evolution of mycorrhizal fungi. For mycorrhizal colonization of Festuca rubra plant, climatic factors play a small role, from this consideration is necessary to identify the dose and type of fertilizer to ensure the stability in time of colonization parameters. To study the effect of increasing soil nutrient resources on the mycorrhizal colonization parameters in Festuca rubra, we set up an experiment with six degrees of fertilization, in addition to unfertilized control were applied to two types of organic fertilization and three types of mineral fertilization. Balancing the colonization and reducing fluctuations in time of colonization parameters is influenced in a high degree by nitrogen, whether it comes from manure or synthetic fertilizers. At the end of growing season it is observed the superiority of combined fertilizersÂ ( manure + NPK or Eurofertil mezocalc supplemented with nitrogen) , which ensure the highest values of the colonization degree.
Effects of Fertilization, Arbuscular Mycorrhiza, and Salinity on Growth, Yield, and Bioactive Compounds of Two Aloe Species

Three greenhouse experiments were carried out to compare the responses of Aloe arborescens and Aloe barbadensis with organic fertilization (standard or reduced fertiliza- tion level), arbuscular mycorrhiza (with AM (+AM) or without AM (-AM)), and salinity (1 or 80 mM NaCl) in terms of plant growth, leaf yield, mineral composition, and nutraceutical value. In all experiments, the yield of fresh leaves was significantly higher by 320%, 252%, and 72%, respectively, in A. barbadensis in comparison with A. arborescens. Doubling the fertilizer dose, plant growth parameters increased, but the bioactive compounds were negatively affected. The highest antioxidant activity was recorded with A. barbadensis using both fertilization regimes, whereas the highest values of anthraquinones aloin were ob- served in A. barbadensis using a reduced fertilization regime and when plants were inoculated with AM fungi. b-polysaccharide concentration was significantly higher in A. barbadensis in comparison with A.arborescens and was increased by 33% when plants were inoculated with AM fungi. In both Aloe species, increasing the salinity decreased the leaf fresh weight and total dry biomass but increased the aloin and b-polysaccharides content by 66% and 21%, respectively. The results suggest that cultural practices such as organic fertilization, inoculation with AM fungi, and irrigation with saline water can represent effective tools to achieve a more favorable phytochemical profile.
Population dynamics of swine influenza virus in finishing pigs

Influenza virus infections in swine were first noticed in the US in 1918, during the human pandemic of the Spanish flu. In Europe, seroprevalences for the three most common swine influenza strains at the moment, H1N1, H3N2 and H1N2, range from 20-80% in finishing pigs at the end of the finishing period and in sows. However, little is known about the population dynamics of influenza virus within herds, or between herds. By investigating 53 outbreaks of acute respiratory disease over a period of four years, it was established that influenza virus infections are responsible for more than 50% of the acute respiratory disease outbreaks in swine. Virus circulation in weaned piglets was found to be very common, suggesting that weaned piglets may act as a reservoir for influenza virus in a herd. Virus infections at that time interfere with the presence of maternal antibodies, resulting in no noticeable clinical symptoms, but also in a lesser immunity than infections in fully susceptible pigs. The occurrence of influenza virus infections in finishing pigs was quite different in farrow-to finish herds when compared to finishing herds. For all subtypes, influenza virus infections in farrow-to-finish herds occurred mainly at a young age, up to and including the first half of the finishing period. In finishing herds on the other hand, the influenza virus infections mainly occurred in the second half of the finishing period. These differences may have implications for the choice of intervention measures, whether this is intervention through vaccination, or intervention through zoosanitary measures. Vaccines, while potentially highly efficacious, have the disadvantage that they are very specific for one infectious agent, or even one subtype of an infectious agent. The big advantage of zoosanitary measures compared to vaccination is that multiple infectious agents can be addressed at the same time with the same or similar measures. Measures with respect to air filtration and increased hygiene were therefore evaluated. These measures significantly reduced the number of influenza virus infections during the finishing period and therefore most likely also the magnitude of acute respiratory disease. These measures are unlikely to be cost-beneficial when they are only applied for influenza virus infections, but the application of such measures in a broader context may offer some prospects
Evolutionary biology of the Western rattlesnake, (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalus viridis) : phylogeny, morphology, and venom evolution.

A multidisciplinary hypothesis testing approach is adopted to investigate the intraspecific relationships, and venom evolution within the polytypic species, Crotalus viridis, in western North America. A molecular phylogeny is reconstructed from mitochondrial cytochrome b (678 bp) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4; 669 bp) DNA sequence information. The phylogeny is not concordant with the conventional subspecies categories, but shows strong geographical structuring corresponding to the major geographic regions of the western U. S. The basal split gives rise to two lineages (5.1-6.4% sequence divergence) corresponding to haplotypes east and west of the Rocky Mountains. Within the western lineage, Crotalus viridis cerberus forms a sister group to the other western haplotypes, and appears to have a long, independent evolutionary history. Multivariate morphometric analysis also reveals regional structuring. Clear eastern and western forms are apparent, although these populations are not totally reproductively isolated. North-south clinal variation in morphology is found among populations east of the Rocky Mountains between Montana and Arizona. Among the western forms, there is clearly a zone of intergradation between the Great Basin and Pacific Coast forms, represented by a morphological cline in Idaho. Clinal variation was also found between the northern and southern Pacific Coast forms. Venom evolution is of interest in C. viridis, since C. v. concolor is the only subspecies of C. viridis to secrete a high toxicity PLA2 phospholipase (Concolor toxin) in its venom in adulthood. Isoelectric focusing of venom proteins revealed 14 variable bands, of which only one was unique (pI 8.52) to C. v. concolor. Principal coordinates analysis revealed three main venom types, corresponding to the Pacific Coast, C. v. concolor, and the remaining populations respectively. However, C. v. concolor tends to cluster with the latter group when the unique venom band is excluded from the analysis. 1 Phylogeny, rather than ecology, appears to be an important cause of geographic variation in both morphology and venom, as revealed by partial Mantel tests. Many characters are influenced by both phylogeny and ecology, however, probably because many causes of variation are intercorrelated. It is suggested that selection on venom composition probably varies according to the function of individual components. The systematics of Crotalus viridis complex is reviewed according the criteria of the general lineage concept of species. Combined evidence from the molecular phylogeny and morphology (and to a lesser extent venom) suggests the existence of three species, to be named Crotalus viridis, Crotalus cerberus, and Crotalus oreganus (including the subspecies C. o. oreganus, C. o. lutosus and C. o. concolor).
DiFFEREnTiALLY EXPRESSED TRAnSCRiPTS RELATED TO HEiGHT in OiL PALM

A subtractive cDNA library was constructed using MPOB Planting Series 1 (PS1) population to isolate differentially expressed transcripts associated with height increment in oil palm. After differential screening, 98 clones were identified to be potentially positive with cDNA inserts ranging from 250 to 1000 bp. A total of 123 sequences generated and low quality sequences ≤ 20 were eliminated using Phred program to assess the sequence quality and determine the accurate consensus sequence. Contig assembly by CAP3 program generated 51 contigs and four singletons (55 unigenes). Blast search showed 49 unique sequences had significant match to various plant species in the GeneBank database with E-value ≤ 1e5, and four sequences showed no significant similarity. Gene ontology analysis output from Blast2GO program revealed that the sequences encoding for auxin responsive protein, circadian clock-associated protein1, zinc-finger protein and basic leucine zipper protein were potentially associated to dwarfism. The genes were identified based on their putative functions in regulating height in plants, particularly in growth hormone biosynthesis such as auxin (Aux/IAA), gibberellins (GA) and brassinosteroids (BR).
Description of Platycleis (Montana) helleri sp. n. (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Tettigoniinae): Morphology, Song and Remarks on the Distribution of the Subgenus

Abstract The new species Platycleis (Montana) helleri Ciplak & Taylan sp.n. (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Tettigoniinae) is described on the basis of morphology and male calling song. The phylogenetic relationships of the new species are evaluated using both song and morphological characters, for which illustrations are provided. The species Platycleis (Montana) medvedevi (Miram) is assumed to be the closest relative of Platycleis (Montana) helleri sp.n. Finally a short remark on distribution of the the subgenus is given.
Grooved board traps for monitoring the black vine weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in raspberry fields

A grooved board trap was tested to detennine the effects of trap size (two sizes) and bait (apple pomace) on capturing the black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus on raspberries, Rubus idaeus. Large traps (30 x 30 cm) caught significantly more weevils than small ones (15 x 15 cm). Large traps were also more sensitive in capturing weevils than small ones, which will be important when the weevil density is low. Apple pomace bait did not significantly enhance the attractiveness of grooved board traps to the black vine weevil. Grooved board traps may also be useful for weevil monitoring in other crops. Key words: black vine weevil; board trap; raspberry; apple pomace
A new species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) feeding on ornamental Cordyline fruticosa (Asparagaceae) in Australia

Larvae of an undescribed gall midge were found feeding on leaves and stems within leaf sheaths and between leaf blades of potted plants of Cordyline fruticosa (Asparagaceae) in a production nursery in Queensland. The following varieties of the host plant were infested: ‘Apple Blossom’, ‘Glauca’, ‘Kilauea’, ‘Negra’, ‘Pink Diamond’, ‘Purple Prince’ and ‘Willy's Gold’. The new species, Dasineura cordylineae Kolesik sp. nov., is described and its cytochrome oxidase unit I mitochondrial gene segment is sequenced. The new species is the first known gall midge feeding on a plant species of the genus Cordyline. Orange larvae induce oval shallow swellings on the leaf and stem tissue, which becomes necrotised during the later stage of larval feeding. Necrotic areas remain visible to the end of leaves' lives and decrease the market value of the plants. In the production nursery investigated, the lesions caused by the gall midge provided an entry for a fungal infection by Fusarium sp. inflicting further injury to plants. Larvae of the new species were preyed on by larvae of Gaurax sp. (Diptera: Chloropidae). This is the first worldwide record of Chloropidae preying on Cecidomyiidae.
A Novel β-Peptidyl Aminopeptidase (BapA) from Strain 3-2W4 Cleaves Peptide Bonds of Synthetic β-Tri- and β-Dipeptides

ABSTRACT A novel bacterial strain that was capable of growing on the β-tripeptide H-βhVal-βhAla-βhLeu-OH as the sole carbon and nitrogen source was isolated from an enrichment culture. On the basis of physiological characterization, partial 16S rRNA sequencing, and fatty acid analysis, strain 3-2W4 was identified as a member of the family Sphingomonadaceae. Growth on the β-tripeptide and the β-dipeptide H-βhAla-βhLeu-OH was observed, and emerging metabolites were characterized. Small amounts of a persisting metabolite, the N-acetylated β-dipeptide, were identified in both media. According to dissolved organic carbon measurements, 74 to 80% of the available carbon was dissimilated. The β-peptide-degrading enzyme was purified from the crude cell extract of cells from strain 3-2W4 grown on complex medium. The enzyme was composed of two subunits, and the N-terminal sequences of both were determined. With this information, it was possible to identify the complete nucleotide sequence and to deduce the primary structure of the gene bapA. The gene encoded a β-peptidyl aminopeptidase (BapA) of 402 amino acids that was synthesized as preprotein with a signal sequence of 29 amino acids. The enzyme was cleaved into two subunits (residues 30 to 278 and 279 to 402). It belonged to the N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolase superfamily.
Bacteria from Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Spores Gigaspora sp. and Glomus sp. : Their Antagonistic Effects towards Soilborne Fungal Pathogens and Growth Stimulation of Gigaspora sp. in vitro

Eight isolates bacteria were isolated from surface sterilized endomycorrhizal spores of Gigaspora sp and six isolates bacteria isolated from Glomus sp. The tests to the antagonists against fungal pathogens and stimulation of endomycorrhizae hyphal development of Gigaspora sp in vitro showed that there were three.isolates (GG1, GG5 and GL3) that have the ability to inhibit the growth of pathogens and enhance the development of hyphae in vitro. Enzymatic activity test showed that there were seven isolates that produce cellulase and protease activity that is GG1, GG3, GG6, GG7, GL2, GL4 and GL6
Diversidade de anuros (Amphibia) em áreas recuperada de atividade mineradora no cerrado e de plantio de Eucalyptus urophyla no Brasil Central = Anura diversity (Amphibia) in recovered areas of mining activity in cerrado and Eucalyptus urophyla ...

A diversidade de anfibios no Cerrado e ameacada principalmente pelo aumento das atividades antropicas. A legislacao vigente exige de empreendimentos potencialmente impactantes a implantacao de programas ambientais que incluem a recuperacao de areas degradadas e o estudo dos mecanismos ecologicos associados a recolonizacao de areas alteradas. Neste estudo, utilizamos os anfibios para investigar estes padroes e responder as perguntas: (i) existem diferencas na composicao de especies em assembleias de anuros entre areas de topografia modificada (ATM) e areas de topografia nao modificada (ATNM)? (ii) existe diferenca entre a riqueza de anuros entre ATM e ATNM? Apesar do maior numero de especies registradas na ATM (28 especies) em relacao a ATNM (22 especies), nao houve diferenca na riqueza quando comparamos as curvas de rarefacao ou a riqueza estimada (jackknife1). Entretanto, as duas assembleias diferiram quanto as curvas de abundância relativa, especialmente quanto ao padrao das especies mais abundantes. Localmente, a analise de co-ocorrencia demonstrou que as especies na ATM co-ocorrem menos do que o esperado ao acaso, o que indica a partilha dos ambientes para reproducao mediada por interacoes competitivas. A presenca de corpos d'agua artificiais com alta heterogeneidade estrutural, associados a fragmentos florestais em bom estado de conservacao, sao fatores que contribuem para a manutencao de uma alta diversidade de anfibios na area.
Recent political disturbances in Nepal threaten rhinos: lessons to be learned

This article describes rhino poaching in Nepal during the Maoist insurgency and the social unrest that took place from 2000 to late 2007, with special emphasis on the latter two years. There are three areas in Nepal with rhinos: Chitwan and Bardia National Parks and Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. In 2006 there were at least 21 rhinos poached in Nepal, a continuing trend of serious poaching since 2001. In 2007, poaching fell; officials recorded only five rhinos known to have been poached, although in reality the figure was higher. That year the country returned to relative peace and many of the guard posts were re-instated. New approaches to rhino conservation in Nepal are needed now, including those that have proved to be successful elsewhere in Asia and Africa, in order to better safeguard Nepal’s rhinos once more. The rhinos are particularly vulnerable when they wander outside the protected areas. Recommendations are given, such as consideration for some rhinos to be managed in temporary sanctuaries, both governmental and private. The recent political unrest has been a warning that in such conditions a country can be de-stabilized very quickly with government and Army attention shifted away from wildlife conservation. Rhinos in these circumstances are easy targets to poachers. Thus, more involvement of the private sector in rhino protection is vital.