Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abundance, spatial distribution and habitat relationships of echinoderms in the Cabo Verde Archipelago (eastern Atlantic)

The analysis of spatial variability in distribution and abundance of echinoderms may help in identifying the range of processes that can explain the observed patterns of this important component of benthic communities. The distribution and abundance of the echinoderm assemblage inhabiting the shallow rocky reefs at the Cabo Verde archipelago (where few studies other than descriptive ones have been performed until now) was quantified at three spatial scales (among islands, between locations within islands, and among replicates), at two depth strata, and related to fine-scale variation of habitat structure. Total echinoderm abundance and the abundance of the sea urchins Diadema antillarum and Eucidaris tribuloides, and the holothurian Euapta lappa were heterogeneous at the largest considered scale. Most species and habitat descriptors exhibited spatial variability at finer scales. There were significant relationships between habitat architecture and depth and both assemblage parameters and species abundances. Although the effects of habitat structure were species- specific, the probability of occurrence of Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea and Holothuroidea species was higher in heterogeneous habitats. Meanwhile Echinoidea and Holothuroidea species showed higher correlations to complex habitats. The observed spatial patterns are inferred to reflect behavioural responses to fine-scale microhabitat complexity, as well as broad-scale oceanic variables and recruitment dynamics.
Ontogeny of the vascular bundles and contiguous tissues in the maize leaf blade

The initiation and development of the major and minor veins and contiguous tissues in the leaf blade of barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Morex) follow similar patterns. Both bundle types are associated with two bundle sheaths, an outer parenchymatous bundle sheath (PBS) and an inner mestome sheath (MS). In both major and minor veins, the procambial strand arises in the median layer of cells and gives rise to both the vascular tissues and the MS. The PBS and mesophyll, by contrast, originate in all three cell layers of the ground meristem. Development of the vascular bundles and contiguous tissues in the barley leaf is essentially similar to that of their counterparts in the leaf of Festuca arundinacea, another C3 grass (Dengler et al. 1985). Most differences are related to a difference in blade thickness between the two species at the time of vein initiation.
5-Azacytidine inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract In this study, we investigated the effect of 5-azacytidine on proliferation and apoptosis of bmMSCs. After exposure to different concentrations of 5-azacytindine, bmMSC proliferation and apoptosis were measured by MTT assay, Caspase-3 staining and western blotting. Our results show that 1 μM 5-azacytidine has no significant effect on viability of bmMSCs; however, 5–20 μM 5-azacytindine significantly inhibits bmMSC proliferation and expression of phospho-Akt; 10 and 20 μM 5-azacytidine markedly increases bmMSC apoptosis and expression of Caspase-3, Annexin V and Bax, and decreases expression of Bcl2. Our findings indicate that 5-azacytidine at the commonly used doses has toxicity to bmMSCs.
Characterization of Metarhizium anisopliae using amplifed ribossomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis

Molecular methods have revolutionized systematic entomology in the genus Metarhizium . In Brazil, the importance of these entomopathogenic fungi in agriculture is critical to the control of the sugar cane spittlebug ( Mahanarva posticata ) ( Homoptera: Cercopidae ). Other important factors for the selection of isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae for use in the biological control of particular pests are virulence, reproductive characteristics and the media of artificial cultures. In addition, the genetic variability of these entomopathogenic fungi indicates a great potential for pest control and a lack of a link between isolates from specific host sites and fungal virulence. We studied five Metarhizium hosts including the sugar cane spittlebug (IPA213, IPA215, IPA219 and IPA216) and the grasshopper (IPA217). It is noteworthy that these five isolates are used as biological control for growing sugar cane on an industrial scale for the Brazilian Northeast. Hence, the importance to genetically characterize these isolates of Metarhizium cannot be over emphasized. Amplifed ribossomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) did not differentiate any of the isolates that were studied following digestion with three endonuclease namely; HindIII, HinfI and HpaI . The data that were generated using ITS1 and ITS4 markers revealed that although these isolates infect the same host, they are genetically distinct perhaps due to the unknown origin of the hosts. However, the isolate IPA217, which was isolated from the grasshopper, did not behave differently from the others. These results show that the M. anisopliae complex is monophyletic and it was concluded that the use of markers and morphological studies yielded results that may corroborate the idea that investigation of the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of this genus may indentify a new species of Metarhizium . Key words : Cordyceps brittebankisoides, genetic identity, ITS1, ITS4, phylogeny, sugar cane spittlebug.
HR Analytics as a Strategic Workforce Planning

The need of the proactive workforce planning is indispensable. A rapid change in technology and intense globalization is forcing the organizations to change its overall business strategy. The paper highlights how the strategic workforce planning provides a multi – dimensional approach towards building a human capital. HR analytics help to identify the skills and creating the leaders of tomorrow. Thus, with the help of HR analytics a strategic workforce plan will reduce attrition rate, mitigate risks and built a value added training culture for the organization.
Stability of transgene transmission in three generations of transgenic rabbits after single or double pronuclear microinjection.

Several problems are commonly encountered with the production of transgenic rabbits: a low pregnancy rate, small litter size, cannibalism, mosaic founders incapable of germ-line transmission, a low transgene transmission rate and uncontrolled expression. One of the requirements for creating lines of transgenic animals creation is stable transgene transmission to offspring. In the present study, we demonstrate the transmission of the heterologous gene mouse WAPhuman FVIII into F1 and F2 generations. Transgenic founder rabbits were generated by microinjection into a single pronucleus (single microinjection, SM) or into both pronuclei (double microinjection, DM). The rabbits were apparently normal and mating of founders with non-transgenic rabbits yielded litters of normal size (8 ± 0.40). PCR and Southern-blots demonstrated integration of the WAP-hFVIII gene in 35% or 44% of the SM or DM F1 generation, respectively. Stability of transgene transmission to the F2 generation was also confirmed (44% or 43%, resp.). Transgenic males and females from F1 generation were bred to obtain homozygous animals. 73% and 77% of SM and DM offspring tested positive for the transgene. The number of copies integrated into the genome was estimated by Southern blot analysis. Both founders had one copy of the gene, which was transmitted to their transgenic offspring. Our results confirm successful integration and stable germ-line transmission of the WAP-hFVIII hybrid gene in both SM and DM lines and in three rabbit generations. This also indicates that double microinjection does not have any deleterious effects on transgene transgene integration and transmission in rabbits.
Potential of Benthic Diatoms Achnanthes longipes, Amphora coffeaeformisand Navicula sp. (Bacillariophyceae) as Antioxidant Sources

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions, which are produced because of exogenous factors (tobacco smoke, ionizing radiation and certain pollutants) and endogenous factors (normal aerobic respiration) have been implicated in cellular processes such as mutagenesis, carcinogenesis and premature aging. ROS have the ability to react with a large variety of easily oxidisable cellular components, such as proteins, lipids and lipoproteins (Fridovich 1995). Oxidation is one of the major reasons of food deterioration, resulting to the destruction of fat-soluble vitamins and development of off colors and toxicants (Yang et al. 2000; Ukeda et al. 2002). Besides, in the food industry lipid peroxidation is an important deteriorative reaction during processing and storage. Commercial antioxidant supplements such as butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA), butylated hydroxy tolouene (BHT), α-tocopherol and propyl gallate (PG) have been used in order to reduce oxidative damages in human body (Sherwin 1990; Gulcin et al. 2002). However, it is suspected that those antioxidants are responsible for some side effects such as liver damage and carcinogenesis. Antioxidants are involved with the oxidation mechanism by scavenging free radicals, chelating catalytic metals and by acting as oxygen scavengers (Shahidi and Wanasundara 1992; Buyukokuroglu et al. 2001). As a natural antioxidant source, plants have an ability to absorb the sun’s radiation for generating high levels of oxygen as secondary metabolites of photosynthesis. Oxygen is easily activated by ultra violet (UV) radiation and heat from the sunlight to produce toxic ROS. Therefore, plants produce various antioxidative comAlgae Volume 24(1): 47-55, 2009
White pines, Ribes, and blister rust: integration and action

The preceding articles in this series review the history, biology and management of white pine blister rust in North America, Europe and eastern Asia. In this integration, we connect and discuss seven recurring themes important for understanding and managing epidemics of Cronartium ribicola in the white pines (five-needle pines in subgenus Strobus). Information and action priorities for research and management of the pathogen, telial and aecial hosts, and their interactions are listed in a detailed Appendix. Syntheses focused on genetics, plant disease, invasive species or forest management have provided alternative but knowledgeable lessons on the white pine blister rust pathosystem. Two critical issues for the conservation of white pines are to sustain ecosystems affected by blister rust and to maintain genetic diversity for adaptive traits such as disease resistance. Forest genetics includes tree improvement and molecular techniques for research; their application can increase rust resistance by artificial and natural selection. Silviculture augments genetics with methods to deploy and enhance resistance as well as to regenerate and tend white pine stands. Although cultivated or wild Ribes might serve as inoculum sources, silviculture and horticulture can reduce the risk of serious impacts from blister rust using genetics for breeding and epidemiology for hazard assessment and disease control. Climate change threatens to cause major alterations in temperature and precipitation regimes, resulting in maladapted conifers succumbing to various diseases and insect outbreaks. In contrast, many white pine species have broad ecological ranges and are tolerant of harsh environments - traits that permit successful establishment and growth over wide geographic and altitudinal zones. Given appropriate management, white pines could thrive as valuable commercial and ecologically important keystone species. In an uncertain environment, adaptive management provides a learning and participatory approach for sustaining resilient ecosystems.
A comparison of population estimates and abundance indices for house mice inhabiting beech forests in New Zealand

Populations of house mice were sampled on nine grids in Fiordland National Park between May and November 1999, using live-capture and footprint-tracking tunnel methods. Trapped mice were removed from three grids (approximately 3.24 ha each), and marked and released on the other six. Density estimates were obtained using recapture data from the grids where mice were released (Mh (jackknife) model from program CAPTURE), and rate-of-capture data from grids where mice were removed (Mbh (removal) CAPTURE model). Density estimates were used to evaluate the performance of 4 indices of mouse abundance by contrasting R2-values of their regression on estimated mouse density. Indices evaluated were: minimum number of individuals known to be alive (MNA) (total number of individual mice caught over the course of a trapping session), one-night trap catch (number of mice caught on first night of each trapping session expressed as captures per 100 trap-nights), three-night trap catch (same index estimated from number of mice caught over the first three nights), and tracking-tunnel index (proportion of nine tunnels that had mouse tracks). While MNA, one-night trap catch, and three-night trap catch were all significantly correlated with estimated density, MNA was most strongly correlated, with R2 varying between 0.67 to 0.87 depending on whether 3, 4 or 5 nights’ capture data were used. Variation in tracking-tunnel index was unrelated to mouse density on our grids.
Genetic Variation of Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) and Related Species Revealed by ISSR Analysis

Abstract Genetic diversity of eight genotypes of Carthamus tinctorius L. , two populations of C. oxyacanthus, and one population of C. lanatus was investigated using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. All samples were uniquely distinguished by 10 ISSR primers with 144 bands which generated 100% polymorphism. Furthermore, the ISSR markers could separate three safflower species properly, that highlights the effectiveness of this marker system for phylogenetic studies. The most and least informative primers were ISSR9 (PIC=0.367) and ISSR2 (PIC=0.254), and some primers were more efficient in detecting polymorphism in one species than for the others. Unweighed pair-group method with arithmetical averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis enabled construction of a dendrogram for estimating genetic distances among different populations. The result of cluster analysis suggested that cultivated and wild populations of C. oxyacanthus had close relationship with each other and far relationship with C. lanatus. The extreme genetic dissimilarity was observed between genotypes of C. tinctorius and C. lanatus populations. Based on the results, C. oxyacanthus could introduce favorable genes to cultivated safflower via inter-specific hybridization in breeding programs. Nei’s gene diversity index, Shannon’s index and percent of polymorphic loci showed that Isfahan ecotype of C. oxyacanthus had the highest variation at DNA level in relation to populations of other species. The ISSRs developed in this research along with those recently studied by other researchers will contribute to construct genetic map with a density sufficient for safflower molecular breeding.
Genetic Connectivity Patterns of Corals Pocillopora damicornis and Porites panamensis (Anthozoa: Scleractinia) Along the West Coast of Mexico1

Abstract: Genetic connectivity was studied in two scleractinian corals, Pocillopora damicornis (branching and broadcast spawner) and Pontes panamensis (massive and brooding type), along the Pacific coast of Mexico. Allelic diversity between adults and juveniles, the latter recruited after the El Niño—Southern Oscillation (ENSO) 1997–1998 event, was determined, and level of genetic connectivity among populations was assessed. There were no significant differences in allelic diversity between adults and juveniles from the same location. Seascape spatial genetic analysis suggested two or three clusters, depending on the species: (1) Bahías de Huatulco, (2) south of the Baja California Peninsula and Bahía de Banderas, and (3) locations in the Gulf of California. The most important barrier to gene flow was detected between Bahía de Banderas and Bahías de Huatulco and corresponds with a major coastal stretch of sandy beaches and lagoons. Moderate to high gene flow was found inside and at the entrance of the Gulf of California (Nem = 62–250), possibly favored by seasonal circulation patterns and sexual reproduction. In contrast, low gene flow was observed between southern populations and the rest of coastal Mexico (Nem < 1.7) based on high local recruitment and habitat discontinuity. A close genetic relationship of corals from the southern part of the Baja California Peninsula and severely damaged Bahía de Banderas coral communities confirmed that exchange of propagules could have taken place between the localities after the ENSO 1997–1998 event. Despite different reproductive strategies, both species showed similar patterns, suggesting the importance of surficial currents and habitat discontinuity to predict connectivity among coral reefs.
Production of exopolysaccharide by Lactobacillus plantarum and the prebiotic activity of the exopolysaccharide

Characteristics of an exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by a mutant strain of Lactobacillus plantarum, strain 301102S, including yield from whey, monosaccharide analysis, and prebiotic activity, were investigated. The EPS production in whey was higher at 25°C than at 30 and 37°C. The supplementation with yeast extract and glucose in whey gave a high EPS yield of 145 mg/L, and the EPS contained glucose and mannose (molar ratio, 1:2). Prebiotic activities of galactooligosaccharide, inulin and the EPS with 37 lactic acid bacteria strains were investigated, and prebiotic activity of the EPS was high with the parent strain. This suggests that the EPS produced in whey by the mutant strain is easier utilized by strain 301102 than the other strains, and the EPS produced by this strain is capable for use as a prebiotic.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Major Gangliosides in Rat Cerebellum

The localization of major gangliosides in adult rat cerebellum was investigated by immunofluorescence technique with mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Five MAbs (GMB16, GMR17, GGR12, GMR5, and GMR13) that specifically recognize gangliosides GM1, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, and GQ1b, respectively, were used. Our studies have revealed that the expression of the ganglioside is highly localized to a specific cell-type and layer in the rat cerebellum. GM1 was expressed in myelin and some glial cells. GD1a was detected exclusively in the molecular layer. GD1b and GQ1b were present restrictedly on the granular layer; GD1b was detected on the surface of the granular cell bodies, whereas GQ1b was present in the cerebellar glomerulus. GT1b was distributed intensely in both the molecular layer and the granular layer.
Atmospheric forcing of cool subsurface water events in Bahía Culebra, Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica

Bahia Culebra, at Gulf of Papagayo on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is an area of seasonal upwelling where more intense cooling events may occur during some boreal winter weeks mainly. To study these extreme cool events, records of nine sea subsurface temperature stations from 1998 to 2010 were analyzed. Five events associated with extremely cool temperatures in this region were identified from these records and taken as study cases. Sea temperatures decreased about 8-9oC during these events and occurred while cold fronts were present in the Caribbean, with strong trade wind conditions over Central America. These strong wind conditions may have favored the offshore displacement of the sea surface water. The axis of Bahia Culebra runs northeast- southwest, a condition that favors and triggers cool water events, mainly because the displaced water is replaced by water from deeper levels. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (Suppl. 2): 173-186. Epub 2012 April 01.
Training Barriers in the Middle Eastern Hotel Industry: A Case Study in Saudi Hotels

Training in hotels was found to be useful for the development of the human resources through which hotels deliver services to their guests. Training barriers in hotels in Saudi Arabia have not been empirically explored, especially from the perspective of hotel training managers. The purpose of this study is to explore major barriers that training managers in Saudi Arabian hotels are facing and their impact on the training function in the hotels. The study is aimed at identifying causes of these barriers, and effects on the staff performance. A single embedded case study approach was used, which involved unstructured interviews with hotel training managers and document analysis. The case study was conducted in three Saudi Arabian five-star international chained hotels. All three hotels represented units of the single case study as they all belong to the same chain and following the same brand standards. After conducting and analyzing the interviews along with the documents, thirteen issues have been identified throughout all three units of the case study.
Expression of adult plant resistance and its effect on the development of Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici in some Australian wheat cultivars

The onset of adult plant resistance (APR) to Puccinia striiformis was examined in seven Australian wheat cultivars under field conditions and in 14 cultivars under controlled environmental conditions. In most cultivars under field conditions the percentage leaf area affected by stripe rust at mid-tillering (GS 22–26; third leaf) was significantly less (P < 0.05) than on the more susceptible cultivar Teal. The expression of APR was more conspicuous during tillering to node formation; at these growth stages chlorosis and/or necrosis developed in association with rust colonies on the most resistant cultivars. Under controlled conditions, the primary leaves of all cultivars except Olympic and Flinders displayed some resistance when compared with Teal (lower infection types, longer latent periods and/or less percentage leaf area affected). Studies on the spread of stripe rust from infection foci established in selected cultivars in the field indicated that the resistance detected at early growth stages in Suneca in controlled environmental studies also appeared to be effective in the field.
A morphological comparison of leaf heteroblasty between New Caledonia and New Zealand

Abstract Leaf heteroblasty, or pronounced changes in leaf morphology during plant development, is a conspicuous phenomenon on many isolated islands. However, morphological comparisons have not been made between islands, and the processes responsible for island heteroblasty are poorly understood. We investigated differences in leaf morphology of heteroblastic trees and shrubs in New Caledonia and New Zealand. Heteroblastic leaves were collected in field searches in several comparable habitat types in both countries. Leaf area, lobing, and degree of circularity were measured on juvenile and adult leaves from 31 species belonging to 19 plant families. Multivariate analysis of variance was then used to compare ontogenetic changes in leaf morphology between countries. Results showed that juvenile leaves were smaller and more lobed than adult leaves. Life history stage did not interact with country, indicating that morphological shifts between juvenile and adult leaves did not differ between New Caledonia and New Zealand. We conclude that island heteroblasty is similar in both locales, despite their strongly different climates, and the phenomenon likely results from some aspect of their shared geological history.