Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sedimented Chemosynthetic Ecosystems of the Southern Ocean

Sedimented chemosynthetic ecosystems (SCEs) are complex seafloor environments that combine several potential sources of organic matter. Their physical similarity to the vast soft-sediment habitats on the seafloor means that they can be inhabited by a diverse range of more ubiquitous fauna. This is in stark contrast to ecosystems such as hard substratum hydrothermal vents, which are typically almost totally dominated by a few specialist species. Another characteristic of these ecosystems is that they exhibit diffuse environmental gradients, relating to chemosynthetic production potential and environmental toxicity. Consequently, it is often difficult to determine their spatial extent, and the ecological responses along such gradients. A central theme of the research presented in this thesis has been to determine the role of habitat-structuring processes at two contrasting SCEs in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. I demonstrate that these environments elicit significant changes in assemblage structure, trophodynamics and carbon cycles. Chemosynthetic activity generally did not constitute a major proportion of the diet of any assemblage, even at the most hydrothermally active sites, but was detected in macrofaunal food webs at very surprising distances (~ 100km) from the (known) sites of active venting. This research illustrates and examines the impacts that these environments can have upon a range of ecological processes and raises questions about the full extent and significance of chemosynthetic organic matter production in seafloor ecosystems.
Molecular characterization and some environmental factors influencing distribution of the endangered and endemic gulella taitensis in Taita hills, Kenya

Gulella taitensis is a land snail of the family Streptaxidae and genus Gulella. It is endemic to Taita hills and categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red List. The species is threatened by habitat loss and disturbance due to human activities. Two people sampled snails at four sampling plots using standard timed direct search for one hour. Soil samples were collected from four different points within these sampling plots, and its pH, calcium and electrical conductivity obtained using standard soil chemical analysis methods. Litter depth, litter cover, canopy cover, log and tree density were assessed. Distribution of G. taitensis varied significantly between all the forest fragments. Most of the environmental variables investigated recorded a positive association with the G. taitensis densities. Calcium is significant for the snail’s survival and has a significant correlation with litter cover, canopy cover and log density and these influences the distribution between the forest fragments. Calcium, canopy cover, log density and tree density form the best combination of environmental variables (model) that influence the distribution and abundance of G. taitensis. Polymerase Chain Reaction of DNA extracted from these snails using microsatellite primers showed there is genetic diversity within this species. We predict that there could be genetic variations within this species since the phylogenetic tree shoed two major clades and samples from the same forest fragment clustered at different clades while others clustered closely together within the same clade. There is a possibility of the presence of a hybrid or sub-species within this species. This requires more specific primers to be used to confirm it as genetic work of this genus is scanty.
Costs of delivery approaches for providing livelihood projects to local communities as part of REDD+ programmes: An analysis from Madagascar

SUMMARY Providing benefits to local people from forest conservation programmes is an important issue for policy makers. Livelihood projects are a common way to provide benefits, but there is little information about their costs. We analysed 463 livelihood projects in the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) pilot project in Madagascar to understand how different approaches to delivering livelihood projects affect costs. We compared costs across four approaches: conservation agreements, small grants, direct implementation and application of social safeguards. The approach impacted overall costs and the proportion of funds reaching communities. Projects implemented as safeguards were most expensive and had the lowest proportion of expenditures reaching the community. Projects provided as part of conservation agreements directed the highest proportion of expenditures to communities. Our results highlight that how livelihood projects are delivered has implications for project costs and community benefits and should be an important consideration in the design and implementation of REDD+ and forest conservation policies.
The genetic structure of six-rowed naked barley landraces from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is correlated with variation for ecogeographical factors

Abstract: Genetic differentiation in natural populations is driven by geographic distance and by ecological features within and between natural habitats. Among the cereal species, barley is the most strongly adapted to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The objective of this study was to search for correlations between the genetic structure of QTP barley landraces and variation for ecogeographical factors. A set of 230 six-rowed naked barley landraces adapted to a wide range of ecological conditions in the QTP were genotyped using the Diversity Array Technology (DArT) platform. On this basis, two distinct populations and four subpopulations were recognized, each associated with a definable geographical distribution. Population structure appeared to be best correlated with altitude at the population level, but temperature and rainfall contributed markedly to the structure of subpopulations. Nine of the 22 outlier loci were identified as being under positive selection and related to traits potentially important for local adaptation. Some correlations between the variation in certain ecogeographical factors and allele frequency at particular DArT loci were observed. The identification of DArT markers potentially associated with adaptation traits should encourage the exploitation of this unique germplasm as a source of genetic variation relevant for barley improvement.
Response of a fringing reef coastline to the direct impact of a tropical cyclone

Tropical cyclones generate extreme hazards along coastlines, often leading to losses of life and property. Although coral reefs exist in cyclone‐prone regions globally, few studies have measured the hydrodynamic conditions and morphological responses of reef‐fringed coastlines to tropical cyclones. Here, we examine the impact of Tropical Cyclone Olwyn on a section of Australia's largest fringing reef (Ningaloo Reef) using in situ wave and water level observations, topographic surveys, and numerical modeling. Despite forereef significant wave heights reaching 6 m and local winds of 140 km h−1, average beach volume change was only −3 m3 m−1. The results indicate that this erosion was due to locally generated wind waves within the lagoon rather than the offshore waves that were dissipated on the reef crest. A comparison of these volume changes to observations of tropical cyclone impacts along exposed sandy beaches quantitatively demonstrates the substantial coastal protection reefs can provide against extreme storms.
Body composition and the brain: investigating life history trade-offs in living humans

The ‘expensive-tissue’ hypothesis of Aiello and Wheeler is well-known in anthropology for positing that an increasingly small gut was a key factor in the evolution of the large hominin brain. The insight that organs and tissues in the body compete for energy resources was also central to the ‘thrifty phenotype’ hypothesis of Hales and Barker, which proposed that nutritional stress in fetal life resulted in differential growth of the brain and pancreas. Both hypotheses are consistent with life history theory, which assumes that energy allocation trade-offs occur in energylimited environments. The prediction that somatic traits trade off against one another in the context of the body’s fixed energy budget has, however, yet to be rigorously tested in humans. The current thesis project aimed to fill this gap by recruiting 70 healthy young women and obtaining comprehensive, high-quality data on their brain and body composition. This included, specifically, measures of brain gray and white matter volume, fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and volumes of the heart, liver, kidneys and spleen. Additional outcomes included resting energy expenditure and two proxies of early-life growth: birth weight, a marker of fetal weight gain, and tibia length, a marker of linear growth indexing postnatal experience. With these data, three principal hypotheses were tested: 1) there is variation in the energy expenditure of tissues and organs; 2) trade-offs are observed between brain and body organs/tissues; and 3) trade-off relationships are mediated by early-life growth. Results suggest the metabolic cost of organs and tissues is variable, and that the brain – in particular its gray matter component – trades off against lean tissues in the body (i.e. skeletal muscle, the liver and kidneys), but not fat mass. However, less support was found for the prediction that trade-offs are mediated by fetal and infant growth.
Range shifts in response to past and future climate change: Can climate velocities and species’ dispersal capabilities explain variation in mammalian range shifts?

Range shift is a relatively well‐understood response to climate change, but our ability to predict shifts is limited. Two factors that may cause variation in range shifts across species are dispersal ability and varying rates of climate change through time and across space. Here, we assess patterns of range shifts during the late Quaternary and estimate how the velocity of climate change and the dispersal ability of a species affect the magnitude of species range shifts in response to climate change.
Characterization of tuber blight‐suppressive soils from four provinces of the Ecuadorean Andes

G. Orquera-Tornakian, C. I. D ıaz, D. C. Mogrovejo, D. J. Villamar ın, F. Jarr ın, L. K. Ponce, R. Oliva, J. Gia, G. A. Forbes , J. Andrade-Piedra, F. J. Flores, C. D. Garzon, J. Molineros, A. Koch and M. S. Ben ıtez* Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas, Sangolqui, Ecuador; Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA; International Potato Center (CIP), Quito, Ecuador; International Rice Research Institute, Los Ba~ nos, Philippines; Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de las Am ericas, UDLA-Quito, Quito, Ecuador; CIP and CGIAR Research Program on Roots Tubers and Bananas (RTB), Kunming, China; and CIP, RTB, Lima, Peru
Identification of mycobacteria from unhealthy and apparently healthy aquarium fish using both conventional and PCR analyses of hsp65 gene

Seventy-eight unhealthy and forty-two apparently healthy looking freshwater aquarium fish belonging to twenty-six different species were collected from local aquarium stores in different cities and were investigated for the presence of mycobacteria in north-western Iran by culture and molecular methods. Using the culture method, Mycobacterium sp. was isolated from 31.6% of the fish (38 cases), while it was obtained in 30.8% (37 cases) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for a 439 bp fragment of the heat shock protein 65kD gene (hsp65). Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) were seen on the smears of 27 samples (22.5%) by direct microscopic examination method of Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN, for staining Mycobacterium spp. isolates). Based on all three methods, 38 purified bacterial isolates, which are well-known pathogens in humans as well as in fish, were identified: nine isolates of M. fortuitum, nine M. marinum, seven M. smegmatis, four M. terrea, four M. flavescens, three M. gordonae and two isolates of M. asiaticum. Mycobacterium marinum, M. fortuitum, M. smegmatis and M. flavescens were common in both diseased and healthy fish groups. In conclusion, considering diagnostic challenge for both culture and molecular methods of bacterial identification and their importance, especially in apparently healthy looking freshwater aquarium fish, the results of this study demonstrates that, in terms of reliable sensitivity, conventional microbial identification is superior to molecular techniques.
Electrical, Thermal and Optical Parametric Study of Guided Ionization Waves Produced with a Compact μs-Pulsed DBD-Based Reactor

Atmospheric pressure guided ionization waves (GIWs) that are driven by ns/μs-pulsed high voltages, are promising tools in the biomedical field allowing for the effective production of reactive species and metastables without thermal damages of the specimens that are exposed. In most cases, plasma is produced in noble gases using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) devices of more-or-less sophisticated geometries. In this study, a compact low-cost DBD reactor of very simple geometry is presented. It is fed with pure helium and driven by positive μs-pulsed high voltage (amplitude: 4.5–8 kV, pulse width: 1–10 μs) of audio frequencies (5–20 kHz), while it operates consistently for long time periods in a wide range of conditions. The produced plasma exhibits propagation lengths up to 4 cm and rich chemical reactivity is established outside the reactor, depending on the device’s experimental parameters. Besides, the dielectric tube’s temperature during plasma operation is an important factor, which is linked to the plasma characteristics. This temperature and its variations are thoroughly investigated herein, along with GIWs electrical features versus the electrical parameters of the pulsed power supply. Accordingly, it is demonstrated that not all of the operational windows are adequate for thermal-free operation and suitable operating conditions of this system are proposed for diverse applications, such as biomedical (low gas temperature is a prerequisite) and surface treatments of solid materials (low temperatures are not required).
Synergistic Chemopreventive Effect of Pac and Doxorubicin on Human Colorectal Cancer (HT-29) Cells through Molecular Mechanism

Proanthocyanidin (PAC) is rich in naturally occurring flavonoid; originate from the grape seed product have been exposed high anti-tumor properties of various cancers. Doxorubicin characterized by damaging DNA, is widely used in the chemotherapy of malignancies, including lung, breast, colon and myeloid leukemia cancers, etc. This prompted us to investigate the chemopreventive potential of co-treatment with PAC and Doxorubicin against colon cancers (HT-29). The results showed that PAC and Doxorubicin in combination synergistically inhibited the cell growth of colon cancer cells than the compounds used alone. The GI50 value was found to be 20 μM for 24-h exposure. The linguistic differences, similarly membrane blebbing, cell shrinkage and chromatin condensation were observed in PI staining. The indication of apoptotic simulating were analysis of DNA fragmentation in HT-29 cells. Thus, the study provides an insight into the potential application of PAC and Doxorubicin in a combination for the chemoprevention and treatment of colon cancers.
"Felis catus" gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) and coinfections with feline viral pathogens in domestic cats in Brazil

EnglishFelis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) may causes an asymptomatic infection that result in an efficient transmission and subsequently dissemination of the virus in feline population. This study used molecular detection by qPCR (quantitative PCR) based on DNA polymerase gene fragment amplification to evaluate the occurrence of FcaGHV1 and its correlation with other feline viral pathogens, such as Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1), Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1), and feline retroviruses such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Of the 182 blood samples evaluated 23.6% (43/182) were positives for FcaGHV1. Approximately 37.9% (33/87) of the samples that tested positive for retrovirus were also were positive for FcaGHV1 infection (P0.66) or CPPV-1 (P>0.46) coinfection. All samples were negative for FeHV-1. Male felines were significantly associated to FcaGHV1 (P Key words: gammaherpesvirus; herpesvirus; feline pathogen; infectious diseases; diagnosis portuguesFelis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) pode causar uma infeccao assintomatica, que resulta em uma transmissao eficiente e consequente disseminacao do virus na populacao felina. Este estudo utilizou a deteccao molecular por qPCR (PCR quantitativa) baseado na amplificacao de um fragmento do gene da DNA polimerase para avaliar a ocorrencia de FcaGHV1, sendo correlacionado a outros patogenos virais felinos como Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1), Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1) e aos retrovirus felinos como virus da imunodeficiencia felina (FIV) e virus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Das 182 amostras de sangue avaliadas, 23,6% (43/182) foram positivas para FcaGHV1. Aproximadamente 37,9% (33/87) das amostras positivas para retrovirus tambem foram positivas para FcaGHV1 (P0,66) e CPPV-1 (P>0,46). Todas as amostras foram negativas para FeHV-1. Felinos machos foram significativativamente associados a infeccao por FcaHV1 (P Palavras-chave: gamaherpesvirus; herpesvirus; patogenos felinos; doencas infecciosas; diagnostico
Assessment of nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of Chakli incorporated with dehydrated Moringa oliefera and Solanum nigrum leaves

The study was carried out with objectives to determine the nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of Chakli incorporated with dehydrated Moringa oliefera and Solanum nigrum leaves. Chakli was prepared by utilization of Besan, Solanum nigrum and Moringa oliefera at 90:5:5 percent, 85:5:10 percent and 85:10:5 percent level referred to as T1, T2 and T3 respectively. and Control was made with basic ingredients without incorporation of leaves mixture. Sensory evaluation for prepared products was done by using 9 Point hedonic scale. Data obtained were statistically analyzed by using ANOVA, Critical Difference and T test. Best treatment from sensory evaluation and control were carried out for nutritional analysis and Antioxidant activity. Analysis was done by using the standard procedure of AOAC. Iron, calcium and Vitamin C contents were determined by Thiocyanate method (colorimetric), volumetric method and 2, 6-Dichlorophenol dye method respectively. Beta carotene content was analyzed by the method given by Ranganna, 2001 while Polyphenol content and % radical scavenging activity were assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and DPPH method respectively. In context with organoleptic attributes Treatment T2 made with dehydrated leaves mixture (Besan + Moringa oliefera and Solanum nigrum with the ratio of 85:10:5) were most acceptable in comparison with other treatment, Results shows a significant difference between T0 and best treatment T2 in context with Moisture, Ash, Carbohydrate, Energy, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin C and Beta carotene as the calculated value of t is found to be greater than tabulated value of “t” 4.303 which denoted that Moisture, Ash, Carbohydrate, Energy, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin C and Beta carotene content of T2 is better in comparison with T0. Where as in context with Antioxidant activity Polyphenolic content, radical scavenging activity (%) and flavanoids content T2 is better in comparison with T0.
An Unusual New Species of Bidens (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae) with Its Phylogenetic Position and Taxonomic Notes

Abstract An unusual new species of Bidens (Asteraceae) from Brazil is described and its placement within the genus is elucidated by phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences. The new species, described as Bidens campanulata, is distinct in the genus based on its broadly campanulate corolla limb with long lobes, an extremely reduced involucre (shorter than the flower length), and the absence of awns on the pappus. This study presents a taxonomic treatment of the species of Bidens with discoid capitula endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado, including a key to the species, typification, and information on conservation status.
Peach: the model genome for Rosaceae

For genome comparative studies and identification of important genes, it is critical to have adequate genomic resources in key model species. These resources include saturated genetic maps, large-insert genomic libraries, and physicalmaps that are integrated with the genetic maps. Such resources exist for Brassicaceae (Arabidopsis), Solanaceae (tomato) and the Poaceae (rice), but not for Rosaceae. In Rosaceae, we are building genomic resources in a tree species (peach) with a genome size only twice that of Arabidopsis. Our goal is to develop peach as a model for identification, characterization, and cloning of important genes of Rosaceae species. Consequently, we have produced saturated molecular marker linkage maps in several peach crosses segregating for important traits, both simple and complex. Because fruit quality is the single most important character to scion breeders, we have concentrated on mapping important fruit quality traits. The mapped molecular markers serve as landmarks for isolation of genes associated with important traits, and facilitate their maintenance during introgression of other tree characters, such as disease and pest resistance. They can also be used to align genetic maps in related species, facilitating gene marking and gene discovery. We are constructing a BAC physical map for peach and are integrating this map with genetic maps from other Rosaceae and key model species. These initial physical mapping studies will be presented.
Influence of Seaweed Extract, Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield Broccoli

ABSTRACT Use of synthetic fertilizers may affect soil health and limit sustainable production of some vegetables. Developing a suitable strategy for agricultural application of alternative types of fertilizer is important. The study was carried out to evaluate the performance of seaweed extract and organic palm leaf or rice residuals on the growth of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.). The experiment was comprised of the seaweed extract concentrations of: 0, 3, or 6 mL·L˗1 combined with the fertilizer treatments: control (chemical fertilizer 300 kg·ha˗1, diammonium phosphate); organic palm residuals (20 Mt·ha˗1), or organic rice residuals (20 Mt·ha˗1). The interaction of 6 mL·L˗1 seaweed extract and rice residuals produced the tallest plants, widest heads, fewest days to 50% head maturity and most secondary heads. The interaction of 6 mL·L˗1 of the seaweed extract and palm residuals produced the heaviest heads. The interaction of 3 mL·L˗1 of seaweed extract and rice residuals produced the highest percent nitrogen and potassium contents in heads, while 3 mL·L˗1 of seaweed extract and palm residuals produced the highest percent protein and dry matter in heads. The best response in plant growth, increased head yield, and quality was with 6 mL·L˗1 seaweed extracts and rice residuals. Use of organic materials can be used to improve cabbage yield quality and quantity.