Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RAPD pattern of Costus speciosus Koen ex. Retz., an important medicinal plant from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Costus speciosus, an important medicinal plant species found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was collected from 14 localities through recurrent survey. RAPD-PCR analysis involving 12 decamer random primers was used to assesses the quantum of genetic variation at genomic level. Four primers showed appreciable intra-species variation or molecular polymorphism at amplicon levels. Despite morphological identity, a great deal of polymorphism was observed among the accessions. UPGMA analysis showed ∼35% variation in the collections, which is deemed to be useful in formulating sound conservation strategies for this precious medicinal plant species under the humid tropics of Bay Islands.
Discovering Interaction Motifs from Protein Interaction Networks

Recent breakthroughs in high throughput experiments to determine protein-protein interaction have generated a vast amount of protein interaction data. However, most of the experiments could only answer the question of whether two proteins interact but not the question on the mechanisms by which proteins interact. Such understanding is crucial for understanding the protein interaction of an organism as a whole (the interactome) and even predicting novel protein interactions. Protein interaction usually occurs at some specific sites on the proteins and, given their importance, they are usually well conserved throughout the evolution of the proteins of the same family. Based on this observation, a number of works on finding protein patterns/motifs conserved in interacting proteins have emerged in the last few years. Such motifs are collectively termed as the interaction motifs. This chapter provides a review on the different approaches on finding interaction motifs with a discussion on their implications, potentials and possible areas of improvements in the future.
Analysis of Red Sea fish species' introductions into the Mediterranean reveals shifts in introduction patterns

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most threatened marine systems in the world. One of the major threats is the introduction of alien species from the Red Sea through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean. The aim of our study was to address two interrelated questions, namely which traits of Red Sea fish species are associated with the species' introduction into the Mediterranean Sea and how the introduction patterns changed over time.
Triple-targeting Gram-negative selective antimicrobial peptides capable of disrupting the cell membrane and lipid A biosynthesis

Early lipid A biosynthesis is a potential antimicrobial target as this is an essential component of lipid A producing Gram-negative bacteria. Herein, we introduce a potent and highly synergistic Gram-negative selective triple-targeting antimicrobial peptide. The peptide contains a dual lipid A biosynthesis inhibiting sequence and an antimicrobial sequence.
Distributions of immunoglobulin-containing cells in alimentary tract, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node of the pig demonstrated by peroxidase-conjugated antiserums to porcine immunoglobulins G, A, and M.

: Peroxidase-conjugated antibody to porcine immunoglobulins A, G, and M were used in a light microscope study of the distribution of immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin-containing cells in alimentary tract, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node of the pig. Largest populations of plasma cells staining for each of the 3 immunoglobulin classes were demonstrated in the lamina propria of the intestinal tract. Immunoglobulin A cells were most numerous, and immunoglobulin A and M cells each outnumbered immunoglobulin G cells which were, however, present in considerable numbers. Both immunoglobulins A and M were demonstrated in intestinal crypt epithelial cells, indicating they have similar intracellular secretion pathways. Porcine spleen and mesenteric lymph node seem to have a minor role in immunoglobulin synthesis.
Development of feeding and swimming functions in larvae of Chionodraco rastrospinosus (Channichthyidae)

Le developpement des caracteres associes a la nutrition et a la nage des larves de Chionodraco rastrospinosus Dewitt & Hureau, 1979 a ete examine sur 35 specimens (24,5-45,4 mm LS) captures dans le secteur indien de l'Ocean Austral. Seize de ces larves ont ete eclaircies et colorees pour etudier le developpement osteologique. Les larves de 26 mm (LS) sont capables d'attraper, mordre et gober en raison de la presence d'elements essentiels de la cavite orale et de leurs dents. Les fonctions nutritives s'ameliorent avec la croissance de ces elements et des dents jusqu'a une taille de 35 a 37 mm. Le nombre total de rayons des nageoires pectorales est atteint a une taille de 35 mm. Les longueurs des nageoires pelviennes et pectorales augmentent rapidement a partir de 37 mm. Les vertebres sont observees a partir de 38,3 mm, mais les nageoires dorsale et anale n'apparaissent qu'a partir de 40,3 mm. Le retard dans la formation des vertebres et des nageoires dorsales et anales indique que les larves ne nagent pas activement par propulsion caudale. La nage s'effectue grâce aux nageoires paires jusqu'a 35-37 mm et est aidee par le developpement des vertebres et de la nageoire caudale apres 35-37 mm. Les larves de Chionodraco rastrospinosus peuvent etre considerees comme des predateurs par embuscade avec un developpement precoce des fonctions de nutrition, en contraste avec le developpement lent des fonctions de nage.
Social jetlag in school students: evidence to suggest that sleep deprivation during work days is common

Abstract The present study investigated social jetlag in school students of the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. The sample consisted of 919 school students from six different schools, age range 12–19 year, comprising of both males (n = 513) and females (n = 406). Two inventories, the 19-item MEQ and MCTQ (Munich Chronotype Questionnaire) were employed. Data analysis (SPSS) used t-test, Chi-square test, ANOVA, and correlation. The results revealed that 73.9% of the sample had social jetlag. There were significant effects upon social jetlag of chronotype, gender, and the use of an alarm clock. Owls were at a higher risk of having social jetlag. There was a significant positive correlation between the amount of social jetlag and the time spent watching television. From these results, it is concluded that there is prevalence of social jetlag, particularly among boys and those who use an alarm clock. The results also lead to the prediction that those school students with social jetlag will be predisposed to health hazards associated with it in the future. Thus it is recommended that school students must be provided with sleep education so that they understand the role of sleep on health and do not become sleep deprived.
Effect of pre-chilling and environmental factors on breaking seed dormancy and germination of three foxtail species

The effect of wet and dry pre-chilling duration, pH, osmotic stress, salt stress and planting depth on seed germination and seedling emergence of three foxtail species ( Setaria glauca , S. verticillata and S. viridis ) was investigated in a series of laboratory and greenhouse experiments. Both wet and dry pre-chilling for 45 days promoted seed germination of S. glauca compared with the control. Pre-chilling was not significantly effective in seed dormancy breaking of S. viridis and S. verticillata . The maximum germination of foxtails ( S. verticillata, S. viridis ) was obtained when seeds were treated with pH 7 buffer solution. Increasing of osmotic and salt stress decreased seed germination of foxtails. Setaria verticillata seed germination was more tolerant than those of S. glauca and S. viridis to high water stress condition . Setaria glauca and S. verticillata seed germination were more tolerant to high salinity stress than S. viridis. Seedling emergence decreased with increasing the burial depth and no germination observed at 8 cm soil depth.
Comparison of Methods to Monitor the Distribution and Impacts of Unauthorized Travel Routes in a Border Park

ABSTRACT: The distribution and abundance of human-caused disturbances vary greatly through space and time and are cause for concern among land stewards in natural areas of the southwestern border-lands between the USA and Mexico. Human migration and border protection along the international boundary create Unauthorized Trail and Road (UTR) networks across National Park Service lands and other natural areas. UTRs may cause soil erosion and compaction, damage to vegetation and cultural resources, and may stress wildlife or impede their movements. We quantify the density and severity of UTR disturbances in relation to soils, and compare the use of previously established targeted trail assessments (hereafter — targeted assessments) against randomly placed transects to detect trail densities at Coronado National Memorial in Arizona in 2011. While trail distributions were similar between methods, targeted assessments estimated a large portion of the park to have the lowest density category (0–5 trail encounters per/km2), whereas the random transects in 2011 estimated more of the park as having the higher density categories (e.g., 15–20 encounters per km2 category). Soil vulnerability categories that were assigned, a priori, based on published soil texture and composition did not accurately predict the impact of UTRs on soil, indicating that empirical methods may be better suited for identifying severity of compaction. While the estimates of UTR encounter frequencies were greater using the random transects than the targeted assessments for a relatively short period of time, it is difficult to determine whether this difference is dependent on greater cross-border activity, differences in technique, or from confounding environmental factors. Future surveys using standardized sampling techniques would increase accuracy.
Comparative infectivity of Plasmodium falciparum to Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles stephensi

The infectivity of three different clones of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum to two different natural vector mosquito species, Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles stephensi was investigated. Two of the P. falciparum clones studied (HB3B-B2 and 7G8) established relatively low levels of mature oocyst infection in both mosquito species. In contrast, the third P. falciparum clone investigated (3D7A) did not produce mature oocyst infections in An. albimanus but infected stephensi at a relatively high level. These observations demonstrate the existence of differences between the three malaria parasite clones iii the ability to infect the mosquitoes, and the two mosquito species in their susceptibility to malaria parasite infection. Direct immunofluorescence microscopy and examination of Giemsa-stained histological sections by light microscopy were used to investigate further the development of the P. falciparum 3D7A clone in An. albimanus and An. stephensi. The P. falciparum 3D7A clone formed mature ookinetes within the bloodmeals of both albimanus and An. stephensi. In An. albimanus, these malaria parasite stages subsequently failed to migrate from the bloodmeal and invade the surrounding midgut epithelium suggesting that ookinetes were destroyed within the endoperitrophic space of this mosquito species. The reasons for the disappearance of ookinetes within the endoperitrophic space of An. albimanus were uncertain but were possibly related to the faster time to completion of bloodmeal digestion in this mosquito species compared to An. stephensi. Simultaneous investigation of P. falciparum 3D7A development within An. Stephensi revealed that in this mosquito species ookinetes entered the midgut epithelium via an intracellular route, causing destruction of invaded midgut epithelial cells, and subsequently exited the midgut epithelium by an intercellular route. A general model for the route of ookinete invasion across the midgut epithelium is proposed based upon these observations. Examination of the Giemsa-stained histological sections also provided evidence that regenerative cells within the midgut epithelium of An. stephensi imdergo proliferation and differentiation into midgut epithelial cells following infection with P. falciparum 3D7A, presumably as a mechanism to replace the midgut epithelial cells destroyed as a consequence of ookinete invasion of the midgut epithelium.
Lead induced alterations in rabbit spermatozoa motility and morphology in vitro

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of lead chloride (PbCl2) on rabbit spermatozoa motility and morphology. Lead concentrations in the medium ranged between 0.45 and 11.17 μg/ml; incubation time was 240 min (analyzed immediately after Pb addition followed by 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min), and temperatures of the culture environment were 22°C (laboratory), 4°C (refrigerator), and 37°C (incubator). Results were compared with a control group without Pb addition. After 30 min of culture at 22°C, a negative effect of Pb was noted as spermatozoa motility significantly decreased in groups with higher concentrations. After 120 and 240 min, a dose-dependent effect on spermatozoa motility was noted. At 4°C, spermatozoa motility analysis detected no significant differences between any of the experimental groups and control. At 37°C, a negative effect of Pb incubation on motility was detected at Times 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 in groups with high concentrations. At Times 120, 180, and 240 a significant decrease in spermatozoa motility was also noted in all experimental groups in comparison to control. The analysis of pathological spermatozoa at Time 240 revealed an increasing trend of morphological abnormalities after incubation with Pb. Across three temperature regimes an increase of morphological changes was noted, particularly in the group with the highest Pb concentration. The predominant morphological abnormalities were knob twisted flagellum, flagellum ball, separated flagellum, and broken flagellum. Knob twisted flagella represented the most frequent pathological changes in the experimental group with the highest Pb concentration. Results suggest that the inhibitory effect of Pb on spermatozoa motility parameters depends on the concentration, incubation time, as well as environmental temperature during incubation. Furthermore, a negative effect of Pb in vitro on spermatozoa morphology indicates possible reproductive problems under in vivo conditions, too.
Canopy gaps do not help establish pioneer species in a South Florida dry forest

Abstract: Canopy gaps create a temporary spatial heterogeneity, often allowing pioneer species to establish and grow in mature forests. In this study, we asked whether the above model holds for tropical dry forests in the Florida Keys. Six hundred and forty-eight canopy gaps in an extensive Key Largo forest were identified with a LiDAR digital canopy model. The structure and composition of juvenile trees were examined in 45 selected gaps in three stands of known age, and weighted averaging calibration and regression were applied to the data to determine the successional age optimum for each tree species, and the inferred age for each gap based on its sapling composition. Less than 1% of the forest area was recorded as canopy gaps in the LiDAR model. The inferred stand ages were about 70 y greater in canopy gaps in young forest than in the surrounding, unimpacted forest. This suggested that gap formation advanced succession rather than reversing or resetting it. The apparent lack of recruitment by early-successional species may be due to the small size of canopy gaps in this forest, and the minimal contrast between gap and understorey environments; light and water conditions in the small gaps may favour late-successional rather than pioneer species. Establishment of pioneer species may not take place without intense, large-scale disturbances such as fires and hurricanes that remove the entire canopy and consume or erode soils.
Phenotypic characterisation of milk technological traits, protein fractions, and major mineral and fatty acid composition of Burlina cattle breed*

Abstract The aim of the present study was to characterise milk of Burlina local cattle breed for traits of technological and nutritional relevance, such as milk coagulation properties (MCP), and protein, major mineral and fatty acid (FA) composition. Burlina is mainly reared in mountain areas of Veneto Region (Italy) and it has been inserted in conservation plans aiming to avoid biodiversity loss and marginal pasture areas abandonment. Eighty-one individual milk samples were collected in four farms. Milk coagulation properties were determined using Formagraph, and protein, mineral and FA composition were analysed in high performance liquid chromatography, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and gas chromatography, respectively. Results evidenced good protein percentage (3.38%) and considerable casein content (28.89 mg/mL), as well as a desirable FA profile, with ω-6 to ω-3 ratio of 4.04. Somatic cell score, averaging 3.13, is a trait that should be enhanced through the improvement of farm management. This would have positive effects on MCP. Among milk minerals, the most and less abundant were K (1493.53 mg/kg) and Mg (110.07 mg/kg), respectively. Overall, herd, parity and lactation stage explained moderate to low variation of the studied traits. Results of the present study could be useful to valorise Burlina local breed and preserve biodiversity in marginal areas.
Above‐ and below‐ground responses of four tundra plant functional types to deep soil heating and surface soil fertilization

Climate warming is faster in the Arctic than the global average. Nutrient availability in the tundra soil is expected to increase by climate warming through (i) accelerated nutrient mobilization in the surface soil layers, and (ii) increased thawing depths during the growing season which increases accessibility of nutrients in the deeper soil layers. Both processes may initiate shifts in tundra vegetation composition. It is important to understand the effects of these two processes on tundra plant functional types. We manipulated soil thawing depth and nutrient availability at a Northeast‐Siberian tundra site to investigate their effects on above‐ and below‐ground responses of four plant functional types (grasses, sedges, deciduous shrubs and evergreen shrubs). Seasonal thawing was accelerated with heating cables at c. 15 cm depth without warming the surface soil, whereas nutrient availability was increased in the surface soil by adding slow‐release NPK fertilizer at c. 5 cm depth. A combination of these two treatments was also included. This is the first field experiment specifically investigating the effects of accelerated thawing in tundra ecosystems. Deep soil heating increased the above‐ground biomass of sedges, the deepest rooted plant functional type in our study, but did not affect biomass of the other plant functional types. In contrast, fertilization increased above‐ground biomass of the two dwarf shrub functional types, both of which had very shallow root systems. Grasses showed the strongest response to fertilization, both above‐ and below‐ground. Grasses were deep‐rooted, and they showed the highest plasticity in terms of vertical root distribution, as grass root distribution shifted to deep and surface soil in response to deep soil heating and surface soil fertilization respectively. Synthesis. Our results indicate that increased thawing depth can only benefit deep‐rooted sedges, while the shallow‐rooted dwarf shrubs, as well as flexible‐rooted grasses, take advantage of increased nutrient availability in the upper soil layers. Our results suggest that grasses have the highest root plasticity, which enables them to be more competitive in rapidly changing environments. We conclude that root vertical distribution strategies are important for vegetation responses to climate‐induced increases in soil nutrient availability in Arctic tundra, and that future shifts in vegetation composition will depend on the balance between changes in thawing depth and nutrient availability in the surface soil.
A study of surface reconstruction for the measurement of ultra-precision freeform surfaces

This paper presents a study of surface fitting techniques to provide a practical method to balance the fitting accuracy and surface smoothness in surface fitting process. The method makes use of the surface intrinsic feature as fitting criteria to minimize the influence of surface roughness such as tool marks to the smoothness of the reconstructed surfaces. The method has been experimentally verified through a series of preliminary measurement experiments. The results show that the developed method can reconstruct ultra-precision freeform surfaces based on measured discrete points, which is not only accuracy enough to characterize the form accuracy of measured objects but also smooth enough to avoid unwanted over fitting error.
4. Mycotoxicoses in horses: toxins, occurrence in feed, and the search for markers of exposure

Infestation with fungi of plants used for animal feeding, and production of mycotoxins by these fungi either pre- or postharvest are a common occurrence worldwide. Adverse effects of these mycotoxins on the performance and health of livestock have been extensively studied. However, compared to other domesticated species, relatively few information is available concerning the practical relevance of mycotoxins in equine species, most notably in Middle Europe. There are several unique adverse reactions of horses towards dietary mycotoxins, with equine leukoencephalomalacia caused by fumonisins being the most notorious example. On a worldwide basis, other relevant clinical aspects of equine mycotoxicoses include neurotoxic, vasoactive or reproductive effects by ergot alkaloids and tremorgenic endophyte toxins. The mycotoxins may be ingested via pasture/hay, commercial feed preparations or plant material used as bedding. Therefore, feed control for mycotoxins is a necessary task, but it does not guarantee complete avoidance of mycotoxins. A practicable means to check the overall exposure level would be helpful, both in case of clinical disease, and to avoid subclinical or chronic effects of mycotoxins. In this paper, we address some of the most relevant mycotoxins, discuss potential target compounds as mycotoxin biomarkers and give preliminary data from our work which aims at establishing an immunochemical strategy for biomonitoring of mycotoxins.
In vitro selection and characterization of water stress tolerant cultures of bell pepper

Callus of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was initiated from hypocotyl on MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.5mg\1) and BAP (0.2mg\1). For proliferation of callus the hormone concentrations were reduced to half. Cell clumps of about 1mm diameter were exposed to increasing concentration of polyethylene glycol (PEG) ranging from 10 g\1 to 100 g\1 for water stress tolerance. Upon incubation for 30 days, the cells, which could tolerate this concentration of PEG, grew to form calli. Selected calli were further subcultured on to the selective medium (100 g\1) PEG for 8 weeks and then transferred to normal MS medium for proliferation. The selected calli when transferred from the normal to the selective medium , were capable of growing on it. Although, there were difference in their growth, the pattern was sigmoidal in both the cell lines. Compared to the control, selected cells contained significantly higher levels of soluble proteins, total sugars, reducing sugar, and free amino acids. The water stress tolerant cells also revealed enhanced activities of enzymes, malate dehydrogenase, alkaline invertase, NADP+ -isocitrate dehydrogenase, aspartate amino transferase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and acid phosphatase.