Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A survey of culturable methanogens in contrasting marine sediments, their substrates and physiological characteristics

Few culture-based surveys have been undertaken on methanogens in contrasting marine sediments. This project conducted a comprehensive study of methanogens in a range of marine sediments including tidal-flats, a shallow bay, deep-water mud volcanoes and Guaymas Basin hydrothermal sediments. Nine of the sixteen recognised methanogen genera were cultured ranging from only one methanogen genus at mud volcano sites to eight in tidal-flats. At a number of these sites, culture-independent techniques (16S rRNA and mcrA gene sequences) had either failed to detect the presence of methanogens or had under-estimated the methanogen diversity. Acetate and hydrogen utilizing methanogens (including two strains of the genus Methanococcus) were cultured from marine sediments with high sulphate content. But by far the most abundant genus was Methanococcoides being isolated from seven of the sites investigated, including the deepest (in terms of water depth) non-thermophilic methanogens so far isolated. Study of the isolated Methanococcoides strains has extended the substrate range of the genus by identifying of two new directly utilized methylated substrates (betaine and choline). The substrate range of this genus has been further extended by demonstrating dimethylsulphide utilization, a compound only previously known as a growth substrate in closely related genera. In addition to substrate tests, representative strains from each of the sites investigated were physiology characterized including temperature, pH and Na+ concentration ranges. Members of the genus Methanococcoides are mesophilic/ psychrotolerant, neutrophilic and halotolerant. Their substrates are limited to methylated compounds. For the first time strains of mesophilic methanogens (Methanococcoides) were tested for their ability to grow under elevated hydrostatic pressure, up to 70 MPa. In conclusion, methylotrophic methanogens play an important role in marine sediment methanogenesis with the methylotrophic genus Methanococcoides being widespread. The range of methylotrophic substrates is wider than previously described and further work is required to determine the full extant of methylated compounds as substrates for methanogenesis. Molecular based studies often fail to identify the presence of methanogens that are subsequently detected in culture-based studies.
Porphyrin Pigment in Black-Lip Pearls and Its Application to Pearl Identification

To elucidate the substance which causes fluorescence in black-lip pearl, the substance was extracted from black-lip pearls with 2N-HCl. After being fractionated by talc column chromatography , the substance was converted to methyl ester. Using uroporphyrin I octamethyl ester as a standard, the esterified substance was compared in terms of visible absorption spectra , fluorescence emission spectra, and high performance liquid chromatographic behaviors. Considerable similarities in absorption peaks, fluorescence peak, and retention time resulted between the esterified substance and the standard. From these results the substance was proved to be uroporphyrin I. The experimental result of the existence of porphyrin facilitates percent pearl identification.
Population and production ecology of Lipsothrix spp. (Diptera:Tipulidae)

Craneflies of the genus Lipsothrix inhabit decomposing wood in streams. The life cycles and ecological relationships of L. nigrilinea (Doane) and L. fenderi Alexander were investigated to determine how they exploit and respond to the wood habitat and their role in degradation of woody debris in western Oregon. Surveys of the western states and provinces provided data on geographical distribution of the four western species, and a key is given to the five species known from America north of Mexico. The non-adult stages are spent within single logs, primarily red alder (Alnus rubra), in headwater streams where disturbance by abrasion is minimized. The two species are sympatric in soft logs in constant contact with water. L. fenderi larvae are found in a wider variety of wood types, including harder wood, other species of wood, and in marginal habitats in which they are more susceptible to desiccation and interactions with the semi-terrestrial community. Habitat selection may relate to the specificity of ovipositing females. Biological and behavioral characteristics of the life stages are described. Both species have a basic biennial life cycle with an ephemeral (1-8 days) adult stage. This long cycle may be possible because because the habitat is relatively predictable and constant. L. fenderi is smaller than L. nigrilinea, and some individuals emerge as annuals, probably in response to an indirect thermal cue in the fall. L. nigrilinea uses combined cues of temperature and descending water level, which more directly preclict suitable conditions for emergence in spring and summer. Some L. nigrilinea take three years or longer if they do not receive the water level cue in a portion of the log. A large degree of variability exists in size of both species, and especially L. nigrilinea, within a single log. Though growth rate differences are correlated with temperature and food quality, variability in timing of oviposition probably accounts for the majority of the difference. The life history traits of L. fenderi are more conducive to increasing reproductive quantity when compared to L. nigrilinea, which may be related to the association of L. fenderi with relatively less predictable habitats. The mean biomass of L. nigrilinea was near 12.0 mg/100 cm², with low variation, while L. fenderi had low biomass in the fall (1.40 mg/100 cm²) and peaked prior to emergence (12.65 mg/100 cm²). Wood hardness was the major determinant of larval densities and feeding rates of both species. Egestion rates were estimated at 88% of dry weight per day in firm wood and 223% per day in highly decayed material. Egestion is increased by a factor of two between low (3°C) and high (15°C) temperatures encountered in the field. The total ecological impact will be the greatest where the highest abundance of the most suitable habitat is found, as in small streams during the middle stages of forest succession.
Aislamiento y purificación de la toxina de Bordetella pertussis

La toxina pertúsica (TP) es una proteína extracelular con actividad ADPribosiltransferasa, sintetizada y secretada exclusivamente por la bacteria Gram negativa Bordetella pertussis. Esta proteína está compuesta por cinco subunidades designadas S1, S2, S3, S4 y S5, respectivamente. La subunidad activa catalíticamente es S1 y es activada mediante la reducción de sus puentes disulfuro. Esta toxina cumple el papel principal en la patogénesis de la tosferina, es el principal antígeno inductor de protección inmunológica contra B. pertussis y constituye uno de los principales componentes empleados en la producción de las vacunas acelulares empleadas para la prevención de la tosferina. Las vacunas acelulares son menos reactogénicas y tan eficaces como las vacunas convencionales, las cuales tienen células enteras inactivadas de B. pertussis como ingrediente activo. Las vacunas convencionales fueron introducidas en la década del 1940 y confieren un alto grado de protección, pero provocaron cierto rechazo en la población, dado por la inducción de efectos adversos que pueden variar desde un simple catarro hasta daños neurológicos permanentes o la muerte o ambos inclusive. La tosferina afecta anualmente a más de cincuenta millones de personas, fundamentalmente a niños de grupos sociales de bajo poder adquisitivo y a recién nacidos sin anticuerpos antipertussis maternos. Es de suma importancia la producción de vacunas seguras que proporcionen una adecuada protección a la población contra esta enfermedad. La producción de las vacunas acelulares contra B. pertussis requiere aislar sus componentes del cultivo, los cuales se pueden encontrar en el sobrenadante o en la superficie de la bacteria. Para la caracterización de los antígenos, previo a su inclusión en vacunas anti-pertúsicas, es necesario disponer de sistemas de elevado nivel de expresión que permitan la obtención de sus componentes de forma eficiente y económica. Se han descrito muchos procedimientos de purificación de PT que involucran el uso de más de una matriz cromatográfica y consumen mucho tiempo además de requerir técnicas de purificación relativamente complicadas, por lo que estos antígenos son muy caros y difíciles de obtener. Uno de los más empleados es el de Sekura y cols. que emplea dos matrices cromatográficas y un tiempo de 48 h para el Alina Falero-Morejón, Lourdes Proenza-Alfonso y Rafael Fando-Calzada.
Biology of Prosopis cineraria (Leguminosae) in the Sultanate of Oman

This thesis presents the results of a four year study from 1986 to 1990 on the biology of the leguminous tree Prosopis Cineraria (L.) Druce in the Sharqiya region of the Sultanate of Oman. Descriptive studies were performed on both the woodland habitat and the species. The suitability and methodology of utilising P.cineraria in future forestry programmes in Oman were also examined. Field studies have shown that this drought-tolerant indigenous phreatophyte forms large mono-culture relic woodlands in the sandy deserts of the Sharqiya. It is well adapted to the harsh environment of shifting sand dunes, growing vegetatively through accumulated sand to form tree clumps. Ecological studies have shown that the Prosopis woodland micro-environment supports wildlife not necessarily adapted to arid conditions. P.cineraria is an excellent multi-purpose tree for local people, particularly in providing fodder, fuel wood and shade protection. Over-exploitation and the general absence of natural reproductive regeneration has resulted in the decline in the condition of some Prosopis woodlands in Oman. To ensure their continued survival several methods of conservation were recommended. Studies on the mature trees have shown that the morphological variability of this species in the Sharqiya was high, which contributed to its multi-purpose potential. This variability was both phenotypic and genotype in origin. Glasshouse trials of P.cineraria in Durham have shown that seeds sampled from individual trees produced seedlings that were morphologically variable and were particularly tolerant to high salinities. Variation in morphology and salinity tolerance were related to both their geographical and parental origin. Three P.cineraria field trials in Oman have shown that the climate and soil environment greatly affected seedling growth and morphology. Silvicultural recommendations derived from these trials have been proposed for the propagation of this species in Oman.
Quantifying herbicide dose-response and resistance in Echinochloa spp. by measuring root length in growth pouches

Zhang, C. J., Lim, S. H. , Kim, J. W. , Song, J. S. , Yook, M. J., Nah, G. , Valverde, N. E. and Kim, D. S. 2015. Quantifying herbicide dose-response and resistance in Echinochloa spp. by measuring root length in growth pouches. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 1181-1192. The aim of the presented study was to develop a bioassay for rapid diagnosis of herbicide dose-response and resistance in Echinochloa. Pre-germinated seeds of Echinochloa spp. were incubated in growth pouches (18 cm×16.5 cm) containing herbicide solutions in a range of concentrations. Shoot and root lengths were measured after 6 d of incubation. Dose-responses estimated by measuring root lengths in the growth pouches were well-described by the log-logistic dose-response model and similar to those estimated by a whole-plant assay. Accurate dose-response curves were successfully generated for several herbicides with different modes of action, suggesting that the growth pouch method can be used for herbicide bioassays. The suitability of the growth pouch method for rapid diagnosis of acetyl coenzyme-A carboxylase (ACCase) and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor resistance in Echinochloa spp. was also tested. For cyhalofop-butyl, resistant and susceptible biotypes were discriminated at 180-300 mg a.i. L-1 and 80-120 mg a.i. L-1 for barnyardgrass (E. crus-galli) and late watergrass (E. oryzicola), respectively. For penoxsulam, the discriminatory dosage was 350-500 mg a.i. L-1 for barnyardgrass and 650-1000 mg a.i. L-1 for late watergrass. The method was further used to identify late watergrass biotypes resistant and susceptible to two other ALS inhibitors, azimsulfuron and bispyribac-sodium. Our results show that the growth pouch method can be reliably used in herbicide dose-response studies and to diagnose herbicide resistance in Echinochloa spp. , with significant time and cost savings compared with conventional whole-plant assays.
Histological effects of vitamin A on limb regeneration in the larval axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum

Vitamin A causes profound changes in the development of pattern during amphibian limb regeneration. Vitamin A effects include the induction of duplications of skeletal structures in the anteroposterior, proximodistal, and dorsoventral axes. The purpose of this investigation was to study the underlying histological changes that are induced in the regenerating limb of the larval axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, by treatment with vitamin A. Axolotl larvae (7–10 cm in length) had forelimbs amputated through the radius and ulna and were then immersed in 75 IU/mL retinol palmitate for 14 days. Limbs were removed and fixed at intervals over the period of regeneration, both during and beyond the period of retinoid treatment. They were then examined in the light microscope, scanning electron microscope, or transmission electron microscope. Compared with the controls, the retinol palmitate treated regenerating limbs exhibited the development of an eccentric epidermal cap which was always displaced towards the posterio.
Le myocyte cardiaque adulte peut-il encore proliférer ?

A l’inverse des cellules non musculaires (cellules vasculaires, endotheliales et musculaires lisses, presentes dans la circulation coronaire, fibroblastes en charge du reseau de collagene assurant un role de soutien majeur pour coordonner les elements contractiles), les cellules musculaires cardiaques adultes sont dans un stade postmitotique. En depit de differentes annonces, ce « dogme », ancien, ne semble pas serieusement ebranle. Mais on peut noter au stade terminal de l’insuffisance cardiaque l’apparition de nouvelles cellules aussi bien de type endothelial que myocytaire. Cette regeneration trouve son origine soit dans des cellules souches preexistantes, soit dans des cellules progenitrices circulantes provenant de la moelle osseuse ou de l’endothelium vasculaire. Ces dernieres colonisent les organes transplantes, au sein desquels on peut les voir former des chimeres. Ce processus adaptatif peut etre complete en injectant dans le myocarde, ou dans la circulation coronaire, divers types de cellules. Deux types sont surtout utilises, les cellules de la moelle osseuse et les myoblastes (ou cellules satellites) du muscle squelettique. Les premieres applications cliniques apres infarctus du myocarde ont montre la faisabilite de la technique et les possibilites d’amelioration de la fonction contractile cardiaque.
Vegetation and Climate

Vegetation and climate. -The most recent phase of ecology, which finds expression in attempts to introduce quantitative methods for the investigation of vegetation and of the factors that determine its nature and distribution, has received a notable contribution in a recent volume by LIVINGSTON and SHREVE.9 "The existence, limits, and movements of plant communities are controlled by physical conditions" is stated as a fundamental law of plant geography, and an attempt is made to map the distribution both of various physical factors and of a considerable number of plants and plant communities. Data for the latter are obtained from a variety of sources, and more particularly from SHREVE'S well known map of the vegetation areas of the United States. In fact a generalized form of this map is employed as a basis upon which to display the distribution of climatic factors. In addition to this, ranges of various plant species and groups of species, such as deciduous, microphyllous, and broad-leaved evergreen trees, are delimited. Here emphasis is placed upon the lack of anything like an adequate knowledge of the ecological distribution, based on relative abundance, dominance, or density of stand, of any considerable number of plants even in such a well explored land as our own. A general discussion of the influence of the environment on plant life classifies environmental factors which are important in distribution as: (i) moisture conditions, (2) temperature conditions, (3) light conditions, (4) chemical conditions, (5) mechanical conditions. These are considered in turn. In discussing the supply of water to vegetation the "residual soil moisture content " of the soil is not regarded as a soil constant, in spite of many data tending to prove that within very considerable limits its constancy holds. No mention is made of wilting or hygroscopic coefficients, nor of the notable contributions of such well known investigators as ALWAY, SHULL, KEEN, and Bouyoucos. These omissions constitute the most serious defect in an otherwise admirable and comprehensive volume. The tabulation of the climatological data, used for the construction of the maps, in a form that makes them available for future investigators is highly to be commended. As an example of such accumulations of exact information regarding conditions limiting growth and distribution, the table of frost data may be cited. Here for i803 different stations the altitude, number of years of record, average date of the last frost in spring, and the earliest in the
Latrunculia oparinae n. sp. (Demospongiae, Poecilosclerida, Latrunculiidae) from the Kurile Islands, Sea of Okhotsk, Russia

A new species of Latrunculia with unusual properties is described from Kurile Island, Sea of Okhotsk, Russia. Although this species is structurally very similar in choanosomal architecture to all known species of Latrunculia, it differs from other Latrunculia in both the structure of the anisodiscorhabd microscleres and by possessing terminally spined styles. It is the first Latrunculia to be described with terminally spined anisostyles. Furthermore, the characteristic anisodiscorhabds of this new species closely resemble microfossils found in Oligocene deposits from New Zealand. The similarity between the new species and the fossil New Zealand species, along with the strong differences in spiculation from other Latrunculia species, suggest a Tethyan affinity for this new species.
Pea seeds (Pisum sativum), faba beans (Vicia faba var. minor) and lupin seeds (Lupinus albus var. multitalia) as protein sources in broiler diets: effect of extrusion on growth performance

Abstract The effect of extrusion of pea seeds (Pisum sativum) (PS), faba bean (Vicia faba, variety minor) (FB) and lupin seeds (Lupinus albus, variety multitalia) (LS) on broiler performance were evaluated. Four hundred sixty two 1d-old Ross male chicks, Marek vaccinated, were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments (3 pens per treatment/22 birds per pen). Chicks were floor housed, ad libitum fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets and had free access to water. Artificial light was provided 10 h/d. The bulk of the base diet (control diet) was corn (48.8%, 53.7% and 57%), solvent-extracted soybean meal (42.8%, 37.3% and 33.4%), corn oil (4.4%, 5.2% and 6.3%), plus synthetic amino acids, minerals, trace minerals and vitamins, respectively for the 1-10d-old, 11-28d-old and 29 to 42d-old growing periods. The amounts of PS, FB and LS used on an as fed basis were: PS and extruded PS (EPS): 353 (1-10d-old), 356 (11-28d-old) and 350 (29-42d-old) g/kg; FB and extruded FB (EFB): 479 (1-10d-old), 497 (11-28d-old) and 500 (29-42d old) g/kg; LS and extruded LS (ELS): 360 (1-10d-old) and 300 (11-42d-old) g/kg. High levels of pea (350 g/kg) and faba bean (500 g/kg) did not show negative effects on body weight gain (BWG) and bird feed intake compared to control. Lupin at the 300 g/kg level reduced (P < 0.05) the BWG during the finishing period (22 to 42 d), however the effect disappeared over the whole experimental period (1-42 d) compared to the control group. The ELS group had a lower (P < 0.01) feed intake compared to the control group and to the LS group. The feed conversion rate (FCR) was similar among groups for the whole experimental period; however during the grower period the FCR was higher (P < 0.05) for the PS, FB and EFB groups compared to the control group. Birds consuming the PS diet had a reduced (P < 0.05) eviscerated carcass yield compared to the control group. The breast meat percent yield was higher (P < 0.01) for birds consuming the FB and EFB diets compared to the control group. There were no statistical differences in percent yield of the leg quarters and in blood parameters.
Pacifigorgia marviva (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) a new species from Coiba National Park, Pacific Panama

Pacifigorgia marviva, a new shallow-water species of the family Gorgoniidae, was found in Coiba National Park, Pacific Panama at 35–40 m depth. It is characterized by having white to cream, small, erect colonies composed of 1–4 fronds, stems short or absent network irregular and open without fan midribs, and polyp mounds slightly raised and sparsely distributed. All sclerites are colourless. Coenenchymal sclerites mostly composed of long spindles reaching up to 0.25 mm in length, and long and thin anthocodial rods, up to 0.16 mm in length. Morphological characters are analysed and illustrated. Scanning electron microscopy was used for sclerite study. The new species is herein described and compared with other similar species reported from the eastern Pacific. Pacifigoria marviva increases the number of Pacifigorgia species to 35; 20 in Panama representing 57% of the genus in the eastern Pacific, followed by Costa Rica and Ecuador with 14 and 10 species, respectively.
Diferencias morfométricas de Gambusia holbrooki (Pisce: Poeciliidae) que habitan en los estanques de regadío de los valles de Lluta y Azapa, Chile

En los estanques de regadio ubicados en los valles de Lluta y Azapa habita el pez llamado Gambusia holbrooki. Este pez fue introducido en los sistemas limnicos de la Region de Arica y Parinacota en 1937 y se ha adaptado a las condiciones abioticas de las aguas que se suministran a los estanques de regadio. La investigacion tiene como objetivo determinar las diferencias morfo-metricas de dos poblaciones de gambusias en relacion con las caracteristicas del agua del valle de Lluta y Azapa, en particular a la concentracion de boro. En enero de 2013 se capturaron 457 peces adultos en ambos valles para observar cambios morfometricos, medir los niveles de boro presente en el habitat y en los tejidos de G. holbrooki. Los resultados demuestran que existen cambios morfometricos entre las dos poblaciones, los peces de Lluta son mas grandes que los peces de Azapa, mientras que el contenido de boro en los tejidos no varia significativamente (p= 0,07), en ambas poblaciones.