Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The potential role of seed banks in the recovery of dune ecosystems after removal of invasive plant species.

Question: How resilient is the seed bank of an invaded dune system? Is that resilience dependent on duration of invasion? How does the accumulated litter layer contribute to the soil seed bank? Location: Coastal sand dunes invaded by Acacia longifolia, Portugal. Methods: Seedling emergence was used to quantify and compare soil seed banks in long-invaded, recently invaded and non-invaded areas. Changes in seed banks were also compared with areas where A. longifolia and the litter layer were removed. Results: Species richness, seedling density and diversity were higher in non-invaded and recently-invaded areas than in long-invaded areas. Although there was an apparent similarity between non-invaded and recently-invaded areas, analyses of species traits revealed differences. Non-invaded areas had a wider array of traits. Exotic/invasive species dominated invaded seed banks while native species dominated non-invaded seed banks. Life forms, growth forms, longevity and dispersal mode showed differences between areas, with cleared plots of long-invaded areas being apparently the most similar to non-invaded plots. Acacia longifolia seeds were most abundant in long-invaded areas, particularly where the litter layer remained. Removal of A. longifolia plus the litter had little effect on the seed bank composition of recently-invaded areas but resulted in noticeable changes in seed banks of long-invaded areas. Conclusions: Long-invaded areas are less resilient and show a higher reinvasion potential, despite severe alteration of the seed banks of both areas. Seed bank studies can be a useful tool to guide management, but can give misleading results when invasion periods are protracted.
Genetic and phenotypic variation in two marine bryozoans.

Chronic copper toxicity was found to result in growth hormesis in both C. hvalina and E. pilosa. Tolerance levels of the bryozoans to copper contamination were found to be high in comparison with those of other marine organisms. Generally, both genotype and copper dosage affected growth and sexual functions, but genotype had no affect on organism response to copper. Nonetheless, large differences in responses were detected between the two E. pilosa populations examined. Variation in tentacle number of C. hyalina colonies was found to be very limited and dietary regime was not observed to have a marked influence upon this trait. In contrast, colonies of E. pilosa were found to produce more tentacles per lophophore in optimal dietary conditions. Significant differences were detected between two E. pilosa populations in astogeny, sexual maturity and tentacle number. Laboratory experiments designed to identify the cue for induction of extended (long) medium proximal spines in E. pilosa colonies were unsuccessful. Differences in spine growth were again identified between the two E. pilosa populations from contrasting sites. Reciprocal transplantation demonstrated that `long' spine formation was triggered in colonies previously possessing only `short' spines and vice versa. Flume observations of particle path trajectories imply that spine formation may result in near-colony flow conditions which are more favourable to feeding in high flow velocities. Demographic analysis using the RAPD technique for both C. hyalina and E. pilosa indicate population structuring corresponding to their contrasting modes of larval dispersal. Populations of C. hyalina appear to exhibit considerable genetic differentiation over distances as small as 100 m, whereas E. pilosa is characterised by high levels of genetic heterogeneity over much larger spatial scales. E. pilosa population differentiation is observed at a site some 80 Km distance, which may be a consequence of hydrographic features. Evidence from analysis of mtDNA (COI) and observations on reproductive isolation and morphological differentiation indicate high levels of cryptic speciation amongst globally distributed populations of C. hyalina. It is suggested that the Chilean C. hyalina population is sufficiently different from all other populations examined to be considered a separate species
FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE FINE STRUCTURE OF CHRYSOCHROMULINA CHITON, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE PYRENOID

SUMMARY Developments associated with the surface of the projecting pyrenoids of Chrysochromulina chiton have been traced in outline after glutaraldehyde fixation. In the simplest condition the pyrenoidal core is separated from the cytoplasm by two superposed pairs of membranes, the outer pair being continuous with a layer of endoplasmic reticulum spread over the surface of the subtending chloroplast. Various stages in the formation and removal of an additional membrane-bounded cap of translucent material are illustrated and interpreted in terms of local accumulation of a temporary storage metabolite in the path of translocation of materials from the chloroplast into the cell. A cap is thought to begin as a blister involving the innermost pair of membranes which become pushed apart as the transparent material accumulates between them. A bulge, involving the outer of the two separated membranes plus contents of the blister, could then push out between meshes in the overlying endoplasmic reticulum before spreading laterally. This process is not light-dependent. It is suggested that enzymes localized between the chloroplast membranes in this region are acting on a soluble translocation metabolite. At mitosis, and shortly after, the capping material may be absent.
ESTUDO DOS CONSTITUINTES MACROMOLECULARES, EXTRATIVOS VOLÁTEIS E COMPOSTOS FENÓLICOS DA MADEIRA DE CANDEIA - Moquinia polymorpha (LESS.) DC.

In this study, the main chemical components of Moquinia polymorpha (LESS.) DC. (candeia or cambara) wood were investigated. This wood is native in the Southern region of Minas Gerais - Brazil. The chemical composition was: 47.5% of α-cellulose, 25.4% of A and B hemicelluloses, 24.0% of lignin, 73.2% of holocellulose, 3.82% of ethanol:cyclohexane (1:1, v v -1 ) extractives, 3.21% of ethanol extractives and 4.04% of hot water extractives. The volatile composition was mainly: α-curcumene, α-dihydroturmerone, β-dihydroturmerone, cedranol, 1-cyclopentyl-3-[2,4-dimethylphenyl]propane. The total phenols analysis was carried out on methanol:water (MW) and acetone:water (AW) extracts. The last one presented better yield. The total phenols were determined by Folin-Ciocalteau and the modified Prussian blue assays. Folin-Ciocalteau yielded 0.93 mg g -1 of wood for MW extract and 1.56 for AW extract; modified Prussian blue yielded 2.74 mg g -1 of wood for MW extract and 4.42 for AW extract. Proanthocyanidins were determined by n -buthanol-acid and vanillin assays. The n -buthanol acid yielded 0.012 mg g -1 of wood for MW extract and 0.017 for AW extract; vanillin: 0.29 mg g -1 of wood for MW extract and 0.58 for AW extract. 3-deoxy-proanthocyanidins were not detected.
HPLC-UV Analysis Coupled with Chemometry to Identify Phenolic Biomarkers from Medicinal Plants, used as Ingredients in Two Food Supplement Formulas

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection is nowadays the reference method to identify and quantify the biomarkers of quality and authenticity of plants and food supplements. Seven medicinal plants were collected from wild flora: Taraxacum officinalis (1), Cynara scolimus (2), Silybum marianum (3), Hypericum perforatum (4), Chelidonium majus (5), Lycopodium clavatum (6) and Hippophae rhamnoides (7) leaves and fruits. Two products (A and B) were obtained by mixing individual plant powders. Therefore product A was obtained by mixing dandelion, artichoke and milk thistle, 1:1:1 while product B by mixing St John’s wort, Celandine and Wolf’s claw, 1:1:1. The methanolic extracts of individual plants as well as three different extracts of products A and B (using acidulated water, neutral water and acidulated methanol) were analyzed using HPLC-UV for their phenolics’ fingerprint and composition. The qualitative (untargeted analysis) and quantitative (targeted analysis) results were further compared using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in order to identify their specific biomarkers. Thus, quantitative evaluation of individual phenolics in case of individual plants and products A and B extracts, showed specific and significant differences of composition. Both products A and B contained elagic acid as major compound. For product A, good biomarkers were trans -cinnamic, chlorogenic, caffeic and p- coumaric acids, as well silymarin and silibine originating from milk thistle. For product B, good biomarkers were quercetin and kaempherol, gallic and protocatecuic acids, this product being rich in flavonoids. In conclusion, HPLC-UV coupled with PCA analysis proved to be a rapid and useful way to identify the main biomarkers of plants’ authentication, as well of final products’ quality and safety.
Fluorescence imaging-based analysis of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in cardiomyocyte-derived H9c2 cells

Mitochondrial function is the key factor in the regulation of energy metabolism and is closely related to the generation and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. We established a method to observe the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore using fluorescence microscopy and permeabilized cardiomyocyte-derived H9c2 cells. After calcein loading and permeabilization of the cell membrane with digitonin, the cellular calcein fluorescence coincided with that of the mitochondrial fluorescent probe tetramethylrhodamine methylester. Elevation of extracellular Ca2+ concentration, which was accompanied by an increase in intramitochondrial Ca2+ concentration, induced a decrease in calcein fluorescence intensity. This decrease was inhibited by cyclosporine A, an inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Further, the decrease was inhibited by ruthenium red, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial uniporter, and enhanced by diltiazem, which inhibits the mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ exchanger. The present imaging method would be useful for further studies on the regulation of mitochondrial function under physiological and various pathological conditions related to lifestyle-related diseases.
Intra‐ and inter‐specific variation in size and habitus of two sibling spider species (Araneae: Lycosidae): taxonomic and biogeographic insights from sampling across Europe

Discriminating closely related species can become a taxonomical challenge if a clear morphological diagnosis is lacking. Two subspecies have been recognized in Pardosa agrestis (Westring, 1861); however, their validity is still debated. To resolve this dilemma, quantitative and qualitative traits were measured for 30 females and 30 males per site from ten localities throughout Western Europe (11 measurements on each individual) and compared between subspecies. Mean annual temperature and geographical coordinates from all sites were also included in the statistical models in order to test for variations in size over the distribution range of each subspecies. We found significant differences in body size and size of copulatory organs as well as accurate criteria of discrimination between P. a. agrestis and P. a. purbeckensis F.O. P. Cambridge, 1895, suggesting that these taxa are two valid morphological species, occurring sympatrically. We also showed that temperatures did not directly influence the size of individuals, but that one species had smaller individuals at higher latitudes (following the converse Bergmann's rule), and that both species had larger individuals in centrally sampled populations (fitting to the centre hypothesis). © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 113, 85–96.
Sugarcane yellow leaf virus and sugarcane yellows phytoplasma: elimination by tissue culture

Yellow leaf syndrome (YLS) is a recently reported disease of sugarcane, characterized by yellowing of the leaves. Two pathogens: a virus, Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV); and a phytoplasma, sugarcane yellows phytoplasma (SCYP), are associated with the disease. The use of tissue culture was investigated as a means to eliminate both SCYLV and SCYP from exotic varieties undergoing quarantine in Mauritius. Of 43 varieties in quarantine, 28 were infected with SCYLV and 19 with SCYP when checked by RT–PCR and nested PCR, respectively. Seventeen varieties were coinfected with both pathogens. Thirty infected varieties were induced to form callus in vitro using leaf rolls as explants. After two subcultures, 19 varieties were successfully regenerated and tested for SCYLV and SCYP. No pathogen could be detected in any regenerated plantlets. All the regenerated plants remained free from both SCYLV and SCYP over a period of 1 year in the glasshouse, confirming that the pathogens had been eliminated by tissue culture.
The contribution of root exudates, symbionts, and detritus to carbon sequestration in the soil

Few would argue that roots contribute substantially to organic C in soils. However, the fate of that C—especially in response to environmental change—is much less straightforward. A recent, much-contested issue is the possibility that soil C storage may increase in response to elevated CO2 and land-use change and therefore may act as a negative feedback on atmospheric CO2 levels (Batjes, 1998; Bolin et al., 1999; Hungate et al., 1996b; Schlesinger, 1999; Schlesinger and Lichter, 2001; Trumbore, 1997; van Veen et al., 1991). In particular, changes in root dynamics under these conditions may alter soil C storage. In this review, we will address the role of roots in C dynamics by focusing on specific responses that alter the quantity and quality of belowground organic matter. Roots supply C to soils through four main avenues: quantity of root detritus, quality of root detritus, release of root exudates, and C transfer to root symbionts (Fig. 8–1). Specifically, the production of root detritus determines the flux of C into the pool of soil organic matter via epidermal sloughing and root death. The quality of root C influences its turnover rate, and this factor varies with tissue chemistry, morphology, and location of roots in the soil profile. Root materials remain mixed within soil throughout their decomposition period, thereby providing gum-like material that cements soil particles into aggregates (Melillo and Gosz, 1983). Root exudation occurs when low molecular weight organic acids are either leaked from the root or are released as a means of interacting with microbes in the 8
Genomic studies of the evolution of haptophytes and dinoflagellates with emphasis on the chromalveolate hypothesis

Title of Document: GENOMIC STUDIES OF THE EVOLUTION OF HAPTOPHYTES AND DINOFLAGELLATES WITH EMPHASIS ON THE CHROMALVEOLATE HYPOTHESIS Maria Virginia Sanchez Puerta, Doctor of Philosophy, 2006 Directed By: Professor Charles F. Delwiche, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics All photosynthetic eukaryotes rely, partially or totally, on their plastids to live. The plastids, which ultimately are highly modified cyanobacteria, were acquired through a process of primary, secondary, or tertiary endosymbiosis. Four photosynthetic lineages, including haptophytes, dinoflagellates, cryptophytes, and heterokonts, contain secondary plastids with chlorophyll c as a main photosynthetic pigment. These four lineages were grouped together, along with their heterotrophic relatives, on the basis of their pigmentation and called chromalveolates by Cavalier-Smith. However, the phylogenetic relationships among these algae are unknown and the chromalveolate hypothesis remains very controversial. This study focuses on increasing the amount of genomic data from a poorly studied chromalveolate lineage, the haptophytes, and understanding plastid evolution in chromalveolates. Both the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of the haptophyte Emiliania huxleyi were sequenced and examined to describe basic genomic properties, as well as perform comparative studies. Phylogenetic analyses, including data acquired from haptophytes, support a monophyletic chl c containing plastid clade derived from the red algae, after the divergence of Cyanidiales, with the cryptophyte plastid basal or sister to the haptophyte plastid. In addition, phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial data suggest a relationship of haptophytes and cryptophytes. The chromalveolate clade as a whole is not recovered nor rejected by the data. Analysis of an EST project from the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii indicates that C. cohnii is not only derived from a photosynthetic ancestor, but very likely retains a non-photosynthetic plastid. Analyses of putative gene function suggest that heme biosynthesis, nonmevalonate isoprenoid biosynthesis, amino-acid metabolism, and Fe-S cluster assembly may occur in the plastid. These observations are also consistent with the chromalveolate hypothesis, which proposes that several major groups of eukaryotes, including alveolates, haptophytes, cryptophytes, and heterokonts, may form a monophyletic group with a photosynthetic common ancestor, and that nonphotosynthetic members are secondarily so. GENOMIC STUDIES OF THE EVOLUTION OF HAPTOPHYTES AND DINOFLAGELLATES WITH EMPHASIS ON THE CHROMALVEOLATE HYPOTHESIS
Invertebrate Respiratory Systems

The sections in this article are: 1 Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments 2 Interstitial Environments: Burrows and Tubes 3 External Gills 3.1 Annelida 3.2 Mollusca 3.3 Arthropoda 3.4 Echinodermata 4 Respiratory Currents 4.1 Annelida 4.2 Mollusca 4.3 Arthropoda 4.4 Echinodermata 5 Respiratory Chambers 5.1 Annelida 5.2 Mollusca 5.3 Arthropoda 5.4 Echinodermata 6 Open Tracheal Systems 6.1 Ventilatory Pumping Movements 6.2 Spiracular Movements 7 Autoventilation 8 Morphology of Gas Gills 8.1 Temporary (Compressible) Gas Gills 8.2 Permanent (Incompressible) Gas Gills 9 Functioning of Gas Gills 9.1 Temporary (Compressible) Gas Gills 9.2 Permanent (Incompressible) Gas Gills 10 Gaseous Exchange Without an Open Tracheal System 11 Motor Output 11.1 Abdominal Ventilation in Insects 11.2 Coupling between Spiracular Movements and Abdominal Ventilation 11.3 Gill Retraction and Protraction 11.4 Scaphognathite Depression and Levation 11.5 Molluscan Respiratory Chambers 12 Control of Ventilation 12.1 Command Interneurons 12.2 Local Control Centers 12.3 The Pacemaker 12.4 Coordinating Interneurons 12.5 Sensory Modulation
Resistência ao Estresse Calórico em Frangos de Corte de Pescoço Pelado

Birds of two lineages, a carrier of the Naked Neck gene (Na_) that determines reduction in the feathering and other non-carrier (normal feathering, nana), were submitted to thermal stress (38, 40 and 42oC) in climatic chambers at 28, 35 and 42 days of age to verify the resistance to the thermal stress. Significant differences were verified among the mean rectal temperature of the normal feathered lineage when compared with the naked neck lineage, in all the ages and stress periods, with higher values in the normal feathered birds. The same result was found for mean respiratory rate. Significant difference was found for weight loss between the two lineages only at the age of 35 days. The results obtained suggest that the Naked Neck lineage possesses higher resistance to the thermal stress in relation to the normal feathered lineage.
ASPECTOS DA SIMBIOSE MICORRÍZICA ARBUSCULAR

A micorriza arbuscular, de ocorrencia generalizada, e a mais disseminada nos tropicos, sendo formada pelos fungos micorrizicos arbusculares (FMA) pertencentes ao Filo Glomeromycota, que se associam simbioticamente a especies de Briofitas, Pteridofitas, Gimnospermas e Angiospermas. Hoje sao conhecidas 215 especies de FMA, distribuidas em 19 generos. Aspectos gerais, dependencia, efeitos e fatores que influenciam a simbiose micorrizica arbuscular serao abordados nesta revisao.
Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Role of Flower Extract of Abutilon indicum

The hepatoprotective activity of the 70% Ethanolic extract of Abutilon indicum flowers was assessed using CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The degree of protection against liver toxicity was determined by measuring the biochemical markers such as SGPT, SGOT, ACP, ALP and Bilirubin (Direct and Total). In addition morphological changes of liver like wet liver volume and wet liver weight were recorded. Further, histopathological examination of the liver was also studied. Silymarin at the dose of 25 mg/kg, p.o. was used as reference standard drug and it exhibited significant protection. In addition to the screening of hepatoprotective activity, in vitro antioxidant activity was studied by reducing power activity, superoxide anion scavenging activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity methods. Sodium meta bisulphate was used as a reference standard drug.
Shelter availability alters diel activity and space use in a stream fish

Shelters are a key component of animal population ecology, as they provide protection from predators and promote visual isolation among competitors. From a behavioral perspective, how shelter availability affects the way individuals allocate their activity in space has been extensively documented. However, how shelters affect the distribution of activity in time (i.e., diel activity) has been less studied in natural conditions. Here, we report results from a field study that used stream enclosures with either high or low shelter availability and stream-dwelling juvenile Arctic charr as a model species. We collected repeated measurements of individual activity 8 times a day (every 3h) for six 24-h periods during a span of 9 days. In shelter-limited enclosures, fish were more active, became diurnal, and were active over a wider span of time each day, compared with fish with access to abundant shelters. In addition, fish were more aggregated and attacked prey over shorter distances and at lower rate when shelters were limited. Body mass did not affect individual activity rates, but smaller individuals extended their activity over longer periods, possibly as a result of interference competition, and were more isolated. Growth rates were similar across treatments and were positively correlated with individual activity rates and the average distance to the nearest competitor. However, additional nonmeasured effects on fitness may occur, such as increased predation risk associated with daytime feeding and extended activity in shelter-limited conditions.
Species diversity in ecological communities: historical and geographical perspectives.

"Species Diversity in Ecological Communities" looks at biodiversity in its broadest geographical and historical contexts. For many decades, ecologists have tended to study only small areas over short time spans in the belief that diversity is regulated by local ecological interactions. However, to understand fully how communities come to have the diversity they do and to address properly the urgent conservation problems we face, scientists must consider global patterns of species richness and the historical events that shape both regional and local communities. The authors use new theoretical developments, analyses and case studies to explore the large-scale mechanisms that generate and maintain diversity. Case studies of various regions and organisms consider how local and regional processes interact to determine patterns of species richness. The contributors emphasize the fact that ecological processes acting quickly on a local scale do not erase the effects of regional and historical events that occur more slowly and less frequently.