Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory activity of brown algal phlorotannins against glycosidases from the viscera of the turban shell Turbo cornutus

The crude phlorotannins from the brown alga Eisenia bicyclis showed inhibitory activity against 10 of 13 kinds of glycosidases present in the viscera of the turban shell Turbo cornutus. Phloroglucinol and its oligomers – eckol (a trimer), phlorofucofuroeckol A (a pentamer), dieckol and 8,8′-bieckol (hexamers), and an unidentified tetramer – were isolated from the crude phlorotannins by column and thin-layer chromatography. Phlorofucofuroeckol A, dieckol and 8,8′-bieckol inhibited α-fucosidase, β-galactosidase and β-mannosidase partially purified from T. cornutus, while phloroglucinol, eckol and the unidentified tetramer were weakly active. Dieckol was a competitive inhibitor of α-fucosidase with an inhibition constant (K i) of 0.12 mM. The amounts of phlorotannins released after the immersion of freshly collected E. bicyclis in seawater or deionized water were estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Nearly all the phlorotannins were exuded into the medium following the death of the algae, whereas no phlorotannins were detected in the medium of living algae. These findings indicate that the phlorotannins deter the feeding of marine herbivorous gastropods by inhibiting the glycosidases.
Against Bergmann’s rule: fly sperm size increases with temperature

A long‐standing school textbook biological rule, Bergmann’s rule, asserts that animals (and their constituent parts) grow bigger when it is colder. This seems to hold for many warm‐blooded animals, as well as for egg, cell and body size of most cold‐blooded animals. A unifying mechanism producing this pattern has not been found. We here provide the first experimental evidence that the size of an important type of cell, namely sperm, increases (rather than decreases) with temperature in a cold‐blooded animal, the yellow dung fly. By pointing to an exception, our work either questions the generality of one prominent category of explanation of Bergmann’s rule, that of a physiological constraint, or alternatively suggests that sperm differ fundamentally in their physiology from other cells.
Parent‐offspring Conflict during the Post‐fledging Period in the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus (Aves, Accipitridae)

Egyptian vultures were studied during their post-fledging dependence period in northern Spain in order to detect if there were parent-offspring and sibling tensions during the transition of young to independence. The frequency of parental feedings and the frequency of movements of the parents towards their young decreased during the post-fledging period, especially in its final part. At the same time, the frequency of movements and of aggression by the young towards their parents increased. Aggression by adults to their young was not observed. Siblings disputed feedings, but there was no other evidence for sibling conflict. The results suggest that parent-offspring and sibling conflict exists and that its development is broken by the departure of young on migration. Some behavioural traits of adults (maintenance of distance from young and of intensity of nest-defence, tolerance of young during foraging trips through the home range) do not accord with parent-offspring conflict perhaps because they are related to factors other than family tension.
Higher Reproductive Success among Kin Groups of Bank Voles (Clethrionomys Glareolus)

According to the kin selection theory the degree of genetic relatedness affects the nature of intraspecific competition and it might promote cooperative and/or altruistic behavior between individuals. We examined kinship effects on reproductive success of territorial females and survival of juveniles in the bank vole Clethrionornys glnreolus. Four experimental populations were founded in large enclosures (0.5 ha): two consisted of five related (Related, R) and two of five mutually unrelated females (Unrelated, UR). Each population had five males of heterogeneous origin. Our earlier results showed that populations of the R grew twice as fast as the UR. Here we show that recruitment and offspring survival is connected to spacing behavior of mothers. Unrelated females who had their home ranges close to each other produced significantly fewer recruits than the related ones. Their home ranges overlapped significantly less and ranges were smaller if they were situated close to each other. Furthermore, the survival of juveniles declined with dispersal distance from the natal territory in populations of the UR. Trappabilities of juveniles were also lower among the young whose home ranges were close to unrelated females, indicating avoidance of mature females. Our results indicate that competition for space is more intense among unrelated neigh- bors, decreasing their reproductive success. Infanticide towards unrelated nestlings and/or juveniles is one possible mechanism decreasing survival and causing a lower recruitment of young. On the contrary, sharing of space among related neighbors did not seem to cause notable costs on their reproduction. Mature females allowed related young females to use their territory, but still, the young did not acquire an area for their own reproduction, probably due to a mother-daughter conflict. The basic social structure of Clethrionor? zys populations, i.e., exclusive female territoriality, remained the same regardless of a high degree of relatedness.
Relative Realized Life Span and Delayed Cost of Parental Care

Many iteroparous animals delay full reproductive effort past the age of reproductive maturity. According to a life history model, this delay is likely to be selected for when the costs of reproductive effort (e.g., parental care) are low and/or the number of reproductive episodes is high, all other things being equal. Benefit increases as reproductive effort increases from its lowest level at the onset of reproduction through its peak. If this benefit increases while the number of reproductive episodes stays constant, selection favors full-scale effort from the start. The model fails to predict the change in parental defense of broods with age in two avian species, the great tit (Parus major) and the California gull (Larus californicus), and an insect, the eggplant lace bug (Gargaphia solani, Tingidae), assuming a similar benefit/cost ratio across all three species. By contrast, a simple life history measure, the ratio of the mean number of reproductive episodes in a lifetime to the maximum number of those episodes, successfully accounts for both the occurrence of delay of parental effort among the three species mentioned (and others) and the degree of their delay. This hypothesis of relative realized life span contends that selection favors the delay of maximum parental effort in species that, by virtue of high adult survival, use up relatively more of their maximum longevity or reproductive potential. Further research should focus on G. solani and other species that are absolutely short-lived but relatively long-lived.
Exploring associations between the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene cluster CHRNA5-A3-B4 and smoking-related behaviours

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. In order to address this epidemic, it is important that we have a thorough understanding of the aetiology of tobacco use and dependence. Twin and adoption studies have consistently demonstrated the importance of genetic factors in smoking behaviours. The advent of genome-wide technologies has greatly facilitated the search to determine which specific genetic factors contribute to tobacco use phenotypes. A locus within the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene cluster CHRNA5-A3-B4 has generated particular interest – that marked by variants rs16969968 in CHRNA5 and rs1051730 in CHRNA3. The primary aim of this thesis was to determine the role played by this locus in smoking-related behaviours, with an emphasis on phenotype refinement. A number of different approaches were utilised to address this objective, namely systematic review and meta-analysis, genetic epidemiology (including detailed phenotyping of smoking behaviour in adolescence), laboratory-based techniques, and genome-wide meta-analysis. Compelling evidence for a small, robust association was observed between the rs1051730/rs16966968 variants and daily cigarette consumption, equivalent to a per allele effect of approximately one cigarette per day. This effect was consistent across population sub-groups. Compelling evidence for an association between this locus and level of tobacco exposure was further illustrated through genome-wide meta-analysis of cotinine levels in current smokers. No association was observed between this locus and smoking initiation however, as examined in a prospectively assessed cohort using precisely defined phenotypes. An association between rs1051730/rs16969968 and smoking topography has yet to be explored. However, a full protocol was developed and piloted to investigate this. In addition, this research has also illustrated the importance of precise, objective, phenotype definition, an observation which has important implications for the fields of molecular genetics and epidemiology.
Sexual conflicts, loss of flight, and fitness gains in locomotion of polymorphic water striders

In insect wing polymorphism, morphs with fully developed, intermediate, and without wings are recognized. The morphs are interpreted as a trade‐off between flight and flightlessness; the benefits of flight are counterbalanced by the costs of development and the maintenance of wings and flight muscles. Such a trade‐off has been widely shown for reproductive and developmental parameters, and wing reduction is associated with species of stable habitats. However, in this context, the role of water locomotion performance has not been well explored. We chose seven water striders (Heteroptera: Gerridae) as a model to study this trade‐off and its relation to sexual conflicts, namely, Aquarius elongatus (Uhler), Aquarius paludum (Fabr.), Gerris insularis (Motschulsky), Gerris nepalensis Distant, Gerris latiabdominis Miyamoto, Metrocoris histrio (White), and Rhagadotarsus kraepelini Breddin. We estimated the locomotion performance as the legs’ stroke force, measured on tethered specimens placed on water with a force transducer attached to their backs. By dividing force by body weight, we made performance comparisons. We found a positive relationship between weight and force, and a negative one between weight and the force‐to‐weight ratio among species. The trade‐off between water and flight locomotion was manifested as differences in performance in terms of the force/weight ratio. However, the bias toward winged or wing‐reduced morphs was species dependent, and presumably related to habitat preference. Water strider species favouring a permanent habitat (G. nepalensis) showed higher performance in the apterous morph, but in those favouring temporary habitats (A. paludum and R. kraepelini) morphs’ performance did not differ significantly. Males had higher performance than females in all but three species studied (namely, A. elongatus, G. nepalensis, and R. kraepelini); these three have a type II mating strategy with minimized mating struggle. We hypothesized that in type I mating system, in which males must struggle strongly to subdue the female, males should outperform females to copulate successfully. This was not necessarily true among males of species with type II mating.
Structural Changes, Mechanical Properties and Sensory Preference of Osmodehydrated Melon Pieces with Sucrose and Calcium Lactate Solutions

The effect of calcium lactate on the cellular structure and mechanical properties of osmodehydrated melon pieces with sucrose solutions was studied. Samples were treated with sucrose solutions (40 or 60°Brix) containing calcium lactate (0 to 20 g kg−1). The salt had a remarkable effect on the stress at failure and the cellular structure of fruits, resulting in structural preservation when used at concentrations of up to 10 g kg−1. Salt concentrations above 15 g kg−1 as well as the treatment performed with sucrose solution alone promoted cytoplasm plasmolysis and cell wall damages. Fruits processed with sucrose solutions at 60°Brix with or without calcium lactate showed good sensory acceptance, while fruits treated with sucrose solutions at 40°Brix presented statistically significant lower scores at calcium concentrations above 15 g kg−1.
Efeito do déficit hídrico na transpiração e resistência estomática da mangueira

Flowering induction of mango growth at the Northeast Brazil has not given satisfactory results mainly due to inadequate irrigation management. Transpiration and stomatal resistance of mango trees can reflect the water status of the plant. Monitoring the transpiration and stomatal resistance of mango trees during water deficit and irrigation period suggests that the flower induction by water deficit is not efficient due to incorrect irrigation management.
Irregular Heartwood Formation in Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster Ait):Consequences for Biomechanical and Hydraulic Tree Functioning

As the proportion of sapwood (SW) transformed into heartwood (HW) is irregular both radially and longitudinally in trunks of Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.), it has been suggested that HW formation is a developmental process, regulated internally within the tree. In trees where stem growth is eccentric due to stem lean or wind action, the number of annual growth rings of SW transformed into HW is greater on the compressed side of the tree. To determine the contribution to bending stiffness, if any, of this prematurely formed HW, four point bending tests were carried out on fresh HW and SW samples taken from the same growth ring, or neighbouring growth rings, at different cross-sectional positions at a height of 2 m from six 52-year-old Maritime pines. The mean (±s.e.) modulus of elasticity (E) was 7.6 ± 0.3 GPa (longitudinal direction) for all samples. No significant differences in E were found between HW and SW; thus HW does not play a significant mechanical role in bending stiffness. To test a second hypothesis that early HW formation on the compressed side of trees may maintain a constant, optimal volume of SW around the tree, the Pipe Model Theory was applied to 12 52-year-old leaning Maritime pines (angle of lean varied from 0–22°). The surface area (S) of the SW was determined at different heights up the trunk and correlated with crown surface area (Scrown). Regressions between SSWandScrown were highly significant, thereby supporting the theory that HW formation and extension is controlled internally in Maritime pine. HW formation in Maritime pine then serves to maintain an optimal proportion of functional SW which is an important criterion for survival in a species often subjected to severe drought for long periods.
Powellomyces, a new genus in the Spizellomycetales

Powellomyces (order Spizellomycetales) is erected for soil-inhabiting chytrids previously classified in Entophlyctis. Fischer's narrative and figures indicate that Entophlyctis was originally described to accommodate aquatic, chytridialean species, and consequently this is not an appropriate genus for spizellomycetalean species. Powellomyces hirtus sp.nov. and Powellomyces variabilis nom.nov. both develop exogenously but differ in distribution of rhizoids on germlings and in colour of colonies in culture. Key words: Chytridiales, Entophlyctis, Powellomyces, Spizellomycetales.
The influence of temperature on the life history of the Antarctic nematode Panagrolaimus davidi

Panagrolaimus davidi is a free-living microbivore, associated with moss and algal patches in coastal regions around Ross Island, Antarctica. In laboratory experiments, temperature had a major influence on P. davidi life history parameters. The optimal temperature occurred between 25 and 30°C and the temperature at which population growth ceased was estimated at 6.8°C. Threshold temperatures for developmental processes were in the range 4.1°C (for egg incubation) to 7.6°C (for generation time). The life history strategy of P. davidi shows r-selected features and is more similar to temperate free-living nematodes than to other polar species, which show K-selected features. In the Antarctic, P. davidi is forced to remain dormant for long periods and growth occurs intermittently when conditions allow, suggesting A selection. The life history of P. davidi thus exhibits both A and r-selected features.
Growth curve of Psittacosaurus mongoliensis Osborn (Ceratopsia: Psittacosauridae) inferred from long bone histology

Abstract The skeleton undergoes substantial histological modification during ontogeny in association with longitudinal growth, shape changes, reproductive activity, and fatigue repair. This variation can hinder attempts to reconstruct life history attributes for individuals, particularly when only fossil materials are availble for study. Histological examinations of multiple elements throughout development provide a means to control for such variability and facilitate accurate life history assessments. In the present study, the microstructure of various major long bones of the ceratopsian Psittacosaurus monogoliensis Osborn were examined from a growth series spanning juvenile through adult developmental stages. The first reconstruction of a growth curve (mass vs. age) for a dinosaur was made for this taxon using a new method called Developmental Mass Extrapolation. The results suggest P. mongoliensis : (1) had an S-shaped growth curve characteristics of most extant vertebrates, and (2) had maximal growth rates that exceeded extant reptiles and marsupials, but were slower than most avian and eutherian taxa.
Determining the agronomic value of composts produced from garden organics from metropolitan areas of New South Wales, Australia

About 0.3 million t/year of composted garden organics (CGO) including mulches and soil conditioners are produced annually in New South Wales, Australia, although only a small proportion of this material (<4%) is used in agriculture. A lack of information on product characteristics and agronomic performance has limited the development of agricultural markets for CGO products. These CGO products are the coarse and fine fractions separated by screening after composting. This paper presents the results of a survey of CGO mulches and soil conditioners (unblended or blended with a mixture of other organic materials including biosolids, animal manures and paper), which are commercially produced in the metropolitan areas of New South Wales and assesses their agronomic and soil amendment values in terms of chemical and biological properties. It also evaluates the short-term effects of applying increasing rates (0, 25, 50 and 100 t/ha) of selected composted soil conditioners on radish growth in a pot experiment. The mulch products had low nutrient concentrations but had high carbon (C) contents (mean C = 45%) and C/Nitrogen (N) ratios (mean C/N = 72) and are most suitable for use as surface mulch. The unblended soil conditioners were low in nutrients, particularly N (average total N = 1.0%, range 0.9–12%), and had lower and variable C contents. The pot trial results indicated lack of growth response of radish at application rates up to 100 t/ha of unblended soil conditioners from garden organics. The blended soil conditioners were more variable in quality and as confirmed by pot trial results produced highly variable plant responses. The high variability in product quality and performance of the soil conditioners, particularly the blended products might be related to the source and type of blending material as well as the composting conditions used in the manufacturing process. These results highlight the need to improve compost quality and consistency and the need for further research to advance understanding of the benefits using CGO in terms of improving soil quality, crop productivity and net economic returns to growers.
Synthesis of 14,20-Bis-epi-1α,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D3 and Analogues

14,20-Bis-epi-1α,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D3 and side chain analogues thereof have been synthesised via the 14,20-bis-epi-Inhoffen–Lythgoe diol 9. The synthesis of this precursor was performed via degradation of vitamin D2 and by total synthesis starting from Hajos–Wiechert ketone 24.
Micro-organisms associated with African locust bean (Parkia filicoidea Welw) fermentation for ‘dawadawa’ production

Micro-organisms associated with the fermentation of ‘dawadawa’, a traditionally prepared food condiment, were isolated and identified. Three species of bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and L. dextranicus) were the predominant and most actively involved organisms. The other organisms did not appear to play any major role in the fermentation because they were present in relatively low numbers in the fermenting mash. The temperature and the pH increased sharply during the fermentation process.
Evaluation of different botanical for the management of cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) in north-eastern Ethiopia

The pesticide efficacy of locally available seven botanicals “Gime” (Chenopodium ambrosioides), “Ayderke” (Jatropha curcas), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Melia (Melia azadirach), “Chobe” (Cisus rotonifolia), “Kelewa” (Maesa lanceolata) and “Antharfa” at a rate of 4% weight by weight was evaluated for the control of cowpea bruchid using 200 g cowpea seeds in 500 cm3 volume jar in 2010 and 2011 under laboratory condition at Sirinka Agricultural Research Centre. The combined analysis showed that “Gime” (both leaf and seed) had high speed of pesticide effect as it showed significantly higher per cent of parent adult mortality (84 and 71%, respectively) as to the standard check Malathion 5% dust (100%) in the first day of adult mortality count. “Antharfa” and “Ayderke” also have shown significantly higher per cent of parent adult mortality as to Malathion in the third and fifth day of adult mortality count, respectively. In the seventh day, all botanicals showed significantly higher per cent of adult mortality as compared to untreated check. “Gime” leaf and seed powder, “Ayderke” seed, Neem seed and “Antharfa” leaf powders significantly reduced the number of progeny emergence per day as compared to all other treatments. Moreover, these botanicals were effective in reducing per cent seed damage (0.00, 0.00, 0.57, 5.86 and 10.86%, respectively) and storage loss (0.00, 0.00, 0.073, 1.02 and 2.27%, respectively). Gime (both leaf and seed powder), “Ayderke” seed and Neem seed are locally available, simple for preparation and environmentally friendly. Therefore, these three botanicals can be recommended to satisfy the demand for organic food and save the seed damage and yield loss of cowpea caused by Callosobruchus maculates and bean bruchid (Zabrotes subfasciatus) which has similar biology with Callosobruchus maculatus.