Environmental Biology

Habitat features influence the ecological interactions and spatial distribution of fish species. For example, water transparency and macrophyte cover, as well as their interaction, can strongly influence predation risk and mortality. Tethering trials were conducted in Lake St. Pierre (Quebec, Canada) to assess the effects of water transparency and macrophyte cover on the mortality risk of eight abundant fish species; Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), Mooneye (Hiodon tergisus), Emerald Shiner (Notropis atherinoides), Golden Shiner (Notropis crysoleucas), Blacknose Shiner (Notropis heterolepis), Spottail Shiner (Notropis hudsonius), Trout-perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus), and Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that mortality risk varied substantially among three groups of species having high, intermediate, or low survival rates. Species with spines appeared to have higher survival rates, consistent with the notion that spines deter predators. Cox regression models showed that mortality risk for six of the eight species was influenced by water transparency or an interaction of transparency with macrophyte cover. Mortality risk was generally greatest at low transparency. Variation in water transparency may generate spatial heterogeneity in fish abundance, either through direct effects, such as local reduction in prey numbers by predation, or indirect effects, such as behavioural avoidance of risky areas by prey.

The egg-type pateros ducks, Anas platyrhynchos domestica, in the Philippines are raised in the traditional semi free-range management system which allows farmers to keep the ducks in flocks as extra activities in between their crop farming routines. This study assessed the follicular development in ducks grown from farms in semi free-range system and evaluated the different conditions of the gonads using the follicular ranks and the frequency of occurrence of follicular atresia. Nineteen ducks from Zamboanga del Sur (9 aged 6-12 months; 10 aged 13-24 months) and 20 ducks from Misamis Occidental (10 each for 6-12 and 13-24 months age group) were dissected and evaluated (n=39). Results showed that the gonadosomatic index (GSI) of 6-12 month-old ducks from Zamboanga del Sur (Group 1) was 0.367% while GSI of the 6-12 month-old ducks from Misamis Occidental (Group 2) was 0.323%. Lower GSI of 0.298% was observed for Group III (13-24 month-old ducks from Zamboanga del Sur) and Group IV wit...

Stomach contents from tiger sharks, Galeocerdo cuvier, caught on lines off the central coast of Western Australia were analysed to investigate variations in the diet due to sex, size and geographic location. Stomachs from 84 specimens contained food, while 26 had empty stomachs and 66 had regurgitated. Twelve prey groups were identified, the most common being turtles, sea snakes, teleost fishes, dugongs and sea birds. Dietary overlap was high between males and females. An ontogenetic shift was observed in the diet. Smaller prey (e.g. cephalopods, teleosts and sea snakes) were more common in small individuals, while the occurrence of larger prey (e.g. turtles, dugongs and elasmobranchs) increased with increasing shark size. Differences in the diet were observed between four regions along the central Western Australian coast. The ability to catch and consume large prey, prey availability, prey density, and prey profitability were identified as factors influencing the diet. The high level of occurrence of dugongs and turtles in the diet of G. cuvier, relative to their abundance, suggests that shark predation may play an important role in regulating populations of these species.

The rim circling (RC), and aggressive habituation of nesting bluegills were studied in natural colonies during the six days of the reproductive period following spawning. To examine the stimulus specificity of aggressive habituation, selected test individuals and four neighbors were observed on four occasions during one day. After the first observation period established baseline data on aggressive interactions, the 'appearances' of three of the neighbors were manipulated and further observations were made. Two more observation periods followed, separated by a sham manipulation to allow for possible disturbance effects. Fish lengths, inter-nest distances, and positions in the colony were also recorded. An analysis of the data demonstrated that aggressive interaction increased for the three manipulated neighbors. There were no significant differences among the data for the fourth (control) neighbors. The enhanced aggressive interactions between the test and manipulated males were initiated by the males at least partially in response to the changed appearance of the neighbor. Further, the level of aggressive interaction returned to normal after about 2 hours, indicating that the test male had habituated to the new appearances of his neighbors. Thus visual appearance plays an important role in the habituation of aggression between neighboring bluegills. It was not possible to determine if the behavior of the neighbor was also an important cue used in aggressive habituation, but this seems likely. Advantages of aggressive habituation are discussed. It is noteworthy that aggression decreased as internest distance increased. Levels of RC varied significantly over the six days, in a time course dissimilar from aggression. The RC rate is depen

Recently, a novel approach to a highly sensitive and quantitative detection of rare earth element (REE) ions including La3+, Eu3+ and Tb3+, by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, has been reported. The detection of REE ions is based on the catalytic nature of REE ions targeting the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), thus monitoring of the ions can be achieved by reading the level of intact DNA by PCR. Despite of its high sensitivity (at ppb to ppt levels), the conventional PCR-based REE detection protocol requires certain length of time (1-2 hours). In the present study, we modified the PCR-based REE detection protocols by employing the high-speed PCR, and performed the automated and rapid detection of La3+ in small-sized aqueous samples within 5min.

Animal products like milk and meat are often found to be contaminated with residues of persistent pesticides and other toxic substances. The major source of entry of these compounds to animal body is the contaminated feed and fodder. So, unless the residues are managed at this stage, it is very difficult to prevent contamination in milk and meat. Therefore, the status of residue level of most persistent organochlorinated pesticides (OCP) in feed and fodder should be monitored regularly. The frequency of occurrence and contamination levels of OCP residues in different kinds of animal concentrate feed and straw samples collected from Bundelkhand region of India were determined. Out of 533 total samples, 301 i.e. 56.47% samples were positive containing residues of different OCPs like hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) complex, endosulfan and dicofol. Among different HCH isomers, the mean concentration of β-HCH was highest, and total HCH varied from 0.01 to 0.306 mg kg −1 . In case of DDT complex, i.e. DDD, DDE and DDT, the concentration ranged between 0.016 and 0.118 mg kg −1 and the pp | isomers were more frequently encountered than their op | counterparts. Endosulfan was also found in some samples in concentration ranging from 0.009 to 0.237 mg/kg, but dicofol could be recorded in very few samples. Although feed samples were found to contain OC residues, after comparing their levels in positive samples with the limiting values of respective pesticides, only very few were found to exceed the threshold level. Otherwise, they were mostly within safe limits.

Limited information is available related to the effect of moisture and temperature on release of metals from sludge treated soils. In an incubation experiment, effect of ten levels of sludge (0, 1.12, 2.24, 4.48, 8.96, 17.9, 35.8, 71.6, 142, 285 g kg(-1)), two levels of moisture (field capacity and 2.5 cm standing water) and two levels of temperature (20 and 35 degrees C) on the release of zinc and cadmium was evaluated in acid and alkaline soils. The results indicated that application of sludge was more effective in enhancing EDTA extractable Zn and Cd in acid soil than in alkaline soil. On an average, maximum increase in release of EDTA extractable Zn and Cd were 32.0 and 5.2 fold in sludge treated soil over control. There was decrease in EDTA extractable Zn and Cd by 37.7% and 25.4%, respectively under submergence as compared to that under field capacity. On an average, the amount of EDTA extractable Zn and Cd increased by 22.6% and 43.6%, respectively at 35 degrees C than that a...

The aim of this study was to assess and monitor the seasonal variations of physicochemical parameters (temperature, EC, TS, TDS, TSS, pH, DO, BOD, COD, CO R 3 R , HCO R 3 R El-Menoufia Governorate, Egypt from summer 2012 to spring 2013. Physicochemical characteristics of water varied significantly season to season and the most parameters values were significantly higher during summer at station I. All physicochemical parameters were below the permissible limits except TDS, BOD, COD and NH3 were higher in summer season at all stations. In case of heavy metals, As, Cd, Co, Sb, Se, Sn and V were not detectable (below the detection limits with ICP -OES Cu>Al> Zn>Ni>Pb>Cr>Ba and the highest concentrations of heavy metals were recorded in summer at Station I. The water of El-Bahr El-Pharaony drain is partially polluted with heavy metals so, it is recommended that strict vigilance and constant monitoring are needed to maintain water quality of the drain, which considered ...

Gram negative phytophatogen bacteria perform quorum sensing by using N-acylhomoserine lactone signal to regulate the expression of virulence factor genes. One of strategy to inactivate quorum sensing by degrading the signal molecules using AHL lactonase encoded by aiiA gene. This study was conducted to characterize bacteria producing AHL lactonase from agriculture lands. Isolation of AHL degrading bacteria was done on 11 sampels of rhizosphere soils from Java, Indonesian agriculture lands. AHL degrading activities of bacterial isolates were tested using Chromobacterium violaceum as a bioindicator. AHL degrading bacterial isolates were indentified based on morphology and 16S rRNA gene. Verification of AHL lactonase existence was done by amplification of aiiA gene (using BTF and BTR primers). A total of 161 bacterial isolates were isolated from rhizosphere soils, six of them could degrade AHL. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolates had 100% similarity with Serratia marcescens By2Root2 (BKS-1 isolate), Bacillus aquimaris JB306 (BKS-8), B. marisflavi GN28 , B. altitudinis NIOT-BARREN23 (CMS-4), B. aquimaris JP44SK28 (JBR1-3) and B. axarquiensis CHMS1B6 (JBR2-16), respectively. The aiiA gene amplification showed that all isolates were successfully amplified with PCR product of 750 bp. BLAST-X analysis of aiiA gene showed that AHL lactonase of BKS-1 was closely related with AHL lactonase B. cereus group, BKS-8 with AHL lactonase Bacillus sp. MBG09, BGR-7 with AHL lactonase Bacillus sp. MBG12, CMS-4 and JBR1-3 were closely related with AHL lactonase B. cereus, JBR2-16 with AHL lactonase B. firmus with 99%, 92%, 97%, 94%, 98%, and 99% of maximum identity, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on amino acid sequences of AHL lactonase (AiiA) showed that AHL lactonase from the six isolates had similarity with AHL lactonase of B. cereus, B. weihenstaphenensis, B. thuringiensis, B. subtilis and B. firmus, respectively. This finding indicated new information of quorum quenching bacteria that B. aquimaris, B. marisflavi, B. altitudinis, B. axarquiensis and S. marecescens had AHL lactonase encoded by aiiA gene and they might have potential application to degrade AHL of plant pathogenic bacteria.

Sustainability in building project is a relatively young and emerging discipline. There is at present no generally agreed on a set of methodologies recognized as standard practice. Integrated design process is regularly cited in literature as an approach for achieving the holistic nature of a sustainable project. The project is only possible through implementation on integration since the early process of the design, as 70% of the decisions are made in the first 10% of this stage. This study attempts to explore an integrated design process that practiced for realizing sustainability in building project. For this, a case study approach has been employed. The selected case is a project named 'Diamond building' in Malaysia. Following, the main research question was formulated: How do Diamond building stakeholders apply an integrated design process in the project? The finding was that Diamond is compared to the literature review are very high when it comes to integrated design p...

Most of the world's large rivers are fragmented by dams. Fragmentation of the river ecosystem alters migration patterns among fish populations and converts free-flowing river to reservoir habitat. In this study, we used an individual-based genetic metapopulation model to study the effects of fragmentation on the population viability and genetic diversity of a large-river fish, the white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus. In the first of two simulation experiments, we fragmented a 200 km river reach by building 1 to 20 virtual dams. Increased fragmentation produced an exponential decline in the likelihood of persistence, but no extinction threshold to suggest a minimum viable length of river. Compounding isolation with the loss of free-flowing habitat did not further reduce viability until free-flowing habitat was nearly eliminated, at which point extinction was certain. Genetic diversity within (among) populations decreased (increased) as we 'built' the first several dams. Adding more dams caused the number of persisting populations to decline and eroded genetic diversity within and among populations. Our second simulation experiment evaluated the effects of different levels of upstream and downstream migration between river segments. The results of these migration experiments highlighted the importance of balanced migration rates. We found that extinction risk was high for populations linked by high downstream, and low upstream, migration rates, as is often the case in impounded rivers. Our results support the view that migration patterns will play a significant role in determining the viability of riverine fishes, such as the white sturgeon, in river ecosystems fragmented by dams.

This paper presents a preemptive goal programming model for multi-objective nutrient management problem by determining the optimum fertilizer combination for chilli plantation in Sungai Buloh Malaysia. Application of nutrients to the soil is commonly done by using fertilizers. A fertilizer is said to be a complete or mixed fertilizer when it contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N-P-K). A set of data have been used to test the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed model. Results of the model indicate that all objectives have been achieved. Moreover with the fertilizer combination, the current cost of fertilizer used for chilli plantation can be reduced. The flexibility of the model can be done by adjusting the goal priorities with respect to the importance of each objective.

Current knowledge on fate and effect of agricultural pesticides comes is mainly from temperate ecosystems. More studies are needed in tropical systems in order to assess contamination risks to nontarget endemic tropical species from the extensive use of pesticides e.g. in banana and pineapple plantations. In this study, acute laboratory toxicity tests with organophosphate pesticides ethoprophos and chlorpyrifos were conducted on two Costa Rican species, cladoceran Daphnia ambigua and fish Parachromis dovii. Tests showed that chlorpyrifos was more toxic than ethoprophos to D. ambigua and P. dovii and that D. ambigua was also more sensitive than P. dovii to both pesticides. Additionally, bioassays were performed by exposing D. magna and P. dovii to contaminated water collected from the field. Chemical analyses of field water revealed that fungicides were generally the most frequent pesticide group found, followed by insecticides/nematicides and herbicides. The bioassays and values obt...

Ana Silvaa,b, Laura Quintanaa, Matıas Galeanoa & Pablo Errandoneaa aDepartamento de Neurofisiologıa, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable; Unidad Asociada de Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Avda. Italia 3318, 11600 ...

The t(14; 18)(q32; q21) is the most frequent cytogenetic abnormality observed in several types of lymphoma malignancies. We have evaluated the frequency of IGH/BCL-2 translocation in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients from of 50 cases with diagnosed DLBCL and 70 cases suspicious NHL. The European Biomedicine and Health (BIOMED-2) Concerted Action BMH4-CT98-3936 proposed an standard Polymerized chain reaction (PCR) protocols for detection of B cell clonality in lymphoproliferativ disorders. By multiplex PCR, a total of 52 (43%) positive cases showed IGH-BCL-2 gene rearrangements: 3 (2%) for major breakpoint region (MBR), 4 (3%) for 3΄major breakpoint region (3΄MBR) and 45 (38%) for minor cluster region (mcr). In diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) cases, detected 2 (4%) cases with the MBR breakpoint, 3 (6%) cases with the 3΄MBR and 18 (36%) with mcr. In suspicious NHL cases, detected 1 (1%) cases with the MBR breakpoint, 1(1%) cases with the 3΄MBR and 27 (39%) with mcr. Thus, NHL patients in this study had high frequency of mcr breakpoints cluster, even though many other studies reported a higher MBR incidence. These results indicate an increase in the prevalence of t(14;18) translocation in adults depending on age. And the incidence among males was high. In conclusion, t(14;18) detection in NHL patients by PCR can be achieved at significantly higher rates by including BIOMED-2 primers for all three breakpoint regions, the MBR, 3΄MBR and mcr, and performing multiplex amplification.

California contains the southernmost native populations of most Pacific Coast salmon and trout, many of which appear to be rapidly headed toward extinction. A quantitative protocol was developed to determine conservation status of all salmonids native to the state. Results indicate that if present trends continue, 25 (78%) of the 32 taxa native to California will likely be extinct or extirpated within the next century, following the bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), which was extirpated in the 1970s. California's salmonids are adapted to living in a topographically diverse region with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by extreme seasonal and inter-annual variability in streamflow. Consequently, California salmonids have evolved extraordinary life history diversity to persist in the face of stressful conditions that often approach physiological limits. The spatial distributions of California salmonids vary from wide-ranging anadromous forms to endemic inland forms persisting in only a few kilometers of stream. Eighty-one percent of anadromous taxa are threatened with extinction and 73% inland taxa are either threatened or already extinct. Although specific drivers of decline differ across species, major causes of decline are related to increasing competition with humans for water, human degradation of watersheds, and adverse effects of hatchery propagation. Climate change, interacting with the other causes of decline, is increasing the trajectory towards extinction for most populations. Bringing all of California's salmonid fishes back from the brink of extinction may not be possible. If there are bold changes to management policy, however, self-sustaining populations of many species may be possible due to their inherent ability to adapt to changing conditions.

In copper based antifouling (AF) paints Cu (I) oxide was largely used as booster biocide. In this study effect of Cu (I) oxide on two marine microalgae, Tetraselmis suecica and Dunaliella tertiolecta was demonstrated. EC50 (96 hr) concentrations estimated for T. suecica and D. tertiolecta were 1.3 mg l(-1) and 1.34 mg l(-1), respectively. Copper (I) oxide induced changes in growth, chlorophyll, carbohydrate and protein contents were observed in T. suecica and D. tertiolecta. At low concentration of 0.0625 mg l(-1), 3-26% and 1-16% growth stimulation was observed in T. suecica and T. tertiolecta respectively. Increasing Cu (I) oxide concentrations proportionately decreased the carbohydrate and protein contents. This study clearly indicates the toxicity of excessive Cu (I) oxide on growth and biochemical compositions of T. suecica and D. tertiolecta.

Various physico-chemical characteristics of river Yamuna flowing in Haryana through Delhi were studied in summer (April, 1998) and winter (Jan. -Feb., 1999). Ecological parameters like dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, nitrate (NO 3 -), sulphate (SO 4 2-), and phosphate (PO 4 3- ), were analyzed and compared with standard permissible limits to assess the best-designated use of the river water for various purposes. The river in Delhi upstream was of better quality whereas Delhi downstream stretch was polluted as indicated by very low DO and high total dissolved solids (TDS), electric conductivity (EC), total hardness, Na + , K + , Cl -, F -and SO 4 2-. The differences in various parameters were statistically significant (P<0.01) when compared for the Delhi upstream and downstream stretches of the river, particularly in Summer. DO and TDS were found to be two important parameters, which showed strong correlation with several other parameters and hence can serve as good indices of river water quality. The river tended to recover from the pollution stress after flowing through a distance of about 80 km downstream Delhi.

This case study intended to identify the translator trainers' attitude at Iranian universities about using translation theories in practical translation classes. It aimed to improve translation teaching programs at universities. In this regard, eight universities and 29 instructors from these universities were chosen randomly. The participants filled out a questionnaire containing 15 items divided to two parts. The first part asked questions on the use of translation theories in practical translation generally. The second part checked instructors' personal attitude about using translation theories in their practical translation classes and how they motivate students to apply translation theories. The answers to the items ranged from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Strongly agree was graded 5 and strongly disagree 1.To analyze the data SPSS program version 16 was applied and descriptive statistics including frequency, percent, mean and standard deviation was used. One sample T-test was applied on every item based on the gained grade considering medium level to be 3 and statistical significance 0.05. The results suggest that the translator trainers at Iranian universities have a generally good attitude and are aware of the importance of translation theories yet they seem to be undecided whether: 1. translation theories help students translate more accurately, 2. prepares students as a researcher and not a practitioner and 3.general rules of translation help students more than theories of translation. Due to this uncertainty they indirectly ignore translation theories in practical translation classes which can mislead students about the significance and is worth considering.

Field experiments were conducted during two consequent years in semi-arid, subtropical climate of Rohtak district situated in North-West Indian state Haryana to evaluate the effects of eco-friendly organic matrix entrapped urea (OMEU) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. WH-711). The OMEU prepared in granular form contained cow dung, rice bran (grain cover of Oryza sativa), neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves and clay soil (diameter of particles &lt; 0.002 mm) in 1:1:1:1 ratios and saresh (plant gum of Acacia sp.) as binder entrapping half of the recommended dose of urea. A basal application of organic matrix entrapped urea showed increase in plant growth in terms of fresh and dry weights, root length, root number, leaf number, tillers, plant height earlet number, earlet length and productivity in terms of grain yield and straw yield over free form of urea (FU) and no fertilizer (NF) application. The OMEU increased total soluble proteins, organic N and free ammonium content in the leaves...

Background: Work Ethics approval is an essential factor in the health care system so the purpose of this study is to evaluate the work ethics status in the teaching hospitals in Kermanshah in 2014. Material &Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted 416 members and classified them in an orderly manner into three groups: administrative, clinical, and servicing, and 25 percent of each group were randomly selected. Demographic questionnaires were valid and reliable work ethics which have been used and had four aspects including: attachment and interest in the work, perseverance and hard work, healthy human relationships in the workplace, community spirit and participation in the formulation which was based on the Likert scoring method ( from 1 to 5).The data were collected by using the descriptive statistics (meanstandard deviation and variance) and inferential statistics (correlation, T-Test and Pearson correlation) and were analyzed by SPSS version 18. Results: 233 (30.14 ± 01.56) of the patients who were enrolled in the study were male and the rest of 183 (47.14 ± 99.43) were female. The study shows that there is a significant relationship (p = 0.001) between dimensions of attachment and desire to work with perseverance and hard work in the hospitals. The overall score of work ethic in the hospitals was low. Conclusions: The situation of the work ethics in the hospitals shows a lack of paying attention to the personnel of these centers. So we suggest to establish a Missioner's office in the hospitals

Historical documents and classic works together with recent specialized literature have described Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Gulf of California. This is a review of HABs impact (qualitative and quantitative) during the last decades in the Gulf of California on wild (mammals, birds, fishes, and invertebrates) and cultured animals (shrimps and fishes). Microalgal species responsible of noxious effects are Noctiluca scintillans, Cochlodinium polykrikoides, Gymnodinium catenatum, Prorocentrum minimum, Akashiwo sanguinea, Chattonella subsalsa Ch. marina, Chattonella sp., Heterocapsa sp., Dinophysis sp., Fibrocapsa japonica, Heterosigma akashiwo, Thalassiosira sp., Chaetoceros spp., Pseudo-nitzschia australis, P fraudulenta, Pseudo-nitzschia sp., Trichodesmium erythraeum and ScSchizotrix calcicola. Emphasis is given to the necessity to continue with interdisciplinary studies in oceanography, ecology, toxicology and toxinology interrelated with biomedical sciences such as physiolog...

BACKGROUND:
In spite of its indusrial usefulness and varied daily uses, lead (Pb) pollution is a widespread ecological problem that faces the humans in the 21th century. Pb was found to produces a wide range of toxic effects including neurotoxicity especially to the developing and young offspring. Recently, the utilization of herbal plants has received a significant attention where there has been rising awareness in their therapeutic use; among these is the garlic.
AIM OF THE WORK:
In light of the above, the current study is designed experimentally in female pregnant rats in order to investigate the beneficial role of garlic extract in the protection from the maternal and fetal cerebellar damage that produced by administration of different doses of Pb during pregnancy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Positively pregnant female rats were divided into five groups; one control group, two Pb-treated groups (exposed to 160 and 320 mg/kg b.wt. of Pb, respectively) and two groups treated with both Pb and garlic (exposed to Pb as previous groups together with 250 mg/ kg b.wt. /day of garlic extract). Treatments started from day 1 till day 20 of pregnancy, where the mother rats of different experimental groups were sacrified to obtain the fetuses. Pb level in the maternal nd fetal blood and cerebellum was estimated by spectrophotometry. Specimens of the cerebellum of different mother and fetal groups were processed to histological and immunohistochemical staining for microscopic examination.
RESULTS:
The results showed that administration of Pb to pregnant rats resulted in a dose-dependent toxicity for both mothers and fetuses in the form of decrease of maternal weight gain, placental and fetal weights, brain weight and diminished fetal growth parameters, which were prominent in rat's group treated with larger dose of Pb. In Pb-treated rats, Pb level in blood and cerebellum was high when compared to the control. The histopathological examination of the cerebellum of treated dams and fetuses showed marked alterations mainly in the form of Purkinje cell degeneration and lack of deveopmet of fetal cerebellum. Co-treatment of garlic extract along with Pb resulted in a significant decrease in Pb levels as compared with those treated with Pb alone with improvement of the histopathological changes.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study was useful in evaluating the hazardous effects of uncontrolled use of Pb in general and in assessing the developmental and neurotoxicity of fetuses due to exposure during pregnancy in particular. Co-administration of garlic has beneficial effects in amelioration of Pb-induced neurotoxicity and reversing the histopathological changes of the cerebellum of mother rats and fetuses.
KEYWORDS:
garlic; glial fibrillary acidic protein; lead; purkinje cells

The soil C, N, P and K content of agricultural soil were measured over the last 4 decades in NE Catalonia (NE Spain). Plant-available P and K increased by ca 109 and 105% respectively and total N decreased by 30%. The increases in plant-available P content are in accordance with the increasingly used pig slurry being very rich in P, and with P tendency to be retained in soils, since it is less mobile than N. The total soil N (N(tot)) decrease occurred in the first decade (by 41%). The uptake and withdrawal of mineral N by crops and the leaching of mineral N into groundwater and rivers after torrential rainfalls were the two likely major pathways of N-loss from the soil. After the first decade, there has been no further decrease of N(tot) as a result of the increasing fertilization of these fields, including the increasing applications of pig slurry. These results show an increasing P eutrophication in Mediterranean agricultural soils and will have several consequences for the next d...

Use of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) as inoculants has concurrently increased phosphorous uptake in plants and improved yields in several crop species. The ability of PSB to improve growth of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) through enhanced phosphorus (P) uptake from Christmas island rock phosphate (RP) was studied in glasshouse experiments. Two isolated PSB strains; Bacillus spp. PSB9 and PSB16, were evaluated with RP treatments at 0, 30 and 60 kg ha -1 . Surface sterilized seeds of aerobic rice were planted in plastic pots containing 3 kg soil and the effect of treatments incorporated at planting were observed over 60 days of growth. The isolated PSB strains (PSB9 and PSB16) solubilized significantly high amounts of P (20.05-24.08 mg kg -1 ) compared to non-inoculated (19-23.10 mg kg -1 ) treatments. Significantly higher P solubilization (24.08 mg kg -1 ) and plant P uptake (5.31 mg plant -1 ) was observed with the PSB16 strain at the highest P level of 60 kg ha -1 . The higher amounts of soluble P in the soil solution increased P uptake in plants and resulted in higher plant biomass (21.48 g plant -1 ). PSB strains also increased plant height (80 cm) and improved root morphology in aerobic rice. The results showed that inoculation of aerobic rice with PSB improved phosphate solubilizing activity of incorporated RP.

Eight wild and four cultivated pigeonpea genotypes were subjected to RAPD and microsatellite analysis, with 40 primers each. Out of these, eight RAPD and five SSR primers were found polymorphic. RAPD primers showed 100% polymorphism and produced a total of 517 DNA fragments, whereas SSR primers produced 67 fragments and they too showed 100% polymorphism. The RAPD markers revealed highest similarity co-efficient of 0.93 (GT-100 and ICPL-87), whereas the highest similarity co-efficient obtained with SSR markers was 1.00 (GTH-1 and GT-100). Average PIC value obtained with RAPD and SSR were 0.90 and 0.18, respectively. The arithmetic mean heterozygosity and marker index were 0.90 and 22.47 respectively with RAPD marker, whereas the corresponding values for SSR markers were 0.18 and 33.66. Moreover; the four wild genotypes (Cajanus scarabaeoides, Rhyncosia rufescence, Cajanus cajanifolius and Rhyncosia canna) and the four cultivars (GTH-1, GT-100, ICPL-87 and GT-1) grouped distinctly in ...

The Ponto-Caspian round goby (Neogobius melanostomus, Pallas 1814) most probably was established in the Gulf of Gdańsk, Baltic Sea, in the late 1980’s and has since become one of the dominant species in the region. In this study we assess the role of round gobies as prey for two important fish species in the Gulf of Gdańsk, cod (Gadus morhua) and perch (Perca fluviatilis). We compared their present diet with stomach analyses from the area prior the round goby establishment, as well as with diet analysis from Baltic regions where round gobies are absent. There were large differences in the diet between cods from the Gulf of Gdańsk 2003–2006 compared to cods in earlier studies (1977–1981) from the Southern Baltic Sea. There were also large differences in cod and perch diets from areas with and without round goby. Presently, round goby constitutes the most important prey for medium sized cods in Gulf of Gdańsk, and perch from the same area almost exclusively feed on gobiids. Stomach analysis, trophic level estimates, and stable isotope analyses all indicated that cod and perch in Gulf of Gdańsk after the round goby establishment belonged to a similar trophic level. Beside round goby, no mussel feeding fish contributed much to the diet of cod or at all to the diet of perch. Thus, it is likely that round gobies constitute a new energetic pathway from mussels to top predators. However, due to the short time elapsed after round goby establishment, we can only speculate on the species future impacts on Baltic food webs.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of methanolic extract of Capparis spinosa buds were investigated in this study. The antioxidant properties were evaluated in vitro by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay and the measurement of the metal-chelating activity. The antibacterial activity was tested against a pathogenic bacteria using agar disc-diffusion and micro broth dilution methods. Results showed that Capparis spinosa bud extract exerted a strong scavenging activity against DPPH radical with IC 50 values of 53.53 ug/ml, and exerted a metal chelating activity toward ferrous ions with IC 50 values of 190.84 µg/ml. Furthermore, the extract showed appreciable antibacterial properties. These findings suggest that the Capparis spinosa bud extract may be considered as an interesting source of antioxidants and antibiotics for therapeutic or nutraceutical industries.

The ictalurid genus Prietella was described from a single locality in northern México (Coahuila) in 1954, and until very recently went largely unstudied. Cave explorers have recently uncovered new localities and a second species much farther to the south (México: Tamaulipas). Our team visited over 50 sites, including all of the previously known sites possible, and explored many new sites, expanding the known range of Prietella and describing their habitat. We identified geological units and mapped caves, identified associated troglobitic invertebrates, estimated population sizes and measured water chemistry parameters. We also comment on laboratory diet, parasites, sensory biology, behavior (such as jaw locking and periods of inactivity), reproduction and systematics based on preliminary genetic data. Prietella phreatophila is listed as endangered, and due to the recent discovery of many more sites (formerly documented from three localities, now known from twelve sites, though some are hydrologically connected) we recommend threatened status, with careful attention to growing threats such as over pumping and contamination of the aquifer it lives in. Should these patterns continue unchecked, re-listing this species as endangered may be called for. Prietella lundbergi was also described from one site but is now known from two, though it is quite rare at both (only five specimens have ever been seen). P. lundbergi was described after the most recent revision of the Mexican endangered species list and should probably be considered as endangered.

Vinegar or sour wine as a delicious ingredient and supplement in food industry is used extensively around the world. One of the most important microbial genera responsible for vinegar production industrially is Acetobacter. These spp. are gram negative rods that their catalase test is positive and oxidase test is negative. They ferment alcohol to acetic acid and then overoxidize the product to carbon dioxide and water. In this research the selective culture media such as Carr medium and Frateur were used to isolate the Acetobacter strains from Iranian date palm spoilage as the main source. The tolerance of isolated strain against different concentration of 2.5% -6% ethanol at 30°C was investigated. The simultaneous effects of high temperatures and ethanol concentrations were examined on isolate. Macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical examinations confirmed that the isolate was related to Acetobacter genus. The Acetobacter strain isolated from Iranian date palm could resist the eth...

The body form of a fish is a product of the genetic makeup and its interaction with the environment. The landmark-based geometric morphometrics was used to describe and measure the variations in body shapes between and among sexes of the swamp barb, Puntius brevis (Bleeker, 1849). A total of 60 fish individuals (30 per sex) collected from Tubod River were digitized using sixteen landmaks. A significant variation in body shapes between the two sexes was noted from the results obtained from relative warp analysis (RWA), discriminant function analysis (DFA) and thin-plate spline plot analysis. A difference in morphology between sexes is evident with males exhibiting more slender bodies, enlarged head and mouth, and wider anal fin bases than females. Such dimorphic traits are believed to be outcome of responses or adaptation to their environment or to different selection pressures present in their geographical location.

The appropriate design and mixture of daylighting techniques can significantly help in improving the interior space design. Light plays an important role in famous mosques around the world but it is ignored in new built mosques of malaysia to make a dynamic feeling and sense of god's presence in the religious space. It is proved that natural daylight design with light hierarchy and harmony has an important role in interior environment which is beable to make the human to reach the sense of serenity and concentration. The main aim of this study is to investigate and review the fundamental aspects of daylighting for evaluating how daylight as a sacred element was used in implicated mosques. For this reason firstly we analaysed the mosque prayer hall by collected datas from literature and observation to evaluate the current situation. The results indicate that the openings for daylight entrance should be designed in a way to achieve hierarchy, harmony and designed patterns with daylight during the pray time in the prayer hall. Methods, techniques and designs which have discussed in this paper are suggested solutions for pupose of enhancing sense of sacred by using natural daylighting in mosque prayer hall.

Caper seed has poor germination because of the seed coat dormancy. Germination of caper seeds are complex traits affected by a wide range of internal and environmental influences. The effects of temperature preconditioning and period on germination of Capparis ovata were examined. Experiments were conducted in order to investigate germination behaviour of caper seeds subjected to different temperature and duration. The experiment revealed that the different temperature treatments were effective on mean germination percentage. The highest mean germination were obtained at 0 o C 29.52% and 10 o C with 27.17% and the lowest mean germination were obtained at control seeds with 8.39 %. Dry heat treatments effected germination rate, but it was not enough for removing germination obstacle of caper seed completely.

Although comprising <0.5% of all the known species of Rotifera, sessile rotifers are an important component in freshwater ecosystems, especially shallow waterbodies. During the last eight decades, fewer than 80 publications have dealt specifically with sessile rotifers, while more than 7600 articles have focused on rotifers in general. In this work research on the sessile rotifers with emphasis on the Mexican fauna has been reviewed and some additional information on the new records has been included. Difficulties involved in collection and maintenance of sessile rotifers, as well as problems of identification and quantification have been considered. Published data on the ecology and taxonomy of this group has also been reviewed. There are 35 species of sessile rotifers from three families Atrochidae, Collothecidae, and Flosculariidae, but to that four more species in the planktonic family Conochilidae may be added, as recent molecular research indicates that this family lies within Flosculariidae. The inventory includes new records for Mexico and one poorly described species. The number of sessile rotifer species known from Mexico is still low considering the large number of shallow water bodies present in Mexico. Comments regarding the importance of substratum (macrophyte) type and the significance of physical structure in providing substratum for larval stages of sessile rotifers have been made.

We used ultrasonic telemetry to determine the movement directions and movement rates of leopard sharks, Triakis semifasciata, in Tomales Bay, California. To analyze tide and time of day effects, we surgically implanted transmitters in the peritoneal cavities of one male and five female leopard sharks, which we located during summer for three to five sampling sessions lasting 12 to 24 h each. All leopard sharks showed strong movement direction patterns with tide. During incoming tides, sharks moved significantly (p < 0.0001) towards the inner bay, apparently to exploit the extensive inner bay muddy littoral zones' food resources. On outgoing tides, sharks showed significant (p < 0.0001) movements towards the outer bay. During high tide, there was no discernible pattern to their movements (p = 0.092). Shark movement rates were significantly (p < 0.0001) greater during dark periods (mean ± SE: 10.5 ± 1.0 m min −1 ), compared with fully lighted ones (6.7 ± 0.5 m min −1 ). Movement rates of longer sharks tended to be greater than those of shorter ones (range means ± SE: 5.8 ± 0.6 m min −1 for the 91 cm shark, to 12.8 ± 1.6 m min −1 for the 119 cm shark), but the leopard sharks' overall mean movement rate (8.1 ± 0.5 m min −1 ) was slower than other (more pelagic) sharks.

Traditionally, medicinal plants are collected from areas where they are wildly and naturally grown. Many factors, however, have invited and necessitated their cultivation such as global phenomenon of desertification, raised global temperature, excessive harvesting, to count only few of the factors that threaten the existence of such plants and that would lead, if left unattended, to their extinction. In researches, chemical fertilization and plant hormonal applications were primarily tried to stimulate growth or to increase the medicinally active ingredients in plant extracts. With the thrust and international interest in organic cultivation, researches in growing of medicinal and aromatic plants have shifted to the use of organic supplementation instead. The present paper; is intended to review some researches performed in Egypt to elaborate the benefits of organic cultivation of medicinal plants compared to chemical and/ or hormonal treatment.

The paleoecology of plants as a modern discipline, distinct from traditional floristics or biostratigraphy, has undergone an enormous expansion in the past 20 years. In addition to baseline studies characterizing extinct plants and plant assemblages in terms of their growth habits, environmental preferences, and patterns of association, paleoecology has converged on neoecology and represents a means to extend our basic understanding of the world and to contribute to the theoretical framework of ecology, writ large. Reconstruction of whole plants, including studies of physiology and developmental biology, and analyses of biomechanics have become mainstays of autecological studies. Assemblage studies now are informed by sophisticated taphonomic models that have helped guide sampling strategies and helped with the interpretation of statistical data. Linkages of assemblage patterns in space and time with sedimentology, geochemical proxies for atmospheric composition and climate, paleosol analyses, and increasingly refined geochronological and sequence stratigraphic data have permitted paleoecologists to examine rates and extents of vegetational response to environmental change and to time intervals of quiescent climatic conditions. Studies of plant-animal interaction, explicit consideration of phylogenetic information in assessing assemblage time-space dynamics, and examination of ecological structure in terms of developing metabolic scaling theory are all having direct impact on paleoecological as well as neoecological studies. The growth of paleoecology shows no sign of diminishment-closer linkages with neoecology are needed.