The distribution and population of the Seychelles (Bare-legged) Scops Owl Otus insularis on Mahé: consequences for conservation

This study details the first baseline survey of the Critically Endangered Seychelles Scops Owl Otus insularis , currently only recorded from the 152-km² island of Mahé, the largest and highest island in the granitic Seychelles, western Indian Ocean. A survey was conducted in October 2000–March 2001 using playback of conspecific calls in random squares (500 m × 500 m) with midpoints being at least equal to 100 m asl. Playback was conducted in 159 of a possible 375 squares (42%). Territorial responses were detected in 60 of 159 (38%) squares, which represented an estimated 70 distinct territorial responses. Pairs responded in 51% and single birds responded in 49% of squares where a response was elicited. Scops Owls were more likely to be detected at higher altitudes, in mixed forest, and sympatrically with endemic frogs ( Tachycnemis seychellensis and Sooglossus spp.). Two models were used to predict population: one based exclusively on altitude resulted in a population estimate of 134–159 territories (268–318 individuals) within a 34-km² range, whereas a second incorporating altitude and vegetation, which excluded unsuitable habitat, resulted in an estimate of 125–142 territories (250–284 individuals) in a 31-km² range. We discuss the implications of our findings to the Owl's conservation status and management.     

Interleukin 1beta enhances non-rapid eye movement sleep and increases c-Fos protein expression in the median preoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus

Both temporary access to a running wheel and temporary exposure to light systematically influence the phase producing entrainment of the circadian activity rhythm in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). However, precise determination of entrainment limits remains methodologically difficult, because such calculations may be influenced by varying experimental paradigms. In this study, effects on the entrainment of the activity pattern during successive light-dark (LD) cycles of stepwise decreasing periods, as well as wheel running activity, were investigated. In particular, the hamster activity rhythm under LD cycles with a period (T) shorter than 22 h was studied, i.e., when the LD cycle itself had been shown to be an insufficiently strong zeitgeber to synchronize activity rhythms. Indeed, it was confirmed that animals without a wheel do not entrain under 11:11-h LD cycles (T = 22 h). Subsequently providing hamsters continuous access to a running wheel established entrainment to T = 22 h. Moreover, this paradigm underwent further reductions of the T period to T = 19.6 h without loss of entrainment. Furthermore, restricting access to the wheel did not result in loss of entrainment, while even entrainment to T = 19 h was observed. To explain this observed shift in the lower entrainment limit, our speculation centers on changes in pacemaker response facilitated by stepwise changes of T spaced very far apart, thus allowing time for adaptation.     

Amino acid conjugated sophorolipids: A new family of biologically active functionalized glycolipids

Sophorolipids (SLs) are extra cellular glycolipids produced by Candida bombicola ATCC 22214 when grown in the presence of glucose and fatty acids. These compounds have a disaccharide head group connected to a long-chain hydroxyl-fatty acid by a glycosidic bond. To explore structure-activity of modified SLs, a new family of amino acid-SL derivatives was prepared. Synthesized analogs consist of amino acids linked by amide bonds formed between their alpha-amino moiety and the carboxyl group of ring-opened SL fatty acids. Their preparation involved the following: (i) hydrolysis of a natural SL mixture with aqueous alkali to give SL free acids, (ii) coupling of free acids to protected amino acids using dicarbodiimide, and (iii) removing amino acid carboxyl protecting groups. These conjugates were evaluated for their antibacterial, anti-HIV, and spermicidal activity. All tested analogs showed antibacterial activity against both gram +ve and gram -ve organisms. Leucine-conjugated SL was most efficient. For example, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for Moraxella sp. and E. coli were 0.83 and 1.67 mg/mL, respectively. Among the alkyl esters of amino acid conjugated SLs, the ethyl ester of leucine-SLs was most active. Against Moraxella sp., S. sanguinis, and M. imperiale, MIC values are 7.62 x 10(-4), 2.28 x 10-(3) and 1.67 mg/mL, respectively. All compounds displayed virus-inactivating activity with 50% effective concentrations (EC50) below 200 microg/mL. The EC50 of leucine-SL ethyl ester was 24.1 microg/mL, showing that it is more potent than commercial spermicide nonoxynol-9 (EC50 approximately 65 microg/mL).     

The synergistic effects of sucrose and plant growth regulators on morphogenesis and evaluation of antioxidant activities in regenerated tissues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caralluma tuberculata</Emphasis>

Caralluma tuberculata (C. tuberculata) is a very important medicinal plant with a range of anti-diabetic and weight reduction properties. This high-valued medicinal plant is nowadays considered as endangered due to its unsustainable elimination from wild habitats. There is lack of research efforts on its propagation to overcome escalating demand. In this research study, an effort has been made to optimize protocol for large-scale mass propagation and production of natural antioxidants. Highest callogenic response (87.2 %) was observed from shoot tip explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 30 g l^?1 sucrose and combination of 2, 4-D (2.0 mg l^?1) and BA (1.0 mg l^?1). During shoot morphogenesis, 50 g l^?1 sucrose along with BA (2.0 mg l^?1) and GA₃ (1.0 mg l^?1) enhanced shoot regeneration (91.3 %), mean shoot length (2.6 cm) and shoots per explant (24.5) as compared to control. The combination of IBA and IAA (2.0 mg l^?1) was found optimum for root induction (74.98 %), mean root length (4.1 cm) and roots per shoot (6.9) as compared to control. The plantlets were successfully acclimatized in plastic cups and various tissues were investigated for accumulation of antioxidant secondary metabolites including phenolics, flavonoids, stress enzymes and antioxidant activities. The superoxide dismutase enzyme was higher in shoots; protein content was higher in callus cultures; phenolics, DPPH and protease activity were higher in plantlets, while flavonoids, peroxidase, reducing power and total antioxidant activities were higher in wild plants. This simple protocol is very useful for commercial production of consistent plantlets and metabolites of interest.     

Information extraction from full text scientific articles: Where are the keywords?

Background  

To date, many of the methods for information extraction of biological information from scientific articles are restricted to the abstract of the article. However, full text articles in electronic version, which offer larger sources of data, are currently available. Several questions arise as to whether the effort of scanning full text articles is worthy, or whether the information that can be extracted from the different sections of an article can be relevant.