Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ammonium and Nitrate Assimilation on the Growth and Tuber Swelling of Potato Plants

Abstract Effect of NH4-N and NO3-N on plant growth and tuber swelling of potato plant (Solarium tuberosum L.) was examined, and the results obtained were as follows. NH4-N stimulated tuber swelling, while NO3-N stimulated the branching of stolons and stems, and shoot growth. In plants grown with NH4-N, a large amount of 15NH4-N was mainly partitioned into tubers and stems, whereas in plants grown with NO3-N, 15NO3-N was mainly partitioned into leaves, especially into the insoluble fraction. Aspartic acid plus asparagine (Asx) in tubers predominated among amino acids and amides when the plants were grown with NH4-N. Also 15NH4-N was incorporated into Asx in tubers, while, 15NO3-N was presumably transported to tubers in the form of Asx, which subsequently was actively metabolized into other amino acids in tubers. Thus, as the nitrogen form of NH4 + appeared to stimulate the Asx metabolism, Asx was transported to tubers, and mainly stored in tubers. On the other hand, the nitrogen form of NO3 − was mainly tr.
Grouping of Eastern Grey Kangaroos in Open Habitat

Grouping of Macropus giganteus in an extremely open habitat was investigated in this study by measuring group size and group cohesion. In comparison with populations at similar densities in more forested habitats, the study population of M. giganteus formed larger groups. This finding supports a prediction that macropods will form larger groups in open habitats, and this is interpreted as being an adaptive response to increased exposure to predation.
Genetic variability and heritability of drought‐induced abscisic acid accumulation in spring wheat

Abstract. Twenty cultivars of spring wheat were examined for variation in abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation following partial dehydration of excised leaves. A 3-fold range of ABA concentration was obtained. A cross between two cultivars which differed in drought-induced ABA accumulation was used to study the heritability of ABA accumulation and to develop lines differing in their capacity to accumulate ABA. Broad sense heritability was 0–32 between the F2 and F3 generations and 0–70 between the F3 and F4 generations. Apparent homozygosity for ABA accumulation was achieved in several selections at the F4. The possible significance for drought resistance of differences in capacity to accumulate ABA is discussed.
Mammalian Reovirus Nonstructural Protein μNS Forms Large Inclusions and Colocalizes with Reovirus Microtubule-Associated Protein μ2 in Transfected Cells

ABSTRACT Cells infected with mammalian orthoreoviruses contain large cytoplasmic phase-dense inclusions believed to be the sites of viral replication and assembly, but the morphogenesis, structure, and specific functions of these “viral factories” are poorly understood. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we found that reovirus nonstructural protein μNS expressed in transfected cells forms inclusions that resemble the globular viral factories formed in cells infected with reovirus strain type 3 Dearing from our laboratory (T3DN). In the transfected cells, the formation of μNS large globular perinuclear inclusions was dependent on the microtubule network, as demonstrated by the appearance of many smaller μNS globular inclusions dispersed throughout the cytoplasm after treatment with the microtubule-depolymerizing drug nocodazole. Coexpression of μNS and reovirus protein μ2 from a different strain, type 1 Lang (T1L), which forms filamentous viral factories, altered the distributions of both proteins. In cotransfected cells, the two proteins colocalized in thick filamentous structures. After nocodazole treatment, many small dispersed globular inclusions containing μNS and μ2 were seen, demonstrating that the microtubule network is required for the formation of the filamentous structures. When coexpressed, the μ2 protein from T3DN also colocalized with μNS, but in globular inclusions rather than filamentous structures. The morphology difference between the globular inclusions containing μNS and μ2 protein from T3DN and the filamentous structures containing μNS and μ2 protein from T1L in cotransfected cells mimicked the morphology difference between globular and filamentous factories in reovirus-infected cells, which is determined by the μ2-encoding M1 genome segment. We found that the first 40 amino acids of μNS are required for colocalization with μ2 but not for inclusion formation. Similarly, a fusion of μNS amino acids 1 to 41 to green fluorescent protein was sufficient for colocalization with the μ2 protein from T1L but not for inclusion formation. These observations suggest a functional difference between μNS and μNSC, a smaller form of the protein that is present in infected cells and that is missing amino acids from the amino terminus of μNS. The capacity of μNS to form inclusions and to colocalize with μ2 in transfected cells suggests a key role for μNS in forming viral factories in reovirus-infected cells.
A New Genus and Species of Capsidae (Heteroptera) from the Flowers of Cola acuminata in Sierra Leone

Head very strongly deflexed, including the eyes more than three times as broad as long, seen from above, but actually only a little more than one and a third times as broad as long seen in full face; seen from the side (fig. 2, a) shorter than height at base; frons and vertex moderately convexly arched, the vertex between the eyes about twice as wide as the diameter of one of the eyes (which are feebly prominent); basal margin of vertex between the eyes distinctly carinate, and slightly overlapping the anterior margin of pronotum; clypeus flat, not at all prominent, and obscurely delimited from the frons; rostrum extending to the hind coxae, the basal joint incrassate and reaching the base of the front coxae; antennae moderately short, inserted close to the front margin of the eyes at about two-thirds of the distance from the base of the eye to its anterior apex, first joint slightly incrassate, cylindrical,
Obtenção de protoplastos do fungo filamentoso Aspergillus ochraceus

Production of protoplasts is an important tool for genetic transformation of fungi. A protocol for protoplasts production in Aspergillus ochraceus was developed, evaluating culture aging of mycelium, different commercial enzymes and osmotic stabilizers. The best results were obtained with NH4Cl 0.8mol L-1 as osmotic stabilizer, mycelial age of 24 hours and Lysing Enzymes (20mg mL-1) plus Meicelase (20mg mL-1) as lytic enzymes. Good results were also obtained with Lysing Enzymes alone.
Mysis relicta: Assessment of Metalimnetic Feeding and Implications for Competition with Fish in Lakes Ontario and Michigan

Mysis relicta and planktivorous fish in Lakes Ontario and Michigan both feed on crustacean zooplankton in the metalimnion. Are these zooplankton sufficient to meet the energy requirements of mysids? Could mysids remove a significant proportion of zooplankton production? Are the energy requirements in the two lakes similar? Comparisons in Lake Ontario of zooplankton consumption based on clearance rates, with energy requirements based on bioenergetic modelling, revealed that individual mysids, particularly larger ones, required additional energy sources. The denser mysid populations beyond 100 m depth in Lake Ontario could exert high mortality rates on metalimnetic zooplankton, remove a significant proportion of daily zooplankton production, and consequently, potentially compete with planktivorous fish. At depths < 100 m, the mysid population was smaller and could remove only 6–19% of zooplankton production per day in summer when competition with planktivorous fish would be maximal. Generation time is short.
The potential mutagenic effect of the leachates of rural solid waste landfill on Allium cepa (L.)

The potential mutagenic effect of raw and simulated leachate from a rural refuse dump site at "Odo Oba", in South-West Nigeria, on Allium cepa was evaluated. Roots of Allium at about 2—3 cm long were treated with 1%, 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 25% concentrations of the leachate samples for 24 hr. These were then used to prepare slides for the observation of chromosomal aberrations and frequency of mitotic division. Different types of chromosomal aberrations were induced and this was significant at P SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Volume 24, No. 2 (December 2001), pp. 283-291 Key words/phrases: Allium cepa, chromosomal aberration, mitotic index, mutagenicity, rural refuse leachate
Volatile oil constituents of Rosa canina L.: Differences related to developmental stages and floral organs

Abstract The evolution of the volatile oils during three developmental stages of Rosa canina L. flowers and the repartition of the constituents of the oils among different floral parts were examined using high-resolution gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Numerous components belonging to different chemical classes suggesting the occurrence of different metabolic pathways were identified. The main component in all oil samples was 2-phenylethanol, and its content increased gradually during the floral development process. Irrespective of flower's developmental stage, hydrocarbons were found to be the main group components. A great qualitative and quantitative change of the essential oil composition among different floral parts was also revealed. The volatile oil compositions are discussed in relation to their defensive and pollinators attraction roles.
Target Genes of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ in Colorectal Cancer Cells*

Activation of the nuclear hormone peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) inhibits cell growth and promotes differentiation in a broad spectrum of epithelial derived tumor cell lines. Here we utilized microarray technology to identify PPARγ gene targets in intestinal epithelial cells. For each gene, the induction or repression was seen with two structurally distinct PPARγ agonists, and the change in expression could be blocked by co-treatment with a specific PPARγ antagonist. A majority of the genes could be regulated independently by a retinoid X receptor specific agonist. Genes implicated in lipid transport or storage (adipophilin and liver fatty acid-binding protein) were also activated by agonists of PPAR subtypes α and/or δ. In contrast, PPARγ-selective targets included genes linked to growth regulatory pathways (regenerating gene IA), colon epithelial cell maturation (GOB-4 and keratin 20), and immune modulation (neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin). Additionally, three different genes of the carcinoembryonic antigen family were induced by PPARγ. Cultured cells treated with PPARγ ligands demonstrated an increase in Ca2+-independent, carcinoembryonic antigen-dependent homotypic aggregation, suggesting a potential role for PPARγ in regulating intercellular adhesion. Collectively, these results will help define the mechanisms by which PPARγ regulates intestinal epithelial cell biology.
Growth and Biomass Partitioning in Eucalyptus grandis Seedlings in Response to Nitrogen Supply

Seedlings of Eucalyptus grandis were grown using an aeroponic culture technique in which continuously circulating solution was sprayed over seedling roots. Nutrient solutions, made up so that nitrogen was the element limiting growth, were added hourly at relative addition rates between 0.04 and 0.12 d-1. This technique enabled stable seedling nitrogen concentrations and relative growth rates to be maintained during experimental periods of 40-80 days in most treatments. Once steady state growth was established, allocation of dry matter to stems compared with foliage increased with ontogeny and the allometric relationship was not influenced by plant nitrogen status or genotype. In contast, the intercept of the allometric relationship between root mass and foliage mass was dependent on plant nitrogen concentration, but the slope was equal to unity at all nitrogen concentrations. Our data indicate that nitrogen-induced changes in allocation of dry matter between foliage and root components, together with changes in specific leaf area, had a larger influence on seedling growth rate than did changes in net rate of carbon gain per unit leaf area.
Geographical expansion and increased prevalence of common species in avian assemblages: implications for large‐scale patterns of species richness

Aim The assumption that ecological patterns at large spatial scales originate exclusively from non-anthropogenic processes is growing more questionable with the increasing domination of the biosphere by humans. Because common and rare species are known to respond differently to anthropogenic activities at local scales these differential responses could, over time, be reflected in distributional patterns of species richness at larger spatial scales. This work tests the hypothesis that modern processes have played a role in shaping these patterns, by examining recent changes in the structure and composition of assemblages of breeding avifauna over a large geographical extent. Location The portion of North America containing the contiguous United States and southern Canada. Methods Changes in the geographical range structure of breeding avifauna in North America from 1968 to 2003 were analysed in regions containing historically moderate levels of anthropogenic activities. Two geographical measures, extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, were used to identify the level of rarity or commonality of individual species and to estimate, based on a vector analysis, patterns of change in geographical range structure for individual species and avian assemblages. Results More species experienced patterns of geographical range expansion (51%) than contraction (28%). The majority of avian assemblages (43%) displayed patterns of geographical range expansion: common species increased in number and proportion (6%) in association with reciprocal losses in rare and moderately rare species, resulting in a constant level of species richness. The minority of avian assemblages (21%) displayed patterns of geographical range contraction: gains occurred for common species as well as for rare and moderately rare species, resulting in substantial increases in species richness and a decline in the proportion of common species (4%). The remaining avian assemblages presented equivocal patterns characterized by gains in the number and proportion (2%) of common species and gains in species richness. Main conclusions Modern processes have played a role in shaping the distribution patterns of species richness at large spatial scales based on the composition of common and rare species. This suggests that anthropogenic activities cannot be ignored as a possible causal factor when considering ecological patterns at large spatial scales.
Novilhos nelore suplementados em pastagens: consumo, desempenho e digestibilidade

Objetivou-se com este estudo verificar os efeitos de diferentes niveis de suplementacao em pastagens sobre o consumo de forragem, o desempenho animal e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes em novilhos Nelore na fase de terminacao em pastagens no Sudoeste da Bahia. A parte de campo foi implantada numa area de 52,0 ha, dividida em oito piquetes de aproximadamente 6,5 ha cada, subdivididas em setores com aguada central. Testaram-se quatro niveis de suple-mentacao em funcao do peso vivo: T00, T03, T06 e T09. Na fase de suplementacao, houve efeito decrescente sobre o consumo da pastagem e da fibra em detergente neutro. Houve efeito linear crescente em funcao dos niveis de suplementacao para os consumos de proteina bruta, extrato etereo, carboidrato nao-fibroso, nutrientes digestiveis totais, energia digestivel e energia bruta. No periodo chuvoso, nenhuma variavel foi alterada. O desempenho animal apresentou efeito linear crescente na fase de suplementacao e manteve-se inalterado no periodo chuvoso. A conversao alimentar e a eficiencia alimentar foram alteradas positivamente pela inclusao dos niveis de suplementacao. Houve efeito linear crescente sobre os coeficientes de digestibilidade da materia seca, proteina bruta e carboidratos nao-fibrosos. A digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro apresentou efeito quadratico enquanto a do extrato etereo nao foi alterada. No periodo chuvoso, nenhuma das variaveis foi alterada.
Manganese Toxicity in Mycorrhizal and Phosphorus-Fertilized Soybean Plants

Abstract The alleviation of manganese (Mn) toxicity by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soybean exposed to excessive Mn was evaluated at two points of plant development (45 and 90 days). In order to eliminate the dilution effect that is usually observed in mycorrhizal plants due to better phosphorus (P) nutrition, an additional nonmycorrhizal control that received extra P was included. At 45 days, mycorrhiza increased Mn toxicity symptoms and usually decreased plant growth. At 90 days, mycorrhizal plants reverted this situation and had Mn toxicity alleviation, even when comparing to the control plants that received extra P, in spite of their similar biomasses. Mycorrhizal plants had lower Mn and higher P concentrations in shoots and roots, a condition that contributed to the Mn toxicity alleviation. Stimulation of Mn oxidizing bacteria and suppression of Mn reducing bacteria in the rhizosphere of mycorrhizal soybean plants may have contributed to the lower Mn concentration in these plants.
Acclimation of photosynthesis and growth by cotton to elevated CO2: Interactions with severe phosphate deficiency and restricted rooting volume

Acclimation of photosynthesis and growth at three CO2 concentrations (376, 652 and 935 μmol mol-1) was examined in cotton grown under three growth-limiting phosphate (P) supplies (2.1, 6.1 and 18.2 mg P plant-1) and where biomass allocation between roots and shoots was altered by pots of three different sizes (0.32 × 10-3, 0.72 × 10-3 and 1.56 × 10-3 m3 pot-1). Phosphate supplies were chosen such that carbon gain at ambient CO2 increased linearly with P supply. Relative growth rates of these plants were 5-10-times less and photosynthetic rates 3-16-times less than for cotton supplied with abundant nutrients. Pot sizes were chosen so that root biomass and root:shoot ratios decreased with a decrease in rooting volume. Maximum carboxylation rates per unit leaf area (Vcmax) were lower in leaves grown at two elevated CO2 concentrations, compared with ambient CO2 concentrations, under all P and pot size treatments indicating that acclimation of photosynthesis had occurred. The degree of photosynthetic acclimation to elevated CO2 was not related to the degree by which whole plant carbon gain was stimulated by elevated CO2 concentration at the different P supplies, or to the degree by which allocation to root and shoots was altered by pot size. Thus there is no simple relationship between photosynthetic and growth acclimation by cotton to elevated CO2. At ambient CO2, the maximum carboxylation rate increased linearly with an increase in leaf P per unit area (mg P m-2), but rates were lower at elevated CO2 for a given P content m-2. Vcmax also increased linearly with an increase in leaf P concentration (mg P g-1 structural dry weight). However, values of Vcmax were similar for plants grown at ambient and elevated CO2, for a given P concentration. Acclimation of photosynthesis at elevated CO2 was associated with an increase in leaf starch determined 5 h into the light period. However, increased starch concentration with an increase in P supply was not associated with any decline in Vcmax.
Potential risks of trophic impacts by escaped transgenic salmon in marine environments

SUMMARY There is significant concern about potential ecological effects of introduced organisms, including non-indigenous species and those created by genetic modification. This paper presents an Ecopath with Ecosim modelling approach, designed to examine long-term trophic effects of growth hormone (GH) transgenic coho salmon should they ever escape to a coastal salmonid ecosystem, namely the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia (Canada). The model showed that the effects of introduced GH transgenic coho salmon varied with their biomass, diet, structure of the invaded ecosystem, and environmental conditions. Occasional escapes of non-reproductive salmon did not have a significant impact on the example ecosystem. However, effects of GH coho salmon varied with their diet when large numbers of these fish were present in the simulated ecosystem (for example, when they constituted 20% of total current aquaculture production in the area). Further, climate-driven changes in the biomass of low trophic levels (bottom-up effects) could have a greater impact on the ecosystem than the introduction of large numbers of GH coho salmon. A new version of Ecopath with Ecosim's Monte Carlo approach showed that the model predictions were robust to GH coho salmon's Ecopath parameters, but more sensitive to vulnerabilities of prey to GH coho salmon. Modelling ecosystem effects of genetically modified organisms provides a complementary approach for risk assessments when data from nature are not readily obtainable.
The effect of estrogens and antiestrogens in rat models of hot flush

Rat models of hot flush provide important preclinical tools for evaluating the effect of estrogens and the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM), including tamoxifen, raloxifene, and tibolone, some of which have received renewed attention as agents to treat neurodegenerative diseases. The first rat model of hot flush is the ovariectomized morphine‐dependent model. When morphine is withdrawn with the opioid antagonist naloxone, temperature of the tail is increased by 4–6°C (“hot flush”). Estrogens reduce the elevation of tail skin temperature significantly. Tamoxifen functions as a partial agonist, whereas raloxifene functions as anti‐estrogen in this animal model. However, when co‐administered with estrogen, both tamoxifen and raloxifene antagonize estrogen's action. The second model is based on the diurnal change in tail skin temperature of intact rats, which is 6°C lower during the active phase (lights off) than in the passive phase (lights on) of the day. Ovariectomy affects tail skin temperature of the rats' active but not their passive phase, and skin temperature drops only 1°C instead of the 6°C measured in intact, cycling rats. Estrogen and tibolone restore the changes in tail skin temperature to that present in intact rats; however, raloxifene functions as anti‐estrogen in this model. Although neither of the two models exactly recapitulates the hot flush occurring in humans, the heat‐dissipating mechanisms are probably similar. Thus, both models can be used to evaluate the estrogenic versus anti‐estrogenic nature of estrogen receptor ligands, and both models, therefore, provide valuable preclinical tools for drug discovery aimed at identifying compounds to alleviate hot flushes in humans. Drug Dev. Res. 66:182–188, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.