Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gβγ-independent constitutive association of Gαs with SHP-1 and angiotensin II receptor AT2 is essential in AT2-mediated ITIM-independent activation of SHP-1

Conventional mode of activation of SH2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) by a single transmembrane (TM) inhibitory receptor such as killer cell inhibitory receptor, Fcγ receptor type IIb1, and paired Ig-like receptors of inhibitory types requires tyrosine phosphorylation of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory (ITIM) motifs in the cytoplasmic domains of the inhibitory receptors. Contrary to this paradigm, AT2, a G protein-coupled 7TM receptor that does not undergo tyrosine phosphorylation in response to angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulation, also activates SHP-1. Here we show that SHP-1 constitutively and physically associates with AT2 receptor in transfected COS-7 cells. On stimulation by Ang II, SHP-1 becomes activated and dissociated from AT2 receptor, independent of pertussis toxin. Cotransfection of transducin Gβγ inhibits SHP-1/AT2 association and the SHP-1 activation, whereas cotransfection of C-terminal of β-adrenergic receptor kinase, which abrogates Gβγ signaling, facilitates SHP-1 activation. Surprisingly, SHP-1/AT2 association and the SHP-1 activation requires the presence of Gαs as shown by differential coimmunoprecipitation, dominant negative Gαs, constitutively active Gαs, and Gα peptides. A mutant AT2 receptor D141A–R142L that is inactive in Gα protein activation constitutively associates with SHP-1 and activates it. Together, these results indicate that Gαs alone, rather than exclusively in the form of Gαβγ heterotrimer may facilitate signal transduction for G protein-coupled receptors, suggesting a novel mechanism distinct from the classic paradigm of heterotrimeric G proteins. The AT2-mediated ITIM-independent activation of SHP-1 that is distinct from the conventional mode of activation, may represent a general paradigm for activation of SHP-1/2-class tyrosine phosphatases by G protein-coupled receptors.
Role of organic soil amendments with some non-conventional plant additives on the growth of eggplant and their role against Meloidogyne incognita infection

The effects of four waste residues from castor (Ricinus communis L.), rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.), linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and wheat germ (Triticum aestivum L.) crops oil extraction as soil amendments at three rates (on base lower rate, recommended rate and higher rate), in comparison with the nematicide Nemacur 10% G were evaluated in greenhouse conditions (25 ± 5°C) at the National Research Center, Egypt, during two successive seasons on the physiological influence on the eggplant and on the infection by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. All the tested treatments significantly reduced the numbers of juveniles in soil or in roots, number of galls, egg-masses, gall and egg-mass indices and the rate of nematode build-up. Significant differences in the nematode stages were found within and between treatments. The percentage reduction in the nematode stages was greater with the use of wheat germ mill residues (WGMR) compound followed by castor seed mill residues (CAMR) compound, rocket seed mill residues (RSMR) and Nemacur 10% G. The application of linseed mill residues (LSMR) was the least effective in reducing the nematode stages. Regarding infected plants, all the evaluated amendments achieved significant increases in the almost shoot and root growth variables, total contents of photosynthetic pigments, phenolics and carbohydrates when compared with nematode inoculated and untreated plants. As for healthy plants, it is clear that all the doses of WGMR compound and the highest doses (3.75%, w/w) of the other additives had pronounced effect on the growth parameters and phenolic content of dry leaves of the eggplant. In addition, all the treatments increased photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates content of the eggplant. These results indicate that some seed mill residues may be used as natural nematicides in controlling M. incognita nematode and improving the growth and some chemical composition of the eggplant.
Effects of powdery mildew infection of barley on the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and other antioxidants in different host-pathogen interactions

Rate of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde formation), levels of ascorbic acid and nonprotein thiols, and activities of ascorbate peroxidase (AP), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and quinone reductase (QR) were determined in leaves of three barley cultivars inoculated by a Hungarian isolate of Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei. Markedly increased malondialdehyde levels (enhanced lipid peroxidation) were observed in leaves of the resistant cultivar Amsel after infection but not in two susceptible cultivars. In the diseased susceptible cultivars Emir and GK-Omega, however, the ascorbic acid levels substantially decreased. A substantial increase of AP and a decline of DHAR activities also were observed in mildewed susceptible plants. A dramatic induction of NADPH-consuming activity was found in the inoculated leaves of the highly susceptible cultivar Emir concomitantly with decreasing 1-electron QR activity. Less-pronounced changes in the parameters were found in the resistant cultivar Amsel. Thiol levels increased moderately in cultivar Amsel and in susceptible cultivar GK-Omega. No significant change in GR activity was found in either cultivar. GST activity was induced in each inoculated cultivar, most substantially in highly susceptible Emir (up to about 360% of the control). Several antioxidative processes seemed to be activated in compatible host-parasite relationships, which may diminish the damaging effects of oxidative stress. This supposition was confirmed by infecting one barley cultivar (Amsel) with compatible and incompatible mildew races. These antioxidative processes were less efficiently activated in the incompatible relationship, which may lead to an early necrotization in the resistant host.
Effects of Soil and Foliar Application of Boron on Nutrient Uptake, Growth, and Yields of Red Bayberry

The results of a three-year field experiment showed that boron application significantly increased spring shoot length, spring shoot incidence, leaf area, and uptake of N, P, and K in red bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zuca). Soil application of boron gave a significantly higher fruit yield than foliar application of boron in 2009 and 2008. On average, over three years the increases in uptake amounts of N, P, and K as well as fruit yield were in the following order: soil application of boron every year > foliar B application every year > soil B application only in the first year > foliar B application only in the first year.
Recolonization of cleared riverine macrophyte patches: importance of the border effect

Recolonization of two experimentally cleared 9 m2-patches by macrophytes in a former channel of the Rhone River, France, was investigated from May to July 1994. Two patterns of recolonization were recognized: (1) Groenlandia densa, Luronium natans and Potamogeton natans invaded the bare areas by propagation from the adjacent vegetation (border effect); (2) Potamogeton pusillus colonized the disturbed areas at random, apparently independently from the position of nearby clumps. An intermediate recolonization pattern was shown by Callitriche platycarpa, Elodea canadensis, Hippuris vulgaris, Ranunculus circinatus and Sparganium emersum. Species recolonization patterns and associated strategies were related to species traits, particularly vegetative and sexual reproduction.
Chemotype and aggressiveness of isolates of Fusarium graminearum causing head blight of wheat in Nebraska

Abstract Fusarium head blight (FHB) or scab of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and its associated mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) can cause devastating economic losses. In North America, FHB of wheat is caused mainly by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe [sexual stage Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch]. In this study, the chemotype of 73 single-spore isolates of F. graminearum obtained from wheat kernels collected from 2007 to 2010 from FHB-affected fields and grain elevators in Nebraska was determined to be 15-ADON. Eight selected isolates were evaluated for aggressiveness on spikes and DON production in grain using the FHB-susceptible spring wheat cultivar ‘Wheaton’. Aggressiveness was quantified as disease severity and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). Disease severity at 21 days after inoculation ranged from 40.9% to 99.5% and AUDPC ranged from 284%-days to 1279%-days. DON production in grain, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), ranged from 0.2 to 11.0 µg g−1. Aggressiveness as measured using AUDPC was positively and linearly related to DON production in grain (R2 = 0.98; P < 0.0001). Isolates that produced the most DON were also the most aggressive. These results confirmed previous findings that the predominant F. graminearum chemotype in North America is 15-ADON and suggest that in Nebraska, there are highly aggressive populations of F. graminearum with high DON production capacity that have potential to cause severe losses due to reduction in yield and grain quality. This information will enhance farmers’ preparedness and willingness to apply management measures in years with a high risk for FHB outbreaks and will help researchers better understand FHB.
Changes in subtidal habitat following mass mortality of sea urchins in Botany Bay, New South Wales

On two occasions, between June and October 1986 and April/May 1988, mass mortality of the sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii occurred at Bare Island in Botany Bay, New South Wales. Following the widespread disappearance of C. rodgersii in August 1986, the abundance of filamentous and foliose algae increased and crustose corallines declined. There was also a large, but shortlived, increase in the density of limpets, particularly Patelloida alticostata, which then fell to nearly zero after 15 months. In October 1986, the habitat found at other sites in Botany Bay was consistent with a recent disappearance of C. rodgersii. At all sites a complex assemblage of non-crustose algae developed, the species composition of which differed among sites. A large recruitment of C. rodgersii was observed at all affected sites in February 1987 and January 1988. These individuals grew quickly and reached a mean size of approximately 35 mm test diameter at the end of their first year.
Climate change and the timing, magnitude, and composition of the phytoplankton spring bloom

In this article, we show by mesocosm experiments that winter and spring warming will lead to substantial changes in the spring bloom of phytoplankton. The timing of the spring bloom shows only little response to warming as such, while light appears to play a more important role in its initiation. The daily light dose needed for the start of the phytoplankton spring bloom in our experiments agrees well with a recently published critical light intensity found in a field survey of the North Atlantic (around 1.3 mol photons m−2 day−1). Experimental temperature elevation had a strong effect on phytoplankton peak biomass (decreasing with temperature), mean cell size (decreasing with temperature) and on the share of microplankton diatoms (decreasing with temperature). All these changes will lead to poorer feeding conditions for copepod zooplankton and, thus, to a less efficient energy transfer from primary to fish production under a warmer climate.
Recombinant self‐assembling 16‐residue peptide nanofiber scaffolds for neuronal axonal outgrowth

Self‐assembling peptides are considered a good biological scaffold for the repair of injured nervous system. In order to set up a stable system to produce the peptides at low cost, we used a gene recombinant expression method. The sequence of the peptide was devised to facilitate neural cell attachment and growth. The nucleotide sequence of the self‐assembling peptide was designed, artificially synthesized, and inserted into the fusion protein vector pTYB2. After being transformed and expressed in Escherichia coli BL‐21 (DE3) by means of the fusion protein, the soluble 16‐residue peptide (named RAE16) was obtained by one‐step chitin affinity chromatography. During cell culture, bone marrow stromal cells were fully embedded in the 3D environment of the peptide scaffolds. The MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide) test indicated that bone marrow stromal cells cultured in RAE16 had the highest survival rate with the absorbance value of 0.7 at 7 days. Moreover, the cortical neural axons in the RAE16 group were longer (118.36 ± 7.04 μm) than in the other groups (p < 0.01). The recombinant peptide nanofiber scaffolds we designed provide a promising cell culture system for general molecular and cell biology studies and are useful as well for neural regeneration studies.
Biogeographical regions of the Iberian peninsula based on freshwater fish and amphibian distributions

We classified the main Iberian river basins based on the presence and absence of freshwater fishes and amphibians. For both taxonomic groups we analysed three data sets: 1) endemic species only, to search for biotic boundaries related to historical events, 2) indigenous species, which include endemic ones, to search for biotic boundaries related to ecological factors, 3) indigenous and well-established introduced species, to assess the influence of man in the current biogeographical patterns of fishes and amphibians. We used both phenetic and cladistic methods, followed by a consensus analysis to provide an overall biogeographical pattern. Based on all fish distributions, the Iberian Peninsula is divided into three biogeographical regions: Cantabrian, Atlantic and Mediterranean. No boundary existed between the Cantabrian and Atlantic regions when only indigenous fish species were considered. This suggests that this boundary has been induced by man, probably through the differential introduction of fish species into reservoirs at one or other side of the boundary. Run-off and the size of the river basins are the environmental factors that distinguished the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions. However, regionalization based only on endemic freshwater fishes showed a latitudinal pattern that agrees with the paleogeographic events of the Upper Oligocene-Lower Miocene period. By contrast. one northern and one southern region were distinguished based on all amphibian distributions and on indigenous amphibians only, which suggests that human activity has not significantly affected the overall biogeographical pattern of amphibians in the Iberian Peninsula. Interannual predictability of precipitation best accounts for this regionalization. Based on endemic amphibians, the Iberian Peninsula is divided into three regions that closely resemble the three separate land areas of the Upper Eocene-Lower Oligocene period. The consensus between the biogeographical regions based on fishes and amphibians yields five pairs of basins. Geological origin of the basins seems to better explain the consensus between the biogeographical patterns of fishes and amphibians, whereas ecological factors probably contribute to the differences between them.
Effect of Temperature on Germination, Radial Growth and Virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana on Megalurothrips sjostedti

The effect of temperature on germination, radial growth and pathogenic activity of two strains of Beauveria bassiana and four strains of Metarhizium anisopliae on the legume flower thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti , was studied in the laboratory. Germination, radial growth and pathogenic activity was low for all strains at 15 C. Optimum temperature for germination, radial growth and pathogenic activity ranged between 25-30 C. The fastest growing strain at 25-30 C was M. anisopliae strain ICIPE 69. Compared to other strains, ICIPE 69 also appeared to have a broad temperature range of pathogenic activity against the pest. The significance of these findings in relation to control of M. sjostedti is discussed.
Soil dilution as a surrogate for root competition: effects on growth of seedlings of Australian tropical rainforest trees

Summary 1Previous studies on the combined effects of light and nutrient supply on the growth rates of plants have involved adding nutrients to soils to levels rarely (or never) met by the plants in nature. As a better test of the likely response of plants to root competition for nutrients, we grew for 1 year seedlings of six species of Australian rainforest tree on forest topsoil undiluted and on soil diluted 50/50, 25/75 and 5/95 with coarse sand. Seedlings were grown in tall tubes in 6 and 9% daylight, equivalent to gap-edge and gap-centre conditions. 2 The six species varied in their light requirements for establishment and onward growth. 3 One species grew significantly and markedly more quickly on soil diluted 50/50 with sand (Elaeocarpus grandis). Improved aeration is the most likely explanation. 4 The extent of inhibition by soil dilution correlated positively with the absolute amount of new dry mass accreted in one year, whether the larger accretion resulted from a combination of high relative growth rate (RGR) and small embryo size, or moderate RGR and larger embryo size. 5 Soil dilution generally reduced leaf mass fraction and leaf area ratio, but had no significant effect on specific leaf area. 6 In all species the overall concentration of nitrogen in the whole plant declined with soil dilution; in the four species tested, N concentration in leaves declined, and it is likely that the reduction in growth arose partly from a reduced unit leaf rate. Most species showed increases in the concentrations of P, K, Ca and Mg with soil dilution, or no change, but in Diploglottis bracteata the concentrations of Ca and Mg, especially in the older leaves, declined markedly with soil dilution, and one of these cations could have been limiting growth. 7 Extrapolation of the results to the field suggests that in single-treefall gaps the fastest growing species will the most inhibited by root competition. 8 The soil-dilution technique is likely to be more appropriate than nutrient addition as an indicator of sensitivity to root competition on a given soil.
Sexual differences in the foraging behaviour of Crested Shrike-tits, Falcunculus frontatus, during winter

Abstract Sexual differences in foraging behaviour are common among bark-foraging birds. I compared the foraging behaviour of male and female Crested Shrike-tits, Falcunculus frontatus, a species well known for its bark-tearing habits, at two localities in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales during winter. At both Wollomombi Falls and Armidale males visited dead branches and large coiled ribbons of bark more than females, while the latter concentrated on leaves, petioles and galls. There were no significant differences between the sexes in foraging heights at Wollomombi Falls but at the Armidale sites, 40 km away, females foraged significantly more at upper levels than males. Males took larger prey than females, but there were no significant sexual differences in the taxonomic composition of prey, with insect larvae comprising half of the diet, and adult beetles and spiders making up much of the remainder. This study provides further evidence of substantial variation in intersexual niche differentiation at both regional and local scales, and suggests that the availability of decorticating bark may be an important determinant of such variation in this species. While sexual dimorphism may partly account for sexual differences in the foraging niche of shrike-tits, it is possible that interference competition for food (via male dominance) and/or cultural transmission of sex-specific behaviour play a role in its maintenance.
The Biological and Economical Feasibility of Feeding Barley Green Fodder to Lactating Awassi Ewes

The objective of this research was to investigate the biological and economical values of hydroponic barley (HB) on lactating Awassi ewes. A total of 48 lactating ewes were used in a feeding trial in two groups. The first was fed a regular lactation TMR ration while ewes in the second treatment were fed similar ration except that regular wheat hay was totally replaced by HB for 120 days feeding trial. Results of the experiment showed that the green fodder yield in 8 days germination cycle was 7.5 kg per 1 kg barley grains of green fodder. HB had no effects on feed intake (FI), body weight changes, milk yield, and milk composition; however, HB had positive effects on ewe’s health conditions, mortalities, conception rates and abortion. In conclusion, HB can be used as feed for lactating sheep as cost of feed can be reduced by 42%.
Cultivar differences in the rate of nitrate uptake by intact wheat plants as related to growth rate

Six Argentinian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars grown in nutrient solutions in controlled environment were compared for their nitrate uptake rates on a root dry weight basis. Up to 3-fold differences were observed among the cultivars at 16, 20 and 24 days from germination, either when measured by depletion from the nutrient solution in short-term experiments, or by total N accumulation in the tissue during 8 days. No differences in total N concentration in root or shoots were found among cultivars. Although the different cultivars showed significant differences in shoot/root ratio and nitrate reductase activity (EC 1.6.6.1) in the roots, none of these parameters was correlated with the nitrate uptake rate. However, nitrate uptake was found to be positively correlated (r = 0.99) with the shoot relative growth rate of the cultivars. The three cultivars with the highest nitrate uptake rates and relative growth rates showed a positive correlation between root nitrate concentration and uptake. However, this correlation was not found in the cultivars with the lowest growth and uptake rates. Our results indicate that the difference in nitrate uptake rate among these cultivars may only be a consequence of their differences in growth rate, and it is suggested that at least two mechanisms regulate nitrate uptake, one working when plant demand is low and another when plant demand is high.
A Simple In Vitro Fermentation System for Polysaccharides—The Effects of Fermenter Fluid Surface Area/Fluid Volume Ratio and Amount of Substrate

A simple batch fermentation system for dietary non-starch polysaccharides using simple in vitro methods has been studied to identify if the position of the bottle (fluid surface area/fluid volume ratio) and shaking influence fermentation and bacterial mass. Shaking has no effect on the fermentation or bacterial mass increase. The amount of pectin, ispaghula or starch influences the result as does the surface to volume ratio. © 1997 SCI.
Objectively predicting ultimate quality of post-rigor pork musculature: I. Initial comparison of techniques.

This research was conducted to determine whether short and long-term resistance of Merino weaners to infection from T. colubriformis could be manipulated by a brief period of differential feeding. Merino weaners infected with T. colubriformis for 10 weeks were restrictively fed diets to create 2 levels of digestible energy intake and 2 levels of metabolisable protein supply. Live weight reflected energy and protein supply and at the conclusion of the 10 weeks of infection there was a 4.8 kg difference between animals fed greatest and least levels of digestible energy and metabolisable protein supply. Neither digestible energy intake nor metabolisable protein supply affected faecal egg count. Total counts of T. colubriformis determined 10 weeks post infection were significantly lower in animals with greater levels of digestible energy intake but were unaffected by metabolisable protein supply. This research has demonstrated a novel finding that increased digestible energy intake enhances resistance to T. colubriformis in young sheep.