Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the seed-setting success of Dryas octopetala in front of Brøggerbreen (Brøgger Glacier) in the High Arctic, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard

To determine the factors restricting plant reproduction in front of a glacier, the gender expression and seed production of Dryas octopetala L. (Rosaceae) were observed, as well as the grazing pattern of reindeer on flowers, near Broggerbreen (Brogger Glacier), which is near Ny-Alesund (78° 55'N, 11° 56'E), Svalbard. Three hundred shoots with flowers and flower buds were randomly tagged in early July 1996. Between then and the end of flowering in late July, 100 (33%) flowers and buds were grazed by reindeer. Out of the surviving flowers, 145 (76%) shoots had hermaphrodite flowers, while 45 (24%) shoots had male flowers without a developed gynocium. Male flowers, which appeared later than hermaphrodite flowers in the population, were significantly smaller than hermaphrodite flowers in dry weight. In the hermaphrodite flowers, moreover, smaller flowers showed lower dry-weight allocation to the gynoecium as compared to larger flowers. During the observation, hermaphrodite flowers did not produce any developed seeds under a natural condition (0% seed-set). Cross-pollinated flowers showed 8% seed-set. On the other hand, flowers which were artificially warmed in small greenhouses during the flowering period showed 60% seed-set, regardless of cross-pollination or autodeposition of pollen from anthers to stigma (self-pollination). Thus, it was found that grazing, gender variation in relation to the length of the growing season and the flower size, and - in the floweriing period - low temperature rather than pollinator limitation strongly affected the seed production of D. octopetala in the population studied.
Prevalence and distribution of Vibrio vulnificus in fishes caught off Chennai, Indian ocean

Vibrio vulnificus is a notorious sea-food borne pathogen with a high mortality rate. This is ubiquitously present in marine environments, particularly in tropical water. In these studies the prevalence of V. vulnificus in fishes caught off Chennai coast of Indian Ocean are determined. Commercially important fishes were analyzed for the occurrence of vibrios of which some of them were harbored fishes. The vibrios constitute up to 19 - 39% of the total aerobic flora. The prevalence of V. vulnificus constitutes about 13% of total vibrios isolated from fish. Other clinically important vibrios isolated are Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus. The comprehensive data regarding the environmental occurrence and levels, niches, survival, seasonality and strain diversity will be helpful for developing sea food strategies which helps to eliminate the risk of V. vulnificus in exporting sea foods.
Complex interactions of HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein with oligonucleotides

The HIV-1 nucleocapsid (NC) protein is a small, basic protein containing two retroviral zinc fingers. It is a highly active nucleic acid chaperone; because of this activity, it plays a crucial role in virus replication as a cofactor during reverse transcription, and is probably important in other steps of the replication cycle as well. We previously reported that NC binds with high-affinity to the repeating sequence d(TG)n. We have now analyzed the interaction between NC and d(TG)4 in considerable detail, using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), tryptophan fluorescence quenching (TFQ), fluorescence anisotropy (FA), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and electrospray ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry (ESI-FTMS). Our results show that the interactions between these two molecules are surprisngly complex: while the Kd for binding of a single d(TG)4 molecule to NC is only ∼5 nM in 150 mM NaCl, a single NC molecule is capable of interacting with more than one d(TG)4 molecule, and conversely, more than one NC molecule can bind to a single d(TG)4 molecule. The strengths of these additional binding reactions are quantitated. The implications of this multivalency for the functions of NC in virus replication are discussed.
Identification and Characterization of Genes Essential for Human Brain Development

The human brain is a network of ninety billion neurons that allows for many of the behavioral adaptations considered unique to our species. One-fifth of these neurons are layered in an epithelial sheet known as the cerebral cortex, which is exquisitely folded into convolutions called gyri. Defects in neuronal number clinically present with microcephaly (Greek for “small head”), and in inherited cases these defects can be linked to mutations that identify genes essential for neural progenitor proliferation. Most microcephaly genes are characterized to play a role in the centrosome, however rarer presentations of microcephaly have identified different mechanisms. Charged multivesicular body protein/Chromatin modifying protein 1A (CHMP1A) is a member of the ESCRT-III endosomal sorting complex, but is also suggested to localize to the nuclear matrix and regulate chromatin. We show that loss-of-function mutations to human CHMP1A cause a rare microcephaly syndrome with reduced cerebellar volume. CHMP1A mutant cells show impaired proliferation, with increased expression of INK4A, a negative regulator of stem cell proliferation, and loss of enrichment of INK4A promoter DNA in chromatin immunoprecipitations performed against BMI1, indicating a loss of the normal repression of INK4A by BMI1. Defects in zebrafish produced by morpholino-based knockdown of the CHMP1A orthologue resembled those seen after bmi1 knockdown, and were partially
Flowering in Pisum: the Sites and Possible Mechanisms of the Vernalization Response

Grafting experiments with several genotypes provide evidence that vernalization acts through at least two mechanisms. Vernalization of the stock promoted flowering by 26 nodes in genotype If e Sn Hr and 5-5 nodes in genotype If e Sn hr but had no detectable effect in genotype If e sn hr. Cold treatment appears to cause a higher ratio of promoter to inhibitor, at least in part, through low tempera ture repression of Sn activity. This mechanism is particularly evident in the cotyledons since they form a major area of Sn activity during vernalization. Continuous light was shown previously to prevent Sn forming inhibitor. It seems therefore that both photoperiod and vernalization have an effect through the Sn gene. Vernalization of the shoot promoted flowering by 19 nodes in genotype If e Sn Hr, 3 nodes in genotype If e Sn hr, and 1 node in genotype If e sn hr grafted to an If e Sn hr stock. The shoot effect may result from one or possibly two mechanisms. Firstly, vernalization may lower the threshold ratio of promoter to inhibitor required at the apex for floral initiation. The same change in threshold could result in changes in the flowering node of quite different magnitude depending on the rate of change in the hormonal levels in the different genotypes. Secondly, vernalization may disturb the ageing process relative to the plastochronic age leading to an earlier (nodewise) decline in inhibitor level.
Microbial diversity associated with a Paralvinella sulfincola tube and the adjacent substratum on an active deep‐sea vent chimney

An extensive survey of the bacterial and archaeal phylogenetic diversity associated with a Paralvinella sulfincola tube and the adjacent substratum was conducted. Phylogenetic groups characterized by anaerobic and/or microaerophilic mesophiles dominated the bacterial 16S rDNA libraries (ɛ‐group F, Sulfurospirillum‐group, δ‐Proteobacteria). The two libraries also contained groups with thermophilic lifestyles (ɛ‐group D, Caldithrix‐group), groups comprising species with various phenotypes (ɛ‐group B, green non‐sulfur bacteria), and a group without cultured representative (ɛ‐group C). Archaeal 16S rDNA libraries from both samples were dominated by the novel lineage DHVE 9, and contained members of the uncultured group DHVE 3, as well as anaerobic hyperthermophiles from the families Thermofilaceae and Thermococcaceae. These results suggest the presence of mostly mesophilic and low oxygen conditions on the chimney surface, which is in accordance with descriptions of P. sulfincola's habitat conditions. Although limited by the lack of replicates, our data on the P. sulfincola tube were compared to available data on the microbial communities associated with secretions from other deep‐sea vent polychaetes.
The influence of sown herb strips and spontaneous weeds on the larval stages of aphidophagous hoverflies (Dipt., Syrphidae)

Abstract: The influence of sown herb strips on larval stages of aphidophagous syrphids was studied in different strips and adjacent winter wheat fields near Berne (Switzerland) from 1993 to 1995. The aim of this study was to learn whether these sown herb strips offer a supply of aphids sufficient enough to sustain the first generation of syrphids in spring or a further generation after crop harvest. Aphid infestation of the strips occurred at about the same time as in winter wheat, between the end of May and the beginning of August. A first syrphid generation in spring can therefore not develop on weeds in strips. Furthermore, after harvest no further generations will appear in strips. The highest numbers of syrphid pre‐imaginal stages in 1993 and 1994 were found on spontaneously growing weeds (Rumex obtusifolius, Cirsium arvense and C. vulgare). Among the sown species, Centaurea jacea and Pastinaca saliva showed the highest syrphid larvae densities. The densities in herb strips (max. 0.6 larvae/m2) were manyfold lower than in wheat (10 pupae/nr). In herb strips the same syrphid species as in winter wheat were identified. In both habitats Episyrphus balteatus was the most abundant species. Epistrophe spp. were only found in strips. No dependence of oviposition within wheat fields on the distance to the strips could be demonstrated. Due to their great mobility, it is easy for adult syrphids to find aphid colonies within a crop field. The strips are neither significant for an early development of the first syrphid generation nor for an additional generation after wheat harvest. The importance of herb strips for hoverflies lies in their quality to supply them with pollen and nectar, which increases the fitness of the adults.
Architectural and allometric differences among Scaphium species are related to microhabitat preferences

Summary 1. Interspecific comparisons were made among Scaphium species (Sterculiaceae): S. borneense (Merr.) Kosterm. , S. longipetiolatum (Kosterm.) Kostermans, and S. macropodum (Miq.) Beumee ex Heyne to test the hypothesis that variations in their architecture and allometry are related to the microhabitat conditions of stands where the species regenerate preferentially. 2. The species studied are shade-tolerant canopy trees. They occur in a tropical rainforest in Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak, East Malaysia (sympatric at the community level), where the study was conducted, but show an allopatric pattern of distribution among microhabitats due to localized edaphic conditions. Scaphium longipetiolatum occurs primarily in stands on clay-rich soils, whereas S. borneense occurs primarily in stands on sandy soils. Stands on clay-rich soils are more shaded, and gaps form less frequently than in stands on sandy soils. 3. Scaphium longipetiolatum initiated branching at a smaller tree size than S. borneense and S. macropodum , which did not produce branches until stems reached several centimeters in diameter. 4. The monoaxial saplings of S. borneense and S. macropodum expanded their crown area by producing bigger leaves. The branched saplings of S. longipetiolatum expanded their crown area by developing lateral branch systems. 5. An analysis of interspecific differences in above-ground allometries revealed that the growth pattern of monoaxial saplings, which emphasizes leader growth, leads to rapid height growth. In contrast, that of the branching saplings of S. longipetiolatum prioritizes shade tolerance. 6. The architecture and allometry of each Scaphium species gave some potential advantage over the other Scaphium species in stands where the former regenerates preferentially, that is, the advantages of each phenotype were context-dependent.
Humic acid relieves pH-inhibition of nitrification in continuous-flow columns

Humic acids obtained from a commercial source and isolated from mushroom wheatstraw compost inhibited nitrification by Nitrosomonas europea and Nitrobacter agilis in a continuous-flow column at concentrations in excess of 100 μg cm−3. Lowering the pH of the input medium also reduced the rate of nitrification but in the presence of the compost, and to a lesser extent the commercial humic acid, pH-inhibition was relieved. With the commercial humic acid, this effect can be explained in terms of the buffering capacity of the extract.
Genetic divergence in vegetable amaranth

The genetic divergence was studied among a set of forty-five genotypes of vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) developed from the material collected from indigenous and exotic sources for ten characters. The lines/varieties differed significantly for all the characters. By using D2 analysis, the 45 strains were grouped into ten clusters which were homogeneous within and heterogenous between. The maximum genetic distance was observed between cluster I and III. The clustering pattern showed that genetic divergence was not parallel to geographical distribution. The lines can be selected from diverse clusters, viz., cluster I, III and VI for further hybridization programme. The characters, which are contributing maximum towards divergence, were duration of harvest and total yield, and the width of lamina had minimum contribution towards divergence.
Reproductive decision-making in the termite, Cryptotermes secundus (Kalotermitidae), under variable food conditions

Relatedness concepts have dominated the discussion on the evolution and maintenance of eusociality in social insects. In the diploid termites, explanations based on relatedness asymmetries have been less relevant than in the Hymenoptera; ecological factors have been claimed to be paramount. Yet, relevant quantitative studies investigating the role of ecological factors are lacking. We examined the influence of ecological factors on reproductive tactics in the drywood termite, Cryptotermes secundus. In this species, caste development is very flexible, with individuals having the option to remain at the natal nest as helpers/workers or to develop into dispersing reproductives (sexuals). An important ecological factor expected to influence this "decision" is food availability; C. secundus nests in a piece of wood that serves as food and shelter, with individuals never leaving the nest to forage. Thus, a reduction in the amount of food parallels a reduction in the nests' longevity. Therefore, we tested the influence of food availability on caste-developmental decisions in natural colonies, as well as in two experiments in which we simulated a gradual and a sudden decline in the amount of available food. In all trials dispersing sexuals occurred more often in colonies with diminished food resources than in colonies with abundant suitable food. Thus, regardless of how food declines, individuals seem to switch their tactic from being a helper to becoming a dispersing reproductive if nest conditions deteriorate and the nests's longevity decline. Copyright 2004.
A high frequency time series at Weathership M, Norwegian Sea, during the 1997 spring bloom: the reproductive biology of Calanus finmarchicus

The reproductive biology of Calanus finmarchjcus was investigated at a permanent station in the Norwegian Sea (Weathership Stn M, 66" N, 2" E) during a time series between March and June 1997 The temporal development of female abundance, egg production rate and gonad development stage in relation to the phytoplankton production cycle is described Abundance of females, copepodite stage 5 and males as well as female gonad morphology were examlned from MrP2 net samples taken daily from the upper 100 m. Daily egg production rate and number of spawn.ing females we]-e determined from 50 individual females placed in multiwells or beakers. Once a week a multinet haul from 1000-500-250-100-50-0 m was performed to study the depth d~stribution of females and gonad development stages. Results show that the reproductive period of C. finmarchicusin the Atlantic rcqion of the Norwegian Sea can be subdivided in 3 periods in relation to phytoplankton devrlopmt,nt. ( 1 ) During the prebloom over a period of 49 d mean egg production rate was 8 eggs female-' d ' and an average of 47 of the females were mature. (2) Coincident with the bloom in mid May the egg production rate increased up to a maximum of 44 eggs female-' d-' while more than 80% of the females were mature. (3) After the bloom at the beginning of June, egg production decreased, and mature females were only rarely found. Feedlng expenments indicate that food quantity limited egg production prior to the bloom, while presumably food quality was not sufficient dunng postbloom. However, due to high female abundance the total population egg production prior to the bloom was the same as during the bloom. This implies that the reproduction of C. finmarchicus in the Norwegian Sea is to some extent decoupled from the phytoplankton bloom.
A survey on the diversity of freshwater crabs in some wetland ecosystems of Bangladesh.

Rahman M. A. , Rahman M. M. , Ahmed A. T. A. , Mollah A. R. and Hossain M. A. 2008.A Survey on the Diversity of Freshwater Crabs in Some Wetland Ecosystems of Bangladesh. Int. J. Sustain. Crop Prod. 3(3):10-17 A survey was conducted in some wetland ecosystems located at the two Upazillas namely Shibalaya and Harirampur in Manikgonj District of Bangladesh during the period from January 2004 to January 2005 with a view to assess the status of freshwater crab resources in the area. The study was made on species diversity including its taxonomic position, morphometric and meristic characteristics, habits and habitat, distribution, and economic importance. A total of five species of crabs were recorded from the area namely, Sartoriana spinigera (Wood-Mason, 1871), Lobothelphusa wood-masoni (Rathbun, 1905), Acanthopotamon martensi (Wood Mason, 1875), Pyxidognathus fluviatilis Alcock, 1900, and Austrotelphusa transversa (von Martens, 1868). First three are belonging to the family Potamidae Ortmann, 1896 and the last two belong to the family Grapsidae Macleay, 1838 and Parathelphusidae Bott, 1970 respectively. Austrotelphusa transversa and Pyxidognathus fluviatilis are newly recorded species of freshwater crabs for the first time in Bangladesh. Among the recorded species, Sartoriana spinigera and Acanthopotamon martensi were found to be common but the rest three were uncommon.
Effect of static and alternating magnetic fields on acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase activities in the brain of mice

Background. Exposure to magnetic fields (MFs) can affect the release of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Objective. To study some biochemical changes associated with the exposure to low frequency static and alternating MFs at a flux density of 3 mT. Methods. Forty male mice were included in this study. Thirty mice were exposed to a combination of static and alternating MFs at a flux density of 3 mT for duration of 1 to 3 weeks. Ten mice were taken as a control group. Activities of acetylcholine esterase (AchE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes were determined in whole brain homogenates of these mice. Results. The activities of both enzymes were significantly increased in mice exposed to the magnetic fields compared to the control group. These changes were more apparent after three weeks of exposure and were associated with some behavioral manifestations. No mortality or body weight changes were reported after MF exposure. In the present study, the enzymatic activities of AchE and MAO-A & -B were found to be significantly increased in brains of mice exposed to low frequency magnetic fields (LFMF). Conclusion. Exposure to MF causes changes in the activities of brain enzymes and these changes could affect the behavior of the animals exposed to MF.
Effect of NaCl on Thermal Resistance, Antibiotic Resistance, and Human Epithelial Cell Invasion of Listeria monocytogenes

This study evaluated the effects of NaCl on heat resistance and Caco-2 cell invasion of Listeria monocytogenes in broth media and sausage. A 10-strain mixture of L. monocytogenes was inoculated in tryptic soy broth containing 0.6% yeast extract (TSBYE), and sausage formulated with 0, 2, 4, and 6% NaCl. The medium was stored at 7, 15, 20, and 25 o C for 316 d, and medium samples were withdrawn at the appropriate time and challenged to 55, 60, and 63 o C to evaluate the thermal resistance of the pathogen. Sausage samples were stored at 7 and 25 o C, and they were exposed to 63 o C to evaluate thermal resistance. NaCl-habituated L. monocytogenes strains NCCP10811 and NCCP10943 were examined for 12 antibiotics and Caco-2 cell invasion assay (only L. monocytogenes NCCP10943). Bacterial populations of L. monocytogenes generally increased (p<0.05) during the heat challenge as NaCl concentrations increased in both TSBYE and sausage samples. The antibiotic resistance of L. monocytogenes was not observed (p≥0.05) when it was exposed to a single concentration of NaCl in TSBYE, but the pathogen obtained resistance to some antibiotics when exposed to a sequential increase of NaCl concentration. Invasion efficiency of L. monocytogenes NCCP10943 was not increased (p≥0.05) with NaCl concentration increase. These results indicate that NaCl may increase the resistance of L. monocytogenes to heat and to some antibiotics, but may not increase Caco-2 cell invasion of L. monocytogenes.
The development of solid food intake in calves 5. The relationship between liquid and solid food intake

Reconstituted milk substitute was given at two concentrations of powder (10% and 20%), each at four levels (10% powder—8, 12, 16 and 20% of live weight (LW); 20% powder—6, 8, 10 and 12% of LW) to 3 British Friesian male calves per treatment from 2 to 4 weeks after arrival, and the calves were weaned over the next 7 days. Chopped dried grass was offered to appetite before and for 3 weeks after weaning. The amount of solid food eaten was not affected by the dry-matter concentration of the milk substitute, but was significantly depressed as the amount of milk consumed increased. Between-treatment differences in solid food intake established at weaning persisted until the end of the experiment. There was a dose, positive relationship between milk intake and live-weight gain (LWG) before weaning, but weight gain after weaning was not significantly affected by the level of milk intake before weaning.