Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indole-3-acetic Acid Catabolism by Soybean Bacteroids

SUMMARY: Bacteroid preparations from nodules of soybean were able to destroy aerobically substantial quantities of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Kinetic studies indicate the involvement of two processes. The supernatant derived during preparation of bacteroids had an active IAA oxidation during the first 30 min. Successive washings of bacteroids still retained some activity although it was reduced. A high level of IAA destruction was always observed with washed bacteriods and the reaction proceeded linearly for at least 4 h. Glucose gave a slight stimulation but succinate, pyruvate and fumarate at low concentrations (approx. 25 mM) were strong inhibitors. No IAA catabolism occurred with washed bacteroids at a PO2 of 30 mmHg or less, but it increasingly occurred with further increase in oxygen partial pressure up to 150 mmHg. No difference was observed between bacteroids with or without active nitrogenase.
Density Dependence in Growth and Size Structure of NorthernPike Populations

Abstract The density of northern pike Esox lucius was estimated using mark–recapture techniques and compared with measures of growth and population size structure among 12 north-central Minnesota lakes. The relationships between density and either proportional stock density (PSD, a length-frequency index) or mean back-calculated length were negative and nonlinear. Regression of loge density and PSD explained 63% of the variation in PSD, and regressions of loge density and mean back-calculated length by sex for ages 2–5 explained 47% to 67% of the variation in growth rates among lakes. The relationships remained consistent when data from 17 northern Wisconsin lakes were pooled with those from the 12 Minnesota lakes (although the R 2 was reduced). The fastest growth rates and highest PSDs were observed at northern pike densities of less than 12–14 fish/ha. Inclusion of variables related to the productivity of the lakes only marginally improved the predictive capabilities of the relationship between loge den.
Research Papers: Mycoflora of Young Cysts of Heterodera Glycines in North Carolina Soils

Sixteen fungi were found colonizing young cream-colored cysts of Heterodera glycines lchinohe on soybean roots in North Carolina soils. Five, namely Exophiala pisciphila McGinnis and Ajello, Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. , Fusarium solant (Mart.) Sacc. , Neocosmospora vasinfecta Smith, and Phoma leveillei Boerema and Bollen, were prevalent in all soil samples surveyed. Several other species of Phoma Sacc. , were also implicated as early invaders of cysts. Upwards of two thirds of the cysts examined were found to be invaded and many showed signs of disease, bearing discolored, aborted or physiologically disordered eggs. The significance of early colonization is discussed.
Microhabitat Utilization and Foraging Behavior of Bipedal and Quadrupedal Hetermoyid Rodents

Direct observations of free-living individuals were employed to quantify foraging be- havior in Dipodomys desert, D. merriami, and Perognathus longimembris in two Mojave Desert communities. D. merriami and P. longimembris do not partition shrub and open microhabitats, and all three species concentrate their foraging efforts (>75%) near or beneath the canopies of desert shrubs. Results of livetrapping assessments of microhabitat usage (conducted concurrently with for- aging observations) resemble those of earlier studies but differ greatly from observational data; trap- ping may not produce accurate representations of spatial utilization. P. longimembris avoids open areas and utilizes shrubs in a relatively coarse-grained fashion. D. merriami and D. deserti frequently traverse open areas at high speeds and hence utilize shrubs in a relatively fine-grained manner. Beneath shrubs, D. merriami and D. desert are more active and discrete in their foraging than is P. longimembris; both Dipodomys apparently search for large clumps of seeds, while P. Iongimembris forages slowly and continuously, taking individual seeds from scat- tered dispersions. The distinctive morphology of Dipodomys is interpreted as an adaptation that allows fine-grained use of desert shrubs in the face of high predation risk during intershrub transits. Differences in heteromyid body sizes may also reflect two foraging strategies: small size would reduce energy demands, and thus lower the need to move between shrubs and reduce the need for predator avoid- ance; larger size would permit year-round activity (avoidance of torpor), reduce susceptibility to starvation (B. K. McNab, personal communication), increase the range of thermal tolerance, and generally increase abilities to cope with variations in environmental parameters (Boyce 1978). It is concluded that the morphological and behavioral differences between Dipodomys and Perognathus reflect divergent foraging strategies which may reflect equivalent but alternative strategies for ex- ploitation of desert seeds.
Comparative anatomical and micromorphological studies on Teucrium creticum and Teucrium orientale var. orientale (T. sect. Teucrium, Lamiaceae)

Teucrium creticum L. and T. orientale L. var. orientale are two related taxa in Teucrium sect. Teucrium. In this study, the value of anatomical and micromorphological characters for distinguishing between these two taxa is analysed. Transverse sections of the stem, as well as both transverse and surface sections of the leaves were examined anatomically. According to the data obtained, collenchyma and sclerenchyma do grow more in T. creticum than in T. orientale var. orientale. The leaves of T. creticum are hypostomatic and have a characteristic hypodermis, which is under the upper epidermis, as well as abundant spherocrystals in the upper epidermis. The leaves of T. orientale var. orientale are amphistomatic, yet no spherocristals exists in epidermal cells and the hypodermis is absent. The results obtained from studies carried out under scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows that the nutlet micromorphology varies between the two taxa. In both taxa, the nutlet surfaces are reticulate and glandular. Eglandular hairs do occur. However, in T. orientale var. orientale, 20–60 μm long eglandular hairs with scabrid surface occur only along the margins of the nutlets, whereas the ¾ dorsal sides of the nutlets in T. creticum are all covered with 90–500 μm long, smooth-surfaced hairs. Additionally, while the glandular hairs on the nutlets of T. creticum are subsessile, those on the nutlets of T. orientale var. orientale are capitate and distinctly stalked.
Long-term effects of saline irrigation water on 'Valencia' orange trees: relationships between growth and yield, and salt levels in soil and leaves

Citrus is regarded as a salt-sensitive crop, but its yield response to salinity is affected by variety, rootstock, duration of salt exposure, irrigation management, soil type, and climate. This study quantified the yield response of mature Valencia [Citrus sinensis (L. Osbeck)] orange trees on sweet orange (C. sinensis) rootstock to increased levels of sodium chloride in irrigation water in the Sunraysia area of the Murray Valley in south-eastern Australia. The orchard was planted on a loamy sand and trees were irrigated and fertilised with a well-managed under-tree microsprinkler system. Four levels of salt, ranging from the river-water control (0.44 dS/m) to 2.50 dS/m, were applied over a 9-year period. Overall yield effects were smaller than expected, and did not conform well to the often used bent-stick model. Relative to the control, yield was initially higher (by up to 9%) in the intermediate salt treatments, and 3% lower in the highest treatment. However, relative yields of salinised trees decreased with time, and in the final year of the experiment, yield of the highest salt treatment was 9% lower than the control. Yield increases in the intermediate treatments resulted from increases in fruit number. All 3 salt treatments decreased average fruit weight by 4% and decreased juice content but increased juice sugar and acid content. Salt treatment strongly reduced trunk growth, and the effect increased with time. Our results show that with appropriate irrigation management, soils, and rootstocks, citrus trees can maintain productivity at salinity levels of 2.0 dS/m or more, but fresh fruit profitability is likely to be lower because of a reduction in average fruit size.
The First Cranial Remains of the Pleistocene Proterotheriid Neolicaphrium Frenguelli, 1921 (Mammalia, Litopterna): A Comparative Approach

ABSTRACT The first cranial and upper dental remains of a proterotheriid referred to Neolicaphrium cf. N. recens Frenguelli, 1921, are described from the late Pleistocene of northern Uruguay (Sopas Formation). An isolated molariform from the Pleistocene of northeastern Pampean Argentina is considered as Neolicaphrium sp. It is the last surviving Pleistocene Proterotheriidae. An expanded diagnosis of this genus-based until now only on mandibular characters-is provided. The following combination of characters distinguish it from other genera of proterotheriids for which characters of the skull have been described: dorsal surface of skull almost parallel to the occlusal surface of the cheek teeth series; relatively large orbits and diastema; very large caniniform upper incisors; upper premolars and molars relatively low crowned; P2 nearly quadrangular; molariforms (at least P4 and M1–3) with anterolingual cingulae; anteroposteriorly short upper molar series; M1–3 with metaconule reduced to a small transverse crest connecting the hypocone to the metacone; hypocone reduced (or nearly absent), particularly in M3; M3 located below the orbit. A principal component analysis places it near the smallest species of proterotheriids, which were separated very well along the second component, usually related to shape.
The Degree of Illness Acceptance among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Poziom akceptacji choroby w stwardnieniu rozsianym

Introduction. Acceptance of chronic disease depends on patient’s personal predisposition as well as on characteristics of the disease, such as the type and severity of symptoms, its consequences in the perspective of physical and psychosocial functioning and possibilities of treatment. In particular, it seems to be difficult to accept such a disease as multiple sclerosis, the beginning of which concerns mainly young people who are forced to re-evaluate their life and modify plans for the future so that the self-portrait would not become a source of frustration and a sense of a lower esteem. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the acceptance of the disease and to analyse the relationship of such acceptance with patients’ functional status and with self-assessment of depression. Material and Methods. The group of respondents consisted of 38 patients of the Department of Neurology in Cracow, who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In this work the method of diagnostic survey and the analysis of records were applied. Participants of the study were asked to complete such research tools as: the Beck Scale, Katz Scale, socio-demographic data inventory and the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). The analysis covered their medical records and individual cards of medical orders. The obtained results were subject to statistical calculations. Results. The score of a significant number of respondents — 13 (34.2%) on the AIS Scale was qualified to the highest score ranging from 32 to 40 points. Slightly more than 1/4 of the study group (10 patients, ie. 26.3%) obtained a score ranging from 23 to 31 points. The smallest group of respondents achieved the lowest score, as it was qualified for the range of 5–13 points (6 persons, ie. 15.8%). The AIS Scale average score for the whole group studied was 25.08 points. Between the acceptance of the disease, and the presence and severity of depression among respondents, there is a negative correlation (r=-0.29), however it is not statistically significant (p=0.08). The value of the correlation coefficient of the AIS and Katz Scales (r=0.15) results is not statistically significant either (p=0.37). Conclusions. Acceptance of the disease in the group of people is average and similar to that encountered in other somatic diseases of chronic course. A better emotional condition seems to enhance greater acceptance of the disease. (JNNN 2015;4(1):19–23)
Association of an endophytic fungus in perennial ryegrass and resistance to the hairy chinch bug (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae).

Laboratory tests demonstrated that ‘Repell,’ a cultivar of perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne L. , infected with the fungal endophyte, Acremonium lolii Latch, Christensen & Samuels, exhibited a high level of insect resistance to the hairy chinch bug, Blissus leucopterus hirtus Montandon. First and third instars and adult hairy chinch bugs reared on endophyte-infected plants had significantly lower survival. On endophyte-free ‘Repell,’ nymphs and adults resided primarily on the leaf sheath. In contrast, on endophyte-infected ‘Repell,’ nymphs and adults either avoided the plant or resided only on the endophyte-free leaf blade. Nymphs were able to detect the presence of the endophyte in a choice test and consistently selected endophyte-free ‘Repell. ’ These results support field observations of resistance in association with endophyte-infected ryegrass and suggest that the incorporation of endophytes into ryegrass will lead to significant reductions in hairy chinch bug infestations.
Exine morphology and ultrastructure of Duplicisporites from the Triassic of Italy

A morphological study of dispersed Circumpolles pollen grains from the Upper Triassic of the Southern Alps has been initiated with the genus Duplicisporites. Individual pollen grains were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Seen with SEM the pollen surface is finely verrucate with low verrucae of different sizes. A sub‐equatorial continuous rimula is clearly visible. The proximal trilete scar is small and indistinct. TEM images reveal a bi‐layered exine. The ectexine is formed by numerous small, closely packed, granulae subdivided by irregularly‐spaced cavities. In the region of the subequatorial canal, the ectexine becomes thinner, about 1/3 of the usual thickness. At places, the ectexine is slightly separated from the underlying endexine. The endexine is prominent and significantly darker than the ectexine. It is homogeneous and of constant thickness. On the basis of its older age, with respect to Classopollis, the present ultrastructural dataset provides information on the possible origin of cheirolepidiaceous‐type morphology.
Performance, carcass and technological meat quality of pigs in indoor and outdoor production systems

Abstract This study aimed to compare different production systems, i.e., the combined effect of outdoor and indoor rearing of pigs and organic diets fed ad libitum or restrictively. Furthermore, the suitability of two breed crosses for outdoor rearing was studied. The effects on performance, carcass and technological quality traits were investigated. During two years, 240 pigs of Duroc x Large White (D*LW) and Swedish Landrace x Large White (L*LW) were allocated to three production systems: 1) Pigs kept outdoors, fed an organic diluted diet (20% alfalfa roughage) ad libitum; 2) Pigs kept outdoors, strategically fed a diluted organic diet up to a live weight of approximately 80 kg and thereafter an undiluted organic diet ad libitum; 3) Pigs kept indoors, fed an undiluted organic diet restrictively. For outdoor pigs, strategic feeding increased daily weight gain and backfat thickness, compared with feeding a diluted diet throughout (p≤0.01). L*LW pigs in both outdoor systems grew slower than in the indoor system (p≤0.001), whereas for D*LW pigs only outdoor pigs fed the diluted diet had a slower growth rate. Outdoor pigs had lower dressing percentage than indoor pigs. Glycogen content and L* values in M. longissimus dorsi were higher, whereas b* values were lower in meat from pigs in the indoor system. D*LW pigs had higher water-holding capacity (lower drip, thawing and cooking losses), lower shear force and higher intramuscular fat content compared with L*LW pigs.
Phosphorylation of the β-Amyloid Precursor Protein at the Cell Surface by Ectocasein Kinases 1 and 2*

The β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) is one of the rare proteins known to be phosphorylated within its ectodomain. We have shown previously that βAPP can be phosphorylated within secretory vesicles and at the cell surface (Walter, J., Capell, A., Hung, A. Y., Langen, H., Schnölzer, M., Thinakaran, G., Sisodia, S. S., Selkoe, D. J., and Haass, C. (1997) J. Biol. Chem.272, 1896–1903). We have now specifically characterized the phosphorylation of cell surface-located βAPP and identified two ectoprotein kinases that phosphorylate βAPP at the outer face of the plasma membrane. By using selective protein kinase inhibitors and by investigating the usage of ATP and GTP as cosubstrates, we demonstrate that membrane-bound βAPP as well as secreted forms of βAPP can be phosphorylated by casein kinase (CK) 1- and CK2-like ectoprotein kinases. The ectodomain of βAPP was also phosphorylated by purified CK1 and CK2 in vitro, but not by protein kinases A and C. Phosphorylation of βAPP by ectoprotein kinases and by purified CK1 and CK2 occurred within an acidic domain in the N-terminal half of the protein. Heparin strongly inhibited the phosphorylation of cell-surface βAPP by ecto-CK1 and ecto-CK2, indicating a regulatory role of this extracellular matrix component in βAPP phosphorylation.
Characterization and redesign of galactonolactone dehydrogenase, a flavoprotein producing vitamin C

Keywords: aldonolactone oxidoreductases, Arabidopsis thaliana, flavoprotein, galactonolactone dehydrogenase, molecular gatekeeper, oxidase, protein engineering, vanillyl-alcohol oxidase family, vitamin C Redox enzymes are attractive biocatalysts because of their intrinsic (enantio-)selectivity and catalytic efficiency, which are often difficult to achieve by conventional chemical approaches. The discovery of new redox enzymes together with novel insights into their catalytic mechanism will increase the biocatalytic potential for application of these enzymes. Carbohydrate oxidases are valuable enzymes that can be applied in diagnostics and the food industry. Such enzymes often contain a flavin cofactor as redox-active group. Most carbohydrate oxidase are up to now isolated from fungi, but an extensive genome analysis revealed that also plants are a rich source of these enzymes. Carbohydrate oxidases are, for example, involved in maintenance of the plant cell wall, de protection against pathogens, and the production of vitamin C. In this research the vitamin C producing enzyme galactonolactone dehydrogenase from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana was studied. This enzyme is a so-called aldonolactone oxidoreductases that belongs to the vanillyl-alcohol oxidase family of flavoproteins. Most members of this family are oxidases with a covalently bound FAD cofactor. Galactonolactone dehydrogenase differs in some crucial properties from aldonolactone oxidoreductases from animals, yeasts and fungi. The plant enzyme contains a non-covalently bound FAD cofactor, has a different substrate specificity and hardly reacts with molecular oxygen. Several critical amino acid residues involved in cofactor and substrate binding were identified and the enzyme was redesigned into variants with altered substrate and electron acceptor specificities. One of the major results was the identification of a gatekeeper residue in galactonolactone dehydrogenase that prevents molecular oxygen from reacting with the flavin cofactor. Removal of this residue resulted in a catalytically competent galactonolactone oxidase that can efficiently react with oxygen. The knowledge obtained with this research provides a firm basis for the design of suitable biocatalysts that can be used for the biotechnological production of vitamin C or related carbohydrates, as an alternative for the currently applied chemical methods.
Atividade microbiana em solo do semi-árido sob cultivo de Atriplex nummularia

Methods used to estimate the soil microbial activity are important to environmental monitoring of degraded areas. The objective of this research was to investigate the microbial activity of a semiarid soil cultivated with Atriplex nummularia Lindl. in a field receiving saline waste during one and three years, in comparison with an area without crop and irrigation. Soil cultivated during three years presented, during the dry season, values of pH, CE, and activity of FDA hydrolyses higher than those registered in other areas. However, a negative correlation between the microbial carbon and values of qCO2 was observed. The microbial biomass and the alkaline phosphates were also higher in the three years cultivated soil, in comparison with the native soil, non irrigated, confirming the role of halophytes for enhancing quality of soils under saline stress. Thus, the cultivation of A. nummularia is an alternative for using saline waste from the desalinization process.
Variation in wing characteristics of monarch butterflies during migration: Earlier migrants have redder and more elongated wings

Abstract The migration of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in North America has a number of parallels with long-distance bird migration, including the fact that migratory populations of monarchs have larger and more elongated forewings than residents. These characteristics likely serve to optimize flight performance in monarchs, as they also do with birds. A question that has rarely been addressed thus far in birds or monarchs is if and how wing characteristics vary within a migration season. Individuals with superior flight performance should migrate quickly, and/or with minimal stopovers, and these individuals should be at the forefront of the migratory cohort. Conversely, individuals with poor flight performance and/or low endurance would be more likely to fall behind, and these would comprise the latest migrants. Here we examined how the wing morphology of migrating monarchs varies to determine if wing characteristics of early migrants differ from late migrants. We measured forewing area, elongation (length/width), and redness, which has been shown to predict flight endurance in monarchs. Based on a collection of 75 monarchs made one entire season (fall 2010), results showed that the earliest migrants (n = 20) in this cohort had significantly redder and more elongated forewings than the latest migrants (n = 17). There was also a non-significant tendency for early migrants to have larger forewing areas. These results suggest that the pace of migration in monarchs is at least partly dependent on the properties of their wings. Moreover, these data also raise a number of questions about the ultimate fate of monarchs that fall behind