Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Some physiological and morphological responses of Quercusmacrocarpa seedlings to flooding

Flooding for 30 days induced several changes in Quercusmacrocarpa Michx. seedlings, with stomatal closure among the earliest responses. Stomata remained more closed in flooded than in unflooded plants during the entire experimental period. Leaf water potential was consistently higher in flooded than in unflooded plants. Other responses to flooding included acceleration of ethylene production by stems; formation of hypertrophied lenticels on submerged portions of stems; growth inhibition, with greatest reduction in roots; and formation of a few adventitious roots on submerged portions of the stem above the soil line. Some of the morphological responses to flooding, especially formation of hypertrophied lenticels, appeared to be associated with increased ethylene production. Quercusmacrocarpa seedlings adapted poorly to flooding as shown by failure of stomata to reopen after an early period of flooding and low capacity for production of adventitious roots. The much greater inhibition of root growth than sho.
Water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidiae) parasitic on aquatic hemipterans in Japan, with reference to host preferences and selection sites

Water mites are known to temporarily live on the surface of aquatic insects in their life cycle. Investigations of the host–parasite relationship between water mites and aquatic insects are quite limited in Japan. Therefore, we examined several aquatic hemipterans to clarify the parasitic nature of water mites on aquatic insects. During the survey, the following seven hemipteran species were collected from farm ponds and rice fields in Kanagawa, Yamanashi, and Hyogo prefectures in 2011 and 2012: Appasus japonicus, Appasus major, Laccotrephes japonensis, Aquarius paludum, Ranatra chinensis, Kirkaldyia deyrolli, and Notonecta triguttata. Among these species, water mites were found only on Ap. japonicus and R. chinensis. The water mites were all in a post-larval resting stage and identified as Hydrachna spp. The mites attached to R. chinensis were clearly larger than those on Ap. japonicus. Although mites do not select by host sex and their abundance was not affected by the host body size, their abundance per female host was greater than per male host. Further, the mite parasitism on nymphs was greater than that on adults in Ap. japonicus. Concerning site selection on a host body of R. chinensis for attachment, mites significantly prefer the leg and meso- and metathoraxes to the abdomen, respiratory siphon, and head of a host insect. The results mentioned above accorded well with several studies in Europe.
Interleukin 6 production by human proximal tubular epithelial cells in vitro: analysis of the effects of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and other cytokines

: Proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) from human renal tissue obtained from biopsy or nephrectomy were grown in monoculture and evaluated in vitro at passage 2-4 for interleukin 6 (IL-6) production in response to medium alone or to interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon gamma (INF gamma) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IL-6 bioactivity was quantitated using the IL-6-dependent murine hybridoma cell line (B9) and expressed as IL-6 units/ml/10(5) PTEC. PTEC cell lines exposed to medium alone produced intermediate amounts of IL-6 with substantial variability between cell lines. Introduction of IL-1 alpha resulted in a dose- and time-dependent increase in IL-6 production by PTEC that was maximal at 1 ng/ml IL-1 alpha at 24 h. All PTEC cell lines showed an increased IL-6 production on exposure to IL-1 alpha varying from 1.3- to 24-fold increase over baseline production. This response was completely blocked by anti-rIL-1 alpha. No significant IL-6 production by PTEC could be induced by TNF alpha, IL-2, IFN gamma, or LPS over a broad dosage range. Cycloheximide inhibited IL-6 production without irreversible cell toxicity, indicating de-novo synthesis. IL-6 produced by PTEC had a molecular weight of 26-29 kDa as demonstrated by Western blot analysis. Using PCR analysis we could demonstrate upregulation by IL-1 alpha of IL-6 mRNA in a dose-response fashion, indicating that IL-1 alpha regulates IL-6 production at a pretranslational value of protein synthesis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Yield and Nutrient Accumulation of Tifway Bermudagrass and Overseeded Ryegrass as Influenced by Applied Nutrients 1

This study was initiated to evaluate the effect of N fertilization rate on the P, K, and Mg requirements of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. X Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy) and to determine the N fertilization requirements of the two turfgrasses. Information gained through this research will be of particular benefit to producers of cool and warmseason turfgrasses on golf courses of the southeastern USA. During the fall ‘Medalist 11’ (a mixture of Pennfine and NKl00 cultivars) perennial ryegrass was seeded over ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass growing on a loamy fine sand (Typic Quartzipsamment). Treatments were applied in a split-plot arrangement in plots 1.83 ✕ 2.73 m and replicated five times. Nitrogen was applied as ammonium nitrate at 2.5 g N/m² every 1, 4, and 8 weeks to establish the rates of 20, 5 and 2.5 g N/m²/8 weeks, respectively. Four subplot treatments were applied every 12 weeks using 5, 10, and 5 g/m² of P, K, and Mg, respectively, as a complete treatment. The three additional treatments were established by excluding one of the three nutrients, respectively. The turfgrasses were mowed at 3-day intervals. Harvests for yields occurred biweekly and consisted of 3-day growth of the grasses. Ten harvests were collected per grass species per growing period. The study extended over two growing periods for each grass species and a total of 40 harvests. The two lower N rates (2.5 and 5.0 g/m²/8 weeks) were not adequate to maintain acceptable turfgrass quality. A higher incidence of disease and a lower quality turf resulted from these treatments. Tifway bermudagrass had a higher dry matter yield rate than Medalist II ryegrass at a given N percentage and grew faster at each level of N applied. Ryegrass responded to P on this soil which contained a minimum of 82 ppm double-acid (0.025N H₂SO₄ in 0.05N HCl) extractable P. Contrarily, bermudagrass produced the highest yield when P was excluded. Both grasses were reduced in yield by exclusion of K at the high N rate. The minimum double-acid extractable K level was 33 ppm. Ryegrass accumulated more N, P, K and Mg at each level of N fertilization than bermudagrass. Excluding P tended to reduce the N percentage in ryegrass tissue, but increased the N percentage in bermudagrass. A level of 60 ppm double-acid extractable Mg was adequate for growth of both grasses even though the Ca:Mg ratio in some cases exceeded 20:l.
Pre-release evaluation of the efficacy of the leaf-sucking bug Carvalhotingis visenda (Heteroptera: Tingidae) as a biological control agent for cat's claw creeper Macfadyena unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae)

Abstract In classical weed biological control, assessing weed response to simulated herbivory is one option to assist in the prioritization of available agents and prediction of their potential efficacy. Previously reported simulated herbivory studies suggested that a specialist herbivore in the leaf-feeding guild is desirable as an effective biological control agent for cat's claw creeper Macfadyena unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae), an environmental weed that is currently a target for biological control. In this study, we tested (i) whether the results from glasshouse-based simulated herbivory can be used to prioritise potential biological control agents by evaluating the impact of a leaf-sucking tingid bug Carvalhotingis visenda (Drake & Hambleton) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in quarantine; and (ii) the likely effectiveness of low- and high-densities of the leaf-sucking tingid after its release in the field. The results suggest that a single generation of C. visenda has the potential to reduce leaf chlorophyll content significantly, resulting in reduced plant height and leaf biomass. However, the impact of one generation of tingid herbivory on below-ground plant components, including the roots and tuber size and biomass, were not significant. These findings are consistent with results obtained from a simulated herbivory trial, highlighting the potential role of simulated herbivory studies in agent prioritisation.
Visual cues contribute to predator detection in anuran larvae

The ability of prey to detect predators directly affects their probability of survival. Chemical cues are known to be important for predator detection in aquatic environments, but the role of other potential cues is controversial. We tested for changes in behaviour of Rana temporaria tadpoles in response to chemical, visual, acoustic, and hydraulic cues originating from dragonfly larvae (Aeshna cyanea) and fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus). The greatest reduction in tadpole activity occurred when all cues were available, but activity was also significantly reduced by visual cues only. We did not find evidence for tadpoles lowering their activity in response to acoustic and hydraulic cues. There was no spatial avoidance of predators in our small experimental containers. The results show that anuran larvae indeed use vision for predator detection, while acoustic and hydraulic cues may be less important. Future studies of predator-induced responses of tadpoles should not only concentrate on chemical cues but also consider visual stimuli. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012,
In vitro antioxidant and in vivo antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic activity of linseed oil against streptozotocin‐induced toxicity in albino rats

The intake of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids has a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity in rats and in subjects with type 2 diabetes. It has been reported that these omega-3 fatty acids are useful in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia and in the enhancement of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels in diabetic patients. The present study was therefore aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect of L. usitatissimum fixed oil. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) assay. The oil exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity in the DPPH and H2O2 assay. The oil (1, 2, 3 mL/kg) was further investigated against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in albino rats, subjected to 3 weeks of treatment. The oil manifested decrease in blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels at higher dose and significant dose dependent negating action on antioxidant enzymes in the heart, liver and kidney tissues. The oil also normalized the various hematological parameters and electrolyte levels in the STZ treated rats. Treatment with oil significantly increased the level of serum HDL and decreased the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in STZ-diabetic rats in comparison to normal control. The antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of the oil could be attributed to the presence of linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3 n-3) and its metabolic products, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3).
Produção e composição química de híbridos de sorgo e de milho para silagem

The goal in this research was to evaluate the production parameters and chemical composition of four sorghum hybrids (60015 XBS, XBS 60451, AG and Dow 2005 F305 E) and a corn hybrid (AS32). In the experimental design was used complete blocks randomized with three repetitions. It was evaluated the total production of green mass (MV), dry matter (MS) and the stem, leaf, panicle, spike (maize). It was determined the content of crude protein (PB), neutral detergent fiber (FDN), acid detergent fiber (FDA), ether extract (EE), total carbohydrates (CHOT), non-fiber carbohydrates (CNF), mineral matter (MM) and organic matter (MO) of the plant, leaf fractions and panicle. There was no production difference between hybrids DM, MV and leaf. In the chemical composition of sorghum and maize plants, there were some differences among the hybrids. The crude protein, sorghum AG 2005 E had the highest average with 9.84%, and corn AS32 had the smallest one, with 7.76%. For the leaves composition, the PB was smaller in the hybrids XBS 60015 (9,8%) and XBS 60451 (9,87%), higher concentrations of FDN, 66,02 and 66,65%, respectively. The sorghum panicles had higher average of PB (10,06%) in relation to the corn (7,78%). The CNE was higher than the panicles of XBS 60015 with 29,61% and XBS 60451 with 27,20%. The sorghum hybrids presented a better quality in their chemical composition. So it is recommended their utilization to make better quality silage.
Hepatomegaly in Transgenic Mice Expressing an Oncogenic Form of β-Catenin

Inappropriate activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, resulting mainly from activating mutations of the beta-catenin gene, has been implicated recently in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have generated transgenic mice expressing an oncogenic form of beta-catenin in their hepatocytes to analyze the effect of deregulated beta-catenin signaling on liver homeostasis. These mice rapidly developed hepatomegaly soon after birth, with livers three to four times heavier than those of nontransgenic littermates. The liver cell hyperplasia resulted from increased cell proliferation without any compensatory apoptosis. Although the genes encoding c-myc and cyclin D1 are potential targets of the beta-catenin signaling pathway, neither of them was overexpressed in the hyperplastic livers of beta-catenin transgenic mice. Thus, the key target genes of the beta-catenin signaling pathway in the liver remain to be identified.
The Pinus rotundata Link bog forests on mined peat bogs - is the conservation of undisturbed edge an effective tool for its protection?

Peat mining has a serious impact on the Pinus rotundata Link habitat. The possibility of sustaining a vital Pinus rotundata bog forest on undisturbed edges of mined peat bog was assessed. 28.7 ha of undisturbed edge of Borkovická blata peat bog were sampled by regular grid of circular sample plots. Data about tree layer, natural regeneration of woody species as well as herb layer were collected. The impact of mined area drainage on vegetation communities in the undisturbed edge of peat bogs was discovered. The original Pinus rotundata bog forest is getting older and it is gradually being replaced by forest stands dominated by Picea abies (L.) Karsten, Betula pendula Roth and B. pubescens Ehrh. The character of vegetation changes more rapidly with the increasing vertical distance of the remaining fragment and the mined part. This secondary elevation represents a serious problem in the water regime restoration and consequent revitalisation of the Pinus rotundata bog forest on the undisturbed edge of the mined peat bog.
Species distribution of free-living nematodes and other meiofauna in littoral periphyton communities of lakes

Recent studies on meiofaunal and nematode communities have focused on soft sediments in streams, lakes and marine environments. Despite a large number of studies dealing with periphyton, meiofaunal and nematode communities, on littoral hard substrates in lakes have not yet been investigated in detail. Therefore, epilithic communities with particular emphasis on nematode species composition, were analysed in 17 Swedish lakes differing greatly in size, depth, trophic status and epilithic biomass. Nematode abundance ranged from 2.3 to 161.5 cm −2 , and the abundance of nematodes relative to total meiofauna ranged from 20 to 77% (mean 53%). Fifty-eight nematode species were identified; species numbers varied from eight to 34 species per lake. The dominant species were Rhabdolaimus aquaticus , Punctodora ratzeburgensis , Eumonhystera dispar and Crocodorylaimus flavomaculatus . Deposit feeders dominated (71% of total fauna), followed by suction feeders (14%), epistrate feeders (12%) and chewers (3%). Of 3624 nematodes examined, 54% were juveniles, 35% females, 6% males and 5% gravid females. Multivariate analysis of the nematode species composition revealed significant differences in the community structures among lakes. This is the first study to show that meiofauna is a numerically abundant group within littoral periphyton communities in lakes, with nematodes representing the dominant group.
Do Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) males gain in mating competitiveness from being courted by other males while still young?

The role of male–male courtship in parasitic wasps is not well understood and nothing has been reported on the implication of learning in regard to homosexual behavior in hymenopteran parasitoids. In Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a synovigenic koinobiont larval–pupal endoparasitoid of many Diptera Tephritidae of economic importance, courtship and mating attempts are frequently displayed among males. Here we determine whether P. concolor males that are courted while still young by sexually mature males can compete better with other males when they court females. The results showed that P. concolor immature males do not appear to gain from receiving male courtship, but they develop a higher intensity (more wing fanning and shorter latency time) in the successive courtship of the females. The hypothesis that, under some conditions, such higher courtship intensities may increase the probability of gaining a mating advantage is discussed.
Diallel Analysis of In Vitro Culture Traits in the Genus Lycopersicon

Estimates of genetic variability for in vitro culture traits among the genus Lycopersicon and evaluation of the gene effects involved in callus production and shoot formation were achieved. Five parents including wild and cultivated tomato genotypes and their nonreciprocal 10 possible hybrid combinations were assayed. The callus percentage (C = number of cultures that only produced callus x 100 / total number of cultures), the regeneration percentage (R = number of cultures that differentiated into shoots or primordia x 100 / total number of cultures) and the productivity rate (PR = total number of shoots / total number of cultures) of each genotype were calculated 45 days after culture initiation. Diallel analysis revealed genetic variability for in vitro culture response. Wild genotypes contributed to a reduction in callus production and an increase in shoot formation while the cultivated genotypes either had an opposite effect or did not modify the expression of culture traits. Hybrids had the lowest callus production and highest shoot formation percentage. Additive gene effects were mainly involved in the expression of C and R, while both additive and nonadditive gene effects were involved in expression of PR.
Wildlife Recovery During Tropical Forest Succession: Assessing Ecological Drivers of Community Change

Despite the high proportion of secondary forests in the tropics, their conservation value remains poorly understood, particularly with regard to animals. Most theoretical studies of succession have focused on plants, linking life history trade‐offs to well‐known patterns of community change. However, the same trade‐offs proposed for plants should apply to animals, and indeed, animal studies show a change in community dominance from habitat generalist to forest specialist species during succession. Focusing on the diverse terrestrial small mammals of the endangered Atlantic Forest, we assessed which ecological drivers (habitat structure and food availability) affect community changes during succession. If the change in community dominance is driven by trade‐offs between productivity and efficiency, it should be mainly associated with a decrease in food availability. As expected, from younger to older forest, habitat generalists decreased in richness and total abundance, concurrent with a decrease in arthropod biomass. By contrast, the increase in richness and total abundance of forest specialists was not clearly supported by the data; however, this group was not affected by food availability. These results are congruent with a trade‐off between competitive ability and ability to use abundant resources, and indicate that the major community change during succession involves habitat generalists. Secondary forests may thus be valuable for conservation, at least where habitat loss and fragmentation are not high, and old growth forest is available.
Aspects of the Ecology of Rodents in the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary, Ghana: Sex-ratio, Age Structure and Reproductive Characteristics

This study investigated aspects of the ecology (sex-ratio, age structure and reproductivecharacteristics) of four rodent species in the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary (OWS). Collapsible Sherman live traps (22.5 x8.8 x 7.5 cm) were used to capture the rodent species in 12 grids, measuring 20 × 20 m and covering different habitattypes identified in the sanctuary from October, 2009 to April, 2010. Trapping effort covered 1,500 trap-nights and 119individuals belonging to four species were captured. There were 77 individuals of Praomys tullbergi (Tullberg’s softfurredrat), 16 were Lophuromys sikapusi (Rusty-bellied brush-furred mouse) and 13 were Hybomys trivirgatus(Temminck’s hump-nosed mouse) and Malacomys edwardsi (Edward’s long-footed rat), with male-to-female ratios of1.5:1, 1.7:1, 1:1.6 and 2.3:1 respectively. Adults dominated in the age structure of all the rodents captured. All the 50adult males of the four rodents were in reproductive condition. Of the adult females, 5.6% of P. tullbergi, 33.3% of M.edwardsi and 25.0% of H. trivirgatus were pregnant while 22.2% of P. tullbergi and 50% of H. trivirgatus werelactating. The reproductive characteristics indicated a stable and thriving rodent community at the OWS. It is howeverrecommended that a whole-year study be conducted to provide a sounder basis for the conclusions of this study.
Screening of some traditionally used medicinal plants for potential antibacterial activity

In the present work an attempt has been made to carry out screening for the preliminary antibacterial activity of different plants used in Indian folk medicine. The aim of the study was to select an active plant extract which may be useful in developing new lead compounds to combat deadly diseases. Twelve plants were selected for preliminary screening for their antibacterial potentiality, viz., Abutilon indicum L. , Acorous calamus L. , Ammania baccifera L. , Argyrea nervosa Burm. F. , Bauhinia variegata L. , Crataeva religiosa Forst. , Hedychium spicatum L. , Holarrhena antidysenterica L. , Piper nigrum L. , Plumbago zeylanica L. , Psoralea corylifolia L. , Saussurea lappa Costus. The antibacterial activity was done by both agar disc diffusion method and agar well diffusion method against five bacterial strains, viz., Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes . The plant material was extracted with distilled water (aqueous) and methanol. The preliminary screening experiment revealed that methanol extracts were more potent than the aqueous extracts. The plant extracts were more active against gram-positive bacteria than gram-negative bacteria. The most susceptible bacteria were K. pneumoniae and the most resistant bacteria were E. coli . Bauhinia variegata L. exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity.