Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation and partial characterization of a spawning female-specific substance in the teleost, Oryzias latipes

A “spawning female-specific substance” (SF substance) [Hamazaki et al. (1985) J. Exp. Zool. , 235:269–279] was isolated from the ascites fluid of the estrogen-fed (EF) male or nonspawning female fish, Oryzias latipes, by gel filtration chromatography, followed by high-performance ion-exchange liquid chromatography (HPLC). Biochemical analyses revealed that the SF substance was a glycoprotein that contained 3.01% carbohydrates and showed 49,000 molecular weight (mw) on SDS-PAGE. Amino acid composition and the carbohydrate content of the SF substance were similar to those of the glycoproteins, F1 and F2, which were purified from the hatching enzyme digest of the inner layer (zona interna) of egg chorion (egg envelope). The inner layer of chorion from ovarian egg (oocyte) was separable into three different glycoproteins, ZI-1 (mw 76,000), Z1-2 (mw 74,000), and ZI-3 (mw 49,000) on SDS-PAGE. The major glycoprotein, ZI-3, was found to show the mw and amino acid composition that were almost identical to those of the purified SF substance. These results indicate that a substance that is almost the same as the major component glycoprotein of the inner layer of chorion, in terms of the biochemical as well as immunological properties, is present out-side the ovary and is produced in the liver of the spawning female fish as well as the EF fish.
The Effect of the Amount of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Starch Metabolism in Leaf Sheath of Japonica and Indica Rice Varieties during the Heading Period

Abstract The effects of the amount of nitrogen fertilizer on the starch metabolism of rice leaf sheath during the heading period in the japonica rice variety, cv. Nipponbare were compared with those in the indica varieties, cv. Tetep and Johna. The rice plants were grown under a low- (similar to the standard nitrogen level in paddy field) or high-nitrogen condition, and the starch content of the second leaf sheaths below the flag leaf was analyzed from the second leaf stage (growth stage 1) until 21 days after the heading (growth stage 7). The starch content of the plants grown under the high-nitrogen condition at the heading stage (growth stage 4) was lower than that under a low-nitrogen condition in all the varieties. The decrease in the activity of starch branching enzyme (SBE) was considered to be important for the repression of starch accumulation under a high-nitrogen condition. Under the high-nitrogen condition, Nipponbare accumulated more starch in the second leaf sheath than indica varieties at the heading stage. However, the phenomenon could not be accounted for by the activities of AGPase and SBE. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis suggested that the lower activities of SBE in the second leaf sheath under the high-nitrogen condition may be due to, at least in part, the decrease in the expression level of RBE4.
Expression of Anthocyanin Biosynthetic Genes during Fruit Development in ‘Fengxiang’ Strawberry

Anthocyanins are the main pigments in flowers and fruits. In most cases, anthocyanin accumulation in fruit is highly controlled by the developmental level. In this study, the cDNA fragments of three genes, chalcone synthase (CHS), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), which are involved in the flavonoid pathway, were isolated from total RNA of strawberry ripe fruit by using polymerase chain reaction technique and labeled as probes to determine the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. Northern analysis showed that a correlation between anthocyanin accumulation and expression of the flavonoid pathway genes during the ripening of strawberry fruits. At the early stages of fruit development, the mRNA levels encoding CHS, DFR, ANS were high probably responsible for the accumulation of condensed tannins, but the levels decreased dramatically when fruits turned white from green. During the stage of pigment accumulation, their mRNA levels increased strongly to be involved anthocyanin biosynthesis. Difference of CHS in mRNA abundance was correlated with differential accumulation of anthocyanins throughout the process of fruit development. Therefore, CHS could be a key structure gene involved in anthocyanin synthesis. Furthermore, the co-ordination of expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes implied a common regulatory mechanism controlling the expression of structural genes in the flavonoid pathway.
Combined effects of alachlor and atrazine on benthic algal communities in artificial streams

A duplicated factorial approach was used to assess the combined effects of three environmentally realistic levels of alachlor (0.0, 5.0, and 90.0 μg/L), cross‐classified with three environmentally realistic levels of atrazine (0.0, 12.0, and 150.0 μg/L), on indigenous epipelic algae (mud‐dwelling species, characteristic of agricultural streams). The experiment was conducted in 18 recirculating laboratory streams over a 4‐week period. Biovolume of viable algal cells and relative abundance of the six dominant algal species were utilized as experimental endpoints. Community biovolume was impacted throughout the experiment in streams treated with 12.0 and 150.0 μg/L atrazine and in streams containing 90.0 μg/L alachlor, but only in samples collected at 4 weeks. The effects of atrazine and alachlor together on algal community biovolume appeared to be additive rather than synergistic. The relative abundance of two dominant algal taxa were impacted in streams treated with alachlor, but only one species remained affected over time. The lack of significant interactions is most likely attributable to the different modes of action of atrazine and alachlor. The additive nature of these two herbicides should be an important consideration in the development of water quality criteria.
Phenological patterns among tallgrass prairie plants and their implications for pollinator competition.

Flowering patterns of tallgrass prairie species were analyzed using data available from the University of Wisconsin Arboretum for 1950 and 1951. Prairie plants tend to stagger their flowering times so that competition for pollinators can be reduced. Species that strongly overlapped in blooming times in the same habitat tended to have flowers less likely to attract the same pollinators than species with less overlap in blooming times.
Oviposition patterns of the pine weevil Hylobius abietis

Spatial and temporal distributions of eggs laid by the pine weevil Hylobius abietis (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) were studied by taking root and soil samples around pine stumps on a clear‐cutting in central Sweden. In addition, first‐instar larvae migrating in the soil were sampled using traps baited with host‐odour. Eggs were found in the soil rather than in the bark of stump roots, which previously has been regarded as the usual oviposition site. Based on an oviposition experiment and additional field observations we conclude that eggs are laid in the bark of roots only when the surrounding material is likely to dry out. We suggest two explanations for why weevils oviposit mainly in the soil, although they are known to show stereotypic behaviour when inserting eggs in stump roots: (1) egg predation by other arthropods or by conspecifics is avoided, and (2) newly hatched pine weevil larvae are better than ovipositing females at locating suitable sites for larval feeding.
On the osteology and relationships of the South American fish, Aplochiton zebra Jenyns

The genus Aplochiton consists of two species of fishes found in the fresh waters of the southern extremity of South America and the Falkland Islands (Jenyns, 1842 ; Thompson, '16). It is generally united with genera Prototroctes, Gunther and Lovettia, McCulloch, from southern Australia and New Zealand, into the family Aplochitonidae (Jordan, '23). Jenyns originally placed Aplochiton in the Salmonidae (in which he also included the Characidae, etc., following Cuvier and Valenciennes). Boulenger ( '22) included the Aplochitonidae (spelled by him, Gunther, and others Haplochitonidae) in his comprehensive order Haplomi, which included fishes now placed in the orders Isospondyli, Haplomi, Iniomi, Cyprinodontes, Xenoberyces, and Salmopercae. Regan ('09) placed the Aplochitonidae in the order Isospondyli, and later ('13) grouped them with the Salmonoid fishes in that order. Jordan ('23) and Berg ('40) have followed Regan. In the course of osteological investigations among the Isospondyli by the writer some doubt was cast upon the validity of this grouping, and since no osteological study of Aplochiton had been published, save for a few words by Regan ( '13), the following study of the bones of this fish was undertaken. It is based upon dissections of two specimens of Aplochiton zebra Jenyns from Latitude Cove, Patagonia, Stanford no. 22692. The writer is indebted to Dr. George s. Myers and Miss Margaret Storey, Stanford Natural History Museum, for permission to work on these specimens.
A preliminary investigation of woody plant increase in the western Transvaal and implications for veld assessment

Abstract The relationships between tree density and indices of pasture and soil condition were examined in Western Transvaal grasslands where Acacia karroo had increased following disturbance. The correlation between tree density and pasture condition was not linear, indicating a threshold in condition below which dramatic increase in trees is likely. Some evidence is presented for a second threshold where soil compaction inhibits seedling establishment and tree density declines. The necessity for assessing tree and soil status in addition to pasture condition is discussed and a variety of possible indicators of pasture, woody plant and soil status is considered.
Pigment distribution, light reflection and cell structure in petals

Petal structure and the distribution of pigments in petals were studied in relation to the functional anatomy of petals and the ways in which petals absorb and reflect light. We examined 201 species from 60 angiosperm families. Anthocyanins, betalains and ultraviolet-absorbing flavonoids were normally confined to the epidermal cells, occurring in solution in the vacuole; carotenoids were found in the epidermis and in smaller quantities in the mesophyll, normally in chromoplasts. In a few species, mainly blue-flowered members of the Boraginaceae and Liliaceae-Scilleae, anthocyanins were confined to the mesophyll. Six basic kinds of petal epidermis anatomy were found, sometimes in combination; papillate (112 species) and multiple-papillate (13 species), in which the conical-papillate form of the cells traps incident light and scatters emergent light, with surface striations aiding these functions in many cases; reversed-papillate (4 species), multiple reversed-papillate (29 species), lenticular (32 species) and flat (11 species), all with surface striations in some cases. Light is usually reflected from petals mainly by an aerenchymatous unpigmented reflective mesophyll; in certain species this is replaced by a reflective layer of starch grains in the upper mesophyll.
Genetic diversity and structure of natural and transplanted eelgrass populations in the Chesapeake and Chincoteague Bays

The objective of this study was to gain baseline population data on the genetic diversity and differentiation of eelgrass (Zostera marïna L.) populations in the Chesapeake and Chincoteague bays. Natural and transplanted eelgrass beds were compared using starch gel electrophoresis of allozymes. Transplanted eelgrass beds were not reduced in genetic diversity compared with natural beds. Inbreeding coefficients (FIS) indicated that transplanted eelgrass beds had theoretically higher levels of outcrossing than natural beds, suggesting the significance of use of seeds as donor material and of seedling recruitment following transplantation diebacks. Natural populations exhibited very great genetic structure (FST=0.335), but transplanted beds were genetically similar to the donor bed and each other. Genetic diversity was lowest in Chincoteague Bay, reflecting recent restoration history since the 1930s wasting disease and geographical isolation from other east coast populations. These data provide a basis for developing a management plan for conserving eelgrass genetic diversity in the Chesapeake Bay and for guiding estuary-wide restoration efforts. It will be important to recognize that the natural genetic diversity of eelgrass in the estuary is distributed among various populations and is not well represented by single populations.
An NMR Conformational Analysis of Cyclic Bradykinin Mimics. Evidence for a β-Turn

Abstract A detailed NMR study is carried out in acetonitrile/water solutions on three novel cyclic bradykinin antagonist analogues, BKM-824, BKM-870, and BKM-872, to examine their solution structures, and to correlate the structures with bradykinin antagonist and anti-cancer activities. The solution structures of the cyclic peptides are correlated with the structural data for known linear bradykinin antagonists. The sequences are: BKM-824 c[Ava-Igl-Ser-DF5F-Oic- Arg] where Ava is 5-aminovaleric acid, Igl is α-(2-indanyl)glycine, F5F is pentafluorophenylalanine, and Oic is (2S,3aS,7aS)-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid; BKM-870; c[DArg-Arg-Add-DF5F-Oic-Arg] where Add is 12-aminododecanoic acid; and BKM-872; c[DArg-Arg-Eac-Ser-DF5F-Oic-Arg] where Eac is 6-aminocaproic acid. BKM-824 was the only peptide within this series that possessed a discernable solution structure. The NMR data indicate the presence of a type I β-turn between residues F5F4 and Ava1, a C-terminal-like end. Molecular dynamics calculations show that a type I β-turn from DF5F4 to Ava1 does exist although the turn was somewhat distorted. This result differs from the structures seen in linear bradykinin antagonists, which usually possess a type II II′β-turn at the C-terminal end and the presence of a defined turn is correlated with bradykinin antagonist activity. There is no solution structure for BKM-870 and BKM-872 but a correlation between the primary sequence Argterminal-DArg1-Arg2-long chain aliphatic amino acid and anti-cancer activity is evident.
Colour bands, dominance, and body mass regulation in male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)

The arbitrary assignment of different coloured leg bands to zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) has profound effects on mate preference, reproductive success, mortality rates, parental investment and sex ratio. Choice chamber experiments indicate that the effect is mediated by altered attractiveness to members of the opposite sex. Effects on intrasexual dominance are more equivocal. We present two experiments which demonstrate significant effects of band colour on behavioural dominance (red bands are more dominant than light green bands) and the resulting diurnal pattern of gain in mass, fat, and seeds stored in the crop. Consistent with the literature on dominance and strategic regulation of body mass in other species, subordinate (green–banded) birds maintain higher fat reserves at dawn, but dominant (red–banded) birds show the highest overall daily mass gains. The lack of obvious effects of band colour on dominance in previous studies may lie in the degree to which food can be monopolized by particular individuals.
Peptide Uptake in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Characteristics of Transport System Shared by Di- and Tripeptides

Summary: Di- and tripeptides shared the same transport system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Typical rates of uptake were 1 to 5 nmol peptide min−1 (mg dry wt)−1; these rates were influenced by the composition and sequence of the peptide. Accumulation of intact sarcosine peptides was demonstrated. Rates of peptide uptake were essentially the same in the wild-type and in several amino acid permease-deficient mutants. These results were derived from application of two fluorescence methods that permit direct determination of peptide uptake.
Defoliation changes mycorrhizal benefit and competitive interactions between seedlings and adult plants

1 Competition is considered to be one of the main biotic factors shaping plant communities. Experiments on the role of mycorrhizal symbiosis in plant competition have reported conflicting results. 2 We studied the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis on below‐ground interactions between seedlings and established adult plants in a system where plants compete for below‐ground resources. In this glasshouse experiment, seedlings of Gnaphalium norvegicum were grown with and without an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, in the presence and absence of a large conspecific adult plant. The ability of adult plants to support the fungus was modified by defoliating 0%, 50% or 75% of its leaf area. 3 We found that mycorrhiza increased below‐ground competitive intensity. The mycorrhizal benefit to the seedlings was low in the vicinity of non‐defoliated adult plants, but increased with increasing defoliation intensity of the adult plant. This was mirrored by reductions in mycorrhizal benefit that adult plants gained at the highest level of defoliation. 4 These results emphasize the importance of below‐ground competition during seedling establishment and show that competition for mycorrhiza‐mediated resources may be an important factor underlying seedling establishment in nutrient‐poor systems. Defoliation of neighbours can increase the beneficial effect of mycorrhizae to seedlings establishing in the vicinity of larger plants, suggesting that grazing or mowing may improve seedling establishment by decreasing below‐ground competition.
Resource use by a Mediterranean rocky slope fish assemblage

Resource partitioning has been intensely studied in fish assemblages of tropical reefs, whereas surprisingly little research has been conducted on the benthic Mediterranean. Here we describe the composition of a fish assemblage of the rocky slopes at Tremiti Islands, southern Adriatic Sea, the vertical distribution at depths from 0 to 42 m, habitat choice and food use of the different species, and we identify the resources along which species are ecologically segregated. Species composition and fish density showed high similarities with the few other assemblages that have been censused on the rocky coasts of the Mediterranean. We observed a wide overdispersion among species in their use of food and habitat, while very little segregation occurred at the level of depth distribution. No coincident use of food, habitat or active periods occurred among fish species, and no trophic guilds exist in the three-dimensional niche.
Human brain synembryn interacts with Gsα and Gqα and is translocated to the plasma membrane in response to isoproterenol and carbachol

Heterotrimeric G‐proteins transduce signals from heptahelical transmembrane receptors to different effector systems, regulating diverse complex intracellular pathways and functions. In brain, facilitation of depolarization‐induced neurotransmitter release for synaptic transmission is mediated by Gsα and Gqα. To identify effectors for Gα‐proteins, we performed a yeast two‐hybrid screening of a human brain cDNA library, using the human Gαs protein as a bait. We identified a protein member of the synembryn family as one of the interacting proteins. Extending the study to other Gα subunits, we found that Gqα also interacts with synembryn, and these interactions were confirmed by in vitro pull down studies and by in vivo confocal laser microscopy analysis. Furthermore, synembryn was shown to translocate to the plasma membrane in response to carbachol and isoproterenol. This study supports recent findings in C. elegans where, through genetic studies, synembryn was shown to act together with Gqα regulating neuronal transmitter release. Based on these observations, we propose that synembryn is playing a similar role in human neuronal cells. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of potato tubers origin and weight on the yield of potato variety Desiree in western Serbia

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the size and weight of tubers originating from different altitudes on the yield of most commonly grown potato cultivar Desiree in western Serbia (Macva). Potato seed producing crop, from which the planting material came from, was grown during 2006 and 2007 at two sites with different altitudes: a plain region at 72 m a.s. l. and a mountainous region at 1100 m a.s. l. The investigation was carried out by planting the following mass of planted material: 50 ± 5g, 70 ± 5g, 90 ± 5g and 110 ± 5g in 2007 and 2008 year to produce planting material. Planted tubers originating from 72 m a.s. l. produced a total yield (a two year average) of 26.25 t ha-1. The difference was significantly higher than the variant with planted tubers originating from 1100 m a.s. l. by 2.02 t ha-1 (7.7%). The two year mean highest total yield of 27.87 t ha-1 was achieved by planting the largest mass (110 g) and the lowest 21.07 t ha-1 by planting the smallest mass (50 g) of the tuber. Higher yields of potato tubers in moist conditions in western Serbia (Macva) were achieved by planting larger mass of tubers originating from lower altitude.
Time of Floral Differentiation of the Olive in California

1. The beginning of floral differentiation in the olive in California was found in 1946 and 1947 to occur usually during the month of March, about 8 weeks before full bloom. 2. Little, if any, difference was noted in time of floral differentiation among the three varieties studied or among the five localities from which bud samples were collected. 3. No change occurred in the microscopic appearance of the bud from the time it was formed in June until the floral parts appeared the following March.
Utilization of Ozone to Control Potato Tuber Moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in Storage

The susceptibility of different stages of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella, to different modified atmospheres containing various concentrations of ozone was studied as an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation. The ozone concentrations used against larvae and adults were 5, 10, 20 40, 60 and 80 ppm at different exposure times. For the eggs and pupae, a range of 1 to 5 ppm of ozone was used. Results showed that 5 ppm was adequate to kill all eggs and pupae of the moth. The exposure time needed to achieve a 100%mortality of eggs and pupae was 1 h, whereas exposure at 80 ppm for 1 h caused 80 and 84%mortality of larvae and adults of P. operculella, respectively. The order of sensitivity of P. operculella to ozone was: eggs > pupa > adults and larva. In conclusion, the eggs and pupae of potato tuber moth were more sensitive to modified atmosphere than larvae and adults. The results showthat ozone could be an effective alternative to control potato tuber moth in the storage.
Seasonally Dependent Movement of Lake Trout between Two Northern Idaho Lakes

Abstract The diel and seasonal movements of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush between Upper Priest Lake and Priest Lake, Idaho, were studied in 2000. Gill nets were used to capture and detect fish movements between the lakes. Lake trout were caught in the outlet of Upper Priest Lake and in the Thorofare (the narrow channel connecting the two lakes) primarily in the spring and fall, when water temperatures were cool. No lake trout were caught when the water temperature exceeded 15°C. Lake trout were primarily caught at night (94%). Multiple regression analysis indicated that nighttime lake trout catch per unit effort (CPUE) was significantly higher at lower lake surface water temperatures than at higher temperatures (P < 0.01). Daytime lake trout CPUE was significantly higher at low Priest Lake surface temperature than high temperature and at high Thorofare depth than at low depth (P < 0.01). Nighttime CPUE was significantly higher than daytime CPUE (P < 0.01). These results indicate that warm summer water t.