Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pollen Tube Numbers and Selective Fruit Maturation in Lindera benzoin

In angiosperm reproduction, ifthe number of pollen grains deposited on the stigma exceeds the number of ovules in the ovary, then pollen tubes may compete for access to ovules, which results in fertilization by the fastest-growing pollen tubes (Mulcahy and Mulcahy 1975; McKenna 1986; Schlichting etal. 1987; Thomson 1989). Indirect evidence suggests that pollen tubes with faster growth rates may also sire offspring of higher genetic quality. A significant umber of genes expressed in the growing pollen tube are also expressed in the diploid sporophyte (Tanksley et al. 1981; Willing et al. 1988; Ottaviano and Mulcahy 1989; Ottaviano et al. 1991), and pollen genotypes with fast pollen tube growth rates tend to sire more vigorous progeny (Mulcahy 1979; McKenna and Mulcahy 1983; Stephenson et al. 1986; Davis et al. 1987; Schlichting et al. 1987; Winsor et al. 1987). The potential fitness advantage of pollen competition led Janzen (1977) and Lee (1984) to predict that a plant can increase its average offspring fitness by selectively maturing fruits from flowers in which competition among male gametophytes has been most intense. If plants selectively mature fruits whose seeds are products of the greatest pollen competition, then the probability of fruit maturation should be a function of the number of pollen grains on the stigma or the number of pollen tubes in the style. The relationship between pollen tube numbers and the probability of fruit maturation has not been directly examined. Hand pollination experiments have demonstrated higher probabilities of fruit abortion with smaller pollen loads (Lee and Bazaaz 1982; Lee 1988; Bertin 1990), but they have not eliminated the possibility that small pollen loads simply result in fewer fertilized or viable ovules. Fruits with the fewest developing seeds often selectively abort (Stephenson 1981; Bertin 1990). We examine the probability of fruit maturation as a function of pollen tube number in naturally pollinated flowers of the understory shrub Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume (Lauraceae). The single-ovulate ovary eliminates the potential complication of partial seed set within some fruits and increases the likelihood of intense pollen tube competition even with low pollen deposition. The dioecious breeding system of L. benzoin and the apparent absence of self-incompatibility in the Lauraceae make incompatibility reactions in this species unlikely (Thomson and Barrett 1981; Charlesworth 1985), which is important since pollen stigma and pollen style incompatibility reactions could obscure levels of competition among compatible pollen (Lee 1984).
Protection from Paraquat‐Mediated Photo‐Oxidative Stress by Glutathione in Poplar (Populus tremula×P. alba) Plants

: The sensitivity of hybrid poplar (Populus tremula×P. alba) to oxidative stress mediated by paraquat exposure was analysed with leaf discs from wild-type plants and plants expressing the bacterial cDNA of the enzymes of glutathione synthesis, namely gshI, encoding γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (ECS), or gshII, encoding glutathione synthetase (GS), both in the cytosol. It was expected that leaf discs containing more than 2-fold elevated glutathione concentrations due to over-expression of ECS are less susceptible to paraquat exposure than wild-type plants and transformants over-expressing GS. However, neither over-expression of GS nor of ECS improved paraquat tolerance of the leaves. This result was surprising, because in wild-type plants reduced paraquat sensitivity of young compared with mature leaves coincided with ca. 30 % higher glutathione contents of the young leaves. Apparently, developmental changes in paraquat sensitivity of poplar leaves are controlled by factors different from glutathione contents. Feeding experiments with glutathione and its metabolic precursor γ-glutamylcysteine (EC) plus gly showed that glutathione can provide protection from paraquat-mediated photo-oxidative stress; but at least ca. 5-fold elevated glutathione levels are required for this effect in poplar leaves. Currently, such high glutathione levels have not been achieved by the application of plant molecular biology techniques. The significance of glutathione for the compensation of photo-oxidative stress is discussed.
Aspectos radiológicos torácicos na paracoccidioidomicose

Sao analisadas as telerradiografias de torax de 159 pacientes portadores de paracoccidioidomicose atendidos no Hospital Evandro Chagas - FIOCRUZ, no periodo de janeiro de 1960 a dezembro de 1988. Em 24 pacientes (15,09%) houve associacao com tuberculose; 1 com pneumoconiose; 1 com aspergilose e 2 com carcinoma. Foram excluidos da analise do padrao radiologico 20 casos: em 8 o diagnostico de tuberculose foi concomitante e em 12 por apresentarem fibrose pulmonar por tratamento previo para tuberculose e/ou paracoccidioidomicose. Nos 139 casos restantes, as alteracoes radiologicas encontradas foram agrupadas observando-se a predominância de lesoes nos diferentes sitios pulmonares, alveolares ou intersticiais, de acordo com a classificacao de MAGALHAES (1982)19 modificada: infiltrativa 55 casos (39,6%); misto 28 (20,1%); pneumonico 23 (16,6%); nodular 16 (11,5%); micronodular 10 (7,2%) e fibrotico 7 (5,0%). Em 113 pacientes acompanhados radiologicamente, a regressao do processo pulmonar ocorreu 85 casos (75,2%) em ate 6 meses; em 17 (15,0%), entre 7 e 12 meses; em 4 (3,5%), entre 13 e 24 meses e em 7 (6,1%) nao houve modificacao do padrao radiologico
Morphology and chemical composition of barley endosperm cell walls

Cell walls have been isolated from barley endosperm and found to contain a microfibrillar phase which is embedded in an amorphous matrix. The microfibrillar phase probably consists of cellulose, together with tightly bound arabinoxylan and polysaccharides rich in mannose. The matrix material is arabinoxylan (approx. 25%) and β-glucan (approx. 75%). Pectic polysaccharides are absent from the isolated cell walls. After successive removal of the matrix polysaccharides with water and 1-M NaOH, only 6% of the wall remains. The intra-cellular surfaces of the wall fragments are extensively pitted, probably as a result of adpression of starch granules into the cell wall material during endosperm development. Although polysaccharides are the major components of the cell walls, some nitrogen (less than 1%) is present. Phenolic compounds may also be wall constituents, but hydroxyproline could not be detected.
Genetic and Conchological Variation in Littorina sitkana Philippi (Mollusca, Gastropoda) on Northern Japanese Coasts

Abstract A periwinkle, Littorina sitkana Philippi, 1846, does direct development and exhibits three types of shell sculpture. Lacking pelagic larval stages, this species is expected to be genetically differentiated among populations. In the present study, genetic variation of 19 populations along northern Japanese coasts was examined using protein electrophoresis. The relative abundance of shell types was also investigated at each locality. The analyzed populations were significantly differentiated genetically from one another. However, no significant genetic difference was detected between shell types within localities where two types were nearly equally frequent. When clustered genetically using UPGMA, the populations were divided into four geographic groups. The UPGMA tree also showed that the Japanese population of L. sitkana is clearly divided into two groups, which may have been derived from two mother populations with different genetic structures. On the other hand, allozymic and anatomical analyses of the present samples have refuted possible occurrence of sibling species of L. sitkana on the coasts of northern Japan.
MOVEMENT ORDERS AND LEADERSHIP IN A SEMI-WILD CATTLE HERD

Stable movement orders have been found in a semi-wild cattle herd. Orders of voluntary movements (2-4 km to and from nocturnal resting site) were correlated with each other but not with the order of foced movement (dipping). The individual average travelling positions as well as their standard deviations showed no significant dependency on age or on dominance. A tendency for old (experienced) animals to walk in the van and for young ones to make up the rear was only evidenced during forced movement. Calves travelled in the neighbourhood of their dams. It was concluded that the conservative retainment of particular movement positions is primed by matrilineal tradition. The single adult bull consistently walked in the rear group of the moving mob. It was only during encounters with strange cattle that he temporarily took the leadership and actively hindered his animals from mixing with the other herd. Each kind of herd movement was preceded by a different leader cow who regularly walked on position No. 1. During voluntary movements the herd showed a certain dependency on its leader, and it was up to her to make the decision when to start moving away from one location and which direction to choose. In cow Alma spatial leadership was traced over a period of five years. Leadership showed no strict dependency on age or dominance.
THE BEHAVIOUR AND GENERAL BIOLOGY OF THE GRACEFUL WARBLER PRINIA GRACILIS.

Summary. 1 A study was made of Graceful Warblers Prima gracilis in Lower Egypt during 1949 and 1950, particularly of a community of five pairs in a nursery garden at Fay id (Canal Zone). 2 The Graceful is a bird of low vegetation and feeds on or near the ground. Adults remain paired throughout the year and live in the same plot of ground which is defended against other Gracefuls only during the reproductive cycle. There are two moults a year, before and after reproductive activities which extend from late January to November. During this time at least three broods may be reared. 3 At the beginning of the reproductive cycle the male's mouth and bill darken and he begins regular song, the territories now become re-established by song and, when necessary, by display and attack. The average size of territory at Fayid was 2750 sq. yards. 4 The common displays of the male in the reproductive season are “bowing” and “wing-snapping”, both being probably derived from locomotory intention-movements. Song, a threat-note (“jilting”) and a pure intention-movement (“flicking”) are associated with the two displays, which are thought to be primarily aggressive. “Wing-fanning” is a less frequent male display. 5 Sexual behaviour is described. The female “retires” from the male's company just prior to the copulation period. In her absence he builds. She assists later, and both birds continue throughout incubation. 6 Three to five eggs make up a clutch in Lower Egypt. A seasonal rise and fall in clutch-size is indicated. Both sexes incubate in short spells (longest recorded 16½ minutes). In very hot weather at one nest the eggs were covered only 9% of observed time. The incubation-period is about 11–12 days. 7 Some numerical data on parental attention are given. The nestling-period is about 13–14 days. The development and behaviour of the young are outlined. Often the male tends the juveniles alone when the female is, presumably, preparing for another brood. 8 Reactions towards man and other predators are outlined and discussed in relation to the aggressive drive and tameness.
Cattle slurry as a source of nutrients for red clover: herbage production and clover contribution

An established sward of red clover cv. Hungaropoly sown pure received approx. 30 kg P ha-1 and 200 kg K ha-1 each year for 3 successive years. The P and K were applied either as cattle slurry, inorganic fertilizer or combinations of these. Treatments were applied either in spring or after the first harvest. There were a total of six treatments and these were harvested three times each year. The average yields of total herbage DM over all the treatments in the first, second and third years were 15·2, 14·2 and 14·2 t ha-1 respectively and the various treatments had no significant effect on the overall yields. Treatments had a significnt effect on red clover DM yields and percentage red clover in one harvest in each of the first 2 years and all three in the third year. Yields of red clover were lower and grass higher in treatments receiving cattle slurry only. On this treatment there was a total yield of 23·2 t ha-1 red clover DM in the 3 years compared with 30·2 t ha-1 on the inorganic fertilizer treatments. However, by applying P and K fertilizer in the spring, followed by cattle slurry after the first harvest, it was possible to maintain a high proportion of red clover in the sward and to produce yields of red clover DM similar to those on the inorganic fertilizer treatments.
Food Habits of Red-Bellied Tree Squirrels on a Small Island in Japan

Feeding behavior of red-bellied tree squirrels ( Callosciurus erythraeus ) was observed February 1976–February 1982 on Tomogashima Island, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The squirrels ate mostly plant matter (99%), especially seeds (59%). They used 36 plant species, but the three most heavily used foods accounted for 51% of feeding time, and only 14 items exceeded 1% of feeding time. Food items changed seasonally, a year divisible into three food seasons: camellia ( Camellia japonica ) flowers January–March, young leaves of any species in April and May, and fruits June–December. Young leaves and camellia flowers, rather than hoarded food, were used during the nonfruiting season (January–April). Absence of hoarding behavior possibly is attributable to introduction of squirrels to a new environment and absence of some particular plant species to hoard.
Predicting the competitive effects of weed and crop density on weed biomass, weed seed production and crop yield in wheat.

Summary Competition between winter-sown wheat and Viola arvensis Murray or Papaver rhoeas L. was studied in two experiments in two successive years. The effects of varying crop and weed density were modelled in terms of weed biomass over time, weed seed production and crop yield. Biomass model parameters, representing maximum weed biomass and intra- and interspecific competition, were obtained for different assessment dates, enabling biomass levels to be predicted during the two growing seasons. Weed biomass declined, and its maximum level was reached earlier, with increasing crop density. Intraspecific competition was higher in the absence than in the presence of crop, increasing with time and with weed density. Halving the wheat population increased June biomass of V. arvensis by 74% and of P. rhoeas by 63%. Crop yield losses with increasing weed density were greater with low than with medium and high crop populations. P. rhoeas was significantly more competitive than V. arvensis in both years. Weed biomass in 1989 responded more to reductions in crop density following the milder winter of 1988/89 than in the previous year; however crop yields were less affected in 1989 due to summer drought, restricting late weed growth and competition. Weed seed production was related to weed biomass; the progressive lowering of crop density increased seed production, and both species were very prolific in the absence of crop. By combining models, seed production could be derived for a given competitive effect on the crop. Threshold weed populations, based on low weed levels that are not economic to control, could then be equated with the accompanying weed seed production.
Glutathione S-Transferase π1 Promotes Tumorigenicity in HCT116 Human Colon Cancer Cells

GSTP1 is a member of the glutathione S -transferase enzyme superfamily, which catalyzes the conjugation of electrophiles with glutathione in the process of detoxification. GSTP1 is widely overexpressed in colorectal cancer, from aberrant crypt foci to advanced carcinomas. Increased expression of GSTP1 is associated with multidrug resistance and a worse clinical prognosis. However, GSTP1-null mice have an increased risk of tumor formation. Thus, the biological function of GSTP1 in colorectal cancer biology remains speculative. In an effort to gain further insights into the role of GSTP1 in tumorigenesis, we disrupted the GSTP1 gene in HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells using targeted homologous recombination. We find that loss of GSTP1 resulted in impaired clonogenic survival and proliferation. Specifically, under growth-limiting conditions, ( a ) GSTP1 protected HCT116 cells from oxidative stress and associated apoptosis and ( b ) promoted mitogen-activated protein kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase–mediated G1-S cell cycle progression. In vivo , GSTP1 was critical for engraftment and growth of HCT116 tumor xenografts. These studies directly show that GSTP1 promotes clonogenic survival and proliferation in HCT116 human colon cancer cells.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SEED WEIGHT, ASH CONTENT AND SEEDLING GROWTH IN TWENTY‐FOUR SPECIES OF COMPOSITAE

SUMMARY The relationship between seed weight, embryo weight, ash content and maximum size attained by seedlings dependent on their own food reserves was investigated in 24 species of Compositae. The fraction of total seed weight contributed by the seed coat increased with seed weight from 15 % in Erigeron canadensis to 61 % in Tragopogon pratensis. Seedling weight was proportional to embryo weight raised to the power of 2/3. That is, the larger the embryo the less carbon it assimilated per unit weight of embryo. The relative growth rate of the seedlings during the first 3 weeks was inversely proportional to In embryo weight. The root weight ratios of the seedlings were inversely proportional to In embryo weight. The ash content of the seeds was negatively correlated with their weight but absolute mineral content per seed was directly proportional to maximum seedling size attained, regardless of seed size. It is postulated that the relatively larger seed coats of big seeds are a defence against increased risk of predation. The ash contents and root weight ratios of the seedlings suggest that the growth of small seedlings is limited by soil nutrients and that of large seedlings by light.
Hydrolysis of Tropical Tuber Starches by Bacterial and Pancreatic α‐Amylases

Action of porcine pancreatic and Bacillus subtilis α-amylases on native tuber starches of yam (Dioscorea alata), sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) and tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) was studied in comparison with the well known potato and cassava starches. Large differences in enzymes susceptibilities were observed when studied on 24h. Yam starch was 3.5% hydrolysed with 2,8 μkat amylase/g starch, three times less than potato and tannia starches while sweet potato starch was 53% hydrolysed, two times less than cassava starch. Except yam, level of hydrolysis was higher with porcine pancreatic amylase than with the Bacillus subtilis amylase while initial hydrolysis rate was lesser. Microscopic observations and image analysis pointed out that the polyhedric shaped granules of tannia, sweet potato and cassava starches were much more damaged than the spherical ones. Pitting occured preferentially on the edges of the granules and the enzymes penetrated into the starch granule by pores and canals of corrosion. Conversely to other starches, hydrolysis of yam starches evidenced greater differences between action of Bacillus subtilis and pancreatic α-amylases. The enzymes acted by pitting some parts of the granules surface, the number of pores and their size being related to enzyme source. Hydrolyse von tropischen Wurzelstarken durch bakterielle und pankreatische α-Amylasen. Die Wirkung von schweinepankreatischen und Bacillus subtilis-α-Amylasen auf native Wurzelstarken von Yam (Dioscora alata), Suskartoffel (Ipomea batatas) und Tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) wurden im Vergleich mit den gut bekannten Kartoffel- und Cassavastarken untersucht. Grose Unterschiede wurden beobachtet bezuglich der Enzymsuszeptibilitaten bei Untersuchungen von 24h. Yamstarke wurde zu 3,5% mit 2,8μkat Amylase/g Starke hydrolysiert, dreimal weniger als Kartoffel- und Tannia-Starken, wahrend Suskartoffelstarke zu 53% hydrolysiert wurde, zweimal weniger als Cassavastarke. Auser bei Yam war der Hydrolysegrad bei Schweinepankreas-Amylase hoher als bei der Bacillus subtilis-Amylase, wahrend die Anfangs-Hydrolysegeschwindigkeiten geringer waren. Mikroskopische Beobachtungen und Bildanalyse zeigten, das die vielflachigen Korner von Tannia-, Suskartoffel- und Cassavastarken sehr viel starker beschadigt waren als die spharischen. Lochfras trat vorwiegend an den Kanten der Korner auf, und die Enzyme durchdrangen das Innere der Starkekorner durch Poren und Korrosionskanale. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Starken wies die Hydrolyse von Yamstarken grosere Unterschiede zwischen der Wirkung von Bacillus subtilis-und pankreatischen α-Amylasen auf. Die Enzyme wirkten durch Lochfras an einigen Stellen der Kornoberflache, wobei die Anzahl der Poren und deren Grose mit der Enzymherkunft in Beziehung standen.
Lipid Binding Inhibits α-Synuclein Fibril Formation*

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, and the cause is unknown; however, substantial evidence implicates the aggregation of α-synuclein as a critical factor in the etiology of the disease. α-Synuclein is a relatively abundant brain protein of unknown function, and the purified protein is intrinsically unfolded. The amino acid sequence has seven repeats with an apolipoprotein lipid-binding motif, which are predicted to form amphiphilic helices. We have investigated the interaction of α-synuclein with lipid vesicles of different sizes and properties by monitoring the effects on the conformation of the protein and the kinetics of fibrillation. The nature of the interaction of α-synuclein with vesicles was highly dependent on the phospholipid composition, the ratio of α-synuclein to phospholipid, and the size of the vesicles. The strongest interactions were between α-synuclein and vesicles composed of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate/1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-RAC-(1-glycerol)/1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and involved formation of helical structure in α-synuclein. A strong correlation was observed between the induction of α-helix in α-synuclein and the inhibition of fibril formation. Thus, helical, membrane-bound α-synuclein is unlikely to contribute to aggregation and fibrillation. Given that a significant fraction of α-synuclein is membrane-bound in dopaminergic neurons, this observation has significant physiological significance.
Nest site selection in Norwegian woodpeckers

The nest site selection of seven Norwegian woodpeckers, Dryocopus martius, Picus viridis, P. canus, Picoides tridactylus, Dendrocopos leucotos, D. major and D. minor, was compared. The following parameters were measured at the nesting tree: forest type, tree species, the tree's "degree of decay", the height of the tree, the hole's height above the ground, the stem's diameter at the hole and 0.5 m above the ground, earlier holes in the stem, and whether the tree was broken or not. Several differences between species were found in forest type and tree species. The use of weakened and dead nesting trees tended to increase with decreasing size of the bird. The following parameters usually decreased with decreasing size of the species: the height of the tree and of the nesting hole, and the stem's diameter at the hole and near the ground. Overlap in nest site parameters was calculated for four species, D. martius, P. viridis, D. major and D. minor, common nesters in Populus tremula. Overlap between D. minor and the other three species was low, whereas considerable overlap was found between D. martius and P. viridis. Both species prefer large, old Populus tremula trees.