Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenolic compounds and properties of antioxidants in grapevine roots [Vitis vinifera L.] under drought stress followed by recovery

Grapevine seedlings Vitis vinifera were grown in a greenhouse under optimum conditions (soil moisture ca 70%) and under drought stress (soil moisture ca 35%). In addition, some of the plants subjected to drought underwent subsequent regeneration under optimum conditions. Drought stress caused accumulation of total phenolic compounds in grapevine roots, which may indicate that these compounds play an important role in the adaptation of roots to growth under stress conditions. Phenolic acids found in the roots occurred in the ester-bound form only. p-coumaric acid was present in the highest concentrations (6.2 to 10.5 µg/g fresh matter). The content of ferulic acid was lower, ranging from 2.4 to 4.6 µg/g fresh matter. The lowest concentration in grapevine roots was achieved by caffeic acid (2.4 to 2.9 µg/g fresh matter). The levels of p-coumaric and ferulic acids in roots rose significantly under the drought stress, while the concentration of caffeic acid increased during the post-drought recovery period. This may suggest that some of the phenolic acids protect plants under stress conditions. All the extracts from grapevine roots had antioxidative properties, but the antiradical activity of the extracts obtained from roots subjected to drought stress was inferior to the control. The same extracts were also characterised by depressed reducing power. The results imply that tolerance of grapevine to soil drought may be associated with the value of antioxidative potential in root tissues of these plants.
Peptidomimetic Inhibitors of Extracellular Aspartic Proteinases of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis

In an attempt to develop effective inhibitors of Candida secreted aspartic proteinases, we have prepared a series of N -protected peptides varying in the type of scissile bond replacement, in the P and P' side chains as well as in the N- and C-terminal modifications. The compounds were tested in vitro with the chromogenic peptide substrate using purified secreted proteinases of C. albicans and C. tropicalis . Our results have confirmed that the binding of inhibitors and their effectiveness is influenced by a number of enzyme-inhibitor interactions. Moreover, factors like solvation/desolvation contribute to the optimal binding energy of the inhibitors.
The impact of Pleistocene changes of climate and landscape on Australian birds: a test using the Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis)

Abstract Widespread cyclic aridity during the Pleistocene is hypothesised to have had a significant impact on widespread Australian birds causing range-wide contractions to historical refugia and population differentiation while in isolation. In this study we tested a priori hypotheses for the impact of Pleistocene climatic and edaphic changes on the population history of the widespread Australian Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis). Analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences from 55 individuals of C. nigrogularis revealed low genetic diversity, poor geographical structure and signatures of a recent demographic expansion. In contrast with long-standing biogeographical hypotheses, our data suggest that C. nigrogularis was likely to have been restricted to multiple refugia across its current range rather than undergoing range-wide contractions to one or few refugia. In addition, we found no evidence for the Carpentarian Barrier of northern Australia having limited dispersal in C. nigrogularis, which contrasts with predictions from intraspecific taxonomy and with population structures of several other bird species. Our data add to the increasing number of phylogeographical studies of widespread Australian birds that show evidence of maintaining large effective population sizes despite widespread aridity, as well as species-specific, rather than ecosystem-wide, responses to Pleistocene climatic changes and biogeographical barriers.
Differential Regulatory and Compensatory Responses in Hematopoiesis/Erythropoiesis in α- and β-Globin Hemizygous Mice*

Characterization of hematopoiesis/erythropoiesis in thalassemias from multipotent primitive cells to mature erythrocytes is of fundamental importance and clinical relevance. We investigated this process in α- and β-globin hemizygous mice, lacking the two adult tandemly organized genes from either the α- or β-globin locus. Although both mice backcrossed on a homogeneous background exhibited similar reduced red blood cell (RBC) survival, β-globin hemizygous mice had less severe reticulocyte loss and globin chain imbalance, suggesting an apparently milder thalassemia than for α-globin hemizygous mice. In contrast, however, β-globin hemizygous mice displayed a more marked perturbation of hematologic parameters. Quantification of erythroid precursor subpopulations in marrow and spleen of β-globin hemizygous mice showed more severely impaired maturation from the basophilic to orthochromatophilic erythroblasts and substantial loss of these late precursors probably as a consequence of a greater susceptibility to an excess of free α-chain than β-chain. Hence, only erythroid precursors exhibiting stochastically moderate chain imbalance would escape death and mature to reticulocyte/RBC stage, leading to survival and minimal loss of reticulocytes in the β-globin hemizygous mice. Furthermore, in response to the ineffective erythropoiesis in β-globin hemizygous mice, a dynamic compensatory hematopoiesis was observed at earlier differentiation stage as evidenced by a significant increase of erythroid progenitors (erythroid colony-forming units ∼100-fold) as well as of multipotent primitive cells (day 12 spleen colony-forming units ∼7-fold). This early compensatory mechanism was less pronounced in α-globin hemizygous mice. The expansion of multipotent primitive and potentially stem cell populations, taken together with ineffective erythropoiesis and increased reticulocyte/RBC destruction could confer major cumulative advantage for gene targeting/bone marrow transplantation. Therefore, this study not only corroborated the strong potential effectiveness of transplantation for thalassemic hematopoietic therapy but also demonstrated the existence of a differential regulatory response for α- and β-thalassemia.
Recent yield results and trends over time with conservation tillage on morainic loam soil in southeast Norway

Abstract Results for 1998–2004 are reported from four long-term (25–28 years) tillage trials, comparing conventional autumn ploughing with reduced tillage, normally spring harrowing only. Plant residues were retained during the period studied. The weather was somewhat wetter than the 1961–1990 normal. Results with reduced tillage were mostly similar to those seen in earlier trial periods. In Trial 1, mean grain yield was 95% with spring harrowing only versus autumn ploughing, 96% when harrowing in autumn was performed as well and 97% when the soil was ploughed every third year. In Trial 2 positive crop rotation effects were found both with and without ploughing, and reduced tillage gave 5% lower grain yield also in this trial. In Trial 3, tillage system did not affect yields of cereals grown in rotation with potatoes, but reduced tillage gave 12% lower potato yield than ploughing. Little difference in response to N fertilizer was found. In Trial 4, reduced tillage on large-scale (0.7 ha) plots gave 11% lower grain yields than annual ploughing, partly due to shallow sowing depth. No long-term trend in yield responses to tillage was discernible in any trial, and between-year variability was similar with both ploughing and reduced tillage. Percentage yields with reduced tillage relative to annual ploughing correlated positively with rainfall in May and with mean air temperature in August. It is concluded that the reduced tillage systems studied are sustainable in terms of productivity, relative to labour, machinery and energy inputs. Likely benefits of such systems include higher levels of organic matter and aggregate stability in surface soil horizons, but a disadvantage is the need for frequent herbicide use to control perennial weeds.
Insect Pollinators of Carrots in Utah

I N THE course of observation at Logan, Utah, on the occurrence and pollinating activities of insects on carrots grown for seed, 334 species representing 71 families, were collected. Most numerous in species were the hymenopterous families and superfamilies Sphecidae, Apoidea, Psammocharidae, Vespidae, and Ichneumonidae, and the dipterous families Syrphidae, Tachinidae, Bombyliidae, Stratiomyidae, and Sarcophagidae. Most numerous in individuals were the dipterous families Syrphidae, Ceratopogonidae, Chloropidae, and Piophilidae and the coleopterous family Coccinellidae. Families and superfamilies represented by the most efficient pollinators were Apoidea, Sphecidae, Syrphidae, and Stratiomyidae. Abundance times efficiency was used as a pollination index for each species. On this basis the most important genera of Apoidea were Apis: Andrena, Halictus, Chloralictus, and Colletes; of Sphecidae, Cerceris, Lindenius, Philanthus, Nysson, and Sceliphron; of Syrphidae, Syritta and Tubifera; of Stratiomyidae, Eulalia and Stratiomys. Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) were efficient pollinators, but they were only minor factors in the Logan area because of their scarcity on carrot flowers. In most areas a combination of honey bee colonies adjacent to carrot seed fields and elimination of competing bloom may be the most practical method of increasing carrot pollination.
Effects of Heat on Sulfhydryl and Disulfide Groups of Milk Proteins as Measured by the Spectrofluorometric Method

Abstract A spectrofluorometric method for the determination of sulfhydryl and disulfide groups in proteins, adapted by our laboratory, has been applied to determine the effects of heat on these groups in milk proteins. These studies revealed that no measurable free sulfhydryl groups are present in native caseins and only limited amounts are generated by high heat treatment. Serum proteins in native form contain a significant amount of free sulfhydryl groups which increased by heat-denaturation at the expense of disulfide in closed systems. In open systems sulfhydryl and disulfide decreased due to volatilization. Heating skimmilk revealed a behavior parallel to serum protein systems.
Interactions between Juvenile Ambystomatid Salamanders in a Laboratory Experiment

Abstract We examined chemical communication and behavioral interactions between juvenile Ambystoma opacum and Ambystoma talpoideum (Caudata: Ambystomatidae) in two laboratory experiments. In experiment 1, we investigated olfactory communication in both species by exposing salamanders to (1) nonmarked substrates (control), (2) self-marked substrates, (3) conspecific-marked substrates, and (4) heterospecific-marked substrates. Juvenile A. opacum spent significantly more time on the self-marked soil substrate when compared to the control and also spent significantly more time at the edge of the experimental chamber in the conspecific treatment when compared to the control. In experiment 2, we examined behavioral interactions between paired resident salamanders when a limited resource (i.e., one cover object) was present. Encounters were between (1) a resident salamander and a surrogate (control), (2) conspecific residents, and (3) heterospecific residents. Neither juvenile A. opacum nor A. talpoideum significantly altered their behaviors in response to different types of cohabitors. Although A. opacum were observed biting other salamanders on rare occasions, neither juvenile A. opacum nor A. talpoideum significantly altered their behaviors in response to different types of opponents. These results indicate that chemical communication and behavioral interactions may not be important for spacing behavior of recently metamorphosed A. opacum and A. talpoideum.
Further new Taraxacum species (Asteraceae, Cichorieae) from northern Europe

Abstract Øllgaard, H. : Further new Taraxacum species (Asteraceae, Cichorieae) from northern Europe. — Willdenowia 36: 693–706. — ISSN 0511-9618; © 2006 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.36. 36205 (available via http://dx.doi.org/) Five new species of Taraxacum from northern Europe (T. freticola, T. leptoscelum, T. nigrescens, T. opertum, and T. palmgrenii) are validly named, described and discussed, and their known distribution is presented. All are members of T. sect. Ruderalia. For two species known by illegitimate names (later homonyms), new names are proposed: T. homoschistum, T. longiconicum.
Efficiency of Different Sources of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Bind Aflatoxin B1 in Phosphate Buffer Saline

Aflatoxins, a group of carcinogenic mycotoxins, can cause acute and chronic intoxications and also liver cancer in humans and animals. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most potent, having proven toxic properties. Biological decontamination of mycotoxins is one of the well-known strategies for management of mycotoxins in foods and feeds, presenting some advantages over physical and chemical methods. Among the different possible decontaminating microorganisms, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a potential group since it is widely used in preservation and food fermentation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall consists of a network of β-1,3 glucan back bone with β-1,6 glucan side chains, which is attached to highly glycosylated mannoproteins making the external layer. Binding of different mycotoxins to yeast cell surface has been reported. This study was carried out to investigate the efficiency of S. cerevisiae to remove AFB1 in Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) solution (pH 7.3 25°C). Saccharomyces cerevisiae concentration from four different sources (dried yeast of sugar cane, autolyzed yeast, cell wall and brewery dehydrated residue) was determined by a Neubauer-counting chamber, using 1x1010 non-viable cells for each 3.0 mL of PBS containing 0. 5μg L-1 AFB1. The assay was performed at contact times of 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes. Among all analyzed yeasts, the dried yeast of sugar cane presented highest removal capacity of AFB1, with an average reduction of 98.3%. Autolyzed yeast and brewery dehydrated residue presented extensive removal capacity, with averages of 93.8 and 84.6%. The yeast cell wall showed the lowest removal capacity (82%).
Structural requirements for cellular uptake of α‐helical amphipathic peptides

The structure of the cell‐permeable α‐helical amphipathic model peptide FLUOS‐KLALKLALKALKAALKLA‐NH2 (I) was modified stepwise with respect to its helix parameters hydrophobicity, hydrophobic moment and hydrophilic face as well as molecular size and charge. Cellular uptake and membrane destabilizing activity of the resulting peptides were studied using aortic endothelial cells and HPLC combined with CLSM. With the exceptions that a reduction of molecule size below 16 amino acid residues and the introduction of a negative net charge abolished uptake, none of the investigated structural parameters proved to be essential for the passage of these peptides across the plasma membrane. Membrane toxicity also showed no correlation to any of the parameters investigated and could be detected only at concentrations higher than 2 μm. These results implicate helical amphipathicity as the only essential structural requirement for the entry of such peptides into the cell interior, in accord with earlier studies. The pivotal role of helical amphipathicity was confirmed by uptake results obtained with two further pairs of amphipathic/non‐amphipathic 18‐mer peptides with different primary structure, net charge and helix parameters from I. The amphipathic counterparts were internalized into the cells to a comparable extent as I, whereas no cellular uptake could be detected for the non‐amphipathic analogues. The mode of uptake remains unclear and involves both temperature‐sensitive and ‐insensitive processes, indicating non‐endocytic contributions. Copyright © 1999 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellulolytic decomposition in streams of contrasting pH and its relationship with invertebrate community structure

SUMMARY. 1. Ceilulolytic decomposition, measured by loss of tensile strength in strips of cellulose test cloth, was estimated in thirty-four stream sites in experiments in summer, autumn and winter. 2. The results of multiple regression analyses showed that strength loss was most closely related to temperature in summer, when the model accounted for only 38% of the variation, and to stream pH in autumn and winter, when the models accounted for 52% and 75% of the variation, respectively. 3. The relationship between decomposition rate and the structure of invertebrate communities in streams of dissimilar pH is discussed. We argue that a very rapid rate of decomposition of coarse particulate organic matter may profit consumers of fine particulate organic matter at the expense of coarse particle shredders.
Genetic relationship in goatfishes (Mullidae: Perciformes) of the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, with remarks on Suez Canal migrants

An electrophoretic examination of 21 presumptive loci was used to analyze the genetic relationship in the fish family Mullidae. The present study included seven species from the Red Sea and two from the Mediterranean. Two of the Red Sea species ( Upeneus pori and U. moluccensis ), which had colonized the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, were also sampled in their new habitat. The electrophoretic results support the taxonomy which is based on morphomeristic measurements, with the exception of U. pori, the genetic distance of which with its congeneric species is at a level which is attributed to different genera. No discernible genetic difference was found between the populations of the colonizing species in both seas (D= 0.004 for U. moluccensis , D= 0.081 for U. pori ), as well as between colonizing and non-colonizing species. The average heterozygosity of Mullidae is lower than the average known for other fishes.
Phospholipase C-δ1 Is Activated by Capacitative Calcium Entry That Follows Phospholipase C-β Activation upon Bradykinin Stimulation*

To characterize the regulatory mechanism of phospholipase C-δ1 (PLC-δ1) in the bradykinin (BK) receptor-mediated signaling pathway, we used a clone of PC12 cells, which stably overexpress PLC-δ1 (PC12-D1). Stimulation with BK induced a significantly higher Ca2+ elevation and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production with a much lower half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of BK in PC12-D1 cells than in wild type (PC12-W) or vector-transfected (PC12-V) cells. However, BK-induced intracellular Ca2+ release and IP3 generation was similar between PC12-V and PC12-D1 cells in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that the availability of extracellular Ca2+ is essential to the activation of PLC-δ1. When PC12-D1 cells were treated with agents that induce Ca2+ influx, more IP3 was produced, suggesting that the Ca2+ entry induces IP3production in PC12-D1 cells. Furthermore, the additional IP3 production after BK-induced capacitative calcium entry was detected in PC12-D1 cells, suggesting that PLC-δ1 is mainly activated by capacitative calcium entry. When cells were stimulated with BK in the presence of extracellular Ca2+, [3H]norepinephrine secretion was much greater from PC12-D1 cells than from PC12-V cells. Our results suggest that PLC-δ1 is activated by capacitative calcium entry following the activation of PLC-β, additively inducing IP3 production and Ca2+ rise in BK-stimulated PC12 cells.
Processus de développement génératif chez le pommier cv Golden Delicious

The meristem organogenesis of the "bourse" shoot, the morphologic and the histologic modifications were studied at the end of the growth stopping by means of histological techniques, microdissections of the apex and observations by scanning electron microscopy. These modifications are linked to the transition of the meristem from vegetative to flowering stage. The acquisition of the reproductive stage by the apical meristem occurs progressively in 2 phases : A vegetative phase during which the apical meristem begins to form the terminal bud where floral differentiation occur. The presence of a number of structures is necessary before the first sign of floral transition appears within the apex of the "bourse" shoot. A floral differentiation phase which begins by the swelling of the "bourse" shoot apical meristem at the end of July for short shoots and one month later for long shoots. This apex will produce at the same time vegetative (bourse bud, leaf primordial, scale) and generative (terminal and lateral flowers) structures.
Hatchery and culture technology for the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra Jaeger, in India

The seed of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra jaeger is being produced at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in India. This article describes the techniques being used in the production of seed and the experiments being carried out for the rearing of juveniles. Trials to grow juveniles in hatcheries on prawn farms have shown spectabular results that are both cost efficient and environmentally friendly.
Effect of Low Salinity on Growth and Survival of Postlarvae and Juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei

The effect of low salinity on survival and growth of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei was examined in the laboratory due to the interest of raising shrimp inland at low salinities. In three separate experiments, individual L. vannamei postlarvae (∼ 0.1 g) were cultured at salinities of either 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, or 3 ppt (N= 5 or 10/treatment) for 18 to 40 d at 30 C in individual 360-mL containers. In each experiment controls of 0 and 30 ppt were run. There was no postlarval survival at salinities 0.05) from 30 ppt (100%). Juveniles exhibited better survival at lower salinities (100% at 2 ppt) than 0.05 and 0.35 g postlarvae (29% and 14% respectively, at 2 ppt). The effects of salinity on growth varied with sizdage. Final growth of 0.05 g postlarvae at 2 ppt (693%) was significantly less (P < 0.01) than at 4 ppt (1085%) and 30 ppt (1064%). Growth of 0.35 g postlarvae was significantly less (P < 0.01) for 4 ppt (175%) than for 30 ppt (264%). There was no growth data for juveniles (8 g). It appears from these experiments that the culture of L. vannamei poses risks when performed in salinities less than 2 ppt.