Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability analysis of the rare and endangered woodland fern Polystichum braunii in Germany: three possible causes of population decline

Background: Various rare and endangered temperate ferns are being threatened by their recent population decline, but there is limited understanding of the causes behind it. Aims: This study attempted to identify the possible drivers of regional population decline and extinction in the globally distributed woodland fern Polystichum braunii. Methods: A comparison was undertaken of the climatic, edaphic and phytosociological characteristics of sites with increasing, decreasing or recently extinct populations in Germany. Results: A significantly higher frequency of episodes of low relative air humidity (<60%) was found at sites with decreasing or extinct populations compared to habitats with population increases. Sites with decreasing or extinct populations were also characterised as having less summer precipitation (<500 mm year−1) and a shorter duration of snow cover (<110 days year−1) than sites with increasing populations. The latter had significantly higher moss cover (56% of the forest floor), but less cover by a tree litter layer (23%) compared to decreasing (36% and 38%) or recently extinct populations (22% and 52%). All increasing populations were located in intact Tilia – Acer ravine forests, while those suffering population decline were mostly located in Fagus-dominated forests. Conclusions: It was concluded that the probable causes of the recent decline in German P. braunii populations are reduced air humidity levels, decreasing snow duration or a shift from moss-covered to tree litter-covered forest floors due to climate warming or altered forest management.
Assessment of Genetic Variability and Correlation among Agro-Morphological Traits and Spot Blotch Disease in a Ril Population of Wheat

A study of genetic variability for various agro-morphological traits including spot blotch disease severity (DS) and grain yield (GY) involving complete set of 214 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population (cross ‘Kanchan / Chirya 1) was conducted during 2014-15 and 2015-16 crop seasons. Combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) over years indicated that genotypes, environments and G × E interactions were significant, indicating that the population exhibited significant differences for the traits studied. Similarly, variability analysis indicated wide genetic variation for all the traits among parents and recombinant inbred lines. Significant but negative correlation of disease severity (DS) with days to heading (DH), days to maturity (DM), plant height (PH) and grain yield (GY) indicated negative impact of high disease pressure on the expression of these traits. Among other agro-morphological traits, days to maturity showed significant positive correlation with plant height, grain yield and 1000-grain weight. High estimates of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation (PCV and GCV) were found for disease severity (32.09 and 26.12 during 201415 and 30.79 & 29.99 during 2015-16, respectively) followed by grain yield and 1000-grain weight. High estimates of heritability coupled with moderate to high values of genetic advance were recorded for most of the traits during both the years. The results indicated sufficient genetic variability, high estimates of heritability coupled with genetic advance along with desired correlation among traits, and therefore selection strategy might be effective in identifying promising genotypes possessing desired level of disease resistance, high yield and wider adaptability for target environments.
Inner plant space - bacterial endophytes of Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka)

Leptospermum scoparium or mānuka is a New Zealand native medicinal plant with an essential oil showing antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community in mānuka by culture dependent (trap culture) and independent (DGGE) approaches. Furthermore, to assess whether mycorrhizal inoculation could alter growth and essential oil composition of a single regional chemotype of mānuka, plants were grown in unsterilized soil and inoculated with five AMF isolates. Leaf essential oil compositions and yields were determined by microscale solvent extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. AMF inoculation significantly increased growth compared to uninoculated plants. Qualitative i.e. different relative proportions of compounds, which are distinctive in chemotypes and quantitative i.e. absolute concentrations of compounds, expressed as mg/g of dry leaf or equivalent, effects of AMF inoculation on mānuka essential oil composition depended on the isolate. AMF inoculation modified the Gammaproteobacterial community roots and this may contribute to changes in essential oil composition. Overall, these results demonstrate that AMF can improve the growth of mānuka and affect plant secondary metabolites in leaves. Both of these effects would be valuable in commercial essential oil production from plantationgrown mānuka.
Role of Energy Metabolism in the Thermogenic Gene Program

In murine and human brown adipose tissue (BAT), mitochondria are powerful generators of heat. Emerging evidence has suggested that the actions of mitochondria extend beyond this conventional biochemical role. In mouse BAT and cultured brown adipocytes, impaired mitochondrial respiratory capacity is accompanied by attenuated expression of Ucp1, a key thermogenic gene, implying a mitochondrial retrograde signaling. However, few have investigated this association in the context of mitochondria-nucleus communication. Using mice with adipose-specific ablation of LRPPRC, a regulator of respiratory capacity, we show that respiration-dependent retrograde signaling from mitochondria to nucleus contributes to transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming of BAT. Impaired respiratory capacity triggers down-regulation of thermogenic and oxidative genes, promoting a storage phenotype in BAT. This retrograde regulation functions by interfering with promoter-specific recruitment of PPAR. In addition, cytosolic calcium may mediate the retrograde signal from mitochondria to nucleus. These data are consistent with a model whereby BAT connects its respiratory capacity to thermogenic gene expression, which in turn contributes to determining its metabolic commitment. Additionally, we find that augmented respiratory capacity activates the thermogenic gene program in inguinal (subcutaneous) white adipose tissue (IWAT) from adipose-specific LRPPRC transgenic mice. When fed a high-fat diet at thermoneutrality, these mice exhibit metabolic improvements as shown by reduced fat mass and improved insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, there is increased recruitment of brown-like adipocytes
Inoculation and phosphorus application effects on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] productivity grown in farmers' fields of Benin.

Nitrogen deficiency is a major factor limiting crop production in most African agricultural soils. As legume, soybean can obtain a significant amount of its N requirement through symbiotic N2 fixation when inoculated with effective and compatible Bradyrhizobium strains. An on farmer’s fields’ study was carried out in Northern and Centre Benin to determine the effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains introduced in Benin cropping systems. Five inoculations treatments (control, FA3, STM3043, STM3045 and USDA110), two phosphorus levels (0 and 50 kg of P2O5 ha-1) arranged in split plot design were established in twelve farmers’ fields. Each farmer represented one replication. Results indicated that inoculation with different Bradyrhizobia strains improved significantly (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) height, grain, biomass yield, nodulation, and nitrogen uptake of soybean but less than treatments where phosphorus application was combined to rhizobial inoculation. The most efficient strains identified were FA3 and STM3043 respectively in Northern and Centre Benin. In Northern Benin, the strain FA3 contributed to the increasing of 73% of the grain yield and 62% of the straw yield compared to the control, while in the Centre Benin the strain STM3043 was found to contribute to the increasing of 60% and 66% respectively of the grain and straw yields. Both strains FA3 and STM3043 could be used in cropping systems for improving soybean productivity in Benin.
Vesiculobullous Lesions and their Relation to Intensity of Immunoglobulins and Complement Expression

Background: Autoimmune blistering diseases are a group of bullous disorders characterized by pathogenic autoantibodies. The accurate diagnosis of bullous disorders requires evaluation of clinical, histological and immunofluorescent findings. Conventionally, the immunoglobulin distribution along with its pattern is required for a definitive diagnosis of vesiculobullous lesions. The intensity of immunofluorescence among various vesiculobullous lesions however has not been studied. Objectives: To correlate the intensity of immunofluorescence among various vesiculobullous lesions. Materials and Methods: 30 cases and 30 controls of vesiculobullous lesions were taken. Three biopsies were obtained in each case-one from the bulla itself. The other two biopsies were put in phosphate buffer saline for immunofluorescence, out of which one acted as control. The type of immunoglobulin expressed and its intensity were noted. Results: Intensity of 3+ was seen in 5 (27.7%) cases followed by 2+ intensity in 9 (50%) cases of pemphigus vulgaris (n=18). All cases of bullous pemphigoid (n=5) showed C3 expression. 3+ intensity was observed in only one case while two cases showed 2+ intensity (40%) In dermatitis herpetiformis predominant intensity observed was 1+ in 4 (57.1%) cases. Discussion: In this study, the intensity of immunofluorescence correlated more or less with the severity of the lesion. Pemphigus vulgaris has the worst prognosis which showed 3+ intensity in maximum number of cases followed by bullous pemphigoid and dermatitis herpetiformis which showed 1+ intensity in maximum number of cases. It is concluded that by assessing the intensity, the clinical severity and outcome can be
Exploring Natural Variation in Arabidopsis thaliana - Flowering Time and Speciation

Der faszinierende Prozess der Evolution fuhrt zum einen zu gut angepassten Organismen und zum anderen zu unterschiedlichen Arten. Beide Prozesse, Anpassung und Artbildung, sind von herausragender Bedeutung fur die biologische Forschung. Diese Arbeit untersucht die naturliche Variation im Bluhverhalten von Arabidopsis thaliana als adaptives Merkmal, sowie die Inkompatibilitat zweier A. thaliana Okotypen. Diese Inkompatibilitat wurde in F1 Hybriden der Okotypen Uk-1 und Uk-3 entdeckt und ist ein Beispiel fur beginnende Artbildung. Bluhverhalten Eine an Umweltbedingungen angepasste Regulierung von Bluhverhalten ist ausschlaggebend fur den Erfolg von Pflanzenpopulationen. Diese Arbeit untersucht das Bluhverhalten von 155 naturlich vorkommenden A. thaliana Okotypen und 32 Bluhzeit-Mutanten. Das Bluhverhalten wurde in vier unterschiedlichen Wachstumsbedingungen getestet, welche Umwelteinflusse reprasentieren, die das Bluhverhalten hauptsachlich beeinflussen: Tageslange, Wachstumstemperatur und Vernalisierung, eine winterahnliche langere Kalteperiode. Die Verteilung der Bluhzeiten bei Langtag zeigte zwei Hohepunkte und bestatigte die wichtige Rolle der beiden Gene FRIGIDA (FRI) und FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) fur die Regulierung des Bluhverhaltens. In spat bluhenden Okotypen wurde keine Deletion gefunden, weder in FRI noch in FLC. In fruh bluhenden Okotypen hingegen war die Funktion eines der beiden Gene beeintrachtigt. Am haufigsten waren die schon bekannten Deletionen, die auch in den Okotypen Col-0 und Ler vorhanden sind. Zusatzlich fanden wir 20 Okotypen mit bisher unbekannten, selten Allelen von FRI oder FLC. Die Expression von FLC zeigte eine starke lineare Korrelation mit Bluhzeit. Microarray Experimente ergaben dass FLC tatsachlich das Gen ist, dessen Expression am besten mit Bluhzeit korreliert, unter allen 22000 Genen, die mit dem Microarray getestet wurden. Trotz der Tatsache, dass die Aktivitat der beiden Gene FRI und FLC bestimmt, ob die Pflanze generell fruh oder spat bluht, haben wir betrachtliche Bluhzeitvariation innerhalb der beiden Klassen gefunden. Der Effekt von FRI und FLC war zudem bedeutend geringer unter Kurztagsbedingungen. Der FRI/FLC- Genotyp konnte nur 23% der Variation unter Kurztagsbedingungen erklaren, im Gegensatz zu 63% im Langtag. Durch die Berechnung eines Werts fur die Empfindlichkeit gegenuber veranderten Umweltbedingungen konnten wir Okotypen mit auffalligem Bluhverhalten identifizieren. Diese sind viel versprechende Kandidaten fur die Identifikation von neuen naturlichen Allelen schon bekannter Bluhzeit Gene. In Fortsetzung an diese Bluhzeitstudie wurde auch tatsachlich ein naturliches Allel von PHYD entdeckt und Spuren von Selektion festgestellt. Artbildung Das am weitesten verbreitete Artkonzept von Ernst Mayr definiert Arten als getrennte Gruppen, die sich nicht paaren konnen und machte damit Inkompatibilitaten in Hybriden zu einem Hauptthema der biologischen Artforschung. Ich habe eine dominante Inkompatibilitat zwischen den beiden Okotypen Uk-1 und Uk-3 entdeckt. Der…
Construction of SSR Marker Database of Chrysanthemum Varieties Collected in Korea

: Chrysanthemum ( Dendranthema grandiflourm Kitamura) is a member of the Asteraceae and one of the important horticultural crops. The objective of this study was to construct a DNA profile database for identification of chrysanthemum varieties using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. In order to select SSR markers for the variety identification, we screened 587 SSR primers using 20 varieties. Among them, 27 SSR markers showed polymorphism. We finally selected 14 SSR markers showing peak clearance, high polymorphism and reproducibility in 20 varieties. In conclusion, DNA profile database for 147 chrysanthemum varieties were constructed by 14 SSR markers. A total of 79 SSR alleles were detected and three to ten alleles were detected with an average of 5.6 alleles per locus. The polymorphism information content value ranged 0.287 ~ 0.785 with an average of 0.598. Genetic relationship revealed that genetic distance of 147 varieties ranged from 0.44 to 1.00. The 143 varieties among 147 varieties were distinguished by 14 SSR markers but the 2 varieties developed by mutation breeding and natural variation were not distinguished from original varieties. These constructed SSR profile database will be useful for the selection of similar varieties for candidate variety and for solving problem relating to seed dispute and infringement of plant breeder’s right.
Effects of Alternative Housing Systems on Physical and Social Activity in Male Sprague Dawley and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Two alternative rat cages and their effect on home cage physical and social activity were evaluated in maleÂ Sprague Dawley (SPD) and Spontaneously Hypertensive (SH) rats for 10 weeks. Rats were housed strainwiseÂ in pairs in ST cages, in groups of eight in Enriched Rat Cage System (ERC) equipped with a shelter andÂ wall-hung ladders, and in groups of eight in four interconnected Scantainer NOVO cages (NOVO), equippedÂ with shelves. Home cage activity was assessed through direct observations and effects were studied inÂ exercise tests, parameters related to physical activity and in the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). Effects ofÂ within-group variation on the minimum sample size needed to detect a treatment effect were calculatedÂ for the different cage types. The home cage activity was highest in NOVO cages, followed by the ERCÂ cages. This was supported by the higher locomotor and exploratory activity in the EPM and an improvedÂ performance in the last exercise test, compared to ST-caged rats. Aggressive and submissive interactionsÂ were higher in NOVO cages compared to ST cages. The design of the NOVO cages, if connected, mightÂ induce both a higher activity level and more aggression. The hypertension and insulin resistance typicalÂ of the hypertensive rat model were not influenced by an increased home cage activity. No major effectsÂ of alternative cage types were found on within-group variation. The activity was not enough to create aÂ distinct training effect but prevented exercise-related parameters from deteriorating during the study and isÂ therefore still relevant for the health and welfare of the animals. Additional benefits of the alternative cagesÂ are qualitative, since they stimulate a wider range of behaviours, social interactions and offer possibilitiesÂ for the rats to control their situation. Â
Comparison of substances in elderberry cultivars and wild elderberry

Elderberry cultivars âAlbidaâ, âAllesA¶â, âAureaâ, âBohatkaâ, âDanaâ, âHaschbergâ, âHeidegg 13â, âKA¶rsA¶râ, âMammutâ, âPregartenâ, âRiese aus VoAlochâ, âSamboâ, âSambuâ, âSamdalâ, âSampoâ, âSamylâ, âWeihenstephanâ and wild elderberry were grown in a unique experimental collection of elderberry at the Research and Breeding Institute of Pomology at Holovousy Ltd. This collection was examined for composition of substances in fruits because elderberry has high concentrations of compounds with antioxidative activity, especially anthocyanins, flavonoids and vitamins. The aim of this study was to compare content of selected substances in fruits of elderberry cultivars and wild elderberry. Results showed the highest juice yield in cultivars âAllesA¶â, âHaschbergâ, âKA¶rsA¶râ and âSamylâ. In contrast, the lowest juice yield was detected in fruits of wild elderberry as well as âAureaâ and âSamboâ cultivars. The highest total antioxidant capacity was found in fruits of âHaschbergâ, followed by wild elderberry and âWeihenstephanâ, âPregartenâ and âRiese aus VoI²lochâ. The lowest values were recorded in cultivars âAlbidaâ and âAureaâ. High content of reducing sugars was found in cultivars âSamdalâ, âHaschbergâ and âKA¶rsA¶râ compared to other cultivars and wild elderberry.
Prenatal aromatase inhibition alters postnatal immune function in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus)

In birds, exposure to testosterone during embryonic development can suppress immune function; however, it is unclear whether this is caused by direct stimulation of androgen receptors. Estradiol is synthesized from testosterone by the enzyme aromatase, and this conversion is a necessary step in many signaling pathways that are ostensibly testosterone-dependent. Many lines of evidence in mammals indicate that estradiol can affect immune function. We tested the hypothesis that immunosuppressive effects of avian in ovo testosterone exposure are mediated by conversion to estradiol by aromatase, using Fadrozole to inhibit aromatization of endogenous testosterone during a crucial period of embryonic immune system development in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus). We then measured total IgY antibody count, response to PHA challenge, mass of thymus and bursa of Fabricius, and plasma testosterone post-hatch on days 3 and 18. We predicted that if immunomodulation by testosterone is dependent on aromatization, then Fadrozole treatment would lead to elevated immune activity by inhibiting estrogen production. Conversely, if testosterone inhibits immune function directly by binding to androgen receptors, then Fadrozole treatment would likely not alter immune function. Fadrozole treated birds had decreased day 3 plasma IgY antibody titers but there was a strong trend towards increased day 18 thymic mass. Furthermore, Fadrozole treatment generated a positive relationship between testosterone and thymic mass in males, and tended to increase day 18 IgY levels for a given bursal mass in females. There was no effect on PHA response, bursal mass, or plasma testosterone at either age. Overall, Fadrozole treated birds tended to have elevated indicators of immune function, implicating aromatization as a relevant pathway through which developmental exposure to testosterone can affect immunity.
In vitro single vesicle fusion study of Ca2+-triggered SNARE-mediated membrane fusion

vi CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Ca2+ triggered synaptic membrane fusion . 1 1.2 SNAREs. 2 1.3 SNARE complex . 3 1.4 Accessory proteins . 4 1.4. 1 Synaptotagmin 1 . 4 1.4. 2 Complexin . 6 1.5 In vitro assays . 7 1.5. 1 Single vesicle-to-vesicle fusion assay . 7 1.5. 2 Single vesicle-to-SBL fusion assay content mixing. 9 1.6 Perspectives . 10 1.7 References . 12 1.8 Figures and legends. 18 CHAPTER 2 PRE-INCUBATION OF T-SNARES WITH COMPLEXIN I INCREASES CONTENT-MIXING EFFICIENCY . 23 2.1 Abstract . 23 2.2 Introduction . 24 2.3 Results . 26 2.3. 1 Single-vesicle content-mixing assay . 26 2.3. 2 Bell-shaped response of Ca2+-triggered vesicle fusion to Cpx . 27
Impacts of Biofilm Formation on the Fate and Potential Effects of Microplastic in the Aquatic Environment

In the aquatic environment, microplastic (MP; <5 mm) is a cause of concern because of its persistence and potential adverse effects on biota. Studies of microlitter impacts are mostly based on virgin and spherical polymer particles as model MP. However, in pelagic and benthic environments, surfaces are always colonized by microorganisms forming so-called biofilms. The influence of such biofilms on the fate and potential effects of MP is not understood well. Here, we review the physical interactions of early microbial colonization on plastic surfaces and their reciprocal influence on the weathering processes and vertical transport as well as sorption and release of contaminants by MP. Possible ecological consequences of biofilm formation on MP, such as trophic transfer of MP particles and potential adverse effects of MP, are virtually unknown. However, evidence is accumulating that the biofilm−plastic interactions have the capacity to influence the fate and impacts of MP by modifying the physical propertie.
Plasma endothelin-1 and endothelin-A receptor concentrations in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

ABSTRACT Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor and is considered to have a key role in the regulation of ocular perfusion and glaucoma pathogenesis. High ET-1 and ETA-receptor levels are reported in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). We compared the mean plasma ET-1 and ETA-receptor concentration of controls and patients with early and advanced POAG stage, and assessed the correlation with the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness. The study included a total of 75 participants, aged 45–83 years: 25 (controls), 22 (early glaucoma) and 28 (advanced glaucoma). The plasma concentration of ET-1 and ETA-receptor was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The RNFL thickness was evaluated with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The mean ET-1 concentration was lower in the control group (4.88 ± 1.75 pg/mL) than in the early and advanced POAG group (6.33 ± 2.38 and 6.34 ± 1.56 pg/mL). Statistically significant difference was found between the mean ET-1 concentrations in controls and glaucoma patients (p = 0.029 – early glaucoma, p = 0.018 – advanced glaucoma), and no significant difference was observed between the two POAG groups (p = 0.998). The mean ETA-receptor concentration was highest in the control group (1209.28 ± 314.48 pg/mL) and the differences between the three groups were significant. Significant relationship was found only between ET-1 and RNFL. This study demonstrated the role of ET-1 in glaucoma pathogenesis based on the observed significant high ET-1 and ETA-receptor plasma levels in POAG patients. A new therapeutical approach needs to be considered in some patients.