Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STARCH METABOLISM IN POPLAR WOOD RAY CELLS DURING SPRING MOBILIZATION AND SUMMER DEPOSITION

Seasonal variations of starch and soluble carbohydrates as well as extractable activities of enzymes involved in starch and maltose metabolism from 4-year-old twigs wood of Populus×Canadensis Moench ‘robusta’ were analysed during late winter, spring, and summer. A rapid decline of all enzymes occurred before or shortly after bud break in spring, accompanied by the complete degradation of starch and maltose. The inactivation proceded in a highly ordered sequence. Starch- and maltose-synthesizing enzymes. March phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.1), and D-enzyme, (EC 2.4. 125) declined before hydrolysis of carbohydrates, while certain electrophoretic isoforms of amylases and maltose-degrading enzymes persisted until the storage compounds were digested. The enzymes of starch synthesis, ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.27) and starch synthase (EC 2.4.1.21). increased already in late spring while the activity of all other enzymes stayed on a very low level during summer. Comparison of enzyme activities and rate of renewed starch deposition in June showed that both steps, catalysed by ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase and starch synthase. may be rate limiting.
Thalassaemia intermedia: interaction of the triple α‐globin gene arrangement and heterozygous β‐thalassaemia

Five patients with heterozygous β‐thalassaemia with an unusually severe clinical picture, low haemoglobin levels occasionally requiring blood transfusion, splenomegaly and unusually prominent basophilic stippling were found to have co‐inherited a triple α‐globin gene arrangement on one chromosome (ααα/αα). It seems probable that the expression of a single extra α‐globin gene is sufficient in some patients with heterozygous β‐thalassaemia to give rise to a clinically significant degree of dyserythropoietic anaemia.
Niche segregation of coexisting Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) constrains food web coupling in subarctic lakes

SUMMARY 1. Generalist fish species are recognised as important couplers of benthic and pelagic food-web compartments in lakes. However, interspecific niche segregation and individual specialisation may limit the potential for generalistic feeding behaviour. 2. We studied summer habitat use, stomach contents and stable isotopic compositions of the generalist feeder Arctic charr coexisting with its common resource competitor brown trout in five subarctic lakes in northern Norway to reveal population-level and individual-level niche plasticity. 3. Charr and trout showed partial niche segregation in all five lakes. Charr used all habitat types and a wide variety of invertebrate prey including zooplankton, whereas trout fed mainly on insects in the littoral zone. Hence, charr showed a higher potential to promote habitat and food-web coupling compared to littoral-dwelling trout. 4. The level of niche segregation between charr and trout and between pelagic-caught and littoralcaught charr depended on the prevailing patterns of interspecific and intraspecific resource competition. The two fish species had partially overlapping trophic niches in one lake where charr numerically dominated the fish community, whereas the most segregated niches occurred in lakes where trout were more abundant. 5. In general, pelagic-caught charr had substantially narrower dietary and isotopic niches and relied less on littoral carbon sources compared to littoral-caught conspecifics that included generalist as well as specialised benthivorous and planktivorous individuals. Despite the partially specialised planktivorous niche and thus reduced potential of pelagic-dwelling charr to promote benthic–pelagic coupling, the isotopic compositions of both charr subpopulations suggested a significant reliance on both littoral and pelagic carbon sources in all five study lakes. 6. Our study demonstrates that both interspecific niche segregation between and individual trophic specialisation within generalist fish species can constrain food-web coupling and alter energy mobilisation to top consumers in subarctic lakes. Nevertheless, pelagic and littoral habitats and food-web compartments may still be highly integrated due to the potentially plastic foraging behaviour of top consumers.
Genome‐wide Association Studies

The genome-wide association approach has become a reality as a result of significant advances in genomic resources such as the International HapMap Project, the high-throughput genotyping technologies, the collection of large number of cases and controls and the development of powerful statistical analysis tools. The strength of this approach is its agnostic genome-wide search for single nucleotide polymorphisms. The explosion of more than 100 genome-wide association studies since 2007 has identified numerous novel genetic variants or loci that are associated with many complex diseases. These studies have also linked new molecular pathways to various diseases. This is currently the most successful approach for pinpointing common variants with modest genetic effect that are associated with common complex diseases. Beyond these discoveries, there is a need to demonstrate their biological significance and to incorporate other structural variations, gene–gene, epigenetic and environmental interactions. Key concepts In the pre-genomic era, the genetic dissection of complex diseases is done through classical linkage studies and candidate gene-based association studies. The classical linkage study is a powerful approach to identify rare and high penetrant disease variant or gene. The candidate gene approach in the pre-genomic era is limited to a few genetic markers for genes that are suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of the complex disease. The GWA approach was first proposed by Risch and Merikangas in 1996 as a statistically more powerful approach to detect common variant with modest genetic effect compared to linkage study design. International HapMap Project was initiated in 2003 to characterize the haplotype patterns in human genome and subsequently identify tagging SNPs. The human genome can be organized into haplotypes with strong LD among the SNPs. For direct association study design or the gene-centric approach, SNPs which are likely to be functionally important are selected, e.g. nonsynonymous SNPs. Most of the GWAS was conducted in a two-stage or multi-stage design because this design is more cost-effective as only a fraction of samples was genotyped with several hundred thousand SNPs. The current generation of GWAS has contributed rapidly within the last few years in uncovering novel genes associated with common complex diseases. The future GWAS will have to explore structural variations, gene–gene interactions, epigenetic and gene–environment interactions. The need to include environmental factors will require a prospective study design. Keywords: genome-wide association; single nucleotide polymorphisms; International HapMap Project; linkage disequilibrium; complex diseases
Hepatoprotective effects of purified oleuropein from olive leaf extract against ethanol-induced damages in the rat

Summary Olives and olive oil contain large amounts of oleuropein. This phenolic compound is responsible for their bitter taste and pungent aroma and has been recognized as a powerful hypotensive, hypoglycemic and antioxidant agent. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of oleuropein on ethanol-induced oxidative damage and to examine its beneficial effects on liver function. Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups: the first group served as untreated control. The second group of rats were given ethanol (4 g/kg) orally. Group 3 received oral oleuropein (15 mg/kg). The final group of rats were fed ethanol (4 g/kg), 120 min after oral administration of oleuropein (15 mg/kg). All of the treatments were applied for 4 weeks via gavage. Administration of ethanol to rats induced toxicity in their liver, as shown by the significant elevation in the serum levels of transaminases, total cholesterol as well as liver histopathological findings. Elevation of glutathione peroxidase activity, the hepatic main antioxidant enzyme, and total glutathione was observed to suppress oxidative stress in the ethanol group. TBARS (an indicator of lipid peroxidation) concentration is also increased in ethanol-treated rats. In contrast, oleuropein during ethanol treatment in rats resulted in a higher antiperoxidative enzyme activity, catalase, and inhibited toxicity to the liver, as monitored by the reduction in ALT and AST levels and TBARS concentration. It is suggested that oleuropein possesses beneficial antioxidant effects against ethanol-induced liver toxicity, and therefore use of olive leaf extract may have prophylactic value in reducing the common complications resulting from oxidative stress in alcoholism.
Heritability, gain, and C effects in rooting of western hemlock cuttings

Analysis of clonal variation for five rooting traits of western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. ) clones demonstrated that clonal variation was due to both genetic and C effects (i.e., physiological or morphological characteristics unique to the ortet because of its specific environment). The potential bias to genotypic values of clones owing to C effects was significant, but heritability and gain estimates were only slightly biased. The five rooting traits were highly heritable (H2 = 0.87–0.92), and predicted genetic gain from clonal selection was substantial. Genetic correlations between pairs of traits were generally high (0.66−0.99); therefore, when selecting for any one trait, correlated responses can be expected in other traits.
Profitable stream positions for salmonids: relating specific growth rate to net energy gain

A model is developed to predict potential net energy gain for salmonids in streams from characteristics of water velocity and invertebrate drift. Potential net energy gain, or potential profit, is calculated for individuals of three species of juvenile salmonids in a laboratory stream aquarium, based on the energy available from drift minus the cost of swimming to maintain position. The Michaelis–Menten or Monod model is used to describe the relationship between potential profit and specific growth rate. Potential profit was a better predictor of specific growth rate for coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) than for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) or brown trout (Salmo trutta). Coho salmon always achieved higher specific growth rates than either brook trout or brown trout in concurrent experiments, and maintained growth to lower resource thresholds. In each experiment, fish established intraspecific hierarchies and dominant fish held positions affording maximum potential profit. The use of potential pro.
THE MECHANICS OF THE PREDATORY STRIKE OF THE PRAYING MANTID HEIRODULA MEMBRANACEA

SUMMARY 1. The mechanics of the predatory strike of Heirodula membranacea (Burm.) have been studied using high speed cin£, electrophysiological and anatomical techniques. 2. Calculations of the muscle output required to produce the strike suggest that muscle performance generally lies within the range observed elsewhere and that no specializations for prior energy storage, as are found in some other rapid insect movements, are necessary. 3. This view is supported by simultaneous EMG and cin6 studies showing no significant delay between the onset of EMG activity and the onset of stress development required by the direct action model. 4. The apodemes of a number of forelimb muscles are found to have complex two-point suspensions; these have a significant role in determining the moment-arm/joint-angle relationships of the muscles. 5. The parallel-fibred part of the tibial flexor muscle has a high strain rate, 17*5 s~\ at 27—30 °C. This is the fastest recorded strain rate for an insect muscle, and approaches the fastest strain rates of mammalian muscles operating at 37 °C.
Expression, purification and crystallization of Leader peptidase I from Escherichia coli

The secretory pathway, in which proteins are exported from the cytoplasm into the periplasm, is essential for the viability of bacteria. One component in the pathway is leader peptidase I. In this project a truncated leader peptidase I, LepB_V77, from Escherichia coli, E. coli, has been expressed and purified. Activity assays have been performed as well as crystallization screens. The protein was purified using immobilised metal affinity chromatography, IMAC. Purification resulted in a pure protein solution with EcLepB_V77 but low yield. Crystals were obtained in several conditions. The activity assay did not result in any reliable data.
Human–gelada baboon conflict in and around the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

The degree of conflict between gelada baboons and local communities in and around the Simien Mountains National Park was investigated and possible solutions for the existing problems are suggested. The study was carried out from September, 2005 to March, 2006 by means of questionnaire survey, direct observations on crop damage by gelada baboon and using faecal dropping analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and responses were compared using chi-squared test and one-way ANOVA. Logistic regression model was used to determine factors that caused crop damage. The average annual crop loss by gelada baboon per household was 117 ± 10 kg. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.43, P < 0.001) between the type of crop grown and the type of crop damaged. Among the respondents, 47.3% reported serious loss of barley by gelada baboons. Analysis from the faecal droppings showed that 18% of the samples constituted barley although the extent of damage varied from village to village. Among the respondents, 60.3% cultivated only barley because of the cold weather and the type of soil in the study area. Distance from the Park and the frequency of crop damage were negatively correlated (−0.57, P < 0.001). Although farmers utilized various methods to protect their farms against gelada baboons, the most prominent method was direct watching (48.3%). To minimize the existing problems, local residents and the Park authorities should work together to identify alternative crops and land-use patterns that might not attract gelada baboons.
Somatic embryogenesis in Picea glauca (White spruce) and Picea mariana (Black spruce)

Embryogenic callus was initiated from immature embryos of Picea glauca (white spruce) and Picea mariana (black spruce) cultured on defined media supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (1 × 10−5 M), N6-benzyladenine (5 × 10−6 M), and 1% sucrose. Seeds from cones stored at 4 °C for up to 3 months yielded embryogenic callus. Much higher frequencies of embryogenic callus were obtained from white spruce than from black spruce. Embryogenic callus contained loosely organized cells and somatic embryos of various sizes. The embryos consisted of a cluster of tiny dividing cells (embryonic region) with attached large vacuolated cells (suspensor region). Upon subculture of embrogenic callus to media either lacking growth regulators or with reduced concentrations (5 × 10−7 M, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 5 × 10−6 M N6-benzyladenine) somatic embryos could be stimulated to develop into plantlets.
Rendimento de grãos e componentes de rendimento do feijoeiro em função da aplicação foliar de doses crescentes de molibdênio

The influence of high doses of molybdenum through foliar application was evaluated on production components and grain yield of the bean plants Novo Jalo and Meia Noite. The experiment was carried out from March to June, 2002, on Coimbra, Minas Gerais State. A randomized block design, with four repetitions, arranged in the factorial outline 7 x 2 (seven doses of molybdenum combined with Novo Jalo and Meia Noite cultivars) was used. The doses 80 and 160 g ha-1 were applied 20 days after the plantules emergence (DAE) in only dose. The doses (320 and 640 g ha-1) were applied in three applications (15, 20 and 25 DAE), and the doses (1,280 and 2,560 g ha-1) in four applications (15, 20, 25 and 30 DAE). The production components, except the number of seeds for green bean and the income of grains, were influenced by the molybdenum fertilization. The expected optimum rate of molybdenum for the bean plant, in both cultivars, was of 255 g ha-1. Molybdenum doses up to 2,560 g ha-1 did not decrease any of the components of the production nor the grain yield.
Modelling the influence of temperature and carbon dioxide upon the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens

Abstract Pseudomonas fluorescens was chosen as an indicator micro-organism for spoilage of ready-to-eat or Grade IV leafy vegetables. The effect of the extrinsic storage conditions (temperature and carbon dioxide concentration) upon the growth in a model system were studied. The bacterial growth curve was described with the logisitic and Gompertz equation. These sigmoidal functions were modified to give the lag time and maximum absolute growth rate for P. fluorescens under controlled storage conditions. In a temperature range of 4 to 12°C the lag time of P. fluorescens showed an exponential dependence with temperature, whereas a linear relationship of the maximum absolute growth rate with temperature was observed. Carbon dioxide was shown to be effective against the proliferation of aerobic psychrotrophic Gram-negative bacteria by principally increasing the lag phase and to a lesser extent the generation time. The dependence of the lag time and the maximum absolute growth rate of P. fluorescens with the carbon dioxide concentration (0·03-15%, with an excess of oxygen) was described using an exponential function. Moreover, the effectiveness of the inhibition increased with decreasing temperatures.
An integrated PC environment for the dissemination of plant protection warnings in Norway, together with weather reports and forecasts1

As part of a national project set up in 1988 to incorporate all pest warning activities in Norway into one information system, NORPRE provides warnings for cereal growers. The system is based on growers' observations and on meteorological data. It can be accessed by an audiotex system TELEWISE, which also provides weather reports and forecasts.
Seasonal and interannual variations in carbon dioxide exchange over a cropland in the North China Plain

In China, croplands account for a relatively large form of vegetation cover. Quantifying carbon dioxide exchange and understanding the environmental controls on carbon fluxes over croplands are critical in understanding regional carbon budgets and ecosystem behaviors. In this study, the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) at a winter wheat/summer maize rotation cropping site, representative of the main cropping system in the North China Plain, was continuously measured using the eddy covariance technique from 2005 to 2009. In order to interpret the abiotic factors regulating NEE, NEE was partitioned into gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Reco). Daytime Reco was extrapolated from the relationship between nighttime NEE and soil temperature under high turbulent conditions. GPP was then estimated by subtracting daytime NEE from the daytime estimates of Reco. Results show that the seasonal patterns of the temperature responses of Reco and light‐response parameters are closely related to the crop phenology. Daily Reco was highly dependent on both daily GPP and air temperature. Interannual variability showed that GPP and Reco were mainly controlled by temperature. Water availability also exerted a limit on Reco. The annual NEE was −585 and −533 g C m−2 for two seasons of 2006–2007 and 2007–2008, respectively, and the wheat field absorbed more carbon than the maize field. Thus, we concluded that this cropland was a strong carbon sink. However, when the grain harvest was taken into account, the wheat field was diminished into a weak carbon sink, whereas the maize field was converted into a weak carbon source. The observations showed that severe drought occurring during winter did not reduce wheat yield (or integrated NEE) when sufficient irrigation was carried out during spring.
Patterns of parasitic infections of fishes in a water body with constant temperature

Patterns of parasitic infections of Schizothorax intermedius in two water bodies of North Tadjikistan (Central Asia), one with constant temperature during the whole year, the other with normal annual seasonal range of temperature fluctuations, have been studied. It has been shown that in the first water body fluctuations in occurrence of the parasites are insignificant and are not under the influence of water temperature.
Grain number determination in an old and a modern Mediterranean wheat as affected by pre-anthesis shading

As the number of grains per unit area has been the main bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield determinant affected by breeding, and this variable is highly responsive to pre-anthesis shading, the analysis of the effects of shading on old and modern wheats appears to be a good method to explore how breeding has improved yield. Two field experiments were carried out in a region of Mediterranean Spain with an old cultivar (Aragon 03) and a modern line (advanced line ID-2151) and with 4 shading treatments that reduced by c. 75% the daily incoming solar radiation: unshaded control, shading from jointing to anthesis, shading from jointing to the beginning of booting, and shading from the beginning of booting to anthesis. Grain number per m2 differed between cultivars and was affected by shading. The old cultivar had much fewer grains per spikelet (c. 45%) and slightly fewer spikelets per spike (c. 15%) than the modern line and shading decreased only the number of grains per spikelet in direct proportion to the reduction of the incoming solar radiation, leaving the number of spikes per m2 unaffected by either of the 2 factors. Shading the crop during the entire spike growing period also decreased harvest index (c. 17%), although the reduction in partitioning was not evident at anthesis. As the biomass and spike dry weight at anthesis were similarly and consistently reduced by shading, it seemed that pre-anthesis shading reduced the number of developing florets, with its effects on the number of grains per m2, without major changes in resource allocation among structural components of the spike (rachis, glumes, and awns).
Histopathology of gills of Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) and Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) infested by monogenean and myxosporea, caugth in Aquidauana River, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

A histological analysis was conducted on the gills of 15 Piaractus mesopotamicus and 19 Prochilodus lineatus specimens collected between April and November 2004 from the Aquidauana River, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Central-West Brazil, to describe the anatomopathological characteristics of the gills of these freshwater fish. Gill samples were fixated in 10% buffered formalin and processed following histological routine procedures. The histological examination of the gills of P. mesopotamicus revealed intralamellar monogenean and mixosporean cysts of Henneguya piaractus at several developmental stages over the entire (basal, median and distal) lamella. Intraepithelial cysts caused lamella dilation and deformity of adjacent lamellae. In P. lineatus gills, monogenean cysts were detected. In both host species, hyperplasia of the gill epithelium and structural disorganization of secondary lamellae was seen diffusely in the gills, leading to fused lamellae in the gills. In few cases, there was found mononuclear inflammatory cells and hemorrhagic focal points distally in the lamellae.