Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Induces Cyclo‐oxygenase 2 in Osteoblasts via a Cbfa1 Binding Site: Role in Effects of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 In Vitro and In Vivo

We tested the hypothesis that induction of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) 2 mediates some effects of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 on bone. BMP‐2 induced COX‐2 mRNA and prostaglandin (PG) production in cultured osteoblasts. BMP‐2 increased luciferase activity in calvarial osteoblasts from mice transgenic for a COX‐2 promoter‐luciferase reporter construct (Pluc) and in MC3T3‐E1 cells transfected with Pluc. Deletion analysis identified the −300/−213‐bp region of the COX‐2 promoter as necessary for BMP‐2 stimulation of luciferase activity. Mutation of core‐binding factor activity 1 (muCbfa1) consensus sequence (5′‐AACCACA‐3′) at −267/−261 bp decreased BMP‐2 stimulation of luciferase activity by 82%. Binding of nuclear proteins to an oligonucleotide spanning the Cbfa1 site was inhibited or supershifted by specific antibodies to Cbfa1. In cultured osteoblasts from calvariae of COX‐2 knockout (−/−) and wild‐type (+/+) mice, the absence of COX‐2 expression reduced the BMP‐2 stimulation of both ALP activity and osteocalcin mRNA expression. In cultured marrow cells flushed from long bones, BMP‐2 induced osteoclast formation in cells from COX‐2+/+ mice but not in cells from COX‐2−/− mice. In vivo, BMP‐2 (10 μg/pellet) induced mineralization in pellets of lyophilized collagen implanted in the flanks of mice. Mineralization of pellets, measured by microcomputed tomography (μCT), was decreased by 78% in COX‐2−/− mice compared with COX‐2+/+ mice. We conclude that BMP‐2 transcriptionally induces COX‐2 in osteoblasts via a Cbfa1 binding site and that the BMP‐2 induction of COX‐2 can contribute to effects of BMP‐2 on osteoblastic differentiation and osteoclast formation in vitro and to the BMP‐2 stimulation of ectopic bone formation in vivo.
Ant species (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of forest fragments and urban areas in a Meridional Amazonian landscape

In this paper we list the ant species collected in both remaining forests and urban areas in a South Amazonian landscape. The list includes 102 species, of which 29 are new records for the state of Rondonia, Brazil. This work demonstrates the gap in ant biodiversity surveys for Meridional Amazon as well as encouraging further research in this region.
Conspecific nest parasitism in three species of new world blackbirds

We determined the rate of conspecific nest parasitism (CNP) that occurred in populations of Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), Yellow-headed Blackbirds (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus), and Brewer's Blackbirds (Euphagus cyanocephalus), and tested the hypothesis that females whose nests are destroyed during laying may deposit physiologically committed, subsequent eggs in nearby conspecific nests. CNP occurred in only 0.5% of Red-winged Blackbird nests, in 1.1% of Yellow-headed Blackbird nests, and in about 3% of Brewer's Blackbird nests. Nearby nests were destroyed during the laying period within three days of detected CNPs in less than 50% of the cases for both Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. We discuss possible options of female songbirds for resorbing, aborting or laying physiologically committed eggs after their nests are destroyed during laying, and the potential costs and benefits to these females of CNP.
Evaluation of apricot genotypes for table use, drying and their storage life

Fifteen apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) varieties/genotypes grown under temperate ecosystem were evaluated for table use, drying, quality maintenance and shelf life during their storage at refrigerated temperature (60% RH and 4±2°C Temp.). Storage life of fresh fruit PLW, TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid was measured in stored fruits at 4 days interval till 28 days of storage. Present investigations revealed that there were significant differences for physico chemical characteristics of different apricot varieties/genotypes, their drying potential and quality maintenance during storage period. The varieties CITH-AP-1, CITH-AP-2, CITH-AP-6, Heartly, Turkey and New Castle were better with respect to quality parameters like weight, size, firmness, TSS, TSS/acid ratio, ascorbic acid and b-carotene and maximum shelf life, whereas, after drying varieties such as CITH-AP-2, CITH-AP-3, Afghani, Turkey and Erani were having good quality characteristics like colour, firmness, TSS, ascorbic acid, b-carotene and better shelf life. These varieties need further exploitation for commercialization and significantly high returns.
Morphology of the Cervical Spine Alignment in Scheuermann’s Disease

Scheuermann’s disease (SD) is a one of the most common structural hyperkyphosis of the spine in adolescents [1]. The prevalence of the disease is reported 0.4%-8% of population [24]. The diagnosis of SD is based on radiological findings. The most important finding is a wedging of vertebrae. Other structural changes may be found in the radiological examination: irregularities of the vertebral endplates, Schmorl nodes, narrowing of the disc spaces, and lengthening of the vertebral bodies [5]. There are several diagnostic classifications for establishing the diagnosis of SD, differing in the number of affected vertebrae and presence of additional findings. However, most authors still use the diagnostic criteria introduced by Sorensen [5,6].
Comparison of Cognitive status of Elderly People Living in Old Age Home and in Community on MMSE

Increasing life expectancy and demographic changes are causing the absolute number of elderly people to increase as well as their proportion of the total population. Because of this, maintaining cognitive function and emotional well-being in the last decades of life becomes an important topic for our society. It is well known that some cognitive functions decline in older age, mainly fluid intelligence components such as perceptual speed and working memory capacity; other cognitive function stay stable over along period in life, such as verbal fluency and knowledge representations Today it is well accepted that there are domain-general as well as function specific-mechanisms which explain the cognitive and sensory decline that occurs in old age [1].
Prey choice by three insectivorous grassland birds: reevaluating opportunism

Assemblages of breeding grassland birds have typically been considered dietary opportunists. We studied prey selection by an assemblage of three breeding insectivores grasshopper sparrows, lark sparrows, and western meadowlarks ― in the Sandhills grasslands of Nebraska, USA and we contrast three foraging models with a null model of opportunism. Handling times and %-chitin varied among prey taxa. The profitability (grams of non-chitin intake/handling time) of acridids, a major part of the diet of all three birds, declined with body size of grasshoppers. We measured Selectivities by comparing arthropods recovered from avian guts with those recovered from sweep sampling. Birds preferred some prey taxa (e.g., acridids, tettigoniids, small Coleoptera) over others (e.g., Homoptera, Hymenoptera, spiders)
Chemical diversity and ecology of the genus Bryoria section Implexae (Parmeliaceae) in Finland

Abstract Bryoria section Implexae is a chemically and morphologically diverse group characterized by pendent growth form and non-spinulose branches. In this study, we examine the chemical diversity, distribution pattern and habitat preferences of European members of section Implexae in Finland. A total of 1253 specimens were collected from four vegetation zones and analysed with thin layer chromatography for secondary chemistry. Secondary chemistry of the specimens and vegetation zones had a significant interaction term in a generalized linear model (GLM) of sample frequencies, indicating that chemotype frequencies differed among vegetation zones. Forest structure interacted with vegetation zones and chemotypes indicating that chemotypes differed among forest structure classes, but also showing that forest structure classes differed among vegetation zones. The overall abundance of Bryoria spp. was significantly different among vegetation zones, increasing substantially from south to north. The abundance was also significantly higher in managed than in old-growth stands in the southern and in the middle boreal zones. This result may reflect the sampling scheme used in the study and shows that members of Implexae can thrive under favorable environmental conditions also in mature managed stands. Barbatolic acid was the most common chemotype, but its proportion clearly declined towards north. The characteristic distribution pattern suggests that the chemotype tolerates shady habitats typical for southern and middle boreal Picea-dominated forests in Finland. The gyrophoric acid chemotype was frequent in the middle boreal zone, but was relatively rare in the hemiboreal and northern boreal zones. The fumarprotocetraric acid chemotype occurred throughout the study area but was especially frequent in the southern boreal zone. The acid-deficient chemotype was most abundant in the northern boreal zone and was preferably late successional in the southern and middle boreal zones. Norstictic acid and psoromic acid chemotypes were both rare and continental in their distribution pattern and confined to the middle and especially northern boreal zones where the overall Bryoria abundance is high. According to this study, chemotypes in section Implexae have distinct ecological and climatic preferences despite the lack of genetic variation and this should be taken into account when using them as bioindicators.
Response of Dry Matter Partitioning, Growth, and Carbon and Nitrogen Levels in the Tomato Plant to Changes in Root Temperature: Experiment and Theory

Growth, dry matter partitioning, and the levels of various substances in tomato plants grown in liquid nutrient culture at four root temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) in controlled environment cabinets were measured. In order to understand the role of root temperature in growth and development, the partitioning model of Thornley (1972) was used to try and describe the observed behaviour. The steady-state behaviour could be simulated reasonably by the model, although certain aspects of the time-course data present problems. It was observed that relative growth rate is proportional to the product of the carbon and nitrogen levels (one of the two principal assumptions of the model). The model also made realistic predictions about the influence of root temperature on the fraction of the plant dry matter in the root, and on the carbon and nitrogen levels. The effect of root temperature was incorporated into the model by assuming that certain values of specific root activity correspond to the different temperatures. In addition the model predicted an experimentally reasonable relation between net assimilation rate and relative growth rate.
Factors controlling germination and dormancy processes in dimorphic fruits of Atriplex inflata (Chenopodiaceae)

In some species belonging to the Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Poaceae and Brassicaceae, a single individual produces different morphophysiological types of seeds that differ in colour, size, shape, germination and dormancy (Imbert 2002, Li et al. 2005, Mandak & Pysek 2005). This phenomenon is known as seed dimorphism or seed polymorphism. This may be an adaptive feature to harsh environments (Mandak 1997). In halophytic species, including Arthrocnemum, Atriplex, Chenopodium, Salicornia, Salsola, Spergularia and Suaeda, seed polymorphism is considered as an adaption to saline environments (Li et al. 2005). It enables halophytes to respond to severe conditions and could provide multiple opportunities for germination and growth in saline ecosystems (Song et al. 2007). It is well known that in halophytes, seeds are exposed to severe salinity at the soil surface; this is not suitable for germination and seedling establishment. Upon salt dilution by rain, germination is maximal for non dormant seeds (Ungar 1995, Debez et al. 2004). However, in saline biotopes, salinity is in permanent fluctuation and the re-increase of soil salinity prevents germination (Easton & Kleindorfer 2008) and in some cases, it induces a secondary dormancy, like in seeds of Suaeda aralocaspica (Wang et al. 2008). It is well known that many seeds are dormant at maturity. Baskin & Baskin (2004) define five classes of dormancy in seeds of Angiosperms. They include physiological dormancy, morphological dormancy, morphophysiological dormancy, physical dormancy and combined dormancy (physical and physiological dormancy). Several methods are used to break dormancy including physical and chemical treatments. These treatments are specific for each type of dormancy (Mandak & Pysek 2001). For instance, the mechanical and acid scarifications are largely used for physically dormant seeds
Using temperature-dependent embryonic growth models to predict time of hatch of American lobster, Homarus americanus, in nature

Hatch time of American lobster (Homarus americanus) varies between years and regions, which affects temperature experienced by the developing larvae and hence the time and distance these drift before settling. Hatch time can be assessed by working with fishermen and inspecting the brood of gravid females caught in their traps. However, this would require frequent sampling as the hatch period is protracted (≈7–12 weeks) and would require dedicated sampling in many regions where hatching occurs outside of the fishing season. To address these limitations, we tested the accuracy with which hatch time can be predicted by taking egg samples during the fishing season and estimating embryo development using embryonic eye size (Perkins eye index) and lab-derived, temperature-dependent development functions. Using a linear development function and observed variability in Perkins eye index at hatch, we successfully predicted 100% of the observed 50-day hatch period, and 96% of predicted hatch dates fell within this .
Response of Several Members of the Ericaceae to Soils of Contrasting pH and Base-Status

(1) The growth of rooted cuttings of eight members of the Ericaceae was measured in three soils of contrasting pH and base-status. (2) The experiment differentiated between 'calcicole' species (Erica erigena, E. herbacea and E. vagans), which showed healthy growth on both calcareous and acid soils, and 'calcifuge' species (E. cinerea, E. ciliaris, E. mackaiana, E. tetralix and Calluna vulgaris), which grew well on the acid soils but showed poor growth on the calcareous soil. (3) These results supported field observations on the distribution of these species with regard to soil type.
Some Studies on the Toxic Effects of Prolonged Lead Exposure in Male Rabbits: Chromosomal and Testicular Alterations

2 Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxic effect of prolonged lead exposure on the chromosomal and testicular tissue of male rabbits. Twenty mature male New Zealand rabbits were used in four groups, the first group kept as a control. The second, third and fourth groups received low (15mg/kg b.wt), medium (20mg/kg b.wt) and high (30mg/kg b.wt) doses of lead acetate, respectively. Lead acetate was given by oral route for 12 weeks (five days a week). By the end of the experiment, animals were injected with colchicine 3 h before slaughtering.The epididymis were excised and sperm was collected for morphological abnormalities of the sperm shape. Bone marrow metaphases were prepared and scored for chromosomal aberrations. Also pathological examination of the testes and epidedemis were examined. Result revealed a statistically significant (p < 0.01) increase in the number of abnormal sperm in treated animals at the three tested doses. Lead acetate at the three doses increased the percentage of chromosomal abnormalities.Pathological examination of testicular tissues showed degenerative changes of spermatogonia and spermatocytes to advanced degeneration and vacuolation with pyknosis and necrosis of spermatogonia and setoli cells. The hyaline degeneration and edema in the center of semniferous tubules were detected and in high dose, the lumen of semineferous tubules showed atrophied and free from spermatocytes. In conclusion, lead acetate has genotoxic and cytotoxic effect in male rabbit and may contribute in reduction of fertility.
Gabaleryon, a new genus of widespread early Toarcian polychelidan lobsters

Polychelidan lobsters are decapod crustaceans with a unique anatomy: a dorsoventrally flattened carapace, four to five pairs of chelate appendages and a completely reduced rostrum. These crustaceans, like most other malacostracans, are mostly preserved in outcrops in which exceptional preservation occurs, Fossil-Konservat-Lagerstätten. Unfortunately, Lagerstätten are rare, and therefore disjointed both geographically and stratigraphically. This study focuses on a new genus of polychelidan lobster, Gabaleryon gen. nov., with the description of two new Toarcian species, Gabaleryon coquelae sp. nov. from France and G. garassinoi sp. nov. from Italy. The long-standing question of the generic assignment of Eryon moorei (Toarcian, UK) is resolved and the species is ascribed to Gabaleryon. The occurrences of these three species and a fourth, Gabaleryon sp. 1 (Toarcian, Germany), provide a first palaeobiogeographical indication that the Fossil-Lagerstätten in which they occur were linked during Toarcian times. The occurrence of a possible fifth species of Gabaleryon in the late Bajocian–early Bathonian of France may extend the stratigraphical distribution of the new genus. Finally, these new species increase our knowledge of fossil polychelidans and place the Toarcian as their second peak of palaeobiodiversity, after that at the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian boundary. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:073513BD-A0D8-4A5B-B9DE-1C61781077DC
Agreement

Principals delegate in order to resolve disagreements. We would be unwilling to invest energy in any sort of enterprise or activity, without a method to resolve the disputes that may arise. We grant someone the authority to interpret rules. Whether disciplining players in the NFL, deciding which country will host the soccer World Cup or settling disputes between governments in the World Trade Organization, principals turn to a dispute-resolving agent to sort it out. This chapter discusses the use of delegation to solve disagreements. Some scholars depart from principal-agent theory to use the term trustee to describe the autonomy in this type of delegation relationship, but this is an unnecessary departure. The key to controlling this agent lies in the initial selection process.
Genetic Analysis on Resistance to Bacterial Wilt in Oriental Tobacco

In this paper,bacterial wilt resistant variety Xanthi and susceptible variety Samsun,their F1s and F2s were used to study inheritance of resistance of oriental tobacco to bacterial wilt.These populations and their individuals were planted in identifying field of Fujian Province.The identified data of individuals was analyzed using major gene plus poly-gene mixed inheritance model.Results indicated that the resistance to bacterial wilt in oriental tobacco was controlled by two independent major genes with additive-dominance-epistatic effects plus polygenes with additive-dominance effects(the E-1 model). Heritability value of the major genes reached 49.63%.
The Multi-allelic Genetic Architecture of a Variance-heterogeneity Locus for Molybdenum Accumulation Acts as a Source of Unexplained Additive Genetic Variance

Most biological traits are regulated by both genetic and environmental factors. Individual loci contributing to the phenotypic diversity in a population are generally identified by their contributions to the trait mean. Genome-wide association (GWA) analyses can also detect loci based on variance differences between genotypes and several hypotheses have been proposed regarding the possible genetic mechanisms leading to such signals. Little is, however, known about what causes them and whether this genetic variance-heterogeneity reflects mechanisms of importance in natural populations. Previously, we identified a variance-heterogeneity GWA (vGWA) signal for leaf molybdenum concentrations in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, fine-mapping of this association to a ∼78 kb Linkage Disequilibrium (LD)-block reveals that it emerges from the independent effects of three genetic polymorphisms on the high-variance associated version of this LD-block. By revealing the genetic architecture underlying this vGWA signal, we uncovered the molecular source of a significant amount of hidden additive genetic variation (“missing heritability”). Two of the three polymorphisms on the high-variance LD-block are promoter variants for Molybdate transporter 1 (MOT1), and the third a variant located ∼25 kb downstream of this gene. A fourth independent association was also detected ∼600 kb upstream of the LD-block. Testing of T-DNA knockout alleles for genes in the associated regions suggest AT2G25660 (unknown function) and AT2G26975 (Copper Transporter 6; COPT6) as the strongest candidates for the associations outside MOT1. Our results show that multi-allelic genetic architectures within a single LD-block can lead to a variance-heterogeneity between genotypes in natural populations. Further they provide novel insights into the genetic regulation of ion homeostasis in A. thaliana, and empirically confirm that variance-heterogeneity based GWA methods are a valuable tool to detect novel associations of biological importance in natural populations.
Microbial communities in the developmental stages of B and Q biotypes of sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Whiteflies are sap-sucking insects belonging to the hemipteran order. They are well known for their menace to agriculture, as pests and vectors, and are reported for their bacterial and Rickettsia association in B biotype. In the present investigation, culture-dependent and -independent methods were used to reveal the bacterial phylotypes associated with B and Q biotypes. Cultivable bacterial phylotypes varied with respect to growth media and biotypes. Twenty different bacterial genera, including 31 species belong to Actinobacteria, ‘alpha’-, ‘beta’-, ‘gamma’- Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes were isolated from both the biotypes. Of the seventeen phylotypes, Bacillus, Kocuria, Moraxellla, Micrococcus, Sphingomonas and Staphylococcus were common to both B and Q biotypes. Moreover, B biotype was associated with Acinetobacter, Deinococcus, Modestobacter, Microbacterium, and Pseudomonas, whereas Q biotype was associated with Arthrobacter, Bradyrhizobium, Janibacter, Morganella, Naxibacter, and Streptomyces. Application of a culture-independent method revealed the presence of additional symbiotic bacteria: Rickettsia in B biotype and Halomonas in Q biotype, as well as primary endosymbiont in both biotypes, which could not be obtained through culture-dependent method. Presence of Staphylococcus, Micrococcus (in both B and Q biotypes), and Bacillus (only in B biotype) in all developmental stages of B. tabaci indicated their close association with host insect.
A new species of karst dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Sarawak, Borneo

A new species of karst dwelling Cnemaspis is described from western Sarawak, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Cnemaspis paripari sp. nov. is presumably endemic to the karst outcroppings which extend approximately 4.2 km between Gua Angin and Gua Pari-pari in the district of Bau. It is the only species of Southeast Asian Cnemaspis with a median, subcaudal row of bead-like scales and whose adult males have a bright yellow head and a bright yellow regenerated tail. Cnemaspis paripari sp. nov. differs markedly from the other three species of Bornean Cnemaspis in aspects of size, squamation, and coloration and its presence underscores the potential unrealized diversity of this genus in Borneo as compared to Peninsular Malaysia.