Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Seaweed Extract-induced Transcriptome Leads to Identification of a Negative Regulator of Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis

Successful development of plants resistant to salinity stress is problematic as a result of the complex polygenic natures of salt tolerance. Previously, alkaline extracts of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum have shown promise in enhancing plant tolerance toward abiotic stresses. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, the whole genome transcriptome of Arabidopsis undergoing salt stress was analyzed by microarray analysis after treatment with the chemical components of A. nodosum extracts (ANE). Treatment with ANE induced many positive regulators of salt tolerance in addition to downregulating numerous other genes. Using T-DNA insertion mutants within these downregulated genes, we examined the potential for anovel source of enhanced NaCl tolerance through removal of negative regulators of NaCl stress responses within Arabidopsis. Several potential target mutations were identified with enhanced salt-tolerant phenotypes. A T-DNA insertion within the promoter of a putative Pectin Methyl Esterase Inhibitor (PMEI) gene (At1g62760) was found to be resistant to salinity stress and was further characterized. This T-DNA insertion mutant was designated as pmei1-1. The phenotype ofpmei1-1seedlings included increased primaryroot growthin vitroandimproved biomassaccumulation under NaCl stress. Additionally, modified transcript levels of dehydration-responsive genes, including RD29A, were observed in pmei1-1 plants. Taken together, these results suggest a role for PMEI as a negative regulator of NaCl resistance and that chemical stress-induced transcriptome analysis may lead to identification of additional novel regulators of abiotic stress tolerance in plants, the use of which would have significant implications for agriculture globally.
Analysis of 15N incorporation into D‐alanine: A new method for tracing nitrogen uptake by bacteria

The quantitative contribution of bacteria to total microbial uptake of nitrogenous substrates is an aspect of the aquatic nitrogen cycle that is still largely unclear, mainly because existing methods are generally inadequate. We investigated the feasibility of measuring 15N incorporation into bacterial D‐amino acids by gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐c‐IRMS) and the potential of this method as a new tool for quantification of 15N uptake by bacteria. The presented method allowed analysis of 15N incorporation into various hydrolysable amino acids (HAAs), including the bacterial biomarker D‐alanine (D‐Ala), at trace levels. The potential of the method was tested in a 15N labeling experiment in which sediment slurries were incubated with 15NH4+ and a 15N‐labeled amino acid mixture. 15N incorporation into D‐Ala was used to calculate total bacterial 15N uptake while comparison of 15N incorporation into D‐Ala versus L‐Ala provided a direct measure for the relative contributions of bacteria versus algae to the total microbial 15N uptake. Subsequently, it was also possible to calculate 15N uptake by algae. Results for the test experiment showed that bacteria accounted for 38% of total 15NH4+ uptake and dominated uptake of the 15N‐amino acid mixture (90%). Analysis of 15N incorporation into other (non‐biomarker) HAAs yielded useful additional information on the transformation of these HAAs during organic matter degradation. In conclusion, GC‐c‐IRMS analysis of D‐Ala combined with 15N labeling is a unique approach in aquatic sciences that provides a powerful new method for quantification of nitrogen flows through bacteria in natural microbial communities.
Role of Agrobacterium tumefaciens ChvA Protein in Export of β-1,2-Glucan

Functional chvA and chvB genes are required for attachment of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to plant cells, an early step in crown gall tumor formation. Strains defective in these loci do not secrete normal amounts of cyclic {beta}-1,2-glucan. Whereas chvB is required for {beta}-1,2-glucan synthesis, the role of chvA in glucan synthesis or export has not been clearly defined. We found that cultures of chvA mutants contained as much neutral {beta}-1,2-glucan in the cell pellets as did the wild type, with no detectable accumulation of glucan in the culture supernatant. The cytoplasm of chvA mutant cells contained over three times more soluble {beta}-1,2-glucan than did the cytoplasm of the wild-type parent. Unlike the wild type, chvA mutants contained no detectable periplasmic glucan. The amino acid sequence of chvA is highly homologous to the sequences of bacterial and eucaryotic export proteins, as observed previously in the case of ndvA, a rhizobial homolog of chvA. Strong sequence homology within this family of export proteins is concentrated in the carboxy-terminal portions of the proteins, but placement of consensus ATP-binding sites, internal signal sequences, and hydrophobic domains are conserved over their entire lengths. These data suggest a model for {beta}-1,2-glucan synthesis in A. tumefaciens in whichmore » glucan is synthesized inside the inner membrane with the participation of ChvB and transported across the inner membrane with the participation of ChvA. « less
Transport, synthesis and catabolism of abscisic acid (ABA) in intact plants of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) under phosphate deficiency and moderate salinity

Abstract Flows of abscisic acid (ABA) were investigated in wholeplants of castor bean [Ricinus communis) grown insand culture under either phosphate deficiency ormoderate salinity. Xylem transport of ABA inP-deficient plants was stimulated by a factor of 6whereas phloem transport was affected only veryslightly. ABA deposition into leaves of P-deficientplants was not appreciably different from the controlsbecause of strong net degradation in leaves. Sinceconjugation of ABA was strongly reduced in all organsof P-deficient plants ABA was presumably metabolizedmainly to phaseic acid and dihydrophaseic acid. Theincreased import of ABA occurred predominantly intofully differentiated but not senescent leaves andshowed a good correlation with the inhibition of leafconductance under P deficiency.As with low-P-plants salt stress increased ABA syn-thesis in roots and associated transport in the xylem.However, salinity caused a distinctly greater accumu-lation of ABA in the leaves, stem segments and theapex than in P-deficient plants. As opposed to P defi-ciency, ABA export in the phloem from the leaves wasstimulated by salinity. Modelling of ABA flows withinan individual leaf over its life cycle showed that younggrowing leaves imported ABA from both phloem andxylem, whereas the adult non-senescent leaves werea source of ABA and thus provided a potential shoot-to-root stress signal as well as an acceptor for recip-rocal signals from root to shoot. In senescing leavesABA flows and accumulation were somewhat retardedand ABA was lost in net terms by export from the leaf.Key words: Abscisic acid, phosphorus deficiency, saltstress, phloem and xylem transport.
The Anatomy of the Cardiac Veins in Storks (Ciconia ciconia)

Summary This study was carried out to describe the origin, course and ramifications of the cardiac veins in storks. For this purpose, coloured latex injection method was applied on heart of nine adult storks. The results indicate that venous drainage of the heart was provided by the v. cardiaca sinistra, the v. cardiaca media, the vv. cardiacae dextrae and the vv. cardiacae minimae. The coronary sinus was not found in all samples. The v. cardiaca sinistra and v. cardiaca media were opened into the v. cava cranialis sinistra. The v. cardiaca sinistra was the largest vein providing to venous drainage of heart which consisted of two main parts pars interventricularis and v. cardiaca circumflexa sinistra . The v. cardiaca circumflexa sinistra was collected to venous blood of the ventriculus sinister and atrium sinistrum by means of several vessels. One branch of the v. cardiaca circumflexa sinistra coming from ventriculus sinister was much larger than rest and drained big part of ventriculus sinister. The v. cardiac media was a single vein. The vv. cardiacae dextrae were opened directly into the right atrium. The vv. cardiacae minimae were collected venous blood from the wall of atrium dextrum and interventricular septum and emptied into the right chambers of heart. The venous blood of the interventricular septum was collected by the vv. septales of pars interventricularis and v. cardiaca media. It was concluded that circulation of cardiac veins in stork closely resembles that of rodent and is unlike both fowl and ostrich patterns.
Eucinetidae - a new family to the fauna of Bulgaria (Coleoptera: Scirtoidea)

The presence of the family Eucinetidae Lacordaire, 1857, the genera Eucinetus Germar, 1818 and Nycteus Latreille, 1829, and the species Eucinetus haemorrhoidalis (Germar, 1818) and Nycteus hopffgarteni (Reitter, 1885) is recorded for the first time in the Bulgarian fauna.
SEABIRD INTERACTIONS WITH TRAWL AND LONGLINE FISHERIES FOR DISSOSTICHUS ELEGINOIDES AND CHAMPSOCEPHAL US GUNNARI

The behaviour of seabirds and the rate of incidental mortality were observed during commercial trawling operations for Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) in the 1994/95 season near Macquarie Island and Kerguelen Island. Longlining for D. eleginoides and trawling for mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) were also observed at Kerguelen. Many seabirds were constantly observed near the vessels, especially giant petrels (Macronectes halli and M. giganteus), black-browed albatrosses (Diomedea melanophris) and Dominican gulls (Larus dominicanus). White-chinned petrels (Procellaria aequinoctialis) were common only at Kerguelen. Bird mortality during trawling was zero at Macquarie Island and very low at Kerguelen; most was associated with a single vessel using a netsonde cable while targetting C. gunnari. Most mortality associated with both longliners and trawlers was of white-chinned petrels, with a lesser mortality of albatross species. Mortality rates associated with longlining in the Kerguelen region were lower than those reported for the South Georgia area, probably because the birds at the former site are distracted from the longlines by the discharge of offal from the side of the vessel opposite to where the longline is set.
Effect of Thermal Pretreatment on the Functional Constituents of Waxy Corn (Zea mays L.)

Quantitative changes in functional constituents of waxy corn (Zea mays L.) by 5 different thermal pretreatments, including roasting, steaming, microwave, puffing, and extruding, were determined and compared with those of the raw waxy corn. There were no significant differences in fatty acid compositions among the corn treated with 5 thermal treatments. Levels of α- and γ-tocopherols, soluble amino acids, and phytosterols decreased by thermal treatments, while those of pcoumaric and ferulic acids considerably increased by thermal treatments. In particular, the contents of tocopherols and phytosterols, and souble amino acid decreased significant in the steaming and puffing processes, respectively, whereas those of 2 free cinnamic acids increased significantly in the steaming and puffing processes. The extruding process showed smaller quantitative changes in tocopherols, phytosterols, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives compared to other heat pretreatments. These results suggest that the extruding process have a positive effect on valuable phytochemicals in waxy corn.
Hydrodynamic control of phytoplankton loss to the benthos in an estuarine environment

Field experiments were undertaken to measure the influence of hydrodynamics on the removal of phytoplankton by benthic grazers in Suisun Slough, North San Francisco Bay. Chlorophyll a concentration boundary layers were found over beds inhabited by the active suspension feeders Corbula amurensis and Corophium alienense and the passive suspension feeders Marenzellaria viridis and Laonome sp. Benthic losses of phytoplankton were estimated via both the control volume and the vertical flux approach, in which chlorophyll a concentration was used as a proxy for phytoplankton biomass. The rate of phytoplankton loss to the bed was positively correlated to the bed shear stress. The maximum rate of phytoplankton loss to the bed was five times larger than estimated by laboratory‐derived pumping rates for the active suspension feeders. Reasons for this discrepancy are explored including a physical mechanism whereby phytoplankton is entrained in a near‐bed fluff layer where aggregation is mediated by the presence of mucus produced by the infaunal community.
The component acids of lipids from marine and freshwater species with special reference to furan-containing acids†

The component acids of lipids extracted from the liver of roach, powan, brown trout, perch, pike, sea trout, salmon, ice fish, dog fish and cod, the flesh of capelin, haddock, herring and mackerel, and the digland of octopus have been examined. Differences between lipids from freshwater and marine sources and between those obtained from male and female species are noted. Particular attention is directed to a group of furan-containing acids present at low levels (up to 5%) in most of the samples. These unusual acids tend to concentrate in the cholesterol esters. In two starved cod the proportion of furanoid acids rose dramatically to 34 and 48% respectively.
Adverse Effect of Lead Acetate on Light Weight Protein of Bactrocera cucurbitae

Abstract: Lot of insects are influenced easily by a number of pollutants; such as, the influence of lead (as lead acetate) on Bactrocera cucurbitae. L ead is considered to be an important toxic waste which could contaminate the environment, such as soil, air and water. Therefore, insects could be influenced by the lead. Bactrocera cucurbitae, was studied at 48 hours post treatment, under the effects of lead acetate, in different concentrations. Lead is found to exert a definite specific physiological and morphological effect on these flies.It was observed that under the effect of lead abnormalities and deformities were developed in the larvae of flies. Thus these flies could present a useful module for the quick transmission of the environmental hazards due to lead contamination, which exerts a specific physiological and morphological effect on these flies. The purpose of the present work was to determine the effects of lead on proteins as a major indicator of physiological features along with morphological features of larvae of Bactrocera cucurbitae flies.
Syntaxonomical revision of the Molinion meadows in the Czech Republic

A syntaxonomical revision of meadows of the Molinion caeruleae Koch 1926 alliance in the Czech Republic is presented. Of ten associations reported previously for the Czech Republic only two were distinguished using the Cocktail method - Molinietum caeruleae Koch 1926 and Junco effusi-Molinietum caeruleae Tuxen 1954. The former occurs on more base-rich soils, while the latter is found in more acidic habitats and characterized by the occurrence of species of Nardus grasslands. Results of this classification were compared with classifications of Molinion meadows for other countries of Central Europe. Main environmental gradients responsible for variation in species composition of Czech Molinion meadows were revealed by detrended correspondence analysis. For interpretation of these gradients correlations with Ellenberg indicator values and altitude were used. The main gradient positively correlates with soil base status, continentality, temperature and nutrients, and negatively with altitude.
Compatibilidade fenotípica entre cultivares de pereiras europeias eporta-enxertos de marmeleiro

The pear (Pyrus communis L.) crop offers an expansive market opportunity in southern Brazil, because of amicable climatic and soil conditions. However, the lack of studies on compatibility of european pear cultivars and rootstocks is one of the limiting factors on the development of the pear crop in southern Brazil. The use of quinces as rootstocks has the advantages of vigor reduction and earlier bearing trees. However, some of these combinations can present some incompatibility graft. The objective of this study was to evaluate phenotypicaly the morphological compatibility among european pear cultivars and quince rootstocks. The evaluated variable were the section increment of cultivars and rootstocks trunk diameter at the graft union; the diameter difference between scion and cultivars and rootstocks; 'translocated' incompatibility; 'located' incompatibility; and the vascular connection of the graft union by immersion of the base of the plants (under the graft union) in a 0.08% Fuccinic acid solution. The experiments were conducted in an european pear orchards in the region of Urupema municipality, state of Santa Catarina, during the 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14 growing seasons. The european pear cultivars and rootstocks evaluated were: 'Abbe Fetel'/'Adams', 'Decana du Comice'/'Adams', 'Clapp's Favourite'/'EMA', 'Rock'/'Adams', 'Packham's Triumph'/'EMA' and 'Santa Maria'/'Adams'. 'The Clapp´s Favourite'/'EMA' combination showed a `located incompatibility by descontinued vascular graft region, preventing the dye translocation. 'The Rocha'/'Adams' and 'Abbe Fetel'/'Adams' combinations did not present graft incompatibility, showing continued vascular union and no vascular disruption between cultivars and rootstocks. The 'Santa Maria'/'Adams', 'Decana du Comice'/'Adams' and 'Packham´s Triumph'/'EMA' combinations showed a good graft union region with clear and continued bark and wood bond lines. The 'Clapp´s Favourite'/'EMA' combination showed high incompatibility and is not recomented for the experimental conditions evaluated. The 'Abbe Fetel'/'Adams' and 'Rocha'/'Adams' combinations showed the highest graft compatibility among cultivars and rootstocks and are the best recomended combinations. Additionly, the 'Santa Maria'/'Adams', 'Decana du Comice'/'Adams' and 'Packham´s Triumph'/'EMA' combinations showed partial compatibility and can eventually be indicated for high and super plant density when 'Abbe Fetel'/'Adams' and 'Rocha'/'Adams' combinations are not available.
Physiology of fruit cracking in wax apple (Syzygium samarangense)

The cause of fruit cracking can be diverse and the reasons vary among species. Wax apple (Sy zygium samarangense ) fruit is an economically valuable fruit in Southeast Asia and in Taiwan. The main problem in the production of wax apple is cracking which reduces its market value. The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with fruit cracking in wax apple. Results showed that the contents of total soluble sugars and total titratable acid were both 20% higher in cracked fruits than in uncracked fruits, and the osmotic potential was 40% lower; water potential was similar; turgor pressure was 60% higher, and specific activity of polygalacturonase was 131% higher. Based on the above results, the physiological factors for fruit cracking in wax apple are hypothesized. The increase in total soluble sugars and total titratable acid during fruit maturation leads to decreased tissue osmotic potential. Water absorption in response to this decrease in osmotic potential can cause cells to swell, which increase the turgor pressure resulting in rupture of the cells and tissues. The increase in polygalacturonase activity weakens the cell walls. Those combined factors result in fruit cracking. doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/botor.v8i0. 5954 Botanica Orientalis – Journal of Plant Science (2011) 8: 70-76
Elevated levels of acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in roots and rhizosphere of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) genotypes grown in mixed culture and at different densities with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

The aim of this study was to assess P acquisition efficiency in 5 cowpea genotypes in mixed culture and at different plant densities using assays of acid and alkaline phosphatase activity and measurement of P in organs. Five cowpea genotypes (2 improved cvv. ITH98-46 and TVu1509, and 3 farmer-selected varieties, namely Bensogla, Sanzie, and Omondaw) were grown in the field at 2 planting densities (83 333 and 166 666 plants/ha) under monoculture and mixed culture with sorghum during 2005 and 2006. Fresh plant roots and rhizosphere soils were collected during the 2 years of experimentation, and assayed for acid and alkaline phosphatase activity. P concentrations in root tissue and rhizosphere soil were also determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The data for 2005 and 2006 were similar, and therefore pooled for statistical analysis. Our results showed that raising cowpea density from 83 333 to 166 666 plants/ha significantly increased both acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere, just as mixed culture (or intercropping) also increased the acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in cowpea rhizosphere soil. High plant density and mixed culture (or intercropping) also raised the acid phosphatase activity in fresh roots of cowpea plants. The increased enzyme activity in roots and rhizosphere soil resulted in significantly improved P nutrition in cowpea, greater plant growth, and higher grain yield in the farmer-selected varieties, especially cv. Sanzie. This suggests that field-grown legumes can be screened for high P acquisition efficiency by assaying for acid and alkaline phosphatase activities.
The Taxonomy of Sterile Crustaceous Lichens in the British Isles

I wish to thank Mr. P. W. James and Mr. R. Ross for reading the manuscript and for all their helpful suggestions, Dr. O. Almborn and Dr. R. Santesson for their generous advice on a number of matters, and my mother, Mrs. M. O. Laundon, for her collections of terricolous lichens which have proved useful in connection with this paper.
Optimization of the Process of Cultivation of Microalgae Chlorella Vulgaris Biomass with High Lipid Content for Biofuel Production

Experimental research into the conditions of cultivation of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (IFR ? -111 strain) with high lipid content has been conducted. Nutrient media have been selected, and a concentration of potassium nitrate, which affects the formation of intracellular non-polar lipids, has been determined. Also, the influence of cultivation temperature on the biomass growth has been studied. As a result of research, kinetic coefficients of a mathematical model which describes the biomass growth of microalgae with high content of non-polar lipids were experimentally defined.
DNA sequences from three genomes reveal multiple long-distance dispersals and non-monophyly of sections in Australasian Plantago (Plantaginaceae)

We examined the geographic origins and taxonomic placements of New Zealand and Australian Plantago (Plantaginaceae) by using molecular phylogenetic data. Plantago comprises over 200 species distributed worldwide. Analyses of three markers from the nuclear (ITS), chloroplast (ndhF–rpl32) and mitochondrial (coxI) genomes showed that the New Zealand species form three distinct, well supported clades that are not each others’ closest relatives, and were each derived relative to the sampled Australian species. Therefore, at least three long-distance directional dispersal events into New Zealand can be inferred for Plantago, likely from Australian ancestors. This result differs from the biogeographic pattern often reported for New Zealand plant genera of a single dispersal event followed by rapid radiation, and may be attributed to ready biotic dispersal of mucilaginous seeds and habitat similarities of the Australasian species. Molecular dating placed the arrival time and diversification of the New Zealand species between 2.291 and 0.5 million years ago, which coincides with the geological dates for the uplift of mountain ranges in New Zealand. The mitochondrial DNA substitution rate of the Australasian clade relative to the rest of the genus is discussed, as well as implications of the non-monophyly of sections Oliganthos, Mesembrynia and Plantago within subgenus Plantago.