Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diabetes or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α agonist increases mitochondrial thioesterase I activity in heart Published, JLR Papers in Press, April 16, 2007.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a transcriptional regulator of the expression of mitochondrial thioesterase I (MTE-I) and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), which are induced in the heart at the mRNA level in response to diabetes. Little is known about the regulation of protein expression of MTE-I and UCP3 or about MTE-I activity; thus, we investigated the effects of diabetes and treatment with a PPARα agonist on these parameters. Rats were either made diabetic with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg ip) and maintained for 10–14 days or treated with the PPARα agonist fenofibrate (300 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. MTE-I and UCP3 protein expression, MTE-1 activity, palmitate export, and oxidative phosphorylation were measured in isolated cardiac mitochondria. Diabetes and fenofibrate increased cardiac MTE-I mRNA, protein, and activity (∼4-fold compared with controls). This increase in activity was matched by a 6-fold increase in palmitate export in fenofibrate-treated animals, despite there being no effect in either group on UCP3 protein expression. Both diabetes and fenofibrate caused significant decreases in state III respiration of isolated mitochondria with pyruvate + malate as the substrate, but only diabetes reduced state III rates with palmitoylcarnitine. Both diabetes and specific PPARα activation increased MTE-I protein, activity, and palmitate export in the heart, with little effect on UCP3 protein expression.
Sclerotia as viable sources of mycelia for the establishment of ectomycorrhizae

The ectomycorrhizal fungi Pisolithus tinctorius and Paxillus involutus, which have wide host potential and diverse ecological ranges, were grown in association with pine seedlings in plastic growth pouches. Sclerotia formed under these conditions were stored at room temperature for up to 30 days and then germinated on agar medium. Pure cultures of P. involutus also produced sclerotia and these also regenerated in culture. Mycelial plugs from the sclerotia-derived cultures were subsequently reinoculated onto pine roots. Typical ectomycorrhizae with a mantle and Hartig net were established.
Molecular data reveals California as the potential source of an invasive leafhopper species, Macrosteles sp. nr. severini, transmitting the aster yellows phytoplasma in Hawaii

A species of aster leafhopper (Macrosteles sp.) became established in 2001 on Oahu, Hawaii, and through the transmission of the aster yellows phytoplasma, caused devastating losses to the island’s watercress industry. DNA sequence data were analysed from two mitochondrial genes [cytochrome oxidase subunit 1(CO1) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 1 (NADH1)] and one nuclear gene (wingless, Wg) (combined total of 1874 bp) to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships between putative US mainland source populations of aster leafhoppers and those introduced to Hawaii. These data were applied to elucidate the origin(s) and identity of Hawaiian infestations and the amount of genetic diversity within introduced invasive populations. Both phylogenetic search criteria (Bayesian and maximum likelihood models) converged onto similar tree topologies for all three gene regions and suggested that Hawaii infestations represent a single undescribed leafhopper species unrelated to the common aster leafhopper, Macrosteles quadrilineatus. An exact haplotype match was found from a specimen intercepted from watercress shipped to Hawaii from Los Angeles, California, suggesting this region as the potential source for Hawaiian infestations. Two mitochondrial haplotypes were identified in Hawaii suggesting two or perhaps just a single introduction of more than one female.
Study on the efficacy of some bio resources as mulch for soil moisture conservation and yield of rain fed groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea )

A two-year field experiment was conducted to study the efficacy of some mulching materials for soil moisture conservation and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in summer under rainfed conditions. The mulches used were water hyacinth (WH), rice straw (RS), banana leaves covered with grass (BL), jute stick (JS) and white polythene sheet (PS). The groundnut cultivar AK-12-24 was sown by flat and ridge planting methods. The WH mulch conserved more soil moisture than the other mulches. The soil temperature at the root zone depth was also reduced with the use of WH mulch. The mulches used and the planting methods did not significantly affect the number of leaves and branches per plant. The mulches WH and RS manifested higher kernel yields of 0.67 and 0.61 t ha − 1 respectively. The soil moisture content with ridge planting method was 8.4%, significantly higher than the flat planting method (7.3%). Soil temperature with flat (33.7°C) and ridge (33.2°C) planting method were statistically similar. The ridge method of planting produced higher kernel yield of groundnut (0.57 t ha − 1) than flat planting (0.42 t ha − 1).
THE IMPACT OF PREDATORS ON LUCERNE APHIDS AND THE SEASONAL PRODUCTION OF LUCERNE IN THE HUNTER VALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

A study was made on the impact of predators on the exotic aphids Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji (bluegreen aphid) and Therioaphis trifolii (Monell) f. maculata (spotted alfalfa aphid) in lucerne. The predator complex consisted mainly of Coccinella repanda Thunberg, Micromus sp. , syrphid larvae, predatory mites and spiders. Predators significantly reduced numbers of aphids in 3 of 6 plant growth periods when aphids were abundant but they did not prevent significant yield Ioss. In combination with various parasitic hymenoptera, predators could be important pest management tools.
The influence of cadmium chloride and hyperthermia on the fatty acid composition of high aquatic plants from Angara River

Water is the basic component of all living organisms and the biosphere. The intensification of using water in the industrial, agricultural and domestic consumption leads to an increased anthropogenic impact on water ecosystems. High aquatic plants are the most important component of aquatic ecosystems. They take part in the process of exchange of nutrients in self-purification of water, can accumulate and transform organic and inorganic pollutants. Aquatic plants are considered and used as sites for monitoring ecological status of water bodies. In this study we investigated the fatty acid composition of higher aquatic plants from Angara River under the influence of hyperthermia 30 °C, and cadmium chlo­ride 100 mg/l. Macrophytes Elodea canadensis Michx. and Myrio­phyllum spicatum L. were gathered at a high flow of Angara River. After cultivation in the laboratory conditions the plants from experimental group were replaced in a solution of cadmium chloride (100 mg/l) during 24 and 48 h. In another experiment the plants were replaced in distilled water, 30 °C heated, and incubated during 24 or 48 h. Lipids were extracted with mixture of chloroform: methanol (2:1). Analysis of fatty acids composition was carried out in form of methyl ethers by the method of chromato-mass-spectrometry. The changes of the fatty acid composition in response to hyperthermia and cadmium chloride were found. The differences in the fatty acid composition changes of the studied species were shown after 24 and 48 h of exposure. Differences in the metabolism of fatty acids should be considered for the development of methods of biomonitoring and bioassay.
Contribution to the knowledge of the Orculinae from Northeastern Turkey (Mollusca: Stylommatophora: Orculidae)

Summary Some species of the Orculidae from the drainage area of the river coruh are investigated and a lectotype is designated for Schileykula batumensis (Retowski, 1889). The range of this species and of Schileykula trapezensis (Stojaspal, 1981) is defined and the existence of intermediate forms is shown. These intermediates can be explained by the introgression of populations that are not yet completely isolated reproduetively. A new left-coiled subspecies of trapezensis is described. The problem of mirror images is discussed.
On the evolution of raptorial legs – an insect example (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Phymatinae)

The presence of chelate and subchelate fore legs in Phymatinae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), or ambush bugs, provides a unique opportunity to study the evolution of different types of raptorial legs in a closely related group of arthropods. Themonocorini have simple, possibly raptorial legs, Phymatini and Macrocephalini distinct subchelate fore legs, and the charismatic Carcinocorini are the only insects with a chelate fore leg apart from female dryinid Chysidoidea (Hymenoptera). Relationships between the four phymatine tribes are here analyzed in a cladistic framework thus permitting testable hypotheses on the evolution of raptorial legs. The presented analysis of phymatine tribal level relationships is based on a dataset comprising 11 species of Phymatinae and 54 non‐phymatine Reduviidae and Heteroptera. The molecular data set consists of ∼3500 MAFFT aligned bases of 16S, 28S D2–D3, and 18S ribosomal genes. Parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses resulted in identical topologies for the ingroup with the relationships Themonocorini + (Phymatini + (Carcinocorini + Macrocephalini)) receiving high support values. Eleven morphological characters, eight of them derived from fore leg morphology, were optimized on the parsimony analysis. These optimizations indicate that the ancestral ambush bug had a simple raptorial leg; that size reduction of the tarsus, enlargement of the femur, curvature of the fore tibia, armature of tibia and femur with rows of tiny tubercles that allow for gripping of a prey insect, and the large process on the ventral surface of the femur arose in the common ancestor of Carcinocorini + Macrocephalini + Phymatini. The chelate leg in Carcinocorini is likely derived from a subchelate precursor similar to the one seen in recent Macrocephalini and may have evolved through elongation of the ventral, proximal portion of the fore femur and modification of the median process to form part of the digitus fixus.
Fish and Invertebrate Recolonization in a Missouri Prairie Stream after an Acute Pollution Event

Abstract Recolonization of invertebrates and fish was monitored for 50 weeks and 241 weeks (4.6 years), respectively, after a chicken manure spill killed more than 18,000 fish and an undetermined number of invertebrates in 31.4 km of a prairie stream in west-central Missouri. I have characterized the postspill water quality in the affected portions of the stream to provide insight about the impacts of water quality on the rate of recolonization, determined the recolonization of invertebrate populations to provide insight into the return of a suitable food base for the fish population, and documented the chronology of fish recolonization in the affected portions of the stream to assist with a more appropriate determination of losses of recreational and economic values as a result of fish kills. Water quality had improved by week 15 postspill, but degraded water quality retarded recovery by invertebrates at one site for 50 weeks. Total and noninsect invertebrate abundance improved at some, but not all, site.
Enantioselective lignan synthesis by cell-free extracts of Forsythia koreana

The Forsythia koreana plant produces such lignans as ( − )-secoisolariciresinol, and ( + )-pinoresinol. Cell-free extracts from the plant catalyzed the enantioselective formation of ( − )-[2H10]secoisolariciresinol from [9, 9-2H2, OC2H3]coniferyl alcohol in the presence of NADPH and H2 O2. On the other hand, [2H10]lariciresinosl isolated from the enzymatic reaction products was found to be predominantly composed of the unnatural ( − )-enantiomer [88% enantiomer excess (e.e.)]. The stereoselectivity for the formation of these lignans can be explained, at least in part, by the finding that the enzyme system also catalyzed the stereoselective reduction of ( + )-lariciresinol, but not its ( − )-enantiomer, to ( − )-secoisolariciresinol.
Influence of Landscape Pattern on Habitat Use by American Marten in an Industrial Forest

Few studies have examined the potential for clearcutting to fragment habitat of area‐sensitive, forest‐dependent mammals such as American marten (Martes americana). We examined relationships among measures of landscape pattern and spatial use of habitat by 33 resident and 32 nonresident, adult marten that were radio‐monitored in an extensively logged landscape. Size and distribution of forest patches (trees over 6 m in height) were associated with patch use by marten. Patches of forest used by resident marten (median = 27 ha, n = 12) were larger ( p < 0.003) than patches with no observed use (median = 1.5 ha, n = 128). Further, patches used by residents were closer to the nearest patch larger than 2.7 ha (38 m versus 55 m;p = 0.057) and to an adjacent forest preserve (2.5 km versus 3.5 km;p = 0.075) than patches with no observed use. At four spatial scales (10, 65, 125, and 250 ha), grid cells used by resident marten comprised a greater percentage of residual forest over 6 m in height ( p≤ 0.008) and intersected forest patches of greater area ( p≤ 0.006) than cells with no observed use. Edge indices were not different ( p≥ 0.490) between used grid cells and cells with no observed use at any of the four spatial scales. Analyses of forest edge associations indicated that marten did not avoid residual‐regenerating forest edge within home ranges or within the study area. Home ranges ( n = 27) of all resident, adult marten were composed of more than 60% forest cover over 6 m in height; median values were 78–80% for both sexes. The median size of the largest forest patch in marten home ranges was 150 ha for females and 247 ha for males. Our results suggest that reducing fragmentation by consolidating clearcuts and retaining large residual patches would help to maintain resident marten in extensively logged landscapes.
HCV envelope glycoproteins in evirion assembly and entry

ABSTRACT HCV encodes two envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2, which assemble as a non-covalent heterodimer in infected cells. During HCV morphogenesis, these proteins are incorporated into viral particles and they are the major viral determinants of HCV entry. Functional studies have revealed unique features in these viral envelope glycoproteins. Indeed, E1–E2 interaction, mediated by their transmembrane domain, is essential for HCV assembly and entry. Furthermore, recent data also show that these glycoproteins interact with apolipoproteins. Recent crystallography data provide some structural support to better understand how these proteins interact with the host. In this review, we summarize the biogenesis of HCV envelope glycoproteins and their role in HCV morphogenesis in the context of the hijacking of the very low-density lipoprotein assembly pathway by this virus. We also describe the functions of HCV glycoproteins during virus entry with a special focus on the unexpected structural features of E2 gly.
Improving Optimization

is a senior research analyst at the Frank Russell Company in Tacoma, Washington. He has been with Frank Russell since 2990, and his current research projects include work on mean-variance and alternative asset allocation techniques. Mr. Chopra was previously a research assistant at Vanderbilt University. He holds a B. Tech. in electrical engineeringfrom the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi, India; an M. B.A. in finance from Vanderbilt University; and a Ph.D. in management with a concentration in finance3orn Vanderbilt University
Detection of prunus necrotic ringspot virus in several rosaceous hosts by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay

Detection of prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in rose, peach and almond was improved by absorbing the enzyme-conjugated γ-globulin with healthy leaf extracts. Non-specific reactions were reduced markedly, thereby increasing the infected/healthy A405 ratio several-fold. Absorbing the conjugate with peach leaf extract was most effective in lowering the non-specific reaction in peach and rose, especially during the summer. Consequently, absorption of the enzyme conjugate with peach extract is now used in routine indexing for PNRSV in rose and peach.
Preparation and Characterization of Collagen/Chitosan Matrices As Potential Biomaterials

Chitosan was covalently coupled to type I collagen by using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide in morpholinoethane sulfonic acid buffer. The physico-chemical characteristics of the collagen/chitosan matrices (CCM) were evaluated by electron spectroscopy and tensile mechanical strength. The platelet deposition and endothelial cell culture experiments showed that the CCM have good cell compatibility and excellent blood compatibility. The results suggest that the CCM creates an appropriate environment for the regeneration of endothelial cells and are promising candidates as biomaterials for the tissue regeneration scaffolds.
Mortality Rates of 205 Neotropical Tree and Shrub Species and the Impact of a Severe Drought

Mortality rates of 205 tree and shrub species were estimated during two intervals, 1982-1985 and 1985-1990, in two size classes, 1-10 and ? 10 cm in diameter, in a 50-ha census plot in tropical moist forest on Barro Colorado Island in Panama. The severe dry season of 1983 was the focus of the study, since prior observations had dem- onstrated that it caused mortality in the forest. Here we document that forest-wide mortality was z3%/yr during the drought interval but only 2%/yr during the period afterwards, and that excess mortality during the first interval amounted to 2% of stems in the larger size class and 1% in the smaller. Overall, just under 70% of all species had higher mortality during the first census interval, but not all species were equally affected. Canopy trees had significantly higher mean mortality rates during 1982-1985 than during 1985-1990, but treelets and shrubs showed no or slight differences. This was counter to our prediction that species with short root systems would suffer more from a long drought. Shrubs did, however, have higher mortality rates than trees and treelets during both census intervals. We also evaluated mortality rates for subgroups of species that specialized on different microhabitats in the forest. As we predicted, colonist species (those associated with light gaps) had higher mortality rates than generalist species, 7-10%/yr compared to 2-4%/yr, but only in the smaller size class. Unexpectedly, colonizers had similar mortality rates as non-colonizers in the larger size class. Gap colonizers and generalist species were similarly affected by the drought-both had elevated mortality during 1982-1985. Species whose distributions were associated with moister soils (on the slopes around the island's plateau or in a swamp in the midst of the 50-ha plot) also had elevated mortality during the drought period, but no more so than generalist species. This was counter to our prediction that species from moist microhabitats would suffer more during an extended drought than generalists. Understory treelets that were slope specialists had higher mortality than generalists during both census intervals, but not large trees that were slope specialists. Our conclusions emphasize diversity as well as pattern. Every trend we illustrated had well-documented exceptions: large trees with lower mortality during the drought period, for example. Clearly, accurate predictions about how tropical forests will respond to climatic perturbations will require much detailed information from many species.
L’INDUCTION DE LA RESISTANCE AU FROID PAR LA SECHERESSE: UNE METHODE RAPIDE ET ECONOMIQUE POUR TESTER ET SELECTIONNER DES CULTIVARS RESISTANTS DE CEREALES D’HIVER

A short drought of 24 h was used to cold-harden 21 cultivars of wheat, rye and triticale. In seedlings, epicotyls harden much more than other tissues. The degree of frost-resistance measured in drought-stressed epicotyls was strongly correlated to that of whole plants in the field, thus, epicotyl is a choice material for detection of frost hardiness. The range of values of LT50 (temperature at which 50% of the epicotyls are killed) is larger than that of LT50 measured in whole plants. Therefore, freezing tests performed on epicotyls are theoretically better suited to resolve frost hardiness than freezing tests performed on whole plants, if the error in LT50 measurements is kept low. A new screening method for frost resistance could be developed from the freezing tests performed on drought-stressed epicotyls.Key words: Frost, drought, resistance, cereals
The Structure of the Coliphage HK022 Nun Protein-λ-phage boxB RNA Complex

Nun protein from coliphage HK022 binds to phageboxB RNA and functions, in contrast to phage λ N protein, as a transcriptional terminator. The basic Nun-(10–44) peptide contains the boxB RNA binding arginine rich motif, ARM. The peptide binds boxB RNA and competes with the phage λ ARM peptide N-(1–36) as indicated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy titrations. In two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy experiments boxB RNA in complex with Nun-(20–44) exhibits the same pattern of resonances as it does in complex with N peptides containing the ARM, and we could show that Nun-(20–44) forms a bent α-helix upon binding to theboxB RNA. The structure of the boxB RNA-bound Nun-(20–44) was determined on the basis of 191 intra- and 30 intermolecular distance restraints. Ser-24 is anchored to the lower RNA stem, and stacking of Tyr-39 and A7 is clearly experimentally indicated. Arg-28 shows numerous contacts to the RNA stem. Leu-22, Ile-30, Trp-33, Ile-37, and Leu-41 form a hydrophobic surface, which could be a recognition site for additional host factors such as NusG. Such a hydrophobic surface area is not present in N-(1–36) bound toboxB RNA.
Local and Temporal Pattern of Con A-Binding Site Aggregation During Conjugation in Euplotes vannus (Ciliophora, Hypotrichida)1

Conjugating cells of Euplotes vannus (syngens Naples and Barcares) were investigated for Con A-binding sites by means of fluorescence microscopy. Cells fixed with 0.4% paraformaldehyde and incubated with 15 μg/ml FITC-Con A showed a distinct region of strong fluorescence, the size, shape and localization of which characteristically changed during the course of conjugation, first appearing at courtship stage (cells contact without forming pairs) and vanishing soon after the migration pronuclei have been exchanged, but before cells have separated. Con A binding and conjugation were blocked by cyclohexamide and α-galactosidase. Con A-binding was also inhibited by α-mannosidase, α-glucosidase and β-galactosidase without affecting conjugation except a delay of pair formation. The results suggest an involvement of newly formed or translocated glycoconjugates in cell pairing during conjugation.