Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laguncularia recemosa (L.) Gaertner f. (Family Combretaceae): gross morphology, phytochemistry, ecology and distribution in the Niger Delta.

The morphology, phytochemistry, ecology and distribution of Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertner f. , (basionym: Conocarpus racemosa L.), in the Niger Delta area was investigated in this study. The data showed that Laguncularia racemosa is a small tree or shrub 30 cm in diameter and about 6 m in height, growing on peaty chikoko soil. The bark of this plant is smooth, greyish brown in colour whereas the inner bark is light brown. Phyllotaxy is opposite. Leaves are ever-green, leathery-textured, petiolate rounded at their bases with pairs of lateral nerves; subsidiary cells surrounding the stomata on the abaxial surfaces are anomocytic whereas those on the adaxial are cyclocytic. The leaf stalk is provided with a pair of glands at the top. Leaves and stems contain flavonoids: apigenin, kaempferol, tricin, iso-orientin and quercetin. Inflorescence is a panicle. The plant fruits all the year round; fruits are greenish yellow, leathery velvety, ribbed longitudinally, crowned by persistent calyx teeth and contains an elongated seed. The plant is well endowed with pneumatophores.
14-3-3.e positively regulates Ras-mediated slgnahng in Drosophila

We have isolated mutations in the gene encoding a Drosophila 14-3-3e protein as suppressors of the rough eye phenotype caused by the ectopic expression of RAS1 TM. Using a simple loss-of-function 14-3-3c mutation, we show that 14-3-3~ acts to increase the efficiency of RAS1 signaling. The 14-3-3e protein appears to function in multiple RTK pathways, suggesting that it is a general component of RAS1 signaling cascade. Sequence analysis of three dominant-negative alleles defines two regions of 14-3-3~ that participate in RAS1 signaling. We also present evidence that 14-3-3¢ and 14-3-34, two 14-3-3 protein family members, are partially redundant for RAS1 signaling in photoreceptor formation and in animal viability. Our genetic data suggest that 14-3-3e functions downstream of or parallel to RAF, but upstream of nuclear factors in RAS1 signaling.
Cross Protection by Cold-shock to Salinity and Drought Stress-induced Oxidative Stress in Mustard ( Brassica campestris L.) Seedlings

In the present study, cold-shock (6 ℃ , 5.5 h) induced salinity and drought tolerance and involvement of antioxidative and glyoxalase systems were investigated in mustard ( Brassica campestris L.) seedlings. Seven-day-old seedlings were subjected to salt (150 mmol/L NaCl, 48 h) and drought stress (induced by 20% PEG, 48 h) with or without cold pre-treatment. The results showed that both salt and drought stresses abruptly increased the hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) levels. Ascorbate (AsA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) contents, GSH/GSSG ratio and the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S -transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), glyoxalase I (Gly I), and glyoxalase II (Gly II) showed both homogeneity and discrepancies in the responses of mustard seedlings to salinity and drought stresses. Drought stress treatment resulted in a significant increases in AsA content. The GSH and GSSG content increased in response to both salt and drought stresses, however, the GSH/GSSG ratio decreased significantly in response to drought stress. Salt stress treatment resulted in a significant increase of APX, MDHAR, GR, GST and Gly I activities, whereas, CAT and Gly II activities decreased. In contrast, drought stress treatment resulted in a significant increase in MDHAR, DHAR, GPX and Gly I activities; whereas, APX, CAT and Gly II activities decreased. Importantly, cold pre-treated salt and drought-stressed seedlings maintained higher level of AsA, GSH contents and GSH/GSSG ratio, higher activities of APX, DHAR, GR, GST, GPX, CAT, Gly I and Gly II, and lower the levels of GSSG, H 2 O 2 and MDA as compared to the control as well as in most cases seedlings subjected to salt and drought stress without cold pre-treatment. Our findings showed that a retention of the imprint of previous stress exposure (short-term cold-shock), induces salt and drought-induced oxidative stress tolerance by modulating antioxidative and glyoxalase systems.
Novel insights in the role of proteases during porcine fertilization in vitro

Proteases play an important role during mammalian fertilization. Their function is frequently investigated using specific inhibitors. We analyzed four serine protease inhibitors [4-(2aminoethyl) benzene sulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF), soybean trypsin inhibitor from glycine max (STI), Nα-tosyl-L-lysine-chloromethyl ketone hydrochloride (TLCK) and Np-tosyl-L phenylalanine-chloromethyl ketone (TPCK)] for their in vitro effect on fertilization and sperm quality in pigs. Inhibitor concentrations were chosen based on the reduction of fertilization rate during preliminary dose-response experiments with cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa. The inhibitor effects on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and sperm parameters (membrane and acrosomal integrity, motility and mitochondrial membrane potential mMP) were evaluated using diluted fresh semen. AEBSF (100 μM), TLCK (100 μM) and TPCK (100 μM) decreased total fertilization and polyspermy rates by at least 50%. STI (5 μM) lowered total fertilization rates but not the level of polyspermy. AEBSF and TPCK reduced fertilization parameters to a similar degree using cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa (dose-response experiment) or diluted fresh semen. Inhibition by STI was more pronounced using cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa, whereas TLCK inhibited IVF only with diluted fresh semen. AEBSF and STI had no effect on sperm parameters, and TLCK significantly reduced motility. TPCK diminished mMP and motility and affected membrane and acrosomal integrity in a negative way. In summary, serine protease inhibitors differed in the way they reduce the fertilization rate. These results emphasize the necessity of inhibitor testing before they can be applied in fertilization studies. AEBSF and STI can be used in the future IVF studies without compromising sperm quality.
Late Pleistocene Lizards from Fowlkes Cave, Culberson County, Texas

Abstract Fossils of five or more genera and six species of lizards were identified from late Pleistocene sediments of Fowlkes Cave, Culberson County, Texas. The most abundant species was the roundtail horned lizard Phrynosoma modestum (45 individuals), a common lizard in the Recent Chihuahuan Desert, but the greatest number of fossils represented ≥83 individuals of Phrynosomatidae genus and species indeterminate. Fossils identified to at least the generic level appear to represent xeric-adapted lizards that occur in habitats typical of the Chihuahuan Desert that occur around the cave today. Resumen Fósiles de cinco géneros o más y seis especies de lagartijas fueron identificados en los sedimentos del Pleistoceno tardío de la cueva Fowlkes, condado de Culberson, Texas. La especie más abundante fue la lagartija cornuda de cola redonda Phrynosoma modestum (45 individuos), una lagartija común del desierto Chihuahua reciente, pero el mayor número de fósiles representó ≥83 individuos del género Phrynosomatidae y especies indeterminadas. Los fósiles identificados hasta al menos el nivel genérico, aparentan representar lagartijas adaptadas a condiciones xéricas que ocurren en hábitats típicos del desierto Chihuahua alrededor de la cueva hoy en día.
Megafaunal communities along a depth gradient on the tropical Brazilian continental margin

Abstract The species composition, abundance and diversity patterns of the epibenthic megafauna and fish community from the tropical Brazilian continental margin were analysed based on 42 bottom trawls from the Campos Basin continental shelf and slope. Trawls were collected aboard R/V Gyre during autumn 2008 from depths of 13 to 2030 m. Overall, 452 species belonging to five main taxa were identified: teleosts (Actinopterygii) were represented by 196 species, crustaceans by 113 species and echinoderms by 108 species. These three groups contributed 92% to the 452 taxa. Several species (289) were recorded only once or twice, and the species accumulation curves showed no signs of being close to reaching asymptotic values. A tendency of increasing diversity and richness with depth was observed. Analysis of the trawls showed the existence of megafaunal assemblages significantly associated with depth and water mass. The shelf group (13–100 m) had subgroups associated with Coastal Water (CW) and South Atlantic Central Water (SACW). The upper-slope group (376–501 m) was found exclusively under the influence of SACW. The mid- and lower-slope group (978–2030 m) had two subgroups associated with the presence of Antarctic Intermediate Water and North Atlantic Deep Water. The 39 typifying species contributed 90% to the global similarity. Teleosts and squids greatly contributed to the within-group similarity over the shelf, while decapods, echinoids and galatheids contributed to the upper-slope assemblage. Deep-sea isopods and decapods mostly contributed to the mid- and lower-slope assemblages.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING BACTERIA FROM SOIL OF CENTRAL AND UPPER HIMALAYAN REGION Research Article

Natural ecosystems are directly dependent on beneficial microorganisms present in the rhizosphere for soil health and plant productivity. Plant growth promoting bacteria were isolated from soil of central and upper Himalayan region with a view to screen/evaluate their phylogenetic relationship among the isolates by using amplified Restriction DNA Analysis (ARDRA).
WITH IDENTIFICATION KEYS, PUPAL DESCRIPTIONS AND NOTES ON BIOLOGY, MEDICAL IMPORTANCE AND DISTRIBUTION*

Introduction. Place and method. Morphology and terminology. Keys to genera of Culicidae in the Ryukyu Archipelago. Keys to subgenera of AnopheZes. l 1 Keys to species of AnopheZes (CeZZiaL 11 Keys to species of AnopheZes (AnopheZesl. ll Keys to species of Toxorhynchites. lZ Keys to subgenera of Uranotaenia. 13 Keys to species of Uranotaenia Wranotaenial. 13 Keys to species of Uranotaenia (PseudoficaZbial. 13 Keys to species of CoquCZZettidia. I 4 Keys to species of Mmomyia (BtorZeptiomyiaL . 15 Keys to subgenera of Aedes. 15 Keys to species of Aedes (FinZayaL . I 7 Keys to species of Aedes (VerraZZinaL . 18 Keys to species of Aedes (StegomyiaL . 18
Simulation of the combined effects of artisanal and recreational fisheries on a Mediterranean MPA ecosystem using a trophic model

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have the potential to enhance the long-term sustainabil- ity of coastal resources, and the artisanal fisheries which depend on them. However, recreational fisheries, which are increasing their impacts on coastal resources worldwide, may reduce the bene- fits that MPAs provide to declining artisanal fisheries. Here we used the Bonifacio Straits Natural Reserve (BSNR) Corsica as a study case to simulate the combined effects on coastal resources of arti- sanal and recreational fishing efforts. The BSNR ecosystem was modelled using mass-balance mod- elling of trophic interactions. This model was compared to another built on a non-protected area from the same region. We aggregated fishing fleets into artisanal and recreational categories, and we sim- ulated various combinations of fishing effort over a 20 yr dynamic simulation using Ecosim. We showed that fishing activities have an additional top-down effect on the food web and that they decrease the targeted group's biomass, such as piscivorous species. We found, for some trophic groups, non-trivial patterns of biomass variation through trophic cascades. Our trophic approach revealed that some groups may suffer a biomass decrease when MPAs are set or enforced, due to the combined effect of artisanal and recreational fisheries. Overall, our results illustrate the value of mod- elling to manage MPAs, as a complementary tool to surveys. Models provide the opportunity to anti- cipate the potential consequences, at the ecosystem level, of socio-political decisions that aim to sustain coastal resources while managing artisanal and recreational fisheries.
Ulvaria (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) in Eastern Australia: Morphology, Anatomy and Ontogeny Compared with Molecular Data

On the basis of morphology, anatomy, reproduction, and ontogeny of both field collected and laboratory cultivated material, all sheet-like and fully monostromatic green algae from warm temperate waters of eastern Australia are referred to the genus Ulvaria Ruprecht. Specimens from this region are historically referred to Ulvaria oxysperma (Kuetzing) Sliding, but few morphological and anatomical features are reliable in establishing species identity. Specimens throughout the region are perennial and exhibit great plasticity with continuous and often large ranges of microscopic and macroscopic features apparent within and between collection sites, and even within individual thalli. Detailed study of the ultrastructure of the pyrenoid does not provide taxonomically unequivocal information. Analyses of ITS sequence data indicate two groups in the isolates examined. Comparison with published ITS sequence supports the placement of both groups in Ulvaria, and not Monostroma Thuret, though only one of these groups may correspond to Ulvaria oxysperma. Restriction endonuclease analyses of the internal transcribed spacer regions of the ribosomal DNA support this conclusion, and such analyses may offer a fast and inexpensive alternative to sequencing in some cases. Further investigation is required to ascertain the nature of the taxonomic relationships between the two groups of isolates.
Fluidity of biodegradable substrate regulates carcinoma cell behavior: A novel approach to cancer therapy

Although various polymeric substrates with different stiffness have been applied for the regulation of cells’ fate, little attention has been given to the effects of substrates’ fluidity. Here, we implement for the first time biodegradable polymer with fluidic property for cancer therapy by investigating cell adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis/death, cycles of cancer cells as well as the anticancer drug efficacy. To achieve this, we prepared crosslinked and non-crosslinked copolymers of ɛ-caprolactone- co -D, L-lactide (P(CL- co -DLLA)). The tensile test showed the crosslinked P(CL- co -DLLA) substrate has the stiffness of 261 kPa while the loss modulus G’’ of the non-crosslinked substrate is always higher than the storage modulus G’ ( G’’ / G’ =3.06), indicating a quasi-liquid state. Human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cells on crosslinked substrate showed well- spread actin stress fibers and visible focal adhesion with an increased S phase (decreased G0/G1 phase). The cells on non-crosslinked substrate, on the other hand, showed rounded morphology without visible focal adhesion and an accumulated G0/G1 phase (decreased S phase). These results suggest that the behavior of cancer cells not only depends on stiffness but also the fluidity of P(CL- co -DLLA) substrate. In addition, the effects of substrate’s fluidity on anti-cancer drug efficacy were also investigated. The IC 50 values of paclitaxel for cancer cells on crosslinked and non-crosslinked substrates are 5.46 and 2.86 nM, respectively. These results clearly indicate that the fluidity of polymeric materials should be considered as one of the crucial factors to study cellular functions and molecular mechanism of cancer progression.
Acetylcholine Receptor b-Subunit Geneduring Myogenesis

Thegenes encoding theskeletal muscleacetylcholine receptor (AChR)are induced duringmuscle development andareregulated subsequently byinnervation. Because boththeinitiation andthesubsequent regulation ofAChRexpression arecontrolled bytranscriptional mechanisms, an understanding ofthesteps thatregulate AChR expression following innervation islikely torequire knowledge ofthepathway that activates AChR genesduring myogenesis. Thus, we sought toidentify thecis-acting sequencesthatregulate expression oftheAChRB-subunit geneduring muscle differentiation. We transfected muscle andnonmuscle cell lines withgenefusions between 5'-flanking DNA fromtheAChR 8-subunit geneandthehumangrowth hormone gene,andwe showherethat148bpof5'-flanking DNA fromtheAChR 8-subunit genecontains two regulatory elements thatcontrol muscle-specific geneexpression. Oneelement isan Ebox,whichisimportant bothforactivation oftheB-subunit geneinmyotubes andforitsrepression inmyoblasts andnonmuscle cells. Mutation ofthis E box,whichprevents binding ofMyoD-E2Aandmyogenin-E2A heterodimers, decreases expression inmyotubes andincreases expression inmyoblasts andnonmuscle cells. AnE-boxbinding activity, whichdoesnotcontain MyoD,myogenin, orE2Aproteins, ispresent inmuscle andnonmuscle cells andmay beresponsible forrepressing theB-subunit geneinmyoblasts andnonmuscle cells. Anenhancer, whichlacks Eboxes, isalso required forexpression oftheB-subunit genebutdoesnotconfer muscle-specific expression.
A Semiquantitative Rt-Pcr Assay To Evaluated The Expression Patterns Of Nbs-Lrr Family Genes In Infectedfected Citrus By Candidatus Leiberibacter Asiaticus

Citrus has great economic importance for Iran and it is eighth citrus producer in the world. The huanglongbing (HLB) disease of citrus trees, caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, was first reported in Iran in 2007. At present efficient strategies to control this disease is the use of plants resistant to the pathogen. In this study, expression pattern of NBS-LRR (Nucleotide Binding Site- Leucien-Rich Repeats) genes, were evaluated in different citrus by semi quantitative RT-PCR method. The results indicate that the expression of this gene in citrus trees inoculated with the citrus greening pathogen changes after inoculation.
Quality Indicators of Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) Stored under Different Cooling Conditions

The quality changes of northern shrimp, stored in ice, liquid-ice or salt-water ice at either -1.5 o C or 1.5 o C, were evaluated by using sensory assessment, chemical analysis, bacteriological test and physical methods. The main objective of this study was to identify freshness and quality indicators of Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) and to evaluate the efficiency of different cooling conditions. The total volatile nitrogen (TVBN) level in shrimp stored in liquid ice decreased during the first day of storage, and TVBN formation was delayed at least for 3 days for shrimp in liquid ice stored at -1.5 o C. In other shrimp stored in ice or salt-water ice, the TVB-N level increased with the time of storage. The trimethylamine (TMA) value increased gradually with storage time in all samples, except for the one stored in liquid ice at -1.5 o C during the first day of storage. The salt content increased rapidly in shrimp stored in liquid ice at -1.5 o C and increased slowly in other storage conditions, except for the iced shrimp where the salt content decreased slowly during the storage period. Water content increased gradually for all samples during storage. Texture showed only minor changes. Total viable counts (TVC) showed that bacteria grew most quickly in shrimp stored in ice and in salt-water ice, followed by those in liquid ice at 1.5 o C and -1.5 o C, respectively, throughout the storage period. Liquid ice storage at -1.5 o C gave the longest shelf-life of shrimp based on sensory analysis. Statistical analyses, principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA), shows good correlation between, TVB-N, TMA, TVC, pH, NH3 response of electronic nose and sensory evaluation.
Ramazzottius bunikowskae , a new species of Tardigrada (Eutardigrada, Hypsibiidae) from Russia

A new species, Ramazzottius bunikowskae sp. nov. is described from a lichen sample collected in Russia. The new species is the most similar to R. caucasicus Biserov, and R. tribulosus Bertolani & Rebecchi in the shape of the egg processes but it differs from these species by some differences in the egg processes’ appearance and measurements and also by measurements of some structures in adult specimens. We also provide first observations of peribuccal lobes, papillae and porous areas on the head (possibly external parts of chemoreceptors) in the genus Ramazzottius.
Mycoflora and mycotoxin contaminated some juices.

Fruit juices are popular drinks as they contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for human being and play important role in the prevention of heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Consumption of fresh juices increased dramatically due to their freshness, high vitamin content, and low caloric consumption. Fruit and vegetable markets are known to contain several species of fungi. A total of 60L juice samples were examined for their microbiological association. Ten fungal species including seven fungal genera were isolated and identified from the three types of fresh juices survied i. e. apple, grape-fruit and navel orange. These are Alternaria citri, Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium sp. , Penicillium expansum, P. digitatum, P. italicum and Rhizopus stolonifer. Tested of mycotoxin production indicated that, A. flavus (No. 20) was found to be produced only 0.10 ng/ml of aflatoxin AFB1, A. parasiticus (No. 4) produced 0.52 ng/ml of aflatoxin AFB1, 0.10 ng/ml of aflatoxin AFB2, 0.32 ng/ml of aflatoxin AFG1 and 0.10 ng/ml of aflatoxin AFG2. Decontamination of fungi resulted that, all hot water treatments i. e. 45, 50 and 55 0 c were found to reduce the number of spores’ viability of the tested fungi (A. flavus, A. parasiticus and P. expansum) compared with un-treated. The numbers of spore viability were decreased with increasing the temperature degree used. Both pasteurization (at 80°C) and sterilization (at 121°C) treatments have a great effect on spore viability of the three tested fungi compared with un-treatedjuices which gave completely inhibition of spore viability of the three tested fungi with hundred percent of reduction.
TRB 07-1146 INVESTIGATION OF RIGHT-ANGLE CRASH OCCURRENCE AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS

Right-angle crashes are more likely to produce severe crashes at signalized intersections. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of intersection traffic volume, geometric design, and traffic control and operational features on right-angle crash occurrence at four-legged signalized intersections. Data from a total of 197 four-legged signalized intersections were collected from the Central Florida area. Right-angle crashes were modeled at the intersection, roadway, and approach levels. For the models at roadway or approach levels, crashes were assigned to roadways or approaches and then the disaggregated crashes were related to the specific roadway or approach features. The Generalized Estimating Equations which can account for the site correlation among the repeated observations from the same intersections were used for the disaggregated models. The Cumulative Residuals method was used to evaluate the functional forms of the traffic volume and the models’ overall goodness-of-fit, which shows that all the fitted models are valid, and for the roadway and the approach level models, the “near-side” models outperform the “at-fault vehicle” models. The product of the conflicting through volumes, the number of through lanes, and the latenight/early-morning flashing operation are found to consistently affect right-angle crash occurrence. There was significant difference between two counties for right-angle crash frequency. Left-turn offset, angle of the intersection, speed limit on the intersecting roadways, and yellow and all-red intervals are also significant in some models. Variable relative effect analysis identified the relative significance for the variables in the models.