Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genotypic analysis of the foliose lichen Parmotrema tinctorum using microsatellite markers: association of mycobiont and photobiont, and their reproductive modes

Abstract To investigate the association between, and the reproductive modes of, mycobiont and photobiont in the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum, microsatellite markers (SSR markers) were developed for both bionts and genotypic analysis was performed for thalli in a Pinus thunbergii forest. In a within-thallus analysis, tissue pieces were sampled from many portions within each of five thalli. Within-thallus variation for both mycobiont and photobiont differed among the thalli investigated, suggesting that a single thallus can be derived from either a single mycobiont origin with or without occasional changes in the photobiont, or fusion of several independent thalli. In the within-tree analysis, thalli with the same genotypes were found on individual trees, suggesting the presence of short-distance isidium dispersal. In the within-stand analysis, genotypically similar photobionts tended to be associated with the same mycobiont genotype, suggesting the participation of local dispersal via isidia. The overall index of association (IA) for the mycobiont in the stand probably indicates the dominance of sexual reproduction, in contrast to that of the photobiont, where dominance of asexual reproduction is suggested. IA's of mycobiont and photobiont were also calculated for thalli collected from larger areas, where there is a signature for sexual reproduction for photobiont.
Coriobacterium glomerans gen. nov., sp. nov. from the Intestinal Tract of the Red Soldier Bug

A new gram-positive anaerobic bacterium is described on the basis of 89 strains isolated from the intestinal tracts of red solider bugs (Pyrrhocoris apterus L.). The fermentation products of glucose are acetic acid, lactic acid, ethanol, CO2, and H2. The guanine-plus-cytosine content of the deoxyribonucleic acid is 60 to 61 mol%. The biochemical and physiological features of this organism distinquish it from members of previously described genera. We propose a new genus, Coriobacterium, and a new species, Coriobacterium glomerans. The type strain is C. glomerans PW2 (= DSM 20642).
Human CD4+ CD25high Cells Suppress Proliferative Memory Lymphocyte Responses to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

ABSTRACT Lymphocytes with the regulatory CD4+ CD25+ phenotype frequently suppress memory T-cell responses. Murine herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) models have shown that CD4+ CD25+ cells can limit immunity-mediated corneal damage but slow viral clearance. We investigated the effect of CD4+ CD25+ cells from healthy HSV-2-infected humans on recall proliferative (CD4) responses to HSV-2. Depletion and reconstitution experiments were consistent with a suppressive effect of autologous blood-derived CD4+ CD25+ cells for whole HSV-2 antigen. Regulatory T cells may modulate human CD4 memory responses to HSV-2 and influence their antiviral and inflammatory functions.
Inhibitory effect of vicenin-2 and scolymoside on secretory group IIA phospholipase A2

It is well known that the expression level of secretory group IIA phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) is elevated in inflammatory diseases, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) up-regulates the expression of sPLA2-IIA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cyclopiasubternata is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine to relieve pain in biological processes. Here, two structurally related active compounds found in C. subternata, namely vicenin-2 and scolymoside, were examined for its effects on the expression and activity of sPLA2-IIA in HUVECs and mouse. Prior treatment of cells or mouse with vicenin-2 and scolymoside inhibited LPS-induced expression and activity of sPLA2-IIA. And each compound suppressed the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 by LPS. Therefore, these results suggest that vicenin-2 and scolymoside inhibited LPS-mediated expression of sPLA2-IIA by suppression of cPLA2 and ERK 1/2.
Principal component analysis of rice germplasm accessions under high temperature stress.

The present investigation was carried out todetermi ne the relationship and genetic diversity among 293 rice germplasm accessions using principal component anal ysis for high temperature tolerance. In this study, Component 1 had the contribution from the traits viz., panicle excertion, days to 50%flowering and panic le length which accounted 23.35% to the total variability. Total number of tillers, number of productive tillers, biomass and yield has contributed 17.75% to the total variability in component 2. The remaining variability of 17.13%, 9.93% and 9.22% was consoli dated in component 3, component 4 and component 5 by various trait like grain length, grain breadth, L/B ratio , hundred grain weight, number of grains per panicle and spikelet s t rility. The cumulative variance of 77.38% of tota l v riation among 15 characters was explained by the first five axes. Th us the results of principal component analysis reve aled, wide genetic variability exists in this rice germplasm accession . High temperature tolerant traits with high genet ic variability are expected to provide high level of gene transfer dur ing breeding programs.
Changes in lignin structure with maturation of alfalfa leaf and stem in relation to ruminants nutrition

1 Institute for Forage Crops, Krusevac, 37251 Globoder, Serbia. 2 Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade-Zemun, Serbia. 3 Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, 11158 Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, P. O. Box 51, Belgrade, Serbia. 4 Department of Phytomedicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade-Zemun, Serbia.
Duty cycle, not signal structure, explains conspecific and heterospecific responses to the calls of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus)

Animals can encode information into signals using at least 2 basic mechanisms. First, signalers can repeat their signals, encoding information into sequence-level parameters, such as signaling rate. Second, signalers can encode information into the fine structural variation of individual signals. This mechanism requires sophisticated encoding and decoding but potentially affords more rapid or efficient information transfer. The chick-a-dee call of Parid birds is a structurally complex signal that conveys food- and predator-related information to both conspecific and heterospecific receivers. However, the basic mechanism by which it communicates information is unclear. Previous research suggests that variation in the number of terminal notes is important, but this structural trait has not been manipulated independently from other structural traits or from sequence-level parameters, such as total duty cycle. We independently manipulated the fine structure and duty cycle of the calls of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and then broadcast them to potential receivers. Both conspecific and heterospecific receivers ignored manipulations to the fine structure of individual calls when the duty cycle of the signaling sequences was held constant. In marked contrast, receivers exhibited significantly stronger responses when the duty cycle was experimentally increased, and the fine structure of individual calls was held constant. Specifically, signaling sequences with a high duty cycle attracted more conspecific and heterospecific receivers and caused those receivers to approach the speaker more quickly, to approach the speaker more closely, and to remain within 10 m of the speaker for longer. These findings show that receivers respond to a simple sequence-level trait in a structurally complex avian signal. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
An Improved Synthetic Procedure for the Preparation of N‐Acyl (2‐aminoethyl)‐β‐d‐glycopyranoside Lipids and Characterization of Their Mesogenic Properties

Abstract A modified synthetic procedure was used for the synthesis of N‐acyl (2‐aminoethyl) glycosides bearing lactose, maltose, and melibiose carbohydrate headgroups and different acyl chains. The lipid glycosides were prepared in gram scale and investigated for their liquid crystalline properties. It was found that the polar spacer suppresses polymorphism, and the resulting simplified phase behavior was found in the pure state upon heating, as well as for the lyotropic phases
BRAIN STRUCTURE AND CORRELATION PATTERNS IN INSECTIVORA, CHIROPTERA, AND PRIMATES

Multiple discriminant analysis and bivariate correlations of logarithms of progres- sion indices are applied to volumetric data on 11 major brain regions of 139 species of Insecti, vora, Chiroptera, and Primates. The pattern of projections of the coordinate axes of original variates on the first two discriminant functions appears to correspond to MacLean's (1970) division of the brain into the neomammalian, paleomammalian and protoreptilian regions. However, the peculiar position of the neocortex may be somewhat exaggerated by collinearity. The brain components which undergo the greatest relative volumetric increase from basal In- sectivora to higher Primates are, by order of decreasing importance, the neocortex, cerebellum, striatum, and diencephalon. The bulbus olfactorius and paleocortex are strongly correlated in Insectivora and prosimians, but this correlation drops abruptly in Chiroptera and in simians, where olfaction has regressed markedly while the paleocortex remained relatively stable, pre- sumably by developing its non-olfactory functions. The neocortex, bulbus olfactorius, septum, schizocortex, and hippocampus are positively correlated in Chiroptera, apparently because they are large relative to body weight in Megachiroptera and frugivorous Microchiroptera but small in insectivorous Microchiroptera. The neocortex may be more useful in frugivorous and nectarivo- rous bats-for environment recognition based on visual and olfactory stimuli-and relatively less useful in insectivorous bats, which often must react rapidly to echolocative signals. The negative correlations of the medulla oblongata with the bulbus olfactorius and paleocortex, in progressive Insectivora, appear to reflect the evolutionary regression of olfaction and the com- pensatory progression of the tactile trigeminal system (vibrissae) in aquatic Insectivora. (Brain structure; Chiroptera; correlation patterns; evolutionary compensations; evolutionary regres- sions; Insectivora; multiple discriminant analysis; Primates; progression indices.)
AFLP-based Detection of Adulterants in Crude Drug Preparations of the ‘Safed Musli’ Complex

Safed Musli is an important aphrodisiac herb, which forms an essential ingredient of the preparation of more than one hundred Ayurvedic formulations. It has been found to be an ideal aphrodisiac, with none of the negative side effects associated with the chemical-based products. Various plants belonging to the genera Chlorophytum and Asparagus have been in use as aphrodisiacs under the common name of ‘Safed Musli’ because of their white tuberous roots. An AFLP based experiment was carried out to differentiate the members of the ‘Safed Musli’ complex and resolve the authentication problem prevailing in the herbal drug market.
Identification and enumeration of bacteria assimilating dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in the North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico

The algal‐derived compound dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), which is the precursor of the climatically active gas dimethylsulfide, is potentially an important source of carbon and sulfur to marine bacterioplankton. Currently, bacteria of the Roseobacter clade, a subgroup of ά;‐proteobacteria, are hypothesized to be the key participants in the metabolism of DMSP. To test this hypothesis, we used a combination of microautoradiography and fluorescence in situ hybridization (Micro‐FISH) to identify the bacteria assimilating 35S DMSP in the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Maine, and the Sargasso Sea. On average, half of the bacterial community assimilated DMSP in these environments. Members of the ά‐proteobacteria dominated DMSP assimilation, accounting for 35–40% of bacteria assimilating DMSP. Cytophaga‐like bacteria andγ‐proteobacteria each accounted for 15–30% of DMSP‐assimilating cells. The ά‐proteobacteria accounted for a greater fraction of the DMSP‐assimilating community than expected based on their overall abundance, whereas Cytophaga‐like bacteria were typically underrepresented in the DMSP‐assimilating community. Members of the Roseobacter clade assimilated more DMSP on a per‐cell basis than any other group, but they did not account for most of the DMSP assimilation, nor were they always present even when DMSP turnover was high. These results indicate that the biogeochemical flux of dissolved DMSP is mediated by a large and diverse group of heterotrophic bacteria.
Estimating the internal conductance to CO2 movement.

The concentration of CO2 in the chloroplast is less than atmospheric owing to a series of gas-phase and liquid-phase resistances. For a long time it was assumed that the concentration of CO2 in the chloroplasts is the same as in the intercellular spaces (e.g. as measured by gas exchange). There is mounting evidence that this assumption is invalid and that CO2 concentrations in the chloroplasts are significantly less than intercellular CO2. It is now generally accepted that internal conductance (gi) is a significant limitation to photosynthesis, often as large as that due to stomata. Internal conductance describes this decrease in CO2 concentration between the intercellular spaces and chloroplasts as a function of net photosynthesis [gi = A / (Ci - Cc)]. Internal conductance is commonly estimated by simultaneous measurements of gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence or instantaneous discrimination against 13CO2. These common methods are complemented by three alternative methods based on (a) the difference between intercellular and chloroplastic CO2 photocompensation points, (b) the curvature of an A / Ci curve, and (c) the initial slope of an A / Ci curve v. the estimated initial slope of an A / Cc curve. The theoretical basis and protocols for estimating internal conductance are described. The common methods have poor precision with relative standard deviations commonly > 10%; much less is known of the precision of the three alternative methods. Accuracy of the methods is largely unknown because all methods share some common assumptions and no truly independent and assumption-free method exists. Some assumptions can and should be tested (e.g. the relationship of fluorescence with electron transport). Methods generally require knowledge of either the kinetic parameters of Rubisco, or isotopic fractionation by Rubisco. These parameters are difficult to measure, and thus are generally assumed a priori. For parameters such as these a sensitivity analysis is recommended. One means of improving confidence in gi estimates is by using two or more methods, but it is essential that the methods chosen share as few common assumptions as possible. All methods require accurate and precise measurements of A and Ci - these are best achieved by minimising leaks, maximising the signal-to-noise ratio by using a large leaf area and moderate flow rate, and by taking into account cuticular and boundary layer conductances.
Analysis of Genetic Variation within Tsigai Population from Romania Using Microsatellite Markers

Genetic characterization of one population of Romanian Tsigai breed was investigated using microsatellite markers. A total of 61 individuals were genotyped for 14 microsatellite loci. A total number of 126 alleles were detected, with a range between 6 and 14 allele s per locus. The observed heterozygosis was less than the expected heterozygosis values in more than half of the cases, detecting heterozygote deficienc y at these loci. The Fis value per population was positive (0.0981), indicating a general risk of inb reeding.
Geminivirus Resistance in Transgenic Tobacco Expressing Mutated BC1 Protein

Tobacco explants were transformed by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation with sense and antisense constructs of the movement protein genes (BC1 and BV1) of tomato mottle geminivirus (TMoV). Transgenic plants were tested for virus resistance either by exposure to viruliferous whiteflies carrying TMoV or cabbage leaf curl geminivirus (CabLCV) for a 72-h inoculation period or by continuous exposure to TMoV during the life of the plants. The transgenic lines were scored for disease symptoms, and virus replication and distribution were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and dot blot hybridizations. Transgenic plants which expressed a mutated form (identified in a previous study) of the BC1 gene showed TMoV and CabLCV resistance. Three resistant phenotypes were observed: a delay in symptom development, a recovery from early symptoms, and an absence of virus symptoms at all stages. Geminivirus was detected in inoculated leaves but was not readily detected in leaves beyond the inoculation sites in .
Water level regulation in winter triggers fouling of fishing nets by the diatom Aulacoseira islandica in a boreal lake

1) Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), P.O. Box 140, FI-00251 Helsinki, Finland 2) University of Jyvaskyla, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 University of Jyvaskyla, Finland 3) Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Jyvaskyla Office, P.O. Box 35, FI-40500 Jyvaskyla, Finland 4) Pirkanmaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, Yliopistonkatu 38, FI-33100 Tampere, Finland
Development of viroid free nucleus material for rootstock of citrus: an approach for management of yellow corky vein disease

Yellow corky vein disease of citrus has been shown to be associated with two viroids,citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) and hop stunt viroid (HSVd). The disease causes heavy yield reduction: Viroid-free nucleus material for rootstocks (rough lemon and trifoliate orange) have been developed after’ standardization of micropropagation protocol. Present study constitutes the first record of development of viroid-free rootstock plant for citrus through micropropagation. Growth pattern of two species are slightly different; initial shooting is higher in trifoliate orange, but callusing and rooting are much faster in rough lemon. Viroid free micropropagated plants were indexed by NASH test using radiolabelled cDNA probes to two groups of viroid viz. citrus exocortis viroid and hop stunt viroid.
Multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of mecA and pvl genes in Staphylococcus spp

The aim of this cross sectional observational study was to standardize a multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of mecA and pvl genes in Staphylococcus spp. S. aureus strains ATCC 25923 and S.aureus ATCC 43300 were used as controls as well as an isolate of S. aureus carrying mecA and pvl genes. The boiling method was performed for DNA extraction and the detection limit was established by serial dilutions of DNA. We determined the applicability of the multiplex PCR by testing 41 isolates of S. aureus and 51 coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) previously characterized by phenotypic methods in november 2009. The PCR products were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis in 2% after ethidium bromide staining. The size of the amplified products of the multiplex PCR corresponded to those expected, 433bp for mecA and 533bp for pvl, with detection limits up to 0.5 ng/μL. The mecA gene was detected in 13 (31.7%) isolates Carpinelli Acevedo ML y col.: 6-13 6 of S. aureus and 29 (56.7%) CNS. The pvl gene was detected in 2 (4.9%) isolates of S. aureus and was not detected in CNS. A 100% concordance was obtained between the presence of mecA and phenotypic methods. This technique is a useful tool in the confirmation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus strains and identification of the pvl gene, in addition to being relatively simple, with the advantage of detecting both genes in a single reaction.
Physiological and cellular responses in two populations of the mussel Perna perna collected at different sites from the coast of São Paulo, Brazil

The physiological conditions of mussels from Ubatuba and Santos and also of organisms transplanted from Ubatuba to Santos were studied by using different techniques. Assays for lysosomal stability were conducted on the haemolymph. Heart rate activity was monitored for 6h. The embryonic development of larvae obtained from the collected mussels was analysed. For all the compared groups of mussels, no significant differences were observed for the cardiac activity monitoring and the embryonic bioassays. The mean Neutral Red (NR) retention time was similar for the animals from Santos and Ubatuba, whereas the organisms transplanted to Santos showed a reduction in the retention time of the dye, indicating damage in the lysosomal membranes. These differences were possibly due to environmental factors, but further investigations are required to confirm this hypothesis.
Techniques Involved in Greenhouse Evaluation of Deciduous Tree Fruit Fungicides

Fungicides play a major role in modern agriculture in helping to assure production of crops threatened by fungus diseases when other practical and economical measures are lacking. Although a fungicide literally is a chemi­ cal that kills the fungus spores or mycelium, this paper deals with a broader definition to include fungus inactivation and suppression to prevent or restrict harm to plants (4, 10). Activity of fungicides reflects a combination of complex modes of action, both biochemical and physical. Our knowledge of biochemical modes of fungicidal action is still too meager to aid greatly in the discovery of new effective fungicides for agriculture. Chemical and pharmaceutical industries are the only source of agricul­ tural fungicides. Many companies rely on a hit-or-miss screening of thou­ sands of chemicals for chance discovery of a new family of fungitoxic ones. Some companies exhaustively research families of known promising fungi­ cides. Usually after some research with these on selected plant pathogenic fungi on selected test plants for control efficacy, effective dosage, phytotox­ icity, and also toxicology and with considerations of patent rights, market
Parameters for the Successful Management of Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major pathogen for the neonate and the transplant recipient in both of whom the incidence of the disease and its severity are increased when the donor, or mother, has a primary infection. Many individuals with recurrent infection who experience the disease do so because they are being reinfected from an exogenous source, rather than reactivating their own strain, arguing that natural immunity can reduce, but not completely control, CMV disease. Antiviral therapy is thus needed to control CMV disease. There are four major strategies for the use of drugs against CMV - prophylaxis, suppression, pre-emptive therapy and treatment; significant benefit has been shown for some of these in some groups of transplant patients. The strategies must now be compared, and patient management regimes comparing the various approaches should be considered.