Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth/differentiation factor 7 is preferentially expressed in the primary motor area of the monkey neocortex

We applied a differential display PCR technique to isolate molecules that are area‐specific in expression in the primate neocortex, and found that growth/differentiation factor 7 (GDF7), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/transforming growth factor (TGF) beta super‐family, is preferentially expressed in the primary motor area of African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). We proved that GDF7 is 10 times more abundant in the motor cortex than in the visual cortex by northern blotting and quantitative RT‐PCR. When we examined the neocortex of closely related rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), GDF7 was also most abundant in the motor cortex, although the regional difference was reduced to 3‐fold. This differential expression pattern was observed in both newborn and infant rhesus monkeys. We found that several type I/II receptors of BMP, candidates of the receptors for GDF7, are uniformly expressed in the mature neocortex. The unique expression pattern of GDF7 suggests that it may play an active role in the motor area of the primate neocortex.
Origin and dynamics of indoleacetic acid under polar transport in Pinus sylvestris

Polarly-transported IAA is regarded as a long distance correlative signal important in many aspects of plant physiology, including, for example, apical dominance and growth and development of vascular tissues. In this study, we investigated the importance of apical sources in supplying stem tissues with IAA. The current-yearshoots of 4-year-old Pinus sylvestris L. saplings were replaced with a source of [13C6]IAA. Subsequent mass spectrometric analysis showed that most of the IAA present at two positions in the subjacent 1-year-old internode consisted of [13C6]IAA, while [12C]IAA of endogenous origin formed a minor pool. However, the pool of [13C6]IAA decreased from 90 to 80% of the total free IAA pool [13C6]IAA+[12C]IAA) while being transported down the shoot. This dilution with [12C]IAA indicates that de novo biosynthesis of IAA occurred. An additional defoliation experiment showed that the synthesis took place in stem tissues rather than in the mature leaves. The results confirm the role of apical shoots as the major source of polarly-transported IAA, but also indicate that synthesis of IAA takes place in stem tissues. This is important when considering IAA balance at the whole plant level.
Influence of Nitric Oxide and Noradrenaline on Prostaglandin F2α-Induced Oxytocin Secretion and Intracellular Calcium Mobilization in Cultured Bovine Luteal Cells1

Abstract Although prostaglandin (PG) F2α released from the uterus has been shown to cause regression of the bovine corpus luteum (CL), the neuroendocrine, paracrine, and autocrine mechanisms regulating luteolysis and PGF2α action in the CL are not fully understood. A number of substances produced locally in the CL may be involved in maintaining the equilibrium between luteal development and its regression. The present study was carried out to determine whether noradrenaline (NA) and nitric oxide (NO) regulate the sensitivity of the bovine CL to PGF2α in vitro and modulate a positive feedback cascade between PGF2α and luteal oxytocin (OT) in cows. Bovine luteal cells (Days 8–12 of the estrous cycle) cultured in glass tubes were pre-exposed to NA (10−5 M) or an NO donor (S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine [S-NAP]; 10−4 M) before stimulation with PGF2α (10−6 M). Noradrenaline significantly stimulated the release of progesterone (P4), OT, PGF2α, and PGE2 (P < 0.01); however, S-NAP inhibited P4 and OT secretion (P < 0.05). Oxytocin secretion and the intracellular level of free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) were measured as indicators of CL sensitivity to PGF2α. Prostaglandin F2α increased both the amount of OT secretion and [Ca2+]i by approximately two times the amount before (both P < 0.05). The S-NAP amplified the effect of PGF2α on [Ca2+]i and OT secretion (both P < 0.001), whereas NA diminished the stimulatory effects of PGF2α on [Ca2+]i (P < 0.05). Moreover, PGF2α did not exert any additionally effects on OT secretion in NA-pretreated cells. The overall results suggest that adrenergic and nitrergic agents play opposite roles in the regulation of bovine CL function. While NA stimulates P4 and OT secretion, NO may inhibit it in bovine CL. Both NA and NO are likely to stimulate the synthesis of luteal PGs and to modulate the action of PGF2α. Noradrenaline may be the factor that is responsible for the limited action of PGF2α on CL and may be involved in the protection of the CL against premature luteolysis. In contrast, NO augments PGF2α action on CL and it may be involved in the course of luteolysis.
Chloroplast DNA polymorphism revealed by a fast, nonradioactive method in Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima

D. FORCIOLI,' P. SAUMITOU-LAPRADE," G. MICHAELISt and J. CUGUEN'S "Laborutoire de GPnPiique et Evolution des Populations Vigitales, URA CNRS 2185, Universite des Sciences et Techniques de Lille, F 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France, tBotanisches Institut, Abt. Botanische Cytologie. Diisseldorf Universitat, Universitutsstr. 1 , W-4000 Diisseldorf 7, BRD and Unsti tut Agricole et Alimentaire de Lille, Universite'des Sciences et Techniques de Lille, F 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
A novel F-box protein with leucine-rich repeats affects defecation frequency and daumone response in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract Targeted degradation of proteins through ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis is an important control mechanism in various cellular processes. The process of ubiquitin conjugation is achieved by three enzyme complexes, among which the ubiquitin ligase complex (E3) is in charge of substrate specificity. The SCF (SKP1-CUL1-F-box) family portrays the largest and the most characterized member of the E3 ligases. For each SCF complex, the ubiquitination target is recognized by the F-box protein subunit, which interacts with the substrate through a unique C-terminal domain. We have characterized a novel F-box protein CFL-1 that represents a single LRR-type F-box (FBXL) in the Caenorhabditis elegans genome. CFL-1 is highly homologous to FBXL20 and FBXL2 of mammals, which are known to regulate synaptic vesicle release and cell cycle, respectively. A green fluorescence protein (GFP)-reporter gene fused to the cfl-1 promoter showed restricted expression around the amphid and the anus. Modulation of CFL-1 activity by RNAi affected the time interval between defecations. RNAi-treated worms also exhibited reduced tendency to form dauer when exposed to daumone. The potential involvement of CFL-1 in the control of defecation and pheromone response adds to the ever expanding list of cellular processes controlled by ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in C. elegans. We suggest that CFL-1, as a single LRR-type F-box protein in C. elegans, may portray a prototype gene exerting diverse functions that are allocated among multiple FBXLs in higher organisms.
Pre-logging carbon accounts in old-growth forests, via allometry: An example of mixed-forest in Tasmania, Australia

Abstract Uncertainty in past and future anthropogenic carbon emissions obscures climate change modelling. Available allometrics are insufficient for regional-level accounting of old-growth, pre-logging carbon stocks. The project goal was to determine the aboveground carbon (biomass and necromass) for a typical old-growth Eucalyptus delegatensis-dominated mixed-forest in Tasmania. Allometrics were developed for aboveground biomass of Eucalyptus delegatensis and generic rainforest understorey species. A total of 207 eucalypts with DBH 0.21–4.5 m, and 897 rainforest understorey trees with DBH 0.01–2.52 m were measured across 7.7 ha. DBH frequency distribution of E. delegatensis showed at least two age cohorts and distinct positive skew, whereas its DBH carbon distribution showed distinct negative skew. Half of the eucalypt biomass was from trees with DBH > 2.4(0.1) m, and 16% with DBH ≥ 3.5 m (from ∼1.1 trees ha−1) – indicating the importance of allometrics for high DBH. Aboveground carbon was 622(180) Mg ha−1, with ∼20% from understorey and ∼25% from necromass. The carbon in aboveground biomass was above the median value for temperate forests. The long-term aboveground-carbon emissions from clearfelling the same forest type from 1999 to 2009 is likely to be 2.9(±1.3) Tg, depending on the growth and seral stages of the forest logged.
Variation for polyphenol oxidase activity in stems of Medicago species

L'activite de la polyphenoloxydase a ete detectee dans des tiges d'especes spontanees de Medicago, aussi bien du type a poils glandulaires que du type glabre. Deux isoformes de PPO sont apparues dans chacune des especes de Medicago, la plus lourde allant de 120 a 180 kDa et la plus legere de 65 a 75 kDa. L'affinite du substrat pour le 4-methylcatechol est restee sur des valeurs plutot basses (K n aux alentours de 0,5 mM) chez toutes les especes examinees. L'activite specifique de la PPO relevee dans l'epiderme de la tige des especes resistantes aux insectes est apparue comme nettement plus forte que celle mesuree dans le meme tissu chez la luzerne sensible, ce qui suggere que la PPO pourrait jouer un role dans la resistance aux stress biotiques.
Caracterização da proteína DPS de Campylobacter jejuni

The Dps (DNA-binding protein from starved cells) proteins form a particular subfamily of ferritins. All members of this group share a commum three-dimensional structure assembled forming spherical dodecamers with a hollow central cavity. These proteins are capable of storing ~500 iron atoms per dodecamer. The ferroxidase center (FOC) is the most remarkable signature of these proteins. The FOC is located at the interface between the subunits and is composed by highly conserved aminoacids that bind Fe +2 and oxidize to Fe +3 , followed by the storage of the latter ion into the central cavity of the dodecamer. The Campylobacter jejuni Dps protein is related to various cellular functions, including DNA protection against the highly toxic and reactive hydroxyl radicals. In order to facilitate in vitro characterization studies of CjDps, it is important to stablish a simple and reprodutive protocol for its purification. In this study, it was determined that CjDps has a high melting temperature (94.2°C). This thermal stability was used to facilitate the purification process by the introduction of a thermal treatment at 80°C followed by two chromatographic steps. In order to better understand the function of CjDps, we employed a CjDps H25G/H37G variant, where the conserved histidines at the FOC were substituted to glycines. It was observed that the CjDps H25G/H37G variant had iron oxidation and metal binding activities reduced in comparison to the wild-type protein. This protein variant was not able to bind DNA under the conditions tested suggesting that the histidines H25 and H37 might be important for the CjDps DNA-binding activity. VII
The flower-visiting social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae) in two areas of Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil

The flower-visiting social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae) in two areas of Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. The structure of flower-visiting social wasps' assemblages in the CPCN Pro-Mata of Sao Francisco de Paula and in the Green Belt of Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, are characterized. A total of 879 polistine wasps were collected, of which 475 (11 spp.) in the CPCN and 404 (21 spp.) in the Green Belt, from September 1997 to April 2001 and from September 2001 to April 2004, respectively. Foraging social wasps were observed on flowers of 36 species of angiosperms (20 families) in the Green Belt, and on flowers of 54 species of angiosperms (21 families) in the CPCN. Asteraceae was the most visited plant family on both studied localities. A list of pant species visited by the polistines is provided.
The nutrient status of algal cells in batch culture

In a recent publication in this Journal I presented a set of seven equations effecting to describe from a single set of constants any chemostat steady state of the flagellate Monochrysis lutheri in terms of phosphorus and vitamin B12 without prejudice as to which was rate limiting, given only the input concentrations of the two nutrients and the dilution rate of the chemostat (Droop, 1974, equations 23–29). There was nothing inherent in this description to prevent its application to transient situations, and I felt that at least it should apply to the transitional phase of a batch culture. The aim of this paper, which is a continuation of the previous one, is to find out whether this is so and whether in fact the model can be adapted to describe the complete history of a batch culture, because if it can its value to predictive models for phytoplankton would be greatly enhanced.
Distribution of Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity in the Berry and Shoot of Solanum pseudocapsicum Grown in Nigeria

Aim: To evaluate the distribution of metabolites and in vitro antioxidant activity in the berry and shoot of Solanum pseudocapsicum ( S . pseudocapsicum ). Study Design: Berry and shoot samples of S . pseudocapsicum were randomly collected from different plants of the species in the same natural habitat, and were subsequently processed and used for the spectrophometric quantification of their metabolites and in vitro antioxidant activity. Methodology: The samples were oven-dried to a constant weight, and were later milled separately into a fine particle size powder. The milled samples were extracted with methanol, and the extracts were analyzed for their metabolites content and In vitro antioxidant activity using appropriate methods. Results: The berry had significantly (P < 0.05) higher total protein, total lipid and amylose levels than the shoot. Conversely, the shoot had significantly (P < 0.05) higher starch, total soluble sugar, amylopectin, and vitamin C contents than the berry. Secondary metabolites (total phenol, tannin, total flavonoid, total saponin and total alkaloid) were consistently more predominant in the berry than in the shoot, except total carotenoid. Methanol extracts of both the berry and the shoot displayed antioxidant activity in vitro , with the berry having significantly (P < 0.05) higher ABTS radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) than the shoot. Both extracts also scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical in a dose-dependent manner; with the IC 50 of the shoot (1.88 mg/mL) being lower than that of the berry (2.33 mg/mL). Conclusion: The distribution of metabolites and antioxidant activity in the berry and the shoot of S. pseudocapsicum provide support for their medicinal uses. However, the preponderance of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity in the berry than in the shoot might confer it with more potential to ameliorate oxidative stress in disease conditions, than the shoot.
Flood effects on trophic linkages of selected fish species in the littoral zone of the St Lucia estuarine system, South Africa

The St Lucia Estuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has experienced prolonged mouth closure since 2002. Until recently it was hypersaline, but heavy rainfall between October 2010 and January 2011 led to a large overall decrease in salinity. A stable isotope study was conducted in March 2011 on selected fish species from the nearshore environments at Charter's Creek and the estuary mouth region to determine the influence of flooding events on their diet. Oreochromis mossambicus, the dominant fish species at both sites, had a generalised diet and occupied the lowest trophic level both before and after flooding. Monodactylus argenteus, Leiognathus equula and Gerres acinaces from the mouth area displayed a largely zooplanktivorous diet and showed some changes in prey species between drought and post-flood conditions.
The combined effect of canopy shading and sea urchin grazing on recruitment in kelp forest (Laminaria hyperborea)

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the impact of sea urchin grazing (Echinus esculentus) and canopy shading on the recruitment of the kelp Laminaria hyperborea in mid-Norway. A spatially variable distribution of sea urchins was observed, and recruitment processes were studied both after disturbance, caused by kelp harvesting removal of the canopy kelps, and in pristine kelp forests. The combination of sea urchin density and the density of canopy-forming kelps had the strongest influence on the density of small kelps in pristine kelp forest, suggesting that both grazing from sea urchins and shading from the canopy contributed to the mortality of small kelps. High densities of small kelps (>20 m−2) were only found in pristine kelp forest together with ≤6 canopy-forming kelps m−2 or <3 sea urchins m−2 on average. However, within the observed range of sea urchin densities these had no effect on the density of large, canopy-forming kelps. Large L. hyperborea were apparently not subject to grazing. In addition, only a small number of surviving kelp recruits was needed to maintain the density of canopy-forming kelps, as L. hyperborea specimens may survive many years. These conditions result in high stability of the kelp forest. A different picture was seen after kelp harvesting, when high recruitment and survival of recruits are the conditions for rapid restoration of the kelp vegetation. After removal of the canopy-forming plants, the kelp recruits were temporarily released from high density-dependent mortality due to shading. Some influence of sea urchin grazing on the density of recruits was observed, but this was small compared with the strong canopy effect. However, the accumulated impact of grazing during a period of time had a strong overall effect on the regrowth of kelp. After 2.5 years the accumulated biomasses at the harvested stations were strongly related to average sea urchin density, and a density of between 4 and 5 sea urchins m−2 resulted in very little biomass accumulation. This suggests that the L. hyperborea kelp forest vegetation has a high degree of stability, but shows less resilience after disturbance, when exposed to moderate sea urchin grazing.
Vitellogenesis and oocyte development in azadirachtin-induced fifth-instar overage nymphs of Locusta migratoria (L.)

Injection of azadirachtin into females of Locusta migratoria at the beginning of the last nymphal instar prevented molting to the adult stage, and many of these locusts survived for long periods as overage fifth-instar nymphs. Overage female nymphs synthesized vitellogenin; maximum vitellogenin content in their hemolymph was 6–7 times higher than that found in normal adult females. The overage female nymphs developed vitellogenic oocytes, but development was retarded to some extent: although vitellogenin did accumulate in the proximal oocytes, their maximum average length was only about 2.8 mm (compared to 6.2 mm in normal adult females) and extensive oocyte resorption was observed. Thus, attainment of adult competence of the organs and processes involved in female reproduction is independent to a considerable extent from the process of overt adult morphogenesis.
Reindeer summer activity pattern in relation to weather and insect harassment

Summary 1 During the brief growing season in Arctic and high mountain ecosystems, undisturbed grazing is crucial in order to maximize growth and fattening. During summer 1997 we investigated the influence of weather and insect harassment on the behaviour and group dynamics of reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.). 2 Climatic data, activity of parasitic flies, and female reindeer behaviour were recorded from two wild reindeer populations in Southern Norway. Temperature and solar irradiation were good predictors of oestrid fly activity. Throughout the warm summer, reindeer were exposed to vigorous oestrid fly harassment, which caused dramatic decrease in feeding and lying, and increase in walking, running and standing. This behavioural change may compromise the physical condition of individuals entering winter. 3 Mosquitoes had little influence on reindeer activity patterns. In the absence of oestrid flies, weather parameters had no influence on reindeer activity pattern. Even during the warmest days, no signs of heat stress were recorded. Accordingly, snow patches, marshes and windy mountaintops were used primarily to avoid oestrid fly harassment. Thus, most disruptions of feeding that are often reported on warm days are responses to oestrids, not thermal stress.
Spatial heterogeneity of vegetation and environmental factors on talus slopes of the Niagara Escarpment

Spatial heterogeneity of vegetation and environmental factors were studied on talus slopes of the Niagara Escarpment, southern Ontario, Canada. Random sampling of 197 taxa and 19 environmental variables along the length of the Escarpment permitted multivariate analysis of heterogeneity that occurred at both geographical and local scales. While previous work on these slopes had indicated that rockfall disturbance was the main organizing factor of vegetation, this variable was shown to be unimportant. Instead, we found geographical-scale control of vegetation heterogeneity related to one component of macroclimate and local-scale heterogeneity controlled by a complex of soil factors. The local-scale heterogeneity appeared to be too patchy, however, to be explained by normal soil development processes. We suggest that the talus vegetation develops in response to a positive feedback mechanism involving inputs of slowly decomposing wood from the neighbouring cliffs, followed by accelerated vegetation developmen.
Risk Ranking of Antimicrobials in the Aquatic Environment from Human Consumption: An Irish Case Study

ABSTRACT A mechanistic model is presented for determination of antimicrobial presence in the environment, using antimicrobial characteristics and Irish-specific usage data. The model simulates release of antimicrobials into the aquatic environment by integrating the effects of antimicrobial use, metabolism, degradation, and dilution. Predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) were ranked in relation to their potential to select for resistant bacteria, toxicity (chronic and acute), and hazard quotient (HQ). The simulated mean PECs of penicillins (PEN), β-lactams (BET), tetracyclines (TET), macrolides (MAC), quinolone/fluoroquinolones (Q/F), and sulphonamides/trimethoprim (S/T) were 1.05, 0.19, 0.06, 0.07, 0.02, and 0.08 mg/m3, respectively. All antimicrobials, excluding Q/F, showed a low HQ (<1) indicating low toxicity. Q/F had a HQ of 1.51 indicating moderate toxicity. All antimicrobial groups expressed varying resistance formation potential with Q/F having the highest. Q/F also exhibited the lowest degradation rate. A sensitivity analysis indicated a possible role for considering metabolism during regulation of new antimicrobials as this can significantly influence PEC values. The observed results suggest that current antimicrobial use can lead to levels in the environment that may increase resistance formation. The results and limitations presented here accentuate the need for further investigation into antimicrobials in the environment and contribution to resistant strains.
Lipid composition of Halobacterium lacusprofundi

Abstract The recently described aerobic, extremely halophilic archaeobaterium, Halobacterium lacusprofundi was subjected to lipid analysis so that comparisons could be made between existing lipid data and that of the new isolate. This investigation showed that the major respiratory lipoquinones present were MK-8 and MK-8(VIII-H2), a feature found in other members of the family Halobacteriaceae. The polar lipids comprised the diether derivatives of phosphatidly glycerol, phosphatidyl glycerophosphate, phosphatidly glycerosulphate, a diglycosyl diether and its sulphate derivative. The data presented shows that Halobacterium locusprofundi is related to Hb. saccharovorum and Hb. sodomense, and is in agreement with phylogenetic data.