Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple shoot formation in lentil (Lens culinaris) seeds

Abstract A protocol based on seed culture was developed for efficient in vitro propagation of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik). Benzyladenine (BA), thidiazuron (TDZ), and kinetin all induced multiple shoot formation. In terms of the number of long shoots (>2.0 cm) produced per seed, BA and TDZ at optimum concentrations (0.2–0.4 and 0.1 mg/litre, respectively) had similar efficiency, whereas kinetin produced less shoots. Murashige and Skoog (MS) salt composition was better than that of Gamborge (B5) for shoot induction. Increasing calcium (Ca) concentration was necessary to overcome shoot‐tip necrosis. For shoot elongation, fresh medium of the same composition of shoot induction medium could be used for stumps from medium with low BA (<0.8 mg/litre) or TDZ (<0.4 mg/litre). Otherwise, MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/ litre gibberellic acid (GA3) or 0.05 mg/litre α‐naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) was appropriate. Multiple shoots were induced from 10 inbred of four species. Best rooting was achieved using MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/litre NAA. Using this rooting medium more than 50% shoots from the 10 inbreds rooted. From 80 to 100% plantlets of the 10 inbreds survived after being transferred to potting mixture in glass house.
Investigating Differences in Tannin Levels Determined by Methylcellulose and Protein Precipitation

Two different published methods for determining condensed tannin levels in grapes using protein (BSA) and methylcellulose precipitation have led to inconsistent results. We hypothesized that these inconsistent findings were due to the differences in the methodologies. Thus, we modified the published protocols to use the same extraction solvent, resuspended the precipitant, and quantified the tannin concentration by reaction with ferric chloride (FeCl 3 ). Pellets of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grape skin tannin precipitated with both protein and methylcellulose were readily resuspended in an aqueous buffer containing triethanolamine (5% v/v) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (10% w/v) adjusted to pH 9.4. Consistent with previous research, 50% ethanol in water (v/v) was a less effective extraction solvent than 70% acetone. In all instances, the calculated tannin concentration in grape skin was lower using methylcellulose as a precipitant and the proportional difference between methylcellulose and protein as a precipitant was not consistent across samples, extraction solvents, or methods of quantification. These results suggest that there are significant differences in the nature of the tannins precipitated by methylcellulose and protein, although the nature of these differences has yet to be fully explored.
Focus on bacterial blight of rice.

Bacterial blight of rice, caused by Xanthomonas orpw. aryzap (37), was first reported in Japan over a century ago. Since hen, considerable research on the disease and its causal agent has been reported and reviewed ( 1 8,19,24,29). In the past 10 years, advances in the area of molecular genetics, monoclonal antibody technology, and microbial taxonomy have been made. Now these technologies are being used to characterize the pathogen, reevaluate the ecology and epidemiology of the disease, and study host-parasite interactions. In this article, we will focus on the use and the potentials of these technologies to clarify the taxonomy of the pathogen, describe the pathogen population structure in single plants or fields, and investigate the molecular events occurring in the hostparasite interactions.
Hydrogen 1 (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of 3.0T in assessment of steatosis to antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C

This study investigates the utility of Hydrogen 1 (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a noninvasive test for steatosis of response to interferon and ribavirin treatment in patients developing different severity of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Ninety chronic hepatitis C patients undergoing antiviral therapy with interferon and ribavirin underwent 1H MR spectroscopy at 3.0T before treatment, 6 month after the start of treatment and one year after the start of treatment. Peak value of lipid, area under the peak of lipid, peak ratio of lipid, water and area ratio under the peak of lipid, water statistical difference between baseline of control group and antiviral group, and also between baseline and after the start of therapy 6 month of antiviral therapy group. 1H MRS is a noninvasive technique that can be used to provide liver steatosis information on hepatic metabolic processes. This study indicates that the 1H MRS can be used as an indicator of steatosis response to antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis C patients. Keywords: Hydrogen 1 (1H), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), hepatitis C, antiviral therapy. African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(53) 4753-4760
Structure of Macroinvertebrate Communities in Relation to Environmental Variables in a Subtropical Asian River System

Subtropical Asian rivers support a highly diverse array of benthic macroinvertebrates. Yet, their biodiversity and functionality has been poorly investigated. We choose the Chishui River system, one of the largest un-dammed, first level branches upstream of the Yangtze River, China, to: 1) determine the spatial pattern of macroinvertebrate diversity and community structure, and 2) examine the influence of variables at local habitat and basin scales on the distribution of macroinvertebrate communities. Samples were collected from 43 sites in spring of 2007. After Canonical Correspondence Analysis, two basin and five habitat variables were found to be significant predictors of the macroinvertebrate community structure. Variance partitioning analysis showed that habitat physical variables had a greater influence than other environmental variables in macroinvertebrate community, which suggested that preserving habitat, especially upstream, should be strongly considered in biological conservation.
Sp1 Binds to the Rat Luteinizing Hormone β (LHβ) Gene Promoter and Mediates Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone-stimulated Expression of the LHβ Subunit Gene*

The hypothalamic hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays a critical role in reproductive function by regulating the biosynthesis and secretion of the pituitary gonadotropins. Although it is known that GnRH induces luteinizing hormone β (LHβ) gene transcription, the mechanisms by which this occurs remain to be elucidated. We have shown previously that GH3 cells transfected with the rat GnRH receptor cDNA (GGH3-1′ cells) support the expression of a cotransfected fusion gene composed of 797 base pairs of rat LHβ gene 5′-flanking sequence and the first 5 base pairs of the 5′-untranslated region fused to a luciferase reporter (−797/+5LHβLUC) and respond to a GnRH agonist with a 10-fold stimulation of activity. Furthermore, we have shown that DNA sequences at −490/−352 confer GnRH responsiveness to the rat LHβ gene. We have now identified two putative binding sites for Sp1, a three-zinc-finger transcription factor, within this region. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assay, DNase I footprinting, and methylation interference assays, we demonstrate that Sp1 can bind to these sites and that Sp1 is responsible for DNA-protein complexes formed using GGH3-1′ and αT3–1 nuclear extracts. Mutations of the Sp1 binding sites, which block binding of Sp1, blunt the stimulation of the LHβ gene promoter by GnRH. These data define GnRH-responsive elements in the LHβ 5′-flanking sequence and suggest that Sp1 plays an important role in conferring GnRH responsiveness to the LHβ subunit gene.
Rate, timing, and mode of gibberellin application for female strobilus production by grafted loblolly pine

Gibberellin A4, gibberellin A7, and their mixture (60:40, GA4:GA7) were approximately equally effective in promoting female strobilus production on 3-year-old grafted mature scions of loblolly pine (Pinustaeda L.). Gibberellin A3 was ineffective. The female flowering response to GA4/7 was proportional to the log of its concentration, but no significant effect on male flowering was observed. Topical application from June through September was the most effective mode of application. Application for shorter intervals during this period resulted in proportionately less flowering. GA was equally effective prior to and following female bud initiation, but most effective during both.
A Comparison of Tooth Wear and Breakage in Rancho La Brea Sabertooth Cats and Dire Wolves Across Time

ABSTRACT The carnivores preserved in the late Pleistocene Rancho La Brea tar seep deposits display a remarkably high incidence of teeth broken in life as compared with modern species. In a previous study examining tooth breakage, tooth wear and individual age of Canis dirus over different periods in time, we found that Pit 13 C. dirus (about 15,000 years before present [ybp]) exhibited heavier tooth wear and fractured their teeth about three times more often than those of the younger Pit 61/67 (about 12,000 ybp). No significant difference was found in the age structure of the population, suggesting this came from differences in feeding behavior, likely bone consumption, at these two times. In this study, we extend this work to the Rancho La Brea sabertooth cat, Smilodon fatalis, a hypercamivore with more specialized teeth and feeding behavior. We looked at tooth breakage, tooth wear, and individual age of S. fatalis compared with C. dirus from similar time intervals. As in the previous study, the age structure of the Smilodon samples did not differ between different time intervals. Interestingly, S. fatalis had consistent and higher levels of tooth breakage and apparent average age than C. dirus in either location, and tooth wear was similar to that observed in the more worn Pit 13 sample of C. dirus. This may demonstrate that S. fatalis was consuming more bone, and/or that S. fatalis individuals were older, had different relative dentine deposition rates, or might reflect the greater vulnerability of the sabercats' narrow teeth to wear and fracture.
Indirect effects of soil moisture reverse soil C sequestration responses of a spring wheat agroecosystem to elevated CO2

Increased plant productivity under elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations might increase soil carbon (C) inputs and storage, which would constitute an important negative feedback on the ongoing atmospheric CO2 rise. However, elevated CO2 often also leads to increased soil moisture, which could accelerate the decomposition of soil organic matter, thus counteracting the positive effects via C cycling. We investigated soil C sequestration responses to 5 years of elevated CO2 treatment in a temperate spring wheat agroecosystem. The application of 13C‐depleted CO2 to the elevated CO2 plots enabled us to partition soil C into recently fixed C (Cnew) and pre‐experimental C (Cold) by 13C/12C mass balance. Gross C inputs to soils associated with Cnew accumulation and the decomposition of Cold were then simulated using the Rothamsted C model ‘RothC. ’ We also ran simulations with a modified RothC version that was driven directly by measured soil moisture and temperature data instead of the original water balance equation that required potential evaporation and precipitation as input. The model accurately reproduced the measured Cnew in bulk soil and microbial biomass C. Assuming equal soil moisture in both ambient and elevated CO2, simulation results indicated that elevated CO2 soils accumulated an extra ∼40–50 g C m−2 relative to ambient CO2 soils over the 5 year treatment period. However, when accounting for the increased soil moisture under elevated CO2 that we observed, a faster decomposition of Cold resulted; this extra C loss under elevated CO2 resulted in a negative net effect on total soil C of ∼30 g C m−2 relative to ambient conditions. The present study therefore demonstrates that positive effects of elevated CO2 on soil C due to extra soil C inputs can be more than compensated by negative effects of elevated CO2 via the hydrological cycle.
Monitoring of the prokaryotic diversity in pit mud from a Luzhou‐flavour liquor distillery and evaluation of two predominant archaea using qPCR assays

Pit mud plays a crucial role in the production of the Luzhou-flavour liquor. Its quality directly determines liquor quality and yield. The aged pit mud produced good quality liquor but aging pit mud did not. The aim of this work was to investigate the prokaryotic diversity of the aged and aging pit mud from a Luzhou-flavour liquor distillery using molecular methods. Two bacteria-specific and two archaea-specific 16S rRNA gene clone libraries were constructed and analysed using amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis. A total of 273 clones were studied, which resulted in 28 operational taxonomic units. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes predominated in both the aged and aging pit mud, but Synergistetes and Actinobacteria were only detected in the aged pit mud. The family Methanosaeta dominated in the aged pit mud, while the Methanosarcina predominated in the aging pit mud. These results were confirmed using two genus-specific quantitative real time PCR assays. This research distinguished microbial community structure in the aged and aging pit mud for the first time, and has laid an initial foundation for identifying good quality pit mud and for maintaining the quality of pit mud. Copyright © 2014 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling
Juvenile salmonid growth, survival, and production in a large river floodplain modified by beavers (Castor canadensis)

Beavers (Castor canadensis) may strongly influence juvenile salmon production by damming spring brooks that are primary rearing habitats on expansive floodplains of large Pacific Rim salmon rivers. We studied three floodplain rearing habitats in the Kwethluk River, Alaska: free-flowing (beaver-free, n = 3) and beaver-influenced (below beaver dams, n = 4) spring brooks and early-successional beaver ponds (n = 4). We analyzed juvenile coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytschwa) salmon movement, survival, densities, and growth using a multistate robust capture–mark–recapture design. Survival (46% to 80%) and densities (0.9 fish·m−2) were highest in beaver-free spring brooks. Ponds had lower salmon densities, producing less biomass per unit area than beaver-influenced or beaver-free spring brooks (1.87 ± 0.57 g·m−2 vs. 2.98 ± 1.22 and 3.23 ± 0.73 g·m−2). However, ponds covered 2× greater area than either type of spring brook and therefore produced more salmon biomass at the floodplain .
A molecular approach to systematics of Polypteriformes among Osteichthyes

Abstract The Sarcopterygii are considered to be the living species most closely related to the ancestors of the tetrapods: they include the extinct rhipidistians, the coelacanths and the dipnoans. Furthermore, many Authors debate whether the Polypteriformes should be assigned a very peculiar place in the phylogeny of the bony fishes. To investigate the group of Polypteriformes and the Dipnoans and to provide new support for the classic morphological and molecular data and previous karyological evidence, we examined the DNA sequences of the mitochondrial genes 16S, 12S and cyt‐b in two polypterids (Polypterus palmas and Erpetoichthys calabaricus) and two lungfish (Protopterus annectens and P. aethiopicus). In all the trees, Polypteriformes and Dipnoi are grouped together, while coelacanths remain as a sister group of these two. This molecular evidence supports the earliest hypotheses in which Polypteriformes were grouped in the same subclass together with the coelacanths and Dipnoi.
Investigation of risk factors associated with infections caused by small ruminant lentiviruses

Abstract An epidemiological study was conducted to identify risk factors related to small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infection in the central region of Spain. Between October 1998 and October 2000, a total of 194 sheep from 10 flocks and 163 goats from three flocks were tested for SRLV antibodies, resulting in 65.5% and 8.0% of seroprevalence, respectively. The relationship between differences in prevalence of SRLV, geographical location of the flock, and possible factors related to the flock that could enhance transmission were studied. Results of multivariable analysis showed an association between SRLV infection and geographical location of the flock and the rearing system. In addition, the differences in the productivity between infected and non-infected animals were explored. The productivity parameters were measured in 62 sheep and 28 goats. All productivity parameters studied (milk production, number of milking days, and lambing rate) appeared to be reduced in the SRLV-seropositive group in both goats and sheep. Even though, these differences were not statistically significant, it seems that animals infected are less productive than these non-infected. Statistical analyses comparing infected and non-infected sheep showed no statistical relationship between SRLV infection and milk quality.
Annular α‐synuclein species from purified multiple system atrophy inclusions

Oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions composed of α‐synuclein filamentous aggregates are the pathological hallmark of multiple system atrophy (MSA). We found that cortical tissue from MSA cases contains increased detergent‐resistant high‐molecular‐weight α‐synuclein species. To analyse these species, we immunopurified α‐synuclein aggregates from pathological samples and examined their ultrastructures using scanning electron and atomic force microscopies. Purified aggregates consisted of bundles of filaments. After treatment with 1% sarcosine or 2% 3‐[(3‐cholamidopropyl) dimethyl‐ammonio]‐1‐propanesulfonate (CHAPS) detergents, we observed frequent 30–50 nm annular particles, probably released from pathological aggregates due to the dissociation of filaments by the detergents. Antibody recognition imaging using a specific anti‐α‐synuclein antibody confirmed that the annular structures were positive for α‐synuclein. In contrast to pathological α‐synuclein, detergent treatment of recombinant α‐synuclein yielded only smaller, 10–18 nm spherical particles. Our results demonstrate that detergent treatment of pathological MSA α‐synuclein aggregates, but not recombinant α‐synuclein, yields discrete α‐synuclein‐positive species with annular morphologies. The ability of the pathological α‐synuclein to form annular aggregates may be an important factor contributing to the toxicity of the protein in disease that may have implications in designing therapeutic strategies aimed at detoxifying α‐synuclein aggregates.
Hausaufgaben als Brücke zwischen Schule und Elternhaus : empirische Erkenntnisse für die Praxis

Parental involvement research has greatly expanded over the past decade, but findings are mixed, reflecting in part the conceptual and methodological limitations of many studies. On the basis of longitudinal questionnaire data from 1,685 sixth graders, we studied parental help with homework because it is the most common and most controversial type of parental involvement. Distinguishing between the quantity and quality of parental homework involvement, the article demonstrates that completely different conclusions about the effectiveness of parental homework involvement will be reached if its quantity is assessed instead of its quality: How often parents helped with homework was negatively associated with the development of achievement, whereas homework help that was perceived as supportive had positive predictive effects, and homework help perceived as intrusive had negative effects. Moreover, the article shows that effect sizes would be overestimated if students’ prior achievement and family background were not controlled.
Strategies of Marker‐Aided Recurrent Selection

The choice of a marker-aided recurrent selection (MARS) strategy depends on a number of factors. An experimental comparison of these factors can be costly or infeasible, but a theoretical comparison can provide some guidelines. This study was conducted to evaluate the genetic aspects of expected responses to various MARS methods and to compare the efficiencies of MARS relative to traditional phenotypic recurrent selection (PRS) and to marker-aided mass selection (MS). The MARS methods examined here are MS, half-sib family (HSF), full-sib family (FSF), S 1 family (S 1 F), testcross progeny (TC), combined FSF selection with within-family MS (CSFS), and combined HSF selection with within-family MS (CSHS). If a large fraction of the additive genetic variance (p ) in a character can be explained by marker loci, the efficiencies of MARS relative to corresponding PRS can be great. This is most pronounced when family size (n) is small and decreases as n increases. An exception to this is for CSHS, where MARS is superior to PRS across all family sizes. Similarly, CSFS performs better than FSF selection under a wider range of family sizes (1 < n < 50). With a constant rate selected and a relatively large family size, S 1 F, CSFS and CSHS selection are superior to MS, whereas HSF selection is inferior to MS. With constraints of the same effective size selected for each method, MS, which takes advantage of the greatest selection intensity, is the most efficient method. Nevertheless, MARS among small families or individual plants can produce substantial increases in selection responses.
Isolation and characterization of 18 polymorphic microsatellite markers in Chinese mandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi (Basilewsky)

Eighteen microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized using an enrichment protocol in the Chinese mandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi (Basilewsky), a commercially important piscivorous fish in China. Out of 48 pairs of primers designed, 18 loci exhibited polymorphism with three to six alleles (mean 4.4 alleles/locus) and average observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.633 to 0.833 (mean 0.748) in a test population from Dongting Lake of China. Except for two loci, all other 16 loci were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These markers would be useful for such studies as population genetics, ecology and selective breeding of the Chinese mandarin fish in future.