Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of an unusually regulated gene encoding asparagine synthetase in the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica (Scrophulariaceae)

In the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica (Del. Benth), asparagine synthesis plays a prominent role in the metabolism of the host-derived nitrogen and in the detoxification process of a steady-state N-excess. Here, we show that asparagine synthetase (EC 6.3.5.4), the primary enzyme involved in asparagine production in plants, is encoded in Striga by a small gene family, with at least two AS genes, including the gene called ShAS related to the small class II Asparagine Synthetase genes. The functionality of ShAS was demonstrated by complementation of an E.coli asn auxotroph mutant and its expression was characterized by semiquantitative RT-PCR. The ShAS expression pattern in plants growing under standard light conditions and in light-grown calli differs from the expression pattern of most plant AS genes since ShAS transcripts accumulated in all the plant organs and this accumulation was not repressed by light. In contrast, ShAS expression was light-induced in mature leaves and in the chlorophyllous calli. The promoter region of ShAS was also sequenced and characterized and displayed various light-responsive, as well as potential sugar-responsive, cis-elements. A correlation between ShAS expression and asparagine synthesis was demonstrated in the illuminated mature leaves by 15 N-labelling in vivo experiments. ShAS was also shown to be positively regulated in light-grown calli by C- and N-starvation and was associated with senescence-related protein breakdown. ShAS expression was not repressed by light in haustoria, roots, senescing leaves and inflorescences. These findings show that one or more unknown factors of regulation can override light as the major regulator.
A Gambler's Model of Natural Selection.

It is obviously important for students to appreciate the power of natural selection since this is such a fundamental paradigm in biology. We have developed a laboratory exercise based on a model described by Dawkins (1986). In his model, natural selection, starting from a randomly chosen sequence of letters, finally leads to the phrase "METHINKS IT IS LIKE A WEASEL. " The probability of chance alone achieving this end is very slight and, in fact, low probability arguments have been used by creationists against the theory of evolution (Kitcher 1982). However, this creationist argument is based on a misunderstanding of how evolution works through natural selection. As we shall see, even a small selective force working within the generally accepted mechanism of evolutionary change can cause a phrase to "evolve" in a relatively short period of time. Our model uses dice of three different colors. The end state we arbitrarily choose is a 1 on the yellow die, a 2 on the red die, and a 3 on the green die. The numbers on these particular dice represent an organism at the peak of fitness in its environment. The closer the three dice are to this end, the more fit our hypothetical organism. As we
Selection against large size in the Sand Martin Riparia riparia during a dramatic population crash

In 1984 breeding Sand Martins declined to 27% of their 1983 numbers at a large colony in Scotland. A population crash of similar magnitude occurred over much of central Scotland and over Britain as a whole. The decline in numbers was probably attributable to severe drought conditions experienced overwinter in the Sahel zone of Africa. There was a significant reduction in the mean keel-length of Sand Martins captured at the main study colony in 1984 compared with individuals measured in both 1982 and 1983, suggesting that selection for small body-size had occurred during the period of high overwinter mortality.
Functional genomics in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat : genome wide and candidate gene analysis

The stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) is an inbred model of hypertension. Renal microarrays and functional genomic strategies investigated chromosome 2 candidate hypertension genes, focussing on the oxidative-stress defence gene, glutathione s-transferse mu type 1 (Gstm1). Ingenuity pathway analysis of renal microarrays in 5 and 16-week SHRSP, normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and chromosome 2 congenic rats identified differential expression of several glutathione cycling genes. The Gstm1 promoter was investigated by luciferase and Transfac bioinformatic analysis, implicating two polymorphism clusters and several transcription factors in reduced SHRSP Gstm1 expression. Recombinant adenoviruses expressing Gstm1 and short-hairpin RNA-interference sequences to reduce Gstm family expression were produced. In-vivo overexpression of Gstm1 did not improve endothelial nitric-oxide bioavailability in SHRSP carotid arteries. Bacterial artificial chromosome and linear expression constructs were purified for production of Gstm1 transgenic rats, putative transgenic rats were screened by PCR. The strategies developed in this project are an example of thorough functional genomic analysis in experimental hypertension research.
Taxonomical Notes on Pachygenium (Orchidaceae)

Three new species of the orchid genus Pachygenium are described and illustrated: Pachygenium schmidtianum Mytnik, Szlach. & Górniak, P. triangulare Mytnik, Szlach. & Górniak and P. arechavaletae Mytnik, Szlach. & Górniak. A new combination on the species level, Pachygenium callosum (M.N. Correa) Mytnik, Szlach. & Górniak is validated. The taxonomic position of the new taxa is briefly discussed. Pachygenium is compared in a table with Pelexia on the generic level. A brief taxonomic history of Pachygenium is presented.
Note. Genetic Diversity of Food Isolates of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in India

The study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolates from sprouts and fish samples from India. Twenty-eight S. Typhimurium isolates were genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and tested for antibiotic susceptibility, plasmid profile, and presence of virulence genes (invA and spvC). Three distinct XbaI-pulsed-field profiles (PFPs) were observed. Out of 22 isolates from sprouts, 20 showed PFP-A and remaining two showed PFP-B. All six fish isolates showed PFP-C. All the strains were sensitive to the examined antibiotics except two strains of PFP-A. Two different plasmid profiles P1 and P2 were observed. P2 was observed only in the antibiotic resistant strains. All strains were positive for the invA, whereas spvC was detected only in sprout isolates. There was no specific pattern in occurrence of the genotypes with respect to seasons. However, PFP-A was dominant and was isolated throughout the year. This is the first report to assess the genotypic diversity of S. Typhimurium obtained in foods from India. As S. Typhimurium is the predominant serotype in India, the data generated in this study would be useful in epidemiological studies during outbreaks of Salmonellosis in India.
Terpenes of Wild Sunflowers (Helianthus): An Effective Mechanism Against Seed Predation by Larvae of the Sunflower Moth, Homoeosoma electellum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Sunflower moth, Homoeosoma electellum (Hulst), is a major pest of cultivated sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. , in North America. Thirty perennial and 11 annual species of Helianthus and several cultivars of sunflower were evaluated for resistance to H. electellum larvae. Larvae feeding on sunflower inflorescences in laboratory and greenhouse bioassays performed significantly poorer on 14 Helianthus species than on the cultivar hybrid ‘894’. In in vitro bioassays, nonpolar extracts from H. annuus, Helianthus argophyllus Torrey & Gray, Helianthus ciliaris DC, and Helianthus petiolaris ssp. petiolaris Nuttall caused significant lengthening of larval stadia and retarded larval growth. Larvae feeding on purified sesquiterpene lactones and diterpenes from H. argophyllus , H. ciliaris, Helianthus angustifolius L. , and Helianthus mollis Lambert in a wheat-germ diet at 0.1–1.0% concentration experienced high mortality, retarded growth, and an extended developmental period. The sesquiterpene lactone 8 β-sarracinoyloxycumambranolide isolated from glandular trichomes on anthers of Helianthus maximiliani Schrader was toxic to young larvae in bioassays. Two mechanisms giving Helianthus resistance to seed injury by larvae of H. electellum are terpenes in the florets and phytomelanin in the pericarp of seeds.
Fossil Record of the Rubiaceae

Abstract Fossils of 134 taxa attributed to the Rubiaceae are described or mentioned in 115 publications dating from 1850 and from deposits as old as the Cretaceous and Paleocene. Close scrutiny of these records indicates, however, that the oldest and most likely (accepted) representatives of the family are four genera, Emmenopterys Oliv. from the Middle Eocene of Oregon and Washington, U.S.A. , Faramea Aubl. from the Late Eocene of Panama, and Guettarda L. (cf. as †Guettardidites; †= fossil taxon) and Canthium Lam. (as †Rubipollis oblatus) from the Late Eocene of Australia, and a probable fifth genus, the alternate-leaved †Paleorubiaceophyllum eocenicum from the Middle Eocene of Tennessee/Kentucky, U.S.A. The record represents three subfamilies (Rubioideae, Ixoroideae, Cinchonoideae) from three widely separated geographic regions, implying an earlier origin in the Late Cretaceous or Paleocene. From the Oligocene, there are six accepted genera, Coprosma J. R. Forst. & G. Forst. , Coprosma–Opercularia, Faramea Aubl. , Macrosphyra Hook. f. (as †Triporotetradites hoekeni), Mitragyna Korth. (as †Retitricolporites annulatus), and Pinckneya Michx. from Africa (Cameroon), Australia and New Zealand, U.S.A. (Oregon), and Puerto Rico. The period of greatest diversification and radiation was in the Miocene, with 20 accepted genera reported from North America, Central America, South America, Southeast Pacific–Asia, Africa, and Europe. Stages in the evolution of three characters are further suggested by the fossil record. The relatively uncommon occurrence of alternate leaves among modern taxa is typical of advanced genera (e.g., Didymochlamys Hook. f., Sabicea Aubl., Theligonum L.), but this feature may have already developed by the Middle Eocene (†Paleorubiaceophyllum). Polyploidy is suggested in the Middle Eocene P. eocenicum var. lawrensis by epidermal cells 32 µm in diameter or nearly twice the size of the other varieties. Pollen polymorphism, possibly coordinated with or as a prelude to heterostyly, is represented by the diporate pollen of Faramea in the Late Eocene, and triporate and tetraporate forms in the Miocene and Pliocene. Currently, the principal needs are: (1) to clarify pending Paleocene records of †Cinchonidium (Cinchona L.), North Dakota, U.S.A. ; Galium L. , Greenland; and †Psilatricolpites coprosmoides (Coprosma, Chile); and (2) to examine the several large Cretaceous megafossil floras now under study (e.g., Anfiteatro de Ticó, Argentina; Crato, Brazil; Turonian-age floras, New Jersey and Sweden) for specimens with features that suggest a rubiaceous complex or with an aggregation of features suggesting presence of the family.
Plastid Genome of Cyanidium caldarium Strain RK-1 Encodes trpA

We examined the organization of organelle DNA in the two algae, Cyanidium caldarium RK-1 and C. caldrium M-8 with epifluorescence microscopy and molecular-biological techniques. The plastid nucleus (pt-nucleus, a complex of DNA and proteins) is located in the central area of the plastid in C. caldarium RK-1, while the ring-shaped pt-nucleus is located at the periphery of the petal-like plastid in C. caldarium M-8. The results suggest that C. caladarium RK-1 markedly differs from C. caldarium M-8 in an evolutionary tree.To confirm the result, we examined the fragment that contained rbcL. The trpA (the gene for the α subunit of the tryptophan synthase), which was located on the vicinity of the rbcL, was found on the plastid genome of the “primitive” unicellular red alga, C. caldarium RK-1, while the gene could not be found on the plastid genome of the C. calardium M-8 (Galdieria sulphuraria). This is the first example of typtophan synthase encoded on the plastid genome. The results suggest that the trpA gene may have relocated from the plastid genome to the cellnuclear genome for longer ago than the genes that have been considered to date to have been lost from plastid genomes in the advanced members of plants.
Cold Tolerance of Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract Laboratory studies were conducted during the winters of 1996 and 1997 to determine the cold tolerance of overwintering adult bean leaf beetles, Cerotoma trifurcata (Förster). Second-generation adults were collected during early September from soybean fields near Ames, IA. The collected beetles were reared at 24°C with a photoperiod of 10:14 (L:D) h in the laboratory for 3 wk. The beetles were transferred to a chamber with high relative humidity at 5°C and photoperiod of 9:15 (L:D) h for evacuation of gut contents dangling. After 2 wk at 5°C, the beetles were selected randomly and subjected to cold baths maintained at temperatures, including −15, −10, −5, 0, and 5°C. At certain time intervals, beetles were retrieved from the cold baths for the observation of mortality. More than 50% of the adult beetles survived over hundreds of hours at −5, 0, and 5°C, whereas most of the beetles died after 15 min at −10 and −15°C. The results indicated that the critical temperature range causing significant mortality of the overwintering beetles would be between −5 and −10°C. Moreover, during the two-winter study the daily leaf litter mean temperature recorded in woodland mainly stayed at above −5°C. The results showed that hibernating in the leaf litter of woodland allowed the beetles to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations during winter.
Lactobacillus Strain with High Adhesion Stimulates Intestinal Mucin Expression in Broiler

Lactobacillus fermentum 1.2029 strain with high adhesion was selected for studying the mucin expression of the small intestine epithelium of broilers after the strain was orally administrated. The strain was allowed to adhere to Caco-2 and to a hydrophobic solvent to evaluate its adhesive properties. Adhesion to intestinal mucin of chickens was also tested to further characterize the in vivo adhesion of the strain. Afterward, the acid and bile salt tolerance of the strain was also evaluated. L fermentum 1.2029 showed good adhesive ability and was able to survive in low pH conditions and in the presence of bile salts. The in vivo study showed that the strain significantly increased goblet cell density in the jejunum and the level of MUC2 mRNA in both the jejunum and ileum (P<0.05). L. fermentum 1.2029 treatment didn’t affect the thickness of the mucous layer. These results demonstrate that L. fermentum 1.2029 has protective functions, thereby regulating the goblet cell density and the expression of mucin in the small intestine of broilers. This work also suggests that L. fermentum 1.2029 is a potential probiotic feed additive for the improvement of the intestinal function of chickens.
The Politics of State Capture in Zimbabwe

-This article demonstrates that Zimbabwe experiences serious problems of state capture. State capture began to be an issue in 2017 when factionalism between Team Lacoste and Generation 40(G40) reached its climax. However, state capture became topical in Zimbabwe in October 2018 following Reserve Bank Governor’s (RBZ) announcement of interventions through the 2018 mid–term monetary policy statement, particularly the 2% tax; which immediately triggered price increases and fuel crisis. The research question addressed in this article is: What is state capture and how is it manifested in Zimbabwe? Firstly, it systematically unpacks the phenomenon as a type of businessstate relationship distinct from influence and corruption and outlines its types, features and essence. Secondly, the article explores state capture in contemporary Zimbabwefocusing on the mining, banking, energy (fuel), agricultural sectors, government ministries (legislature, state media and judiciary), the security sector and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. The methodology and theoretical framework adopted in this study involves qualitative political economy approach. A combination of current research reports, analysis of newspaper articles and social media to illuminate the phenomenon and its manifestations. The article contributes to existing knowledge by not only clarifying a concept conflated with corruption but also analyzing the manifestations of state capture in Zimbabwe.
Elastic Energy Stores in Running Vertebrates

Large mammals save much of the energy they would otherwise need for running by means of elastic structures in their legs. Kinetic and potential energy, lost at one stage of a stride, is stored temporarily as elastic strain energy and returned later in an elastic recoil. At high speeds, men and kangaroos seem to save in this way more than half the metabolic energy they would otherwise need for locomotion. It is shown by means of a generalized model that muscles and tendons could both be important as elastic energy stores. Analysis of films and force records of kangaroos hopping shows that strain energy stored while the feet are on the ground must be stored mainly distal to the knee. The principal muscles there have short fibres, and most of the storage must be in tendons. Investigation of camels shows that tendons in the feet, distal to the ankle and wrist, are especially important. The scope for elastic storage while the feet are off the groundis also considered. Though the evidence presented in this paper comes mainly from a few species, the conclusions presumably apply to large mammals in general.
OPTIMAL CONTROL OF THE PENICILLIN G FED-BATCH FERMENTATION: AN ANALYSIS OF A MODIFIED UNSTRUCTURED MODEL

This paper presents the application of optimal control theory in determining the optimal glucose feed rate profile for the penicillin G fed-batch fermentation, using a modified unstructured mathematical model based on balancing methods. This updated model allows for a smooth transition between maintenance and endogenous metabolism, while all variables take on physically acceptable values under all conditions It is illustrated that the resulting computational algorithm is independent of the exact nature of the metabolism (maintenance or endogenous). In this scheme, the unusual optimization of some free initial states is included. However, as shown by simulations, the nature of the metabolism might be a key factor in concluding whether or not altering the substrate feeding strategy has an important influence on the final amount of product Mathematical and microbial insight leads to the construction of an alternative suboptimal heuristic
Biogeography in the Death Valley region: evidence from springsnails (Hydrobiidae: Tryonia)

Abstract Allozyme and mitochondrial DNA variation were analysed to examine evolution of the nine species of springsnails (genus Tiyonia) living in the Death Valley system (Owens and Amargosa basins) of southeastern California and southwestern Nevada. Both allozyme and mtDNA evidence indicate that this highly endemic fauna is non-monophyletic. Species from the upper Amargosa basin comprise a clade most closely related to snails living in the Colorado basin. Snails from the lower Amargosa basin (Death Valley trough) reflect a complex evolutionary history and two of these species are more closely related to an estuarine species from western California than to other snails of the region. These results indicate a commonality of pattern with the well-studied Death Valley pupfishes (Cyprinodon), which also are non-monophyletic and include species that are most closely related to Colorado basin congeners. These biogeographic patterns are interpreted within the context of a recently proposed model for the early history of the lower Colorado River.
PATTERN OF MORPHOMETRIC DIFFERENTIATION AMONG THREE POPULATIONS OF SNOWTROUT, SCHIZOTHORAX PLAGIOSTOMUS (ACTINOPTERYGII: CYPRINIFORMES: CYPRINIDAE), FROM KASHMIR HIMALAYA USING A TRUSS NETWORK SYSTEM

Background. The fishes of the genus Schizothorax , commonly known as snowtrouts, are a group of species that are difficult to distinguish based on external morphological characters. One of them, Schizothorax plagiostomus Heckel, 1838, is a commercially important freshwater fish with wide distribution along the Himalayan foothills. However, recent observations have indicated drastic declines and change in the stock structure of this species in many areas of its range due to the introduction of exotics, water impoundments (dams), and overfishing. Therefore, this study was intended to verify the variation in stock structure of this species in Kashmir Himalaya by using morphological characters generated by truss network analysis . Materials and methods. A total number of 189 specimens of S. plagiostomus were collected from three differ - ent water bodies of Kashmir Himalaya. A truss network was constructed by interconnecting 12 landmarks to form a total of 30 distance variables extracted from digital images of samples using tpsDig2 and PAST software plat - forms. The transformed truss measurements were subjected to principal component analysis, discriminant func - tion analysis, and univariate analysis of variance for identification of different parameters responsible for popu - lation discrimination among these water bodies . Results. The principal component analysis generated nine components explaining 86.4% of total variance in samples. The step-wise discriminant function analysis retained two variables that significantly discriminated the populations. These two variables showed significant variation in head region, body depth, and caudal peduncle region of fish. Using these variables, 98.4% of the original groups were classified into their correct samples and 93.7% of cross-validated groups omitting one procedure were classified into their correct samples . Conclusion. This study has provided basic information about morphometric variation of S. plagiostomus , which could be indicative of the underlying stock structure of the species. A clear phenotypic divergence among S. pla - giostomus samples revealed the existence of three differentiated groups viz., the Dal Lake population, the Jhelum River, and the Lidder River populations in Kashmir Himalaya. This study should be considered in fisheries man - agement and commercial exploitation of this species and any stock enhancement program .
Genome size variation in parrots: longevity and flying ability

Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain genome size variation in birds. However, no general consensus has been reached thus far. In this study, we analysed the inter- and intraspecific variation of genome size in some parrot species, and we tested the hypotheses that (1) weaker fliers have larger genomes, and (2) long-living species have lower DNA content. In general, parrots have a mean genome size (2.93 pg/nucleus) comparable to that of other avian orders. Amazona ochrocephala tresmariae has the highest genome size (4.30 pg/nucleus) among parrots. As expected, weaker flyers have larger genomes than better ones. In contrast to our prediction, we found a positive correlation between genome size and longevity. Finally, the species-group Amazona has a higher DNA content than the two groups Ara and Cacatua. Since oxidative stress is causally related to longevity, we suggest that DNA oxidative damage could have acted to some extent as a constraint on GS variation in parrots and perhaps also in other avian orders.