Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new dieback disease of Acacia cyclops in South Africa caused by Pseudolagarobasidium acaciicola sp.nov.

Acacia cyclops A. Cunn. ex G. Don (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae), originating from Western Australia, is a serious environmental weed in South Africa. A dieback disease of A. cyclops occurring in South Africa is described, and a fungus herein named Psuedolagarobasidium acaciicola Ginns sp.nov. (Basidiomycetes, Polyporales, Hyphodermataceae) was consistently isolated from diseased roots of A. cyclops trees showing early dieback symptoms. Isolates of P. acaciicola caused 100% mortality in pathogenicity screening tests using seedlings of A. cyclops. Saplings of A. cyclops were inoculated with one isolate of P. acaciicola, and all plants were killed within 2–3 months. No control plants died. Psuedolagarobasidium acaciicola was reisolated from all inoculated plants that died. Trees growing in the field were inoculated at two sites on two occasions. Most inoculated trees died within 2 years, whereas no control plants died. Eventually P. acaciicola fruited in vitro and in vivo allowing the basidiomes and cultures to be.
The Secretome of the Extremophilic Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans ATCC 23270

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a chemolithoautotrophic acidophile capable of catalyzing the oxidation of ferrous iron and sulfur reducing compounds. During the dissolution of ores A. ferrooxidans adheres to the solid substrate by hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions and also extracellular polymeric substances may be involved. Nevertheless, many of these agents that participate in the process are unknown. Therefore, the identification and characterization of the extracellular proteome of A. ferrooxidans was addressed during this work. First, by searching the genome of A. ferrooxidans ATCC 23270 the putative genes coding for proteins present in most of the different secretion systems (type I, II, IV, V systems and the Usher pathway) were found. Second, when the secretion signal prediction server SubCel 1.0 was used, 26.7 % of the total open reading frames showed possible signals that would allow these proteins to leave the cytoplasm towards the internal and outer membranes, the periplasm, or the extracellular milieu. By using 2D-NEPHGE and MS sequencing we identified the eleven most abundant proteins present in the extracellular fraction. Proteins related to the transport and binding of solutes and the folding of proteins, among others were identified. Along with the non-classical pathway, the protein secretion systems identified could constitute the secretion machinery for the proteins found in the extracellular sub-proteome of A. ferrooxidans that as a whole constitute its secretome. Further studies of the extracellular proteins from this biomining microorganism will be important to find out their possible role if any, during bacteria-mineral interactions.
Reproductive Effort and Terminal Investment in Iteroparous Animals

Though it has been widely predicted that in animals in which reproductive value declines with age, reproductive effort should increase toward the end of the lifespan, analysis of changes in reproductive effort are impeded by fundamental difficulties in measuring the costs of reproduction. Energetic measures may not reflect the effects of breeding on subsequent survival and breeding success, especially in organisms in which body size increases with age, while attempts to estimate reproductive costs directly are complicated by positive correlations between breeding success and parental survival. Though the long-lived birds and mammals are among the most promising organisms on which to test the theory that reproductive effort increases with age, measures of fecundity commonly decline with increasing maternal age. Some recent evidence suggests, however, that offspring survival may improve toward the end of the lifespan.
Effects of common reed (Phragmites australis) invasion on marsh surface macrofauna: Response of fishes and decapod crustaceans

The tidally inundated marsh surface is an importnat site for energy exchanges for many resident and transient species. In many areas along the East Coast of the U.S. the dominant vegetation,Spartina alterniflora, has been replaced by the common reed (Phragmites australis). This shift has caused concern about the impact ofPhragmites on marsh fauna but research in this area has been limited. During 1997 and 1998, we examined the effect ofPhragmites on fish and decapod crustacean use of the marsh surface in the brackish water reaches of the Mullica River, in southern New Jersey, U.S. Fish and decapod crustaceans were sampled with an array of shallow pit traps (rectangular glass dishes, 27.5×17.5×3.7 cm) and with flumes (1.3 m wide×10 m long of 3.2-mm mesh). Fish (2–60 mm TL) dominated pit trap collections withFundulus heteroclitus andFundulus luciae significantly more abundant atSpartina sites.Fundulus heteroclitus was also the dominant fish (15–275 mm TL) collected in flumes but collections with this gear, including a number of species not collected in pit traps, showed no distinct preferences for different marsh vegetation types. Decapod crustaceans (1–48 mm CW) collected in pit traps were generally less abundant than fishes withCallinectes sapidus andPalaemonetes spp. most abundant inSpartina, whileRhithropanopeus harrisii was most abundant inPhragmites. The same decapod crustacean species (2–186 mm CW) dominanted the flume collections and, similar to the pattern of fish collected by the flumes, there were no distinct habitat preferences for different marsh vegetation types. As a result of these observations, with different sampling techniques, it appears there is an overall negative effect ofPhragmites on larval and small juvenile fish but less or no effect on larger fish and decapods crustaceans.
Leaves of Cornus (Cornaceae) from the Paleocene of North America and Asia Confirmed by Trichome Characters

The identification of Cornus foliage in the fossil record previously has relied primarily on similarities in venation, particularly the eucamptodromous secondary veins and widely spaced, transversely oriented tertiary veins. These features, while consistent with Cornus, are not by themselves diagnostic for the genus. Double‐armed, acicular trichomes mineralized with calcium carbonate are an additional characteristic feature found in all extant species of the genus. The presence of such trichomes provides a means of confirming leaf impression fossils attributed to Cornus. Reexamination of previously described Cornus leaves from the Paleocene of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains region leads us to reject Cornus nebrascensis Schimper (=Cornus newberryi Hollick) from the genus. Another species, Cornus hyperborea Heer, is provisionally accepted as Cornus based on its venation, although we were unable to confirm the trichomes in the type material from Greenland or in the assigned specimens from North Dakota. We also review other Eurasian Paleocene Cornus‐like leaf remains, including Cornus platyphylla Saporta and Cornophyllum hebridicum (Johnson) Boulter and Kvaček. We recognize two new Paleocene species, whose identity as Cornus is confirmed by the presence of characteristic trichomes and venation: Cornus swingii sp. n. , from the Paleocene of Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota, and Cornus krassilovii sp. n. , from the Paleocene Tsagayan flora of Russia. These occurrences, along with fruit records, indicate that the extant genus was well established in the Northern Hemisphere early in the Tertiary.
Attachment and Feeding Devices of Water‐Mite Larvae [Arrenurus spp.) Parasitic on Damselflies (Odonata, Zygoptera)

Water‐mite larvae of the subgenus Arrenurus (Acari, Hydrachnellae) act as habitual ectoparasites on zygopteran imagines, mostly attached to the soft membranous cuticle. The powerful larval pedipalp claws grasp the cuticle and the distal sabre‐like cheliceral segments tear it, thus obtaining the host's tissue fluids. The chelicerae and palps co‐operate to anchor the larva. The attached larva soon produces—in the host's subcuticular epidermis layer, and separated from the haemocoele by the thin sheet of subepidermal connective tissue—an elongated pouch, the stylostome, consisting of an acellular gelatinous substance, apparently secreted by the larva. Presumably, interaction with components in the host's tissue fluids solidifies the stylostome, which becomes firmly fixed to the host's body wall. The stylostome is thought to lengthen by repeated alternation between the suction of tissue fluids from the host and secretion of fresh soft substance forming additional stylostome segments. The resilient stylostome develops in a cleft between the host's cuticle and the subepidermal connective tissue in connection with partial decomposition of the host's epidermis, probably caused by cytotoxins leaking from the stylostome. In attempts to wall off the wound and thus to avoid influx of foreign substances, the host lays down a melanin sleeve around the stylostome at the perforation site. Lodgement of the functional stylostome separated from the haemocoele within the host's tissues might explain why the newly‐formed stylostome seems immune from cellular host reactions. However, cellular encapsulation and melanization appear to happen to outworn, non‐active stylostomes.
Seeds: The Ecology of Regeneration in Plant Communities

Reproductive allocation and reproductive effort in plants, F.A. Bazzaz and D.D. Ackerly maternal effects on seeds during development, Y. Gutterman the ecology of seed dispersal, M.F. Wilson animals as seed dispersers, E.W. Stiles fruits and frugivory, P. Jordano seed predators and plant population dynamics, M.J. Crawley longevity, viability and dormancy, A.J. Murdoch and R.H. Ellis the functional ecology of seed banks, K. Thompson seed responses to light, T.L. Pons the role of temperature in germination ecophysiology, R.J. Probert effect of chemical environment on seed germination, C.M. Karssen and H.W. M. Hilhorst the contribution of seedling regeneration to the structure and dynamics of plant communities and larger units of landscape, J.P. Grime and S.H. Hillier.
Involvement of phosphatidylserine, αvβ3, CD14, CD36, and complement C1q in the phagocytosis of primary necrotic lymphocytes by macrophages

Objective Uningested dead cells may be an important source of autoantigens and may trigger autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Multiple receptors involved in the clearance of apoptotic cells have been described; however, little is known about the receptors and ligands involved in uptake of necrotic cells that release autoantigens as well. Methods The uptake of autologous necrotic peripheral blood lymphocytes into human monocyte-derived macrophages was qualitatively and quantitatively monitored by confocal microscopy and 2-color flow cytometry, respectively. Blocking experiments were performed to examine the receptors and molecules involved in the phagocytosis of necrotic cells. Cytokine secretion by lipopolysaccharide-activated monocytes and macrophages was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Phosphatidylserine, which was exposed on necrotic as well as apoptotic cells, promoted the recognition and removal of primary necrotic lymphocytes. Several macrophage receptor systems, including the thrombospondin–CD36–αvβ3 complex, CD14, and the complement component C1q, contributed to the engulfment of necrotic cells. Necrotic peripheral blood lymphocytes slightly increased the lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of interleukin-10 and reduced the secretion of tumor necrosis factor α in monocytes and macrophages. Conclusion Our results indicate that at least some of the receptors and adaptors mediating the uptake of apoptotic cells are also involved in the clearance of necrotic cells. Hence, necrotic cells engage phagocyte receptors such as CD36, which mediate antiinflammatory signals from apoptotic cells. Necrotic cells consequently also have the potency to provide antiinflammatory signals to phagocytes; however, these signals may be overridden by proinflammatory factors released during necrosis. These findings have implications regarding the etiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as SLE, in which impaired clearance of dead cells may foster autoimmunity by the release of potential autoantigens.
In vitro inhibitory effect of protopanaxadiol Ginsenosides on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production and its modulation by known TNF-α antagonists

: Ginsenosides are the major principles of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Araliaceae) used as a mild oriental folk medicine. In this report, we have examined the inhibitory potency of protopanaxadiol ginsenosides (PPDGs) such as Rb1, Rb2 and Rc, and their co-treatment effect with known tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antagonists on TNF-alpha production in either murine (RAW264.7) or human (U937) macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Rb1, and Rb2 strongly suppressed TNF-alpha production in RAW264.7 cells with an IC50 of 56.5 and 27.5 microM, respectively, and in differentiated U937 cells with an IC50 of 51.3, and 26.8 microM, respectively. The inhibitory activity of Rb1 and Rb2 was significantly increased by pharmacological agents against protein kinase C, protein tyrosine kinase, and protein kinase A, and anti-rheumatoid arthritis drugs, such as chloroquine and steroid drugs. In contrast, only cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (cAMP PDE) inhibitors among cAMP-elevating agents did not change the inhibitory potency of PPDGs. These data suggest that PPDGs may possess potential therapeutic efficacy against TNF-alpha mediated disease and the therapeutic potency of PPDGs may be enhanced when co-treated with various kinds of known TNF-alpha antagonists but not with cAMP PDE inhibitors.
Green tea catechins in chemoprevention of cancer: A molecular docking investigation into their interaction with glutathione S-transferase (GST P1-1)

The anti- and pro-oxidant effects of green tea catechins have been implicated in the alterations of cellular functions determining their chemoprotective and therapeutic potentials in toxiCIT000y and diseases. The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs; EC 2.5.1.18) family is a widely distributed phase-II detoxifying enzymes and the GST P1-1 isoenzyme has been shown to catalyze the conjugation of GSH with some alkylating anti-cancer agents, suggesting that over-expression of GST P1-1 would result in tumor cell resistance. Here we report the docking study of four green tea catechins and four alkylating anticancer drugs into the GST P1-1 model, as GSTs were found to be affected by tea catechins. The EGCG ligands exhibit higher docking potential with respect to the anticancer agents, with a ligand-receptor interaction pattern indicating an high conformational stability. Consequently, the competition mechanisms favourable for the green tea catechins could lead to enzyme(s) desensitisation with a reduction of the alkylating drugs metabolism. The results provide a useful theoretical contribution in understanding the biochemical mechanisms implicated in the chemotherapeutic use of green tea catechins in oxidative stress-related diseases.
Impacts of leg loss and regeneration on body condition, growth, and development time in the wolf spider Schizocosa ocreata

Autotomy (self-amputation) of appendages and subsequent regeneration is common to many taxa. These processes are known to affect foraging abilities, growth, and development time in many taxa. However, little is known about their effects in arachnids. We addressed the effects of autotomy and regeneration on body condition, growth (size and mass), and development time (molt interval) for the wolf spider Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz, 1844) in the field and laboratory. Frequency of autotomy in the field was high (11%–19%). Field-caught individuals with missing or regenerating legs had significantly lower body size, mass, and condition. To test the effects of regeneration on size, mass, and molt interval in the laboratory, we induced autotomy of one or both forelegs. Spiders regenerating two legs had reduced molt intervals, were smaller, and weighed less than spiders that were intact or regenerating one leg. Field-caught spiders that had undergone autotomy and regeneration in the laboratory exhibited reduced size.
Characterization of the killer cell generated in the autologous mixed leukocyte reaction

Cytotoxic cells are produced in an autologous mixed leukocyte reaction (AMLR). At 1 wk in culture the AMLR killers are mainly IgG Fc- cells and can kill autologous lymphoblastoid cell lines and Raji and Daudi targets that are usually resistant to natural killer cell (NK) lysis. To define the phenotype of these cells, we have used complement (C')- mediated lysis with monoclonal antibodies (MAb). AMLR killer activity was virtually eliminated by treatment with C' and 9.6 or 4F2, but the cytotoxic cells did not express NK-specific antigens, OKM1 and Leu-7, nor cytolytic T lymphocyte-specific antigens, 9.3 and OKT8. None of the 10 MAb used could significantly block cytotoxicity at the final concentration of 1.5 mcg/ml which is generally sufficient to inhibit CTL. The majority of cells at 1 wk in AMLR cultures stained with T cell activation antigens Ia and 4F2; AMLR killing was proportional to the percentage of 4F2+ cells but unrelated to the expression of Ia antigen.
Allozymic variation among populations of noble crayfish, Astacus astacus L., in southern Norway: implications for management

Abstract. The noble crayfish, Astacus astacus L. , is extensively used for stocking and restocking purposes both in Scandinavia and in other European countries. It also has potential as a farmed species. Thus, it is important to have information about the genetic structuring of the species. Attempts have been made to detect genetic variability in A. astacus and find markers suitable for interpopulation discrimination. Two loci, coding for the enzymes leucine-aminopeptidase (LAP) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), have previously been found to exhibit allele frequency differences among four recently established populations of crayfish in southern Norway. Eight more populations have now been studied for these and 13 other enzyme-coding loci. All of the 13 additional loci examined were found to be monomorphic. The variable zymogram bands of LAP and XDH are thought to reflect genetic variation at their encoding loci. It is suggested that the significant inter-stock allele frequency differences at these loci are to a large extent due to founder events and random genetic drift. Since information about the size and genetic characteristics of the founder populations is limited, the relative contribution of selective constraints to stock diversity cannot be assessed. For restocking strategies one should consider using both reserve populations of the original populations and other strong populations with known genetic characteristics.
Knee Loading Stimulates Bone Formation in Tail-Suspended Mouse Hindlimb

Bone is a dynamic tissue that is constantly remodeling. However, for individuals requiring bed rest or astronauts exposed to microgravity in space, a lack of normal loaded activities leads to disuse osteoporosis. We examined whether knee loading increases bone mineral density (BMD) of both control and ta i l suspended hindlimbs. We also examined whether the phosphorylation levels of Akt in phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling and eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) in an integrated stress response (ISR) is altered in the loaded femur and tibia. Knee loading was applied to the right hindlimb using a custommade piezoelectric mechanical loader. The BMD of control and tail-suspended hindlimbs was determined by PIXImus imaging, and Western blot analysis was performed to determine the phosphorylation levels of Akt and eIF2α. The results revealed that knee loading significantly increased the BMD in the loaded limb of tailsuspended mice. Compared to non-loaded limbs in the hindlimb-suspended mice, loaded limbs demonstrated a 6.6% increase in BMD. In the control group, the loaded limb showed a 7.4% increase in BMD over the non-loaded limb. Furthermore, knee loading activated PI3K signaling through the induction of Akt phosphorylation and reduced ISR by the suppression of eIF2α phosphorylation. The present study thus supports knee loading as a potential loading method of preventing the detrimental effects of disuse due to unloading. ©2011 Jpn. Soc. Biol. Sci. Space; Article ID: 112502010
Floral variation in Eichhornia paniculata (Spreng.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) II. Effects of development and environment on the formation of selfing flowers

Genotypes of the mid‐styled morph of tristylous Eichhornia paniculata (Spreng.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) exhibit developmental instability in the position of short‐level stamens under both field and glasshouse conditions. Elongation of one of the stamens to a position adjacent to the stigma results in automatic self‐pollination of flowers. This modification initiates subsequent changes to floral morphology leading to the evolution of predominant self‐fertilization in E. paniculata. The influence of genetic, developmental and environmental factors on the expression of stamen instability was investigated in experiments with genotypes from two populations from northeast Brazil and interpopulation hybrids. Genotypes from the three sources differed significantly in the degree and pattern of stamen instability expressed under uniform growing conditions. Significant position effects in the production of modified flowers were detected among genotypes using logistic regression techniques. Modified flowers were most frequently produced on later inflorescence branches in the flowering sequence and at proximal flower positions within an inflorescence branch. However, these patterns were complex, varying among genotypes and experimental conditions. Stamen modification increased in clones grown under water stress or at high temperature, demonstrating a significant environmental component to floral instability.
Molecular phylogeny of the genus Tribonema (Xanthophyceae) using rbcL gene sequence data: monophyly of morphologically simple algal species

G.C. Zuccarello and G.M. Lokhorst. 2005. Molecular phylogeny of the genus Tribonema (Xanthophyceae) using rbcL gene sequence data: monophyly of morphologically simple algal species. Phycologia 44: 384–392. The genus Tribonema (Xanthophyceae) is a common component of many freshwater ecosystems. It is distinguished by its H-shaped bipartite walls and filamentous habit. Species identification has relied on few morphological characters, especially filament size and plastid numbers. We approached the question of interspecific relationships within the genus by sequencing the plastid-encoded rbcL gene of 10 species of Tribonema. We sequenced multiple samples of seven of these species from throughout Europe. Our data suggest that T. hormidioides (Vischer) Lokhorst is closely related to the genus Xanthonema from which it has recently been removed, and should be returned to that genus. Most other samples of Tribonema belong to a single clade, which includes Bumilleriopsis filiformis Vischer. None of the repeatedly sampled species of Tribonema, except T. microchloron Ettl (two samples), are monophyletic. Trends in character divergence within clades were seen with a clade containing mostly species with wide filaments and another with mostly thin filaments. The question of gene trees vs organismal phylogeny is discussed. Our data suggest that presently identified morpho-species of Tribonema may not be useful as evolutionary units or in biodiversity assessment of freshwater ecosystems.