Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Renewal and the molecular characterisation of the Latvian melon (Cucumis melo L.) genetic resources.

Latvia is at the northern boundary of melon ( Cucumis melo L.) growing in open-field conditions. The first local varieties were bred at the beginnin g of the 20th century using Russian and Western European varieties. These varieties were well adapt e to Latvian climatic conditions, with tolerance to low temperature and resistance to different path ogens. In the following years seed production was of insufficient quality and therefore genotypes were destroyed because of the cross-pollination of different varieties. The homogenisation and divi ding of the local melon population into distinctive lines was started in 2003 at the P ūre Horticultural Research Station with the aim to derive homogeneous lines that had excellent taste a nd rich aroma and characteristics. That included early ripening and high resistance to pathogens. In 2006 and 2007, five of the most promising inbred lines and siblines were evaluated according to phenology, morphological and organoleptical feature s. Molecular markers (SSRs) were used to fingerprint these melon lines acquired from the loc a population and Europe. Successive generations of inbred lines were fingerprinted to d etermine the success of homogenization. Using SSR fingerprinting, the genetic diversity and relat ionships within the Latvian melon germplasm could be determined.
Activation of nuclear receptor coactivator PGC-1α by arginine methylation

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), a tissue-specific and inducible transcriptional coactivator for several nuclear receptors, plays a key role in energy metabolism. We report here that PGC-1α coactivator activity is potentiated by arginine methylation by protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), another nuclear receptor coactivator. Mutation of three substrate arginines in the C-terminal region of PGC-1α abolished the cooperative coactivator function of PGC-1α and PRMT1, and compromised the ability of PGC-1α to induce endogenous target genes. Finally, endogenous PRMT1 contributes to PGC-1α coactivator activity, and to the induction of genes important for mitochondrial biogenesis.
Heat and drought resistances criteria in spring bread wheat: Drought resistance parameters

Some spring bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for drought resistance using drought tolerance efficiency (DTE) and drought susceptibility index (DSI) under rainfed conditions in this study. Field trials were conducted in the Research Area of Field Crops Department, Agricultural Faculty, Cukurova University during 2002 2003 with high rainfall and 2003 2004 with low rainfall growth seasons. High variations were observed for drought resistance parameters both DTE and DSI in this study. While DTE values ranged from 65 98%, DSI values changed 0.077 1.761. The genotypes with high DTE and low DSI were evaluated as drought resistant; meanwhile, genotypes with low DTE and high DSI were considered as drought susceptible. Thus, genotypes Croc 1/Aegilops squarrosa, Genc 99, Weawer/WL 3926, Oasis/Kauz//*4 Bcn, and Punjab 96 with the lowest DSI and the highest DTE values were accepted drought resistant genotypes which may be used as the genetic sources for drought resistance.
Isolation of DNA from saltern soils collected in Taiwan and whole-genome amplification of minute amounts of DNA for construction of metagenomic libraries

Environmental DNAs from 21 samples of saltern soil in Taiwan were isolated by using the SDS-lysis method, resulting in yields ranging from 0.03 ng to 8.06 µg per gram of soil. However, sample 143 collected from saltern soil near a crystallizer had a low yield of 1.2 ng per gram of soil. Comparative analyses of the sequence data of representative clones with other 16S rRNA samples indicated that not all clones for sample 143 were closely related to the soil bacteria. A minute amount of DNA (0.15 ng) was amplified 100,000-times to 15 µg by multiple displacement amplification (MDA). The MDA method was validated by analysis of amplified bacteriorhodopsin (bR) genes. Two clone libraries were constructed from DNA samples before and after amplification and were compared. The result suggests that bR diversity was relatively conserved during whole-genome amplification (WGA). The constructed metagenome fosmid library consists of 1.7 × 10 6 clones with an average insert size of 26.1 kb. Taken together, WGA of metagenomic DNA from very minute microbial sources allows for construction of metagenomic libraries that are previously inaccessible.
Genetic diversity of wild and cultivated Rubus species in Colombia using AFLP and SSR markers

The Andean blackberry belongs to the genus Rubus, the largest of the Rosaceae family and one of the most diverse of the plant kingdom. In Colombia Rubus glaucus Benth, known as the Andean raspberry or blackberry, is one of the nine edible of the genus out of forty-four reported species. In this study wild and cultivated genotypes, collected in the Central Andes of Colombia were analyzed by AFLP and SSR markers. Sexual reproduction seems to play an important role in maintaining the genetic variability in R. glaucus, and the viability of using the SSR of Rubus alceifolius to characterize Colombian Rubus species was clearly demonstrated. All species evaluated produced very specific banding patterns, differentiating them from the others. Both AFLP and SSR produced bands exclusive to each of the following species: R. robustus, R. urticifolius, R. glaucus, and R. rosifolius. The SSR markers differentiated diploid and tetraploid genotypes of R. glaucus.
Wheat and wheat starch as potential sources of digestible energy for rainbow trout (Oncorhyrwhus mykiss)

Zusammenfassung Weizen und Weizenstarke als mogliche Quellen von verdaulicher Energie fur Regenbogenforellen (Onkorhynchus mykiss) An Regenbogenforellen wurden acht Futtermischungen gefuttert, in denen entweder zu 25 oder zu 45% eine der folgenden Komponenten enthalten war: unbehandelter Weizen, hydrothermisch behandelter Weizen, rohe Weizenstarke, Weizenquellstarke. Der Gehalt an verdaulicher Energie (DE) in den ubrigen verwendeten Mischungskomponenten (Casein, Weizenkleber, Fischol) war aus vorangegangenen Untersuchungen bekannt. Die Summe aus zu testender Komponente und Casein machte in jeder Mischung 75% aus. Jeder Mischung war Cr2O5 als inerter Marker zugesetzt. Kot wurde durch Abstreifen gewonnen. Fur jede zu testende Komponente war der DE-Gehalt bei einem Mischungsanteil von 45% niedriger als bei 25%. Ausgedruckt als Funktion des Mischungsanteils L ergab sich fur die einzelnen Komponenten folgender Gehalt an DE (MJ/kg Trockensubstanz): 22.8 – 0.36 L fur unbehandelten Weizen; 22 2 – 0.20 L fur hydrothermisch behandelten Weizen; 8.9 – 0.08 L fur rohe Weizenstarke; 18.5 – 0.20 L fur Weizenquellstarke. Die Verdaulichkeit des Rohproteins war fur alle Mischungen mindestens 96% und zeigte keine negative Beeinflussung durch Steigerung des Proteingehaltes der Mischung.
Molecular systematics of Caribbean skinks of the genus Mabuya (Reptilia, Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from Venezuela

Phylogenetic relationships among the species of Mabuya present around the Caribbean Sea (Antilles, Central America, and northern South America) are proposed for the first time. The molecular phylogenetic analyses (based on cytochrome b and 12S sequences) give new insights into the diversification of the genus in the New World, its multiple instances of montane habitat colonization, and the multiple waves of colonization towards the Caribbean area. In addition to the molecular analyses, we propose hypotheses about the phylogenetic placement of some rare or possibly extinct species, based on a qualitative analysis of morphological characters. The present article also includes descriptions of two new species from northern Venezuela, Mabuya nebulosylvestrissp. nov. (from the highlands of the coastal range and the Andean Cordillera of Merida) and Mabuya zuliae sp. nov. (from the lowlands of the Maracaibo lake basin). Mabuya luciaeGarman, 1887, a possibly extinct species endemic to St Lucia Island, is resurrected and diagnosed from its supposed sister species, Mabuya mabouya (Lacepede, 1788). © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 156, 598–616.
Australian experiences of farm forestry

Farm forestry is increasingly promoted in many countries as a land-use option which is likely to provide benefits in terms of improving the viability of agriculture, developing additional timber resources for industry, and enhancing regional development. This paper draws upon experiences of farm forestry in Australia to identify some lessons for its development that may be relevant to other countries. The paper provides an overview of farm forestry in the Australian context and reports on a recent review of leading case studies to provide some insights into means of future development. Three case studies are included to illustrate the diverse nature, and multiple benefits sought, of farm forestry. The important requirements of landholders pioneering farm forestry relate to: managing risks, participating in research and development, contributing to information exchange, addressing key farm issues, developing in-depth farm knowledge, establishing links with government and/or industry, and contributing to long-term community values.
DNA Damage Inhibition Properties of Sundarban Honey and its Phenolic Composition

Sundarban honey is one of the most renowned and popular types of honey from Bangladesh. This study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant and DNA damage inhibition potentials of Sundarban honey. The estimated polyphenol, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar and protein contents in the investigated honey were found to be 593.96 ± 13.71 mg GAEs/kg, 50.00 ± 0.00 mg CEs/kg, 117.04 ± 1.05 mg/kg, 60.58 ± 3.23 g/100 g and 6.43 ± 0.12 mg/g, respectively. Some phenolics including gallic acid, pyrogallol, vanillic acid and trans-Cinnamic acid, as well as three flavonoids, naringin, rutin and quercetin, were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Sundarban honey was found to possess protective activity against hydrogen peroxide and UV irradiation-induced damage to pBR322. The DNA protection activity of honey corresponded to its antioxidant potential and exhibited dose-dependent effects. Practical Application Sundarban honey, a wild multifloral honey produced by Apis dorsata bees is one of the most renowned types of honey from Bangladesh and confers protection against oxidative stress-induced liver and kidney damage. This honey can a be very good source of natural antioxidant which particularly contains some phenolic compounds including gallic, vanillic and trans-Cinnamic acids as well as three flavonoids (naringin, rutin and quercetin). Sundarban honey can protect against oxidative DNA damage and consecutive illness.
Review of the genus Hongkongia (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) from China

The spider genus Hongkongia Song et Zhu, 1998, belonging to the Echemus group, is reviewed. A new species, Hongkongia songi sp. nov., is described, and the type species, Hongkongia wuae Song et Zhu, 1998 is redescribed.
Primulina sinovietnamica (Gesneriaceae), a new species identified by both morphological and molecular characters from the limestone area in Guangxi, China

A new species of Gesneriaceae from Southwest Guangxi, China is described here as Primulina sinovietnamica . This previously unknown species is morphologically similar to P. pungentisepala and P. ningmingensis , but can be distinguished from the latter two taxa by several non-overlapping morphological characters. This hypothesis is consistent with the molecular phylogenetic tree based on sequences of the chloroplast matK gene, confirming evolutionary affinity of the new species to the two morphologically similar taxa. The three sampled individuals from the two presently known populations of the new species cluster together in the phylogenetic analysis, separated from the other two closest taxa by two common base substitutions, confirming the recognition of this new species.
Life Themes: a Theboretical and Empirical Exploration of Their Origins and Effects

Csikszentmihalyi and Beattie studied the life histories of 30 men to illustrate the concept of "life theme. " A life theme is defined as an affective and cognitive representation of existential problems which a person wishes to resolve. It becomes the basis for an individual's fundamental interpretation of reality and way of coping with that reality. They then investigated the dimensions and sources of variations in life themes, and their effects on career choice and social mobility. Their conclusion was that life themes are constructed from symbolic structures transmitted through interactions which mediate cultural adaptation. Thus, they are functionally equivalent to cognitive and physiological structures transmitted through genetic inheritance.
ECHEVERIA ANDICOLA, A NEW SPECIES FROM CENTRAL PERU

Abstract Echeveria andicola Pino, a new species endemic to central Peru, is described. Although fairly common in the departments of Junín, Pasco and Huánuco, the plants had formerly been identified as E. chiclensis or E. peruviana; however, careful analysis supports the recognition of these plants as an unpublished species. A comparison with other similar species of the area is presented.
A highly efficient regeneration system via somatic embryogenesis from immature embryos of Egyptian wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) using different growth regulators

Two wheat cultivars (Giza 163 and Giza 164) were used to study the effect of three different growth regulators i.e. Thidiazuron (TDZ), Zeatin riboside (ZR) and Dicamba on regeneration efficiency. In comparing results of regeneration efficiency for the three growth regulators across the two cultivars, it is concluded that the highest regeneration efficiency was observed by using the highest TDZ concentration (0.2 mg/l) as compared with other used concentrations of the two other growth regulators. On the other hand, it was clear that ZR had higher influence on regeneration efficiency than Dicamba. Moreover, Giza 164 was better than Giza 163 in regeneration efficiency across all growth regulators and all concentrations. This highly efficient regeneration system is considered a new addition that will open the door for improving wheat crop by in vitro techniques.
Characterization of an Effective Salt-tolerant, Fast-growing Strain of Rhizobium japonicum

Summary: Rhizobium japonicum USDA191 is a member of a new group of Rhizobium japonicum strains found in China. This strain is one of several strains shown to be salt-tolerant and fast-growing; it is unique in being the only strain of this group that effectively nodulates American soybean cultivars. For these reasons strain USDA191 was chosen for further study and comparison to the common American Rhizobium japonicum isolate USDA110. Strain USDA191 has a doubling time of 3.2 h in complex medium and grows in concentrations of up to 0.4 M-NaCl, while strain USDA110, which has a doubling time of 12 h, is severely inhibited in media containing 0.1 M-NaCl. Under salt stress conditions, intracellular levels of K+ and glutamate were shown to increase. A comparison based on carbohydrate metabolism, DNA homology and protein patterns on polyacrylamide gels reveals that strain USDA191 is more closely related to the fast-growing rhizobia than to Rhizobium japonicum. However, the strain retains capacity to nodulate American soybean and cowpea cultivars effectively.
Determination of polyphenolic content and antioxidant potential of callus extract obtained from Celastrus paniculatus Willd. and their free radical estimation by electron spin resonance spectroscopy

Celastrus paniculatus Willd. belongs to the family Celastraceae, and it is an important medicinal plant distributed all over India. Since the antioxidative polyphenols in C. paniculatus have received an increase in attention for health-promoting properties by scavenging the free radicals, the objective of this study is aimed at understanding the antioxidant potential of calli cultures generated from C. paniculatus. To establish the calli cultures, leaf explants derived from direct organogenesis of C. paniculatus have been cultured on the Murashige and Skoog medium (MS). The culture medium is supplemented with different concentrations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (0.5 mg l−1) along with 2,4-D and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (0.1–0.7 mg l−1). The MS medium containing 0.5 mg l−1 [Benzylaminopurine (BAP) + NAA] and 0.5 mg l−1 of BAP + 0.3 mg l−1 2,4-D showed to be the best medium for the formation of calli. The calli cultures were harvested and lyophilized for methanolic extraction and estimated the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the calli cultures by using the spectroscopic method technique and also analyzed by highperformance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) profiling and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to assess their antioxidant potential. The histological findings supported the result of HPTLC and HPLC by displaying a clear deposition of polyphenols in the vacuoles. Additionally, free radicals generated from the biological system were detected and the ‘g’ value was identified by the electron spin resonance spectrum and understood their radical scavenging activity by several nonenzymatic methods, which include 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, reducing power activity, 2, 2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. The research results showed that 0.5 mg l−1 of BAP along with NAA is an optimal hormone concentration for developing friable calli which in turn yields higher phenolic and flavonoid content.
Transcriptional Cross Talk between NF-κB and p53

ABSTRACT Many cellular stimuli result in the induction of both the tumor suppressor p53 and NF-κB. In contrast to activation of p53, which is associated with the induction of apoptosis, stimulation of NF-κB has been shown to promote resistance to programmed cell death. These observations suggest that a regulatory mechanism must exist to integrate these opposing outcomes and coordinate this critical cellular decision-making event. Here we show that both p53 and NF-κB inhibit each other’s ability to stimulate gene expression and that this process is controlled by the relative levels of each transcription factor. Expression of either wild-type p53 or the RelA(p65) NF-κB subunit suppresses stimulation of transcription by the other factor from a reporter plasmid in vivo. Moreover, endogenous, tumor necrosis factor alpha-activated NF-κB will inhibit endogenous wild-type p53 transactivation. Following exposure to UV light, however, the converse is observed, with p53 downregulating NF-κB-mediated transcriptional activation. Both p53 and RelA(p65) interact with the transcriptional coactivator proteins p300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP), and we demonstrate that these results are consistent with competition for a limiting pool of p300/CBP complexes in vivo. These observations have many implications for regulation of the transcriptional decision-making mechanisms that govern cellular processes such as apoptosis. Furthermore, they suggest a previously unrealized mechanism through which dysregulated NF-κB can contribute to tumorigenesis and disease.
Insecticidal activities of the leaves of nishinda (Vitex negundo L. Verbinaceae) against Tribolium castaneum Hbst.

Insecticidal activities of nishinda, Vitex negundo L. on red flour beetle ( Tribolium castaneum Hbst.) was investigated. Nishinda leaves were sequentially extracted with organic solvents petrolium spirit, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol. Efficacy of these extracts was determined against adults and different larval instars of three strains of T. castaneum using residual film method. The LD 50 values of the extracts were not similar but it showed higher degree of toxicity on both larval and adult insects. Among the solvents, methanolic extracts elucidated more toxicity on both adult and larval instars. The degree of toxicity according to solvents was methanol > petrolium spirit > acetone > ethylacetate. Among the strains, FSS-II showed the highest degree of susceptibility to all types of extracts studied. The susceptibility order according to insect strains was FSSII>CTC-12>KANO.
Biogeochemical pathways of arsenic in lakes

Owing to various human activities, arsenic (As) concentrations have increased in lakes and other aquatic ecosystems around the world. This increase of As concentrations has become a concern because of the known toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic effects of As on ecosystem organisms and humans. Understanding the biogeochemistry of As in the aquatic environment is therefore a topic of fundamental interest. This study presents a review of the major biogeochemical processes controlling the concentration of solid and dissolved As in freshwater lakes. These processes are dynamic and vary both temporally and spatially because of a complex relationship between microbial activity and various geochemical processes. Particularly the oxidation of As sulphides and the reduction of Fe and Mn oxyhydroxides at the sediment- water interface play an important role in the mobilization of As. These and other interactions among the various biogeocheniical processes are synthesized in a conceptual model of As mobility in lakes. Key u1ortl.s: arsenic cycling, biogeochemistry, freshwater lakes.
Interaction Studies of Sialic Acids with Model Receptors Contribute to Nanomedical Therapies

Sialic acid supports nerve cell regeneration, differentiation and neuronal plasticity. Especially, polysialic acid (polySia) chains which are built up by α2,8-linked Neu5Ac Neu5Ac residues influence by their specific interactions with polySia receptors neuronal processes related to tumor spread and differentiation processes. With a combination of biophysical and biochemical methods including molecular modeling as described here it is possible to support cell biological experiments and in vivo studies on a nanoscale level. The submolecular analytical approaches which are directed to crucial functional groups focus on the potential therapeutic impact of sialic acids and in particular polySia. Such results are helpful for the development of new drugs which might have a high clinical relevance in respect to the therapy of various diseases correlated to neuronal regeneration, tumor spread and infections. It is not surprising that several diseases belonging to these different clinical fields (e.g. oncology, infection diseases, neuronal disorder) can be treated as indicated because sialic acids represent essential contact structures on numerous cell surfaces in dependence to their state of differentiation.
The impact of international experiences for expatriates’ cross-cultural adjustment

While the importance of international experience for advancement to the executive suites and firm performance has been well recognized, meta-analytic findings illustrating the impact of prior international experiences on the cross-cultural adjustment of expatriates have been discouraging. In the current study, we provide a theoretical review and critique of the cross-cultural adjustment literature by highlighting issues associated with conceptualization and operationalization of international experiences. By providing a narrative review of the existing studies on international experiences, we underscore the nature of the existing international experience measures and provide a synthesis for future research. Discussion of the implications of the different measures of international experience is also provided.