Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activation of PPARα or γ Reduces Secretion of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 but Not Interleukin 8 from Human Monocytic THP-1 Cells

Abstract Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that directly control numerous genes of lipid metabolism by binding to response elements in the promoter. It has recently been proposed that PPARγ may also regulate genes for proinflammatory proteins, not through PPRE binding but by interaction with transcription factors AP-1, STAT, and NF-κB. Recent studies with cultured human monocytes, however, have failed to observe an inhibitory effect of PPARγ agonists on induced expression of TNFα and IL-6, genes known to be controlled by AP-1, STAT, and NF-κB. In a similar fashion, we show here that PPARα (fenofibrate) or PPARγ (rosiglitazone) agonists failed to modulate LPS-induced secretion of IL-8 in THP-1 cells. When we made parallel observations on another gene, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), we were surprised to find profound downregulation of LPS-induced secretion by both PPARα or PPARγ agonists. These findings suggest that PPAR may regulate only a subset of the proinflammatory genes controlled by AP-1, STAT, and NF-κB. Effects of PPARs on MMP-9 may account for the beneficial effect of PPAR agonists in animal models of atherosclerosis.
COMPARISON OF CEPA (2-CHLOROETHYL PHOSPHONIC ACID) INDUCED RESPONSES IN JUVENILE EUCALYPTUS NITENS, E. GLOBULUS AND E. OBLIQUA: A HISTOCHEMICAL AND ANATOMICAL STUDY

Kino veins and/or pockets are a characteristic defect of some Eucalyptus species and have long been recognized as sources of degrade in eucalypt timber. In a comparative study, the course of both histochemical and anatomical responses of three juvenile Eucalyptus species (E. nitens, E. globulus and E. obliqua) to treatment with an ethylene-releasing compound, 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid (CEPA), were examined. Kino veins were induced in both E. obliqua and E. globulus. The hormone treatment failed to induce kino vein formation in E. nitens. The traumatic parenchyma (that later differentiated into kino veins) was not always derived from the initials of the vascular cambium as reported in previous studies of E. globulus. Instead, the traumatic parenchyma appeared to be produced from the meristematic activity of the inner phloem parenchyma. In addition, kino veins found in 2- to 3-year-old E. globulus were mostly included in the phloem and not in the xylem as generally observed in mature E. globulus.
Fundamentals of biometry

A fundamental course in biometry, an essential part of the training of all biological scientists, cannot be presented without the necessary mathematical tools. In the un-hurried development of this work these are introduced gradually within the text, the only prerequisite being some arithmetic and simple algebra. With this grounding the research worker will have the confidence and skill to make a proper use of biometrical methods
Theropod Teeth from the Middle-Upper Jurassic Shishugou Formation of Northwest Xinjiang, China

ABSTRACT Sixteen isolated theropod teeth were discovered in two areas in the upper Middle-lower Upper Jurassic Shishugou Formation of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, northwest China. This sample can be divided on the basis of qualitative features and simple quantitative metrics into seven tooth morphotypes, each of which probably represents a distinct taxon. Three of the morphotypes may be attributable to theropods already known from the Shishugou Formation, namely the alvarezsauroid Haplocheirus and the basal tetanurans Monolophosaurus and Sinraptor. The other four morphotypes, however, appear to represent new taxa, taking the known theropod diversity of the Shishugou Formation from six species to at least ten. One of the new taxa is probably a dromaeosaurid. Another appears to represent a troodontid or a relative of the potentially troodontid-like Paronychodon, itself so far known only from isolated teeth. Of the remaining two taxa, one appears to be a basal tetanuran or tyrannosauroid, whereas the other either belongs to one of these same groups or represents a ceratosaur. The probable deinonychosaurian teeth in our sample are among the oldest fossils known for this clade, and highlight the diversity of coelurosaurs in the Shishugou Formation.
Peroxidase and Polyphenoloxidase Activities in Papaya During Postharvest Ripening and After Freezing/Thawing

Changes in peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activities of papaya (Caricu papava), cv Sunrise, during ripening, freezing and short frozen storage were studied. Fruits were stored at 14°C and 85 90 % RH until maturity for processing was reached (about 21 days). Fruit were frozen cryogenically and frozen slices were stored at — 18°C. POD activity increased in pulp tissue up to the ripe stage, showing a maximum value after 7 days cold storage. Similarly, PPO activity showed an important increase (4 × initial value) on the same date. The quantity of extractable proteins was at a maximum after 15 days storage at 14°C. Freezing and frozen storage (-18°C) produced an increase of POD activity while EPO activity was only slightly affected.
A comparison of certain procedures for the maintenance of plant tissue cultures.

ROOTS have served as material with which most of the basic nutrients and general procedures for plant tissue cultures have been developed. This is true in spite of the fact that, being highly differentiated organs, they cannot be considered true "tissue cultures" (when cultivated in vitro) as can tissues of callus or cambial origin. It is true because roots permit certain definite simplifications of procedure. First, unlike callus or cambial cultures, roots will float on the surface of a liquid nutrient. Hence aeration does not become a serious problem in their maintenance. And second, unlike callus cultures, they grow chiefly in a single dimension (length) with little or no increase in diameter, so that linear increment is an acceptable and easily determined criterion of growth. Nevertheless, it is essential that the behavior of tissues (as distinct from organs such as roots) be given serious study, epecially in connection with problems of neoplasia. Since callus cultures will not float on the surface of a liquid nutrient, yet require for normal growth access to adequate supplies of air (Wfhite, 1939), a solution to the problem of aeration must be found. This problem has been met in two ways. In the early cambial cultures of Gautheret, Nobecourt, and White, explants were brought up into the air by being placed on agar. This is objectionable for several reasons. First, because the aim and practice in most work of this sort has been to use fully defined nutrients, the nutritive properties of agar itself, although certainly low and probably negligible, nevertheless cannot be ignored. Day (1942) has shown that agar may contain significant traces of certain vitamins. The possibility that some tissues may be able to digest and utilize the carbohydrates and perhaps even the traces of amino-acids contained in agar has not been investigated. These factors are unknowns which make the use of agar hazardous in nutritive or other metabolic studies. Second, agar, as a colloid, possesses powerful adsorptive properties which cannot be easily evaluated. Such adsorption may produce either deleterious or beneficial effects by altering the effective ionic concentrations of the nutrient from those theoretically supplied by a given formula. And it may also produce beneficial effects by removing toxic metabolic products. These effects cannot be measured by any methods applicable to routine studies. And third, the semi-solid nature of the substratum
Long-term effects of tri-n-butyl-tin on the function of a marine sediment system

The effect of tri-n-butyl-tin (TBT) was studied in a 5 mo experiment using intact coastal sediment communities in a boxcosm system. TBT-spiked sediment was added in a geometrical series between 0.0065 and 300 mu mol TBT m(-2) to a sediment that already had a background TBT concentration. Fluxes of ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, silicate and oxygen were used as effect indicators for the entire sediment system, integrating the function of all fauna and micro-organisms present. Changes in flux patterns were analysed in order to evaluate the effect of TBT on the whole sediment system using a non-parametric analysis of similarities (ANOSIM), based on Bray-Curtis similarity indices. Effects were seen at the lowest additions of 6.5 nmol TBT m(-2) as changes in flux pattern compared to the control sediments. The separate nutrient fluxes were also evaluated, showing an early response in a reduced ammonium flux and a stimulated nitrate flux for most of the TBT additions. The initial response indicated immediate effects on the microbial part of the sediment community. The fluxes changed with time in all sediment boxes, but the changes were different in sediments with added TBT compared to the control sediment. These changes showed that the heterotrophic capability to degrade organic matter and autotrophic nitrification was reduced during the 5 mo of the experiment. In the 3 highest additions, the abundance of macrofauna was reduced at the very beginning of the experiment, whereas fauna in the intermediate additions seemed to become stressed with time as indicated by an increased oxygen consumption. This study shows that minute additions of fresh TBT to an already contaminated sediment have effects on the function of the sediment system at nominal concentrations of nmol of TBT added per square metre. These additions were well below the current detection limits for TBT in sediments.
Nitrogen fertilization reduces Sphagnum production in bog communities.

The effects of increased nitrogen influx on Sphagnum growth and on interspecific competition between Sphagnum species were studied in a 3-yr experiment in mires situated in two areas with different rates of airborne N deposition. Sphagnum growth was recorded after various supplementary N influxes (0, 1, 3, 5 and 10 g m -2 yr-1 ) in hummocks and lawn communities. Sphagnum biomass production decreased with increasing N influx in both areas. After the first season at the low-deposition site, Sphagnum showed an increased growth in length with the intermediate N treatment, but in the second and third seasons the control treatment had the highest growth in length. Capitulum dry mass increased with increasing N influx. Sphagnum N concentration and N/P quotient were higher at the high- than at the low-deposition site. The low quotient at the low-deposition site, together with the initial growth increase with intermediate N supplements, indicates that growth was N-limited at this site, but our lowest N supplement was sufficient to reduce growth. The N treatments had no effect on interspecific competition between the Sphagnum species. This indicates that the species have similar responses to N. The species studied all occur naturally on ombrotrophic, N-poor sites and show low tolerances to increased N influx. Reduced Sphagnum production may affect the carbon balance, changing the mires from C sinks to sources.
Hazelnut Accessions Provide New Sources of Resistance to Eastern Filbert Blight

A diverse collection of 58 hazelnut accessions, including Corylus avellana L. and interspecific hybrids, were evaluated for their response to the eastern filbert blight pathogen Anisogramma anomala (Peck) E. Muller after greenhouse inoculation. Evalua- tions were made using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assayand visual inspection. Forty- five of these became infected, 12 remained free of infection, and one gave inconclusive results.The12accessionsshowingcompleteresistancewereEuropeanhazelnuts'Culpla' from Spain and CCOR 187 from Finland; C. americana · C. avellana hybrids 'G081S', CCOR 506, and Weschcke selections TP1, TP2 and TP3; C. colurna · C. avellanahybrids Chinese Trazels Gellatly #6 and #11; Turkish Trazel Gellatly #3 and backcross hybrid 'Lisa'; and C. heterophylla var.sutchuensis · C. avellana hybrid 'Estrella #1'. In a second test, exposure of potted trees under structures topped with diseased wood confirmed the complete resistance of 'Santiam', four pollinizers, and 'Ratoli'. However, a few small cankers were observed on 'Closca Molla' from Spain and OSU 729.012, with resistance from C. californica (A.DC.) Rose, in contrast to the results of earlier greenhouse
A Molecular Systematic Study of the Lampranthus Group (Aizoaceae) Based on the Chloroplast TrnL-trnF and Nuclear ITS and 5S NTS Sequence Data

Abstract The phylogenetic position of the Lampranthus group (Ruschioideae, Aizoaceae), with particular emphasis on the large genus Lampranthus, was studied using DNA sequences from the trnL-trnF region of the chloroplast genome, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the 5S non-transcribed spacer (NTS). Phylogenies of 59 species in 29 genera of succulent Aizoaceae, including two species from subfamily Mesembryanthemoideae, are presented. Due to an inadequate number of informative sites within the Ruschioideae (31 for trnL-trnF; 49 for ITS), the trnL-trnF and ITS regions are found to be unsuitable for phylogenetic investigations at the specific and generic level. The 5S spacer proves useful at the generic level, but fails to reveal well-supported phylogenies above the generic level. Combined analyses of all three gene regions show that Lampranthus N.E. Br. in its present circumscription is not monophyletic. A “core” of species of Lampranthus is well supported with numerous species of Lampranthus more closely related to other genera. At a higher taxonomic level, the data also do not support a monophyletic Lampranthus group. Circumscription of informal groups within the Ruschioideae, including the Lampranthus group, has mainly been based on the shared presence of a particular type of fruit. Fruits of the Lampranthus group are characterized by long, diverging expanding keels, broad valve wings and the absence of a closing body. The present data implies that this fruit type is homoplasious. Communicating Editor: Alan T. Whittemore
Improving acetic acid production of Acetobacter pasteurianus AC2005 in hawthorn vinegar fermentation by using beer for seed culture

Summary Fruit vinegar can be obtained biologically from the fermentation of fruit wine using species of the genera Acetobacter. However, the productivity of vinegar is generally low because of the inhibition by substrate ethanol and product acetic acid. In this research, the yield of acetic acid, as well as the cell growth, in hawthorn vinegar fermentation was enhanced using beer for seed preparation. The higher yield of acetic acid of AC2005 was because of the higher alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activities caused by using beer for seed preparation. Furthermore, Acetobacter pasteurianus AC2005 showed acid stability during the fed-batch fermentation of hawthorn vinegar.
AMPA receptor stimulation increases α5β1 integrin surface expression, adhesive function and signaling

Integrin proteins are critical for stabilization of hippocampal long‐term potentiation but the mechanisms by which integrin activities are involved in synaptic transmission are not known. The present study tested whether activation of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐proprionate (AMPA) class glutamate receptors increases surface expression of α5β1 integrin implicated in synaptic potentiation. Surface protein biotinylation assays demonstrated that AMPA treatment of COS7 cells expressing GluR1 homomeric AMPA receptors increased membrane insertion and steady‐state surface levels of α5 and β1 subunits. Treated cells exhibited increased adhesion to fibronectin‐ and anti‐α5‐coated substrates and tyrosine kinase signaling elicited by fibronectin‐substrate adhesion, as expected if new surface receptors are functional. Increased surface expression did not occur in calcium‐free medium and was blocked by the protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine chloride and the exocytosis inhibitor brefeldin A. AMPA treatment similarly increased α5 and β1 surface expression in dissociated neurons and cultured hippocampal slices. In both neuronal preparations AMPA‐induced integrin trafficking was blocked by combined antagonism of NMDA receptor and L‐type voltage‐sensitive calcium channel activities but was not induced by NMDA treatment alone. These results provide the first evidence that glutamate receptor activation increases integrin surface expression and function, and suggest a novel mechanism by which synaptic activity can engage a volley of new integrin signaling in coordination with, and probably involved in, stabilization of synaptic potentiation.
Seasonal Variation in Space Use by Nonbreeding Bald Eagles Within the Upper Chesapeake Bay

Abstract Access to food resources is essential to self-maintenance and reproduction and, for species of conservation concern, foraging areas are considered critical habitat. Human disturbance is an important factor restricting access to prey resources for Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and guidelines in the Chesapeake Bay have been developed to mitigate its impact. However, our ability to implement such guidelines has been limited by a lack of information on important foraging areas. We used Brownian bridge movement modeling to develop a population-wide utilization probability surface for Bald Eagles along shorelines within the upper Chesapeake Bay. We used locations (n = 320 304) for individuals (n = 63) tracked with GPS satellite transmitters between 2007 and 2011 in the analysis. We examined seasonal variation by developing utilization surfaces for summer and winter. Although shoreline use was widespread, segments receiving high levels of activity were relatively rare. Shoreline classified as having the highest category of use and accounting for 10% of the total utilization made up 0.41% and 0.55% of the total shoreline for winter and summer, respectively. From a management perspective, there is a clear pattern of diminishing returns in conservation value for including sequentially lower-use shorelines in land-use management plans. Shoreline use shifted dramatically in both location and extent between seasons. During the summer months, use was highly concentrated on shorelines along the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay or along major (>1 km wide) tributaries. During the winter months, use shifted away from the main stem of the bay and was more focused on minor (<100 m wide) tributaries and inland ponds. Seasonal shifts in shoreline use suggest the need for season-based management objectives.
Proteomic responses in the gill of zebrafish following exposure to ibuprofen and naproxen

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most abundant environmental pharmaceutical contaminants. In this study, a proteomic analysis was conducted to identify proteins differentially expressed in gill tissue of zebrafish (Danio rerio) after a 14-day exposure to the NSAIDs ibuprofen or naproxen. A total of 104 proteins with altered expression as indicated by 2-dimensional electrophoresis were analyzed by liquid chromatography with ion trap mass spectrometry (MS/MS). A total of 14 proteins fulfilled our requirements for identification which included consistency among replicate gels as well as successful MS/MS ion searches with the MASCOT database. The most prominent feature of the differential protein expression observed after NSAID exposure was an up-regulation of proteins belonging to the globin family which are involved in the transport of oxygen from gills and availability of heme molecules required for synthesis of cyclooxygenase. Differential expression was observed at exposure concentrations as low as 1-10 µg/L indicating that altered gene expression may occur in fish subjected to environmentally realistic levels of NSAID exposure.
Succession in two plots at "Kungsmarken" between 1952 and 2005 with different historical management

Abstract The main influences on growing conditions in pastures and hayfields are grazing and mowing, which regulate the species struggle for space and resources. If the management ceases, this will contribute to a change of the vegetation. A succession starts where the plant cover gradually will change according to a specific pattern. After some time a few competitive species, previously disfavoured by management regime, will be dominant. My aim with this study was to reinventory two already existing plots at ? Kungsmarken? , in an attempt to examine how succession has proceeded in the plots since management regime stopped in 1952. One of the plots, plot A, had been grazed and the other, plot B, had been mown and then grazed. Prior inventories have been done at ? Kungsmarken? in 1952, 1955, 1968 and 1976. During my inventory in the summer of 2005, the same plots were inventoried and the same method was used as has been used in the area since 1952. Eight lines 11 meters apart were put up in each plot. Fourteen subplots of one square meter were placed on each line 6 meters apart, starting with the first subplot 5 meters from the starting point. The number of species has continuously decreased between 1952 and 2005 in both plots. The decrease of vascular plants was 30 % in plot A and 26 % in plot B. Almost half of the species went extinct and a considerable number immigrated in both plots between 1952 and 1976 as well as 1976 and 2005, indicating that the turnover of species was large. The species? frequency and diversity have decreased in both plots between 1976 and 2005, implying that the within-patch spatial heterogeneity of species has decreased. Both the proportion and composition of indicator species differed between the inventories of 1976 and 2005. Besides that, the percentage of indicator species was higher in both plots in the inventory of 1976 than 2005, as well as all species noted at the inventory of 1976 are typical for pastures and hayfields found in unfertilized and managed areas. Furthermore, a big part of the indicator species found in 2005 are either ruderal species, mostly occurring in disturbed fields, or forest species. When categorizing all species found at the inventories in 1952, 1976 and 2005 in succession connected groups, there seems to be a trend. Late successional species has, in accordance with the ? intermediate disturbance hypothesis? , to some extent gradually replaced early successional species in both plots A and B between 1952 to 1976, and 1976 to 2005.
Transformação genética em espécies florestais.

Volume growth of pau-ferro trees ( Astronium balansae ) of a native forest and a twelve-years old plantation was studied using stem analysis technique. Analysis of cross-sectional discs allowed only to quantify the growth of the plantation trees because it was not possible to identify the tree rings in the native forest cross-sections. Growth data was modeled with a stepwise regression procedure which resulted in equations of high precision and good fit to describe the mean and current annual increment of a tree from the dominant and another from the dominated stratum. It was not possible to detect the point of maximum increment because of the little age of the trees.