Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dyslexia: the current status of the term, II

This paper reports on some of the more important developments in the dyslexia field which have taken place in the last ten years. These include the growth of public awareness of dyslexia on a worldwide scale, advances in knowledge of its anatomical basis, and increased under standing of dyslexics' strengths and weaknesses in mathematics and music. The 'phonological deficit' theory is briefly discussed, and some more speculative ideas are then considered. An important development has been the recognition that, despite their literacy difficulties, dyslexics may sometimes possess distinctive talents.
Effects of Fire, Browsers and Gallers on New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus herbaceous) Growth and Reproduction

Abstract Woody plant species in grassland ecosystems can be subjected to damage from fire and multiple herbivore species, but interactions between fire and herbivory can modify their separate impacts on woody plant life histories. We studied how galling (by Periploca ceanothiella, Lepidoptera: Cosmopterigidae), deer browsing (Odocoilius virginianus) and fire affected the growth and reproduction of the woody shrub Ceanothus herbaceous (Rhamnaceae) on a burned and an unburned site at Konza Prairie Research Natural Area in eastern Kansas. Fire was the major influence on C. herbaceous growth, causing plants to produce long unbranched vegetative ramets from protected belowground meristems, while unburned plants were heavily branched and bore shorter shoots and numerous inflorescences. Unburned plants experienced higher gall frequencies, more galls on their longest shoots, but similar deer browsing compared to burned plants. Ramets with herbivore damage had more branches and inflorescences than undamaged ramets, especially where both herbivores were present. Ceanothus herbaceous' flexible life history responses suggest tolerance of multiple forms of damage.
Recombinant sporamin and its synthesized peptides with antioxidant activities in vitro

Recombinant sporamin B overproduced in E. coli (M15) was purified by Ni(superscript 2+)-chelated affinity chromatography. The molecular mass of sporamin B is ca. 26kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Total antioxidant status, 1, 1-dipheny-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) staining, reducing power method, Fe2 -chelating ability, ferric thiocyanate (FTC) method, and protecting calf thymus DNA against hydroxyl radical-induced damage were studied. The sporamin B protein with a concentration of 100µg/mL exhibited highest activity (expressed as 4.21±0.0078mM Trolox equivalent antioxidative value, TEAC) in total antioxidant status test. In the DPPH staining sporamin B appeared as a white spot when the concentration was diluted to 25 mg sporamin B/mL (with an absolute amount of 75µg). Like total antioxidant status, the reducing power, Fe(superscript 2+) -chelating ability, FTC activity and protection calf thymus DNA against hydroxyl radical-induced damage all showed that sporamin B polypeptides have significant antioxidant activities. It was found that antioxidant activities of sporamin B increased from 19% (0 h) to about 29% (24 h) after 24 h hydrolysis by pepsin. Smaller peptides increased with hydrolytic times. Eight peptides for testing antioxidative activity were synthesized according to peptic hydrolysis simulation. The obtained SNIP, VRL, SYCQ, GTEKC, RF, VKAGE, AU, KIEL showed IC50 values of 8.36, 4.23, 0.206, 0.0884, 9.72, 14.9, 13.8 and 24.9mM, respectively, when scavenging activity of DPPH radicals (%) was measured. These findings mean that cysteine residue is most important in antiradical activities. It was suggested that sporamin B might contribute to its antioxidant activities against hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals.
Transcriptional regulation of genes involved in sulfur assimilation in plants: Understanding from the analysis of high-affinity sulfate transporters

Sulfur is one of the essential macronutrients required for plant growth. Since the expression of several sulfur-assimilatory genes is stimulated under the condition of sulfur deficiency (−S), transcriptional regulation of these genes is considered to be critical for the control of sulfur assimilation. In the last several years, the author and coworkers have been investigated molecular mechanisms of −S-inducible expression of high-affinity sulfate transporters, SULTR1;1 and SULTR1;2 in Arabidopsis thaliana. SULTR1;1 and SULTR1;2 facilitate sulfate uptake in roots. This review summarizes the recent progress about the transcriptional regulation of these sulfate transporters by focusing on three major topics. 1) Identification of a cis-acting element involved in the −S-inducible expression of SULTR1;1. 2) Cytokinin-dependent repression of SULTR expression and sulfate uptake. 3) Central transcription regulator SLIM1 controlling −S responsive gene expression including sulfur assimilation and metabolism.
The significance of meristic changes in the flowers of Sapotaceae

Sapotaceae belongs to the heterogeneous order Ericales and exhibits extensive diversity in floral morphology. Although pentamery is widespread and probably the ancestral condition, some clades are extremely variable in merism, with fluctuations between tetramery to hexamery and octomery, affecting different floral organs to different degrees. We assessed the different states of merism in Sapotaceae to determine the evolution of this character among different clades. The floral morphology and development of nine species from eight genera were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, floral characters related to merism were mapped onto a phylogenetic tree to analyse the distribution and evolutionary significance of merism in the family. Developmental evidence shows that changes in merism are linked to a concerted multiplication of organs among whorls and an increase in whorls through the displacement of organs. Although pentamery is reconstructed as the ancestral condition, a reduction to tetramery or an increase to a higher merism (mainly hexamery or octomery) has evolved at least five times in the family. Fluctuations in merism between different whorls are not random but occur in a coordinated pattern, presenting strong synapomorphies for selected clades. Octomery has evolved at least twice, in Isonandreae from tetramery and in Sapoteae-Mimusopinae from pentamery. Hexamery has evolved at least three times, independently in Northia, the Palaquium clade of Isonandreae and derived from octomery in Sapoteae-Mimusopinae. Three possibilities of merism increase have been identified in Sapotaceae: (1) a concerted increase affecting all organs more or less equally (Palaquium clade of Isonandreae, Sapoteae); (2) a coordinated increase in petals, stamens and mostly carpels without effect on sepals (Labourdonnaisia, Payena–Madhuca clade of Isonandreae); (3) an increase in carpels independently of other organs (Burckella, Letestua, Labramia, etc.). A major shift affecting all Sapotaceae, except Isonandreae, is the sterilization or loss of the antesepalous stamen whorl. The presence of two fertile stamen whorls in Isonandreae indicates a possible reversal or a retained plesiomorphy. In a number of genera, stamens are secondarily increased independently of changes in merism. Descriptions of flowers listing only organ numbers are thus misleading in the inference of evolutionary relationships, as they do not differentiate between changes in merism affecting the number of perianth whorls and other changes affecting the androecium, such as sterilization, loss or occasional doubling of antepetalous stamens. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, ●●, ●●–●●.
Sporisorium smut pathogens in the Sultanate of Oman: three new reports.

Smut teliospores were isolated from several species of infected grasses in the Sultanate of Oman. Pathogen identity was confirmed by nuclear ribosomal large subunit DNA sequencing and analysis and consequently three new national reports of smut pathogens of the genus Sporisorium isolated from sorghum (S. sorghi), sugarcane (S. scitamineum) and the native grass Dichanthium foveolatum (S. foveolati), are presented. Additionally the identification of the previously reported S. reilianum, from sorghum, is confirmed on the basis of nuclear rDNA sequence data. All four reports represent new records for the Arabian Peninsula region.
Mycoplasma testudinis, a New Species Isolated from a Tortoise

A mycoplasma isolated from the cloaca of a tortoise was shown to be serologically distinct from 82 recognized Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma species. Three clones obtained from the isolated mycoplasma were examined in detail and proved indistinguishable from each other. One of these strains, 01008T (NCTC 11701), is designated the type strain of a new species, Mycoplasma testudinis.
Life history, population dynamics and conservation status of Oldenburgia grandis (Asteraceae), an endemic of the Eastern Cape of South Africa

Oldenburgia grandis is a rare, long-lived woody paleoendemic of the Fynbos Biome of South Africa. Confined to quartzite outcrops, it has a small geographic range and narrow habitat specificity. O. grandis responds to its fire-prone environment by resprouting. Elasticity analysis of O. grandis reveals that growth and fecundity were traded off for persistence of adult, mature and sapling stages. Morphological adaptations such as a corky fire-resistant bark and the ability to resprout after fire are traits that O. grandis have evolved to persist in a frequently disturbed environment. Population growth rate for sites undisturbed by fire for a number of years (l = 1.01) and sites at various stages of recovery after fire (l = 1.00) were very similar. The highest variation in transition probabilities for all sites was seen in the persistence of the seedling stage and growth from seedling to sapling. Observed population structure and stable stage distribution determined by the matrix model show that sites recently undisturbed by fire had high abundances of the adult and sapling stages. A peak in sapling stages was seen for the stable stage distribution where similar peak in sapling numbers were seen for population structures of sites at various stages of recoveryafter fire. Favourable environmental conditions for the persistence of O. grandis populations include no fire with transition probabilities between the observed minimum and maximum and fire frequency at a 10 year interval where seedling protection from the fire is high and adult and mature mortalities during the fire are low. Stochastic environmental events that could put populations (particularly small populations) at an increased risk of extinction include high to moderate fire intensities where seedling protection from the fire is low and adult and mature mortalities are high as a result of the fire.
When pharmacogenomics goes public

So far the post-marketing bioethical implications of pharmacogenomics have been largely overlooked. Developing on a critical literature review, this paper argues that the post-marketing implications of pharmacogenomics will crystallize the bioethical implications of genetics in general to a wider public, and that these implications will be stretched to their limits when commonly used pharmaceuticals also appear to become public genetic information markers owing to their therapeutic specificity. Scientists, politicians and regulatory agencies need to focus heavily on these post-marketing issues. Otherwise, there is a substantial risk that the positive therapeutic prospects of pharmacogenomics will not survive, owing to a lack of acceptance and understanding, and fear on the part of the general public.
Composite Actinorhizal Plants with Transgenic Roots for the Study of Symbiotic Associations with Frankia

More than 200 species of dicotyledonous plants belonging to eight different families and 24 genera can establish actinorhizal symbiosis with the nitrogen-fixing soil actinomycete Frankia. Compared to the symbiotic interaction between legumes and rhizobia, little is known about the molecular basis of the infection process and nodule formation in actinorhizal plants. Here, we review a gene transfer system based on Agrobacterium rhizogenes that opens the possibility to rapidly analyze the function of candidate symbiotic genes. The transformation protocol generates “composite plants” that consist of a nontransgenic aerial part with transformed hairy roots. Composite plants have already been obtained in three different species of actinorhizal plants, including the tropical tree species Casuarina glauca, the Patagonian shrub Discaria trinervis, and the nonwoody plant Datisca glomerata. The potential of this technique to advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying infection by Frankia is demonstrated by functional analyses of symbiotic genes.
The trace metal composition of size‐fractionated plankton in the South China Sea: Biotic versus abiotic sources

We report the elemental composition (P, Si, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) in the size‐fractionated plankton and suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the surface waters of the South China Sea. The sizefractionated plankton were effectively and gently separated by gravity through a novel trace‐metal‐clean filtration device, equipped with 150‐, 60‐, and 10‐µm aperture nets in sequence to concentrate the plankton. P‐normalized metal quotas in the largest fraction, mostly composed of copepods, were close to or slightly lower than the average metal quotas obtained from previous field studies. However, the total metal quotas in the two smaller fractions were 8‐ to 40‐fold higher than the largest one, and they increased with decreasing sizes. The striking correlation between some essential metals and chlorophyll (Chl) in the SPM at the offshore site indicates that the majority of the metals were associated with algae. Nevertheless, the P‐normalized metal quotas also showed positive correlations with abiogenic Al and Mn, indicating that most of the metals associated with phytoplankton were from extracellular inorganic particles. Preliminary evidence suggests that the extracellular metals were originally derived from anthropogenic aerosols, which contain abundant dissolvable trace metals. The metal quotas of the zooplankton assemblages have a fairly consistent value as compared to observations from other regions, but algae larger than 10 mm carry overwhelming amounts of extracellular metals even in offshore areas. The stoichiometry concept for trace‐metal composition in marine plankton assemblages is unrealistic in the field.
Plant macrofossil evidence for the environment associated with the Riversleigh fauna

Fossil plant organs from probable Oligocene nodules at the Dunsinane Site at Riversleigh, Queensland, were studied. The deposit consists of a low diversity assemblage of reproductive and vegetative organs dominated by a single taxon of Casuarinaceae. The species of Casuarinaceae has affinities with Casuarina and Allocasuarina in having more four teeth per whorl on the photosynthetic branchlets and stomata hidden in deep furrows filled with trichomes, and as such represents the earliest known record of sub-family Cryptostomae. The species is described as Cryptostomiforma quinata gen. et sp. nov. A leaf species is assigned to Alectryon (Sapindaceae) on the basis of the anatomy of abaxial cuticular features. In particular, the morphology is indistinguishable from extant A. affinis, a species currently endemic to New Guinea. Organs with possible affinities to Rubus or Capparis were examined. The assemblage is interpreted as a possible vegetation mosaic, containing both deciduous vine thickets and sclerophyllous habitats. No evidence for the presence of rainforest was found and the fossils are not consistent with extensive lowland tropical rainforest.
Resource partitioning in three congeneric sympatrically breeding seabirds: Foraging areas and prey utilization

ABSTRACT Morphologically similar sympatric species reduce competition by partitioning resources, for example by occupying different dietary niches or foraging in different areas. In this study, we examine the foraging behavior of Arctic (Sterna paradisaea), Common (Sterna hirundo), and Roseate terns (Sterna dougallii) breeding on Coquet Island, northeast England, using colony-based observations and coincident at-sea visual tracking of foraging birds to quantify interspecific overlap in prey selection and foraging areas. Although visual tracking methods have been used in previous studies, our study is the first example of this method being used to quantify multi-species overlap in foraging areas and the first time Roseate Tern foraging locations have been conclusively identified using a visual tracking method. Percentage overlap in foraging areas varied among species with Arctic and Common terns sharing a higher percentage of their foraging range with each other (63%) than either species did with Roseate Terns (Common = 41% and Arctic = 0%). Arctic and Common terns utilized similar foraging areas and partitioned resources by diet while Roseate Terns differed from other species in both diet and foraging area. Arctic and Common terns varied provisioning rate, prey length, and foraging areas with increasing brood age, while Roseate Terns fed similar prey and foraged consistently inshore. Although there were some similarities in areas utilized by these species, there were sufficient differences in behavior to minimize interspecific competition. Our study further demonstrates the successful use of a visual tracking method to show how morphologically similar sympatric seabird species partition resources by diet, foraging area, and response to increasing brood age.
Patterns in aphid honeydew production parallel diurnal shifts in phloem sap composition

Variation in phloem sap composition is important in determining aphid performance and is known to occur at both diurnal timescales and in response to plant age. For field grown potato plants, Solanum tuberosum L. (Solanaceae), we determined diurnal variation in components of phloem sap, measured by ethylene diamine tetra‐acetate exudation, and tested for impacts of plant age. The effects of plant age and diurnal cycles on honeydew production by Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (both Hemiptera: Aphididae) were also quantified. Both the ratio of sucrose to amino acids and the composition of amino acids in phloem sap varied significantly with time of day. Dietary essential amino acids contributed a smaller proportion of amino acids in the phloem sap of older plants and during early phases of the diurnal cycle. The only significant effect on aphid honeydew production was of the diurnal cycle for Ma. euphorbiae, although increased honeydew production during the day when compared with the production at night, was consistent across the two species. In contrast with studies carried out at seasonal scales, we found limited evidence for variation in phloem sap composition in response to plant age, consistent with our results for honeydew production. These data highlight the need for improved understanding of how seasonal and diurnal physiology of plants influence performance in phloem sap feeding insects.
Stimulation of Delayed Light Emission by Salt Gradients and Estimation of the Relative Ionic Permeabilities of the Thylakoid Membranes

The sudden addition of various salts to pre-illuminated chloroplasts enhances the rate of delayed light-emission. It is argued that this stimulation of luminescence is, with some salts, due entirely to the electrical potential developed as the ions diffuse across the thylakoid membranes. By varying the magnitude of the concentration gradients and applying the Goldman voltage equation it has been possible to obtain quantitative estimates for the relative ionic permeabilities of the thylakoids. It seems that chloride permeates as much as 10 times slower than K+. Predictions of the effects of using mixed salt solutions and of preincubation of the chloroplasts with salt at various levels have been made and tested experimentally. From this it is apparent that the action of salts of weak acids, such as benzoic acid, although parti cularly effective in stimulating luminescence, cannot be satisfactorily explained on the diffusion potential hypothesis. Over all the results seem to give quantitative information on the relative ionic permeabilities of the thylakoids and supports the model that delayed light may originate from a charge transfer complex specifically orientated in this membrane system.
Characteristic symptoms of melon diseases caused by fungi in south western Nigeria

In a survey of farmers’ fields across four states of south western Nigeria, major diseases of egusi melon were evaluated and symptoms described. Pathogenicity tests of foliage and fruits were conducted in the laboratory and causal pathogens identified. Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cucurbitarum) appeared as round whitish spots on the lower surface which increased in size and later appeared as whitish talcum on the upper surface. Downy mildew (Peronospora cucurbitarum) appeared on the upper surface as small and pale green to yellow angular spot which became chlorotic and shriveled. Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria cucumerina) appeared as small circular water soaked areas which turned dark brown to black; and Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora citrullina) appeared as circular spot with white to tan centers having dark margins. Foliar spots which began as small yellowish water- soaked areas on the veins that later turned circular, dried up, broke and became shattered were symptoms observed for the Anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum lagenarium). Fruit anthracnose started as small, circular, black, sunken canker with raised margin. Leaf blight, stem blight and fruit rot (Didymella bryoaniae) disease symptoms were observed on leaves, stems and fruits respectively. Leaf symptoms began as light brown, irregular spots surrounded by yellow borders that developed from the tip of the leaves and gradually progressed backwards. Brown lesions were observed on the stem which split open and turned dark. Lesions observed on fruits appeared as small, almost circular water- soaked areas which enlarged, resulting in dark, firm and leathery depressed areas. Symptoms of vine wilt were observed as elongated brown lesions which developed on stems near the crown and extended as long, narrow, brown streaks causing stem to completely wilt. Wet rot of flower and fruit (Choanephora cucurbitarum) appeared as characteristic fungus growth resembling numerous pins stuck in a pin-cushion on the infected surface. The study will help to bridge the gap of information on the characteristic symptoms and causal pathogens of melon diseases in south western Nigeria Key words: “Egusi” melon, south western, field diseases, symptoms.
IDENTIFICATION AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF APPLE DIMPLE FRUIT VIROID IN CHINA

In a survey of apple virus diseases in China, typical symptoms of Apple dimple fruit viroid (ADFVd) infections were observed. The presence of ADFVd in samples of symptomatic fruits and symptomless leaves from different apple trees was confirmed by RT-PCR, sequencing and dot blot hybridization. Sequence alignment and RNA structure analysis showed that, compared with isolates and variants reported in Italy, there were two nucleotide variations and an alteration of the secondary structure in the ADFVd variants we isolated. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the four variants from China clustered in a group separate from previously reported isolates and variants from Italy and Japan. This is the first report of the identification and molecular characterization of ADFVd in China.