Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low rates of iridoid glycoside hydrolysis in two Longitarsus leaf beetles with different feeding specialization confer tolerance to iridoid glycoside containing host plants

Iridoid glycosides are plant defence compounds that are deterrent and/or toxic for unadapted herbivores but are readily sequestered by dietary specialists of different insect orders. Hydrolysis of iridoid glycosides by β‐glucosidase leads to protein denaturation. Insect digestive β‐glucosidases thus have the potential to mediate plant–insect interactions. In the present study, mechanisms associated with iridoid glycoside tolerance are investigated in two closely‐related leaf beetle species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) that feed on iridoid glycoside containing host plants. The polyphagous Longitarsus luridus Scopoli does not sequester iridoid glycosides, whereas the specialist Longitarsus tabidus Fabricius sequesters these compounds from its host plants. To study whether the biochemical properties of their β‐glucosidases correspond to the differences in feeding specialization, the number of β‐glucosidase isoforms and their kinetic properties are compared between the two beetle species. To examine the impact of iridoid glycosides on the β‐glucosidase activity of the generalist, L. luridus beetles are kept on host plants with or without iridoid glycosides. Furthermore, β‐glucosidase activities of both species are examined using an artificial β‐glucosidase substrate and the iridoid glycoside aucubin present in their host plants. Both species have one or two β‐glucosidases with different substrate affinities. Interestingly, host plant use does not influence the specific β‐glucosidase activities of the generalist. Both species hydrolyse aucubin with a much lower affinity than the standard substrate. The neutral pH reduces the β‐glucosidase activity of the specialist beetles by approximately 60% relative to its pH optimum. These low rates of aucubin hydrolysis suggest that the ability to sequester iridoid glycosides has evolved as a key to potentially preventing iridoid glycoside hydrolysis by plant‐derived β‐glucosidases.
Variation in the trunk musculature of caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)

Variation in the trunk musculature of 28 species of caecilians. representing 24 of the 33 genera and all five families. is summarized. All forms examined have the same muscles in similar positions. Existing variation largely conforms to the current classification of the group. and some variation may be attributable to different modes of locomotion. such as burrowing versus swimming. Caecilian trunk musculature is more similar to that of salamanders than to that of frogs. but the similarity is probably syrnplesiomorphous. Trunk musculature so far has provided no clues to lissamphibian relationships.
MULTISTAGE MUTUAL INFORMATION FOR INFORMATIVE GENE SELECTION

An important issue in the design of gene selection algorithm for microarray data analysis is the formation of suitable criterion function for measuring the relevance between different gene expressions. Mutual information (MI) is a widely used criterion function but it calculates the relevance on the entire samples only once which cannot exactly identify the informative genes. This paper proposes a novel idea of computing MI in stages. The proposed multistage mutual information (MSMI) computes MI, initially using all the samples and based on the classification performance produced by artificial neural network (ANN), MI is repeatedly calculated using only the unclassified samples until there is no improvement in the classification accuracy. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated using ten gene expression data sets. Simulation result shows that the proposed approach helps to improve the discriminate power of the genes with regard to the target disease of a microarray sample. Statistical analysis of the test result shows that the proposed method selects highly informative genes and produces comparable classification accuracy than the other approaches reported in the literature.
Analytical, Nutritional and Clinical Methods Use of different methods for testing antioxidative activity of oregano essential oil

The antioxidant properties of the essential oil from oregano in relation to its chemical composition were examined. The antioxidant activity was investigated with three different methods: the b-carotene bleaching (BCB) test, the 2,2 0 -diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method and the thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) assay. It was found that the total essential oil, its fraction as well as its pure constituents have a significant antioxidant effect when tested by each method, respectively. Generally the antioxidant activity of the oregano essential oil is less effective than the ascorbic acid, but comparable with the a-tocopherol and the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The synergy among minor oxygen containing compounds was suggested as possible factor, which influenced the antioxidant power of the oregano essential oil. The antioxidant concentrations influenced its antioxidant power, too. # 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Detection of y-type Subunit at theGlu-A1Locus in Some Swedish Bread Wheat Lines☆

Abstract Electrophoretic and reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP–HPLC) analyses were performed on gluten proteins extracted from flours milled from two different Swedish bread wheat lines; these lines have been reported to possess a novel highMrglutenin subunit controlled by a gene at theGlu-A1locus, referred to as 21*. Although RP–HPLC indicated that subunit 21* has a surface hydrophobocity similar to that of the commonly occurring allelic subunits 1 or 2*, it differs from them in isoelectric point, being more basic when analysed by two dimensional gel electrophoresis (IEF/SDS–PAGE). RP–HPLC separations of highMrglutenin subunits showed the presence of an additional peak, the behaviour of which was similar to that of y-type subunits encoded by genes at theGlu-A1ylocus and present only in wild wheatsT. urartu(AA) orT. dicoccoides(AABB). Based on chromatographic results and on the tight linkage observed with subunit 21*, it is suggested that the additional component (indicated as 21*y), present in the breeding lines analysed, corresponds to the y-type subunit encoded at theGlu-A1locus. Genes encoding the subunits 21* and 21*y were also analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Contrary to what was observed for the polypeptide itself, the gene corresponding to subunit 21* was similar in size to that encoding subunit 2* and shorter than that corresponding to subunit 1. Moreover, the amplification product corresponding to the active 21*y gene was shorter than that of the allelic inactive gene present in the bread wheat cultivar Cheyenne. As reported for other highMrglutenin subunits, gene size differences observed were due to a different length of the repetitive region. Because cultivated polyploid wheats have been shown to have only the x-type subunit at theGlu-A1locus, it is speculated that the new combination, with both x- and y-type subunits expressed, might have been introgressed during breeding processes from the wild wheat progenitorsT. urartuorT. dicoccoides, which have genotypes expressing both types of subunits.
Phylogenetic Analysis, Organization, and Molecular Evolution of the Nontranscribed Spacer of 5S Ribosomal RNA Genes in Corylus (Betulaceae)

The genus Corylus L. comprises 15–20 specific and infraspecific taxa distributed in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Most of the taxa are found in Asia, and only three of them are found in North America (C. cornuta subsp. cornuta, C. cornuta subsp. californica, and C. americana). The genus is generally divided into three groups based on the morphology of the involucre surrounding the nut. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using the nontranscribed spacer of the 5S rRNA genes. Intragenomic variability of the 5S spacer makes necessary the use of cloning techniques prior to sequencing. Eighty clones from 15 taxa were sequenced. Clones from each species are never monophyletic (with one exception—C. ferox), which indicates the possibility that there exist genic duplications, a possibility that is supported in part by the topology of the phylogenetic tree. Nonetheless, the 5S spacer provides some phylogenetic resolution. All clones of the Asian subgenus Acanthochlamys are sister to the remainder of the genus, whereas most clones of subgenera Phyllochlamys and Siphonochlamys are sister groups. Several sequence features of the spacer are examined, such as a putative transcription initiation complex.
Identification of a Δ4‐desaturase from the microalga Ostreococcus lucimarinus

Very long chain PUFA (VLCPUFA) like DHA are essential and health-beneficial components of the human diet. Due to a shortfall in VLCPUFA supply, research is ongoing to establish VLCPUFA production in heterologous systems like for example oilseed plants. For this purpose it is crucial to identify the required enzymes from primary producers of VLCPUFA. Here, we describe a cDNA from the microalga Ostreococcus lucimarinus coding for a Δ4-fatty acid desaturase. It exhibits a cytochrome b5 domain fused to its amino terminus and three histidine boxes that are typically found in front-end desaturases. Heterologous expression of the partly codon-optimized version of the cDNA in yeast revealed that the encoded protein catalyzes the desaturation of (n-3)- as well as (n-6)-substrates with a preference for VLCPUFA. In yeast it localized at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and analysis of the product distribution into different lipid classes suggested that the enzyme most likely acts in a lipid-dependent manner. Practical applications: The identified Δ4-desaturase may be useful for the production of DHA in transgenic oleaginous organisms like annual oilseed crops.
A new araphid diatom genus Psammoneis gen. nov. (Plagiogrammaceae, Bacillariophyta) with three new species based on SSU and LSU rDNA sequence data and morphology

S. Sato, W.H. C.F. Kooistra, T. Watanabe, S. Matsumoto & L.K. Medlin. 2008. A new araphid diatom genus Psammoneis gen. nov. (Plagiogrammaceae, Bacillariophyta) with three new species based on SSU and LSU rDNA sequence data and morphology. Phycologia 47: 510–528. DOI: 10.2216/08-04.1 Five strains of a hitherto undescribed diatom genus, Psammoneis, were established from Japanese and Senegalese marine benthic samples. The strains were analysed using nuclear-encoded sequence markers and morphometric parameters of their silica frustules. Valves of all strains show a sternum with striae perpendicular thereupon, typical for pennate diatoms. They possess apical pore fields and lack a raphe, typical for araphids, but also rimoportulae. Areolar occlusions are not prominent and often appear to be totally absent. Sequence comparison of both the SSU rDNA and the D1/D2 region of the LSU rDNA revealed that the strains group into three markedly distinct genotypes. The strains from different genotypes were also distinguishable by a principal component analysis using four morphometric variables measured on the external valve surface. They are described as three new species in a new genus Psammoneis: P. japonica, P. pseudojaponica and P. senegalensis. Molecular phylogenies support placement of the genus Psammoneis as a member of the Plagiogrammaceae. Our observations on frustule fine structures and the addition of Psammoneis to the family alter the circumscription of the family Plagiogrammaceae. Therefore, we provide an emended description of the family.
Comparison Between Daily and Weekly Undulating Periodized Resistance Training to Increase Muscular Strength for Volleyball Players

The purpose of this study was to compare the strength gains after 13 weeks of daily undulating periodization (DUP) and weekly undulating periodization (WUP) resistance training program with equated volume and intensity for volleyball players. Eleven volleyball players of Tanta club with minimum 1-year strength training experience participated in current study. All subjects have underwent to both DUP and WUP resistance training program in the same time, using the method of unilateral limb training; one side of the body (i.e. arm and leg) used DUP and the other side used WUP for 4 sessions/ week in non-consecutive days using split routine. One repetition maximum (1RM) was measured during 6 exercises before training program (PRE) and in the 7th week of training (MID) and at the end of the 13-week training (POST). The results have shown statistically significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in all exercises at MID and POST compared with PRE, and at POST compared with MID for both DUP and WUP models, statistically significant differences favor WUP (p ≤ 0.05) at POST for 2 exercises in comparison with the DUP. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between DUP and WUP in muscular strength at MID and POST for 4 exercises, however the WUP model shown a higher percentage increase in muscular strength than DUP for these 4 exercises. In conclusion, both DUP and WUP periodized training programs made similar strength gains from baseline to week 6. However, between week 8 and week 13, the WUP model outperformed the DUP model making larger improvements in muscular strength. Key words: Periodization, daily undulating, weekly undulating, resistance training, muscular strength.
Role of Abscisic Acid in Flood-Induced Secondary Aerenchyma Formation in Soybean (Glycine max) Hypocotyls

Abstract Phellogen (cork cambium) usually produces cork tissue, but when flooded it produces secondary aerenchyma, comprising living cells with non-suberized walls in the stems, roots, and root nodules of some Fabaceae. In the cell walls of cork tissues, the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA), promotes suberin deposition. Thus, ABA may decrease in flooded tissues, where secondary aerenchyma cells are developing. Here, we investigated whether ABA is involved in the formation of aerenchyma in soybean (Glycine max) hypocotyls when flooded. Hypocotyls flooded with water produced a large amount of secondary aerenchyma, and were highly porous. On the other hand, application of 1.0 μM ABA suppressed the enlargement of phellogen-derived cells, thereby suppressing subsequent gas space formation, and then almost completely inhibited aerenchyma development. Berberine-aniline blue staining indicated that not only elongated cells in the secondary aerenchyma but also packed cells, which were formed under flooding with ABA, contained no suberized cell walls. Compared to non-flooded plants, the endogenous ABA concentration in the flooded hypocotyls was decreased to 50% within 24 hr, and the low level was maintained for at least 72 hr. In addition, phellogen developed at 48 hr after flooding and secondary aerenchyma was observed at 72 hr. These results indicate that secondary aerenchyma formation requires a decrease in negative regulator ABA in soybean plants, that is, ABA inhibits elongation of cells derived from phellogen in secondary aerenchyma formation such as internodal cell elongation of floating rice stems.
Analytical design of a transverse flux machine

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Tuco-tucos (Rodentia, Octodontidae) in Southern Brazil: Ctenomys lami spec. nov. Separated from C. minutus Nehring 1887

Ctenomys lami, a new species from southern Brazil, is described and compared with a closely related species, C. minutus Nehring 1887. Cytogenetic analysis and morphological characters confirm the new taxon. Evidences suggest that C. minutus is derived from C. lami by a speciation process based on chromosome differences.
Estimação do volume de árvores utilizando redes neurais artificiais

The artificial neural network consists of a set of units containing mathematical functions connected by weights. Such nets are capable of learning by means of synaptic weight modification, generalizing learning for other unknown archives. The neural network project comprises three stages: pre-processing, processing and post-processing of data. One of the classical problems approached by networks is function approximation. Tree volume estimate can be included in this group. Four different architectures, five pre-processings and two activation functions were used. The nets which were statistically similar to the observed data were also analyzed in relation to residue and volume and compared to the volume estimate provided by the Schumacher and Hall equation. The neural nets formed by neurons whose activation function was exponential presented estimates statistically similar to the observed data. The nets trained with the data normalized by the linear interpolation method and equalized presented better estimate performance.
Characterization of the Clostridium pasteurianum phosphotransferase system

The phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent glucose phosphotransferase system (PTS) of Clostridium pasteurianum was studied in toluene-treated cells and cell-free extracts. Toluene-treated cells phosphorylated the non-metabolizable glucose analogue methyl α-glucoside in a PEP-dependent manner, and exhibited apparent K m values of 93 μM and 12 μM, respectively, for the substrates PEP and methyl α-glucoside. Using cell-free extracts, it was shown that the system consists of both soluble and membrane-bound components. The rate of methyl α-glucoside phosphorylation was dependent on the concentration of both the soluble and membrane fractions, and was independent of the concentration of PEP. Saturation kinetics for PEP were restored in the presence of a partially purified soluble fraction, which appeared to contain a single phosphotransferase component. This was similar to HPr of Escherichia coli by the following criteria:(i) it eluted in the same position from a Sephadex G-100 gel filtration column; (ii)it was relatively resistant to exposure to temperatures up to 100 °C; (iii) it was involved in phosphorylation of a number of sugars which enter the cell via different phosphotransferase systems; (iv) the kinetics of methyl α-glucoside phosphorylation required the soluble protein in C. pasteurianum to be a substrate rather than an enzyme.
Experimental design for the life sciences (3rd edn)

I reviewed the first edition of this book, and I thought it was brilliant. Has the third edition changed? Yes – it’s even more brilliant! The first two chapters lay out the basics required to understand the need for design. The second chapter in particular provides a general model for designing a research study, highlighting the importance of a research question, a hypothesis and prediction(s), and considering the strengths and weaknesses of a manipulative or correlational study. The ideas of random variation and confounding factors are introduced here, but built upon and considered again in chapter 3, when the reader is introduced to a better framework to make sense of them. In chapter 3, there is also an extended section on power analysis; rather than talking about this in an abstract way, the authors provide almost a ‘worked example’ which both makes the process clear and provides the reader with a very good understanding of power and effect size. The utility of chapters 4 and 5 cannot be underestimated; they are detailed, clear and pragmatic. It is these chapters which will sit open on the desk when particular experiments are discussed. Chapter 4 provides a number of model designs, engaging with the complexity of the idea of ‘control’, and introducing a number of useful concepts such as blocking and randomisation. Chapter 5 pushes students to think hard about the process of actually collecting their data, considering the ideas of accuracy and precision effectively, and identifying problems which could affect the validity and reliability of their data. The movement of a number of topics to chapter 6 is sensible, and provides extension material for the more advanced student. Separating them off into chapter 6 also ensures the storyline in the rest of the book is clear and straightforward. Using examples to illustrate their ideas is a real strength of the book, and there are a number of textual devices to draw attention to ‘key definitions’ and ‘take-home messages’. There are also questions to help students track their understanding, as well as resources available on an accompanying website. The authors deliberately avoid statistics, with the stated aim of encouraging clear thinking in experimental design. This book achieves that aim, providing a practical, articulate, comprehensive handbook, which is accessible to everyone (from undergraduate to university lecturer). It makes sense reading it from front to back, and it makes sense as a reference book to ‘dip into’. I wish it had been written when I did my own PhD. Buy it today!
A Bioenergetics Model for Zander: Construction, Validation, and Evaluation of Uncertainty Caused by Multiple Input Parameters

Abstract A bioenergetics model for zander Sander lucioperca was constructed using data from respirometer and feeding experiments to estimate temperature and mass-specific functions of metabolic and food consumption (C) rates. Other parameters were taken from the literature. The model, together with a previously published model for walleyes S. vitreus (Kitchell et al. 1977) and its modification for zander (Salonen et al. 1996), was validated with independent feeding experiments in the laboratory and was field evaluated in two lakes by using mercury (Hg) as a marker. Both validation procedures gave high modeling efficiency, indicating that the model was able to predict zander C under field conditions. The effect of uncertainty in 29 input parameters on Hg concentration and C was estimated using the Latin hybercube sampling technique (a modified Monte Carlo approach that uses a form of stratified sampling). The simulation results showed that our model was rather insensitive to given uncertainties in input pa.