Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of proanthocyanidin monomers in two genotypes of blood-flesh peach

ABSTRACT Accumulation of proanthocyanidin monomers (catechin and epicatechin) was revealed in flesh tissues during fruit development in two blood-flesh peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) genotypes, ‘Beijingyixianhong’ (DBF-genotype) and ‘Heiyoutao’ (bfbf-genotype). The activities of two key enzymes, leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR) and anthocyanidin reductase (ANR), were measured, and their activities and coding genes’ expression profiles were compared at the transcription level over the fruit development period. There were different developmental profiles of catechin and epicatechin concentrations between the genotypes. In ‘Beijingyixianhong’, catechin and epicatechin concentrations remained low early in fruit development, increased gradually at the ripening stages, and reached maxima at the mature stage. In ‘Heiyoutao’, catechin and epicatechin concentrations were very low at the early stage of fruit development, with rapid accumulation to maxima at the middle development stage; however, they decreased during ripening. Activities of LAR and ANR, as well as the relative expression of their coding genes at the transcriptional level, were consistent with accumulation of proanthocyanidin monomers in each blood-flesh peach genotype. ANR activity and the quantitative expression of its coding gene were much more closely related to proanthocyanidin accumulation than was the case for LAR, which caused higher and more dramatic changes in epicatechin concentrations during fruit development in both genotypes of blood-flesh peach.
The Effects Of Trivalent Arsenicals And Thioredoxin Reductase Inhibitors On Selenium Metabolism In Lung Cell Culture Models

Arsenic exposure, through various routes, is associated with the development of cancer of the skin, lung, liver, kidney, and bladder. Treatment of cells in culture with trivalent arsenicals has been shown to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS). In particular, monomethylarsonous acid (MMA), a trivalent metabolite of arsenite, is highly cytotoxic and possibly carcinogenic. Three trivalent arsenicals; arsenite, arsenic trioxide (ATO), and MMA, are also known inhibitors of the selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). Selenium, an essential micronutrient in mammals, is needed in the form of selenocysteine for activity of this enzyme and other selenoproteins. TrxR is part of a key component of the cell’s ability to defend against ROS. It has been speculated that TrxR is also involved directly in selenium metabolism, but this has yet to be demonstrated in vivo. The promoter region of the gene encoding the cytosolic TrxR (TrxR1) also contains an antioxidant responsive element (ARE). The ARE is activated by the transcription factor, Nrf2, which is governed by the Nrf2/Keap1 response, and can be triggered by certain oxidants. ATO and arsenite both inhibited incorporation of selenium into selenoproteins. Auranofin, a gold chemotherapeutic inhibitor of TrxR1, also inhibited selenoprotein synthesis. These results seem to support the hypothesis that TrxR1 is needed for selenoprotein synthesis. However, siRNA mediated reduction of TrxR1 did not block incorporation of selenium into selenoproteins. It is likely that ATO and auranofin are forming As-Se and Au-Se complexes, respectively. We also found that exposure of primary lung fibroblasts (WI-38) to MMA led to increased synthesis of TrxR1. This increase was dependent on the activation of
Penapisan dan Karakterisasi Rhizobakteria serta Uji Aktivitasnya dalam Mendukung Perkecambahan dan Pertumbuhan Benih Jagung (Zea mays L.)

ABSTRACT Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of bacteria known to influence plant growth by direct or indirect mechanisms. In search of efficient PGPR which potential as biofertilizers, a total of 26 isolates of rhizobacteria were isolated from various plant rhizosphere. These 26 isolates were screened through in vitro methods for PGPR properties like phosphate solubilization, siderophore, IAA and amonia production, and catalase activity. The result revealed that 9 isolates showed positive activities for phosphate solubilization 17 isolates for IAA production 18 isolates for siderophores 19 isolates for ammonia production and all of the isolates have catalase activities . Only four isolates (Az.KT.CSC, Az.D.8B, Az.D.8A and Az.Lo.10B) exhibited multiple plant growth promoting traits viz., phosphate solubilization, siderophore, IAA, amonia production, and catalase activity. Ten isolates that have different characters were further investigated for quantitative analysis of IAA production, HCN production and its effect on germination and seedling growth of Zea mays. The range of IAA production was 3,12– 134,27 ppm, among ten isolates, Az.D. 8B isolate produced the highest IAA (134,27 ppm). Production of HCN was detected in eight isolates. Four isolates positively affected the germination of Zea mays seeds. Highest root elongation was recorded when seeds were treated with Az.Lo. 5 isolate. Whereas, the highest chlorophyl content and plant high were recorded when seeds were treated with Az.B. 8B isolate. Keywords: N-fixing bacteria, PGPR, IAA, siderophore, catalase
A new genus and species of Renaudarctidae (Heterotardigrada: Arthrotardigrada) from Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

ABSTRACT A new armoured marine tardigrade, Nodarctus hallucis gen. et sp. nov., is described from specimens collected from sandy beaches of Haterumajima, Ishigakijima and Okinawajima Islands, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. It is a member of the rare family Renaudarctidae, which is characterized by a stocky body with dorsal and ventral plates and stumpy legs with digits, claws and accessory filaments. However, the collected animals have prominent characters that differ from the two known species of the family: subdivided dorsal segmental plates I–III lacking lateral processes, an acute caudal spike, indented sensory plates, short spikes and peculiar papillae on legs I–III, basal spikes of legs IV and only two digits on legs IV. These differences justify the erection of a new genus and species for the animal. Morphological affinities with other marine taxa, the function of the leg papillae and the distribution pattern of the new species are discussed.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:041878AA-B437-45BF-80E3-32591D21D965
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF INVITRO ANTIINFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF PSIDIUM GUAJAVA AND SYZYGIUM CUMINI LEAVES

Psidium guajava L. known as Guava is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Myrtaceae . Syzygium cumini Linn. known as Jamun is a tropical tree belonging to the family Myrtaceae . Recent evidence has demonstrated that combination therapy could provide greater therapeutic benefits to diseases such as AIDS, cancer, atherosclerosis and diabetes, all of which possess complex etiology and pathophysiology that make the treatment difficult with single drug target approach. The present study was to compare the invitro anti-inflammatory activity of two plants from Myrtaceae family as well as to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the combined extracts (1:1mixture) of those plants by estimating the inhibition of cyclooxygenase, 5-lipoxygenase, cellular nitrite levels, inducible nitric oxide synthase and myeloperoxidase using RAW 264.7 cells. Total ethanolic extracts of shade dried leaves were prepared and subjected to invitro anti-inflammatory study. The percentage inhibition of COX and 5 LOX by the combined extract, at 100 µg/ml was 55.67 and 48.02 respectively. The reduction in the cellular nitrite level (393.195 µg) and MPO level (0.00205U/ml) was comparable to that of standard. The results of the study showed that at 100 µg/ml, the combined extract (1:1 mixture) of the plants exhibited prominent anti-inflammatory activity than either of the individual plants in all the methods studied. On comparison of the anti-inflammatory activity, Syzygium cumini is found to be more active than Psidium guajava . Hence the combination of the two plants can be used to formulate drugs for various inflammatory disorders in traditional and modern medicine.
Inter- and Intra-individual Variation in Predator-related Behavioral Plasticity Expressed by Female Green Swordtails ( Xiphophorus hellerii )

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of a genotype to express different phenotypes, under different environmental conditions. Behavioral plasticity is a type of phenotypic plasticity in which a change in phenotype can rapidly occur. Though often studied at the level of the population, behavioral plasticity studies at the level of the individual could provide insight into how plasticity evolves and is maintained in a population. Further, individual differences in phenotypes (such as body size) may predict differences in the degree of plasticity expressed by individuals within a population. We used female green swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii) to test the effects of body size at testing and age at maturation on the expression of predator-related behavioral plasticity in an intrasexual social context (i.e., two females). We found that all females, regardless of body size at testing or age at maturation, expressed predator-related plasticity in spatial positioning. Further, latermaturing females darted more from the monitor displaying a film stimulus than earliermaturing females, whether or not the filmed sequence included a predator. Finally, both body size at testing and age at maturation affected the degree of predator-related plasticity in the expression of an agonistic behavior: transverse display. In the presence of a predator, small, early-maturing females decreased the time spent transverse displaying, whereas small, late-maturing females increased the time spent transverse displaying. Large females expressed the opposite pattern. In the presence of a predator, large, early2 maturing females increased the time spent transverse displaying, whereas large, latematuring females decreased the time spent transverse displaying. This study shows that both body size at testing and age at maturation affect plasticity in at least one behavior in female green swordtails. In general, our results suggest that the degree and direction of plasticity expressed by an individual may be affected by complex interactions of its other traits . Thus, simple predictions concerning the effects of environment on plasticity expression may be misleading, and future studies should consider multiple factors when investigating individual differences in behavioral plasticity. INTRODUCTION The ability of one genotype to express different phenotypes under variable environmental conditions is referred to as phenotypic plasticity (West-Eberhard 1989; DeWitt et al. 1998). The evolution of such flexibility in fitness-related traits can provide individuals with the means to adaptively respond to environmental changes that occur within their lifetime. Behavioral plasticity is a type of phenotypic plasticity that allows organisms to make rapid behavioral responses to changes in their environment (Komers 1997;
Lymphocytes Bearing Fc Receptors for IgE

Human peripheral blood lymphocytes from ragweed-sensitive individuals were fractionated by a rosette technique with neuraminidase-treated sheep erythrocytes (En). A significant number of FcεR-bearing cells were detected in the T cell fraction by rosette formation with ox erythrocytes coated with human IgE (E'-hIgE), or by the binding of fluoresceinated F(ab′)2 fragments of anti-IgE complexed with IgE. The majority of these lymphocytes in the T cell fraction formed mixed rosettes with En and E'-hIgE. T cells bearing FcεR were demonstrated in the mesenteric lymph node cells from rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb); about 3% of the total cells in a B-depleted fraction formed rosettes with ox erythrocytes coated with rat IgE (E'-rIgE). Most of the rosette-forming cells (RFC) in the fraction were stained by antibodies specific for rat T cells in immunofluorescence. A substantial proportion (5 to 10%) of lymphocytes in rat-activated T cells, which were prepared by transfer of Lewis strain thymocytes to Sprague-Dawley rats, formed rosettes with E'-rIgE, and essentially all of the RFC were stained by anti-T cell antibodies. The results indicated that a subset of human and rat T cells possess FcεR. Evidence was obtained that FcεR on T cells are distinct from Fc receptors for IgG (FcγR), which were demonstrated by rosette formation with ox erythrocytes coated with rabbit IgG antibodies (EA). Mixed rosette assays showed that more than a half of FcεR-bearing human T cells failed to bind EA. Similarly, the majority of FcεR-bearing T cells in the lymph nodes of Nb-infected rats failed to bind EA. In activated T cell preparations, however, about three-fourths of FcεR-bearing cells formed mixed rosettes with EA, indicating that some T cells bear both FcεR and FcγR.
The differential impact of a native and a non‐native ragwort species (Senecioneae) on the first and second trophic level of the rhizosphere food web

Whereas the impact of exotic plant species on above-ground biota is relatively well-documented, far less is known about the effects of non-indigenous plants on the first and second trophic level of the rhizosphere food web. Here, rhizosphere communities of the invasive narrow-leaved ragwort Senecio inaequidens and the native tansy ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris, co-occurring in three semi-natural habitats are compared. For both species, two life stages were taken into consideration. Quantitative PCR assays for the analyses of bacterial and fungal communities at a high taxonomic level were optimized, and it was investigated whether changes in the primary decomposer community were translated in alterations in bacterivorous and fungivorous nematode communities. In contrast to J. vulgaris, small but significant reductions were observed for Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes (both p < 0.05) in case of the invasive S. inaequidens. More pronounced changes were detected for the overall nematode community density, and, more specifically, for the bacterivorous genus Anaplectus and the family Monhysteridae (both p < 0.05), as well as the necromenic Pristionchus (p < 0.001). At high taxonomic level, no differences were observed in fungal rhizosphere communities between native and non-native ragwort species. The impact of plant developmental stages on rhizosphere biota was prominent. The overall bacterial and fungal biomasses, as well as a remarkably consistent set of constituents (Actinobacteria, α- and β-Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes) were negatively affected by plant stage for both ragwort species. Although later developmental stages of plants generally coincided with lower levels for individual nematode taxa, densities of the fungivorous genera Diphtherophora and Tylolaimophorus remain unaltered. Hence, even at a high taxonomic level, differential effects of native and non-native ragwort could be pinpointed. However, plant developmental stage has a more prominent impact and this impact was similar in nature for both native and non-native ragwort species.
Native Prairie Graminoid Host Plants of Minnesota and Associated Lepidoptera: A Literature Review

ABSTRACT. Native grasses act as host plants, providing food and shelter, for numerous Lepidoptera species during their larval stage. As grassland habitat decreases because of conversion to agriculture and urban areas, prairie specialist butterflies and moths have also declined. Addition of native species to urban and agriculture landscapes has been shown to benefit Lepidoptera communities in various ways. Native grasses have grown in popularity as a landscaping plant due to their low nutrient requirements, drought tolerance, and soil stabilization properties. However, the benefits of native grasses to Lepidoptera are not well known to many entomologists or horticulturists, let alone the average consumer. We reviewed the literature that identified native prairie graminoids as host plants for native Lepidoptera in Minnesota, especially plants widely available in the horticultural trade that could be planted for restoration or landscaping purposes. The context of the Lepidoptera and host plant associations found in the literature are described. In total, we found 36 Lepidoptera species that used 17 prairie graminoids as host plants cited in the literature. Three native grasses, Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash, Andropogon gerardii Vitman and Panicum virgatum L. and were found to be used by the most Lepidoptera species, 11, 9, and 8, respectively. Most likely there are additional moth species that use these grasses as host plants because butterfly species tend to be better documented than moth species. The specific larval habits and host plant species were unknown for many species of moths that feed or are suspected to feed on graminoids, showing the need for further research in this area. This information can assist horticulturalists, ecologists, landscape planners, land managers, and homeowners in their decisions to buy and plant native grass species. In general, this knowledge provides increased awareness about the larval life stage of butterflies and moths to concerned citizens and green industry and further supports the importance of conserving native prairie to support and maintain Lepidoptera species.
Phytolacca exiensis , a new species of Phytolaccaceae from west of Hubei province, China

Phytolacca exiensis , a new species of Phytolacca which was discovered from west of Hubei province, China, is discribed and illustrated in this paper. The placement of this new species is accessed based on molecular phylogenetic analysis of the nuclear ribosomal ITS and one chloroplast regions (psbA-trnH) sequences together with mophorlogical comparison. This new species can be easily distinguished from other related species by its carpers connate and plants dioecious.
The influence of sire selection index on the intramuscular fat fatty acid profile of their progeny.

The nutritional value of beef meat is related to its fatty acid composition and the amount of intramuscular fat (IMF). In a two-year experiment, 50 steers sired by five Simmental sire with different selection indices (SI) were used to evaluate the effects of sire on carcass characteristics and fatty acid composition. To test the variability in measured parameters among fattening bulls, they were divided into three groups according to EUROP conformation class and EUROP fat grade. Protein content of longissimus dorsi (LD) linearly increased with increasing SI, while LD fat decreased. All important fatty acid (FA) varied significantly among different sires ; nevertheless these differences were not related to sire SI. Live weight, cold carcass weight, C18:1n9, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and 18:1/18:0 ratio increased with increasing EUROP conformation score, while C20:4n6 and saturated fatty acids (SFA) decreased. Higher EUROP fat grade was related to increase in cold carcass weight, % of total lean meat, C18:1n9, MUFA and C18:1/C18:0 and decrease in % total bone, SFA, C18:3n3 and C20:4n6. Polyunsaturated fatty acid content was positively correlated to LD protein content and negatively correlated to MUFA content. Principal component analyses revealed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n6/n3 ratio are directly opposite to MUFA content. Parameters that represent negative impact on health are independent and in opposition to PUFA and MUFA content. These results suggested a genetic variation in FA synthesis and IMF content among progeny of different sires which may enable us to select for increased PUFA content and decreased health lipid indices and potentially atherogenic fatty acids.
Molecular phylogeny of Conus chiangi (Azuma, 1972) (Gastropoda: Conidae)

Conus chiangi (Azuma, 1972) has been regarded by several workers as morphologically distinctive enough from other Conus species to merit placement in its own genus (e.g., Taranteconus , Azuma, 1972). We demonstrate using standard molecular markers that this species is related to such well-known species as Conus imperialis Linne, 1758, and Conus regius Gmelin, 1791, which are generally regarded as belonging to the Stephanoconus (Morch, 1852), elade. Stephanoconus has had impressive radiation of species in the new world, but only two species were previously assigned to Stephanoconus from the Indo-Pacific region ( Conus imperialis and Conus zonatus Hwass, 1792). We also present data using a toxin ological marker for Conus chiangi consistent with its inclusion in Stephanoconus. In at least three species of this clade, a virtually identical peptide toxin (first called a-conotoxin Iml from Conus imperialis ) was identified. Although the predicted mature peptide toxin sequences are closely similar, significant divergence in the prepro region of the precursors was observed. It is suggested that the conservation of the mature peptide toxin sequence is a result of strong selection related to prey choice in Stephanoconus. The results described here suggest a revised picture of the radiation of Stephanoconus in the Indo-Pacific. In addition to the well-known species Conus imperialis and Conus zonatus , which comprise one group, a radiation of small Conus species in deeper water may potentially comprise another distinctive group of Stephanoconus.
Ecological niche modelling of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) supports the ‘expansion–contraction’ model of Pleistocene biogeography

During the Pleistocene glacial periods, the ranges of many temperate species in Europe contracted southwards to refugia near the Mediterranean Basin. This study tested the ‘expansion–contraction’ model by applying the ecological niche modelling approach to one widespread temperate tree species, pedunculate oak, Quercus robur L. , distributed across Europe and Anatolia. We projected the distribution of Q. robur under climatic conditions of the Present, the mid-Holocene [HOL, c. 6000 years before present (YBP)], the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, c. 22 000 YBP) and the Last Interglacial (LIG, c. 130 000 YBP). Quercus robur was at equilibrium with the climate as the model prediction was highly compatible with the its known distribution range under present bioclimatic conditions. The LIG and the HOL predictions gave a much broader distribution range than that during the LGM, suggesting its range contracted towards favourable areas in southern Europe and Anatolia. The results indicate that the glacial refugia hypothesis, based mainly on the ‘expansion–contraction’ model, applies to Q. robur, although possible extra-Mediterranean refugia in northern, western and southern France are also identified. This study therefore supports claims that European biogeography is significantly more complex than previously thought.
Blood glucose regulation in diabetics. A flatness based nonlinear control simulation study

Flat systems are a generalization of linear systems, but the techniques used for controlling flat systems are much different than many of the existing techniques for linear systems. In this paper we present the flatness-based control of blood glucose regulation in human system. A non-near model, he Bergman Minimal Model, is used o represent he dynamics of blood regulation in humans and because of the flatness property, he system variables can be expressed as functions of he at output and heir time derivatives and a control aw developed.
Complete mitochondrial genome of Glomeridesmus spelaeus (Diplopoda), a troglobitic species from Carajás iron-ore caves (Pará, Brazil)

We report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Glomeridesmus spelaeus, the first sequenced genome of the order Gomeridesmida. The genome is 14,825 pb in length and encodes 37 mitochondrial (13 PCGs, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA) genes and contains a typical AT-rich region. The base composition of the genome was A (40.1%), T (36.4%), C (15.8%), and G (7.6%), with an AT content of 76.5%. Our results indicated that Glomeridesmus spelaeus only distantly related to the other Diplopoda species with available mitochondrial genomes in the public databases. The publication of the mitogenome of G. spelaeus will contribute to the identification of troglobitic invertebrates, a very significant advance for the conservation of the troglofauna.