Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Responses of Cytokinins, Antioxidant Enzymes, and Lipid Peroxidation in Shoots of Creeping Bentgrass to High Root-zone Temperatures

This study was designed to examine whether shoot injury induced by high root-zone temperature is associated with changes in shoot detoxifying metabolism and to determine the level and duration of high root-zone temperatures that would induce physiological changes in two cultivars of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera var. palustris Huds) differing in heat tolerance. Plants of 'Penn A-4ʼ (heat tolerant) and 'Putterʼ (heat susceptible) were grown in sand and exposed to root-zone temperatures of 20 (control), 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 31, and 35 °C in water baths while air temperature was maintained at 20 °C in a growth chamber. Turf quality, leaf cytokinin content, and antioxidant enzyme activities declined at increased soil temperatures and the duration of treatment for both cultivars. A decline in turf quality occurred follow- ing 40 days of exposure to 35 °C for 'Penn A-4ʼ and 26 days of exposure to 31 °C for 'Putterʼ. The root-zone temperature causing the decline of isopentenyl adenosine and zeatin cytokinins was 25 °C at 37 d for 'Putterʼ and 27 °C at 47 days for 'Penn A-4ʼ. The temperature causing the decline of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities was 25 °C and 27 °C at 33 days for 'Putterʼ and 27 °C and 31 °C at 43 days for Penn A-4, respectively. Malondialdehyde content increased at 27 °C for 'Putterʼ and 31 °C for 'Penn A-4ʼ at 43 days of treatment. The decline in cytokinin content and antioxidant enzyme activity occurred at a lower soil temperature and earlier during the treatment than the decline in turf quality, possibly contributing to turf quality decline. The root-zone temperatures causing the decline in turf quality, cytokinin content, and oxidative damage were higher in the heat-tolerant cultivar than heat-susceptible cultivar. The optimal temperatures for the growth of cool-season grasses are between 10 and 24 °C (Beard, 1973). However, both air and soil temperatures often reach injuriously high levels dur- ing summer months, which strongly limits shoot and root growth and even survival of plants in many areas. Shoot injury in plants under environmental stresses has been associated with oxidative damage induced by the production of active oxygen species such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and singlet oxygen. These species are highly reactive and can damage many important cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic
Masting in a temperate tree: Evidence for environmental prediction?

Many plant species produce large fruit crops in some years and then produce few or no fruits in others. Synchronous, inter-annual variation in plant reproduction is known as ‘masting’ and its adaptive significance has yet to be fully resolved. For 8 consecutive years, I quantified every fruit produced by 22 females of a New Zealand tree species (Dysoxylum spectabile), which has an unusual habit of taking a full calendar year to mature fruits after flowering. Fruit production varied strongly among years and was tightly synchronized among trees. Annual variability in fruit production declined with total reproductive output, indicating trees with lower fecundity exhibited a stronger tendency to mast. Although unrelated to temperature, annual fruit production was positively related to precipitation during annual periods of fruit development, and negatively related to fruit production in the previous year. Seedlings had higher rates of survivorship in a wet, high-seed year than in a dry, low-seed year, suggesting that seedlings might be drought sensitive. Therefore, D. spectabile produced large fruit crops during periods of high rainfall prior to fruit maturation, which may enhance survivorship of drought-intolerant seeds. Results were inconsistent with several hypotheses that are widely believed to be the most likely explanations for masting. Instead, results were consistent with the environmental prediction hypothesis, suggesting that this hypothesis may be more important than previously appreciated.
Molecular characterization of protein kinase C‐α binding to lamin A

Previous results from our laboratory have identified lamin A as a protein kinase C (PKC)‐binding protein. Here, we have identified the regions of PKC‐α that are crucial for this binding. By means of overlay assays and fusion proteins made of glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) fused to elements of rat PKC‐α, we have established that binding occurs through both the V5 region and a portion of the C2 region (i.e., the calcium‐dependent lipid binding (CaLB) domain) of the kinase. In particular, we have found that amino acid 200–217 of the CaLB domain are essential for binding lamin A, as a synthetic peptide corresponding to this stretch of amino acids prevented the interaction between the CaLB domain and lamin A. We also show that the presence of four lysine residues of the CaLB domain (K205, K209, K211, and K213) was essential for the binding. We have determined that binding of elements of PKC‐α to lamin A does not require the presence of cofactors such as phosphatidylserine (PS) and Ca2+. We have also found that the binding site of lamin A for the CaLB domain of PKC‐α is localized in the carboxyl‐terminus of the lamin, downstream of amino acid 499. Our findings may prove to be important to clarify the mechanisms regulating PKC function within the nucleus and may also lead to the synthesis of isozyme‐specific drugs to attenuate or reverse PKC‐dependent nuclear signaling pathways important for the pathogenesis of cancer. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IFN-αβ-Dependent, IFN-γ Secretion by Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages Controls an Intracellular Bacterial Infection

Several reports have indicated that cell lineages apart from NK and T cells can also express IFN-γ. However, the biological relevance of this finding is uncertain. We show in this study that bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) express IFN-γ at the mRNA and protein level early after infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae. Increased IFN-γ mRNA accumulation by infected BMMs is early, transient, and requires both bacterial and host protein synthesis. The induction of IFN-γ mRNA levels is independent of IL-12 and was dramatically enhanced in IL-10−/− BMMs. Such IL-10−/− BMMs contained less bacteria than the wild-type controls, whereas IFN-γR−/− BMMs showed increased C. pneumoniae load. Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) also participates in the control of bacterial load, as shown by the enhanced numbers of C. pneumoniae in iNOS−/− BMMs. However, the increased accumulation of iNOS mRNA and NO in C. pneumoniae-infected BMMs depended on the presence of IFN-αβ, but was independent of IFN-γ. Interestingly, IFN-αβ are also required for increased IFN-γ mRNA accumulation in C. pneumoniae-infected BMMs. Accordingly, IFN-αβR−/− BMMs showed higher levels of C. pneumoniae than wild-type BMMs. Our findings unravel an autocrine/paracrine macrophage activation pathway by showing an IFN-αβ-dependent IFN-γ and iNOS induction in response to infection, which protects macrophages against intracellular bacterial growth.
Chemopreventive effect of novel nanocomposite on oxidants and antioxidant status, some liver and kidney functions and Carcinoembryonic antigen against Benzo(a)pyrene induced lung carcinogenesis in mice

Benzo[a]pyrene induced lung cancer by mechanism which interact with DNA and cause genetic changes; this mechanism accelerates the cell cycle progression and induces the abnormal cell proliferation. Selenium, N Acetyl cysteine and curcumin in nanocomposite form have been shown to confer various biological effects, anticancer, enhance immune system and antioxidant properties. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the chemopreventive effect of nano (selenium ,acetyl cysteine, curcumin) (NSACC) and possess ability of SNACC with dose 4mg/kg.b. w against Benzo[a]pyrene carcinogenesis with dose 200mg\kg.bw at two doses the first at the 1st week of the experiment, the second after 20 week ,from the start time of the experiment. The results indicated that B[a]p induced lung cancer in mice which cause significant decrease of SOD, GSH,CAT values and significant increase of NOx, LP values in lung tissue and significant increase in ALT, AST, GGT, CEA, urea, creatinine in plasma . While treating with (NSACC) causes significant increase of SOD, GSH, GPx activities and significant decrease of CAT, lipid peroxidation and Nox in lung tissue and normalizes ALT and causes significant decrease in AST,GGT and reaches to normalize the activity of CEA,urea,creatinine in plasma. From the obtained results, it could be concluded that inhibition of peroxidation and oxidative stress markers, enhanced antioxidant status, by NSACC suggest the potential efficacy of NSACC as an addition chemopreventive agent in treatment of lung carcinogenesis.
Herbage yield and crude protein concentration of rangeland and pasture following hog manure application in southeastern Alberta

Intensive hog production is expanding into semi-arid regions of Alberta, where perennial forage lands are increasingly targeted for manure applicati on despite limited guidelines for its efficient use. Herbage yield and crude protein were assessed over two consecutive years within two native rangelands and two tame pastures, following different rates (10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 kg ha-1 NH4-N), methods (surface banding vs. subsurface injection) and seasons (fall vs. spring) of one-time liquid hog manure (LHM) application. Increasing manure rates improved grass yield across all sites the first growing season after treatment, from 1626 to 3576 kg ha-1. Although absolute increases in production were greatest on tame pasture, relative yield increases were similar among sites. Average crude protein (CP) concentration also increased from 69 to 91 g kg-1 in the first year. Despite low rainfall and the absence of a yield response in the second year, grass CP and crude protein yield (CPY) were maximized with increased .
Chemical composition of essential oils from Mentha aquatica L. at different moments of the ontogenetic cycle

This study investigates the chemical composition of essential oils extracted from Mentha aquatica plants. Aerial organs from M. aquatica were collected in three different stages: vegetative, flowering and senescence stage. The essential oil was extracted using the hydrodistillation method, with a NeoClevenger device. Essential oil samples obtained were analyzed with Agilent gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Essential oils have varied in terms of quality, depending on the time when the investigations were performed. Substances (41) were identified, of which 20 are common in all samples collected in the three phenophases. The main substances identified were: menthofuran (51.26 to 58.59%), limonene (5.94 to 12.06%), trans-β-ocimene (5.59 to 6.10%), ledol (3.01 to 4.06%) and βcaryophyllene (2.923 to 3.557%).
Vicariance events shaping Southern South American insect distributions

The main goal of this study is to use multiple insect phylogenies along with geographical information to test known vicariance hypotheses for Southern South America. We analysed the phylogenies and geographical distributions of seven insect genera endemic to southern South America using Hovenkamp's ( ) protocol, which have been in part implemented in software (vicariance inference program). Using this software, we were able to hypothesize 55 traceable vicariance events; among these, we recognized four supported vicariance events (i.e. confirmed by more than a single sister group). The first supported vicariance event consisted of an East/West separation of the faunas in all analysed trees; the second supported vicariance event is a North/South separation of the fauna located East of the Andes; the third supported vicariance event was found in the southernmost fauna located East of the Andes, which separates allopatric Patagonian species in a North/South direction; and finally, the fourth supported vicariance event separates in a North/South direction clades of the Central Chilean fauna located West of the Andes. Our results suggest that these four supported vicariance events could be correlated with the uplifting of the Andes and the marine ingressions that occurred during the Cenozoic that is the estimated age at which these events occurred. Finally, we discuss that current software implementation of Hovenkamp's ideas need to be expanded, particularly regarding the automated selection of traceable vicariance events.
DIFFERENCES IN POLYSACCHARIDE STRUCTURE BETWEEN CALCIFIED AND UNCALCIFIED SEGMENTS IN THE CORALLINE CALLIARTHRON CHEILOSPORIOIDES (CORALLINALES, RHODOPHYTA) 1

The articulated coralline Calliarthron cheilosporioides Manza produces segmented fronds composed of calcified segments (intergenicula) separated by uncalcified joints (genicula), which allow fronds to bend and reorient under breaking waves in the wave‐swept intertidal zone. Genicula are formed when calcified cells decalcify and restructure to create flexible tissue. The present study has identified important differences in the main agaran disaccharidic repeating units [→3)‐β‐d‐Galp (1→ 4)‐α‐l‐Galp(1→] synthesized by genicular and intergenicular segments. Based on chemical and spectroscopical analyses, we report that genicular cells from C. cheilosporioides biosynthesize a highly methoxylated galactan at C‐6 position with low levels of branching with xylose side stubs on C‐6 of the [→3)‐β‐d‐Galp (1→] units, whereas intergenicular segments produce xylogalactans with high levels of xylose and low levels of 6‐O‐methyl β‐d‐Gal units. These data suggest that, during genicular development, xylosyl branched, 3‐linked β‐d‐Galp units present in the xylogalactan backbones from intergenicular walls are mostly replaced by 6‐O‐methyl‐d‐galactose units. We speculate that this structural shift is a consequence of a putative and specific methoxyl transferase that blocks the xylosylation on C‐6 of the 3‐linked β‐d‐Galp units. Changes in galactan substitutions may contribute to the distinct mechanical properties of genicula and may lend insight into the calcification process in coralline algae.
Modulatory Influence of Spirulina fusiformis on 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene Induced Papillomagenesis in the Skin of Mice

The chemopreventive properties of a Spirulina fusiformis (blue green algae) suspension in olive oil on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced skin papillomagenesis in female Swiss albino mice are being reported. A significant reduction in the values of tumor incidence, tumor burden and cumulative number of papillomas was observed in mice treated orally with Spirulina fusiformis suspension continuously at pre-, peri- and post-initiation stages of papillomagenesis as compared to the control group. Treatment of Spirulina fusiformis suspension by oral gavage for 15 days resulted in a significant decrease in the cytochrome P-450 content of the liver (p < 0.01). Conversely, glutathione S-transferase activity was observed to be significantly elevated as compared with the control group (p < 0.1) following treatment with Spirulina fusiformis suspension.
The identification of a periplasmic nitrate reductase in Paracoccus denitrificans

A nitrate reductase activity has been identified in periplasmic extracts of Paracoccus denitrificans. The enzyme is relatively insensitive to azide and does not reduce chlorate, features which distinguish it from the well-characterised membrane-associated nitrate reductase. The specific activity of the enzyme was higher in intact cells grown with butyrate rather than succinate as the sole source of carbon.
Insects in Amber

Aside from their beauty, insects in amber represent the finest fossil remains of the Insecta and offer numerous opportunities to study microevolution, biogeography, mimicry, behavior, environmental reconstruction, extinction, paleosymbiosis, and molecular phylogeny. Amberization (changes involved in the process of forming amber from fresh resin) is a gentle process inducive to the preservation of insects that are small, delicate, and soft-bodied. It is the most complete type of fossilization known for insects, and by preserving the three-dimensional form, color pattern, and minute details of the exoskeleton, such fossils can be easily compared with their extant descendants. The study of amber insects was initiated over 200 years ago with the fIrst investigation of the Baltic amber fauna and flora (10). Indeed, most of the descriptions of amber insects today pertain to Baltic deposits. However, in the past 50 years, workers have begun to explore additional amber deposits. These are listed in Table 1. The oldest amber deposits containing insects are from the Middle East and are commonly known as Lebanese amber. They date from the Early Cretaceous and extend back 135 million years. In the past 20 years, attention has centered on the highly fossiliferous Tertiary amber deposits in the Dominican Republic, which are fairly extensive and provide a steady income for Dominican workers primarily through sale for use as jewelry. Because of the scientific interest of specimens from these deposits, their availability, and the range of insects represented [some 235 families at present (13)], this review emphasizes Dominican Republic (or Dominican) amber insects. Amber forgeries can suddenly appear and look very authentic. Forgeries involve the placement of present-day insects into plastic or semi-fossilized
Papel da Nutrição Mineral na Formação de Raízes Adventícias em Plantas Lenhosas

In vegetative propagation by means of root cuttings, the nutritional status determines the amount of carbohydrates, endogenous auxin levels, among other metabolites, fundamental for the root initiation and to the speed that rhizogenic events progress. An especial attention should be given to the nutritional status of the donor-plants, in order to better assist the nutritional demands by the adventitious rooting process. Although mineral nutrition and adventitious rooting are intimately related, the subject is rather difficult to study, since the later involves multiple steps and few studies have aimed to elucidate the relationship between the mineral nutrition and rooting phases. In this review, the phases of the rhizogenesis are highlighted and the role minerals and nutritional requirements are discussed. It is noticed a lack of information regarding several processes involved on adventitious rooting. doi: 10.4336/2009.pfb. 58.35
Ranking maize hybrids for silage quality and milk production in pasture-based dairying

A large database (n=1611) of maize hybrid nutritive characteristics was developed by sampling 42 maize hybrids from three replicate plots at 100 Pioneer Research sites during 2000, 2001, and 2002. Compared to changes from year to year, differences in nutritive quality across hybrids of different maturity were small. Differences in maize hybrid quality accounted for $34 extra milk income per tonne of maize silage DM, whereas the differences in hybrid yield had a much larger impact on milk income ($8672/ha maize grown). Maize hybrids were ranked similarly for milk production potential, although the rankings were much closer, and sometimes equal for hybrids when fed in a New Zealand pasture system compared to a US total-mixed-ration system. Being able to select maize silage hybrids in New Zealand based on the extra milk they are likely to produce will be of benefit to dairy farmers, especially as inclusion rates of maize silage increase.
Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) fauna in parks in greater São Paulo, Brazil

Municipal parks in the city of Sao Paulo, which are used for leisure purposes, contain remnants of the flora of the Atlantic Forest, as well as lakes and springs, and are home to mammals, birds and arthropods, some of which can be vectors of disease. The eastern side of the city has the largest population in Sao Paulo and twenty-four municipal parks. The aim of this study was to investigate Culicidae fauna in two parks on this side of the city and to determine which of the Culicidae species identified have the potential to act as bioindicators and vectors of human pathogens. Culicidae were collected monthly between March 2011 and February 2012 in Carmo Park and Chico Mendes Park with battery-powered aspirators, Shannon traps and CDC traps for adult mosquitoes, and larval dippers and suction samplers for immature mosquitoes. To confirm sample sufficiency, the EstimateS program was used to plot sample-based species accumulation curves and estimate total richness by the Jackknife 1 method. In all, 1,092 culicids from nine genera (Aedes, Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Culex, Limatus, Mansonia, Trichoprosopon, Toxorhynchites and Uranotaenia) and nineteen taxonomic units were collected in Carmo Park. Coquillettidia venezuelensis (Theobald 1912), Aedes scapularis (Rondani 1848) and Culex (Culex) spp. Linnaeus 1758 were the most abundant adults, and Culex (Melanoconion) spp. Theobald 1903 and Anopheles strodei Root 1926 the most abundant immature mosquitoes. In Chico Mendes Park 4,487 mosquitoes in six genera and eighteen taxonomic units were collected. Culex (Cux.) spp. and Ae. scapularis were the most abundant adults, and Ae. albopictus (Skuse 1984) the most abundant immature mosquitoes. The species accumulation curves in both parks were close to the asymptote, and the total richness estimate was close to the observed richness. Some culicid taxons are bioindicators of environmental conditions in the areas they inhabit. It is important to monitor native fauna in municipal parks in Sao Paulo as various species in this study were found to have vector competence and capacity to transmit pathogens, such as arboviruses.
Coral reefs anthropogenic impact bio-indicators in the Northern part of the Persian Gulf.

Potential and efficiency of coral reef bio-indicators proposed by Reef Check for coral reef monitoring in the Persian Gulf were studied as anthropogenic impact bio-indicators. Data were collected from the coral reefs in the northern part of the Persian Gulf in 2007 using Reef Cheek standard methodology and analyzed using Redundancy Analysis and Indicator Species Analysis. Similar data collected in 2002 and 2003 were also incorporated into our data. According to the results short-spine sea urchin ( Echinometra mathaei ) showed consistent positive correlation with commercial fishing and high indicator value for commercial fishing areas and could be pointed out as a weak bio-indicator of over- fishing. Also Arabian butterfly fish ( Chaetodon melapterus ), showed negative correlation with commercial fishing and high significant indicator values for none to low fishing areas in 2003 and 2007 and could be considered as indicator of low fishing pressure in the region. None of Fin fishes proposed as indicators of over-fishing, and also other proposed species showed consistent correlation or consistent significant indicator values for any anthropogenic impacts and are not recognized as anthropogenic impact bio-indicators. It is concluded that a much shorter and more efficient list of bio-indicators could be used for monitoring coral reefs in this region.