Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genomics of Cold Hardiness in Woody Plants

The term cold hardiness or freezing tolerance is used to represent, in a general sense, the ability of plants to adapt to and withstand freezing temperatures. It is a complex, multigenic trait that is too often viewed as a single entity when in fact it is composed of many aspects, all of which can be to some extent viewed as genetically distinct. Advances in molecular biology and genomics have provided significant advances in understanding how plants respond to low temperature and acquire freezing tolerance. Among the most important discoveries has been the identification of the CBF/DREB transcription factor. This transcription factor, along with its regulators such as ICE transcription factors, play a major role in sensing low temperature, initiating the process of cold acclimation, and inducing the expression of a large set of cold-regulated genes. These latter genes are presumed to ameliorate injury to plant cells as a result of freeze-induced desiccation and the presence of extracellular ice. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of CBF and ICE genes in a number of woody plants whose genomes have been sequenced and provides information on the attempts to identify genetic markers for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) or to improve cold hardiness using genetic transformation technologies. Functional studies of CBF genes in woody plants have indicated that their regulation and impact on abiotic stress resistance are more complex than in herbaceous plants. In particular, the possible relationship of CBF to dormancy is highlighted. Cold hardiness is a complex trait and the challenge in the future will be to use the molecular and genetic tools that are being developed, as well as new developments in bioinformatics, to integrate complex sets of data into a systems view of plant biology. This approach holds the best promise for developing the ability to significantly improve cold hardiness in economically important crops while still maintaining high levels of plant productivity and yield.
Hydroacoustic assessment of fish and Chaoborus (Diptera-Chaoboridae) distribution in three Neotropical lakes

AIM: This study aims to demonstrate the potential of hydroacoustics in the study of behavior of the invertebrate Chaoborus and fish in neotropical water environments; METHODS: Synoptic campaigns were conducted in May and June-2008 in Dom Helvecio and Carioca lakes, at the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce (MG), and Nado reservoir, Belo Horizonte (MG). The acoustic scattering of targets was studied using a downward-oriented split-beam 200 kHz echosounder; RESULTS: We detected clear echo signals from fish and Chaoborus larvae, which can be viewed in high density in all environments studied. The normal migratory behavior of the larvae of Chaoborus could be easily monitored in the Dom Helvecio Lake and the Nado reservoir. However, this behavior was not seen in Carioca Lake; CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the potential application of acoustic approaches to study the behavior of fish and zooplankton organisms in freshwater aquatic systems.
Simultaneous Versus Sequential Settlement in Territorial Species

Although it is often assumed that more territory owners settle if they arrive at a habitat simultaneously than if they arrive sequentially, the empirical data on this question are both equivocal and contradictory. In this field experiment, juvenile territorial lizards were released either simultaneously or sequentially into the same patches of habitat. In five trials in as many patches, virtually the same number of lizards settled when they were released simultaneously as when they were released sequentially. Detailed behavioral studies indicated that previous settlers had both attractive and repulsive effects on settlement by newcomers. New arrivals that were attacked at high rates were less apt to settle than those attacked at lower rates, and newcomers were attacked 10 times more often in the sequential than in the simultaneous trials. However, those new arrivals that were attacked at relatively low rates initiated more fights and chases and tended to settle at higher rates when in a sequential situation. This and previous studies of this species indicate that the proximate behavioral mechanisms affecting the final number of settlers in a habitat may be more complex than previously supposed.
Studies on Acid Tolerance of Rhizobium trifolii in Culture and Soil

Several experiments were carried out in an attempt to isolate and adapt strains of Rhizobium trifolii to growth at low pH on citrate-phosphate buffered yeast-extract mannitol agar (CPYEM). In another experiment, two streptomycin resistant strains (7A strr and 16 strr) with contrasting tolerances to acidity in culture were evaluated for survival in acid upland soils. No acid tolerant clones were isolated from three strains on CPYEM suggesting that there were no cells with greater tolerance of low pH present. The stepwise subculture of several strains on media of decreasing pH also failed to increase their acid tolerance. Growth initiation on CPYEM at pH 4–4 was a function of the number of viable cells in the inoculum and was accompanied by a rise in pH. In three acid soils, strain 7A strr was more persistant than 16 strr, whereas in culture the converse was true. Survival of these strains in the acid soils was inversely related to acid production on the medium of Norris (1965) in agreement with Norris's hypothesis. Ameliorating soil pH with lime improved the persistency of both strains. Prior exposure of 7A strr and 16 strr to the acid soils failed to improve subsequent survival in these soils.
A further investigation of the influence of dietary protected lipid supplements on the characteristics of cows' milk fat

Dietary manipulation of cos' milk fat composition has principally been concerned ith increasing the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids present. Hoever, such changes in fatty acid composition result in a softening of the milk fat, a property not to the benefit of every user. Bakers and confectioners, for example, frequently prefer a harder milk fat to achieve the desired textural characteristics of their products. A preliminary investigation of the influence of protected lipid supplements on the characteristics of milk fat found that inclusion of Dairy Fat Prills (at a level of 1.0 kg day−1) in the diet of dairy cos hardened the fat. This as shon by a significant increase in percentage solid fat content over the temperature range (5–30°C) investigated and as accompanied by a significant increase in mean slip melting point from 31.81°C (control diet) to 35.18°C.
The Transcriptional Activity of Estrogen Receptor-α Is Dependent on Ca2+/Calmodulin*

Estrogen binds to estrogen receptors in cells, thereby activating the receptors and eliciting biological effects. One of the best characterized effects of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) is transcriptional activation that regulates selected target genes in the nucleus. Work from several laboratories has documented a Ca2+-dependent interaction between ERα and calmodulin. In addition, we previously showed that antagonism of calmodulin function in cells prevented estradiol from inducing ERα transcriptional activity, suggesting that association of ERα with calmodulin participates in ERα function. In this study we adopted a multifaceted approach to directly address this hypothesis. The calmodulin binding domain on ERα was identified and several mutant ERα constructs unable to bind calmodulin were generated. Elimination of calmodulin binding prevented estradiol from stimulating ERα transcriptional activation. Essentially identical results were obtained when intracellular Ca2+ was chelated with the cell-permeable chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl)ester (BAPTA-AM). Moreover, CaM1234, a calmodulin mutant that is unable to bind Ca2+, functioned as a dominant negative construct. Transfection of cells with CaM1234 reduced estradiol-stimulated ERα transcriptional activity. These data indicate that binding to calmodulin is required for normal transcriptional function of ERα.
Nationwide census of gorilla (gorilla g. gorilla) and chimpanzee (Pan t. troglodytes) populations in Gabon

A census was made of gorilla and chimpanzee populations throughout Gabon between December 1980 and February 1983. The aim of the census was to estimate the total numbers of both species and describe their distributions. The method was based on nest counts from line transects which allowed the calculation of population densities of all individuals except suckling infants. Fifteen types of habitat were recognized and defined in terms of their structural features. In the initial phase of the study we did transects in each habitat‐type and computed mean densities for each species in each habitat‐type. In the second phase of the study we estimated the sizes of gorilla and chimpanzee populations throughout the country by extrapolation from these population density values. We did transects in all areas of the country and conducted interviews to check the accuracy of the population totals obtained by extrapolation. Corrections were made to the extrapolated totals to take into account different levels of hunting pressure and other human activities found to modify ape population densities. Total populations of 34,764 gorillas and 64,173 chimpanzees were estimated. An error of ± 20% was associated with the estimated population totals, which allows the conclusion that Gabon contains 35,000 ± 7,000 gorillas and 64,000 ± 13,000 chimpanzees. The figure for gorillas is much larger than previous estimates. This seems to be because (1) gorillas occur in almost all types of forest and are not restricted to man‐made secondary forest as had been though; and (2) the geographical distribution of gorillas in Gabon is wider than previously believed. Gabon's large areas of undisturbed primary forest offer exceptional potential for conservation, not only of gorillas and chimpanzees, but also of the intact tropical rain forest ecosystems which they inhabit.
Characterization of Enzyme Released Antioxidant Phenolic Acids and Xylooligosaccharides from Different Graminaceae or Poaceae Members

Xylooligosacchrides (XOS) and phenolic acids were simultaneously produced from hemicelluloses using crude enzyme mixture synthesized by a novel Bacillus subtilis KCX006. The strain synthesized XOS-forming endo-xylanase and de-branching α-L-arabinofuranosidase and esterase but not β-xylosidase. This enzyme mixture can improve the yield of XOS and phenolic acids from xylan due to the absence of hydrolysis of XOS by β-xylosidase and release of phenolic acids by esterase. Hence, the enzyme mixture was tested for simultaneous production of XOS and phenolic acids from xylan (28–35%)-rich Graminaceae or Poaceae plant biomass, such as wheat bran, sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, and rise husk. Hemicellulose fractions of the biomasses were extracted by alkaline treatment and hydrolyzed using crude xylanase mixture. The profiles of XOS and phenolic acids formed were analyzed by HPLC. The lyophilized hydrolytic products were further analysed by 1H NMR to identify the substitutions in XOS. The observed profile of XOS and phenolic acids varied with the biomass sources. Maximum amounts of XOS (665.2 mg/g dwt) and phenolic acids (89.69 μg/g dwt) were produced from hemicellulose A fractions of sugarcane bagasse and bamboo bagasse, respectively. HPLC and 1H NMR analysis of XOS revealed the formation of free- and arabino-XOS. Phenolic acids consisted of hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids and the antioxidant activity correlated well with hydroxycinnamic acids content. The crude enzyme of B. subtilis is useful to produce mixture of XOS and phenolic acids from biomass.
Sówkowate (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) Roztocza

287 species of Noctuidae were recorded in the Roztocze Upland (SE Poland), and 285 of these were recorded during studies carried out from 1986 to 1990. These constitute 59% of the Noctuidae recorded from Poland. 240 species were found in the Roztoczański National Park. The data include two species new to the Polish fauna: Cucullia blattariae and Xylomoia graminea (the latter being new to Europe, too) and also 18 species rare in this country. A zoogeographical and ecological analysis is presented. The paper presents results of faunistic studies on Noctuidae of the Roztocze Upland (a region in SE Poland) conducted from 1986 to 1990. 287 species were recorded, and they m ade 59% of the Noctuidae of Poland; the data include those published by J. R o m an iszy n for two species, although recently there has been no confirmation of these. Two species new to the Polish fauna were recorded: Cucullia blattariae and Xylomoia graminecc, the latter is also new to Europe. A list of the species recorded in the Roztocze Upland I. The also gives inform ation about the sites where particular species were recorded, the time w hen imagines accurred, the zoogeographical elem ents to which belong, the abundance (on a conventional scale). Additional inform ation eighten
Increased osteoclast development after estrogen loss: mediation by interleukin-6

Osteoclasts, the cells that resorb bone, develop from hematopoietic precursors of the bone marrow under the control of factors produced in their microenvironment. The cytokine interleukin-6 can promote hematopoiesis and osteoclastogenesis. Interleukin-6 production by bone and marrow stromal cells is suppressed by 17 beta-estradiol in vitro. In mice, estrogen loss (ovariectomy) increased the number of colony-forming units for granulocytes and macrophages, enhanced osteoclast development in ex vivo cultures of marrow, and increased the number of osteoclasts in trabecular bone. These changes were prevented by 17 beta-estradiol or an antibody to interleukin-6. Thus, estrogen loss results in an interleukin-6-mediated stimulation of osteoclastogenesis, which suggests a mechanism for the increased bone resorption in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Developmental Changes in Testicular Function and Inhibin Secretion of Golden Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

We studied developmental reproduction of male golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) by determining hormone secretion, observing morphological changes including distribution of immunoexpression of inhibin α subunit, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), and investigating sperm head count from birth to adulthood. Immunoexpression of inhibin α subunit was found in interstitial cells of not well organized testes of neonatal animals, and positive staining was also found in Sertoli cells in developing animals. However, the intensity of immunostaining in Sertoli cells varied when the spematogenic cycle of the seminiferous epithelium began. Testosterone levels in the plasma and testicular contents of testosterone and immunoreactive (ir)-inhibin increased from around 25 days of age, about 10 days before the presence of the first sperm in the testis. On the other hand, plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin progressively increased from birth to 10 days of age, when it reached peak levels. A reciprocal pattern of change between plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin and FSH was found from 10 days of age. Plasma concentrations and pituitary contents of LH increased from 15 days of age and reached adult levels about 40 days of age. The present results suggest that inhibin is an important factor in the regulation of FSH secretion even in infant male golden hamsters, and the regulated FSH may control the increasing the number of germ cells. Inhibin might be not the only endocrine factor as the regulator of FSH secretion, but also a paracrine or autocrine factor which is involved in spermatogenesis in the golden hamster.
Inhibin α‐iCre mice: Cre deleter lines for the gonads, pituitary, and adrenal

To expand our knowledge of reproductive function, Cre lines to conditionally knockout essential genes in the mouse gonads were generated. Three transgenic lines of inhibin‐α‐iCre mice were designed by fusing the mouse inhibin‐α promoter with a codon‐improved Cre recombinase (iCre). α‐iCre‐line‐3 expressed high levels of Cre in Sertoli and Leydig cells of the testis and low levels in other tissues, making line 3 an appropriate deleter line for genes expressed in somatic cells of the testis. In contrast, α‐iCre‐line‐1 expressed high levels of Cre in granulosa and theca cells of the ovary and very low levels in other tissues, making line 1 a suitable deleter line for genes expressed in somatic cells of the ovary. A third line, α‐iCre‐line‐2, had low levels of Cre in the gonads but high levels in anterior pituitary and adrenal medulla. These lines could be useful to understand reproduction and other processes by establishing conditional knockout mouse models. genesis 44:183–188, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri): A Review

Abstract In little over 20 yr, Palmer amaranth has risen from relative obscurity to its current status as one of the most widespread, troublesome, and economically damaging agronomic weeds in the southeastern U.S. Numerous factors have enabled Palmer amaranth to become such a dominant and difficult-to-control weed, including its rapid growth rate, high fecundity, genetic diversity, ability to tolerate adverse conditions, and its facility for evolving herbicide resistance. It is both a serious threat to several U.S. cropping systems and a fascinating model weed. In this paper, we review the growing body of literature on Palmer amaranth to summarize the current state of knowledge on the biology, agricultural impacts, and management of this weed, and we suggest future directions for research. Nomenclature: Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. AMAPA. Resumen En poco más de 20 años, Amaranthus palmeri ha salido de una relativa oscuridad a su estado actual como una de las malezas agrícolas más ampliamente distribuida, más problemática y económicamente dañina en el sureste de los Estados Unidos. Numerosos factores le han permitido a A. palmeri convertirse en una maleza tan dominante y difícil de controlar, incluyendo su rápida tasa de crecimiento, alta fecundidad, diversidad genética, habilidad para tolerar condiciones adversas, y su facilidad para evolucionar resistencia a herbicidas. Es una amenaza para varios sistemas de cultivos en los Estados Unidos, pero también es una maleza modelo fascinante. En este artículo, revisamos la cantidad creciente de literatura sobre A. palmeri para resumir el estado actual de conocimiento sobre la biología, impactos agrícolas, y manejo de esta maleza, y sugerimos futuras direcciones para su investigación.
Effect of QTLs controlling grain yield under drought stress in the genetic background of ADT45 rice variety

Drought is a major production constraint in rain-fed upland and rainfed lowland ecosystems of rice cultivation. A set of two backcross inbred lines (BILs) harboring mega effect QTLs controlling grain yield under stress were developed in the genetic background of ADT 45 through marker assisted selection (MAS) and evaluated for drought tolerance at reproductive stage under rain out shelter. Background selection of BILs showed highest recovery (90%) of recipient genome in the BIL harboring three major QTLs from Apo a tolerant donor. Significant differences were observed among the BILs and parents for grain yield and its contributing traits under both severe moisture stress and well irrigated conditions when compared to ADT 45. The BIL harboring three major QTLs, DTY (2.2+3.1+8.1) [QTLs for yield under stress on chromosome 2,3 and 8] performed better and showed increased values for grain yield, plot yield, spikelet fertility and harvest index than the BIL harboring 2 major QTLs DTY (3.1+8.1), which shows pyramiding of more number of QTLs may enhance the grain yield under stress. Both the BILs harboring two and three major QTLs recorded lesser Drought Susceptible Index under severe moisture stress.
α-Tocopherol Transfer Efficiency and Lipid Oxidation in Fresh and Spray-Dried Eggs Enriched with ω3-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Abstract We evaluated the effect of supplementing a basal diet containing 5% linseed oil with 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of alpha-tocopheryl acetate (α-TA) on α-tocopherol content, fatty acid composition, and lipid oxidation in fresh and spray-dried eggs during storage. α-tocopherol transfer efficiency from feed to egg was also studied. The α-tocopherol content of fresh egg increased in a dose-dependent manner (16.6, 49.8, 78.9, and 132.3 μg/g of egg for 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg α-TA supplementation, respectively), but transfer efficiency decreased, from 41.8% to 26.7%, with increasing α-tocopherol content in the diet. Spray-drying significantly decreased the α-tocopherol content of eggs and increased lipid oxidation. Dietary supplementation with different levels of α-TA significantly reduced lipid oxidation in spray-dried eggs. α-TA supplementation had no significant effect on the fatty acid composition of fresh eggs.
Cyto-Morphology and Molecular Study of Wild Olives in Iran

Summary Cytogenetic, morphometry and RAPD analyses were performed on trees of wild and cultivated olives in Iran. For morphometric analysis 20 morphological characters based on International Olive Council descriptors, including 6 quantitative and 14 qualitative characters, were studied. Clustering and ordination plots showed the presence of 2 wild olive forms (subspecies) in Iran which were identified as Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata and Olea europaea subsp. ferruginae. Cytogenetic study of O. europaea subsp. cuspidata showed presence of 2n� 46 chromosome number and normal bivalent formation as well as chromosome segregation. Wild olives were separated from cultivated cultivars in clustering and ordination plots both in morphological and cytogenetical characteristics studied. RAPD analysis showed genetic differences of the 2 subspecies identified, revealing the occurrence of specific loci in each subsp. O. europaea subsp. cuspidata showed a relatively higher level of intra-population genetic diversity compared to that of O. europaea subsp. ferruginae. This is the first report of wild olives in Iran.
Request for an Opinion: Replacement of the Type Strain of Methanobacterium formicicum and Reinstatement of Methanobacterium bryantii sp. nov. nom. rev. (ex Balch and Wolfe, 1981) with M.o.H. (DSM 863) as the Type Strain

Methanobacterium formicicum and Methanobacterium bryantii were inadvertantly assigned the same type strain, strain M.o. H. (DSM 863). Because M. formicicum has temporal precedence over M. bryantii, the latter species has no taxonomic standing and is an objective synonym of the former. I request an opnion rejecting the type strain M. formicicum DSM 863, replacing it with strain MF (DSM 1535) as the neotype strain of M. formicicum, and reinstatement of M. bryantii with strain M.o. H. (DSM 863) as the holotype strain.
The Impact of Inflation on Unemployment to the Extent of Pakistan

This work studies the association between Unemployment Rate (UR) and Inflation Rate (IR) for Pakistan for the span of 1973 to 2014. OLS and ECM is employed to investigative the empirical association between the UR and rate of inflation. Outcomes of this study disclose that there is strong, indirect and significant association found between UR and IR. As this is important finding for Pakistani perspective since both have strong trade-off. Key word s: Inflation, Error correction model, Inflation, Long Run, Philips Curve, Short run, Unemployment. JEL Code: E31, P24, E24, J64.