Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Threshold level and seed production of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus)in maize.

Summary Four tests were carried out in 1980 and 1981 to determine: (a) the economic threshold density of Abutilon theophrasti Medicus (velvetleaf) in maize, and (b) seed production with varying densities of infestation, both in the presence and in the absence of maize. The infestation was artificially created, and the density of the weed ranged from 0 to 80 plants m−2. The economic threshold, calculated using the Cousens (1987) model, varied between 0⋅3 plants m−2 and 2⋅4 plants m−2, depending on the variables considered. The presence of maize reduced the seed-rain of A. theophrasti by 50%. This seed-rain reached its maximum level at 20–30 plants m−2 in maize, and at 30–35 plants m−2 in weed monoculture. However, with only 4–5 plants m−2 in competition with maize, A. theophrasti produced 8–10 thousand seeds m−2. The usefulness of threshold density in weed management is debatable when one considers the ecological characteristics of the A. theophrasti seed, and the great capacity of seed production of this weed. Resume Seuil de nuisibilite et production grainiere de l'abutilon (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus) en culture de mais Quatre experimentations ont ete conduites en 1980 et 1981 pour determiner: (a) la densite-seuil economique d'Abutilon theophrasti Medicus, en mais; (b) la production grainiere avec des densites variables d'infestation, soit avec, soit sans mais. L'infestation etait artificielle, et la densite d'adventice allait de 0 a 80 plantes m−2. Le seuil economique, calcule selon le modele de Cousens (1987), variait entre 0,3 et 2,4 plantes m−2 suivant les variables considerees. La presence de maiS reduit la production graniere de l'abutilon de 50%. Cell-ci est maximale pour 20–30 plantes m−2 en culture de mais et pour 30–35 plantes avec seulement des adventices. Cependant avec seulement 4 a 5 plantes m−2 en competition avec du mais, A. theophrasti a produit huit a dix mille graines m−2. L'utilite des densites seuils en desherbage est discutable quand on considere les caractetistiques ecologiques des graines d'A. theophrasti et la capacite considerable de production grainiere de cette adventice. Zusammenfassung Schadensschwelle und Samenproduktion der Linden blattrigen Schonmalve (A butilon theophrasti Medicus) im Mais Zur Bestimmung der okonomischen Schadensschwelle und der Samenproduktion von Abutilon theophrasti im Mais wurden 1980 und 1981 vier Versuche mit Bestandesdichten des Unkrauts von 0 bis 80 Pflanzen m−2 durchgefuhrt. Die Schadensschwelle wurde mit dem Modell von Cousens (1987) berechnet; sie betrug je nach den Variablen 0,3 bis 2,4 Pflanzen m−2. Die Samenproduktion war bei Konkurrenz mit Mais urn 50% herabgesetzt. Das Maximum lag bei einer Dichte von 20 bis 90 Abutilon-Pflanzen m−2 im Mais und bei 30 bis 35 Pflanzen m−2 im Reinbestand. Bei nur 4 bis 5 Abutilon-Pflanzen m−2 im Mais bildete das Unkraut 8000 bis 10 000 Samen m−2. Angesichts des keimungsoklogi-schen Verhaltens der Samen und der hohen Samenproduktion erseheint die Anwendung des Schadensschwellenprinzips bei der Bekampfung dieses Unkrauts zweifelhaft.
Composition and Food Potential of African Oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) and Velvet Bean (Mucuna uriens)

Fatty acids, protein and amino acids of African oil bean seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla) and velvet beans (Mucuna uriens) were studied. Crude protein of the defatted seeds were 341g and 196g per kilogram dry matter and the ether extract was 46 and 8%, respectively, for oil bean seed and mucuna. Essential amino acids composition compared fairly with that of isolated soybean protein. Lysine was high at 66.5 and 66.4g/kg crude protein (nitrogen × 6.25) for oil bean seed and mucuna, respectively. Methionine was low but cystine was high. The fat had a high content of saturated fatty acids. It is suggested that the seeds may be a potential source of protein and oil.
Local concentration of foraging noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula) as a possible tool to assess the density of bats in large forest complexes

Concentrations of at least 600 hunting noctule bats Nyctalus noctula were observed over the artificial shallow reservoir Siemianowka in eastern Poland. The observation indicates that noctule bats concentrate hunting during the presence of vast amounts of insects over the reservoir. We suggest that the high concentrations of noctule bats provide a potential tool for the estimation of local population size or density in large forest complexes.
Betaglycan Inhibits TGF-β Signaling by Preventing Type I-Type II Receptor Complex Formation

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multifunctional growth factor with important roles in development, cell proliferation, and matrix deposition. It signals through the sequential activation of two serine/threonine kinase receptors, the type I and type II receptors. A third cell surface receptor, betaglycan, serves as a co-receptor for TGF-β in some cell types, enhancing TGF-β-mediated signaling. We have examined the function of betaglycan in renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cells that lack endogenous betaglycan. We demonstrate that the expression of betaglycan in LLC-PK1 cells results in inhibition of TGF-β signaling as measured by reporter gene expression, thymidine incorporation, collagen production, and phosphorylation of the downstream signaling effectors Smad2 and Smad3. In comparison, the expression of betaglycan in L6 myoblasts enhances TGF-β signaling, which is consistent with the published literature. The effects of betaglycan in LLC-PK1 cells are not mediated by ligand sequestration or increased production of a soluble form of the receptor, which has been reported to serve as a ligand antagonist. We demonstrate instead that in LLC-PK1 cells, unlike L6 cells, expression of betaglycan prevents association between the type I and type II TGF-β receptors, which is required for signaling. This is a function of the glycosaminoglycan modifications of betaglycan. Betaglycan in LLC-PK1 cells exhibits higher molecular weight glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains than in L6 cells, and a GAG− betaglycan mutant does not inhibit TGF-β signaling or type I/type II receptor association in LLC-PK1cells. Our data indicate that betaglycan can function as a potent inhibitor of TGF-β signaling by a novel mechanism and provide support for an essential but complex role for proteoglycan co-receptors in growth factor signaling.
Nickel hyperaccumulation defends Streptanthus polygaloides (Brassicaceae) against pathogens

The Ni-hyperaccumulating annual, Streptanthus polygaloides, may contain as much as 16,400 ppm Ni (dry weight) in its tissues. The function of Ni hyperaccumulation is not known. We tested the hypothesis that one function of Ni hyperaccumulation in S. polygaloides is defense against pathogens. Growth of pathogenic organisms on Ni-hyperaccumulating plants (averaging 5,630 ppm Ni, produced by growing plants on high-Ni soil) was compared to pathogen growth on nonhyperaccumulating plants (averaging 124 ppm Ni, produced by growing plants on low-Ni soil). Plants containing hyperaccumulated Ni were more slowly infected by a powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) than low-Ni plants. Two strains of the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (one a genetically engineered bioluminescent strain) grew in low-Ni plants but not high-Ni plants. Growth of X. campestris pv. campestris was markedly inhibited by Ni concentrations of 400 ppm in artificial media. Growth of the fungus Alternaria brassicicola, which was necrotrophic on S. polygaloides, also was inhibited on high-Ni leaves relative to low-Ni leaves. These results demonstrated negative effects of hyperaccumulated Ni on a taxonomically wide range of pathogenic organisms, supporting the hypothesis that Ni hyperaccumulation defends S. polygaloides against plant pathogens.
Fibrillarin-associated Box C/D Small Nucleolar RNAs inTrypanosoma brucei

We report the identification of 17 box C/D fibrillarin-associated small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) from the ancient eukaryote, Trypanosoma brucei. To systematically isolate and characterize these snoRNAs, the T. brucei cDNA for the box C/D snoRNA common protein, fibrillarin, was cloned and polyclonal antibodies to the recombinant fibrillarin protein were generated in rabbits. Immunoprecipitations from T. bruceiextracts with the anti-fibrillarin antibodies indicated that this trypanosomatid has at least 30 fibrillarin-associated snoRNAs. We have sequenced seventeen of them and designated them TBR for T . b rucei RNA 1–17. All of them bear conserved box C, D, C′, and D′ elements, a hallmark of fibrillarin-associated snoRNAs in eukaryotes. Fourteen of them are novel T. brucei snoRNAs. Fifteen bear potential guide regions to mature rRNAs suggesting that they are involved in 2′-O-ribose methylation. Indeed, eight ribose methylations have been mapped in the rRNA at sites predicted by the snoRNA sequences. Comparative genomics indicates that six of the seventeen are the first trypanosome homologs of known yeast and vertebrate methylation guide snoRNAs. Our results indicate that T. brucei has many fibrillarin-associated box C/D snoRNAs with roles in 2′-O-ribose methylation of rRNA and that the mechanism for targeting the nucleotide to be methylated at the fifth nucleotide upstream of box D or D′ originated in early eukaryotes.
Arrest of the Cell Cycle Induced by Dibutyryl-Camp and Sodium Butyrate in Root Meristems of Lettuce

SUMMARYDibutyryl-cAMP was supplied to seedlings of Lactuca sativa L. cv. Great Lakes 118, and its effect on the cell cycle in root meristems was compared to that of dibutyryl-cGMP and sodium butyrate. Dibutyryl-cAMP and sodium butyrate induced a sharp decrease in the labelling index, attributable to an arrest of the cell cycle in G1 and possibly G2, whereas dibutyryl-cGMP was ineffective. The use of dibutyryl-cAMP and sodium butyrate in studies on the control of cell cycle and cell differentiation in growing roots is suggested. Various hypotheses on the mode of action of dibutyryl-cAMP are also discussed.
Studies on the Mechanism of 3α-Androstanediol-Induced Growth of the Dog Prostate

The conditions under which dihydrotestosterone and 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol (3 alpha-androstanediol) induce prostatic growth in the castrate dog have been investigated in animals in which the initial size of the prostate was either normal or large. When androgen replacement was commenced immediately after castration of dogs with preexisting prostatic hypertrophy, dihydrotestosterone was as effective as 3 alpha-androstanediol in maintaining prostate weight. Under all other conditions examined (replacement commenced immediately after castration in dogs with small prostates or 2 weeks after castration in dogs with large prostates), 3 alpha-androstanediol but not dihydrotestosterone induced significant prostatic growth. The maximal effect of 3 alpha-androstanediol in inducing prostatic growth was observed in 12 weeks. The administration of 17 beta-estradiol enhanced the growth-promoting action of 3 alpha-androstanediol, but did not affect the action of dihydrotestosterone or influence 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in prostate. Thus, the synergistic effect of 17 beta-estradiol and 3 alpha-androstanediol seems to be independent of any effect on the interconversion of the two androgens. The activity of the 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in dog prostate was high under all conditions of accelerated prostatic growth and appeared to be under androgenic control.
81 A new series of biologically active DNA minor groove binders based on bisbenzimidazole and benzimidazole-pyrrole motives

As we reported earlier, dimeric bisbenzimidazoles DB(n) (Ivanov et al., 2011a) were able to noncovalently bind in the DNA minor groove and displayed inhibitory activity at low concentrations toward three different DNA-dependent enzymes (Susova et al., 2010; Ivanov et al., 2011b; Cherepanova et al., 2011; Tunitskaya et al., 2011). However, these compounds had a substantial drawback: a low solubility in water solutions, which prevent their potential use in vivo as biologically active preparations. Therefore, for the new minor groove binder series, additional groups were added into the molecule structures for the sake of hydrophility and DNA affinity improvement. A DBP(n) series contains piperazine cycle in the oligomethylene linker which connects bisbenzimidazole fragments of molecule together. A DBPy(n) series have a pyrrole and benzimidazole cycles combination in their structure (Figure 1). DBP(n) (n = 1–4) compounds were studied as inhibitors of calf thymus DNA topoisomerase I (topo-I). All of them inhibited topo-I activity at 1–5 μM concentrations, besides, at concentrations over 5 μM, the inhibitory activities of DBP(n) were few times higher than that of DB(n). It was found that dimeric bisbenzoimidazoles DBP(1–3) were not mutagenic. They were inactive in the point mutagenesis assessment using the Ames test (with Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria as the tested object) and did not display mutagenic or recombinogenic properties in the Drosophila wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART). All the compounds of series were evaluated for cytotoxicity in the MTT test on breast cancer MCF-7, large bowel adenocarcinoma HCT-116, noncancer HEK-293 cell lines and on primary murine fibroblasts. All the tested DBP( n ) were not toxic up to concentrations of 100 μM. Contrary, the one tested compound from DBPy(n) series, DBPy(4) (n = 4), showed substantial cytotoxicity against cancer HCT-116 and human leukemic K-562 cell lines with an IC50 of 1–2 μM. Judging by the combination of such criterions as water solubility, topo-I inhibition activity and mutagenicity, it would be safe to assume that dimeric bisbenzoimidazoles of DBP(n) series are more perspective minor groove binders than previously synthesized DB( n ).
Somitogenesis

A segmented body plan is fundamental to all vertebrate species and this bestows both rigidity and flexibility on the body. Segmentation is initiated through the process of somitogenesis. This article aims to provide a broad and balanced cross-species overview of somitogenesis and to highlight the key molecular and cellular events involved in each stage of segmentation. We highlight where our understanding of this multifaceted process relies on strong experimental evidence as well as those aspects where our understanding still relies largely on models.
Carbon:phosphorus stoichiometry and food chain production.

Incident light was manipulated in large plankton towers containing algae, microbes, and herbivores. Paradoxically, food chain production was lower with greater light energy input. This apparent paradox is resolved by recognizing stoichiometric constraints to food chain production. At high light, elevated algal biomass was achieved mainly by increases in cellular carbon. Consumers have a high phosphorus demand for growth, and thus a large excess of carbon inhibited, rather than stimulated, their growth. These experiments may help us predict the consequences of anthropogenic perturbations in nutrients, carbon, and solar energy. They also may help us to understand the wide range of consumer biomass and production at a given level of primary productivity in ecosystems.
An update on non-steroidal liver X receptor agonists and their potential use in the treatment of atherosclerosis

The liver X receptor (LXR)-α and -β isoforms are nuclear transcription factors that regulate the expression of a number of genes involved in lipid modulation. One key LXR target gene, which may offer therapeutic potential in the treatment of atherosclerosis, is the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) as it is involved in the process of reverse cholesterol transport. ABCA1 initiates the efflux of cholesterol from macrophages present in the atherosclerotic plaques of the arterial wall, where it is accepted by apolipoproteins such as apoA-1 and becomes high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is then transported back to the liver for metabolism and excretion. A number of other genes are regulated by LXR function that may have positive or negative effects on atherosclerosis. Extrapolating the effect of individual gene regulation to an overall effect in humans, when all genes are modulated, is extremely difficult. This is further complicated by the fact that most preclinical work has been carried out in mice that differ quite significantly from humans in terms of lipid balance and metabolism. This review provides an update to the authors’ earlier patent review in this journal, which focused on the structural and biological data reported for LXR agonists in patent applications and associated literature. Various therapeutic indications have been reported for LXR agonists, but this review focuses solely on non-steroidal LXR agonists for the potential treatment of atherosclerosis.
Anthropometric, body composition and somatotype differences of Iranian elite female basketball and handball players

The aims of the this study were: (A) to determine the anthropometric profile, body composition and somatotype of female basketball (B), and handball (H) players, (B) to compare the mean scores among H and B and (C) to detect possible differences in relation to competition level. A total of 28 female athletes (B=15, H=13), all members of the Iranian national teams, participated in this study. Anthropometric measures required for the calculation of body composition indexes and somatotype components were obtained according to the established literature. These measurements were height, weight, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, thigh and calf skinfolds, bi-epicondylar diameter of femur and humerus, and flexed biceps and calf girths. All skinfold measurements were taken on the right side of the body with the Yagamy skinfold caliper. Measurements were taken during the peak of the competition season. Subjects' somatotypes were determined by using the Heath-Carter anthropometric method. Somatotype was calculated using the Heath-Carter method.1 Data were analysed using t test with significance accepted at p<0.05. There was no significant difference of body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, fat weight, fat per cent, fat-free weight, waist to hip ratio and stature, weight and triceps skinfold thickness among B and H group. Although B and H group had homogeneity in somatotype characteristics (p<0.05). There was a difference somatotype characteristics among B and H group (p<0.001). Somatotype characterised as mesoendomorph in B group (3.6, 3.5, 2.4) and H athletes' somatotype was mesoendomorph (3.6, 4.7, 1.7). Anthropometric and body composition variables of elite female basketball and handball players were same, but they had different somatotype characteristics. Selection criteria, hours of training and sport-specific physiological demands during the game could explain the observed differences.
Calorimetric Assay for Potassium Sorbate in Dried Fruitsa

SUMMARY A simple, direct calorimetric method requiring no distillation is described for the determination of potassium sorbate in dried fruits. The method makes use of the oxidation of sorbic acid to malonaldehyde, which reacts with thiobarbituric acid to form a red pigment that is measured photometrically.
ANATOMY AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF SALVADORA PERSICA STEM: ADAPTIVE TO ARID CONDITIONS AND BENEFICIAL FOR PRACTICAL USE

Stem structure strongly influences the drought response across a diverse group of temperate and tropical tree species. The stem of Salvadora persica (miswak), used as a chewing stick in the Islamic world, has a number of distinctive xeromorphic characteristics adapting it to arid or semi-arid conditions. The thick periderm is interrupted at points around the stem by transversely oriented lenticels to moderate exchange of vital gases. On the stem surface are 3-dimensional epicuticular crystals of various shape and size, present to protect against UV exposure, insects and pathogens. The secondary xylem contains groups of xylem fibers which consist of thickwalled narrow cells. Vessels are axially oriented without branching for interconnection. The xylem is also composed of parenchyma cells, which are characterized as ray parenchyma and wood parenchyma. The woodparenchyma become crushed in the middle, forming a chamber which is later filled with amorphous inclusions or rhombohedral crystals. SEM-EDX analysis revealed sulphur in wood parenchyma cells, likely a defense against pathogenic microorganisms. Apart from its adaptive value, the sophisticated stem anatomy of Salvadora persica, in combination with its chemistry, makes it an effective tool for oral hygiene.
Definitive hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells manifest distinct differentiation output in the zebrafish VDA and PBI

Definitive hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells manifest distinct differentiation output in the zebrafish VDA and PBI Hao Jin, Raman Sood, Jin Xu, Fenghua Zhen, Milton A. English, P. Paul Liu and Zilong Wen A processing error occurred when the full text HTML for Development 136, 647-654 was produced. Throughout the full text version the alpha symbol in αe1-globinwas converted to β, thus in all cases ‘βe1-globin’ should read ‘αe1-globin’. The full text has now been corrected. The PDF and print copy are correct. We apologise to authors and readers for this mistake. Development 136, 1397 (2009) doi:10.1242/dev.036780 ERRATUM
MAIN ROOT‐LATERAL ROOT JUNCTIONS OF TWO DESERT SUCCULENTS: CHANGES IN AXIAL AND RADIAL COMPONENTS OF HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY DURING DRYING

The influence of junctions between main roots and lateral roots on water flow was investigated for the desert succulents Agave deserti and Ferocactus acanthodes during 21 d of drying in soil. Under wet conditions, the junctions did not restrict xylem water flow from lateral roots to main roots, consistent with predictions of axial conductance based on vessel diameters. Embolism caused by drying reduced such axial conductance more at the junctions than in adjoining root regions. Connective tracheary elements at the junctions were abundantly pitted and had large areas of unlignified primary wall, apparently making them more susceptible to embolism than vessels or tracheids elsewhere in the roots. Unlike the decrease in axial conductance, the overall hydraulic conductivity of the junction increased during drying because of an increase in the conductivity of the radial pathway. Despite such increases, main roots may not lose substantial amounts of water to a dry soil during drought, initially because embolism at the junctions can limit xylem flow and later because soil hydraulic conductivity decreases. Moreover, the increased root hydraulic conductivity and a potentially rapid recovery from embolism by connective tracheary elements may favor water uptake near the junctions upon soil rewetting.
Dowry and Intrahousehold Bargaining

This paper analyzes the relationship between a woman’s intrahousehold bargaining position and her welfare within marriage using household data from rural China. Simultaneity problems are overcome by using dowry to proxy for bargaining position. Omitted variable bias is addressed by using grain shocks in the year preceding marriage as an instrument for dowry. Instrumented dowry positively impacts numerous measures of a wife’s welfare, including household purchases, the time allocation of household members, and the woman’s satisfaction with life, offering strong evidence in support of collective models of the household.