Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of Ca2+ in stimulated bioluminescence of thedinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum

Many marine dinoflagellates emit bright discrete flashes of light nearly instantaneously in response to either laminar or turbulent flows as well as to direct mechanical stimulation. The flash involves a unique pH-dependent luciferase and a proton-mediated action potential across the vacuole membrane. The mechanotransduction process initiating this action potential is unknown. The present study investigated the role of Ca2+ in the mechanotransduction process regulating bioluminescence in the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum . Calcium ionophores and digitonin stimulated luminescence in a Ca2+-dependent manner in the absence of mechanical stimulation. Mechanically sensitive luminescence was strongly inhibited by the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM [1,2-bis( o -aminophenoxy)ethane- N,N,N′,N′ - tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester]; there was only a partial and irreversible dependence on extracellular Ca2+. Ruthenium Red, a blocker of intracellular Ca2+ release channels, inhibited mechanically sensitive luminescence. Luminescence was also stimulated by increasing K+, even in the absence of extracellular Ca2+; K+ stimulation was inhibited both by BAPTA-AM and Ruthenium Red. These results support the hypothesis that Ca2+ mediates stimulated bioluminescence and also indicate the involvement of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Rapid coupling between mechanical stimulation and mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores might occur through a mechanism similar to excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle.
Selected growth parameters of farm-raised mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.) ducklings

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine changes in selected growth parameters of farm-raised mallard ducklings from hatch to 42 d of age. The largest increases in body and carcass weights of ducklings and weights of the analyzed tissue components were noted during the first 28 d of the rearing period, except for breast and wing muscles. In comparison with other muscle groups, the growth rate of breast and wing muscles was lower from hatch to 14 d of age, greatest between 14 and 28 d, and remained high up to 42 d of age. The average body weight of mallard ducklings increased more than 16-fold (from 39.7 to 644.8 g, P ≤ 0.01), and the average carcass weight increased more than 26-fold (from 14.4 to 384.5 g, P ≤ 0.01). The growth rates of carcass and tissue components varied considerably. Wing weight increased 84.5-fold (from 0.80 to 67.6 g, P ≤ 0.01), followed by breast weight, which increased 48-fold (from 1.7 to 82.9 g, P ≤ 0.01). Slower growth rates were noted in the remaining carcass parts: back, 23-fold; neck, 19.2-fold; and legs, 17.1-fold (from 5.4 to 92.2 g, P ≤ 0.01).
Involvement of microRNAs in T-cell immunity

In this study, we set out to investigate miR-21 target genes related to its anti-apoptotic function in T-cells. We determined whether Jurkat T-cells are a suitable model to study T-cell specific targets of miR-21. We first assessed miR-21 expression in resting, and αCD3/CD28 activated Jurkat T-cells, using a qRT-PCR. Next, we tested the influence of miR-21 inhibition on Jurkat T-cells using a lentiviral-based antisense miR-21 expression system. Activation of Jurkat T-cells resulted in a rapid miR-21 upregulation, while inhibition of miR-21 resulted in pronounced apoptosis induction, indicating that Jurkat T-cells are a suitable model to study T-cell-specific miR-21 target genes. Application of a high throughput experimental Ribonucleoprotein ImmunoPrecipitation – gene Chip (RIP-Chip) approach, in Jurkat T-cells transduced with empty vector and Jurkat T-cells transduced with miR-21, resulted in identification of 71 putative miR-21 genes. These targets were enriched ≥2 fold more in the Jurkat-miR-21 condition. Among these, we found several genes involved in the regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle and immune function. Using a dual luciferase reporter construct we validated that phosphoinositide3-kinase, regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) is a target gene of miR-21. In this study we defined a list of endogenous miR-21 target genes in Jurkat T-cells, which can serve as a starting point to identify miR-21 target genes, relevant to the function of activation induced miR-21 expression in primary T-cells. Identification of functional miR-21 target genes in Jurkat T-cells
Evolution of Plant-Pollinator Relationships: Why are floral signals complex? An outline of functional hypotheses

Plants produce a remarkable variety of displays to attract animals that transfer pollen. These floral displays are usually complex, broadcasting various combinations of visual, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, and thermal stimuli (Raguso 2004a). Even acoustic stimuli may be involved, as in the case of structural nectar guides used by echolocating flower-feeding bats (von Helversen and von Helversen 1999). Yet these sensorially complex advertisements likely evolved from an ancestor that primarily transmitted only chemicals, serving a defensive function (Pellmyr and Thein 1986). The subsequent amplification and elaboration of floral stimuli therefore offers an intriguing opportunity to study signal evolution. However, at present, we know surprisingly little about why floral displays consist of so many elements. This contrasts with progress in other areas: recently, researchers studying topics as diverse as sexual selection, warning displays, animal learning, and
Characterization of an EPG Waveform Library for Adult Lygus lineolaris and Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) Feeding on Cotton Squares

Abstract Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) and Lygus hesperus Knight are among the most important pests affecting production of cotton in the United States. Lygus spp. use a cell rupture feeding strategy. However, the precise stylet-probing behaviors of adult Lygus spp. are not well understood or quantifiably related to cotton damage. The long-term goals of our research are to: 1) relate stylet probing to damage, and 2) quantitatively compare L. lineolaris feeding among resistant and susceptible host plants. The specific objectives of this study were to apply the latest technology in electropenetrography (EPG) to record adult, prereproductive Lygus spp. feeding, to identify and characterize all the waveforms, and to hypothesize their biological meanings. We used a third-generation AC–DC electropenetrograph to record nonprobing and probing waveforms of adult bugs on pinhead (<3 mm) cotton squares, and constructed a waveform library from the output. Recordings were obtained with both AC and DC applied signals and at different input impedances (106–109 Ω). Three nonprobing waveforms were identified and visually correlated: Standing still (S), walking (W), and antennation (A). Probing waveforms were classified as: cell rupturing (CR), transition (T), and ingestion (I). T waveform is the first finding of an X wave for a nonsalivary sheath feeder in Hemiptera, implying that tasting/testing/acceptance behaviors can be performed by a cell rupture feeder. While waveform I is not performed in every probe, when performed, its appearance and structure were affected by applied signal and input impedance. Overall, time spent in nonprobing behaviors was longer than time spent on probing behaviors.
Knowledge of cervical cancer screening among women in Farin Tanki Area Argungu, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Cervical cancer is the most common malignancies among females worldwide especially women of reproductive age, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable of all cancers through prophylactic human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination and cervical screening. The study focuses on assessing the knowledge of cervical cancer screening services among women in farin tanki area Argungu. Descriptive survey study utilized validated questionnaire developed by the researcher, 400 questionnaires were administered to women in Farin Tanki area Argungu who met the inclusion criteria using a systematic random sampling technique. Questionnaires were retrieved from respondent after successful completion. Data collection spanned a period of 14days. Data collected were coded and fed into computer using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 21.0). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, proportions and confidence intervals were compared using the chi-square tests as appropriate. A P-value <0.05 was confidence statistically significance. The findings of the study revealed 71.3% of respondents were to be aware a cervical cancer and screening services. There is a significant association between knowledge and utilization of cervical cancer screening services where P< 0.002, a significant association exist between barrier and knowledge of cervical cancer screening.
Role of cyclic GMP, cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase and protein phosphorylation in the control of smooth muscle tension

Numerous agents are capable of activating guanylyl cyclases and increasing tissue levels of guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). A detailed analysis of the literature concerning the role of cGMP in mediating vascular smooth muscle relaxation confirms that the criteria necessary to determine that cGMP is involved in this effect have been satisfied. However, the cGMP hypothesis may only apply in certain smooth muscles. One aim of the present study was to further investigate the role of cGMP in uterine contractility in an attempt to resolve some of the apparent inconsistencies regarding the importance of cGMP in this tissue. The results of our studies in the rat myometrium confirm the previous suggestion that the rat myometrium can be classified as a "non-responsive" smooth muscle with respect to the fact that it does not relax in response to increases in the tissue levels of cGMP. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was shown to significantly increase cGMP levels and to activate cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) in our myometrial preparations but did not cause relaxation of the tissue. Therefore, a lack of PKG activation cannot be used to explain the failure of cGMP-elevating agents such as SNP to cause relaxation of the rat myometrium. In vascular smooth muscle, it is generally well accepted that the cGMPdependent component of relaxation involves activation of a specific PKG. The protein targets of PKG and the underlying mechanisms by which this kinase leads to a relaxant response have not been completely elucidated. The final objective of our studies was to investigate the smooth muscle substrates of PKG in intact rat aorta, rat myometrium and rat vas deferens using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. In intact rat aorta, seven PKG substrates and two calcium-dependent phosphorylation events were detected during relaxation of the tissue. None of the PKG substrates identified in the rat aorta could be identified in the myometrium or vas deferens following administration of numerous cGMP-elevating agents. In addition, we were unable to detect changes in phosphorylation of any other proteins. Thus, the failure of the rat myometrium and rat vas deferens to relax in the face of cGMP elevation and PKG activation may be due to a lack of PKG substrate phosphorylation.
INVESTIGATIONS OF ANTI-ADHESION AND ENDOTHELIAL ENVIRONMENT FOR Plasmodium falciparum CYTOADHERENCE

II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS III CONTENTS IV LIST OF FIGURES VIII LIST OF TABLES XII ABBREVIATIONS XIII CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Research background 1 1.2 P. falciparum life cycle 3 1.3 Pathophysiology of malaria 5 1.4 Parasitized red blood cell (pRBC) 7 1.5 pRBC cytoadherence 8 1.6 RBC membrane cytoskeleton 9 1.7 Antigenic variation 19 1.8 Host adhesion receptors 21 1.9 What factors to mediate adhesion of the pRBC in host microvasculature? 28 1.10 How might cytoadherence cause severe malaria? 37 1.11 Aims and outline of the thesis 40 1.12 Objective 41 CHAPTER 2: MATERIALS AND METHODS 42 2.
The effect of forest treefall gap on humus forms in a mixed Fagus orientalis Lipsky (Oriental Beech) forest

Gap formation affects environmental conditions in forest ecosystems. In this study, the effect of forest gap on humus form in a mixed Fagus orientalis Lipsky (Oriental Beech) forest was investigated by comparing the humus forms found in gaps with those in parts of the stand with closed canopies in a temperate mixed forest in northern Iran. In total, 32 gaps were selected from which 160 humus profiles were considered within gaps, and a further 160 within adjacent closed canopies. In each profile, humus forms were determined based on their morphological characteristics. Results indicated that gap significantly affected humus forms. The humus forms in gaps differed significantly from those in adjacent areas of closed stand. Mull order type humus was the most commonly found in the study site (70% of all profiles). The results also showed that forest floor thickness was lower in gaps than in adjacent closed areas. The suborder eumull was the most common in gaps, whereas dysmull was found to be the most common within closed areas.
Micropropagação de Quimiotipos de Lippia Alba Mill. N. E. Br Produtores de Citral, Carvona e Linalol.

O trabalho descreve um protocolo de micropropagação de três quimiotipos de Lippia alba, produtores de citral, carvona e linalol como componentes majoritários do óleo essencial. A espécie é amplamente utilizada na medicina tradicional e de grande interesse econômico devido, dentre outros fatores, às propriedades dos componentes majoritários do óleo essencial. Segmentos nodais de ramos dos três quimiotipos, foram introduzidos in vitro. Foi utilizado o meio de cultura Murashigue e Skoog, suplementado com sacarose e vitaminas, e desprovido de hormônios (MS), com e sem adição de norbixina. As plantas obtidas foram subcultivadas com concentrações variadas de AIA (ácido indolacético) e cinetina. A adição de norbixina foi eficaz em diminuir a morte dos explantes por oxidação. Os hormônios testados não são necessários para a multiplicação dos três quimiotipos de L. alba in vitro. Este protocolo mais rápido e econômico não afetou a aclimatação das plantasmicropropagadas, a qual foi obtida com sucesso.
Effect of fertilizer N on nodulation, acetylene-reducing activity, and N uptake in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan)

The effect of fertilizer N as urea on the early growth of two pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. ] cultivars with Bradyrhizobium inoculation under pot culture conditions was investigated. Bradyrhizobium inoculation alone increased nodulation, acetylene-reducing activity (ARA), and root and shoot N. A considerable improvement in the root system of pigeon pea over the control was observed at 20 kg N ha −1 while at 40 and 60 kg N ha −1 the root system was poorly developed and, concomitantly, this affected other N 2 -fixing parameters viz. nodule number, nodule dry weight, ARA, shoot weight, and root and shoot N
Fishes and the Break-up of Pangaea

This volume, in honour of Peter L. Forey, is about fishes as palaeobiogeographic indicators in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. The last 250 million years in the history of Earth have witnessed the break-up of Pangaea, affecting the biogeography of organisms. Fishes occupy almost all freshwater and marine environments, making them a good tool to assess palaeogeographic models. The volume begins with studies of Triassic chondrichthyans and lungfishes, with reflections on Triassic palaeogeography. Phylogeny and distribution of Late Jurassic neoselachians and basal teleosts are broached, and are followed by five papers about the Cretaceous, dealing with SE Asian sharks, South American ray-finned fishes and coelacanths, European characiforms, and global fish palaeogeography. Then six papers cover Tertiary subjects, such as bony tongues, eels, cypriniforms and coelacanths. There is generally a good fit between fish phylogenies and the evolution of the palaeogeographical pattern, although a few discrepancies question details of current palaeogeographic models and/or some aspects of fish phylogeny.
Metabolitos secundarios y clorofilas en cempasúchil en respuesta a estrés salino* Secondary metabolites and chlorophyll in cempasúchil in response to salinity stress

Biotic and abiotic stresses factors influence the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in some medicinal species. In this regard, it has been reported that salinity stress disrupts the biochemical properties of a large number of crops. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of treatments of two NaCl levels (10 and 47 mM) added to the nutrient solution that would cause to cempasuchil (Tagetes erecta Linn) var. Inca in flowering stage. The concentration of carotenoids and flavonoids was evaluated in flowers. In leaves, flowers, stems and roots identification of essential oils was made and a qualitative quantification of these was done. In the leaves, the concentration of chlorophyll a, b and total was determined. The high concentration of NaCl tested, reduced by 26.7 and 27.9% carotenoid concentrations and total flavonoids in flowers. The concentrations of chlorophyll a and total were not affected by salinity; while the concentration of chlorophyll b was increased significantly with the supply of 47 mM NaCl. Seven essential oil constituents were identified from leaves of plants treated with 10 mM NaCl; while only four, when NaCl concentration increased; conversely, a larger number of compounds were identified in stems and roots with 47 mM NaCl. The presence of farnesene in flowers is noteworthy, only with the level of NaCl supplied.
FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF HOST AND VIRAL GENES INVOLVED IN STRESS RESPONSES DURING PAPAYA RINGSPOT VIRUS (PRSV) INFECTION

The 20S proteasome is the proteolytic complex in eukaryotes, responsible for degrading short-lived and abnormal intracellular proteins, especially those targeted by ubiquitin conjugation. The two outer rings and the two inner rings of this cylindrical complex are composed of seven different alpha and beta polypeptides, respectively, giving an α7/β7/β7/α7 symmetric organization. This alpha and beta genes are characterised only in few plant family including Arabidopsis. Papaya is a very important fruit crop in tropical countries like India and also emerging as a model species to study sex chromosome evolution in plants and tropical fruit tree genomics. A draft genome of papaya covering 73% of the total genome and 92% of the euchromatic region is available, but very less information is available regarding the proteasomal components in papaya plant. Here we describe characterization of two alpha subunits of 20S proteasome complex from cDNA of papaya, designated as proteasomal alpha subunit 1 (PAA) and proteasomal subunit 5 (PAE). The paa and pae genes from papaya shares 91% and 89% similarity with its Arabidopsis homologues respectively. The putative protein sequences of these proteins were found to be 27 and 26 kDA in their molecular weight. Both the protein was expressed in yeast system with c-myc tags and detected by western blotting. These results demonstrate that the 20S proteasome is structurally conserved among plants.
Specialized nucleoprotein structures attheorigin ofreplication of bacteriophage X:Complexes withA0 protein andwithX0,XP, andEscherichia coli DnaBproteins

The0protein ofbacteriophage Aisrequired forinitiation ofDNA replication attheAreplicative origin designated onik. Thebinding sites for0protein arefour direct repeats, eachofwhichisaninverted repeat. Bymeansof electron microscopy, wehavefound thatphage A0 protein utilizes thesemultiple binding sites toforma specific nucleoprotein structure inwhich theorigin DNAisinferred to befolded orwound. Thephage K0 andPproteins andhost DnaBprotein interact atonAtogenerate alarger structure thanthat formed by0protein alone; PandDnaBproteins fail toformanyobservable complex when0 protein isexcluded fromthereaction mixture. We conclude thatthespecialized nucleoprotein structure formed byphage K0protein andoniK provides forlocalized initiation ofDNAreplication byserving asthefoundation fortheassembly oftheinitial priming structure. Specialized nucleoprotein structures maybeagen- eral meanstoconfer exceptional accuracy onDNAtransactions requiring extraordinary precision.
Listeria monocytogenes Survival in Soil and Incidence in Agricultural Soils †.

The effects of soil type, inoculum level, microbial competition, fertilizers, and carbon and nitrogen supplementation on Listeria monocytogenes survival in soil were examined by utilizing soil columns in ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic piping. Sandy soil yielded a lower level of L. monocytogenes survival than clay loam or sandy loam soils. L. monocytogenes numbers decreased from high inoculum levels, increased when inoculum levels were low, and reached higher levels more quickly in autoc1aved soil. Soil amended with solid chicken manure supported a higher population than soil amended with either liquid hog manure or inorganic nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, but only when microbial competitors had been reduced. Carbon and nitrogen supplementation had no effect on the population of L. monocytogenes . In a field survey analyzed by using a 3-tube most probable number procedure with enrichment, Listeria spp. were present in 1 of 13 cultivated fields and 6 of the 13 surrounding uncultivated meadows.
Wide distribution of transposable phages in natural Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations

: Five phages (PH2, PH51, PH59, PH93 and PH132) which have some characteristics common with D3112, the transposable phage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were isolated from clinical P. aeruginosa isolates. The phages were distributed into 4 different immunity groups. The basic criteria used for selection of transposable phages have been: 1) Morphology of a phage particle, host range, similar inactivation with antiserum; 2) Similar sizes of phage genomes; 3) The presence of a variable non-phage nucleotide sequences covalently linked to phage genome DNA, which could be identified using restriction endonucleases or by heteroduplex analyses. The DNAs of the new phages are resistant to treatment with BamH1 endonuclease, like the DNAs of phages D3112, B39 and B3 described earlier. The restriction maps of the phage genomes are constructed.
Epidemiology and survival of Fusarium mangiferae, the causal agent of mango malformation disease

Mango malformation caused by the fungus Fusarium mangiferae is one of the major diseases of this crop worldwide. Conidia of the pathogen declined rapidly in soil under controlled (laboratory) and outdoor (winter and summer) conditions. Percent survival of conidia was reduced by nearly 100% after 102 and 28 days, under laboratory, winter and summer conditions, respectively, compared to initial concentrations. Natural infections were evaluated on fruitlets, fruit and seeds in a heavily infected orchard, one month after fruit set and at fruit maturity. In infected trees two months after fruit set, the skin of all the fruit was 100% infected while no infection of the seed and seed coat was detected. At fruit maturity, the skin remained 100% infected with no infection of the seed and seed coat. The pathogen was not isolated from healthy tissue or from flesh of both healthy and diseased fruit.