Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Cantharid Beetle Host for a Parasitic Phorid Fly New to the Nearctic Region (Coleoptera: Cantharidae; Diptera: Phoridae)

During studies on fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and related beetles, one of us (LF) reared parasitoid phorid fly larvae from a cantharid beetle (Fig. 1). The collection site was at 311 m elevation in Hardin Valley, northwest Knox County, Tennessee, coordinates 35.938N, 84.178W, in the hill-valley region of East Tennessee between the Appalachian Mountains in the east and the Cumberland Mountains to the northwest. The beetle was collected April 24, 2008 in an open kudzu thicket adjoining open farmland and oak/hickory/pine woodland. It died April 26, 2008 just as three phorid larvae emerged. The larvae pupated within two days. Attempts to rear the pupae failed, although development occurred for approximately two weeks before pupae appeared dead. One larva developed sufficiently that it could be dissected from the puparium and identified by BVB. This specimen is a male Apocephalus (Mesophora) tritarsus Brown, a species previously known only from southern Mexico and Costa Rica (Brown 1993, 1996). It had been reared previously from a species of Lucidota LeConte (Lampyridae) in Costa Rica (Brown 1996). Previous host records for species of Apocephalus Coquillett subgenus Mesophora Borgmeier include bees, wasps, spiders, and fireflies. Additionally, Apocephalus (M.) mortifer Borgmeier was reared from Chauliognathus fallax Germar (Coleoptera: Cantharidae) in Brazil (Borgmeier 1937); BVB reared larvae that failed to mature from a cantharid in Costa Rica. The phorid specimen differed from most Central American specimens of this species by the presence of large black setae on the venter of abdominal segment six (a few Costa Rican specimens are now known to have these setae), which makes the specimen key incorrectly at couplet 9 in Brown’s (1993) key to all New World species and at couplet 17 in Brown’s (1996) key to Neotropical species. To correct this problem, the following change is proposed to the key to New World species in Brown (1993):
The effect of a residual house-spraying campaign in East Africa on species balance in the Anopheles funestus group. The replacement of A. funestus Giles by A. rivulorum Leeson.

In the course of an experiment in malaria control in an inland region of Kenya and Tanganyika, by the use of house spraying with dieldrin, routine catches were maintained of mosquitos resting in artificial outdoor shelters. During the 18 months of the pre-spraying period, catches in the South Pare district of Tanganyika mainly consisted of the principal vectors, Anopheles gambiae Giles and A. funestus Giles, together with small numbers of A. rivulorum Leeson. During the three years following the spraying, A. funestus disappeared almost completely from the catches, while A. rivulorum showed an increase of about seven times above its former level.
Association between Receptor Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase RPTPα and the Grb2 Adaptor

Receptor protein-tyrosine phosphatase RPTPα is found associated in vivo with the adaptor protein Grb2. Formation of this complex, which contains no detectable levels of Sos, is known to depend on a C-terminal phosphorylated tyrosine residue (Tyr798) in RPTPα and on the Src homology (SH) 2 domain in Grb2 (1, 2). We show here that association of Grb2 with RPTPα also involves a critical function for the C-terminal SH3 domain of Grb2. Furthermore, Grb2 SH3 binding peptides interfere with RPTPα-Grb2 association in vitro, and the RPTPα protein can dissociate the Grb2-Sos complex in vivo. These observations constitute a novel mode of Grb2 association and suggest a model in which association with a tyrosine-phosphorylated protein restricts the repertoire of SH3 binding proteins with which Grb2 can simultaneously interact. The function of the Tyr798 tyrosine phosphorylation/Grb2 binding site in RPTPα was studied further by expression of wild type or mutant RPTPα proteins in PC12 cells. In these cells, wild type RPTPα interferes with acidic fibroblast growth factor-induced neurite outgrowth; this effect requires both the catalytic activity and the Grb2 binding Tyr798 residue in RPTPα. In contrast, expression of catalytically active RPTPα containing a mutated tyrosine phosphorylation/Grb2 association site enhances neurite outgrowth. Our observations associate a functional effect with tyrosine phosphorylation of, and ensuing association of signaling proteins with, a receptor protein-tyrosine phosphatase and raise the possibility that RPTPα association may modulate Grb2 function and vice versa.
Seasonal patterns of feeding of juvenile major carp, Labeo rohita (Ham.) in a Bangladesh pond

The results of the studies on the seasonal patterns of feeding of 203 Labeo rohita (Ham.) taken by cast and seine net for one year from a Bangladesh pond are presented. Studies were based on the frequency of occurrence and the points method. A change in the volume of food with change of seasons was noted. The amounts of food eaten were greater for the warmer than for other months and very low during winter indicating an upturn in late spring with a higher level continuing during the summer. Organic detritus formed the bulk of the gut contents throughout the study period. On a seasonal basis, phytoplankton and aquatic macrophytes were the group of organisms frequently ingested but the former was more important. Animal food was scarce but appreciable quantities of sand and mud were found.
Phytochrome behaves as a dimer in vivo

Abstract It is well established that phytochrome exists as a dimer in vitro. A comparison of the relative photoequilibrium concentrations of PrPr, PrPfr and PfrPfr, with the relative sizes of the Pfr-pools which undergo dark reversion in the intact plant, leads to the hypothesis that phytochrome also exists as a dimer in vivo, This hypothesis is in accordance with kinetic properties of the phytochrome system under continuous irradiation. Additional support for this view is provided by the observation that Pfr-destruction after a red light flash, which should favour the formation of PrPfr dimers, is paralleled by a decay of Pr, even if the presence of Pr cycled through Pfr can be excluded. Preliminary observations could indicate an interaction of the subunits of a phytochrome dimer during the process of phototransformation.
PHYTATE‐PROTEIN INTERACTIONS IN SOYBEAN EXTRACTS AND LOW‐PHYTATE SOY PROTEIN PRODUCTS

The solubility of phytate and protein in soy extracts as influenced by pH, NaCl, calcium and EDTA was measured. The behavior of phytate is explained in terms of its binding to calcium-magnesium and/or to proteins. Three processes for preparing low-phytate soy protein products were derived from this theory, at both the laboratory and pilot plant scale. The nutritional properties of isolates prepared with these processes were examined.
KNAT2

The KNAT2 (for KNOTTED-like from Arabidopsis thaliana 2) homeobox gene is expressed in the vegetative apical meristem. It is also active during flower development, suggesting a function in the structuring of flowers. To investigate its role, we used a DEXAMETHASONE (DEX)-inducible system to generate transgenic plants that overexpressed a fusion of KNAT2 with the hormone binding domain of the glucocorticoid receptor. DEX-induced plants were similar to plants overexpressing the closely related KNAT1 gene, indicating overlapping functions, although we observed differences as well. In particular, KNAT2-GR activation induced ectopic carpel features. First, KNAT2 induced the homeotic conversion of nucellus into carpel-like structures. Second, KNAT2 induced stigmatic papillae on rosette leaves in the ap2-5 background. Third, ectopic expression of the carpel identity gene AGAMOUS (AG) was observed in carpels and ovules. Interestingly, the homeotic conversion was not dependent on AG activity, because it was maintained in the ag-1 ap2-5 double mutant. Therefore, our data indicate that KNAT2 also must activate other carpel regulators. Together, these results suggest that KNAT2 plays a role in carpel development.
Microarray-Based Gene Expression Profiling for Molecular Classification of Breast Cancer and Identification of New Targets for Therapy

Basal-like breast cancers represent approximately 15%–20% of all breast carcinomas, are aggressive, have variable responses to chemotherapy, and associated with poor clinical outcome. The molecular mechanisms governing the biological behavior of basal-like breast cancers are not well understood. Hence, it is difficult to predict which chemotherapeutics are most likely to be effective and to determine appropriate management strategies for individual patients. Transcriptomic analysis may allow further stratification of basal-like breast cancers enabling prediction of 1) cancer recurrence after surgery; 2) likelihood of metastatic spread; 3) probable tissue sites for metastatic spread; and 4) responses to specific therapies and treatment modalities. Furthermore, careful examination of microarray-based gene expression profiles may identify new molecular targets (or pathways) for the development of targeted therapeutics. Targeted therapies may prove to be more efficacious in basal-like breast cancer treatment than the cytotoxic chemotherapeutics currently employed. * ER : estrogen receptor PR : progesterone receptor HER1 and HER2 : human epidermal growth receptors OS : overall survival DFS : disease-free survival PARP : Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation polymerase SSP : single sample predictor
Two promoters control the transcription of the human α2(VI) collagen gene

Our previous studies have demonstrated that the human α2(VI) collagen gene produces four mRNA species with different 5′-untranslated regions [Saitta, B. , Timpl, R. & Chu, M. -L. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 6188–6196]. The major mRNA species initiates from exon 1, located at the most 5′ end, whereas three minor mRNAs start from an alternative exon, 1A, located 657 bp downstream of exon 1. In this study, we have investigated whether or not these different mRNAs are transcribed from two separate promoters. DNA fragments preceding exons 1 and 1A were fused with a reporter gene for chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) and transfected into human dermal fibroblasts and fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells. Strong CAT activity in both cell types was observed using a construct containing DNA from nucleotide −502 to +115 preceding exon 1. The CAT activity of a construct containing nucleotide +514 to +894 preceding exon 1A was almost as high as that of the former construct, indicating the presence of two promoters, P1 and P2, preceding exons 1 and 1A, respectively. Transient transfection assays also identified positive and negative regulatory regions for the P1 promoter, located from nucleotide −2152 to −1384 and from nucleotide −1383 to −503, respectively. A negative regulatory region located at nucleotide +116 to +513 was found for the P2 promoter. This region strongly inhibits the P2 promoter in dermal fibroblasts, and thus may be responsible for the low expression of the endogenous exon-1A-containing mRNAs in these cells. Footprinting analysis of the two promoters with purified Sp1 protein and AP2 protein extract showed several sites of DNA-protein interaction. The specificity of these sites was confirmed by competition experiments using consensus Sp1 and AP2 oligonucleotides. The results thus demonstrate that the human α2(VI) collagen gene contains two promoters, which are regulated by positive and negative cis-acting DNA elements and trans-acting factors.
NF-ϰB-independent activation of β-interferon expression in mouse F9 embryonal carcinoma cells

We have examined the behaviour of the beta-interferon promoter in mouse F9 embryonal carcinoma cells. In undifferentiated cells, the beta-interferon promoter is not responsive to dsRNA or to Sendai virus. In cells stimulated to differentiate into parietal endoderm by treatment with retinoic acid, the beta-interferon promoter responds to both inducers, but only Sendai virus can activate the transcription factor NF-kappa B previously thought to be essential for beta-interferon induction. Differentiated F9 cells therefore present an unprecedented situation in which induction of the beta-interferon gene does not require NF-kappa B. In addition to these differences, induction by dsRNA, but not by Sendai virus, is significantly enhanced by a pretreatment with interferon (priming). These observations suggest that paramyxo-viruses can participate in beta-interferon induction in a manner that is distinct from a simple generator of dsRNA. Analysis of the promoter requirements for induction in differentiated F9 cells suggests that induction is brought about by a novel mechanism using the currently identified regulatory domains.
Glutaraldehyde-induced deposition of callose

Aldehyde fixation of Abutilon nectaries induces deposition of callose, probably at plasmodes-mata. The phenomenon was analysed by examining a range of other tissues, several of which show a similar response, and by varying the fixation conditions. Callose deposition occurs within 15 min of the onset of fixation in immature nectaries, and does not occur in mature nectaries. Low temperature controls show that the deposition is artefactual and that it may give an erroneous view of the structure of plasmodesmata.
Expression of Hoxa‐1 and Hoxb‐7 is regulated by extracellular matrix‐dependent signals in mammary epithelial cells. J Cell Biochem 69:377–391.

Srebrow A, Friedmann Y, Ravanpay A, Daniel CW, Bissell MJ (1998): Expression of Hoxa‐1 and Hoxb‐7 is regulated by extracellular matrix‐dependent signals in mammary epithelial cells. J Cell Biochem 69:377–391.
A new variety of Aspergillus flavus from tropical soil in Thailand and its aflatoxin productivity

Contamination of maize and other various agricultural commodities by aflatoxins (AF) was considered to be a serious problem after the discovery and identification of these toxins in peanuts during the early 1960s, especially in tropical and subtropical countries.l' During the course of studies on the distribution of AF-producing fungi in maize fields in Thailand and their carry-over from the fields to farmers' warehouses as well as middlemens', atypical sclerotigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus Link, which were designated as E-1 and E-2 groups, have been frequently isolated from the field soils.2'" The results of preliminary survey" in 1986 and of further surveys5' in 1987 and 1988 reported that they were widely distributed in Thailand and were remarkable AF producers. For these atypical strains, we taxonomically propose a new variety of A, flavus Link in this paper.
Preliminary measurements of the sensitivity of the vibrissae of Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) to low frequency vibrations

The sensitivity of the vibrissae of three Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) to vibrations ranging between 50 and 1000 Hz was estimated using standard psychophysical techniques. Their vibrissae are relatively insensitive at the lower frequencies tested, however, vibrations which displaced the animal's whiskers by less than one micron were perceptible at 1000 Hz. Further preliminary tests indicated that the animals can use their vibrissae to perceive vibrations beyond this frequency. It is hypothesized that marine mammals can use their whiskers to detect the large amplitude water displacements propagated by objects vibrating at low frequencies. This ability would permit the animal to determine various properties of objects moving underwater without having to touch them.
The Effect of Density on Some Population Parameters of Rhodnius Prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

Rhodnius prolixus was reared at 7 nymphal instar densities and 5 adult densities, ranging from 2 to 128 individuals per 3.8-1 jar, and kept under laboratory conditions at 37 °C and 80% RH. Dead individuals were replaced by marked ones to keep density constant. Estimates of mortality, percentage molting and developmental time were obtained for immature stages, and longevity and fecundity estimates were obtained for the adults. From the results, we concluded that: (a) density has a statistically significant effect on the developmental rate of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th nymphal instars of R. prolixus , but not on the nymphal survivorship; (b) there docs not seem to be a density effect on either instantaneous population parameters or age-specific parameters; (c) considering that the highest densities used in our experiments are well above natural densities, this population is probably limited by the independent or combined action of dispersal and natural enemies.
Thrips Cross‐Pollination of Popowia pisocarpa (Annonaceae) in a Lowland Dipterocarp Forest in Sarawak 1

This paper reports thrips (Thysanoptera) cross‐pollination in the primitive angiosperm, Popowia pisocarpa (Annonaceae), in lowland rain forest of Sarawak, Malaysia. Flowers of P. pisocarpa have a tiny pollination chamber (3–4 mm in depth) with the entrance almost closed by the disk‐shaped stigmatic heads, allowing only small insects to enter. Experiments showed that thrips were effective pollinators and flowers ofP. pisocarpa were self‐incompatible. Seed set was limited by pollen. Clumped adult trees had higher seed‐set than more distant individuals (>5 m from nearest flowering neighbor), indicating limited inter‐tree movement by thrips.
Diazoxide and N??-nitro-L-arginine counteracted A??1-42-induced cytotoxicity:

K channel openers can activate K channels and have been shown to protect cultured neurons against excitotoxicity. Our study showed that diazoxide, a K channel opener, could counteract the e¡ects of Ab1-42 and protect cells from Ab1-42-induced the increasing of mitochondrial membrane potential and the associated increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species levels; an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, No-nitro-L-arginine could protectcells fromAb1-42-induced the increasingof bothmitochondrialmembrane potential and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. A 24h exposure to Ab1-42 did not result in apoptosis, suggesting that the increase in both mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species levels preceded cell apoptosis or death. NeuroReport 15:1813^1817 c 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Isolamento e prospecção de bactérias endofíticas e epifíticas na cana-de-açúcar em áreas com e sem cupinicida

The exploration and knowledge of bacteria-plant interaction mechanisms may be used for a more sustainable production of several crops, e.g., of sugarcane. The objective of this paper was to isolate bacteria associated with sugarcane with the ability to fix nitrogen and solubilize inorganic phosphate in areas with and without the application of termiticide. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from leaves and roots and from the rhizoplane, four months after planting of three commercial sugarcane varieties (RB 92579, RB 867515 and RB 863129), in the Northeast of Brazil. Altogether, 272 isolates were obtained and selected for their capacity to solubilize inorganic phosphate and fix nitrogen. Termiticide application induced no changes in the endophytic microbial communities of leaf and root and the epiphytic bacteria of the rhizoplane. A bacterial community associated with the studied sugarcane varieties was identified, which could be applied for plant growth promotion, since it can fix N2 and solubilize inorganic phosphate.
Foliar application of effective microorganisms on pea as an alternative fertilizer

Effective microorganisms are cultures of coexisting beneficial microorganisms predominantly consisting of species of photosynthetic and lactic acid bacteria, yeast and actinomycetes, that could be used for alternative crop production. I studied the effect of soil and foliar application of these microorganisms on crop growth, yield and nodulation in pea (Pisum sativum L.), in soils amended with Trifolium alexandrinum L. green manure, farmyard manure and NPK fertilizers. The results show that foliar application of effective microorganisms enhanced nodulation, using NPK amendment, reaching a 217% increase for nodule number and a 167% increase for nodule biomass. Similarly, a grain yield increase of 126% for NPK amendment and of 145% for green manure amendment was found after foliar application of effective microorganisms. These findings show that foliar application of effective microorganisms in combination with proper soil amendment can improve nodulation and yield in pea.
Synthesis of [15N]Glutamate from [15N]H4+ and [15N]Glycine by Mitochondria Isolated from Pea and Corn Shoots

Metabolically competent mitochondria were isolated from pea and corn shoots on Percoll discontinuous density gradients. Rates of synthesis of [(15)N]glutamate were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after the incubation of mitochondria with either 2 millimolar [(15)N] H(4) (+) or [(15)N]glycine in the presence of 1 millimolar citrate as the respiratory substrate. When [(15)N]H(4) (+) was provided, mitochondria isolated from light-grown pea shoots synthesized [(15)N]glutamate with a rate of 2.64 nanomoles per hour per milligram mitochondrial protein. Corn mitochondria produced [(15)N]glutamate at a rate approximately 11 times greater than the pea mitochondria. Dark treatment during growth for the last 24 hours caused a slight reduction in the rate of synthesis in both species. When [(15)N]glycine was used, pea mitochondria synthesized [(15)N]glutamate with a rate of 6.32 nanomoles per hour per milligram protein. Rapid disappearance of [(15)N]glycine and synthesis of [(15)N]serine was observed with a molar ratio of 2 glycine to 0.78 serine. The rate of glutamate synthesis was only 0.2% that of serine, due in part to the dilution of [(15)N]H(4) (+) by the [(14)N]H(4) (+) pool in the mitochondria. The majority of the [(15)N]H(4) (+) released from glycine appears to have been released from or remains unmetabolized in the mitochondria. Corn mitochondria showed no apparent disappearance of [(15)N]glycine and little synthesis of [(15)N]serine, indicating that our preparation originated primarily from mesophyll cells. Under our conditions of glycine/serine conversion, [(15)N]glutatmate was synthesized at a rate of 7% of that of [(15)N]serine synthesis by corn mitochondria.
Immunocytochemical investigations of muscle differentiation in the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus: Teleostei)

The myotomes in yolk-sac larvae of the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus: Teleostei) contain a single layer of small-diameter superficial muscle fibres surrounding an inner mass of around 280 larger-diameter muscle fibres. The fraction of muscle fibre volume occupied by mitochondria is dependent on temperature, and in larvae reared at 8°C was 41% for the superficial fibres, and 25% for the inner muscle fibres. The inner muscle fibres of larvae share some myofibrillar proteins with adult white muscle, but contain unique isoforms of myosin heavy chains, troponin T, troponin I and myosin light chain 2. A monoclonal antibody has been produced which is specific to myosin light chain 3 (MLC3). Immunocytochemical studies have shown that the expression of MLC3 is switched off in the superficial muscle fibres at the start of metamorphosis when larvae reach 28–30 mm total length (TL). Metamorphosis to the juvenile stage is complete in fish 35–40 mm TL and is also associated with the development of gill filaments and the production of presumptive slow muscle fibres which form externally to the larval superficial muscle fibres in the region of the lateral line nerve.