Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanomolar Small Molecule Inhibitors for αvβ6, αvβ5, and αvβ3 Integrins

Integrin adhesion receptors frequently recognize a core amino acid sequence, Arg-Gly-Asp, in their target ligands. Inhibitors with the ability to inhibit one or a small subset of such RGD-dependent integrins have been invaluable in defining their biological function. Here, we have characterized low molecular weight inhibitors for their ability to specifically inhibit αvβ6 integrin, a fibronectin/tenascin receptor. As of yet, no nonpeptidic inhibitor of αvβ6 was known. New peptidomimetic and nonpeptidic compounds were examined in isolated integrin binding assays and in cell adhesion assays for their ability to block αvβ6, αvβ3, αvβ5, and αlIbβ3 integrins. The compounds are based on an aromatically substituted β amino acid or glutaric acid derivative as an acidic center and an aminopyridyl or guanidyl residue as a basic mimetic. We found several classes of inhibitors with different selectivities, especially mono- or biselectivity on the αv-integrins αvβ6 and αvβ3, and nanomolar activity. Furthermore, nearly.
Pectolytic enzymes of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and their localization in infected bean

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum produced at least three pectolytic enzymes, each of which was similar in both diseased tissue and in culture. An endopolygalacturonase (endo-PG) (PG, EC 3.2.1.15) was most abundant 24 h after inoculation of bean plants and after 2–3 days incubation in culture but decreased thereafter. Production in culture was suppressed by glucose. The activity of this enzyme was localized in the advancing margins of young lesions in infected plants but was usually not present later than 48 h after inoculation. An exo-PG was detected at lesion margins after 48 h and also in cultures of S. sclerotiorum in Na polypectate (NaP) medium and on autoclaved bean hypocotyls. Increases in exo-PG activity with time of incubation was correlated with rapid growth of the fungus. Pectin methylesterase (PME, EC 3.1.1.11) was detected early in pathogenesis and at the margins of advancing lesions. PME activity increased with age of diseased tissue and age of cultures on NaP medium and bean hypocotyl medium. Fungal.
Impacts of Infection by Parasitic Angiosperms on Host Photosynthesis

: Parasitic angiosperms are a taxonomically diverse group of plants that invade host tissues and remove resources via a specialized structure known as the haustorium. Through the haustorium, carbon, water and mineral nutrients are withdrawn, often at the expense of host growth and vigour. In addition to the removal of resources from host plants, many parasitic angiosperms are also able to impact host growth via effects on host photosynthesis. In this paper we review what is known about how parasitic angiosperms affect host photosynthesis and the impact this has on host productivity. Holoparasites, that lack chlorophyll, act as extra sinks for host photosynthates and generally either enhance or have a neutral effect on host photosynthetic productivity. In contrast, hemiparasites, that are capable of some autotrophic carbon fixation, usually have a negative impact on host photosynthesis. Irrespective of the outcome of infection, the mechanisms involved in altering host photosynthesis are diverse and may act at either the leaf or whole-plant level. In some cases, parasites impact directly on host photosynthetic metabolism, while in others the effects are more indirect, for example through changing host architecture.
Phosphorylation of the G Protein γ12 Subunit Regulates Effector Specificity*

Although the G protein βγ dimer is an important mediator in cell signaling, the mechanisms regulating its activity have not been widely investigated. The γ12subunit is a known substrate for protein kinase C, suggesting phosphorylation as a potential regulatory mechanism. Therefore, recombinant β1γ12 dimers were overexpressed using the baculovirus/Sf9 insect cell system, purified, and phosphorylated stoichiometrically with protein kinase C α. Their ability to support coupling of the Gi1 α subunit to the A1 adenosine receptor and to activate type II adenylyl cyclase or phospholipase C-β was examined. Phosphorylation of the β1γ12 dimer increased its potency in the receptor coupling assay from 6.4 to 1 nm, changed theK act for stimulation of type II adenylyl cyclase from 14 to 37 nm, and decreased its maximal efficacy by 50%. In contrast, phosphorylation of the dimer had no effect on its ability to activate phospholipase C-β. The native β1γ10 dimer, which has 4 similar amino acids in the phosphorylation site at the N terminus, was not phosphorylated by protein kinase C α. Creation of a phosphorylation site in the N terminus of the protein (Gly4 → Lys) resulted in a β1γ10G4K dimer which could be phosphorylated. The activities of this βγ dimer were similar to those of the phosphorylated β1γ12 dimer. Thus, phosphorylation of the β1γ12 dimer on the γ subunit with protein kinase C α regulates its activity in an effector-specific fashion. Because the γ12 subunit is widely expressed, phosphorylation may be an important mechanism for integration of the multiple signals generated by receptor activation.
Purification and characterization of phosphoglucomutase from peas

Phosphoglucomutase (EC 2.7.5.1) was isolated from pea seeds (Pisum sativum L. cv. Grenadier) and purified to homogeneity as determined by sodium dodecylsulfate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis. The enzyme was purified by utilizing 25% polyethylene glycol 4000 precipitation, followed by Fractogel-diethyla-minoethyl (DEAE) 650. Fractogel-TSK HW-55(s). and high pressure liquid chroma-tography (HPLC)-(PEI) column chrornatography. The resulting enzyme had a specific activity of 157 units (mg protein)-1. a 152-fold increase over that of the crude plant extract. The molecular weight of the enzyme was 128 to 136 kDa. as determined by native-PAGE and column chromatography, and when it was subjected to SDS-PAGE analysis, it was found to be composed of two subunits having molecular weights ranging from 59 to 64 kDa. Upon SDS-PAGE analysis of a sample purified through HPLC-PEI chromatography. two bands of protein were found: one having a molecular weight of 64 kDa and the other 68 kDa. A pH optimum of 8.6 was found for the enzyme while it was also found that cysleine. Mg2+ and glucose 1.6-bisphosphate were necessary for optimal activity Histidine and imidazole only partially fulfilled the cysteine requirement. A 20-min preincubation period in the absence of glucose 1-phosphate was necessary for optimal activity of the enzyme. Without a preincubation period, there was a pronounced lag preceding the linear portion of the reaction as well as a reduction in the Vmax. An analysis of the kinetics of the reaction showed Km values ot 3.6 × 10−5 and 1.45 × 10−5M for glucose 1-phosphate and glucose 1.6-bisphosphate. respectively. A K. , of 7.3 × 10−5M was obtained for MgCl2.
Antioxidant Status of Vigna mungo L. in Response to Sulfur Nutrition

Black gram (Vigna mungo L. var. DPU-88-31), an edible legume, was grown at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 meq S L−1 to study the effect of deficient and excess level of sulfur on oxidative metabolism. Plants supplied by 4 meq S L−1 showed optimum yield. Sulfur deficient plants (1 and 2 meq S L−1) showed reduction in growth and chlorosis of young leaves. Tissue sulfur and cysteine concentration was increased with increasing sulfur supply. The thresholds for critical concentration of sulfur deficiency and toxicity were 0.315% and 0.434% dry weight. Biomass and photoassimilatory pigments were decreased and carbohydrates (sugar and starch) were accumulated in leaves of sulfur deficient and excess plants. Accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in sulfur deficient and excess plants caused oxidative damage in plants which was also evident by the increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and concentration of ascorbate and nonprotein thiols.
The phytohormone methyl jasmonate as an activator of induced resistance against the necrotroph Alternaria porri f. sp. solani in tomato plants

Abstract Exogenous application of 0.1 mM methyl jasmonate (MeJA) throughout seed soaking or fumigation of seedlings could induce resistance against the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria porri f. sp. solani in tomato. MeJA applied at 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM was found to reduce spore germination and mycelial growth in vitro. This compound at 0.01 and 0.1 mM did not cause toxic responses in the tomato plants; however, ethylene production by seedlings was observed to increase after using of all concentrations. A significant increase in the levels of defense markers such as total phenolics, anthocyanins, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, in response to exogenous MeJA, was observed. Pretreatment of tomato by soaking the seeds in MeJA or treating them with gaseous MeJA efficiently reduced the development of disease caused by Alternaria only when MeJA was applied at 0.1 mM concentration. Seed priming is an easier method of resistance induction than exposure to gaseous MeJA.
An Introduction to a Special Issue on Large‐Scale Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Restoration Research in the Chesapeake Bay: 2003–2008

The Chesapeake Bay is one of the world's largest estuaries. Dramatic declines in the abundance and distribution of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the Chesapeake Bay over the last few decades led to a series of management decisions aimed at protecting and restoring SAV populations throughout the bay. In 2003, the Chesapeake Bay Program established a goal of planting 405 ha of SAV by 2008. Realizing that such an ambitious goal would require the development of large‐scale approaches to SAV restoration, a comprehensive research effort was organized, involving federal and state agencies, academia, and the private sector. This effort differs from most other SAV restoration programs due to a strong emphasis on the use of seeds rather than plants as planting stock, a decision based on the relatively low labor requirements of seeding. Much of the research has focused on the development of tools and techniques for using seeds in large‐scale SAV restoration. Since this research initiative began, an average of 13.4 ha/year of SAV has been planted in the Chesapeake Bay, compared to an average rate of 3.6 ha/year during the previous 21 years (1983–2003). The costs of conducting these plantings are on a downward trend as the understanding of the limiting factors increases and as new advances are made in applied research and technology development. Although this effort was focused in the Chesapeake Bay region, the tools and techniques developed as part of this research should be widely applicable to SAV restoration efforts in other areas.
HYPOGLYCEMIA.

Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood glucose (sugar), is when your blood glucose levels have fallen too low. This is usually less than 70 mg/dl. However, talk to your doctor about your own blood glucose targets, and what level is too low for you. WHEN CAN IT HAPPEN? Low blood glucose can happen if you’ve skipped a meal or snack, eaten less than usual, or been more physically active than usual. If you don’t take steps to bring glucose levels back to normal, you could even pass out. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Each person’s reaction to low blood glucose is different. It’s important that you learn your own signs and symptoms when your blood glucose is low. Signs and symptoms of low blood glucose begin quickly and include: •
GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION OF NEW ZEALAND, MEDITERRANEAN, AND HYBRID DACTYLIS GLOMERATA AFTER SHORT DAY AND TEMPERATURE TREATMENTS

Floral induction was studied in New Zealand and Mediterranean varieties of Dactylis glomerata L. and their hybrids. Treatments of 1 month vernalization, or 1 month of cold short days, or 2 months of warm short days, when followed by long days, induced almost complete heading in the field for most materials. Early dates of heading, many fertile tillers of increased height, and heads of a large and branched type also were induced by these treatments as compared with the untreated control material. Certain cold treatments produced, at early vegetative stages, more growth than the control. It is inferred that earlier attempts to vernalize New Zealand Dactylis plants were unsuccessful because of the restricted root growth in pots and flats. Plant breeding implications concerning heterosis, genotype–environment interactions, and reciprocal differences in hybrids were discussed.
The Ethics of Celebrity–Athlete Endorsement

ABSTRACT Celebrity athletes are a mainstay of popular culture and an increasingly important part of the marketing ecosystem. As product endorsers, they can influence brand attitudes and sales but also have broader societal implications for the firm. The recent string of bad behavior by celebrity athletes raises important ethical questions about firms that use the famous and infamous to endorse branded products. The conceptual framework presented in the current study provides a theoretical approach—based on virtue ethics—for evaluating the retention of tainted celebrity affiliates. This framework is applied to three well-known situations to examine the ethical implications of what initially were good choices for firms, their brands, and their consumers. The overarching goal of this article is to stimulate managers to think more deeply about the interconnections between their core company values, the athlete endorsers they select, and the ultimate effect of those decisions on their brands in the marketplace if things go wrong.
The effects of ethanol, valinomycin and cycloheximide on the endogenous circa‐tidal rhythm of the estuarine amphipod Corophium volutator (Pallas)

The free‐running period of the endogenous rhythm of swimming activity shown by Corophium volutator is unaffected by sea water solutions of ethanol in the 0.001 to 0.05% range but phase delays of up to 130 minutes are observed. The observed phase shift occurs within the first few hours after transfer and the magnitude of the changes is unrelated to the ethanol concentration. The ionophore valinomycin also induces a phase delay, the magnitude of which is inversely proportional to the concentration of the reagent. Phase response curves for ethanol and valinomycin have been calculated following pulsed application of the drugs. Ethanol applied during the early ebb induces a phase delay of about 90 minutes while similar treatment at the time of low water advances the rhythm by 30 minutes. Valinomycin pulses induce phase shifts which are opposite in sign to those produced by ethanol alone. The effects of cyclohexamide are more equivocal, the rhythm persisting in dilute solutions but attenuating rapidly in higher.
Glandular trichomes of Solanum berthaultii alter host preference of the Colorado potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata

Choice and no‐choice studies were conducted to determine how the glandular trichomes of the wild potato, Solanum berthaultii Hawkes, affect host preference of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Given a feeding choice between S. tuberosum and S. berthaultii, larvae and adults preferred the foliage of S. tuberosum, but adults were more discriminating. When foliage of S. berthaultii was appressed to S. tuberosum leaflets, fewer adults fed on the appressed leaflets. When given a choice between ‘trichome‐intact’ and ‘trichome‐removed’ S. berthaultii foliage, adults preferred to feed on the latter. The preference for ‘trichome‐removed’ foliage and the percent of adults initiating feeding, increased with the degree of trichome removal. These studies provide evidence that the resistance of S. berthaultii is associated with feeding deterrents localized in the glandular trichomes, that S. berthaultii possesses more than one mechanism of resistance to the Colorado potato beetle, and that the expression of resistance is dependent on the developmental stage of the insect.
Row spacing and nitrogen: effect on alfalfa-bermudagrass yield and botanical composition

Interseeding perennial legumes into bermudagrass \Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ] sods should increase forage quality. Preliminary research revealed that alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) interseeded into bermudagrass (BG) rapidly reduced BG vigor, possibly because of shading by alfalfa. Grass—legume pastures should contain balanced mixtures for quality maintenance and bloat prevention. It may be possible to manipulate botanical composition with N and row spacing. The objective of this research was to examine effects of these factors on botanical composition and yield of alfalfa-BG swards. We interseeded alfalfa into 'Tifton 44' BG in 20-, 40-, and 60-cm row spacings, and included a non-interseede d check treatment. Experiments were on Norfolk sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Kandiudult) and Cecil sandy clay loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludult) sites. Nitrogen was applied at 0, 112, 224, and 448 kg ha ' yr~'. Yield of BG increased by a factor of 2.06 with 448 kg ha ' of N, compared with 0 N. Alfalfa increased total yields over BG alone, at all but the highest rates of N. Nitrogen increased yields of interseeded plots an average of 11%. Yield increases from N did not result from increased grass percentage. Increasing row spacing decreased yields of interseeded mixtures, but increasing N rate sometimes compensated slightly for wide rows. Nitrogen had no effect or decreased grass percentage, whereas wide row spacing usually increased the grass component. It appears that alfalfa utilized a significant portion of applied N, and that N will not aid in retaining BG in mixtures. Increasing row spacing will aid in retaining grass in mixture, probably through reduced shading of grass.
Maternal Effect on Fatty Acid Composition and Oil Content of Soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merrill 1

Fatty acid composition and oil content of seeds were determined by gas-liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, respectively, for parents and reciprocal crosses of soybeans. It was found that oil content and the fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, and linolenic) of the oil are determined primarily by the genotype of the maternal parent. The pollen parent had little influence on oleic and linoleic acids of seed oil, but in certain crosses the genotype of the male parent influenced the linolenic acid fraction. In these crosses linolenic acid was intermediate between the two parents. The results indicate that selection for oil content or for unsaturated fatty acids based on individual F₂ seed analysis would be ineffective in soybeans, with the possible exception of linolenic acid.
Analytical, Nutritional and Clinical Methods Section Applicability of an improved Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay for evaluation of antioxidant capacity measurements of mixtures

The TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) assay is based on scavenging of 2,2 0 -azinobis-(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6sulfonate) radical anions (ABTS ˇ ). In this report we describe a modification based on pre-generation of the ABTS radical anions with a thermolabile azo compound, 2,2 0 -azobis- (2-amidinopropane)HCl (ABAP). This modification makes the assay less susceptible to artefacts, e.g. influence on the radical generation process. For most antioxidants tested, a biphasic reaction pattern was seen, i.e. a fast and slow scavenging rate. We evaluated application of the assay with both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds with antioxidant capacity. Several organic solvents, compatible with water, were tested with a-tocopherol, quercetin and b-carotene. It was found that the TEACs diAered in various solvents. Under standardized conditions additivity of TEACs obtained from individual antioxidants could be demonstrated. This might enable application of the assay for the identification of ‘‘unknown’’ antioxidants. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Abscisic acid: one of the factors affecting male sterility in Brassica napus

The possible involvement of abscisic acid (ABA) in the expression of male sterility in a genic male sterile (GMS) mutant of rapeseed (Brassica napus) was investigated. Three experimental approaches were used, namely, in vitro culture of young wild type (WT) floral buds, semi-in vivo culture of WT inflorescenes, and an analysis of endogenous ABA levels in various tissues of WT and GMS plants
Effect of soil moisture content on the suppression of Rhizoctonia stem canker on potato by the nematode Aphelenchus avenae and the springtail Folsomia fimetaria

The effect of soil moisture content on the suppression of Rhizoctonia stem canker on potato by mycophagous soil animals was studied in growth chambers. Three soil moisture levels were established in two bioassays, in which potato sprouts grew through a 15-cm soil layer inoculated with sclerotia of Rhizoctonia solani (AG-3). In one experiment two levels of R. solani inoculum were applied. The effect on plant disease of mycophagous soil fauna was assessed by adding the springtail Folsomia fimetaria and/or the nematode Aphelenchus avenae to the soil. In the absence of mycophagous organisms, Rhizoctonia disease severity on potato stems was highest in dry soil. A. avenae and F. fimetaria reduced Rhizoctonia stem canker when applied at populations found in the field. They were effective over a broad range of soil moistures. The stimulatory effect of dry soil conditions on Rhizoctonia stem canker was counteracted by a greater efficacy of the mycophagous soil fauna under these conditions. Mild drought stress did not seem to be a limiting factor in the biological control of stem canker by these two organisms.
Genetic Diversity Patterns in North American Public Soybean Cultivars based on Coefficient of Parentage

The genetic relatedness of North American soybean [Glycine max (L.) (Merr.)] may threaten long-term breeding progress. To alleviate this problem, we propose that breeders diversify applied programs by capitalizing upon genetic patterns that may exist in cultivated germplasm. To date, only one diversity pattern, the well-known North- South distinction, is explained in applied breeding. Our objective was to identify and quantify additional factors influencing diversity in 258 cultivars released by public agencies during 1945 to 1988. We theorized that maturity group effects (MG, as a hybridization restriction factor), location of breeding programs (BP, as a selection factor), and breeder intuition and success factors beyond MG and BP may all influence the soybean cultivar diversity patterns. The patterns of diversity associated with the first two factors, MG and BP, were examined by quantifying average coefficient of parentage (r) within and between MG and BP. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) was applied to the r matrix to produce coordinates for pictorial depiction of MG and BP. To examine the third factor, breeder intuition and success, the MDS coordinates were also subjected to a nonhierarchical cluster analysis that revealed nine major clusters of soybean cultivars. A regression analysis was employed to determine the relative importance of North-South, MG, BP, and cluster patterns in explaining variation in the r matrix. The South-North distinction accounted for only 21% of variability in cultivar relations indicating the presence of other major patterns of diversity. The MG, BP, and clusters independently explained 32, 42, and 57% of the total variation in the cultivar pedigrees. Clusters most efficiently revealed patterns of diversity, and we propose the use of these clusters in the further study and management of soybean diversity. Multidimensional scaling coupled with nonhierarchical cluster analysis was a highly promising approach to the study of diversity.