Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased root growth in elevated CO2: a biophysical analysis of root cell elongation

A biophysical analysis of root expansion was conducted in four chalk downland herbs (Sanguisorba minor Scop., Lotus corniculatus L., Anthyllis vul-neraria L. and Plantago media L.) exposed to either ambient or elevated CO2in controlled environment cabinets. Measurements of fine (F) and extra-fine (EF) root extension rate (RER), water relations, and cell wall tensiometric extensibility revealed differences in the diurnal pattern of root growth between species. After 35 d of exposure to elevated CO2, RER of both F and EF roots increased significantly in darkness and on illumination for S. minor, whilst for A. vulneraria (EF roots only) and L. corniculatus a significant increase occurred at night whereas for P. media a significant increase occurred during the day. Cells measured in the zone of elongation were longer in all species exposed to elevated CO2. Water potential ({Psi}), solute potential ({Psi}), turgor pressure (P), yield turgor (Y) and effective turgor (Pe) were measured by stress-relaxation of excised root tips placed in psychro-meters. Solute potentials decreased significantly for all species following exposure to elevated CO2. In S. minor and L. corniculatus, P and Pe, respectively, were higher in elevated CO2. No significant effects of CO2 on Y were observed (not shown). Root cell wall tensiometric extensibility, measured as % plasticity, increased in all species exposed to elevated CO2. These results suggest that root growth is enhanced following increased cell expansion and that increased P and cell wall tensiometric extensibility are both important for root growth in elevated CO2.
Status of Wintering Waterbirds at Selected Locations in China

Abstract. Wetlands are under enormous pressure due to rapid economic development in China. Waterbirds, which depend on wetlands, are therefore facing a dramatic threat. Surveys were conducted in 19 Provinces in the winters of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013. Sites that support internationally important numbers of waterbirds were selected. Seven sites that support 20,000 or more waterbirds and 48 sites that support more than 1% of the global or flyway population of at least one species were found in our survey. Ten (20.8%) of these sites were protected and 10 (20.8%) had no protection. Eight of the 10 unprotected sites were located along coastlines. Of 16 coastal wetland sites, 43.8% were unprotected. The protection of wintering sites of waterbirds should be made a priority and more wetland sites, especially coastal wetland sites, should be protected. Additionally, an intensive site survey should be conducted to gain comprehensive knowledge of the distribution of wintering waterbirds in China to better protect waterbirds and their habitats.
Fate of organochlorine (14)C-dicofol in a lab-scale wastewater treatment.

The fate of organochlorine 14C-dicofol in activated sludge process was investigated. Results showed that the major part of radioactivity remained adsorbed on biological sludge. Consequently, its final disposal deserves special attention. The small amounts of dicofol, biotransformed or not, which remained in the treated effluent could contaminate receiving bodies.
Window Patterns in Lithops

Leaves of three Lithops species, Lithops hookeri turbiniformis, Lithops dinteri, and Lithops frederice fulviceps Aurea, were analyzed for types of window patterns. That of L. hookeri turbiniformis is reticulated, with marginally opened polygons that are exactly the same as Voronoi diagrams, objectively defined areas around points in a field of points. The centers of these polygonal areoles are associated with vein endings, and from this association, it was concluded that the latter determines the former. The window pattern of L. dinteri is similar to that of L. hookeri turbiniformis but is far less clear in terms of reticulation. It also has vein endings associated with areole centers. Leaf windows of L. frederice fulviceps Aurea have numerous large single-celled idioblasts instead of reticulation, and they are negatively associated with veins. The role of veins in development is discussed, with special emphasis on forming window patterns described here.
Causes for the Persistence of Impact Factor Mania

Published 3 June 2014 Citation Casadevall A, Fang FC. 2014. Causes for the persistence of impact factor mania. mBio 5(3):e01342-14. (Erratum.) doi:10.1128/mBio.01342-14. Copyright © 2014 Casadevall and Fang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license, which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Address correspondence to Arturo Casadevall, arturo.casadevall@einstein.yu. edu. ERRATUM
Biologie et étude ultrastructurale des spermatozoïdes du cnidaire Clytia hemispherica (Leptomedusae): mise en évidence d'un processus acrosomal

Mature sperm of Clytia hemispherica were studied by electron microscopy in the gonads, at their exit from the gonads, and at fertilization. The presence of an acrosomal complex at their anterior pole, which has long been a subject of controversy in cnidarians, was demonstrated. A chemoattractant and an inductor of the acrosomal reaction, both released at the animal pole of the eggs, were responsible for the accumulation of spermatozoons and the formation of the acrosomal process. A striated rootlet extending from the pericentriolar region to the plasma membrane was described, and its possible relationship to positive chemotaxis discussed. Ultrastructural modifications of the testes induced by light, a factor controlling spermiation, were investigated.
Livestock utilisation of grass species at different distances from water on both traditional cattle post and ranch management systems in Botswana

Individual forage species were appraised in varying distances along transects radiating from the water points of the ranch and traditional cattle post management systems. Measurements of plant height were used to assess the degree of forage species utilisation by livestock around water points. Livestock use forage plants more heavily near water points and the degree of use is more pronounced in the traditional cattle post areas, compared to ranch grazing. Utilisation of annual plants occurring at the 0m zone from water was greater than that of the same plant species growing at further distances. Periodic closure of water points aimed at reducing grazing pressure has been indicated as a method to promote production of forage around water points. With the exception of Panicum maximum, the abundance of which was low or non-existent in both management systems, Digitaria eriantha was the most utilised grass by livestock, followed by Schmidtia pappophoroides and Eragrostis lehmanniana. Stipagrostis uniplumis, one of the dominant grasses in the Kalahari Sandveld, exhibited a weak tendency to decline as distance from water increased. It was observed that high forage utilisation rates coincide with drought periods, implying that correct stocking rate adjustments should always match the available forage. Forage utilisation from water points in the traditional cattle post areas extended beyond 4 000m, especially during the dry periods.
Three New Species of Salacia from Mesoamerica (Celastraceae, Salacioideae)

Abstract Three new species of Salacia L. from Mesoamerica (Celastraceae, Salacioideae) are described from Panama. Salacia macrocremastra Lombardi is characterized by its very long pedicels to 50 mm, large flowers to 19 mm diam. , and slightly bullate, elliptic leaves with a rounded base. Salacia mennegana J. Hedin ex Lombardi is distinguished by its buds with the calyx initially truncate and lobes that grow as the flower expands during anthesis, open inflorescences, annular disk, and ellipsoid fruits. Salacia panamensis Lombardi can be recognized by its closed calyx with lobes that are irregular in bud and that tear apart as the flower opens, and its annular-pulvinate, slightly pentagonous disk with outer margin flattened.
Endogenous Levels of Polyamines under Water-Deficit Stress during Cotton’s Reproductive Development

Polyamines, putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM) are implicated in plants’ responses under conditions of abiotic stress. Previous research in other crops has indicated that polyamines and changes in their concentrations are associated with drought tolerance under conditions of water-deficit stress; however, no information exists on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Growth chamber experiments were conducted with two cotton cultivars differing in drought tolerance, ST5288B2F (drought-sensitive) and Siokra L23 (drought-tolerant) in order to investigate the distribution of free polyamines, the effect of water-deficit stress on the polyamine metabolism of cotton reproductive units and their subtending leaves as well as the possible relationship between polyamines and drought tolerance in cotton. Our results showed that cotton ovaries contained significantly higher levels of total free polyamines compared to their subtending leaves under both control and water stress conditions. Water-deficit stress significantly increased PUT concentrations in ST5288B2F, while SPM levels significantly decreased in Siokra L23. The results indicated that water-deficit stress significantly affected cotton polyamine metabolism in reproductive structures and their subtending leaves; however, no clear relationship between drought-tolerance and changes in polyamine accumulation was established. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism according to which water-deficit stress affects polyamine metabolism.
INTRASPECIFIC VARIATION IN POLLEN-OVULE RATIOS AND NECTAR SECRETION-PRELIMINARY EVIDENCE OF ECOTYPIC ADAPTATION'

Because pollen-ovule ratios (P/O's) reflect the predictability of pollinators in a habitat and the efficiency of pollination, large intraspecific differences in P/0's suggest differences in pollinator numbers and/or their efficiency. Plants of Heracleum lanatum, which is andromonoecious, from forests have larger percentages of male flowers than those outside of forests, hence a higher P/0. This difference is associated with differences in the kinds of flower visitors. I suggest the pollen removal by small bees that forage on Heracleum in but not outside the woods may be the selective force that accounts for the larger percentage of male flowers of woods plants. In andromonoecious Caesalpinia the percentage of hermaphroditic flowers in a population ranges from 8-83%, and appears to be ecotypically adapted to levels of pollinator, i.e., butterfly, activity. Nectar secretion is continuous and is the key to successful reproduction, especially in populations with low pollinator activity. Pollination is proportional to foraging time and a function of the pollen carried. The amount of nectar in the flowers reflects pollinator activity; thus in low activity populations there will be more nectar and visits will be longer, thus increasing the likelihood of pollination. Because there are large numbers of male flowers in such populations the pollinators presumably carry more pollen, which also increases the likelihood of pollination. In populations with high pollinator activity large numbers of visits balance the shortness of individual visits. A consequence of this balanced system is that the fecundity of hermaphroditic flowers in quite dissimilar populations is equivalent. Deviations from predicted levels of seed set and fruit set are consistent with below normal levels of pollinator activity. Nectar production in two populations of Calliandra anomala are quite different, with a high elevation population producing far less nectar than a lower elevation population. The low rate of nectar production in the high elevation population is undoubtedly an adaptation that forces the pollinators, i.e., hawkmoths, to visit large numbers of flowers to obtain sufficient nutrients, thus increasing fruit set and maximizing fecundity. The breeding system and pollination biology of Leonotis nepetaefolia are used to explain the distribution of this African plant in Mexico, where it is a roadside weed.
Phytogenic feed additives in piglets challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium

The effects of phytogenic feed additives on piglet performance and fecal score (FDD), as well as on lipid oxidation of pork meat were evaluated. One hundred and twenty crossbred weaned piglets were randomly assigned to six treatments according to a 2 × 3 factorial design with five replicates per treatment. Factors were: challenge with Salmonella Typhimurium at 35 days of age or no challenge, and three different additives (control (CTR), basal diet; phytogenic feed additives (PHY), basal diet plus 2000 ppm of phytogenic feed additives - Rosmarinus officinalis, Mentha piperita, Lippia sidoides and Porophyllum ruderale; and antimicrobial agent (ATB), basal diet plus 100 ppm of tylosin, 2000 ppm of zinc and colistin sulfate, 30 ppm in the pre-starter basal diet, 10 ppm in the starter basal diet I and II, and 5 ppm in growth and finishing basal diet). Body weight (BW) of the piglets of ATB was greater throughout the experimental period, without any differences detected between CTR and PHY. Nevertheless, from 96 to 106 days of age, the BW of the CTR group was greater than PHY. From 21 to 34 days of age, feed conversion of ATB was lower than CTR; however, PHY showed an intermediate result, which did not differ from either ATB or CTR. Challenged animals reduced feed intake from day 35 to 48 compared with unchallenged animals. Piglet performance and fecal score from 21 to 48 days of age were lower in piglets that received ATB compared with the other treatments. However, from 35 to 48 days of age, the FDD of PHY was lower than CTR. Lipid oxidation was not reduced in treated animals. Antimicrobial agent improved the growth performance of piglets until 63 days of age, and no difference was observed between the treatments from 64 to 131 days of age. Antimicrobial agent reduced FDD; the FDD of PHY was similar to that of ATB after 48 days. None of the treatments affected lipid oxidation of pork meat.
An Acridinium Ester for Determination of Serum Arylesterase Activity in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Paraoxonase (PON) is a hydrolyase correlated with many chronic diseases. The use of 9-(4-chlorophenyloxycarbonyl)-10-methylacridinium triflate ester (CPOCMA) as a substrate for determination of serum arylesterase PON activity had been reported. It is meaningful to compare this substrate with phenyl acetate further with serum samples of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD, n=104). Correlations of PON arylesterase activity with CHD and also with age were analyzed. There was no significant difference in serum arylesterase activity (based on the CPOCMA or the phenyl acetate) between of the CHD inpatients and controls at same age level (45-60 years old). Statistically negative correlation of serum PON CPOCMAase activity (p=0.020) but not the activity based on phenyl acetate (p>0.05) with age was observed. Based on the both substrates, significant decrease in PON activity was found in the old CHD inpatients (≥60 years old), compared with that in the young CHD inpatients (<60 years old), or with that in the young controls. The methods based on CPOCMA substrate and based on the phenyl acetate demonstrated consistent results in correlation with CHD, but different results in correlation of PON activity with age.
The “sweet” side of a long pentraxin: how glycosylation affects PTX3 functions in innate immunity and inflammation

Innate immunity represents the ﬁrst line of defense against pathogens and plays key roles in activation and orientation of the adaptive immune response.The innate immune system comprises both a cellular and a humoral arm. Components of the humoral arm include soluble pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns and initiate the immune response in coordination with the cellular arm, therefore acting as functional ancestors of antibodies.The long pentraxin PTX3 is a prototypic soluble PRM that is produced at sites of infection and inﬂammation by both somatic and immune cells. Gene targeting of this evolutionarily conserved protein has revealed a non-redundant role in resistance to selected pathogens. Moreover, PTX3 exerts important functions at the crossroad between innate immunity, inﬂammation, and female fertility. The human PTX3 protein contains a single N-glycosylation site that is fully occupied by complex type oligosaccharides, mainly fucosylated and sialylated biantennary glycans. Glycosylation has been implicated in a number of PTX3 activities, including neutralization of inﬂuenza viruses, modulation of the complement system, and attenuation of leukocyte recruitment. Therefore, this post translational modiﬁcation might act as a ﬁne tuner of PTX3 functions in native immunity and inﬂammation. Here we review the studies on PTX3, with emphasis on the glycan-dependent mechanisms underlying pathogen recognition and crosstalk with other components of the innate immune system.
EVOLUTION OF MONOGAMY IN TERMITES

Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of lifetime monogamy in the Isoptera. The classic explanation is that (1) the male must be present to continually provide sperm for the vast number of eggs produced by the queen (Snyder, 1924: Brian, 1983). Thornhill & Alcock (1983) proposed that (2) synchrony in the availability of receptive females necessitates mate guarding; males subsequently gain if they improve the relative reproductive success of their sole partner.
Growth inhibition of the cereal root pathogens Rhizoctonia solani AG8, R. oryzae and Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici by a recombinant 42-kDa endochitinase from Trichoderma harzianum

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 42-kDa endochitinase coded by the ThEn42 gene from Trichoderma harzianum as a potential source of transgenic resistance to Rhizoctonia root rot of barley caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG8 and/or R. oryzae. The gene cThEn42 was codon optimized (GC content increased from 53.3 to 65.1%) and then synthesized to produce the modified cThEn42GC in Pichia pastoris for in vitro tests. Two expression vectors were constructed: one with the fungal signal peptide and the fungal activation peptide [FSP-FAP-cThEn(GC)] and the other with barley chitinase 26 signal peptide followed by the fungal signal and activation peptides [SP(HVChi26)-FSP-FAP-cThEn(GC)]. N-terminal sequencing showed that, of two proteins secreted into liquid medium, FSP was cleaved off faithfully in one protein and both FSP and FAP were cleaved from the other protein. Purified endochitinase provided strong in vitro inhibition of both R. solani AG8 and R. oryzae. The enzyme had an intermediate inhibitory activity against Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, and no inhibitory activity against Fusarium graminearum, F. pseudograminearum, and F. culmorum.
Glycine Signaling in the Framework of Dopamine-Glutamate Interaction and Postsynaptic Density. Implications for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) or suboptimal response to antipsychotics affects almost 30% of schizophrenia (SCZ) patients, and it is a relevant clinical issue with significant impact on the functional outcome and on the global burden of disease. Among putative novel treatments, glycine-centered therapeutics (i.e. sarcosine, glycine itself, D-Serine, and bitopertin) have been proposed, based on a strong preclinical rationale with, however, mixed clinical results. Therefore, a better appraisal of glycine interaction with the other major players of SCZ pathophysiology and specifically in the framework of dopamine – glutamate interactions is warranted. New methodological approaches at cutting edge of technology and drug discovery have been applied to study the role of glycine in glutamate signaling, both at presynaptic and post-synaptic level and have been instrumental for unveiling the role of glycine in dopamine-glutamate interaction. Glycine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a critical role in both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. In caudal areas of central nervous system (CNS), such as spinal cord and brainstem, glycine acts as a powerful inhibitory neurotransmitter through binding to its receptor, i.e. the Glycine Receptor (GlyR). However, glycine also works as a co-agonist of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission. Glycine concentration in the synaptic cleft is finely tuned by glycine transporters, i.e. GlyT1 and GlyT2, that regulate the neurotransmitter's reuptake, with the first considered a highly potential target for psychosis therapy. Reciprocal regulation of dopamine and glycine in forebrain, glycine modulation of glutamate, glycine signaling interaction with postsynaptic density proteins at glutamatergic synapse, and human genetics of glycinergic pathways in SCZ are tackled in order to highlight the exploitation of this neurotransmitters and related molecules in SCZ and TRS.
Play to Win: Action Video Game Experience and Attention Driven Perceptual Exploration in Categorization Learning

Categorization learning is a fundamental and complex cognitive ability. The present EEG study examined how much action video gamers differ from non-gamers in the usage of visual exploration and attention driven perceptual analyses during a categorization learning task. Seventeen healthy right-handed non-gamers and 16 healthy right-handed action video gamers performed a visual categorization task with 14 ring stimuli, which were divided into two categories. All stimuli had the same structure but differed with respect to their color combinations and were forming two categories including a prototype, five typical stimuli and one exception. The exception shared most similarities with the prototype of the opposite group. Prototypes and typical stimuli were correctly categorized at an early stage of the experiment, whereas the successful categorization of exceptions occurred later. The behavioral data yield evidence that action video gamers perform correct categorizations of exceptions earlier than non-gamers. Additionally, groups differed with respect to differential expressions of the attention related P150 ERP component (early perceptual analysis) and the N170 ERP component, which reflected differential processing demands for the stimulus material. In comparison to non-gamers, the analyses of the eye movements yield for action video gamers different, more central fixations possibly indicating covert peripheral processing. For both groups fixations as well as saccades decrease and in the case of exceptions, one of the two segments that are decisive for correct categorization shows higher fixation rates at the end of the experiment. These findings indicate for both groups a learning process regarding the stimulus material. Regarding the group differences, we interpret the results to indicate that action video gamers show a different stimulus exploration, use an enhanced early perceptual analysis of the stimulus material and therefore may detect changes in objects faster and learned the belonging of the stimuli to their categories in an earlier trial phase.