Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Compounds from Brassicaceae: a Beneficial Contribution in our Everyday Diet

Dietary intake of Brassicaceae (Crucifers) provides not only nutrients, but also a highly interesting class of secondary metabolites beneficial to health, known as glucosinolates (GLs). These compounds possess a -D-glucopyranosyl unit connected to a O-sulfated anomeric Z-thiohydroximate function, and a side chain R which is the only variable part of the chemical structure. Up to now, more than 120 naturally-occurring GLs have been carachterized
Steady-state nutrient preconditioning and early outplanting performance of containerized black spruce seedlings

Conventional fertilization of black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) container stock usually does not conform to steady-state nutrient conditions and may limit subsequent outplanting performance. Steady-state nutrient preconditioning of seedlings, characterized by maintaining stable tissue nutrient (N, P, and K) concentrations during the exponential growth phase, was induced by an exponentially based fertilization regime that compensated for low nutrient reserves in germinating seeds. By the end of the greenhouse rotation, this regime reduced the shoot/root ratio of the trees, but fell short of increasing seedling growth and nutrient status when compared with seedlings conventionally fertilized with equivalent amounts of nutrients. However, first-season height growth and shoot biomass of trees outplanted on different surface soils in pot bioassays were significantly improved by steady-state nutrient preconditioning and were accompanied by increased plant nutrient uptake, particularly N at the half-dos.
Detection of genetic diversity of seven maize races from the high central valleys of Mexico using microsatellites.

In Mexico there is a broad diversity of maize. To design schemes of genetic improvement and germplasm con¬servation, this diversity must first be assessed. In this context, an analysis of microsatellites was conducted to estimate the degree of variation and to analyze the structure and genetic diversity of seven maize (Zea mays L) landraces from the High Central Valleys of Mexico (Arrocillo Amarillo, Cacahuacintle, Chalqueno, Conico, Elotes Conicos, Palomero Toluqueno and Purepecha) as well as the teosinte races Chalco [Zea mays ssp. mexicana (Schrader) Iltis] and Balsas [Zea mays ssp. parviglumis (Iltis and Doebley)]. Seed from 107 accessions kept in Mexican germplasm banks was used. We analyzed 31 SSR loci to estimate genetic variation based on the number of alleles per locus, proportion of polymorphic loci and index of expected heterozygosity, and genetic structure using Wright F statistics. Races were grouped based on principal component and cluster analyses. A total of 636 alleles were identified, averaging 20.52 alleles per locus, 92.75% of which were polymorphic loci. Also found were 100 alleles exclusive of some of the studied populations. Occurrence of these alleles was low, representing 16% of the total alleles found. It was determined that 76.3% of the genetic diversity of the cultivated landraces of the High Valleys of Mexico resides within populations and the remaining 23.7% is between populations. Well-defined groups of the races Cacahuacintle and Purepecha, as well as two groups of the Chalqueno race, were observed. The Purepecha race formed a compact group separate from the rest, while a large sample of the Elotes Conicos race group was placed intermediately among one of the groups of the Chalqueno race.
Mechanisms promoting recovery from defoliation in determinate and indeterminate soybean cultivars

The effects of defoliation on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] yield have been widely studied, but the mechanisms promoting recovery from defoliation have not been well understood. This greenhouse study was aimed at determining the recovery mechanisms after defoliation in determinate (Enrei) and indeterminate (Tousan 69) soybean cultivars. Three defoliation treatments (control, 67% and 100%) were applied at the reproductive stage (R2) when all plants had at least one flower in the two uppermost nodes. The effects of defoliation on vegetative growth and yield were determined. The 67% defoliation did not cause a significant reduction in yield, but the yield was markedly reduced at 100% defoliation. The reduction in yield due to complete defoliation was less in Tousan 69 indicating that intermediate soybeans may be more tolerant of defoliation, and consequently insect damage, than determinate ones. The mechanisms promoting recovery from defoliation were different between the two soybean cultivars. The determinate cultivar (Enrei) allocated more biomass to reproductive organs after defoliation, which resulted in less leaf regrowth. Although delayed leaf senescence was found, this was only for the remaining leaves. On the other hand, the indeterminate cultivar (Tousan 69) increased biomass partitioning to leaves through delayed reproductive development, which allowed defoliated plants to product more new leaves. Delayed leaf senescence was prominent for the remaining as well as for the regrowth leaves. Those different mechanisms can result in different compensatory ability and relationship between defoliation and yield loss. Determinate and indeterminate cultivars will, therefore, have different degrees of tolerance to insect damage.
α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Affect Growth Regulation of Human Mesothelioma Cells

This study presents data suggesting that both human mesothelioma (cell lines and human mesothelioma biopsies) and human normal mesothelial cells express receptors for acetylcholine and that stimulation of these receptors by nicotine prompted cell growth via activation of nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Thus, these data demonstrate that: (a) human mesothelioma cells and human biopsies of mesothelioma as well as of normal pleural mesothelial cells express functionally α-7 nicotinic acethlycholine receptors, evaluated by α-bungarotoxin-FITC binding, receptor binding assay, Western blot, and reverse transcription-PCR; (b) choline acetyltransferase immunostaining is present in mesothelioma cells; (c) mesothelioma cell growth is modulated by the cholinergic system in which agonists (i.e., nicotine) has a proliferative effect, and antagonists (i.e., curare) has an inhibitory effect, evaluated by cell cloning, DNA synthesis and cell cycle; (d) nicotine induces Ca+2 influx, evaluated by [45Ca2+] uptake, and consequently activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p90RSK phosphorylation), evaluated by Western blot; and (e) apoptosis mechanisms in mesothelioma cells are under the control of the cholinergic system (nicotine antiapoptotic via induction of nuclear factor-κB complexes and phosphorylation of Bad at Ser112; curare proapoptotic via G0-G1 arrest p21waf-1 dependent but p53 independent). The involvement of the nonneuronal cholinergic system in mesothelioma appears reasonable and open up new therapeutic strategies.
H+-ATPase and H+-transport activities in tonoplast vesicles from barley roots under salt stress and influence of calcium and abscisic acid

Abstract Seedlings of two barley cultivars differing in NaCl sensitivity were treated with low (100 mM) or high (400 mM) concentration of NaCl for 6 days. Tonoplast vesicles were prepared from roots, and H+‐ATPase and H+‐transport activities associated with tonoplast were assayed. Both H+‐ATPase and H+‐transport activities in the two cultivars were increased at 100 mM NaCl. These activities also increased in the salt‐tolerant cultivar at 400 mM NaCl, but in salt‐sensitive cultivar were decreased. In vivo treatment with 10 mM Ca2+ stimulated H+‐ATPase and H+‐transport activities at two levels of NaCl, however, treatment with 105M (±) abscisic acid (ABA) inhibited these activities. From these results we propose that the increase of the vacuolar H+ pumps in barley roots reflects an adaptation to salt stress. The stimulation of HVATPase and H+‐transport activities by calcium (Ca) depends mainly on its effect in maintaining stability of membrane under salt stress.
Book Reviews

myself looking for more depth. For example, given the importance the authors place on goal setting, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and modeling, I was somewhat surprised by the limited attention given to Bandura’s social-cognitive theory and his most recent work on efficacy theory (Bandura, 1997). I was also hoping for more connections between self-directed learning and other models of self-regulated learning (Schunk & Zimmerman, 1998). As a third example, more in-depth comparisons between Dewey, Rogers, and Habermas would have been helpful. Although Garrison and Archer state their purpose is not to document the differences among the three theorists, I found myself asking, why not? For readers like myself who may be unfamiliar with Habermas’s work, more differentiation among the three theorists may have facilitated better understanding. With regard to integrating their model into the adult education literature, again more connections would have been helpful. Although the authors credit Mezirow’s work on critical thinking, they do not distinguish between their own and Mezirow’s work. Nor do they clearly connect their own ideas with Knowles’s work on self-directed learning. As a final critique, I would have liked some discussion about the potential limitations of critical thinking and self-directed learning. McKeachie (2000) recently argued that educators and researchers must consider contexts in which selfregulated learning actually interferes with optimal performance. The possibility that some learning processes might be detrimental in particular situations is not addressed in this book. Overall, the authors meet their goal in providing the reader with enough conceptual information about responsibility, control, critical thinking, and self-regulation so that one can select appropriate teaching methods. The book will not satisfy readers seeking an empirical understanding of Garrison and Archer’s transactional perspective. However, for those wanting to critically examine their own teaching philosophies and strategies, this book provides helpful tools.
Effects of Chemical Deicers on the Growth and Vitality of Lolium perenne L.

Application of chemical deicers in winter ensures road safety, but harms the growth and vitality of vegetation along roadsides. Lolium perenne L. , an important lawn grass, is widely planted in the road slope and central isolation belt in China. To examine effects of different types of chemical deicers, physiological traits of Lolium perenne L. seedlings, such as root-top ratio, biomass, relative water content, chlorophyll, proline and malondialdehyde are measured, under 1g·L -1 、 5g·L -1 10g·L -1 concentrations of chlorine deicer R, nitrate deicer B, organic deicer SA and industrial salt stress. The results show that harmful effects of deicers on biomass increase significantly with increasing concentrations of treatments, and harmful levels of varieties of deicers vary significantly. Organic deicer has less negative impact than inorganic deicers. Industrial salt directly spraying has the greatest impact on the vitality of Lolium perenne L. , resulting in depressing Lolium perenne L. with lower chlorophyll and moisture contents and higher proline and malondialdehyde contents. Chlorine accumulations destroy the osmotic balance and inhibit photosynthesis, resulting in the suppression of plant growth.
Habitat Use by Larval Mosquitoes in West Virginia

Abstract Surveys for larval mosquitoes were conducted in West Virginia from 1992 through 1997. A total of 26 species were identified with the frequency of occurrence for each species determined by elevation category, month of collection and association with one or more of 15 defined larval habitat types (7 sunlit and 8 shaded). Larvae of Anopheles punctipennis, Culex restuans, Cx. territans and Ochlerotatus triseriatus (in rank order) were the most commonly encountered species. Anopheles punctipennis and Cx. territans were more likely to be found at low (<457 m) elevations, whereas Cx. restuans and Oc. triseriatus were more frequently encountered at elevations of 457 to 914 m. Ochlerotatus canadensis first appeared in February, but after May this species was encountered in <1.0% of monthly collections. No other species (with the exception of Oc. triseriatus which first appeared in March) appeared before April. Anopheles punctipennis and Cx. territans larvae were found in the most habitat types (14 of 15) and both, along with Cx. restuans, were significantly more likely to be collected in sunlit conditions. Conversely, the likelihood of encountering Oc. triseriatus was significantly greater in shaded habitats. Precise frequencies of occurrence are given for all 26 mosquito species by elevation category, month of collection and each defined larval habitat type.
Evolutionary and Political Economic Influences On Biological Diversity in African Americans

the sea for transport, the dynamics of the horrific Middle Passage and the seasoning process, and the biological and biocultural readjustments of Africans to enslavement in the Americas. African American human biology has been significantly shaped by selective pressures emanating from the unique and particularly adverse social, economic, and political conditions of this historical lifeworld. These selective constraints have molded the pronounced inherent variation of the ancestral African gene pool, which has also been modified by varying degrees of gene flow (i.e., admixture)
LECTIN FROM Dioclea guianensis var. lasiophylla Duke SEEDS MOBILIZATION DURING GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH IN THE DARK

The behavior of the lectin from Dioclea guianensis var. lasiophylla Duke seeds during germination and seedling development in the dark was studied by hemagglutinating activity determination, affinity chromotography on Sephadex G-50 column and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It was found a delay in lectin mobilization in comparison with the other seed proteins. In fact the lectin polypeptides (α,β and γ chains) were detected until the last day examined (35-day old seedlings). We can speculate that D. guianensis and other legume lectins that exhibit this behavior may, play some important although unknown function (s) during germination and seedling establishment such as plant protection against predators and pathogenic microrganisms. Additional index terms: protein mobilization.
Patterns of Fire Severity and Forest Conditions in the Western Klamath Mountains, California

Abstract: The Klamath‐Siskiyou region of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon supports globally outstanding temperate biodiversity. Fire has been important in the evolutionary history that shaped this diversity, but recent human influences have altered the fire environment. We tested for modern human impacts on the fire regime by analyzing temporal patterns in fire extent and spatial patterns of fire severity in relation to vegetation structure, past fire occurrence, roads, and timber management in a 98,814‐ha area burned in 1987. Fire severity was mapped by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service as low, moderate, and high based on levels of canopy scorch and consumption. We found (1) a trend of increasing fire size in recent decades; (2) that overall fire‐severity proportions were 59% low, 29% moderate, and 12% high, which is comparable to both contemporary and historic fires in the region; (3) that multiaged, closed forests, the predominant vegetation, burned with much lower severity than did open forest and shrubby nonforest vegetation; (4) that considerably less high‐severity fire occurred where fire had previously be absent since 1920 in closed forests compared to where the forests had burned since 1920 (7% vs. 16%); (5) that nonforest vegetation burned with greater severity where there was a history of fire since 1920 and in roaded areas; and (6) that tree plantations experienced twice as much severe fire as multi‐aged forests. We concluded that fuel buildup in the absence of fire did not cause increased fire severity as hypothesized. Instead, fuel that is receptive to combustion may decrease in the long absence of fire in the closed forests of our study area, which will favor the fire regime that has maintained these forests. However, plantations are now found in one‐third of the roaded landscape. Together with warming climate, this may increase the size and severity of future fires, favoring further establishment of structurally and biologically simple plantations.
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Its Clinical Application in the Field of Neuroscience: Advances and Future Directions

Similar to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) detects the changes of hemoglobin species inside the brain, but via differences in optical absorption. Within the near-infrared spectrum, light can penetrate biological tissues and be absorbed by chromophores, such as oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. What makes fNIRS more advantageous is its portability and potential for long-term monitoring. This paper reviews the basic mechanisms of fNIRS and its current clinical applications, the limitations toward more widespread clinical usage of fNIRS, and current efforts to improve the temporal and spatial resolution of fNIRS toward robust clinical usage within subjects. Oligochannel fNIRS is adequate for estimating global cerebral function and it has become an important tool in the critical care setting for evaluating cerebral oxygenation and autoregulation in patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury. When it comes to a more sophisticated utilization, spatial and temporal resolution becomes critical. Multichannel NIRS has improved the spatial resolution of fNIRS for brain mapping in certain task modalities, such as language mapping. However, averaging and group analysis are currently required, limiting its clinical use for monitoring and real-time event detection in individual subjects. Advances in signal processing have moved fNIRS toward individual clinical use for detecting certain types of seizures, assessing autonomic function and cortical spreading depression. However, its lack of accuracy and precision has been the major obstacle toward more sophisticated clinical use of fNIRS. The use of high-density whole head optode arrays, precise sensor locations relative to the head, anatomical co-registration, short-distance channels, and multi-dimensional signal processing can be combined to improve the sensitivity of fNIRS and increase its use as a wide-spread clinical tool for the robust assessment of brain function.
Modelling growth of larval anchovies including diel feeding patterns, temperature and body size

A reliable representation of physiology in models of larval fish is essential to understand how environmental factors affect growth rates. In particular, individual-based models of larval fish typically contain detailed bioenergetic modules that couple energy intake, temperature and body conditions to growth. These modules rely on experimental studies for their formulation and parameterization, although for many species this information is still scattered and a constraint to model development. Here, we develop a bioenergetic model including gut flow, assimilation efficiency and metabolic costs of Engraulis mordax larval anchovy based on available experimental work and field observations, and use it to investigate individual growth under different daily feeding rations and frequencies, and temperature. At satiated feeding and similar temperature-conditions, the model predicts growth rates comparable to field estimates of E. encrasicolus (but higher than observed for E. japonicus), suggesting E. encrasicolus grow near their physiological, temperature-limited rates in the field.
Molecular Basis of the Function of Transcriptional Enhancers

Transcriptional enhancers are major genomic elements that control gene activity in eukaryotes. Recent studies provided deeper insight into the temporal and spatial organization of transcription in the nucleus, the role of non-coding RNAs in the process, and the epigenetic control of gene expression. Thus, multiple molecular details of enhancer functioning were revealed. Here, we describe the recent data and models of molecular organization of enhancer-driven transcription.
EVIDENCE FOR MAEDI-VISNA VIRUS IN MILK EPITHELIAL CELLS OF NATURALLY INFECTED EWES

Epithelial cells (MEC) were isolated from milk of four maedi-visna virus (MVV) infected and two uninfected ewes, cultured in vitro, and their epithelial nature was confirmed by immunocytochemistry with cytokeratin monoclonal antibodies. PCR analysis on MEC DNA confirmed the presence of proviral DNA in half cultures from infected animals. Expression of MVV proteins was shown both by immunocytochemistry using anti-p27 mAbs and by western blot with hyperimmune serum. Supernatants of MEC from infected ewes were showed to contain infectious viruses when assayed on the indicator goat synovial membrane cells (GSM). Furthermore, p27 protein was detected in supernatants of infected MEC suggesting active production of viral particles. No cytopathic effect was noted in MEC cultures from all infected animals; however, cocultivation of MEC with GSM promoted CPE development. These results suggested that MEC of ewes naturally infected with MVV may play an important role in sustaining virus transmission through the milk.
Shift in birch leaf metabolome and carbon allocation during long‐term open‐field ozone exposure

Current and future ozone concentrations have the potential to reduce plant growth and increase carbon demand for defence and repair processes, which may result in reduced carbon sink strength of forest trees in long‐term. Still, there is limited understanding regarding the alterations in plant metabolism and variation in ozone tolerance among tree species and genotypes. Therefore, this paper aims to study changes in birch leaf metabolome due to long‐term realistic ozone stress and to relate these shifts in the metabolism with growth responses. Two European white birch (Betula pendula Roth) genotypes showing different ozone sensitivity were growing under 1.4–1.7 × ambient ozone in open‐field conditions in Central Finland. After seven growing seasons, the trees were analysed for changes in leaf metabolite profiling, based on 339 low molecular weight compounds (including phenolics, polar and lipophilic compounds, and pigments) and related whole‐tree growth responses. Genotype caused most of the variance of metabolite concentrations, while ozone concentration was the second principal component explaining the metabolome profiling. The main ozone caused changes included increases in quercetin‐phenolic compounds and compounds related to leaf cuticular wax layer, whereas several compounds related to carbohydrate metabolism and function of chloroplast membranes and pigments (such as chlorophyll‐related phytol derivatives) were decreasing. Some candidate compounds such as surface wax‐related squalene, 1‐dotriacontanol, and dotriacontane, providing growth‐related tolerance against ozone were demonstrated. This study indicated that current growth‐based ozone risk assessment methods are inadequate, because they ignore ecophysiological impacts due to alterations in leaf chemistry.