Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytoremediation: green technology for the clean up of toxic metals in the environment

The contamination of the environment by toxic metals poses a threat for "Man and biosphere", reducing agricultural productivity and damaging the health of the ecosystem. In developed nations, this problem is being addressed and solved to some extent by using "green technology" involving metal tolerant plants, to clean up the polluted soils. The use of naturally occurring metal tolerant plants and the application of genetic manipulation, should hasten the process of transferring this technology from laboratory to field. Therefore, it is essential to investigate and understand how plants are able to tolerate toxic metals and to identify which metabolic pathways and genes are involved in such a process. Recent advances in knowledge derived from the "omics", have considerable potential in developing this green technology. However, strategies to produce genetically altered plants to remove, destroy or sequester toxic metals from the environment and the long-term implications, must be investigated carefully.
β-Estradiol attenuate amyloid β-peptide toxicity via nicotinic receptors

A number of epidemiological studies suggest that estrogen therapy is linked to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of 17beta-estradiol on beta-amyloid (Abeta)-induced toxicity and was performed in rat pheochromocytoma PC 12 cells by measuring the mitochondrial activity. 17Beta-estradiol (10(-5), 10(-6) and 10(-8) M) attenuated Abeta(25-35)-induced toxicity in PC 12 cells. The neuroprotective effect of 17beta-estradiol (10(-5) M) was prevented in the presence of the nicotinic antagonists methyllycaconitine (MLA) and mecamylamine, suggesting an interaction probably via the alpha7 nicotinic receptor subtype. Chronic treatment with 17beta-estradiol (10(-10)-10(-5) M) alone did not change the number of [3H]epibatidine binding sites in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and rat PC 12 cells, but significantly prevented the enhanced [3H]epibatidine binding in nicotine-treated PC 12 cells. This study demonstrates that 17beta-estradiol exerts neuroprotective effects which might involve interaction with the alpha7 nicotinic receptor subtype.
Species Numbers, Density Compensation, and Colonizing Ability of Lizards on Islands in the Gulf of California

The distribution of lizard species and numbers on islands in the Gulf of Cali- fornia was examined in light of island biogeographic theory. Using linear multiple regression techniques with the percent completeness of the island's lizard fauna as the dependent variable (LS), the relationship and predictive power of several island independent variables (in original and transformed forms) were explored. The results of this analysis differed sharply for dif- ferent subsets of islands. The independent variable accounting for the most variance in LS for oceanic islands was island area; their distance from the mainland explained most of the residual variance. For land-bridge islands, maximum island elevation was the most predictive single variable, and island distance was least important. In both these island groups and considering all the islands together, island area, elevation, and the number of perennial plant species were highly correlated and explained little of each others residual variance. On 12 islands, diversity of shrub volume was also measured and was found to have less predictive power than the other variables considered. Life history attributes of each lizard species were gleaned from the literature and com- pared with the respective colonizing abilities of the species. In general, species occurring on many Gulf islands (e.g., Uta stansburiana) may reach high mainland population densities, have potentially high birth rates and high death rates, and may be habitat generalists. Species absent from most islands and most likely to go extinct on land-bridge islands (e.g., Xantusia 'igilis) have the converse of these attributes. The reasons for the divergence of these results and those expected from predictions is discussed. Lizard fauna relaxation times were calculated for land-bridge islands and were found to be inversely related to island area as predicted from island biogeographic theory. Extinction rates for lizards are about one half as high as those calculated for birds and mammals. Timed searches for lizards were also performed on most of the islands and the adjacent Baja California peninsula. These revealed that the numbers of Uta and total lizard numbers were both inversely related to the number of lizard species occupying an island. The probable reasons for such excess density compensation were examined, and it was concluded that differences in predation intensity, insect productivity, and possibly competitive interference account for the extremely high number of lizards on some small isolated islands.
Cranial morphology of Bachia bicolor (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) and its postnatal development

This study describes the adult cranial osteology of the gymnophthalmid lizard Bachia bicolor, and its variation during postnatal development. Descriptions are based on a size series of osteological preparations, including dry skeletons and cleared and double-stained specimens. The adult skull morphology of B. bicolor is similar to that of other gymnophthalmids; however, it shows some particular characters that are convergent with those of several serpentiform lizards. The skull design of B. bicolor has two remarkable structural modifications: (1) the presence of the basisphenoid rostral process by the ossification of the cartilage trabecula communis during postnatal development, and (2) the broad orbitosphenoid bone. The latter is a compound bone (chondral and membranous) that forms part of the anterior braincase floor. Some of the cranial modifications observed in B. bicolor arise during postnatal development, suggesting an important role for possible heterochronic changes. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 152, 775–792.
Oviposition of Black Cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens and Removal of Eggs by Mowing

Oviposition and egg location of black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), removal of eggs by mowing, and survival of eggs on grass clippings were evaluated on a creeping bentgrass, Agrostis palustris Hudson, golf putting green. Caged moths laid similar numbers of eggs on bentgrass maintained at cutting heights of 3.2, 4.8, or 13.0 mm. Nearly all eggs were laid singly on the tips of grass blades. In 3 trials, mowing of plots 48 h after oviposition removed an estimated 75-91 % of the eggs at the 3.2-mm cutting height, and 81-84% at the 4.8-mm cutting height. In another test, 97% of marked eggs on grass blades were recovered on clippings in the mowing basket. Five to 10% of the eggs were dislodged from grass blades by the mower roller. Survival of eggs on grass clippings harvested with the greens mower was as high as 90% in the laboratory and 50% in the field. This study suggests that daily mowing removes most black cutworm eggs from golf putting greens, implying that larger cutworms found on greens may originate from surrounding, high-mowed turf. Disposal of clippings away from greens may be important for reducing reinfestations by crawling larvae.
TOWARDS A THEORY OF NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR

In the beginning was the word! Or was it? The celebration of the word represents the beginning of history-the spoken or written history of man. But long before that beginning people lived, experienced, and communicated, just as a child does long before he or she speaks the first word of his or her native language. This early communication is called preverbal communication because it is not part of a language system and does not have syntax or grammar. Preverbal communication does not cease when language is learned; it continues and becomes a very significant part of our communication, now under the name of nonverbal communication. Without nonverbal communication we would be enormously handicapped in our daily interactions, and we have reason to believe that our society would be vastly different. Nonverbal communication is commonly expressed through various channels. The ones most frequently studied are facial expression, eye gaze, gestures and posture, proxemics and private space, paralinguistics, pheromones, and olefactory cues. Facial expressions, according to Izard,' not only convey information to others, but also reveal information about our mood states to ourselves. Eyegaze is an especially interesting source of information (animals also use it for communication). Exline* has studied it for years, and Argyle3 only recently published an entire book on eye-gaze and mutual gaze. Gestures and postures' have not been studied as thoroughly, but proxemics and private space have been studied by such researchers as Proshansky' and Altman.6 Parlinguistics is the study of contiguity and sound and how sound, without grammar or syntax, can be communicative. Among many others we have also made an intercultural paralinguistic study' of how mood expressions by American students are interpreted by students of different cultures. Pheromones and chemical cues are well known as communication devices among certain animals and insects, and lately also have been studied as human communication devices. Among other chemical agents, a human vaginal sex attractant has been discovered, although not yet isolated. Scientific interest always reflects deeper demands in a society: For five decades in the West a psychoanalytic model held sway that preached great consistency in human behavigr. This in turn was followed by the American do-it-yourself version of Pavlovian behaviorism, which became popular at a time when social values were undergoing vast changes. This school of thought preaces that changes in man can be accomplished rather quickly. The study of nonverbal communication had a phenomenal rise in interest in
The Development and Setting of a Serpulid Worm, Hydroides norvegica Gunnerus (Polychaeta)

Hydroides norvegica larvae were reared to settling in 8-10 days at 20°C. The paired conical processes on the collar setae characteristic of the genera Hydroides and Serpula were developed in the larvae by the sixth day. Settling differed from that recorded for other larvae in that (i) larvae could become attached to surfaces comparatively early in their free-swimming life, (ii) "searching" behaviour followed by settling on a particular locus was not observed, (iii) feeding continued through metamorphosis. The primary operculum of the young worm was formed by modification of the third branchial filament of the left side. Certain identification as H. norvegica could not be made until this had been shed and replaced by a secondary operculum developed from the right side 4-8 weeks after metamorphosis.
Regulation der Genomstabilität durch SUMO- und Ubiquitin-Modifikation von PCNA

Eine akkurate DNA-Replikation ist notwendig, um die Stabilitat der genetischen Information zu gewahrleisten. Dieser Prozess wird durch DNA-Lasionen erschwert, die durch eine Vielzahl von Ursachen entstehen und haufig nicht vor dem Erreichen der S-Phase repariert werden konnen. Nicht nur kann durch Lasionen geschadigte DNA haufig nicht dupliziert werden, angehaltene Replikationsgabeln konnen auch zusammenbrechen und so zu DNA-Strangbruchen fuhren. Die Funktion des RAD6-pathways liegt darin, die Umgehung (Bypass) von DNA-Lasionen wahrend der Replikation zu ermoglichen, wodurch eine Toleranz gegenuber Schadigungen der DNA erreicht wird. In dieser Arbeit wurde die Regulation des RAD6-vermittelten Bypass von DNA-Lasionen durch posttranslationale Ubiquitin- und SUMO-Modifikationen des Replikationsfaktors PCNA untersucht. PCNA bildet einen trimeren Ring um die DNA und verstarkt durch Bindung der replikativen Polymerase deren Assoziation zur DNA und somit die Prozessivitat der Replikation. Als DNA gebundener Faktor des Replikations-komplexes ohne katalytische Aktivitat ist PCNA ideal geeignet, um durch seine Modifikation Replikations-assoziierte Prozesse zu regulieren. Die Ubiquitinierung von PCNA durch Enzyme des RAD6-pathways erfolgt als spezifische Antwort auf DNA-Lasionen wahrend der Replikation und ermoglicht deren Bypass. Dabei bewirken unterschiedliche Ubiquitin-Modifikationen verschiedene Arten des Bypass. Die Mono-Ubiquitin-Modifikation fuhrt zum Einsatz von speziellen Translasions-Polymerasen, die eine grosere Toleranz fur geschadigte DNA haben, aber auch fur die Entstehung von Mutationen verantwortlich sind. Einen mechanistisch anderen Bypass von DNA-Schaden bewirkt die Modifikation von PCNA mit einer Lysin K63-verknupften Multi-Ubiquitinkette. Fur diesen wird wahrscheinlich der neureplizierte, unbeschadigte Schwester-Strang als Vorlage benutzt. Unabhangig von Schadigungen der DNA wird PCNA wahrend der S-Phase zusatzlich mit dem ubiquitin-ahnlichen Protein SUMO modifiziert. Dies fuhrt zu einer Interaktion mit der Helikase Srs2, die als Antagonist zu dem zentralen Rekombinationsprotein Rad51 wirkt. Dadurch wird spezfisch die homologe Rekombination zwischen Schwesterchromatiden an der Rekombinationsgabel inhibiert, nicht jedoch andere Rekombinationsereignisse, wie. z.B. Rekom-bination zwischen homologen Chromosomen. Deshalb ist es wahrscheinlich, dass spezifisch die Replikationsgabel durch PCNA-SUMO-Srs2 geschutzt wird, um schadliche Rekombination oder Rekombinationsstrukturen zu vermeiden, die mit Replikations-assoziierten Prozessen interferieren. Ubiquitin- und SUMO-Modifikation regulieren demnach unabhangige Prozesse. Interessanterweise haben diese aber eine verwandte Funktion im Bypass von DNA-Lasionen wahrend der Replikation. Die Inhibition der Schwesterchromatid-Rekombination durch PCNA-SUMO-Srs2 lenkt den Bypass von DNA-Lasionen in einen durch PCNA-Ubiquitinierung gesteuerten Mechanismus.
Effect of pre‐harvest salicylic acid spray treatment on post‐harvest antioxidant in the pulp and peel of ‘Cara cara’ navel orange (Citrus sinenisis L. Osbeck)

BACKGROUND: Exogenous salicylic acid (SA) pretreatment could change the antioxidant system and maintain the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables, which have a higher ability to withstand oxidation injuries. However, the relationship between a pre-harvest SA spray and post-harvest antioxidant compounds in fruit remains unknown. RESULTS: The post-harvest behaviour of antioxidant compounds in ‘Cara cara’ navel orange (Citrus sinenisis L. Osbeck) fruit was investigated in relation to the pre-harvest SA applications. Pre-harvest SA treatment significantly increased the content of carotenoids (lycopene and α-carotene), ascorbic acid, glutathione, total phenolics, and total flavonoids in the pulp and peel during storage. Furthermore, the values of these antioxidant compounds were high in the fruit treated with high SA concentrations (1.0 and 2.0 mmol L−1). High antioxidant activity was also observed in the SA pre-harvest treated fruit when compared with the control. The positive relationships were found between the antioxidant activity and the content of these active compounds. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that SA could maintain fruit antioxidant activity and nutrition which was shown by the increase in content of antioxidant compounds and suggested that pre-harvest treatment with SA promised a novel technology, which was a substitute for the perplexing programme control of post-harvest nutrition in fruit. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Does sexual reproduction matter for a rare clonal species in frequently disturbed habitats?1

Abstract Sexual reproduction is often considered essential for evolutionary change, with many plants possessing mechanisms to promote outcrossing and produce genetically variable offspring. Many plant species, however, are also capable of asexual reproduction, but its relative role in population dynamics is often overlooked. Given that sexual reproduction depends in part on mate availability and therefore plant density, would asexual reproduction predominate in rare species, especially those found in highly disturbed habitats? To explore this question, we used field and genetic techniques to investigate the reproductive system of a rare, clonal shrub, Spiraea virginiana Britton, which inhabits the frequently disturbed riparian zone. We performed controlled hand pollinations within and among individuals both within and across populations. We also quantified allelic richness and heterozygosity at a locus purported to control self-incompatibility (SI). Hand pollinations resulted in low total fruit production but more infructescences were produced with outcross pollen (20%) than with self-pollen (2.3%). Low allelic richness (2–7 alleles/population) was found at the putative SI-locus; variation at this locus did not correspond directly with the pollination results, suggesting either the SI system is leaky or that the examined SI-locus is not primarily responsible for incompatibility in this species. This study shows that rarity combined with clonality within a highly disturbed habitat may promote a combination of asexual and sexual reproduction. Although sexual reproduction can occur, it may be limited by a scarcity of available mates for S. virginiana, thereby resulting in primarily asexual reproduction in the species.
Seed dispersal, habitat suitability and the distribution of halophytes across a salt marsh tidal gradient

1 The relative importance of seed availability and the post‐dispersal environment in causing the distribution and abundance patterns of five halophytic forbs and a shrub was investigated across a New England salt marsh tidal gradient. Seed traps and soil samples were used to assess the spatial pattern of seed availability across the marsh, and experimental seed additions were performed to examine the effects of tidal elevation and interspecific competition with dominant grasses and rushes on seedling emergence and survivorship.
Comparison of Day Snorkeling, Night Snorkeling, and Electrofishing to Estimate Bull Trout Abundance and Size Structure in a Second‐Order Idaho Stream

Abstract Biologists lack sufficient information to develop protocols for sampling the abundance and size structure of bull trout Salvelinus confluentus. We compared summer estimates of the abundance and size structure of bull trout in a second-order central Idaho stream, derived by day snorkeling, night snorkeling, and electrofishing. We also examined the influence of water temperature and habitat type on day and night counts of bull trout. Electrofishing yielded the largest estimates of abundance of age- 1 and older bull trout. Day snorkeling counts accounted for a mean of 75% and night snorkeling counts a mean of 77% of the fish estimated by electrofishing. Numbers of age- 1 and older bull trout observed during day counts did not differ from numbers observed at night. Water temperatures during underwater surveys were 9–13.5°C. Counts were not influenced by temperatures in this range; however, statistical power of the tests was low. The three sampling techniques yielded similar estimates of the size stru.
Biologically based insecticides for the control of immature Australian mosquitoes: a review

Abstract Our review outlines changes in insecticide usage for mosquito control against Australian mosquitoes, with a focus on biologically based insecticides. The most widely used microbial insecticide is Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis de Barjac (Bti) and it is regularly used in estuaries and freshwater. In comparison, the use of Bacillus sphaericus (Neide) is limited to freshwater. The only insect growth regulator registered for mosquito control in Australia is s-methoprene, and it is used in both estuaries and freshwater. Although biologically based insecticides have been used for more than 10 years, there remains knowledge gaps surrounding the use of specific formulations in specific habitats: for example, VectoBac WG (Bti) and VectoBac G (Bti) in containers containing freshwater, or Altosid pellets (s-methoprene) in ground-pool freshwater habitats. Where broad-scale mosquito control programs have been implemented in Australia, a reduction in the incidence of mosquito-borne disease, mainly Ross River virus, has been recorded. Therefore, the future application of these products is supported. The use of insecticides should be integrated with public education, biological control, physical habitat modification and coupled with spatial risk assessment.
Origin of Macrophages (Hofbauer Cells) in the Stroma of Chorionic Villi : Their Relationship to Yolk Sac Hematopoiesis

The present investigation has been made to elucidate a possible origin of the human placental macrophages. On the 6th week of gestation, ultrastructurally identifiable blood cells in the vascular lumen are almost exclusively primitive erythroblasts, among which there are only a small number of mononuclear cells with poorly developed organelles, large nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio and several microvilli on the cell surface. On immunoelectron microscopy, these cells are positive for FMC 32 monoclonal antibody. In the same stage, numerous macrophages have already appeared in the stroma, most of which stain prominently with the monoclonal antibody. With the lapse of gestation, they gradually become to show positive reactions for HLe-1, PHM 2, PHM 3 and anti-S-100 protein α chain monoclonal antibodies.Electron microscopically, immature mononuclear cells are observed in the vascular lumen of chorionic plate of mouse placenta on 10 days of gestation, while similar cells are confirmed in the yolk sac on 9 days of gestation. On 11 days of gestation, mature macrophages are found in the stroma of chorionic plate. Immunoelectron microscopy has revealed that faintly positive reaction products for F4/80 monoclonal antibody are localized on the cell surface of immature mononuclear cells, whereas the mature macrophages are intensely positive for F4/80 monoclonal antibody. Furthermore, CFU-C assay with LP3-conditioned medium discloses the occurrence of macrophage precursors in the placenta a day after the development of immature macrophages in the yolk sac. These results suggest that the macrophages, including Hofbauer cells, within the stroma of chorionic villi in the early stage of gestation are derived from macrophages or their precursor cells originating in the yolk sac hematopoiesis.
A vertebrate cytokine primer for eco‐immunologists

Summary The field of eco-immunology seeks to address the causes and consequences of natural variation in immune responses. Recently, the development of more immunological resources for nonmodel systems along with the growing availability of genomic data has made it feasible to explore more complex immunological differences in nonmodel systems. Cytokines are small molecular weight proteins that are the major signalling molecules of the immune system. Studies in mice and humans have demonstrated the importance of tightly regulated cytokine signalling, and thus, cytokines may play a major, unexplored role in explaining natural variation in immune responses. In this review, we highlight cytokines that are likely to be important for eco-immunology studies and what is currently known about their presence or absence in the major vertebrate groups. We also explore what types of questions an eco-immunologist might ask involving cytokines and discuss potential ways to measure cytokines in nonmodel systems. Inclusion of cytokines in eco-immunology will advance the field as it will help us to better understand mechanisms behind both natural variation in immune responses and how different taxa respond to immune challenges.