Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of arbuscule development and degeneration in onion, bean, and tomato with reference to vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizae in grasses

A quantitative light and electron microscopic study of developing and degenerating arbuscules of the vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus fasciculatum in onion, bean, and tomato was carried out to estimate three parameters during the colonization cycle and to compare these parameters with those in maize, oats, and wheat. The parameters are (i) Vv(a,c) the fraction of the host cell volume (c) occupied by the arbuscule (a); (ii) VV(cy,c) the fraction of the host cell volume occupied by host cytoplasm (cy); and (iii) SV(p,c) the ratio of the surface area of the host protoplast (p) to the volume of the whole host cell. Uninfected cortical cells contained 3.4% cytoplasm in onion, 3.1% in bean, and 3.5% in tomato. In cells with mature arbuscules, cytoplasm increased to 9.9% in onion, 14.2% in bean, and 13.6% in tomato. Cells with mature arbuscules contained 11.4% fungus in onion, 20.3% in bean, and 20.5% in tomato. The initial SV(p,c) in onion was 0.10 μm2/μm3 and in bean and tomato 0.11 μm2/μm3. This.
Sea Temperatures and the Availability of Albacore off the Coasts of Oregon and Washington

Abstract Wide variations exist in landings of albacore (Thunnus germo) in Oregon and Washington. In 1944, Oregon and Washington landings reached 34 million pounds, but dropped to 0.6 million ponnds a decade later. Variations in landings may be a result of fluctuations in availability. Distribution of albacore along the North American coast is known to be influenced by sea temperatures. Although weather conditions and economic factors are reflected in Oregon-Washington landing statistics, it may be that annual variations in sea surface temperatures are also affecting the success of the fishery by varying availability to the fishermen. Relationship between sea surface temperatures and landings was investigated for the years 1947-60. In years of above-normal temperatures, landings were, in general, significantly greater than in years of below-normal temperatures. Whereas warm water did not insure a good fishery, widespread cold water was detrimental to success of the fishery. The data suggest that in June, i.
Requirement of Yeast DNA Polymerase δ in Post-replicational Repair of UV-damaged DNA*

DNA lesions in the template strand pose a block to the replication machinery. Replication across such lesions may occur by a mutagenic bypass process in which a wrong base is inserted opposite the lesion or may involve processes that are relatively error-free. Genetic studies in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have indicated the requirement ofREV3-encoded DNA polymerase in mutagenic bypass. The DNA polymerase responsible for error-free bypass, however, has not been identified, but genetic studies implicating proliferating cell nuclear antigen in this process have suggested that either DNA polymerase δ or DNA polymerase ε may be involved. Here, we use temperature-sensitive (ts) conditional lethal mutations of the S. cerevisiae POL2 and POL3 genes, which encode DNA polymerase ε and δ, respectively, and show that post-replicational bypass of UV-damaged DNA is severely inhibited in the pol3-3 mutant at the restrictive temperature. By contrast, the pol-2-18 mutation has no adverse effect on this process at the restrictive temperature. From these observations, we infer a requirement of DNA polymerase δ in post-replicative bypass of UV-damaged DNA.
Genetic diversity analysis of Myristica and related genera using RAPD and ISSR markers

Genetic diversity among seven species of Myristica, two of its related genera and an unidentified species was analyzed using 46 PCR markers (30 RAPD and 16 ISSR). This is the first study on molecular genetic diversity of the rare, endangered and endemic Myristica species and its related genera. RAPD and ISSR analyses yielded 497 and 262 bands with 98.1% and 97.3% polymorphism, respectively. By combining markers, a total of 759 bands were detected of which 743 (97.8%) were polymorphic with an average of 16.1 bands per primer. High level of existing genetic variability was evident from the high percentage of polymorphism. Combined analysis of RAPD and ISSR markers resulted in better distinction of species. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) indicated that both the marker systems are effective in detecting polymorphism either individually or in combination. Similarity coefficient (Jaccards) varied from 0.22 to 0.62 when markers were combined and the pattern was similar to RAPD with a high Mantel matrix correlation (r=0.95). Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCA) conformed to cluster analyses. First three most informative PC components explained 51.1%, 49.3% and 46.5% of total variation. A maximum similarity of (63%) was observed between Gymnocranthera canarica and the unidentified species of Myristica. Knema andamanica and Myristica prainii were found to be the most distinct (17.7%). Similarities at molecular level were close to either the morphological traits (mace and fruit/seed characters) or the geographical location. Species specific bands could be identified from all the accessions under study, which has the potential for development into SCAR (Sequence Characterised Amplified Region) markers for genotype fingerprinting or development of specific DNA probes for identification and authentication.
Effects of Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) Cover Crop and Banded Herbicides on Weeds, Grain Yield, and Economic Returns in Corn (Zea mays)

ABSTRACT A two-year field study was conducted during 2002-2003 on a Dundee silt loam soil, Stoneville, MS, to examine the effects of hairy vetch cover crop (HV-D, hairy vetch desiccated at corn planting; HV-B, hairy vetch desiccated in a 38-cm band over crop row at corn planting; and no hairy vetch) and preemergence (PRE) plus postemergence (POST) herbicides applied broadcast and banded on weed control, yield, and economic return in corn. Atrazine plus metolachlor were applied PRE and POST. Bentazon in 2002 and carfentrazone in 2003 were applied in mixture with atrazine plus metolachlor POST. More hairy vetch dry biomass was present in the HV-B system (2,941 kg/ha) than in the HV-D (1,397 kg/ha) and no hairy vetch (0 kg/ha) systems at 7 wk after planting corn (WAP). Live and desiccated hairy vetch in HV-B and HV-D systems suppressed pitted morning glory compared with no hairy vetch at 7 WAP. Densities of barnyardgrass, carpetweed, smooth pigweed, or yellow nutsedge were not reduced in HV-D and HV-B systems compared with no hairy vetch. Hairy vetch cover crop residue in HV-D and HV-B systems had no effect on total weed dry biomass at 7 WAP compared with no hairy vetch. Corn yields were higher in the HV-D system, regardless of herbicide treatment, and the HV-B with broadcast-applied PRE plus POST herbicide treatment compared with no hairy vetch treatments in 2003. Corn yields were similar with band- and broadcast-applied PRE plus POST herbicides when no hairy vetch or all hairy vetch was desiccated at planting (HV-D). Higher costs associated with hairy vetch were offset by higher corn yields in the HV-D system compared with no hairy vetch in 2003, as net returns were similar in both systems. Applying PRE plus POST herbicides in a band resulted in similar net returns as broadcast herbicide application in the no hairy vetch and HV-D systems. These findings indicate that hairy vetch cover crop had little effect on reducing densities of weed species studied, higher costs associated with cover crops can be negated with higher corn yields, and herbicide inputs can be reduced by applying herbicides in a band vs. broadcast without reducing corn yields or economic returns.
RNA synthesis in synchronously growing populations of HeLa S3 cells. I. Rate of total RNA synthesis and its relationship to DNA synthesis

The rate of RNA synthesis in synchronously growing HeLa S3 cells was determined as a function of position in the cell generation cycle. Measurements throughout the cycle of both the rate of incorporation of radioactively‐labeled uridine and of the total amount of RNA indicate that (1) the rate of RNA synthesis is constant (or increases only slightly) during G1, approximately doubles during the first half of S, and then remains constant during the remainder of S and G2, and (2) cells attain the average G1 rate of RNA synthesis very early in G1, and maintain the average G2 rate until mitosis.
Revision of Pilargis de Saint‐Joseph, 1899 (Annelida, Polychaeta, Pilargidae)

Pilargis de Saint‐Joseph, 1899 includes seven species and one subspecies: P. berkeleyae Monro, 1933, P. maculata Hartman, 1947, P. modesta Intes and le Loeuff, 1975, P. mohri Gallardo, 1968, P. papillata Rasmussen, 1973, P. tardigrada (Webster, 1879), P. verrucosa de Saint‐Joseph, 1899, and P. verrucosa pacifica Uschakov, 1955. Two species (P. verrucosa and P. berkeleyae) have been recorded from widespread localities. However, no comparison with type material has been done, and there might be some different forms under the same name. We have reviewed all the available type material in order to clarify the taxonomy of this group. A critical analysis of morphological features and a standardization of their structure and variability have been attempted. Six species are redescribed, one species is characterized after published accounts, and one subspecies is elevated to species. Four are described as new: Pilargis angeli n. sp. , P. cholae n. sp. , P. rozbaczyloi n. sp. , and P. wolfi n. sp. Three others based on damaged material are briefly characterized. A key for Pilargis species is included.
Population Dynamics in Variable Environments. VII. The Demography and Evolution of Iteroparity

A dynamic analysis is presented of the manner in which survival rates and reproductive schedules evolve in variable environments. This approach accounts for (1) age structure, (2) density-independent fluctuations in vital rates, (3) life histories of arbitrary length, (4) variance and covariance of vital rates, and (5) an incorporation of genotypic differences in life history. The results indicate that there is no general advantage to a more iteroparous life history in a variable environment and that the direction of evolution depends on the absolute amount of environmental variation and the correlation structure of the vital rates. Analysis of "indifference" curves also indicates that there is considerable potential for neutral evolution with respect to life history, given genotypic differences in environmental sensitivity. We suggest two nonexclusive partial answers to Cole's paradox. One is that the magnitude of environmental variability and the correlation structure of vital rates cause short-lived, early-reproducing semelparous life histories to be disadvantageous within populations. The other answer is that, if stochastic growth rates are nonnegative, such life histories have higher extinction rates when their stochastic growth rates equal those of more-iteroparous life histories, given that all the life histories share a constraint on the average life history.
Case Studies on the Flow and Supply of Nitrogen in Alternative Farming in Sweden. I. Skilleby-Farm 1981–1987

ABSTRACT Case studies examining nitrogen supply dynamics were carried out on two biodynamic farms in Sormland (for a 7 year rotation period on one farm and 3 years on the other) and on one biodynamic farm in Skane (for 3 years) in Sweden. Each of the farm locations had a different set of climatic and soil conditions. Two conventional farms, one with and one without livestock, served as controls in each of the two areas. In this paper results from the biodynamic farm in Sormland are presented. Changes in soil mineral nitrogen, nitrogen uptake by the crop and productivity were studied in relation to previous crops, crop rotations, and nitrogen fixation. A nitrogen balance and flow of nitrogen in the farm ecosystem is presented. For a farm to meet its nitrogen needs without resorting to the use of artificial fertilizers requires that nitrogen be effectively recycled within the farm with only small losses; that enough nitrogen-fixing crops be cultivated (legumes on a third of the area in the circulation); and.
Response of Archaeal Community Structure to Environmental Changes in Lakes on the Tibetan Plateau, Northwestern China

To study how archaeal community responds to environmental changes, we investigated archaeal community structures in waters of three Tibetan saline lakes in northwestern China (Gahai, Xiaochaidan, and Charhan Lakes) with 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis. Temperature, pH, and water chemistry (major anions and cations) of the lakes were measured. Three archaeal clone libraries were constructed with a total of 297 sequences. Incorporating our previous data obtained from other lakes on the Tibetan Plateau, we performed statistical analyses to identify dominant environmental parameters that could account for the observed variations in archaeal community structure. We concluded that salinity and water chemistry (Na and bicarbonate concentration in particular) played an important role in shaping archaeal community. In particular, the relative abundance of archaeal 16S rRNA genes affiliated with the Halobacteriales of the Euryarchaeota increased with salinity, whereas that of crenarchaeotal 16S rRNA gene sequences showed the opposite trend. Crenarchaeotal 16S rRNA gene sequences were retrieved from lake waters with salinity up to 28.3%. These results have important implications for our understanding of response of archaeal community to environmental changes in high-altitude lake ecosystems.
(R)‐Lactyl‐CoA dehydratase from Clostridium propionicum

1 A new two-step method for purifying component EII of lactyl-CoA dehydratase was developed. The source fo the enzyme was Clostridium propionicum grown on either d,l-alanine or l-threonine. No difference in these preparations was observed whether during purification or by SDS/PAGE of the pure enzymes. Bothe preparations exhibited similar activities towards (R)-lactyl-CoA as well as towards (R)-2-hydroxbutyryl-CoA, the latter being the superior substrate. 2 Three species of (2R)-2-hydroxybutyrate labelled with 3H at C3 were prepared containing 96%, 37% and 63% of the 3H in the 3S-position. By incubation of these species with acetyl-CoA, propionate CoA-transferse and lactyl-CoA dehydratase 104%, 32% and 70% of the 3H, respectively, was released as 3HOH. The data indicate the stereospecific abstraction of the 3Si hydrogin of (2R)-2-hydroxybutyryl-CoA during the dehydration. 3 The identity of the product of the dehydration as crotonyl-CoA was established by the combined action of the enzymes crotonase and (S)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase. The results indicate that the elimination of water from (R)-2-hydroxybutyryl-CoA occurs in a syn mode. 4 All enzyme activities necessary for the conversion of l-threonine via (R)-2-hydroxybutyryl-CoA to butyrate were detected in cell-free extracts of C.propionicum. 5 A new mechanism for the dehydration of lactyl-CoA is proposed.
Substituição da farinha de peixe pela silagem de peixe na alimentação de girinos de rã-touro (Rana catesbeiana)

The present work aimed at evaluating the effects of replacement of fish silage on the bullfrog tadpoles diet. A total of five diets was tested as follows: D0- 100% fish meal (FM); D1- 50% FM and 50% acid silage obtained from tilapia filleting residue (AFR); D2- 100% AFR; D3- 50% FM and 50% acid silage obtained from whole freshwater fish (AFF) and D4- 100% AFF. All treatments were carried with four replicates and a completely randomized design. The parameters analyzed for both performance and body composition of the tadpoles showed that the best results were obtained with diets D0 , D1, and D3. The results did not differ statistically among themselves, which indicates that fish meal can be replaced, up to 50%, by acid silage from tilapia filleting residue or whole freshwater fish.
Distribution of South African marine benthic invertebrates applied to the selection of priority conservation areas

Available data on species distributions and endemicity were compiled and examined for 11 groups of South African marine invertebrates (2533 species). For five groups species richness adhered to a well‐documented pattern, increasing from west to east, but for the other groups species richness was highest along the south coast. Endemicity was generally highest along the south coast, and lowest along the east coast. The data base was then analysed using several types of complementarity analyses, each producing a minimum set of potential reserve areas, which cumulatively represent all invertebrate species analysed. Approaches based solely on rarity, species richness and endemicity demonstrated individual biases, suggesting a need to combine all three interests. Combining the three techniques produced similar results to the individual analyses, showing conservation priorities to be highest along the east coast. Specifically, the areas of Port Elizabeth and Durban were ranked high in all analyses. Consistently, a total of 16 sites was necessary to represent all species analysed. Comparisons with similar analyses on fish and seaweeds revealed similar findings. Existing invertebrate records were shown to be biased towards centres of high sampling activity, demonstrating a need of future sampling attention in under‐represented areas.
microRNAs – kleine Moleküle ganz groß

microRNAs (miRNAs) sind kleine, nicht für Proteine codierende RNAs, die wichtige biologische Prozesse regulieren. Neben Funktionen in der natürlichen Entwicklung von Lebewesen sind auch Beteiligungen an Kranksheitsprozessen wie Krebs beschrieben worden. Diese Regulation erfolgt durch die Basenpaarung mit mRNAs von Zielgenen, und führt entweder zu deren Abbau oder einer Blockade der Herstellung der von diesen codierten Proteinen. Da innerhalb der miRNAs nur eine sehr kurze, etwa 6‐7 Nukleotide lange “Seed”‐Sequenz über die Spezifität der Bindung an Ziel‐mRNAs verantwortlich ist, wird vermutet, dass jede miRNA viele mRNAs (und Proteine) regulieren kann. Für Brustkrebs haben wir mehrere solcher Regulationsmechanismen aufgedeckt und zeigen hier anhand experimenteller Daten, dass die miRNA‐vermittelte Regulation von Prozessen komplex verläuft, da verknüpfte Signalwege parallel gesteuert werden und gemeinsam zur Änderung von zellulären Phänotypen beitragen. Diese Komplexität der Regulation der Proteine durch miRNAs eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten, die molekularen Ursachen von Krankheitsbildern zu verstehen.
Essential Role of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase δ in Neutrophil Directional Movement

Neutrophil chemotaxis is a critical component of the innate immune response. Neutrophils can sense an extremely shallow gradient of chemoattractants and produce relatively robust chemotactic behavior. This directional migration requires cell polarization with actin polymerization occurring predominantly in the leading edge. Synthesis of phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5) trisphosphate (PIP3) by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) contributes to asymmetric F-actin synthesis and cell polarization during neutrophil chemotaxis. To determine the contribution of the hemopoietic cell-restricted PI3Kδ in neutrophil chemotaxis, we have developed a potent and selective PI3Kδ inhibitor, IC87114. IC87114 inhibited polarized morphology of neutrophils, fMLP-stimulated PIP3 production and chemotaxis. Tracking analysis of IC87114-treated neutrophils indicated that PI3Kδ activity was required for the directional component of chemotaxis, but not for random movement. Inhibition of PI3Kδ, however, did not block F-actin synthesis or neutrophil adhesion. These results demonstrate that PI3Kδ can play a selective role in the amplification of PIP3 levels that lead to neutrophil polarization and directional migration.
Uniconazole-induced thermotolerance in wheat seedlings is mediated by transpirational cooling

Seed treatment of thermotolerant and sensitive cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Frederick and Glenlea, respectively) with uniconazole reduced shoot and increased root fresh and dry weights. When subjected to 48°C for 6 h, treated seedlings had lower leaf-temperatures and overall higher rates of evapotranspiration. Percent survival 11 days after high temperature incubation in untreated seedlings was 53% in Frederick and 30% in Glenlea, whereas in uniconazole-treated seedlings it was 94% and 80%, respectively. Transpiration resistance markedly increased in the control cultivars after 4 h of high-temperature incubation, but remained relatively unchanged in the treated cultivars. The increased root to shoot ratio exhibited in treated plants may have alleviated guard cell stress, even under high evaporative demand. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements on leaves of heat-stressed seedlings indicated that increased photosynthetic metabolism in treated seedlings was correlated with lower leaf temperatures. High-temperature stress resulted in a dramatic decline in pigments and proteins in thylakoid extracts of control seedlings but not in extracts from treated seedlings. Integrity of thylakoid pigment protein complexes, as illustrated by reduced relative amounts of free pigment, was maintained after exposure to high temperatures in treated seedlings. Furthermore, the treated Glenlea seedlings displayed a reduction in the monomeric form of Sight-harvesting chlorophyll protein II (LHCP II) compared to control and Frederick seedlings. The heat-tolerant Frederick cultivar showed a greater protective effect from uniconazole treatment than the sensitive Glenlea cultivar. Uniconazole treatment did not affect heat-shock protein (HSP) synthesis in mesocotyl tissue.
Specific Roles of α- and γ-Tocopherol in Abiotic Stress Responses of Transgenic Tobacco1[W][OA]

Tocopherols are lipophilic antioxidants that are synthesized exclusively in photosynthetic organisms. In most higher plants, α- and γ-tocopherol are predominant with their ratio being under spatial and temporal control. While α-tocopherol accumulates predominantly in photosynthetic tissue, seeds are rich in γ-tocopherol. To date, little is known about the specific roles of α- and γ-tocopherol in different plant tissues. To study the impact of tocopherol composition and content on stress tolerance, transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants constitutively silenced for homogentisate phytyltransferase (HPT) and γ-tocopherol methyltransferase (γ-TMT) activity were created. Silencing of HPT lead to an up to 98% reduction of total tocopherol accumulation compared to wild type. Knockdown of γ-TMT resulted in an up to 95% reduction of α-tocopherol in leaves of the transgenics, which was almost quantitatively compensated for by an increase in γ-tocopherol. The response of HPT and γ-TMT transgenics to salt and sorbitol stress and methyl viologen treatments in comparison to wild type was studied. Each stress condition imposes oxidative stress along with additional challenges like perturbing ion homeostasis, desiccation, or disturbing photochemistry, respectively. Decreased total tocopherol content increased the sensitivity of HPT:RNAi transgenics toward all tested stress conditions, whereas γ-TMT-silenced plants showed an improved performance when challenged with sorbitol or methyl viologen. However, salt tolerance of γ-TMT transgenics was strongly decreased. Membrane damage in γ-TMT transgenic plants was reduced after sorbitol and methyl viologen-mediated stress, as evident by less lipid peroxidation and/or electrolyte leakage. Therefore, our results suggest specific roles for α- and γ-tocopherol in vivo.