Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Astrocyte Regulation of

Astrocytes regulate multiple aspects of neuronal and synaptic function from development through to adulthood. Instead of addressing each function independently, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the different ways astrocytes modulate neuronal synaptic function throughout life, with a particular focus on recent findings in each area. It includes the emerging functions of astrocytes, such as a role in synapse formation, as well as more established roles, including the uptake and recycling of neurotransmitters. This broad approach covers the many ways astrocytes and neurons constantly interact to maintain the correct functioning of the brain. It is important to consider all of these diverse functions of astrocytes when investigating how astrocyte-neuron interactions regulate synaptic behavior to appreciate the complexity of these ongoing interactions.
Strategies for Weed Suppression and Improving Soil Fertility during Transition to Organic Vegetable Production

Farmers view weed management and the risk of lower yields as barriers to transition from conventional to organic agriculture. The 3 years of transition before organic certification can be used to implement strategies to suppress weeds and improve soil fertility. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of five organic transition strategies on soil quality, weed suppression, and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) in the first year of organic production. The transition strategies included a tilled fallow, nontreated weedy, high diversity prairie mixture, smother crops, and vegetable rotation. Subplots with and without compost application were also included. Transition strategies affected weed density and biomass in the first organic year with the prairie strategy being the most suppressive of monocotyledonous weeds before potato. Compost application increased plant available nutrients and soil organic matter (OM). The quantity of plant available phosphorus was greatest in the fallow transition strategy (55 mg kg) when compost was applied, while percent soil OM was highest in the prairie (3.2%) and nontreated (3.1%) strategies in comparison with the other strategies. Compost application increased yields of potato and tomato with transition strategy affecting the number and weight of cull potato tubers. The selection of transition strategies before conversion to organic agriculture affected weed pressure, soil quality, and crop production in the first certified organic year.
The effect of whole-tree harvesting on the growth of second rotation Sitka spruce

Summary Stem analysis has been used to examine the effects of two harvesting techniques upon growth of second rotation Sitka spruce planted in 1981 on a peaty gley site of low fertility in Kielder Forest, Northumberland. The effect of NPK fertilizer upon tree growth on conventionall y harvested plots was also determined. Weed competition was reduced by hand weeding and the application of herbicides. Repeated measures analysis was used to identify the time at which significant growth responses occurred. Whole-tree harvesting reduced mean tree volume from 1986 onwards while the addition of fertilizer to conventionall y harvested plots increased volume growth from 1990. By 1993, whole-tree harvesting had decreased mean tree volume by 32 per cent and the addition of fertilizer to conventionally harvested plots had increased mean tree volume by 13 per cent. Observed treatment effects are most likely due to the increased removal of nutrients during whole-tree harvesting. The release of nutrients from decomposing residues is expected to meet uptake requirements for approximately 7-9 years following replanting. Effects of shelter and weed competition should also be considered on sites where herbicides have not been used to control ground vegetation. Repeated measures analysis and the use of suitable growth functions provide powerful analytical tools to examine historical treatment effects derived from stem analysis.
Vitamin Enrichment of Eggs

SUMMARY Layers were fed diets with regular or 3 to 10 times more supplemental vitamins in an attempt to enrich eggs with these nutrients. Dietary concentrations of vitamins were chosen with the expectation of producing an egg with sufficient vitamins to achieve 50% of daily recommended intake (DRI). Eggs were assayed for all vitamins following a 90-d feeding period. There was considerable variation in egg vitamin enrichment. Only for biotin, vitamin B12, and vitamin K was ≥50% DRI achieved with one egg. Egg content of niacin, thiamine, and pyridoxine were insensitive to diet manipulation.
Mechanisms Controlling Invasion of Coastal Plant Communities by the Alien Succulent Carpobrotus Edulis

The South African succulent Carpobrotus edulis has been invading native and non-native plant assemblages in California since its introduction in the early 1 900s. This study was designed to determine mechanisms controlling invasion by this species into three different communities: coastal grassland, backdune, and coastal scrub. The com- munities differed in several factors that influenced invasion by Carpobrotus: soil distur- bance, herbivory, and identity of competitors. Disturbance of the soil was required for establishment of Carpobrotus at the grassland site. Soil disturbance did not promote Car- pobrotus establishment in the coastal scrub or backdune. Establishment in these sites was restricted by herbivory. The influence of neighboring vegetation on Carpobrotus establish- ment was site dependent. At the grassland site, Carpobrotus seedling survival was reduced by grasses, and the only surviving seedlings were on gopher mounds. Growth of larger Carpobrotus plants, however, was unaffected by grasses. Proximity to shrubs, the dominant plant type at the backdune and coastal scrub sites, did not affect Carpobrotus seedling survival. It did, however, decrease both root and shoot biomass of seedlings and cuttings. Invasion is expected to occur most rapidly at the grassland site. Although germination and early survival there depend on the occurrence of rodent disturbances, these occur frequently, and seedling recruitment in the grassland was observed during this study. Once established, clonal growth is great and is not affected by herbivory or competition. In contrast, at the coastal scrub site, intense herbivory prevented successful establishment during this study. Cage experiments suggested that herbivory counteracted the high growth potential of Carpobrotus at this site. At the dune site, even caged plants showed very poor growth. Thus, although seedling recruitment does occur there, invasion is expected to be slow due to harsh physical conditions that limit both survival and growth. These findings demonstrate strong community differences in the factors governing invasability by Car- pobrotus edulis.
Ubiquitin-proteasome pathway to built or to destroy? that is the question

Introduction: the generation of new cells is an extremely complex process. To become this process unidirectional and irreversible cells destroy proteins which actions are oppose to the transition from one phase to the next one. Objective: to show that protein destruction is essential for cell reproduction. Material and Methods: more than 500 papers published during the last five years in national and international journals were analyzed. These articles are available in HINARI, PubMed, and Perii databases and were localized through infomed. Development: first, the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is presented. Next, the contribution of the complexes SCF an anaphase promoting complex to the progression of the cell cycle is analysed. These complexes act consecutively and coordinately and their actions determine de progression of the cell ́s life. Conclusions: the selective destroy of specific proteins by mean of ubiquitinproteasome pathway, allow new cells formation, and ensure the continuity of life.
Genetic mapping of basal root gravitropism and phosphorus acquisition efficiency in common bean.

Root gravitropism determines the relative distribution of plant roots in different soil layers, and therefore, may influence the acquisition of shallow soil resources such as phosphorus (P). Growth pouch and field studies were conducted to evaluate root gravitropism of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in response to P deficiency and to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with this trait. A deep-rooted genotype, DOR364, was crossed with a shallow-rooted genotype, G19833, to obtain 86 F5.7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Root gravitropic traits were measured as basal root growth angle (BRGA), shallow basal root length (SBRL, basal root length in the top 0-3 cm of soil) and relative shallow basal root length (RSBRL, percentage of basal root length in the top 0-3 cm of soil relative to total basal root length). Large genetic variability for these traits was found in the parents and RILs, with BRGA ranging from -18.73 to 56. 69º and SBRL ranging from 0.42 to 2.63 m per plant. The parents and six RILs with contrasting root gravitropism were further evaluated in the field, where root shallowness was significantly correlated with plant growth and P uptake. QTL were detected by single point analysis (SPA), interval mapping (IM) and composite interval mapping (CIM) techniques with a genetic map for the DOR364 × G19833 population consisting of 236 molecular markers. The IM / CIM QTL were detected among the 11 linkage groups of common bean, with 16 QTL controlling the above root traits and six QTL controlling P acquisition efficiency (PAE) in the field study. At least three of the root trait QTL were associated with QTL for PAE, suggesting that root gravitropic traits are associated with PAE and that QTL for these traits can be used to facilitate selection and breeding for higher P efficiency in common bean and other crops.
Fish habitat analysis using river flow simulation

Abstract Hydrologic and hydraulic data collected at flows between 14.3 and 1.55 m3 s‐1 in a braided section of the Ashley River, Canterbury, New Zealand, were used to test the reliability of the incremental method of habitat analysis using computer simulation. Using data at 14.3 m3 s‐1 as input, water surface profiles, cross‐channel depth and velocity profiles, and values of the habitat index weighted usable area (WUA) for 9 fish species were simulated at the other 4 lower flows, and compared with measured values. Despite the non‐uniformity and wide range of the flows, agreement was remarkably good. Sixty‐seven percent of simulated WUA values were within 20% of the measured values, and the relative changes of WUA with changing discharge were successfully reproduced even when absolute values of WUA were not. The complex nature of flow in a braided river placed limitations on the method; a particular difficulty which warrants further investigation is flow apportionment at branch channel divergence points. A.
The survival and growth of six species of freshwater fish, in tapwater and diluted and undiluted effluent from sewage percolating filters

The survival and growth of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, stone loach, Noe-macheilus barbatulus (L), bullhead, Cottus gobio L. , three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus L. , minnow, Phoxinus phoxinus (L), and roach, Rutilus rutilus (L), have been studied in water of three qualities—Birmingham tap water, 50% and 100% settled effluent from filter beds. Predicted toxicities (the sum of the proportions of the 48-h LC50 of individual poisons to rainbow trout) were compared with the observed toxicity in 50% and 100% effluent. The behaviour of each species offish and the rates of mortality over an exposure period of 210 days are given together with cumulative growth rates (as a percentage of the initial weight). The Mean Percentage Change in Weight (MPW) and Mean Growth Rate (MGR) for each group offish was calculated from the initial mean wet weight and the mean weight of surviving fish at the end of the first and second intervals. The Mean Production Rate (MPR) over the experimental period was also calculated and was used as a holistic measure of the rate of total tissue elaboration or utilization, or loss in biomass due to mortality. The Condition Factor (K) also reported was calculated from the body weight and length and was used to examine (a) the effects of water quality, and (b) the timing and duration of maturation of the gonads. The latter was further used as a measure of the energy status of the fish.
Toxicity of botanical insecticides on Diaphania hyalinata, their selectivity for the predatory ant Paratrechina sp., and their potential phytotoxicity on pumpkin

ABSTRACT The use of botanical insecticides could be an alternative efficient pest management in Cucurbitaceae against melonworm Diaphania hyalinata and less harmful to its predator. Few studies jointly assess the efficiency of botanical insecticides, their effects on pest, and their effect on the natural enemy and target crop. Here we examine (1) their impact against the melonworm D. hyalinata, a key pest of Cucurbitaceae, (2) their toxicity to the predatory ant Paratrechina sp. , and (3) their phytotoxicity to pumpkin plants. The botanical insecticides citronella oil and eucalyptus oil were highly toxic to D. hyalinata and they exhibited to be less harmful for the predatory ant Paratrechina sp. Andiroba oil, eucalyptus oil, garlic extract, and citronella oil caused feeding inhibition of the D. hyalinata larvae. Eucalyptus oil, andiroba oil, garlic extract, and rotenone inhibited the oviposition of D. hyalinata. None of the insecticides was phytotoxic to pumpkin plants. Eucalyptus oil and citronella oil have induced high mortality and altered the behavior of target pests. In addition, they were selective for the predator Paratrechina sp. and not exhibited phytotoxicity on pumpkin plants. Eucalyptus oil and citronella oil seem the most promising compounds for incorporation into melonworm management programs, because they induced high mortality and altered the behavior of target pests and were selective for the predator Paratrechina sp.
Are wildfires an adapted ecological cue breaking physical dormancy in the Mediterranean basin?

Abstract Many studies have claimed that fire acts as the chief ecological factor cueing dormancy break in seeds with a water-impermeable seed coat, i.e. physical dormancy (PY), in Mediterranean ecosystems. However, a proposal is made that seasonal temperature changes must be viewed as more meaningful dormancy-breaking cues because: (1) fire is erratic and may break PY in seasons during which seedlings cannot complete their life cycle; (2) fire may not occur for long periods, thereby only providing an opportunity for dormancy break and germination once in every several years; and (3) if fire opens the specialized anatomical structures called ‘water gaps’, in seconds, their evolutionary role of detecting environmental conditions becomes irrational. Although fire breaks dormancy in a proportion of seeds, given the risk of seed mortality and the post-fire environment providing cues for dormancy break, it is suggested that fire might possibly be an exaptation.
Actinomadura atramentaria, a New Species of the Actinomycetales

A new species of Actinomadura, for which we propose the name Actinomadura atramentaria, was isolated from a soil sample collected in Japan. Whole-cell hydrolysates contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and a trace of madurose. MK-9(H6) is the major menaquinone, and tuberculostearic acid is the major fatty acid. No nitrogenous phospholipids or mycolic acids are present. A. atramentaria is characterized by its white aerial masses of thickly tufted short chains of two to five spores (mostly two to three spores) with smooth surfaces and by the formation of inky brown diffusible pigments. The type strain of A. atramentaria is strain SF2197 (= JCM 6250).
The effect of fertilizers and harvest date on growth and yield of oilseed rape sown in autumn and spring

Summary In experiments at Sutton Bonington between 1967 and 1970, which tested 0–300 kg N/ha applied in spring, maximum oil yields of both autumn- and spring-sown oilseed rape were obtained by applying 200 kg N/ha. The seed-oil content was reduced by nitrogen application but only seriously when 300 kg/a was applied. Responses to high levels of potassium (180 rather than 60 kg K20/ha) were only obtained at 200 kg N/a. Successive increments of nitrogen from nil to 300 kg/ha improved plant growth, increasing leaf area and the dry weight of leaves and stems. The last increment from 200 to 300 kg N/ha was less effective and either reduced or did not affect pod production. In one experiment 300 kg N/ha stimulated husk growth, apparently at the expense of seed growth, with 200 kg/ha giving the highest proportion of pod dry matter as seed. More nitrogen always raised number of seeds per pod, but only increased seed weight in one autumn-sown experiment. Serial harvests of one experiment indicated that the maximum seed and oil yield was obtained by cutting plants before they were fully ripe, thus avoiding seed loss through pod shatter. The oil content of the bulk samples reached a peak about a week before maximum oil yield, probably because later-ripening seed did not reach full maturity. All nitrogen levels delayed flowering, but only the highest delayed maturity in the autumn-sown crop.
Domain-specific Interaction with the IκB Kinase (IKK) Regulatory Subunit IKKγ Is an Essential Step in Tax-mediated Activation of IKK*

The human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 Tax oncoprotein deregulates the NF-κB signaling pathway by persistently stimulating a key signal transducer, the IκB kinase (IKK). Tax physically associates with the IKK regulatory subunit, IKKγ, although the underlying biochemical mechanism and functional significance remain unclear. We show that the Tax-IKKγ interaction requires two homologous leucine zipper domains located within IKKγ. These leucine zipper domains are unique for the presence of a conserved upstream region that is essential for Tax binding. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis revealed that a leucine-repeat region of Tax is important for IKKγ binding. Interestingly, all the Tax mutants defective in IKKγ binding failed to engage the IKK complex or stimulate IKK activity, and these functional defects can be rescued by fusing the Tax mutants to IKKγ. These results provide mechanistic insights into how Tax specifically targets and functionally activates the cellular kinase IKK.
Impact of lameness on broiler well-being

SUMMARY Various degrees of lameness were compared among male broilers ranging in age from 28 to 49 d that had been randomly selected from a commercial farm. Gait scores were given to the broilers while they walked on a force measurement platform system, and the force exerted by their feet was measured and compared in 2 distinct conditions: with and without administration of an analgesic. Postmortem femoral degenerative lesions were observed, and the femur strength in response to a compression load was measured and compared. Results showed a difference in the peak vertical forces of the right and left feet before and after medication. The researchers also found that as BW increased, the locomotion ability of broilers tended to decrease. After birds received the analgesic, the peak vertical force increased among the more severely lame broilers at 35 to 49 d of age and their walking speed was decreased, indicating that they might have felt pain during locomotion. No difference was found between the femur (right and left) strength in response to a compression load; however, the results showed that femurs of 28-d-old birds were less resistant to compression (P < 0.05) than those of older broilers. The foot force platform was a useful tool for assessing the walking ability of broilers.
Climate change and the future for broadleaved tree species in Britain

The most recent climate change predictions for the UK indicate a warming of between 2 and 5°C by the end of this century, with drier summers and wetter winters also anticipated across the majority of the country. Changes are predicted to be more extreme in the southern half of the UK, where severe summer droughts will become commonplace. Although rising atmospheric CO 2 levels are likely to increase productivity through �‘� fertilizing�’� photosynthesis, water limitation in southern England is likely to lead to an overall reduction in growth and increase in drought-induced mortality. Incorporation of, the climate change scenarios within the GIS model Ecological Site Classifi cation indicates that in isolation, the effects of climate change will result in signifi cant changes in species suitability. Under current defi nitions the majority of native broadleaf species are predicted to become unsuitable for commercial timber production in southern England. Genetic variability in local native populations may enable a degree of adaptation. Existing trials of ash ( Fraxinus excelsior L.) suggest that the best performing provenances are those from regions with a climate similar to that of the trial site. The selection of a provenance for climate change adaptation should be from a region with a current climate well matched to a planting site’s predicted climate of the future. Climate matching analysis indicates that coastal areas of western France experience a climate similar to that predicted for southern England by 2050, while the more extreme scenarios predict climates better matched to the Mediterranean region at high elevation by the end of the century. The scale of climate change predictions indicates that, in southern England, native broadleaf species may be unsuitable for timber production on some soils. The planting of non-native species may need to be considered to maintain woodland cover and ensure a viable hardwood timber industry.
ASAVECTOR OF PATHOGENS AFFECTING HUMANS IN THE UNITED STATES

Until the 1990s, Amblyomma americanum was regarded primarily as a nuisance species, but a tick of minor importance as a vector of zoonotic pathogens affecting humans. With the recent discoveries of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and "Borrelia lonestari^ the public health relevance of lone star ticks is no longer in question. During the next 25 years, the number of cases of human dis- ease caused by A. americanum-sissoci&tedpathogens will probably increase. Based on current trajectories and historic precedents, the increase will be primarily driven by biological and environmental factors that alter the geographic distributionand intensity oftransmission ofzoonotic pathogens. Sociologic and demographic changes that influ- ence the likelihood ofhighly susceptiblehumanscoming into contactwith infectedlone starticks, in addition to advances indiagnostic capabilities andnational surveillance eff- orts, will also contribute to the anticipated increase in the number ofrecognized cases of disease.