Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The nucellar epidermis and micropyle of Ornithogalum caudatum (Liliaceae) with a review of these structures in other taxa

The nucellar epidermis of Ornithogalum caudatum is modified in its micropylar region to form a nucellar cap. The cells become palisadelike with lignified walls and dense, RNA-rich cytoplasm and a large distal vacuole. High vesicular activity is associated with the greatly thickened proximal walls. The micropyle is formed by the inner integument and at anthesis, it is filled with an exudate secreted by the nucellar cap and inner integument. The exostomium is sealed by a hymen. The exudate and hymen probably function as surfaces for localized deposition of synergid-synthesized chemotropic agents. After fertilization the micropyle is occluded by a plug of flocculent material which appears to be more dense than the prefertilization material. This plug probably serves to preclude pathogen invasion and prevent desiccation of embryo and endosperm.
IFN-γ and Its Receptor Subunit IFNGR1 Are Recruited to the IFN-γ-Activated Sequence Element at the Promoter Site of IFN-γ-Activated Genes: Evidence of Transactivational Activity in IFNGR11

We have shown previously that IFN-γ and one of its receptor subunits, IFNGR1, are translocated to the nucleus, together with STAT1α as one macromolecular complex, via the classical importin-dependent pathway. In this study, we have identified the nuclear targets of IFN-γ and IFNGR1. By chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by PCR, IFN-γ, its receptor subunit IFNGR1, and STAT1α were found to be associated with the IFN-γ-activated sequence (GAS) in the promoter of two of the genes stimulated by IFN-γ. Immunoprecipitated chromatin also showed the association of the IFN-γ, IFNGR1, and STAT1α on the same DNA sequence. Examination of nuclear extracts from WISH cells treated with IFN-γ revealed the specific binding of IFN-γ, IFNGR1, and STAT1α to biotinylated GAS nucleotide sequence. Association of IFN-γ, IFNGR1, and STAT1α with the GAS promoter was also demonstrated by EMSA. Transfection with a GAS-luciferase gene together with the IFNGR1 and nonsecreted IFN-γ resulted in enhanced reporter activity. In addition, IFNGR1 fused to the yeast GAL4 DNA binding domain resulted in enhanced transcription from a GAL4 response element, suggesting the presence of a trans activation domain in IFNGR1. Our observations put IFN-γ and its receptor subunit, IFNGR1, in direct contact with the promoter region of IFN-γ-activated genes with associated increased activity, thus suggesting a transcriptional/cotranscriptional role for IFN-γ/IFNGR1 as well as a possible role in determining the specificity of IFN-γ action.
Relationships between total mercury in sediments and methyl mercury in the freshwater gastropod prosobranch Bithynia tentaculata in the St. Lawrence River, Quebec

Total Hg concentrations in sediment and methyl mercury (MeHg) levels in the gastropod species Bithynia tentaculata were evaluated at 21 stations in the fluvial corridor of the St. Lawrence River (Quebec, Canada). In the sediments (n = 21), total Hg concentrations ranged from 34 to 2790 ng·g dry weight-1. In the gastropods, MeHg concentrations varied from 15 to 290 ng·g dry weight-1 in undepurated gastropods (n = 20) and from 41 to 420 ng·g dry weight-1 in depurated gastropods (n = 13; without gut contents). The southern sector of Lake St. Louis, located near the Iles-de-la-Paix, had significantly higher Hg concentrations than any other sectors under study, both for total Hg in the sediments and MeHg in the gastropods. We established linear models to describe the relationships between Hg contamination in sediments and molluscs for the fluvial corridor of the St. Lawrence River and for the Lake St. Louis sector. Total Hg in sediments and MeHg in gastropods were highly correlated for all pooled stations (r =.
Genetic Aspects of Cortisol Hydroxylation in Guinea Pigs: Kinetics of Enzymatic 2α- and 6β-Hydroxylation by Adrenal Homogenates11

Hydroxylation of 4-14C-cortisol at C-6β by adrenal and liver homogenates from 2 strains of guinea pigs (high and low producers), distinguished by high and low urinary excretion of hydroxylated cortisol derivatives, has been demonstrated. The radiochemical homogeneity of the 6β-hydroxycortisol formed was established by chromatographic separations and degradation to llβ-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione. Methods have been presented to study the kinetics of enzymatic 2α- and 6β-hydroxylation of 4-14C-cortisol by guinea pig adrenal homogenates. With both high and low producers at 10 μm substrate concentration, the optimal pH of 2α- and 6β- hydroxylation was in the range of 7.6–8.0 and maximal hydroxylation occurred at a TPNH concentration of 0.50–0.65 mm. Under these optimal conditions, linear progress curves of 2α- and 6β-hydroxylation have been found with adrenal homogenates from high producers at tissue concentrations of 10–40 mg/ml and incubation times up to 15–20 min, allowing calculation of initial rates .
Otimização do processo de extração de própolis através da verificação da atividade antimicrobiana

Bee glue (propolis) possesses antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anaesthetic and immunostimulating activities. Propolis composition is extraordinary variable; samples from different geographic origin may posse's entirely different chemical composition. In different propolis samples, various substance combinations are responsible for the antibacterial activity of the bee glue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the best ethanolic extract concentration using Staphylococcus aureus multiresistant. Ethanol extracts from different concentration (10 to 90%) were applied on paper disks, dried, and put on the surface of nutrient agar plates with the overlay containing S. aureus. The plates were then incubated and evaluated the next day for the presence of inhibition zones. The best result was verified among 60 to 90% of ethanolic extract of propolis. This paper suggests the use of the alcool 70% as the ideal for the extration of propolis.
Recovery and composition of endogenous protein collected at the terminal ileum as influenced by the age of broiler chickens

The recovery and composition of endogenous protein at the terminal ileum of broiler chickens were determined at 14 and 42 days post-hatching using the peptide alimentation method. The ileal endogenous flows of nitrogen and amino acids, expressed as mg/kg dry matter intake, differed (P 0.05) by age, whereas a tendency (P = 0.07) for increased loss with age was observed for glycine. The amino acid profile of ileal endogenous protein, expressed as g/100 g crude protein, did not differ (P > 0.05) between 14-day- and 42-day-old broilers, suggesting that the relative proportions of the individual sources that contribute to the endogenous protein were similar at both ages. In both age groups, the most abundant amino acids in the ileal endogenous protein were glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, serine, glycine, and threonine. The present findings suggest that, when determining true digestibility, corrections using endogenous amino acid flows determined with broilers of a particular age to apparent amino acid digestibility values determined with birds of a different age would clearly result in less accurate true digestibility estimates.
Circadian variations in biochemical markers of bone metabolism in horse of different age

Summary The author studied in thirty Thoroughbred horses the influence of age and gender on daily rhythms of serum osteocalcin (OC). The animals were divided into two groups. Group A: six male and six female 2 years old; Group B: six male, six female and six geldings 6 years old. They were housed individually in box-like stalls under natural photoperiod and environmental conditions. Blood samples were collected every 3 hours over a 48 hour period. Statistical differences of serum OC concentration due to different gender were observed in both Groups A and B. Daily rhythms of serum OC concentration were observed only in Group B, with nocturnal acrophase. In females the acrophase was statistically postponed for 1 hour compared to male and gelding. Male and female showed a more robust daily rhythm than the geldings. The results showed that blood sampling for determination of serum OC should be strictly standardized with regard to the time of the day.
Purification and Characterization of Polyphenol Oxidase from Hemşin Apple (Malus communis L.)

The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme was purified and characterized from Hemşin Apple (Malus communis L.), which was organically grown in Hemşin, in the Rize province of Turkey. Enzyme (PPO) activation was determined with catechol substrate. Apples were homogenized with homogenate buffer (pH 8.5). This process was followed by precipitation with (20–80%) saturated solid (NH4)2SO4 and dialysis. Finally, purification with DE52-Cellulose ion-exchange and Sephadex G-25 columns was performed. Experiments were performed at an optimum pH (5.5) and optimum temperature (30–40°C). The kinetic and thermal parameters Km (3.40 mM), Vmax (333.3 EU/mL.min), Ea (3.57 kcal), ∆H (2.968 kcal/mol), Q10 (1.33), kcat (24.57 min−1) and V0 (7.2x103 mM−1.min−1) were assessed. Additionally, the effects of Mg2+, Pb 2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Al3+, Mn2+ and Na+ on enzyme activity was recorded, and the IC50 values, Kİ values and inhibition types were determined.
Demography of Sulfur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) in a Northern Rocky Mountain Grassland

Abstract Sulfur cinquefoil is native to Eurasia and has invaded meadows and grasslands of North America. It occurs in intermountain valleys of the Rocky Mountains, including a nature reserve in northwest Montana that supports a mosaic of mesic fescue and xeric needlegrass grassland communities. We did tests to determine germination requirements, followed the fate of mapped sulfur cinquefoil from 1998 to 2005 to determine vital rates, and used a matrix modeling framework to analyze population-level dynamics. Sulfur cinquefoil plants were highly fecund; large plants produced > 10,000 seeds that require light for germination. The survivorship curve of the 1999 cohort suggested low juvenile but high adult survival. Simulations indicated that a 10% decline in survival would decrease population size more than a 10% decline in recruitment. Annual recruitment, growth of nonreproductive plants, survival, and flowering frequency of sulfur cinquefoil were all higher in the three needlegrass sample plots compared with the one fescue plot, and projected equilibrium sulfur cinquefoil populations were approximately 12 times larger in needlegrass than fescue grasslands. Our results suggest that biological control agents that negatively affect survival, such as root borers, might be more effective at controlling established sulfur cinquefoil populations than those that diminish seed production. Our results also suggest that sulfur cinquefoil might have more potential to become dominant in xeric grasslands and demonstrate the need for doing multiple demographic studies over a variety of habitats because the same species will respond differently in different habitats. Nomenclature: Sulfur cinquefoil, Potentilla recta L. ; fescue, Festuca idahoensis Elmer and Festuca scabrella Hook. ; needlegrass, Stipa comata Tri. & Rupr.
Auditory Masking and the Critical Band in Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)

Auditory masking was determined for cod by using five half-octave bands as masking stimuli and as signals. For each of 15 cod, masking noise was kept constant at 10 db re 1 microbar in one band while thresholds were determined for signals in all five bands. Results indicate masking to be most pronounced when noise and signal coincide in frequency, and to drop off as frequency separation between noise and signal increases. Masking is calculated in terms of threshold in relation to masking noise level, and varies from about 11 db when signal and noise are in the same band to about −19 db when they are in bands furthest removed from each other. Estimates of critical bands are made from the results.
Role of Natural Killer Cells in the Destruction of Circulating Tumor Emboli

Abstract A close correlation was demonstrated between levels of host natural cytotoxic (NC) and/or natural killer (NK) cell activity and capacity to eliminate blood-borne tumor cells. The outcome of experimental metastasis of several tumors with defined biologic behavior was studied in syngeneic mice exhibiting low NK cell activity [3-wk-old normal mice and cyclophosphamide (Cy)-treated adult mice] and high NK cell activity (normal adult mice). An iv injection of metastatic tumor cells into 3-week-old or Cy-treated mice markedly enhanced experimental pulmonary metastasis. The increased incidence of metastasis in mice exhibiting low activity of NK cells was not due to enhanced tumor cell arrest in the lung but rather to increased tumor cell survival. Boosting the NK activity of 3-week-old, but not Cy-treated, mice with interferon inducers inhibited metastasis formation. The adoptive transfer of spleen cells from syngeneic mice or allogeneic nude mice that have high NK activity shortly before (but not after) iv tumor challenge abrogated the Cy-induced enhancement of metastasis. The reactive lymphoid cells were non-T, nonadherent to nylon wool, sensitive to Cy treatment, and endowed with a natural ability to kill tumor cells during a short (12-24 hr) period. The conclusions were that NC-NK cells are important in host defense against circulating tumor cells and therefore can prevent the development of tumor cells into metastases.
The influence of nuptial feeding and sperm transfer on the immunological cost of reproduction in the ground cricket Allonemobius socius

Mating is often accompanied by decreased female immune function across numerous animals systems, suggesting that immune suppression is a widespread reproductive cost. However, the trade‐off between immunity and reproduction can be minimized when females have access to abundant nutrient resources. This observation suggests that the nuptial gifts provided by males in many insect systems may help to offset the common immunological cost to reproduction. In the present study, this hypothesis is tested in the ground cricket Allonemobius socius (Scudder), whose females receive a sizeable haemolymph‐based gift. Accordingly, male gift donation is controlled by covering the tibial spur (the source of the gift) of randomly chosen males with clear nail polish. The influence of sperm transfer on female immunity is disentangled from that of the nuptial gift by also examining females who fail to receive sperm during mating (spermatophore transfer has a 40% failure rate in virgin males). It is predicted that females who receive a nuptial gift will exhibit superior immune function compared with those who receive no gift. The results show that sperm transfer reduces female immune function, which is an expected immunological cost of reproduction. By contrast to the prediction, nuptial gifts do not minimize the immunological cost of reproduction in this system. Unexpectedly, the receipt of a gift appears to decrease female immune function independent of sperm transfer. The findings suggest that the nuptial gift, similar to sperm, signals the female to begin her reproductive investment, causing limited resources to be reallocated from immune function.
Early growth of planted spruce

Observations were made on the growth of white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) and Engelmann spruce (P. engelmanni Parry), each planted at a single location in the interior of British Columbia. In both species bareroot stock (either 2 + 0 seedlings or 2 + 1 transplants) with a low root growth capacity made only limited height growth during the first two seasons after planting. In the first season, many short stem units were formed, whereas in the second season, stem units were much longer but many fewer. The length of needles formed after planting by the bareroot trees was, in the first season, only about half that of needles formed the previous year in the nursery. Needle length increased slightly in the 2nd year. Container-grown trees (1 + 0 seedlings from 336-mL containers), which had a high root growth capacity, made relatively good height growth in the first season when they formed long needles and stem units. Height growth by these seedlings was much less in the second season, however, as were nee.
Modelling behavioural and fitness consequences of disturbance for geese along their spring flyway

For migratory birds the implications of environmental change may be difficult to predict because they use multiple sites during their annual cycle. Moreover, the migrants' use of these sites may be interdependent. Along the flyway of the Svalbard pink-footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus population, Norwegian farmers use organized scaring to minimize goose use of their grasslands in spring. We assessed the consequences of this practice for regional site use of pink-footed geese along their spring migration route. 2. We used dynamic programming to find the sequence of migratory decisions that maximizes the fitness of female geese during spring migration, assuming scaring impinges on both food-intake rates and predation risk. The parameterization of the model was based on data gathered from individually marked pink-footed geese between 1991 and 2003. 3. The effect of scaring in terms of fitness and site use was most noticeable regarding food-intake rate. Scaring resulted in a redistribution of geese along the flyway. Furthermore, the outcomes of the modelling exercises were highly dependent on whether or not the geese were omniscient or naive: at moderate scaring levels naive geese were predicted to succumb. 4. On a qualitative basis there was good correspondence between the predictions from the model and the empirical evidence gathered to date. 5. Synthesis and applications. Besides highlighting the importance of learning and changing behaviour in an adaptive fashion, our modelling exercise indicated the potential vulnerability of the geese to abrupt environmental change. In addition, the exercise emphasized the interdependence of site use along the migratory flyway. The model supports the necessity for an integrated flyway management approach. In Norway, discussion is ongoing about the future management of the spring conflict between [KEYWORDS: Anser brachyrhynchus ; dynamic programming ; environmental change ; flyway ; management ; pink-footed goose ; migration ; scaring]
Discrimination of three cyst-forming nematodes of the genus Globodera (Nematode: Heteroderidae) from Japan based on PCR-RFLP of ribosomal DNA

The 1TS1-5.8S-1TS2 region of rDNA sequences from three Globodera species found in Japan, G. rostochiensis, G. tabacum and G. hypolysi, were sequenced and compared. Sequence lengths for G. rostochiensis, G. tabacum and G.hypolysi were 1,001, 1,003 and 1,016 bp, respectively. Sequence divergence within the three Globodera species ranged from 3.8 to 14.7%. Eight restriction enzymes (AfaI, AluI, FspI, Hhal, Hinfl, Mval, PmaCI and Sacll) were selected on the basis of sequence information. These three species were easily distinguished according to species-specific patterns by digesting the amplified products with AluI or PmaCI. The FspI-digested pattern distinguished G. rostochiensis from the other Globodera species.
Six species of Amazonian Woodcreepers (Aves: Dendrocolaptidae) preying upon lizards and frogs

Dietary data from a large sample of woodcreepers (16 spp., n = 139), revealed that six species of dendrocolaptids occasionally feed upon lizards and frogs. These birds, which are mainly insectivorous, encounter and feed on lizards while perching on tree trunks, probably in association with army-ant swarm feeding behaviour. Frog intake may be related to declines in the abundance of invertebrate prey. The bones recovered were identified as one small species of gecko, Gonatodes humeralis, and at least one anuran. We estimate that in the entire sample, about eight lizards and two frogs were ingested. The partially digested gecko material allows determination of which bones are more resistant to digestion, although it is possible that these elements were differentially retained in the stomach. These elements correspond to the more frequently preserved bones in the fossil record of geckos, indicating that the same portions of the skeleton persist under the processes of both digestion and fossilization.
Soluble Oligosaccharides and Galactosyl Cyclitols in Maturing Soybean Seeds In Planta and In Vitro

Stachyose, sucrose, and other non-reducing soluble carbohydrates are associated with the onset of desiccation tolerance during seed development and with seed storability. Mature soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr. ] seeds contain several galactosyl cyclitols in addition to sucrose, stachyose, and raffinose, but except for galactinol, the accumulation of these galactosyl cyclitols has not been reported for developing soybean seeds. Fifteen soluble carbohydrates including members of the raffinose, galactinol, galactopinitol, and fagopyritol series were analyzed in extracts from axis and cotyledon tissues of seeds and zygotic embryos matured in planta and in vitro. Galactopinitol A, galactopinitol B, and fagopyritol B1 accumulate in axis tissues of developing soybean seeds in planta in association with the onset of desiccation tolerance, yellowing of axis tissues, and in parallel with stachyose accumulation. Galactopinitol A, galactopinitol B, fagopyritol B1, and stachyose also accumulate in parallel in cotyledons in planta and in axis tissues during in vitro growth of zygotic embryos at 15 and 25°C. Axes of soybean seeds matured at 25°C contained higher concentrations of sucrose, raffinose, D-pinitol, D-chiro-inositol, fagopyritol B1, and total soluble carbohydrates than axes of seeds matured at 18°C. Soybean seeds accumulate mostly galactosyl pinitols and only small amounts of free pinitol. In future work, It would be of interest to determine if galactosyl cyclitols may substitute for the role of stachyose in providing desiccation tolerance and prolonged seed storability.
ANTI-PROLIFERATIVE AND APOPTOTIC ACTIVITIES OF SYZYGIUM SAMARANGENSE (WAX APPLE) FRUITS EXTRACT AGAINST HUMAN A549 LUNG CANCER CELL LINES

Objective: Medicinal plants have been in use from time immemorial and their utility has been expanding step by step in the present world. The intention of the present study was to check the anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity of S yzygium samarangense fruits methanolic extract against of A549 cell lines. Methods: The methanol extract at different concentrations were tested against A549 human lung cancer cell lines for cell viability or cytotoxicity by MTT assay and the hallmark of the apoptosis was analyzed by DNA fragmentation method. The morphological changes resulted due to apoptosis were investigated by Propidium Iodide (PI) staining technique. Results: The results showed that the tested extracts showed strong and decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. IC 50 value represented that the anti-proliferative activity was found with a minimum concentration of 21. 86μg/ml. The presence of ladders of DNA fragments in the DNA fragmentation assay indicates a biochemical hallmark of intrinsic apoptotic cell death. Altered cell morphology after treatment with the extract demonstrated that cells experienced apoptosis. Conclusion: The present findings encourage further for the isolation and identifying, of active components present in S. samarangense fruit pulps to understand the mechanism of action in vivo that can make an allowance for developing chemotherapeutic agent against cancer.