Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acorn preference under field and laboratory conditions by two flightless Iberian dung beetle species (Thorectes baraudi and Jekelius nitidus): implications for recruitment and management of oak forests in central Spain

1. Recently, a mutualistic relationship has been described between some dung beetles (Thorectes lusitanicus and Mycotrupes lethroides) and oak species (Quercus suber, Q. canariensis, and Q. rubra), which could be crucial for ensuring seedling recruitment and sustaining the equilibrium of oak populations. For T. lusitanicus, a diet based on acorns during the reproductive period improved resistance to low‐temperature conditions and improved ovarian development.
The Abnormal Haemoglobins in Homozygous α‐Thalassaemia

Summary The red cells from Chinese stillborn infants with erythroblastosis foetalis due to homozygous α‐thalassaemia contain about 80% Hb‐γ4, the second haemoglobin always present does not contain α‐chains and has the structure Hbγ2X2 identical to Hb‐Portland 1. Hb‐A, Hb‐F, or Hb‐A2 were not detected.
A new species of chameleon (Sanria: Chamaeleonidae: Kinyongia) from the Magombera forest and the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania

Abstract A new species of chameleon Kinyongia magomberae sp. nov. (the Magombera chameleon), is described from Magombera forest and the Vdzungwa Mountains National Park, south-central Tanzania. The species status is supported by phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. The new chameleon is similar to K. tenuis and the more widespread Eastern Arc endemic K. oxyrhina in having a single rostral appendage. However, it can be distinguished from these two species by a shorter rostral appendage, which is different in shape and lacks a movable tip. K. magomberae sp. nov. is known from only two forest localities, the lowland and unprotected Magombera forest and the sub-montane Mwanihana forest within the Vdzungwa Mountains National Park. Phylogenetically, this taxon is sister to K. tenuis, and is part of a clade that also contains K. oxyrhina.
Age and relatedness have an interactive effect on the feeding behaviour of helpers in cooperatively breeding sociable weavers

In cooperative species, helpers often assist close relatives and kin selection is thought to be a major selective force underlying the evolution and maintenance of helping. However, in some cases helpers may be unrelated individuals, which require other types of explanation. Here, we used genetic analyses and observations of feeding behaviour to investigate the relationships between helping at the nest and relatedness in a species where helpers vary in their relatedness to the breeders, the sociable weaver, Philetairus socius. We also investigated the effect of age and breeding group size on feeding behaviour. We found no overall increase of feeding rate with relatedness. Instead, the relationship between helpers' feeding rate and relatedness changed with age. Yearling helpers, which were typically the offspring of one or both parents, did not feed significantly more often when more related to the nestlings or the breeding male or female but did bring larger prey when more related to the nestlings or breeding female. For adult helpers, contrary to the expectations of the kin selection hypothesis, the feeding rate and the size of the prey brought was negatively linked to their relatedness to the nestlings and the breeding female. These results suggest that the reasons for helping in this population change with age. Indirect benefits seem important for yearling helpers while direct benefits may influence the evolution and maintenance of helping behaviour in adult helpers.
A quantitative analysis of apolipoprotein binding to SR-BI Published, JLR Papers in Press, April 1, 2003. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M200429-JLR200

Competitive binding experiments were performed using Y1-BS1 adrenal cells to provide information about the interaction of HDL apolipoproteins with scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI). Exchangeable apolipoproteins apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), apoA-II, apoE-2, apoE-3, and apoE-4 as phospholipid complexes bind like HDL3 to SR-BI via their multiple amphipathic α-helices; the concentrations required to reduce the binding of HDL3 to SR-BI by 50% (IC50) were similar and in the range of 35–50 μg protein/ml. In the case of apoA-I, peptides corresponding to segments 1–85, 44–65, 44–87, 149–243, and 209–241 all had the same IC50 as each other (P = 0.86), showing that a specific amino acid sequence in apoA-I is not responsible for the interaction with SR-BI. The distribution of charged residues in the amphipathic α-helix affects the interaction, with class A and Y helices binding better than class G* helices. Synthetic α-helical peptides composed of either l or d amino acids can bind equally to the receptor. Association with phospholipid increases the amount of apolipoprotein binding to SR-BI without altering the affinity of binding. Lipid-free apolipoproteins compete only partially with the binding of HDL to SR-BI, whereas lipidated apolipoproteins compete fully. These results are consistent with the existence of more than one type of apolipoprotein binding site on SR-BI.
Uptake of aluminum by intact canola seedlings

Aluminum (Al) ions were taken up from a liquid nutrient solution by roots of intact canola (Brassica napus var. napus L.) seedlings in two stages. A rapid initial phase, which was complete within 30 to 45 min, was followed by a slower secondary phase that leveled off after approximately 12 h. Approximately 55% of Al taken up within 12 h was estimated to remain in the apoplasm and less than 10% was translocated to the shoots. Uptake of Al was increased by placing canola seedlings in the dark or removing the shoots, which indicated that canola roots seemed to have an energy dependent mechanism for excluding Al. Incubating seedlings in different desorbing solutions suggested that accumulated Al was bound at different sites in the roots. Organic acids, particularly citrate, were more effective than dilute solutions of magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) salts in bringing about the release of Al from canola roots.
A note on the slope correction and the estimation of the length of line features

Length of line features, such as forest border, is among the ecologically interesting attributes estimated from forest inventories. In hilly terrain, observed line lengths must be corrected for slope. Contrary to the correction for standard area-related attributes (like volume per hectare), an overall correction of plot size is not sufficient, but the actual inclination of each individual line segment must be used for slope correction. This topic is discussed, and a mean correction factor is calculated as a function of terrain inclination assuming a uniform angular distribution of lines on the slope. Furthermore, the question is discussed whether the standard slope correction procedure for fixed-area circular field plots may possibly introduce a systematic error into the estimation of line length and also of standard area-related attributes. It is concluded that no relevant error is to be expected, neither with respect to point estimates nor to interval estimates. Data from the second Swiss National Fores.
Observations on the Settling Behaviour of Larvae of the Tubeworm Spirorbis borealis Daudin (Polychaeta)

Aspects of natural and experimental settling of Spirorbis borealis on the seaweed Fucus serratus L. were compared. Under natural conditions S. borealis appeared to settle preferentially in the concave grooves flanking the midribs, and less commonly on the flatter parts of the fronds. Settlement seldom took place on the convex midrib. The centres of individuals of dense populations, which were spaced along the grooves, were 1-2 mm from those of their nearest neighbours; none of the 2582 examined were closer than 0.5 mm. Experiments showed that larvae tended to avoid settling on P. serratus bearing adults of their own species, or similar shaped objects, when the density of these exceeded 10 per cm² and if alternative settling surfaces of Fucus were provided. Direct observations showed that larvae tended to explore concave areas of the fronds more intensively than other areas and turned away from nearby round, protruding objects during their final settling movements. However, larvae withheld from suitable settling surfaces for increasing periods of time showed a successive abbreviation of the pattern of searching behaviour. When they had been prevented from settling for 8 hours or more they settled on or very close to the point where they first alighted, apparently regardless of the surface contour or the presence of nearby objects. The most densely settled populations encountered naturally in the area (Menai Straits, North Wales) ranged from 12 to 33 individuals per cm² and averaged 21, but experimental densities of 64 to 322 individuals per cm² were obtained readily when larvae competed for limited settling spaces on F. serratus under laboratory conditions. Analysis of the settlement behaviour and its modification with the passage of time indicated how the pattern of settlement observed in nature could result.
Distribution of Assimilates to Each Organ in Rice Plants Exposed to a Low Temperature at the Ripening Stage, and the Effect of Brassinolide on the Distribution

Summary Previously, we found that promotion of ripening by brassinolide (BR) in rice plants is attributable to the rapid translocation of assimilates from leaves to the panicle (Fujii and Saka, 1992). In this study, we examined the effect of BR treatment on the distribution aspects of carbohydrates (starch, sucrose, glucose and fructose) in upper organs including the panicle of the rice plant (cv. Nipponbare) grown in a low temperature condition (20°C in the daytime / 13°C at night) in a phytotron under natural daylight in summer. Rice plants in a greenhouse in summer were sprayed with BR(2X 10-8M and 2X 10-9M) twice at around the heading stage, and were then kept in the phytotron and in the greenhouse to examine the carbohydrate contents in leaf blades, leaf sheaths, culms, hulls and hulled grains at the milk-ripe and dough-ripe stages. At milk-ripe stage, the starch content in the plants grown in the greenhouse without BR treatment was overwhelmingly high in hulled grains with a low content in culm, leaf sheaths and hulls, whereas starch was hardly detected in the leaf blade. At the dough-ripe stage, starch was more accumulated in hulled grains. Sucrose content at the milk-ripe stage was low in hulls, but high in leaf sheaths and culms, especially in leaf blades. However, at the dough-ripe stage, a large amount of sucrose was accumulated in culms, and only a small amount in leaf blades. The content of glucose and fructose was 10 to 20% of that of sucrose in each organ, and did not differ so much between the two stages of ripeness. In the plants grown in the phytotron, the total amount of starch was markedly lower and the contents of sucrose, glucose and fructose were considerably higher than those in the greenhouse. The marked decrease of starch content in the phytotron was found in hulled grains while the content in leaf sheaths, culms and leaf blades increased. On the other hand, the increase of sucrose content resulted from the increase in vegetative organs with the decrease in hulled grains. An increase of glucose and fructose were also found in leaf organs at the milk-ripe stage. BR decreased the starch content in leaf sheaths and culms, and increased the contents of starch and sucrose in hulled grains in both temperature conditions. The contents of starch and sucrose in hulls were not influenced so much by BR. Neither did BR largely influence the contents of glucose and fructose. However, BR treatment strikingly increased the 1,000-grain weight and the percentage of ripened grains in the rice plant in both of the greenhouse and phytotron.
HISTOCHEMICAL OBSERVATIONS ON POLYGLUCOSES SYNTHESIZED BY ENZYME ACTIVITY IN CARTILAGE CELLS

Polyglucose particles artificially synthesized under histochemical conditions from glucose 1-phosphate by phosphorylase and branching glycosyl-transferase in various cartilage cells were observed by light and electron microscopy.In chick embryos, the polyglucoses were stained red-violet or violet-blue with iodine, and the polyglucose particles were observed electron microscopically to be spherical branching bodies with an average diameter of 369±61.62A. In the adult chicken, they were stained reddish-violet with iodine and formed similar particles with an average diameter of 357±65.96A. In the human fetus, the polyglucoses were stained red-violet with iodine and the particles were observed as larger bodies with an average diameter of 529±94.98A. In the human adult, they were stained red-brown with iodine and electron microscopic findings revealed particles which were relatively uniform and had an average diameter of 373±56.05A. Polyglucoses synthesized in tumorous cartilage cells of human chondrosarcoma were stained red-violet with iodine and the particles were larger and more irregular in size. The average diameter was 540±169.76A. These particles also appeared in the intranuclear regions, suggesting enzyme deviation as a result of carcinogenesis.
Type‐II secretion pathway structural gene xpsE, xylanase‐ and cellulase secretion and virulence in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

Rice bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is one of the most important diseases in rice-growing areas worldwide. Four virulence-deficient mutants were identified from a transposon mutagenesis library of X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Sequence-analysis revealed that the transposon of the four mutants inserted at different sites in the same ORF, which is homologous to the xpsE gene encoding a component of the type-II secretion system in many bacterial pathogens. Extracellular enzymes, such as xylanase and cellulase, were not secreted to the extracellular space in the mutants. Analysis of the protein profile of the extracellular, periplasmic and intracellular fractions indicated that at least two secreted proteins accumulated in the periplasmic space in the mutants. After genetic complementation of these mutants with a functional xpsE gene, the xpsE gene could express normally and the pathogenicity of the mutants and their secretion of extracellular enzymes were restored. Western blot analysis with an anticellulase antiserum also showed that cellulase was secreted normally in the complemented strains. The results show that the type-II secretion pathway structural gene xpsE is required for xylanase and cellulase secretion and full virulence in X. oryzae pv. oryzae.
The use of the random positioning machine for the study of gravitational effects on signal transduction in mammalian cells

A comprehensive survey is provided on the application of a random positioning machine (RPM) for studies on gravitational effects on mammalian cells. The RPM is suitable to simulate microgravity conditions and allows performing a high number of on-ground experiments wherein mammalian cells are exposed to reduced gravity. Most of these experiments have been performed either to prove or extend observations made during spaceflights or to develop and prepare new spaceflight experiments. They did not only bring a tremendous number of observations, but they helped to elucidate three dominant cellular pathways that are affected by weightlessness. The apoptotic, the immune-activating and the bone differentiation pathways are discussed.
Reuse of rapeseed by-products from biodiesel production.

The objective of this paper is to investigate usability of rapeseed cake from biodiesel fuel production as an energy source. For this research, rapeseed was grown at the research site of the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb, Croatia. The investigated rapeseed cake, residue from cold pressing, was divided in two groups of samples. The first group was a mix of three varieties (Bristol, Express and Navajo), while the other group consisted of three hybrids (Artus, Baldur, Titan). The utilization of rapeseed cake for energy via two routes was evaluated; namely, utilization of rapeseed cake as (1) solid biofuel (pellets) with addition of 3% of glycerol, and (2) as substrate in anaerobic digestion (AD). In investigation of cake as solid fuel, proximate (moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon and volatile matter), ultimate (content of carbon, sulphur, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen) and physical and calometry analyses (abrasion, diameter, length, density, higher and lower heating value were carried out. As for its use in AD, production of biogas during 40 days was monitored with a view of assessing the use of digested residue as fertilizer in agricultural production. Both groups of digested residues were analysed (pH, electroconductivity, moisture content, ash content, content of nitrogen and carbon, C/N ratio, content of P 2 O 5, K 2 O, Ca, Mg, Na). The analysis indicated that the investigated raw material is usable as solid and gas biofuel, and digested residue as fertilizer in ecological agriculture. The two groups of samples analysed here did not show significant differences.
173 Increasing Insulin Sensitivity in the Endothelium Leads to Reduced Nitric Oxide Bioavailability

Introduction Insulin resistance is known to precede Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Insulin mediated release of the endothelial cell (EC) derived anti-atherosclerotic molecule, nitric oxide (NO) is blunted in patients suffering from insulin resistance T2DM. We examined the effects of enhancing EC insulin sensitivity in vivo , by generating a novel transgenic mouse, over-expressing Type A human Insulin Receptor (HIRECO) restricted to EC. Methods Western blotting and RT-PCR were carried out on tissues and isolated endothelial cells from lungs to measure protein levels and mRNA expression, respectively. NADPH-dependent lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence was used to measure superoxide anion levels. Isolated thoracic aortic rings suspended in an organ bath were used to determine vasomotor functions. eNOS activity was examined by citrulline assay with 14C-labelled L-arginine. HIRECO were compared to wild type littermates. Results Over-expressing human insulin receptors in EC had no significant effect on morphological features, metabolic phenotype or blood pressure of HIRECO. HIRECO demonstrated significant EC dysfunction measured by a blunted endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to acetylcholine and reduced basal NO release. EC-independent response to sodium nitroprusside remained unchanged. EC dysfunction observed in the organ bath was normalised by a NADPH oxidase-specific inhibitor peptide, gp91ds-tat as well as the superoxide dismutase mimetic, MnTmPyp. HIRECO demonstrated significant increase in superoxide anion release compared to WT littermates. This data was supported by a concomitant increase in NADPH oxidase isoform, NOX2 protein expression. Basal eNOS and Akt phosphorylation levels in isolated EC of HIRECO mice were enhanced compared to WT mice. Interestingly, insulin-stimulated eNOS phosphorylation and activation was decreased, whereas Akt phosphorylation remained unchanged. eNOS tyrosine phosphorylation mediated by proline-rich tyrosine kinase (PYK2) was significantly enhanced in EC from HIRECO mice. In order to investigate, if the perturbations of insulin signalling in the EC have a pathological outcome, HIRECO mice were crossed with ApoE knockout mice. These mice demonstrated a significant enhancement of plaque formation in aorta. Conclusions/Implications These data show that increasing EC insulin sensitivity leads to reduced bioavailability of NO. These data demonstrate for the first time that increased insulin signalling in EC increases the generation of superoxide anion via activation of NOX2 NADPH oxidase and reduced NO production in response to insulin due at least in part to increased EC PYK2 activity leading to a pro-atherosclerotic state.
Migration arrest in glioma cells is dependent on the αv integrin subunit

Local invasion is a hallmark of gliomas. Infiltrating tumor cells establish sites of persistent and recurrent lesions that ultimately prove fatal. Determinants of glioma cell migration include integrins and their ligands within the matrix. In contrast to the response to other matrix proteins, glioma cells migrating on tenascin do not follow a characteristic dose‐dependent pattern. For two of four glioma cell lines tested, tenascin acts as both a permissive and a nonpermissive motility substrate, i.e., low densities of tenascin are permissive substrates, whereas high densities are nonpermissive. Specific antisense oligonucleotides directed at the αv integrin subunit effectively suppress the anti‐migratory phenotype of glioma cells at high tenascin densities. The two cell lines that fail to demonstrate this unusual biphasic pattern do not endogenously express the αv subunit, whereas the cell lines for which high densities of tenascin are anti‐migratory are found to express αv. We conclude that loss of the αv integrin subunit may be associated with the invasive behavior of gliomas, along vascular channels that express tenascin. GLIA 24:236–243, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Imagem por ressonância magnética: princípios básicos

Magnetic resonance is the physical propriety exhibited by the atomic nucleus of determined elements when they are submitted to a strong magnetic field and excited with radio waves in determined frequency (Larmor's Frequency). These originate a radio frequency signal, which can be captured by a receptive antenna and transformed in images. Although expensive, magnetic resonance is the most sensitive method of imaging to evaluate soft tissues, mainly the brain. Extensive diagnostic potential, few hazard effects, accurate anatomic information, images in any plain of the body, good contrast and spacial resolution are some advantages of this method. However, it does not allow a specific histological diagnosis and must be interpreted in context with others clinical and pathological findings. This review had the aim to show the physical bases of magnetic resonance to bring more knowledge to veterinarians.
The cytology of Brachycome. I. The subgenus Eubrachycome. a general survey

Chromosome number determinations and cytological observations are reported for 37 recognized taxonomic species and varieties, and for a number of undescribed species and chromosome races in Eubrachycome. Additionally, chromosome numbers are reported for six species of Metabrachycome and two species of related genera. A wide range of numbers has been found. It is inferred that x = 9 is the primitive base number in the group. Eubrachycome has used various modes of chromosomal change, including polyploidy, amphidiploidy, decrease in base number, and the establishment of B. chromosomes. The present taxonomy of the group requires revision, taking into account cytological data. Primitive Eubrachycome was probably a mesic perennial. The evolution of desert species has involved reduction in chromosome number and the adoption of the annual habit, but other methods of desert adaptation have been available. Many species are chromosomally unstable, and may have been subject to catastrophic selection.