Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calcium-Dependent Tolerant Response of Cell Wall in Maize Mesocotyl Under Flooding Stress

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to ﬁnd out the effect of calcium on ﬂoodedmaize seedlings by anatomical and ultra-structural analyses and by measuring theenzyme activity and gene expression of polygalacturonase (PG) and superoxidedismutase (SOD). For this, maize seeds were placed to germinate in germinationpaper saturated with CaCl 2 0.75 %. Then, 4-day-old seedlings were subjected toﬂooding in the presence or absence of CaCl 2 . Mesocotyl sections were sampleddaily for the anatomical and ultra-structural analyses, RT-qPCR and activity ofSOD and PG. The results showed that the presence of calcium in the ﬂoodingbuffer increases the tolerance of maize seedlings by 1 day when compared toseedlings ﬂooded in the absence of this element. The reason for this longer sur-vival is that calcium maintains the integrity of the cell wall and attenuates theeffects of oxidative stress. Owing to this fact, the seedlings remained alive andﬁrm for up to 7 days.IntroductionThe lowoxygen pressurein soilscaused by excessof water isone of the most important environmental stresses once itsigniﬁcantly reduces the growth and productivity of cereals(Jackson and Colmer 2005). In general, precipitation insuperabundance and the poor soil drainage are the maincauses of the ﬂooding stress. During ﬂooding, the air in thesoil pores is replaced by water, and because of the slow dif-fusion rates of oxygen in water, coupled with the activity ofaerobic soil microorganisms, the oxygen levels fall rapidly(Pezeshki 1994). Under these conditions, the lack of oxygenhasbeen seen asthe mainproblem associatedwithﬂooding. Indeed,tolerancetoanoxia([O
Changing perceptions of the effect of plant phenolics on nutrient supply in the ruminant

Mammalian metabolism of plant phenolics, initially studied in monogastric animals, gave an emphasis to their toxic and antinutrient effects. Subsequent studies in tropical ruminants and wild herbivores have highlighted the high levels than can occur in some diets and the extensive microbial modification and degradation that can occur in the tract. This paper reviews aspects of plant phenolics as they relate to ruminant nutrition in tropical or semi-arid environments in which some forage plants contain high levels of phenolic compounds. Effects range from occasional acute toxicity of hydrolysable tannins, to acetate-releasing microbial degradations that apparently enable certain phenolics to act as nutrients. The most important and complex effects are those due to tannin-protein interactions. Although these can clearly reduce feed intake, nutrient digestibilities, and protein availability, many of the interactions are still not understood. The diverse effects of plant phenolics on nutrient flow probably result from the balance between adverse effects on some organisms and the rate at which they are degraded or inactivated by other organisms, and improved animal performance can likely be obtained by manipulation of rumen microbial metabolism.
MIP‐1α[CCL3] acting on the CCR1 receptor mediates neutrophil migration in immune inflammation via sequential release of TNF‐α and LTB4

In the present study, we investigated the involvement of macrophage‐inflammatory protein‐1α (MIP‐1α)[CC chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3)], MIP‐1β[CCL4], regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES)[CCL5], and CC chemokine receptors (CCRs) on neutrophil migration in murine immune inflammation. Previously, we showed that ovalbumin (OVA)‐triggered neutrophil migration in immunized mice depends on the sequential release of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and leukotriene B4(LTB4). Herein, we show increased mRNA expression for MIP‐1α[CCL3], MIP‐1β[CCL4], RANTES[CCL5], and CCR1 in peritoneal cells harvested from OVA‐challenged, immunized mice, as well as MIP‐1α[CCL3] and RANTES[CCL5] but not MIP‐1β[CCL4] proteins in the peritoneal exudates. OVA‐induced neutrophil migration response was muted in immunized MIP‐1α[CCL3]−/− mice, but it was not inhibited by treatment with antibodies against RANTES[CCL5] or MIP‐1β[CCL4]. MIP‐1α[CCL3] mediated neutrophil migration in immunized mice through induction of TNF‐α and LTB4 synthesis, as these mediators were detected in the exudates harvested from OVA‐challenged immunized wild‐type but not MIP‐1α[CCL3]−/− mice; administration of MIP‐1α[CCL3] induced a dose‐dependent neutrophil migration, which was inhibited by treatment with an anti‐TNF‐α antibody in TNF receptor 1 (p55−/−)‐deficient mice or by MK 886 (a 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor); and MIP‐1α[CCL3] failed to induce LTB4 production in p55−/− mice. MIP‐1α[CCL3] used CCR1 to promote neutrophil recruitment, as OVA or MIP‐1α[CCL3] failed to induce neutrophil migration in CCR1−/− mice, in contrast to CCR5−/− mice. In summary, we have demonstrated that neutrophil migration observed in this model of immune inflammation is mediated by MIP‐1α[CCL3], which via CCR1, induces the sequential release of TNF‐α and LTB4. Therefore, whether a similar pathway mediates neutrophil migration in human immune‐inflammatory diseases, the development of specific CCR1 antagonists might have a therapeutic potential.
Metagenomic approach for microbial diversity in environmental samples.

The metagenomics is called as fourth domain of life which deals with the molecular approach for the culturing of the microbes. The development of metagenomics stemmed from the evidence that as-yet-uncultured microorganisms represent the vast majority of organisms in most environments on earth. These microbes hold the secret for generating renewable biofuels and bioremediation. This report throws light metagenomic approach of soil, water; methodologies involved in it and reported prevalent microbes in the above environmental niche. The importance of the bacteria in drug design, drug delivery and important products obtained from them by using the culturing technique called as Metagenomics.
An in‐vitro method for prediction of the digestible crude protein content in pig feeds

An in-vitro method using commercially available enzymes for the prediction of the in-vivo digestible crude protein content was developed and tested on seven feedstuffs and 16 diets for pigs. Fat-extracted feed samples were consecutively incubated with pepsin at pH 1 and pancreatin at pH 6.8. From the nitrogen content of the feed sample and of the residue after incubation the in-vitro digestibility of the crude protein was calculated. Using the linear regression of in-vitro on in-vivo digestible crude protein of samples obtained in feeding trials, the in-vivo digestible crude protein content (DXPp) in g kg−1 dry matter could be predicted. For feedstuffs and diets the correlation was 0.99 and 0.95 and the residual standard deviation 17 and 6 g kg−1 dry matter, respectively. In a similar procedure the nitrogen solubilised during incubation with enzymes was analysed. The regression value was similar to that of the original procedure. However, this procedure was abandoned because it was more laborious.
Potential of nanofiltration for the concentration of bioactive compounds from watermelon juice

Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of nanofiltration for the concentration of bioactive compounds of watermelon juice. Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activities were determined through two assays, ferric reducing antioxidant power and DPPH. The content of lycopene, flavonoids and total phenolic in the concentrate samples increased with the increase in the volume reduction factor. Volume reduction factor of three showed the best performance of concentration, generating the highest values for lycopene, flavonoid and total phenolic contents. Average permeation flux was 2.3 L h−1 m−2, with continuous extraction of the concentrate at a volumetric reduction ratio of three. Lycopene showed the highest rejection coefficient (0.99), followed by flavonoids (0.96) and total phenolic content (0.65). The hydrophilic antioxidant activity values in both assays were higher than the lipophilic antioxidant activity values. A highly significant correlation was noted between the contents of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and lycopene and their antioxidant potential in both lipophilic and hydrophilic fractions.
American black bear population abundance and genetic structure on an island archipelago

Abstract American black bears (Ursus americanus) occur on numerous islands within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Lake Superior, Wisconsin, USA, and provide an opportunity to better understand patterns in abundance and genetic structure among island populations. In 2002 and 2010, we derived genotypes from DNA obtained from hair samples collected at hair traps to estimate population abundance on Stockton (40.7 km2), Sand (11.9 km2), and Oak (20.6 km2; 2010 only) islands. We used Huggins closed-population mark–recapture models to estimate island-specific abundance and density. We used Program STRUCTURE and parentage analysis to examine inter-island population structure, migration patterns, and relatedness. In 2010, we estimated abundance on Stockton, Sand, and Oak islands to be 13.1 (95% CI = 12.4–13.8), 10.1 (95% CI = 9.3–11.0), and 18.1 (95% CI = 17.3–19.0) bears, with a density of 0.32, 0.85, and 0.88 bears/km2, respectively. Whereas abundance on Sand Island increased 60% since 2002 (N = 6.3, 95% CI = 4.0–8.6), abundance on Stockton declined 50% (N = 26.3, 95% CI = 24.7–27.9), including an 83% decline in detected females. Density on Oak Island was the highest reported in Wisconsin, although we identified 13 individuals as likely mates or offspring of a single male. We identified 4 genetic groups, corresponding to Stockton, Sand, Oak, and Mainland ancestry. No individuals on Stockton or Sand islands were assigned ancestry from another island, whereas one male on Oak Island was assigned Stockton ancestry. We detected individuals of predominately Mainland ancestry on all but Hermit Island, suggesting a high rate of immigration from the mainland. We suggest these islands can support high bear densities, but may undergo rapid shifts in sex-specific abundance. Genetic connectivity appears maintained by male-mediated gene flow, but a small number of wide-ranging females may sustain inter-island population viability.
Effect of chemical synergy and larval stage on the toxicity of atrazine and alachlor to amphibian larvae

We determined the acute toxicity of field‐grade formulations of atrazine, alachlor, and a 50:50 mixture of the chemicals to early and late larval stages of northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) and American toads (Bufo americanus). We conducted identical tests with rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) to compare their sensitivity as bioindicators. The acute toxicity (96‐h median lethal concentrations [LC50s]) of herbicides to amphibian larvae ranged from 47.6 mg/L for early‐stage R. pipiens exposed to atrazine to 3.3 mg/L for late‐stage B. americanus exposed to alachlor. The toxicity of a 50:50 mixture of atrazine and alachlor after a 96‐h exposure was greater than additive (chemical synergy present) for most species and life stages tested, with 96‐h LC50s as low as 1.5 mg/L for late‐stage B. americanus larvae. Older amphibian larvae appeared to be more sensitive than younger larvae for both species and chemicals tested. Overall, rainbow trout and channel catfish appeared to be less sensitive than amphibian larvae. The 96‐h LC50s ranged from 23.8 mg/L for channel catfish exposed to atrazine to 9.1 mg/L for rainbow trout exposed to alachlor. A noteworthy sublethal effect observed in amphibian larvae exposed to atrazine was edema, probably caused by renal disfunction. Chronic predicted no‐observed‐effect concentrations (PNOECs) for lethality after a 30‐d exposure were estimated from mortality data at 3, 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h and found to be approximately 10‐ to 20‐fold lower than 96‐h LC50s. The calculated PNOECs are close enough to concentrations actually found in the environment to warrant concern and further tests. Additional research on environmental concentrations, chronic effects, and the effects of chemical synergy is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn. Chemical synergy and life‐stage sensitivity should be addressed to properly assess the toxicity of herbicides to nontarget organisms.
Plasticity in biochemical characteristics of cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover in response to different host plants and neonicotinoid pesticides

In the present investigation an effort was made to realise the role of feeding host plants on some enzymes’ activities. The results showed that the enzymes’ activities were changed in the aphids feeding on different host plants which assist in detoxification of their host metabolites. It is important when the aphids are exposed to insecticides. The results indicated that the measured enzyme activity has significant changes depending on the host plant. It is shown in this study that there are no significant differences between different host plants on esterase activity (p = 0.446); however, there is a significant difference between GSH activity (p = 0.047) but this relationship is not significant on MFO activity (p = 0.417). Among three strains of Ag-PP, Ag-MO and Ag-FA, strain Ag-PP was the most resistant strain against neonicotinoids, and the resistance mechanism was related to metabolic increase in carboxyl esterase activity. The results showed that strain of Ag-MO was the most susceptible strain against neonicotinoids. The result of this investigation also showed that the general esterases might play an important role in conferring or contributing to neonicotinoid resistance in the cotton aphids.
Third International Conference on Plant-Based Vaccines and Antibodies [Meeting Report]

This relatively new biennial meeting - the first was in Prague in 2005 - was chaired by Julian Ma (Guy's Hospital, London, UK), with Mario Pezzotti (University of Verona, Italy) as local organizer, and attracted approximately 180 delegates from 25 countries. The theme was 'Plant Expression Systems for Recombinant Pharmacologics': there were 46 talks gathered into two plenaries, 12 themed sessions and 72 posters. Topics covered included publicly funded and commercial developments, innovation, regulation and commercialization, competition with conventional technology, manufacture and new products. © 2009 Expert Reviews Ltd.
Biologische Invasionen : Mechanismen, Auswirkungen, Chancen und Risiken

Die spontane Ausbreitung nicht-einheimischer oder exotischer Arten, unabsichtlich eingeschleppt bzw. absichtlich eingefuehrt, ist heute ein weltweit zu beobachtendes Phaenomen. Arten werden in grossem Umfang zwischen Kontinenten ausgetauscht und innerhalb der Kontinente verfrachtet; in erster Linie eine Folge des weltweiten Handels und Reiseverkehrs. Einige (aber nicht alle) dieser verwilderten Exoten breiten sich rasant aus und ihr Massenvorkommen zieht nachteilige Auswirkungen auf Mensch und Umwelt nach sich. Solche invasive Arten sind heutzutage ein zentrales Thema im internationalen Naturschutz und in der oekologischen Forschung. Die Ausbreitung invasiver Organismen, als biologische Invasionen bezeichnet, gilt mittlerweile neben Lebensraumzerstoerung als die zweitwichtigste Ursache des weltweiten Artenrueckganges. Die Mechanismen, die zu einer biologischen Invasion fuehren koennen, sind sehr vielfaeltig und beruhen auf Eigenschaften der Arten sowie des betreffenden neuen Lebensraumes. Offene Habitate mit geringem Konkurrenzdruck anderer Arten und ohne spezialisierte Frassfeinde und Pathogene zeigen sich als besonders anfaellig fuer die Besiedlung invasiver Arten. Unter invasive Arten fallen auch solche, die in der Land- und Forstwirtschaft Schaeden verursachen oder die Gesundheit des Menschen gefaehrden. In der Schweiz sind ueber 800 exotische Pflanzen-, Tier-, und Pilz-Arten etabliert, von diesen gelten 107 Arten als invasiv. Welche Massnahmen ergriffen werden sollen, richtet sich nach der Haeufigkeit der Art, aber auch nach der Zielsetzung. Die kostenguenstigsten Massnahmen sind praeventive Massnahmen. Die Gruende, wie es zu biologischen Invasionen kommen kann, welche Eigenschaften invasive Arten aufweisen, ob und wie schnell sich verschleppte Arten im neuen Verbreitungsgebiet evolutiv veraendern koennen, und welches die beste Strategie im Umgang mit invasiven Arten ist, ist Gegenstand dieser Schrift.
Growth responses to commercial thinning in Douglas-fir stands with varying severity of Swiss needle cast in Oregon, USA

Concern has risen about the degree to which Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) stands with severe infections of Swiss needle cast (SNC) respond to thinning. A retrospective study was established in the fall of 2001 to assess the growth of Douglas-fir stands that were commercially thinned between 4 and 10 years ago. Current SNC infection levels in these stands ranged from severe to very light. Past volume and basal area growth declined with increasing severity of SNC, as measured by current foliage retention and crown length / sapwood ratio. As has been observed in many other studies, thinning to lower residual stock reduced stand level growth; however, individual tree growth increased with lower residual stand density. The ratio of growth in successive periods and analysis of annual basal area growth since thinning suggested that trees did respond to thinning, although less so as SNC increased. A positive response to thinning, regardless of infection level, was confirmed by an analysis of annual trends in basal area growth over the first 5 years after thinning.
Produção de leite, duração da lactação e intervalo de partos em búfalas mestiças Murrah

Objetivou-se avaliar o potencial da producao de leite (PL), duracao da lactacao (DL) e intervalo de partos (IDP), analisar os componentes de ambiente que afetam essas caracteristicas e estimar a herdabilidade e repetibilidade da PL em um rebanho de bufalas mesticas Murrah, no Estado de Alagoas. Os dados eram constituidos por 458 observacoes de PL provenientes de 136 lactacoes coletados entre os anos de 2000 e 2010. Para a analise de variância da PL os efeitos fixos foram estacao (1- de outubro a marco, 2- de abril a setembro) e ano do inicio da lactacao, ordem de parto e duracao da lactacao (covariavel). Para a analise de DL apenas o efeito fixo de ano do inicio da lactacao foi incluido e, finalmente, para a analise de IDP os efeitos fixos de ano do inicio da lactacao e ordem de parto. As estimativas de covariâncias foram obtidas usando analise unicaracteristica pelo metodo de inferencia Bayesiana, aplicando-se um modelo animal, via amostragem de Gibbs. Os efeitos genetico aditivo, ambiente permanente e residual foram incluidos como efeitos aleatorios no modelo. As medias (dp) de PL, DL e IDP foram 2.218,03 kg (408,18), 282,59 dias (39,48) e 422,49 dias (91,05), respectivamente.Todos os efeitos incluidos no modelo foram importantes (P<0,01). As estimativas de herdabilidade e repetibilidade da PL foram de 0,29 e 0,69, respectivamente. Esse resultado sugere a existencia de moderada variacao genetica entre individuos para PL, indicando a possibilidade de obtencao de ganho usando selecao.
Effect of processing on the content of condensed tannins in rapeseed meals

The condensed tannins of rapeseed meals produced by a two-phase solvent extraction system were determined and compared with those of hexane-extracted meals. Ground seeds were extracted with absolute methanol, 95% methanol, 10% (w/w) ammonia in methanol or 10% (w/w) ammonia in 95% methanol and hexane as a second phase. Tannins were extracted with 70% (v/v) aqueous acetone and assayed by the 0.5% vanillin methodology. Methanol alone extracted only 16% of the tannins; addition of 5% (v/v) water to methanol increased the efficiency of tannin extraction to 36%. The methanol-ammonia-water/hexane, however, was the most effective solvent system for the removal of tannins. The resultant meals contained from 4% to 33% of the condensed tannins which were originally present in rapeseed meals.
Coproduction of ethanol and power from switchgrass

Three process designs for producing ethanol and electricity from switchgrass are evaluated: a base‐case technology scenario involving dilute acid pre‐treatment and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, and two mature technology scenarios incorporating ammonia fiber expansion pre‐treatment and consolidated bioprocessing – one with conventional Rankine power coproduction, and one coproducing power via a gas turbine combined cycle. Material and energy balances – resulting from detailed Aspen Plus models – are reported and used to estimate processing costs and perform discounted cash flow analysis to assess plant profitability. The mature technology —designs significantly improve both process efficiency and cost relative to base‐case cellulosic ethanol technology, with the resulting fossil fuel displacement being decidedly positive and production costs competitive with gasoline, even at relatively low prices. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The returns to scarce talent: footedness and player remuneration in European soccer

We investigate the salary returns to the ability to play football with both feet. The majority of footballers are predominantly right footed. Using two data sets, a cross-section of footballers in the five main European leagues and a panel of players in the German Bundesliga, we find robust evidence of a substantial salary premium for two-footed ability, even after controlling for available player performance measures. We assess how this premium varies across the salary distribution and by player position.
Study on floral dynamics,pollen viability and stigma receptivity of Tamarix ramosissima

[Objective] The study was to provide a basis for the research on sexual reproduction of Tamarix ramosissima. [Method] Ten healthy plants were selected at Turpan and Fukang respectively,Pollen viability(Three flowers were used each time) and stigma receptivity(Stigmas of twenty flowers were used each time) of T.ramosissima were estimated by MTT and the flowering dynamics and morphology of stigma were investigated based on the methods of labeled individuals. [Result] T.ramosissima blossomed at 06:30-08:00 in daytime,the life span of one flower being only 1 day.The pollen viability of T.ramosissima was different according to different habitats,and was the highest at the beginning,and its viability declined sharply after 24 h.The decline rate of pollen viability was not different according to different flowering periods and different habitats and the 1ife span of all of them were about 48 h.The stigma receptivity was not different among the spring flowering periods of Turpan and Fukang and the summer flowering period of Fukang(34 h). The stigma receptivity of summer flowering period of Turpan lasted only 24 h.Stigmas had receptivity when they were white. [Conclusion] Pollen viability was higher when stigma had receptivity,indicating T.ramosissima had adapted to the mechanism of self-pollination. Stigmas had higher receptivity before blooming which showed a tendency to promote xenogamy and minimize geitonogamy.