Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of forage grasses based on heterologous RFLP markers detected by rice cDNAs

Genetic polymorphism within and between three species of forage grasses, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), was analyzed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers detected by rice cDNA probes developed at the Rice Genome Research Programme of Japan (RGP). One hundred and ninety-seven rice cDNA clones were used for hybridization to genomic DNA of forage grasses. Many of the rice cDNA clones produced no visible band or only a smear with no discrete bands. Twenty-three clones showed high efficiency cross-hybridization to the genomic DNA of forage grasses. Genetic variation was evaluated for five varieties and one population of forage grasses using 12 polymorphic rice cDNA RFLP probes. Genetic variability within varieties as measured by Rogers' genetic distance was considerably lower for the F. pratensis variety 'Tomosakae' than for the L. perenne and F. arundinacea varieties. To determine the genetic diversity between varieties of different species, cluster analysis was performed using data from the 12 RFLP probes. The two accessions of Lolium perenne were clustered more closely together than the three varieties of F. arundinacea. Two Japanese varieties of F. arundinacea were grouped in the same cluster. The variety-specific RFLP markers were seen among six accessions of L. perenne, F. pratensis and F. arundinacea. Such variety-specific RFLP markers would provide very useful tools for breeding programmes such as the intergeneric hybridization of Lolium and Festuca genera.
Astrocyte-Derived ATP Induces Vesicle Shedding and IL-1β Release from Microglia1

ATP has been indicated as a primary factor in microglial response to brain injury and inflammation. By acting on different purinergic receptors 2, ATP is known to induce chemotaxis and stimulate the release of several cytokines from these cells. The activation of purinergic receptors 2 in microglia can be triggered either by ATP deriving from dying cells, at sites of brain injury or by ATP released from astrocytes, in the absence of cell damage. By the use of a biochemical approach integrated with video microscopy experiments, we investigated the functional consequences triggered in microglia by ATP released from mechanically stimulated astrocytes, in mixed glial cocultures. Astrocyte-derived ATP induced in nearby microglia the formation and the shedding of membrane vesicles. Vesicle formation was inhibited by the ATP-degrading enzyme apyrase or by P2X7R antagonists. Isolation of shed vesicles, followed by IL-1β evaluation by a specific ELISA revealed the presence of the cytokine inside the vesicular organelles and its subsequent efflux into the extracellular medium. IL-1β efflux from shed vesicles was enhanced by ATP stimulation and inhibited by pretreatment with the P2X7 antagonist oxidized ATP, thus indicating a crucial involvement of the pore-forming P2X7R in the release of the cytokine. Our data identify astrocyte-derived ATP as the endogenous factor responsible for microvesicle shedding in microglia and reveal the mechanisms by which astrocyte-derived ATP triggers IL-1β release from these cells.
Selective expression of CD8α (Ly‐2) subunit on activated thymic γ/δ cells

Although most cells of the T cell receptor (TcR) γ/δ lineage are CD4−CD8−, some γ/δ cells express CDS. We show here that mouse thymic γ/δ cells express CD8 following in vitro activation by concanavalin A. Staining with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to the CD8 α (Ly‐2) and CD8 β (Ly‐3) subunits indicates that only CD8 α is expressed by these activated TcRγ/δ cells. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation and reduced/nonreduced gel analysis reveals that thymic γ/δ cells express CD8 α as a homodimer. In contrast, similarly activated TcR δ/β cells express a conventional CD8 α/CD8 β heterodimer.
Physiology of Pines Infested with Bark Beetles

1. Dendroctonus frontalis and I ps avulsus bore through the bark and tunnel in the phloem. The beetle inoculates the wood with fungi and the entrance holes and beetle galleries serve to expose the wood to the air. 2. The outer rings of the tree lose the capacity to conduct dye solutions successively from the first ring toward the center. This gradually advances to the center of the tree and cuts off the supply of water to the leaves which empty the top of water and die. 3. Failure of the outer rings to conduct dye solutions is intimately associated with drying of the wood. The suggestion is made that theaccumulation of air in the rings, which accompanies the loss of moisture, forms a resistance sufficient to stop the vertical and lateral transport of water. 4. The failure of the wood to conduct dye solutions is also closely associated with the penetration of the wood by fungi. Ceratostomellapini and fungus no. I are practically the only fungi which penetrate deeply into the wood during the early stages of attack. Inoculations show that C. pini growing alone is able to kill the trees, but fungus no. I has not been tested. 5. From the close connection between the drying and the position of the fungi in the wood, it is suggested that the drying is acceleratedby the action of the fungi on the cells. 6. The stoppage of conduction is probably also associated with the aspiration of the tori, as indicated by NELSON'S work. He suggests that blocking of the pits of the tracheids by the tori might account for the stoppage of conduction.
Echolocation and feeding behaviour of Taphozous mauritianus (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae)

Observations of free-flying bats in the field in Zimbabwe indicated that Taphozous mauritianus uses multiharmonic constant frequency (CF) search calls followed by multiharmonic approach and terminal calls that combine shallow and steep frequency modulated (FM) sweeps during approaches to targets. The three phases of calls all have rapid rise times to full amplitude, and most of the sound energy is in the second harmonic; the fundamental is usually present (11–13 kHz), making the calls clearly audible to the unaided human ear. This combination of characters, but particularly the CF search calls, serves to distinguish these echolocation calls from those of other insectivorous bats. One light-tagged individual hunting insects reacted to targets at distances of about 3 m, suggesting a long-range feeding strategy.
Apolipoprotein AV Accelerates Plasma Hydrolysis of Triglyceriderich Lipoproteins by Interaction with Proteoglycan-bound Lipoprotein Lipase*

Apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) is associated with differences in triglyceride levels and familial combined hyperlipidemia. In genetically engineered mice, apoAV plasma levels are inversely correlated with plasma triglycerides. To elucidate the mechanism by which apoAV influences plasma triglycerides, metabolic studies and in vitro assays resembling physiological conditions were performed. In human APOA5 transgenic mice (hAPOA5tr), catabolism of chylomicrons and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) was accelerated due to a faster plasma hydrolysis of triglycerides by lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Hepatic VLDL and intestinal chylomicron production were not affected. The functional interplay between apoAV and LPL was further investigated by cross-breeding a human LPL transgene with the apoa5 knock-out and the hAPOA5tr to an lpl-deficient background. Increased LPL activity completely normalized hypertriglyceridemia of apoa5-deficient mice; however, overexpression of human apoAV modulated triglyceride levels only slightly when LPL was reduced. To reflect the physiological situation in which LPL is bound to cell surface proteoglycans, we examined hydrolysis in the presence or absence of proteoglycans. Without proteoglycans, apoAV derived either from triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, hAPOA5tr high density lipoprotein, or a recombinant source did not alter the LPL hydrolysis rate. In the presence of proteoglycans, however, apoAV led to a significant and dose-dependent increase in LPL-mediated hydrolysis of VLDL triglycerides. These results were confirmed in cell culture using a proteoglycan-deficient cell line. A direct interaction between LPL and apoAV was found by ligand blotting. It is proposed, that apoAV reduces triglyceride levels by guiding VLDL and chylomicrons to proteoglycan-bound LPL for lipolysis.
Developmental biology of Acetabularia

Acetabularia (Dasycladaceae: Chlorophyta) is a giant unicellular marine alga possessing a single nucleus but several millions of chloroplasts and mitochondria. It presents a polar growth and a peculiar morphological differentiation, comprising the development of a branched rhizoid at its basal end, where the nucleus is located, and the formation of several seriated whorls and then a reproductive cap at the apex of the stalk. Acetabularia is particularly useful in many fields of cellular and molecular biology. Recent work and current ideas on its developmental biology are summarized and discussed.
Treatment of Anemia with Iron-fortified Rice in a School Lunch Program in Burundi

Eligibility criteria: • Schoolchildren (7-11 years old) • Anemic (Hb 7.0 g/dl-11.9 g/dl) (1500m) • Albendazole received 2 weeks prior to enrollment The school lunch program was supported by commodities provided by the World Food Programme (WFP). • 5 days per week for 7 months • Lunch ration: Rice (150 g), beans (40 g), vitamin A-fortified vegetable oil (10 g), and salt (3 g) • Multiple-micronutrient formulation provided: iron (17.8 mg), zinc (8.5 mg), thiamine (1.8 mg), and folic acid (600 mg)
Vegetation-derived abscisic acid and four terpenes enforce dormancy in seeds of the post-fire annual, Nicotiana attenuata

Abstract The native tobacco, Nicotiana attenuata, synchronizes its germination with the immediate post-fire environment with a combination of germination stimulants found in wood smoke and inhibitors from the unburned litter of the dominant vegetation. The inhibitors override the stimulants and prevent seeds from germinating maladaptively in unburned habitats adjacent to burns. To understand the physiological basis of this environmental control of germination, we tested several previously isolated signals, phytohormones and their respective biosynthesis inhibitors. The germination inhibitors methyl jasmonate (MeJA, a constituent of sagebrush litter), bornane-2,5-dione (BD, a constituent of juniper litter extract, JLE) and JLE did not alter abscisic acid (ABA) content of imbibed seeds. Treatment with the ABA biosynthesis inhibitor, fluridone, inhibited the dormancy-inducing effects of BD, JLE and MeJA, but surprisingly did not affect endogenous ABA levels in treated seeds. However, ABA leached from litter of the species, which dominate the plant community before fires, plays an important role in germination control. We conclude that N. attenuata seeds, which can lie dormant in the soil for 150 years between fires, time their germination with the post-fire environment by responding to smoke, ABA and four terpenes (BD, 1,8-cineole, β-thujaplicin and camphor) leaching from the litter of the dominant vegetation.
ERβ Has Nongenomic Action in Caveolae

ERα and ERβ serve classically as transcription factors, and ERα also mediates nongenomic responses to E2 such as the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In contrast, the nongenomic capacities of endogenous ERβ are poorly understood. We evaluated eNOS activation by E2 in cultured endothelial cells that express endogenous ERβ to determine whether the ERβ isoform has nongenomic action and to reveal the subcellular locale of that function. A subpopulation of ERβ was localized to the endothelial cell plasma membrane, overexpression of ERβ enhanced rapid eNOS stimulation by E2, and the response to endogenous ER activation was inhibited by the ERβ-selective antagonist RR-tetrahydrochrysene (THC). eNOS activation through ERβ was reconstituted and shown to occur independent of ERα in COS-7 cells, and ERβ protein in COS-7 was directed to the plasma membrane. THC also blunted E2 activation of eNOS in isolated endothelial cell plasma membranes. Furthermore, ERβ protein was detected and THC attenua.
Male sterility: mechanisms and current status on identification, characterization and utilization in vegetables.

This review describes histological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of nuclear (GMS) and nuclear-cytoplasmic (CMS) male sterility. The roles of tapetum, callase, esterase and PGSs are discussed in the light of male sterility expression. Similarly, the role of sterile cytoplasm specific ORFs, namely T-cytoplasm of maize (orf-13) and Ogura cytoplasm of radish (Orf-138) has also been described. Three-line and two-line hybrid breeding approaches involving CMS and environmental sensitive genetic male sterile (EGMS) lines, respectively are outlined. Transgenic male sterility systems have been grouped in five classes (abolition-restoration, abolition-reversible, constitutive-reversible, complementary-gene and gametocide-targeted systems) and a comparative discussion is presented. Special emphasis is laid on the crop wise review of reports on identification, characterization and utilization of male sterility in tomato, pepper, cole vegetables, radish, carrot, onion, other Allium spp. and muskmelon.
Zonation patterns of benthic communities in an upwelling area from the western Medierranean (La Herradura, Alboran Sea)

Species composition and distribution of marine benthic communities from La Herradura (Alboran Sea, western Mediterranean) are described to characterise its rocky and sedimentary bottoms bionomically. Rocky bottoms were studied by means of several underwater transects and soft bottoms with fixed stations along a bathymetric gradient. The study of the floristic and faunistic composition of the rocky benthic communities highlights depth as the main axis of variation. Factorial Correspondence Analysis segregates deep-water communities below 25 m depth (circalittoral communities) from shallower communities (axis I), and communities thriving between 5 and 25 m depth (lower infralittoral communities) from communities thriving close to the surface (shallow infralittoral communities) (axis II). The study of the sedimentary bottoms also suggests that depth, together with physical sedimentary properties, is the main axis of variation in species distribution. Floristic and faunistic records show the particular composition of La Herradura benthic communities, compared to Mediterranean and Atlantic ones. Mixing of Mediterranean and Atlantic waters, together with deep water upwelling episodes typical of this area, probably determine the peculiar composition of the benthic communities.
Diel Rhythm of Plankton and Physicochemical Parameters in Kangimi, Reservoir Kaduna State Nigeria

Diurnal fluctuations of physicochemical parameters and planktonic organism were studies during the cold dry (harmattan), hot and rainy season in Kangimi reservoir. Significant diel changes were observed for all physicochemical parameters in all the months of study except for electrical conductivity that showed narrow diel variations. Significant phytoplankton diel fluctuations were also observed with peaks during the daylight hours and minimum values at night. Zooplankton diel fluctuations showed an inverse trend. The diel movements of these plankton organisms were related to the diurnal variations of the factor. The biological significance of these are discussed. Journal of Aquatic Sciences Volume 15, April 2000, pp. 35-40 KEY WORDS: Diel, variations, physicochemical, phytoplankton, zooplankton.
Innate aversion to ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and ant mimics: experimental findings from mantises (Mantodea)

Field data suggest that ants may be important predators of mantises which, in turn, may be important predators of jumping spiders (Salticidae). Using a tropical fauna from the Philippines as a case study, the reactions of mantises to ants, myrmecomorphic salticids (i.e. jumping spiders that resemble ants) and ordinary salticids (i.e. jumping spiders that do not resemble ants) were investigated in the laboratory. Three mantis species (Loxomantis sp., Orthodera sp., and Statilia sp.) were tested with ten ant species, five species of Myrmarachne (i.e. myrmecomorphic salticids), and 23 ordinary salticid species. Two categories of the myrmecomorphic salticids were recognized: (1) ‘typical Myrmarachne’ (four species with a strong resemblance to ants) and (2) Myrmarachne bakeri (a species with less strong resemblance to ants). Ants readily killed mantises in the laboratory, confirming that, for the mantises studied, ants are dangerous. In alternate-day testing, the mantises routinely preyed on the ordinary salticids, but avoided ants. The mantises reacted to myrmecomorphic salticids similarly to how they reacted to ants (i.e. myrmecomorphic salticids appear to be, for mantises, Batesian mimics of ants). Although myrmecomorphic salticids were rarely eaten, M. bakeri was eaten more often than typical Myrmarachne. Because the mantises had no prior experience with ants, ant mimics or ordinary salticids, our findings suggest that mantises have an innate aversion to attacking ants and that this aversion is generalized to myrmecomorphic salticids even in the absence of prior experience with ants. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 88, 23–32.
Breeding Populations and Diets of the Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus and the Hobby Falco subbuteo in the Wigry National Park (Ne Poland)

Abstract. In 1990–1995, 12–15 pairs of Sparrowhawks (9.1/100 km2) and 7–9 pairs of Hobbies (5.6 pairs/100 km2) inhabited the forest-lakeland area of the Wigry National Park (NE Poland). The diet composition of the two species was studied by the analysis of pellets and prey remains. Sparrowhawks fed on birds (97% of prey items, 99% of food biomass), especially Turdus spp. , Parus spp. and Fringilla coelebs. Hobbies consumed birds (52% of prey, 94% of biomass) and insects (43% of prey, 1% of biomass). Sparrowhawks specialized in forest birds, positively selecting Parus spp. , Turdus spp. , Picidae and Ficedula spp. Hobbies hunted mainly birds of open habitats (Alauda arvensis) and woodland (Anthus trivialis).
Age and diversity in Old World succulent species of Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae).

We use a relatively densely sampled phylogeny to obtain preliminary estimates for the ages of the major clades identi fied in Euphorbia, with which we show that the succulent species of Euphorbia have diversified over the last 36 million years into many of the semi-arid, tropical parts of the world. Many major clades have subclades from widely separated regions, often on different continents. Our results imply that these distributions arose by long-distance dispersal after the break-up of Gondwana. In the case of Indian/South-east Asian succulents there appears to have been a single, relatively recent dispersal event from Africa. We have included many species from the Arabian Peninsula and Socotra and we show that these are nested within other, mainly African clades. In some cases Arabian and Socotran taxa have their closest relatives in adjacent parts of North-east Africa and most often this is true in recent clades, while in more ancient clades their closest relatives may be in Macaronesia or in the Namib Desert of Southern Africa so that these are typical 'Rand Flora' elements. In one case, closest known relatives are in North America. We find that Socotran taxa vary between 16 and 3 Ma old. The major diversifications of succulents in temperate Southern Africa (the crown clades in subg. Rhizanthium and more minor clades in subg. Chamaesyce) and in tropical East Africa (the crown clades in subg. Euphorbia) occurred in the last 20-3 Ma. In the Greater Cape Flora of the western part of Southern Africa the diversity in Euphorbia is mainly derived from one lineage in subg. Rhizanthium and one in subg. Chamaesyce. In contrast the diversity of Euphorbia in the Arabian Peninsula is derived from the invasion (mainly from Africa) of many separate lineages. We show that large, succulent trees are only found in subg. Euphorbia and only occur in the Old World. Most of them fall within a single clade and have evolved relatively recently.
Long forsaken species diversity in the Middle American lizard Holcosus undulatus (Teiidae)

Numerous reptile species have been divided into subspecies. Although this classification may capture the morphological variation within species, it often conceals significant species diversity because many subspecies actually represent species under lineage-based species concepts. The lizard Holcosus undulatus is a common, widely distributed, monotypic species in Middle America. However, 12 subspecies of this taxon were recognized until the early 1970s. We used two lineage-based methods for species delimitation to re-evaluate species limits within H. undulatus with DNA sequence and morphological data. We included all the previously recognized subspecies of H. undulatus except H. u. miadis. Holcosus undulatus was exclusive. In addition, H. u. amphigrammus, H. u. gaigeae, H. u. hartwegi, H. u. parvus, H. u. pulcher, H. u. sinister, H. u. stuarti, H. u. thomasi and H. u. undulatus were supported as distinct evolutionary lineages based on the molecular and morphological evidence. We therefore elevate all of these subspecies to species rank. In addition, two separate mitochondrial lineages may represent cryptic, undescribed species within H. undulatus. The morphological distinctness and allopatry of H. u. miadis and H. u. pulcher, as well as the high genetic divergence of the latter species, suggest that they also represent distinct evolutionary species. Our results also suggest that additional species diversity may still be hidden within the H. u. amphigrammus, H. u. parvus, H. u. sinister and H. u. undulatus lineages. This work supports resurrection of overlooked diversity within Holcosus, which has important implications for the conservation of this genus in Middle America. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London
Salt tolerance of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) at three growth stages

Summary Salt tolerance of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. ) was determined at three growth stages following observations by a number of workers that degree of salt tolerance of different crops varies with their ontogeny. The salt tolerance of three accessions, Local arhar, ICPL-151 and ICPL-850014 of pigeon pea was assessed at the germination, seedling and adult stages. There was no positive correlation between tolerance at the early growth stages and at the adult stage since no clear difference in salt tolerance of the three accessions was observed at the germination and the seedling stages, whereas accessions differed considerably at the adult stage. Although increasing salt concentrations adversely affected the growth of all three accessions, ICPL-151 was superior to the other two accessions in fresh and dry biomass, yield and yield components when tested at the adult stage. The tolerant accession, ICPL 151, accumulated significantly lower Na+and CI in shoots. By contrast it was higher in shoot and root K+, K/Na ratios, K vs Na selectivity, soluble sugars, free amino acids and proline compared with the other two accessions.
A Systematic Study of the Salvelinus alpinus Complex in North America

Sympatric populations of Salvelinus malma and Salvelinus alpinus from Karluk and Fraser Lakes, Kodiak Island, Alaska, were compared using the discriminant function analysis. The analysis indicated that hybridization between S. malma and S. alpinus rarely, if ever, occurs in these lakes. Therefore, S. malma and S. alpinus are considered distinct species. Data on 507 S. malma and 411 S. alpinus from 77 localities suggest at least two distinct forms of both S. malma and S. alpinus in North America. Speculations are made on the origin and evolution of S. malma and S. alpinus.