Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genes controlling conjugation and mitotic cell division in yeast saccharomyces cerevisiae

New mutations were isolated that affect nuclear fusion during conjugation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These mutations, called kem (Kar enhancing Mutation), enhance the nuclear fusion defect of the karl-l mutation. In crosses of karl-l strains, 10 15% of zygotes undergo nuclear fusion forming stable diploids whereas 85 90% of zygotes fail to have nuclei fused. The nuclear fusion defect of karl-1 leads to formation of a heterocaryon which buds off a cytoductant with a parental haploid nucleus and a mixed cytoplasm. Newly isolated kem mutations block the residual nuclear fusion of karl-l crosses. This block in nuclear fusion has been confirmed by the genetic assay measuring cytoductant formation and the cytological observation of nuclear DNA in zygotes stained with DAPI. Nuclear fusion is normal in crosses of kem x KAR. Eight independent kem mutations were isolated. These eight mutations define at least three genes KEM1, KEM2, and KEM3. The KEM1 and KEM3 genes are located on the left arm of chromosome VII; CenV metl3 (16 cM) kem3 (18 cM) lys5 (13 cM) keml. I have characterized mutations in KEM1 in a Kar+ background. Several phenotypes of the keml mutants suggest that keml mutations affect the microtubule or spindle pole body function. The keml-1 and keml-5 mutations cause a bilateral nuclear fusion defect. In crosses where both parents are keml, about 30% of the zygotes fail to fuse nuclei with the result that cytoductants are produced at high frequency. The growth of keml mutants was examined at various concentrations of the antimicrotubule drug, benomyl. As compared with KEM1, the keml mutants are hypersensitive to benomyl. keml/keml diplids lose chromosomes with a frequency of 10 20 fold higher than Kem diploids. These results are consistent with the idea that KEM1 has a role in microtubule function. The KEM1 gene was disrupted by replacing the internal fragment of the KEM1 gene with a fragment carrying the URA3 gene. The null allele keml::URA3 is viable but causes a slow-growth phenotype and an altered cell morphology during the mitotic cell cycle. Microscopic examination of cell culture has shown that about 80% of keml::URA3 cells have an elongated rod-shape and twice the size of a wild type cell. In these cells spindle pole body duplication/separation is defective as visualized by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using anti-tubulin antibodies. A high proportion of large budded cells in keml: :URA3
Cycling of Amino-Nitrogen and other Nutrients between Shoots and Roots in Cereals—A Possible Mechanism Integrating Shoot and Root in the Regulation of Nutrient Uptake

A split root system was used to investigate the cycling of nitrogen between shoots and roots in young wheat and rye plants. 15N nitrate was supplied to one part of the root system for various periods, at the end of which these roots were excised. Xylem sap was then collected from the other roots which had not been supplied directly with 15N-nitrate. 15N detected in the xylem sap indicated cycling of nitrogen between shoots and roots. Calculations showed that over 60% of the amino-N flux in the xylem was cycling. Thus nitrate assimilation in the root could account for only a minor part of amino-N in the xylem sap. The specific activity of 15N in the total N of xylem sap was higher than in the total N of roots and shoots through which it had cycled. This is because exchange between amino-N in the transport pools and bulk tissue N is limited. It is proposed that there is, in effect, a single regulatory pool of amino-N, common to shoots and roots, and that this pool may be a key element in the control of N uptake at the level of the whole plant. The likely energy costs of cycling and implications for the partitioning of N between shoots and roots are discussed. In further investigations the cycling of 42K-potassium and 32S-sulphur was demonstrated.
Dry matter accumulation and partitioning, and seed yield in indeterminate Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet)

Despite the high oil and protein content of the seeds, the agronomic potential of Lupinus mutabilis Sweet, a South American lupin species, is limited because of its low seed yield and its uncertain maturity. Dry matter accumulation and partitioning, and seed yield, of 2 genotypes (early-maturing LM34 and late-maturing LM268) were studied in 2 seasons at 2 densities at Lusignan, France. Total dry matter at harvest was, on average, 680 g/m 2 . The mainstem and flrst-order branches mainly contributed to total plant biomass but pods were only produced on the mainstem. On average, across the difierent crops, the maximum leaf area index (LAI) was 2¢8. The duration of LAI above 2¢ 5w as short and not correlated with the total dry matter production. The partitioning of the dry matter varied according to the genotype. LM34 showed enhanced pod growth, its harvest index (HI) was 0¢32, and seed yield averaged 1¢ 28 t/ha. LM268 showed enhanced vegetative growth, both HI and seed yield were lower (0¢16 and 1¢ 13 t/ha, respectively), and whole plant maturity was never reached. For both genotypes during the pod fllling, no remobilisation of assimilates occurred from stems to pods.
HUMAN IMMUNITY TO THE MENINGOCOCCUS

High molecular weight group A and group C meningococcal polysaccharides had no significant toxicity for mice or guinea pigs. Furthermore, these polysaccharide preparations contained negligible amounts of biologically active endotoxin. The high molecular weight group A and group C meningococcal polysaccharides were excellent immunogens in six human volunteers. Antibodies belonging to the immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM, and IgA were produced. These antibodies were highly meningococcocidal in the presence of complement.
Leaf herbivory increases plant fitness via induced resistance to seed predators

Early-season herbivory can cause plants to induce resistance to subsequent herbivores, and this ubiquitous plant defense strategy has been shown to be adaptive when subsequent vegetative-feeding herbivores impact plant fitness. However, a growing number of studies show that leaf herbivory can also induce defenses in plant reproductive tissues, which may deter mutualists such as pollinators and seed dispersers, or antagonists such as florivores and seed predators. Due to their direct interaction with plant reproductive tissues, deterrence of these mutualists or antagonists may have large negative or positive effects on plant fitness. Despite numerous predictions, we know little regarding the fitness consequences of leaf-to-reproductive tissue induction in nature. Here, using observations of natural populations and manipulative field experiments, we show that leaf herbivory by the invasive Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) induces an accumulation of jasmonic acid and complex phenolics in reproductive tiss.
Induced indirect defense in soybean and maize: Effects of ultraviolet radiation, nitrogen availability and heavy metal stress

We investigated the effects of ambient ultraviolet (UV) radiation on (i) the performance and chemistry of soybean plants, (ii) the performance of Spodoptera frugiperda and (iii) the foraging behavior of the herbivore’s natural enemy Cotesia marginiventris which exploits herbivore induced plant volatiles (VOC) for host location. The accumulation of protective phenolics was faster in plants receiving ambient UV than in controls exposed to sun light lacking UV. Accordingly, isorhamnetinand quercetin-based flavonoids were increased in UV exposed plants. No UV effects were found on the performance and feeding behavior of S. frugiperda. Herbivore-damaged plants emitted the same VOC when grown under ambient or attenuated UV for 5, 10 or 30 days. Consequently, C. marginiventris was attracted but did not discriminate between exposed and unexposed soybeans. In summary, ambient UV radiation affected soybean morphology and physiology but did not destabilize interactions between trophic levels. 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Effects of El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on rainfall characteristics in Katsina, Nigeria.

Annual rainfall amount, onset and termination dates, duration of the rainy season, the number of wet and dry days and August rainfall characteristics in Katsina, Nigeria were compared between the ENSO years, La Niña years and normal years over a period of 31 years (1972 2002). In ENSO years annual rainfall amount is lower than the long term mean, onset is later and the termination of the rainy season is earlier than the normal years. Duration is shorter during ENSO years than other years and August rainfall is lower in ENSO years. Generally, precipitation index (PI) indicates that ENSO years particularly 1972/73 and 1982/83 coincided with drought years in the area. Since there is some empirical relationship between ENSO and rainfall in Katsina, Nigeria, it would be possible to predict extreme rainfall events like drought if the periodicity of ENSO can be understood.
Scaling Effects on Muscle Function: Power Output of Isolated Fish Muscle Fibres Performing Oscillatory Work

Bundles of 3–10 live fast fibres were isolated from the abdominal myotomes of cod ( Gadus morhua L.) 13–67 cm in length. The preparations performed work under conditions simulating their activity during swimming: sinusoidal length changes were imposed about in situ fibre length, and the fibres were stimulated at a selected phase in each cycle. Strain amplitude, and the number and timing of stimuli were chosen to give maximum power output over a wide range of cycle/tailbeat frequencies. For each preparation power output was maximal at a particular frequency, although the peaks were rather broad. As the size of the fish increased the cycle frequency for maximum power output (f opt ) decreased, from 12.5 Hz (13 cm fish) to 5 Hz (67 cm fish) (f opt = 1.67 L −0.52 , where L is body length).
TO THE SYNONYMY OF ANGARACRIS BARABENSIS (PALLAS, 1773) (ORTHOPTERA, ACRIDIDAE) WITH CLARIFYING THE PECULIARITIES OF ITS FEEDING AND DISTRIBUTION

The specimens of Angaracris barabensis (Pallas, 1773) with dark hind wings are found beside specimens with light wings in the same locality of Pavlodar region in Kazakhstan. New synonymy is proposed: Angaracris barabensis (Pallas, 1773) = Angaracris nigripennis Lian et Zheng, 1984, syn. n. New data on nutrition and distribution of A. barabensis in Kazakhstan are given.
The influence of dairy cow genetic merit on the direct and residual response to level of concentrate supplementation

Twenty-eight high genetic merit and 32 medium genetic merit Holstein/Friesian dairy cows with Predicted Transmitting Abilities for milk fat plus protein yield, calculated using 1995 as the base year (PTA95 fat plus protein) of 43·3 and 1·0 kg respectively, were used in a continuous design, 2 (cow genotypes)×4 (concentrate proportion in diet) factorial experiment consisting of eight treatments. Concentrate proportions in the diet were 0·37, 0·48, 0·59 and 0·70 of total dry matter (DM), while the forage component of the diet was grass silage. Diets were offered ad libitum in the form of a complete diet. Animals remained on these concentrate regimes for a mean of 84·7 days before completing a standard 98-day grazing period. At pasture, cows received either 5·0 or 6·0 kg concentrate daily according to turnout date. There were no significant genotype×nutrition interactions for any of the variables examined during either the indoor feeding or post-turnout grazing periods (P<0·05). Outputs of milk, fat, protein and fat + protein were greater for high merit cows than for medium merit animals (P<0·001). Milk output and milk protein output responses to increasing concentrate proportion were linear for both cow genotypes (P<0·001), while high merit animals showed a linear response in terms of milk fat plus protein output (P<0·01) with these responses being statistically parallel for both merits. High merit cows had a significantly higher DM intake than medium merit animals (P<0·01). With high merit animals, concentrate proportion had little effect on body tissue reserves, while medium merit animals showed a tendency for increased condition score and backfat thickness with increasing concentrate inclusions (P<0·05). In terms of the output of milk and milk constituents during the grazing period, there were no significant residual effects from winter concentrate feed rate (P>0·05), while high merit cows continued to have higher outputs of milk and milk constituents (P<0·001). Body tissue reserves of both genotypes changed little during the grazing period. It is likely that the higher milk yields of the high merit cows can be attributed both to their higher DM intakes and their ability to partition a greater proportion of the nutrients consumed into milk rather than body tissue reserves. Although statistically both high and medium merit cows responded in a similar manner to an increasing proportion of concentrate in the diet, high merit cows did exhibit a 49% greater fat plus protein yield response during the indoor period, compared to animals of medium genetic merit, perhaps hinting at the existence of a genotype×nutrition interaction.
Chlorophyll Content and Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Red Raspberry Leaves Infested with Tetranychus urticae and Eotetranychus carpini borealis (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract Effects of feeding by Tetranychus urticae Koch and Eotetranychus carpini borealis (Ewing) on red raspberry physiology was investigated under greenhouse conditions. Measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll contents were made from infested leaves and the most recently expanded and uninfested leaves of infested plants. Measurements were compared with those taken from similar leaves of the control plants. After 24 h of feeding, uninfested leaves of T. urticae infested plants showed lower maximum fluorescence (Fm) and higher initial fluorescence (Fo) than these of E. carpini borealis infested plants. After 2 wk, no significant difference was found for these parameters while significant increase of maximum fluorescence (Fm) and variable fluorescence (Fv) was detected for infested leaves. Half rise time (t1/2) was significantly reduced for these leaves. When compared with control, Fv/Fm, Fo, and chlorophyll contents of infested leaves were not affected by spider mite feeding following 2 wk of feeding. The results of this study indicate that cellular injury occurs before appearance of damage and that the primary site of injury for spider mite feeding may be the plastoquinone pool (QA), which plays major role in electron transport during photosynthesis. Comparisons of injury caused by the two spider mite species are made and potential implications of spider mite injury to red raspberry plants are discussed in relation to field conditions.
Basal relationships of Coleoptera inferred from 18S rDNA sequences

The basal relationships of the hyperdiverse insect order Coleoptera (beetles) have proven difficult to resolve. Examination of beetle suborder relationships using 18S ribosomal DNA reveals a previously unproposed relationship among the four major lineages: [(Archostemata(Myxophaga(Adephaga, Polyphaga)))]. Adding representatives of most other insect orders results in a non‐monophyletic Coleoptera. However, constraining Coleoptera and its suborders to be monophyletic, in analyses of beetle and outgroup sequences, also results in the above beetle relationships, with the root placed between Archostemata and the remaining suborders.
Genes required for the oocyte-to-embryo transition in C. elegans

of Dissertation ii Acknowledgments iv Table of contents vi List of tables vii List of illustrations viii Chapter 1 An Introduction to Reproduction and the Model Organism C. elegans 1 Chapter 2 Egg Activation and EGG-4/5 19 Chapter 3 The Cortical Granule Exocytosis and EGG-6 64 Chapter 4 Spermiogenesis in C. elegans and the spe-43 gene 83 Chapter 5 Discussion and Conclusions 105 Bibliography 113 Curriculam Vitae 121
GENETIC ANALYSIS FOR YIELD AND SOME YIELD RELATED TRAITS IN SPRING WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

A study was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2009-10 and 2010-11. Involving 20 crosses and five wheat varieties/lines (Kohistan-97, Chakwal-86, 6529-11, 6544-6 and 7086-1). This material was studied to find out gene action controlling some vital polygenic yield related attributes like plant height, spike length, peduncle length, number of tillers per plant and grain yield per plant. Layout system was RCBD with three replications. Highly significant differences among genotypes were observed for all traits except plant height and number of tillers per plant for which differences were significant. The graphical presentation demonstrated that number of tillers per plant was ruled by partial dominance with additive type of gene action. The prevalence of partial dominance type of gene action for number of tillers per plant showed that it can be gradually improved by selection. Dominance was observed for plant height, spike length, peduncle length and grain yield per plant. It showed the potential for availability of transgressive segregates in later filial generations.
EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE PREHENSILE REGION OF THE LEGS OF LEIOBUNUM NIGRIPES (ARACHNIDA, OPILIONES)

Species of harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Palpatores) in the family Sclerosomatidae frequently employ prehensile flexion of the telotarsus during locomotion. Kaestner (1968) described the ability of these arachnids to anchor themselves to objects such as blades of grass by wrapping their legs around these objects. We have observed both Leiobunum nigripes (Weed 1892) andL. vittatum (Say 1821) moving across surfaces by forming coils at the end of their legs, especially the second pair (Figs. 1–4). While moving across a smooth substrate, these harvestmen cast the coiled regions of their legs about until they catch on a structure. Similar strategies are also employed by harvestmen during climbing, with the exception being that once a purchase is obtained with a coil, the free legs often wrap around and climb up the anchored leg. In addition, we have also observed harvestmen in aggregations wrapping their legs around the legs of adjacent individuals (Fig. 2). Movement of the legs in harvestmen has been hypothesized to occur through a combination of muscle action and a hydraulic pump mechanism (Shultz 1989; Foelix 1996). According to this hypothesis, hemolymph is pumped into the legs by contraction of either the musculi laterales or the endosternal muscles (the primitive condition: Shultz 1991) of the prosoma (Parry 1960), resulting in leg extension. For harvestmen, Shultz (1989) reported that the basitarsus and telotarsus of the
Mechanical stretch and peptide growth factors in the regulation of the hypertrophic response of cardiomyocytes : ANP and BNP as model genes

Cardiac hypertrophy is the primary adaptive mechanism of the heart to increased workload, though when advanced, it becomes a leading predictor for heart failure and sudden death. The growth stimulus elicited by a hemodynamic load is attributable to a combination of mechanical and neurohumoral factors, but the precise roles of individual growth promoting components are still unclear. This study utilized atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) as model genes with which to investigate the involvement and mechanisms of mechanical stress and peptide growth factors in hypertrophic response of cardiac myocytes. The direct effect of mechanical stretch was studied in two different in vitro models of cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. In the first approach, hypo-osmotic swelling -induced stretch increased ANP mRNA levels in atrial cells. In the second model, cyclic mechanical stretch of ventricular cells grown on flexible membranes evoked ANP and BNP gene expression and secretion. The mechanisms of stretch-induced BNP gene expression were studied by measurement of the activities of transcription factors and by utilizing promoter analysis together with site specific mutations. Stretch activated the binding of the transcription factor GATA-4 similarly to pressure overload in vivo. Mutational studies revealed that specific GATA consensus sites on the BNP promoter, in combination with an Nkx-2.5 binding element, were critical for stretchactivated BNP transcription. Importantly, a reduction of GATA-4 protein levels inhibited the stretch-induced hypertrophic response. Both cyclic mechanical stretch in vitro and hemodynamic overload in vivo activated the expression of peptide growth factor bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The effects of BMP-2 closely resembled those of mechanical stretch including the increase in the expressions of ANP and BNP. Furthermore, the BMP antagonist noggin inhibited the effect of stretch on ANP and BNP. Fibroblast growth factor 1 stimulated ANP synthesis and secretion in a protein kinase C dependent manner. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that mechanical stretch per se is sufficient to activate the hypertrophic gene program in cardiac myocytes. This effect seems to be at least partially mediated by the growth factor BMP-2 acting in a paracrine manner. The activation of the GATA-4 transcription factor, in cooperation with a factor binding to the Nkx-2.5 binding element, is essential for mechanical stretch-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
Bioactive molecules from bacteria strains: case of bacteriocins producing bacteria isolated from foods

bacteria strains were isolated from traditional fermented food (Soumbala, Bikalga, indigenous yoghurt and fermented milk) using microbiology standard methods. Morphological and biochemistry analyses were done. Nine strains were selected as presumed belonging to lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These strains were characterized at species level by amplifying 16S-23S intergenic spacer region of different LAB using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with specific primers. Strains S3, S4, Y6 and Lf1 belonged to the genus Lactobacillus; and strains S2, S5, Y1, Y3 and Y5 to genus Lactococcus. The nine strains were tested for their antimicrobial activity. These activities were detected in cell-free culture supernatant fluids against Micrococcus luteus as indicator strain. The agar well diffusion methods was used for this purpose. All the nine strains were able to inhibit the growth of Micrococcus luteus. The strain S3 produced antimicrobial compounds that showed the highest inhibition zone (20.83 mm) and strain Y6 showed the lowest inhibition zone (08.25mm). The bacteriocin-like gene was amplified using specific primers. The antimicrobial compounds produced by the strains except strain Y1 can be assimilated to bacteriocins according to the tests performed. The kinetics studies were performed for optimum pH and determination of growth temperature of each strain. The result showed that strain Y5 can grew at pH 5.5 and 37°C and the maximum specific growth rate are respectively 0.175 h -1 and 0.150 h-1.