Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectral Properties of Leaves Deficient in Iron, Sulfur, Magnesium, and Manganese

In crop plants, deficiency of an essential element may drastically reduce growth rate and yield. Research on the use of leaf spectral properties in the detection of crop mineral deficiency is needed. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of Fe, S, Mg, and Mn deficiency on reflectance (R), absorptance (A), and transmittance (T) spectra of barley (Hordeum valgare L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) leaves. Plants were grown in the greenhouse in nutrient solution. Chlorophyll (Chl), Fe, S, Mg, and Mn concentrations and spectral properties were determined on the youngest fully expanded leaf when deficiency symptoms were clearly manifested. In all species, mineral deficiency affected leaf concentration of the deficient element and also of other elements. Nutrient defidency reduced Chl concentration and A, and increased R and T. Iron deficiency severely affected all species, and corn was the species most sensitive to all deficiencies. Reflectance, A, and T spectra of leaves were correlated with leaf Chl concentration. Our results suggested that all nutritional deficiencies reduce leaf Chl concentration, and subsequently this reduction increases leaf R and T, decreases leaf A, and shortens the red-edge position, defined as the inflection point that occurs in the rapid transition between red and near-infrared. Modifications in leaf spectral properties were not characteristic of nutrient defidency, but were always observed in the same wavelengths.
Chaperone protein 14‐3‐3 and protein kinase A increase the relative abundance of low agonist sensitivity human α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in Xenopus oocytes

α4 and β2 nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptor subunits expressed heterologously in Xenopus oocytes assemble into a mixture of receptors with high and low agonist sensitivity whose relative abundance is influenced by the heteropentamer subunit ratio. We have found that inhibition of protein kinase A by KT5720 decreased maximal [3H]cytisine binding and acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced current responses, and increased the relative proportion of α4β2 receptors with high agonist sensitivity. Mutation of serine 467, a putative protein kinase A substrate in a chaperone protein binding motif within the large cytoplasmic domain of the α4 subunit, to alanine or asparate decreased or increased, respectively, maximal [3H]cytisine binding and ACh response amplitude. Expression of α4S467A mutant subunits decreased steady levels of α4 and the relative proportion of α4β2 receptors with low agonist sensitivity, whilst expression of α4S467D increased steady levels of α4 and α4β2 receptors with low agonist sensitivity. Difopein, an inhibitor of chaperone 14‐3‐3 proteins, decreased [3H]cytisine binding and ACh responses and increased the proportion of α4β2 with high sensitivity to activation by ACh. Thus, post‐translational modification affecting steady‐state levels of α4 subunits provides a possible means for physiologically relevant, chaperone‐mediated variation in the relative proportion of high and low agonist sensitivity α4β2 nACh receptors.
Relationship between nitrogen solubility and in situ protein degradability in ruminant feedstuffs

The relationship between in situ protein degradability and N solubility in three solvents was investigated in a range of ruminant feedstuffs with different physical characteristics and crude protein (CP) content. In addition, relationships between N solubility in the three solvents and classical protein fractions (albumins, globulins, prolamins and glutelins) and also between protein fractions and soluble non-protein N or total true protein were examined. For all types of feedstuffs, a relatively high correlation (r=0·52–0·75) was found between dry matter (DM) degradation in sacco and protein solubility in the three solvents, but there was no close relationship between protein degradation in sacco and protein solubility in any of the three solvents used, or between CP content of feed-stuffs and ruminal protein degradation, or between the estimates of ruminal protein degradability and the rate constant for protein disappearance from the rumen. However, when the feedstuffs were categorised into groups of the same type, there was a high correlation (r=0·64–0·91) between DM or ruminal protein degradation and solubility in the three solvents. A negative correlation (r=-0·60 to -0·71) was found between CP content of feedstuffs and solubility in any of the three solvents used for all feedstuffs. There was no relationship between 1·5 or 3 h protein disappearance from the rumen and protein solubilities measured in the three solvents. The amount of N extracted by the three solvents for all feedstuffs was highly correlated between the solvents ie McDougall's buffer vs 0·02 M NaOH (r=0·91), 0·02 M NaOH vs 0.15 M NaCl (r=0·79), and McDougall's buffer vs 0·15 M NaCl (r=0·85). There was a significant correlation between the albumin fraction and N solubility in 0·02 M NaOH and a negative and significant correlation between the glutelin fraction and N solubility in McDougall's buffer. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the combined albumin and globulin fractions and N solubility in McDougall's buffer and 0·02 M NaOH. The albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin fractions were all highly correlated with the CP content of feedstuffs and total true protein. © 1997 SCI.
Species richness and endemism of Australian bryophytes

Abstract Although understanding the patterns of diversity is essential for conservation and environmental studies, an understanding of bryophyte distributions in Australia has been limited by the absence of continental-scale maps for patterns of bryophyte diversity. The aim of this study was to identify the patterns of species richness and endemism of hornworts, liverworts, and mosses in Australia. A database of 85 383 geo-referenced herbarium records was assembled and aggregated at a grid cell resolution of 0·5°. A one-cell radius neighbourhood analysis was applied to identify the spatial patterns of species richness and endemism. Primary centres of species richness were located on the east of the continent, with the highest number of species occurring in Queensland’s Wet Tropics, the Border Ranges near the Queensland–New South Wales border, the central coast of New South Wales, southern Victoria, and Tasmania. Endemism scores were high in the Wet Tropics, but highly endemic regions were scattered across the continent but not found in arid regions. The spatial patterns of diversity differed among hornworts, liverworts, and mosses, and areas of endemism and species richness did not always overlap. Comparisons with other taxa additionally indicated that areas of bryophyte diversity do not correspond with groups that are currently used as proxies in conservation.
HIV-1 subtype C viruses rapidly develop K65R resistance to tenofovir in cell culture

Background:Genotypic diversity among HIV-1 subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRF) may lead to distinct pathways to drug resistance. This study evaluated subtype-related differences in the development of resistance in culture to tenofovir. Methods:Genotyping determined nucleotide diversity among subtypes. Representative subtype B, C, CRF1_AE, CRF2_AG, G, and HIV-2 isolates were selected for resistance to tenofovir, lamivudine and didanosine in cell culture. Phenotypic assays determined the effects of the K65R substitution in reverse transcriptase (RT) on drug susceptibility. Results:Subtype C isolates show unique polymorphisms in RT codons 64 (AAG→AAA), 65 (AAA→AAG), and 66 (AAA→AAG), absent in other subtypes. The K65R mutation (AAG→AGG) arose with tenofovir by week 12 in four subtype C selections. In contrast, no tenofovir resistance arose in four subtype B (> 34–74 weeks), one each of CRF2_AG and G (> 30–33 weeks), and three HIV-2 (> 27–28 weeks) selections. K65R appeared after 55 and 73 weeks in two CRF1_AE selections with tenofovir. In contrast, times to the appearance of M184V with lamivudine pressure (weeks 8–14) did not vary among subtypes. Selective didanosine pressure resulted in the appearance of M184V and L74V after 38 weeks in two of four subtype C selections. The K65R transitions in subtype C and other subtypes (AGG and AGA) conferred similar 6.5–10-fold resistance to tenofovir and five to 25-fold crossresistance to each of abacavir, lamivudine, and didanosine, while not affecting zidovudine susceptibility. Conclusion:Tenofovir -based regimens will need to be carefully monitored in subtype C infections for the possible selection of K65R.
On the Position of Meiosis in the Life History of Porphyra torta (Rhodophyta)

A cytological study of the heteromorphic marine red alga Porphyra torta Krishnamurthy was conducted to determine where meiosis occurs in the life history. Chromosome counts in all developmental stages of the conchocelis phase, including the maturing conchospores up to the time of release, were diploid. In contrast, all chromosome counts in twoand three-celled sporelings were haploid. Unusual chromosome formations, interpreted s bivalents, were seen during prophase of the First division of the germinating conchospores. In addition, chromosomes still composed of two chromatids could be seen during anaphase of the first division. The characteristics of the first division of the conchospore and the change in ploidy at the two-celled stage indicate that meiosis I occurs during the germination division of the conchospores of this alga.
Laser ablation of the cell wall and localized patch clamping of the plasma membrane in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus: characterization of an anion‐selective efflux channel

We have used a pulsed u.v. laser to ablate the cell wall of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger van Tiegh. , and expose the plasma membrane at defined points along the hypha. Using the patch clamp technique, giga ohm seals (up to 20 G Omega) and recordings of plasma membrane ion channels were obtained. We describe, for the first time in fungi, a 43 pS plasma membrane anion efflux channel. Its potential role in cell signalling and pH homeostasis is discussed.
Reductive Metabolism of an α,β-Ketoalkyne, 4-Phenyl-3-Butyn-2-One, by Rat Liver Preparations

The reduction of the triple bond and carbonyl group of an α,β-ketoalkyne, 4-phenyl-3-butyn-2-one (PBYO), by rat liver microsomes and cytosol was investigated. The triple-bond-reduced product trans-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one (PBO) and the carbonyl-reduced product 4-phenyl-3-butyn-2-ol (PBYOL) were formed when PBYO was incubated with rat liver microsomes in the presence of NADPH. The triple bond of 1-phenyl-1-butyne, deprenyl, ethynylestradiol, ethinamate, and PBYOL, in which the triple bond is not adjacent to a carbonyl group, were not reduced by liver microsomes even in the presence of NADPH. PBO was further reduced to 4-phenyl-2-butanone (PBA) by liver cytosol with NADPH. PBYOL was also formed from PBYO by liver cytosol in the presence of NADPH or NADH. The microsomal triple-bond reductase activity was inhibited by disulfiram, 7-dehydrocholesterol, and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid but not β-diethylaminoethyldiphenylpropylacetate or carbon monoxide. The triple-bond reductase activity in liver microsomes was not enhanced by several inducers of the rat cytochrome P450 system. These results suggested that the triple-bond reduction is caused by a new type of reductase, not cytochrome P450. The microsomal and cytosolic carbonyl reductase activities were not inhibited by quercitrin, indomethacin, or phenobarbital. Only S-PBYOL was formed from PBYO by liver cytosol. In contrast, liver microsomes produced R-PBYOL together with theS-enantiomer to some extent. Ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activity in rat liver microsomes was markedly inhibited by PBYO and PBO, partly by PBYOL, but not by PBA.
Light/dark modulation: regulation of chloroplast metabolism in a new light

Light-dark modulation of chloroplast enzymes is achieved by covalent redox-modification of protein thiols/disulfides mediated by ferredoxin/thioredoxin reductase and thioredoxins. Light-dependent electron flow leads to reduction of particular chloroplast proteins, while photosynthetically evolved oxygen effects their continuous reoxidation. The oxidized and the reduced forms, respectively, differ greatly in their catalytic properties. The rate of reduction of each target enzyme is specifically fine-controlled by metabolites. By this combined mode of producing a defined ratio of active to inactive enzyme during steady-state each of the enzymes is adjusted to the immediate requirements of the chloroplast. Upon changes of the metabolic situation the system can respond in a flexible manner as is known from comparable regulatory mechanisms such as protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation in animals and bacteria. From sequence comparisons between various light-dark modulated chloroplast enzymes and their non-regulated counterparts from other organelles or non-photosynthetic organisms, the presence of extra-peptides in the otherwise highly homologous sequences has been estabushed for the chloroplast enzymes. However, no general pattern in the primary structure of those extra-sequences can be recognized. By the acquisition of “regulatory peptides” during evolution a new type of metabolic control was created in a compartment uniquely occurring in organisms performing oxygenic photosynthesis.
Prevalencia de anticuerpos séricos contra la bacteria Brucella sp. en una población humana tropical

Prevalence of serum antibodies for the bacterium Brucella sp. in a tropical human population. Brucellosis is a systemic bacterial disease that can last years if not treated properly. The laboratory diagnosis is made by serological tests or isolation of the agent. We studied the prevalence of antibodies against Brucella sp. in inhabitants of rural communities of Cartago, Costa Rica, who are dedicated mainly to dairy cattle activities. We analyzed 714 representative samples with the Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBT) and the standard agglutination test in microplate (SAT). The overall prevalence was 0.87 %. No seroconversion was demonstrated for seropositive individuals. Even though 71 % of the population mentioned consuming non-pasteurized milk, no statistically significant association was found (1.09 %, IC 0.30-2.77) between milk consumption and the pres- ence of antibodies suggestive of infection by Brucella sp. As a brucellosis high-risk population, the absence of symptoms in the population agrees with the observed titers of antibodies, suggesting a low previous exposure to the agent. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 385-391. Epub 2007 June, 29.
Mutations in HLA DRB1*0101 exon 2 in a sub-population of Latvia.

Aims: To find out whether ongoing missense mutations in the exon 2 of DRB1*01:01 affect the operation of this protective allele in HIV patients. Place and Duration of Study: the Clinical Immunology and Immunogenetics Laboratory of Riga Stradiņs University, Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital, “Infectology Center of Latvia”, between May 2006 and December 2011. Methodology: The study includes 200 HIV-infected patients. DNA was isolated from venous blood samples using the Qiagen QIAamp DNA kit reagents and the exon 2 nucleotide sequence of HLA was determined by the automatic sequencing – “Big Dye Terminator mix” (Applied Biosystems, USA). Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, DOS StatCalc programs. The significance of the differences in Case Study British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(4): 981-989, 2014 982 indicators was evaluated according to reliability p≤0.05. The odds ratio was calculated according to Wolf’s method. Results: We found missense: at codon 47– in 80% of cases; at codon 67– in 20% of cases; at codon 75 – in 11% of cases; at codon 82– in 10% of cases; at codon 86– in 10% of cases (p<0.05) (See Table 3). One of the HIV patients had a STOP-codon (codon 13). Besides, a balance between nucleotide transversion and transition has been observed, suggesting mutations in the exon 2 (transversion in a human genome is rare) (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.00-0.053). Conclusion: The results of the study are not complete in order to be able to say conclusively that the existing mutations in the exon 2 of HLA-DRB1 *01:01 gene cause wrong immune response, thus the protective functions of this allele are not fulfilled. For a fuller understanding of the importance of ongoing mutations in the exon 2 in the development of HIV/AIDS, it is necessary to increase the study group.
Hydrological stucture and phytoplankton distribution in the region of a warm-core eddy in the Tasman Sea

The distribution of temperature, salinity, density, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, silicate, and nitrate to 2000 m depth, and phytoplankton to 150 m depth is described in the region of an anticyclonic mesoscale eddy located in the Tasman Sea. Vertical discontinuities in the hydrological properties showed that the eddy had entrained several surrounding water types at the surface and at depths of up to 500 m. In particular, Bass Strait water normally found among the slope waters along the New South Wales coast was entrained by the eddy and transported to positions 200 km from the coast. The temperature and salinity of the eddy appeared to have been increased below the core of the eddy at depths of 300-600 m. due to the entrainment of and mixing with Bass Strait water. The distribution of density, oxygen, nutrients and phytoplankton in the central portion of the eddy between 60 and 240 m depth showed differences between adjoining positions which were attributed to vertical water movements within the eddy core. These movements appeared to be responsible for increases of phytoplankton biomass within the eddy, of up to 10 times that of the surrounding ocean.
Fungal and Bacterial Activity in Northern Peatlands

Selective inhibition of substrate-induced respiration with antibiotics cycloheximide and streptomycin sulphate provided insight into eukaryotic versus prokaryotic activities in surface peat soil of three Canadian peatlands. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities in peatlands are important in the net sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide and therefore play a unique role in global carbon cycling. Selective inhibition techniques were generally successful, with a maximum non-target inhibition of only 17%. Assuming that eukaryotic and prokaryotic activities were dominated by fungi and bacteria respectively, across 3 ecologically and hydrologically diverse and spatially dispersed peatlands, we demonstrated bacterial dominance in a bog and a poor fen both with acidic and primarily Sphagnum derived peat soil and in a near pH neutral wetter rich fen with sedge peat (fungal to bacterial activity ratio = 0.31 to 0.68). These results differ in that in other acidic environments, such as conifer forest soils, fungal to bacterial activity ratios are mostly greater than 1 indicative of fungal dominance.
Destruction and Re-establishment of Stream Fish and Invertebrates Affected by Drought

Abstract In 1953 and 1954 a severe drought virtually destroyed the fish and invertebrate populations in Smiths Branch, a small warm-water stream in Vermilion County, Illinois, and presented an opportunity to study the adaptations, survival, and repopulation of aquatic organisms exposed to the critical conditions associated with low water levels. The fish population in Smiths Branch was first studied in 1951. In the fall of 1953, the flow was discontinuous, most of the pools dried up, and the few remaining pools were treated with rotenone to eliminate the surviving fish. After that time, the fish population was studied through the use of an electric seine, minnow seine, rotenone, and night observation. The invertebrate population was studied in a series of bottom samples. Discontinuous flow reduced the aquatic habitat and exposed the fish and invertebrates to desiccation, stagnation, and predation. Stagnation was most detrimental during early fall months, in association with leaf accumulations and drastic .
Comparative analysis of alternative statistical models for differentiation of herring stocks based on meristic characters

A basic stock assessment problem is the mixing and separation of herring populations in their specific areas. Within the transition zone between the North and the Baltic seas (Skagerrak, Kattegat, The Sound) a mixing of two herring populations (Clupea harengus L.) temporarily takes place. One major component stems from the Baltic Sea (spring spawner), and the other from the North Sea (autumn spawner); each stock exhibits different meristic characteristics. In order to separate the two herring populations, ‘pure’ learning samples of meristic characters were created in 1995 as differential variables. Mainly gained during two research surveys at two geographically remote areas where a mixing of herring components was relatively unlikely, these learning samples were considered as representative for one or the other herring population. This paper compares the current (ICES) separation approach for herring stock assessment with two alternative methods wherein vertebra counts (vc) are used as meristic characters. The two proposed methods are (a) an inverted variance weighted linear model, and (b) a separation rule based on a quadratic discriminant analysis. The paper summarizes and discusses the results of predicting fractions of the two herring components derived from all three separation models. The underlying example data set stems from a 1991–97 routine Swedish survey in the transition zone. In comparison, the quadratic discriminant analysis separation model was identified as superior to the two other methods. Furthermore, the model suggests a higher degree of mixing of the two herring stocks in the transition area than was previously thought; inter-annual changes in the geographical distribution of the two populations are suggested as being less variable than previously assumed.
Evolution and differentiation of populations of Lotus corniculatus s.l. (Fabaceae) from the southern French Alps (Massif du Ventoux and Montagne de Lure)

A chemical analysis of the polyphenolic patterns of diploid and tetraploid populations of Lotus corniculatus s.l. (Fabaceae) growing in the southern French Alps showed that diploids from Mont Ventoux and from Montagne de Lure belong to the same chemotype. On the other hand, tetraploids showed two different chemotypes. This paper suggests the following hypothesis about the evolution of Lotus corniculatus in this area since the last glaciation: diploids could be derived from a relic diploid population scattered by glaciation and restricted within very narrow areas, whereas the tetraploids originating from the diiploids were more competitive and radiated into larger areas cleared from ice. Key words: Lotus corniculatus, birdsfoot trefoil, Fabaceae, polyploidy, polyphenolic metabolism, evolution.
Diet and Health: Apple Polyphenols as Antioxidants

The traditional American rhyme says, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away. ” What has made apples exceptional and appreciated for a million years? Besides their content of pectin, vitamins and minerals, they are considered to be a good source of antioxidants that scavenge and neutralize free radicals, which in turn play a role in the onset of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Polyphenols are major antioxidants in apples, however, the antioxidants vary with the apple variety, and the post-harvest storage conditions. Further, the polyphenols are distributed differently throughout the fruit (skin or flesh). The paper reviews the present knowledge on apple polyphenols, their bioavailability and pro-health functionality.