13 research outputs found
Hybrid fiber production: a wood and plastic combination in transgenic rice and Tamarix made by accumulating poly-3-hydroxybutyrate
Interaction effects of seed mass and temperature on germination in Australian species of Frankenia (Frankeniaceae)
The seed size and number theories have been proposed to explain the advantages of having many small versus a few large seeds in plants. In particular, seed germination is predicted to be shaped by temperature, and may differ for small and large seeds. In this study, we experimentally test germination at different temperatures in 12 species of arid zone plants in the genus Frankenia L. that differ in seed mass. Seed mass was categorized as "smaller-seeded species" versus "larger-seeded species" for analysis (six species per category). Many of these species co-occur geographically and hence experience similar abiotic conditions (unpredictable rainfall, extremes in temperature, poor soil conditions). The results demonstrated differences in germination as a result of the temperature*seed mass(species) interaction effect. There were significant differences in germination rates across seed mass categories during the first eight days of germination. Germination rates were higher in the larger-seeded species than the smaller-seeded species. Smaller-seeded species had lower germination success but had higher germination rates at lower temperatures, and had a more stringent temperature as a germination cue. These findings are discussed in the context of life-history strategies in arid zone plants. © Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic 2008.Lyndlee C. Easton, Sonia Kleindorfe
Genome sequence and population declines in the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus) and implications for conservation
Expert consensus document: Mitochondrial function as a therapeutic target in heart failure
Heart failure is a pressing worldwide public-health problem with millions of patients
having worsening heart failure. Despite all the available therapies, the condition carries a very
poor prognosis. Existing therapies provide symptomatic and clinical benefit, but do not fully
address molecular abnormalities that occur in cardiomyocytes. This shortcoming is particularly
important given that most patients with heart failure have viable dysfunctional myocardium,
in which an improvement or normalization of function might be possible. Although the
pathophysiology of heart failure is complex, mitochondrial dysfunction seems to be an important
target for therapy to improve cardiac function directly. Mitochondrial abnormalities include
impaired mitochondrial electron transport chain activity, increased formation of reactive oxygen
species, shifted metabolic substrate utilization, aberrant mitochondrial dynamics, and altered ion
homeostasis. In this Consensus Statement, insights into the mechanisms of mitochondrial
dysfunction in heart failure are presented, along with an overview of emerging treatments
with the potential to improve the function of the failing heart by targeting mitochondria.peerReviewe