Dipsa

Abstract Under blue light (BL) illumination, Arabidopsis thaliana roots grow away from the light source, showing a negative phototropic response. However, the mechanism of root phototropism is still unclear. Using a noninvasive microelectrode system, we showed that the BL sensor phototropin1 (phot1), the signal transducer NONPHOTOTROPIC HYPOCOTYL3 (NPH3), and the auxin efflux transporter PIN2 were essential for BL-induced auxin flux in the root apex transition zone.

Abstract The most obvious symptom of Al toxicity is the inhibition of root growth. However, the mechanism of Al-inhibiting root growth remains to be elucidated. In this study, auxin transport and vesicle movement of an auxin-efflux carrier (PIN2) were investigated in Arabidopsis roots in response to Al stress. Results indicated that Al inhibited the apical transport of auxin in root tips of Arabidopsis significantly.

The efficacy of Paulownia tomentosa in the absorption and accumulation of Zn from contaminated soils has been recently described. However, no data are available regarding the modifications induced by high levels of Zn on the anatomy and physiology of this tree species. P. tomentosa were grown hydroponically at different Zn concentrations (100, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 5000μM).

Sebbene le piante siano, in linea generale, organismi privi di mobilità e manchino delle più ovvie attività celebrali possedute dagli animali e dagli esseri umani, tuttavia esse sono capaci di manifestare tutte le caratteristiche proprie del comportamento intelligente oltre che essere dotate di molecole neuro-attive, in particolare sinaptogamine e recettori glutammato.

Abstract Roots are very sensitive to hypoxia and adapt effectively to a reduced availability of oxygen in the soil. However, the site of the root where oxygen availability is sensed and how roots acclimate to hypoxia remain unclear. In this study, we found that the root apex transition zone plays central roles in both sensing and adapting to root hypoxia.

Summary Self-organizing maps generated by Kohonen neural networks provide a method to transform multidimensional problems common in ampelography into lower dimensional problems. In this study the clustering efficiency of Kohonen neural networks was evaluated to characterize and identify 10 Sangiovese-related and 10 coloured (fruit gives intense red colour to the wine) grapevine accessions, on the basis of the elliptic Fourier coefficients of the leaves.

Abstract: Parameters coming from Elliptic Fourier Analysis (EFA) and fractal analysis of the leaf were used as input in a backpropagation neural network to distinguish between ten accessions of grapevine (eight clones of 'Sangiovese'and two varieties,'Abrostine'and 'Pugnitello'). The results enabled us to identify all the accessions studied.

Abstract To interpret the physiological functions of Ca2+ oscillations in plant cells, one has to understand how Ca2+ oscillations are generated and how they are modified by internal as well as external stimuli. Yet, oscillations result from nonlinear interactions of different components, which makes it impossible to intuitively predict how a certain stimulus might affect the frequency or amplitude of a Ca2+ oscillation. Usually, it is not even possible to explain why certain conditions result in Ca2+ oscillations whereas others do not.

Abstract Taxonomic identification is traditionally carried out with dichotomous keys, or at least computer-based identification keys, often on the basis of subjective visual assessment and frequently unable to detect small differences at subspecies and varietal ranks.

Abstract: Mechanical irritation of trigger hairs and subsequent generation of action potentials have significant impact on photosynthesis and respiration in carnivorous Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). Action potential-mediated inhibition of photosynthesis and stimulation of respiration is confined only to the trap and was not recorded in adjacent photosynthetic lamina. We showed that the main primary target of electrical signals on assimilation is in the dark enzymatic reaction of photosynthesis.

Abstract Olive growth and productivity are limited by low temperatures mainly during winter, but sometimes also in spring and fall. The most effective way to avoid these damages in areas subjected to these climatic conditions is to select least susceptible varieties, but the choice of the right method to determine cold hardiness is extremely difficult.

Abstract: The region of Campania, one of the first areas to see the arrival of the Vitis vinifera subspecies vini - fera in Italy, is particularly rich in autocthonous vine varieties which are spread over rather limited are as . Many of these are difficult to classify, are not listed in the National Registry of Varieties and are rarely found on the list of recommended and/or authorised varieties, even though they often have interesting production and oenological characteristics.

The past three years have seen three thought-provoking and well attended symposia, the founding of a new society, the Society of Plant Neurobiology (SPN), and the promising start of a new journal, Plant Signaling and Behavior. Although most participants within the Plant Neurobiology framework are finding plenty of stimulating, inspirational and controversial material, other colleagues have some concern about the scientific validity and rationale behind 'plant neurobiology'.

A main question for the study of collective motion in living organisms is the origin of orientational polar order, ie, how organisms align and what are the benefits of such collective behaviour. In the case of micro-organisms swimming at a low Reynolds number, steric repulsion and long-range hydrodynamic interactions are not sufficient to explain a homogeneous polar order state in which the direction of motion is aligned.

Current knowledge suggests that the mechanisms by which plants communicate information take numerous forms. Previous studies have focussed their attention on communication via chemicals, contact and light; other methods of interaction between plants have remained speculative. In this study we tested the ability of young chilli plants to sense their neighbours and identify their relatives using alternative mechanism (s) to recognised plant communication pathways.

Abstract In plants, numerous parameters of both biotic and abiotic environments are continuously monitored. Specialized cells are evolutionary-optimized for effective translation of sensory input into developmental and motoric output. Importantly, diverse physical forces, influences, and insults induce immediate electric responses in plants. Recent advances in plant cell biology, molecular biology, and sensory ecology will be discussed in the framework of recently initiated new discipline of plant sciences, namely plant neurobiology.

Abstract: Heat resistance in shoots and leaves of 10 olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars was assessed by two different methods. Stem impedance analysis and electrolyte leakage of leaves and shoots were evaluated to determine which method is more reliable for estimating heat injury in olive. A significant decrease in DZratio and increase in electrolyte leakage was found in all genotypes after heat treatment. Results from the two methods showed that both methods were able to detect heat injury in olive.

Plants are dynamic and highly sensitive organisms, actively and competitively foraging for limited resources both above and below ground, and they are also organisms which accurately compute their circumstances, use sophisticated cost–benefit analysis, and take defined actions to mitigate and control diverse environmental insults.

Abstract: An artificial neural network (back propagation neural network) based on morphological and fractal leaf and flower parameters was developed for the characterization of three Banksia integrifolia subspecies and the identification of nine unnamed morphotypes. Results indicated that the network can be effectively and successfully used to discriminate among morphotypes using simple dedicated instruments, such as a PC and an optical scanner.

1. There was an error in the funding statement. The correct funding statement is:" This work was supported by Marie Curie European Reintegration Grant N. 239324 MIPAN (Memory and information processing in assemblies of neurons) within the 7th...(read formal correction)