Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite analysis indicates an absence of population structure among Hippoglossus hippoglossus in the north-west Atlantic

To explore the population structure of Atlantic halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus, 160 fish from four locations in the north-west Atlantic (Bay of Fundy, Scotian Shelf, Gulf of St Lawrence and Iceland) were examined for evidence of population structure using 18 microsatellite markers. Pair-wise F ST and a model-based cluster analysis revealed no significant differentiation between samples, although uncertainties surrounding Atlantic halibut reproductive behaviour made it difficult to ascertain that only a single breeding population had been sampled at each location.
Contribution of cytochrome P450 3A4 and 3A5 to the metabolism of atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor that is mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. A recent study showed that the lipid-lowering effect of statins is affected by the CYP3A5 polymorphism. Therefore, it was investigated whether CYP3A5 contributes to the metabolism of atorvastatin. Two metabolites of atorvastatin, para- and ortho-hydroxyatorvastatin, were produced by human liver microsomes and human recombinant CYP3A enzymes, and the enzyme kinetic pattern exhibited substrate inhibition. The intrinsic clearance (CLint) rates of para- and ortho-hydroxyatorvastatin by CYP3A4 were 2.4- and 5.0-fold of the respective CLint rates of CYP3A5, indicating that CYP3A4 is the major P450 isoform responsible for atorvastatin metabolism. These results suggest that atorvastatin is preferentially metabolized by CYP3A4 rather than by CYP3A5, and thus the genetic CYP3A5 polymorphism might not be an important factor in the inter-individual variation of atorvastatin disposition and pharmacodynamics in human.
A NEW SPECIES OF BOTHRIURUS FROM BRAZIL (SCORPIONES, BOTHRIURIDAE)

Abstract A new species of scorpion from southern Brazil, Bothriurus pora, is described. The hemispermatophore of this species is unique within the genus, displaying a highly developed and extremely complex capsular region. External morphology and shape of the sperm packages show a close relationship with the Bothriurus bonariensis species group.
Multi-Enzyme Supplementation to Peak Producing Hens Fed Corn-Soybean Meal Based Diets

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of multi-enzyme supplementation on laying performance, metabolic profile and egg quality of peak producing hens. Lohman layers (n = 144) were blocked according to the location of cages. After one week of the adaptation period, hens were randomly assigned to receive one of three corn-soybean meal based diets supplemented with multi-enzyme (0, 1, or 2 g/kg) from 30 to 46 weeks of age as 12 replicate cages of 4 hens. The active ingredients of the multienzyme supplement were fungal xylanase, fungal $-gluconase, "-amylase, pectinase, $-gluconase, endo-$gluconase, pentosonase, pectinase and hemicellulase. Egg production (EP) and feed intake (FI) were measured daily and egg weight was measured fortnightly. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was expressed as kilogram of feed consumed per kilogram of egg produced. Two eggs were collected randomly from each cage every 4 weeks to determine egg quality. Body weights (BW) were measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. Blood was also sampled at the end of the experiment to evaluate metabolic profile. The data were analyzed using ANOVA as repeated measures with time being as subplot. The multi-enzyme supplementation did not affect BW, FI and EP; decreased FI; and improved FCR. Except for serum albumin and yolk index, none of metabolic profile and egg quality parameters was affected by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, despite no changes in egg production, decreased feed intake and consequently, improved feed conversion in response to multi-enzyme supplementation could be attributed to enhanced utilization of nutrients.
Clavicipitaceous endophytic infection in ryegrass influences attack rate of the parasitoid Microctonus hyperodae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Euphorinae) in Listronotus bonariensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Laboratory experiments were done to examine the effect of ryegrass infection by the endophytic fungus Acremonium lolii Latch, Christensen & Samuels (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) on Microctonus hyperodae Loan, a parasitoid of Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel). Infection of ryegrass did not influence the rate of parasitism in weevils confined with naive parasitoids to individual plants and to ryegrass swards in small plots. In contrast, M. hyperodae with prior experience of hosts feeding on endophyte infected grass subsequently were more efficient in parasitizing hosts on this diet. Feeding on individual plants and small plot swards by weevil for 3–4 d increased subsequent parasitoid attack rate.
Comparative behaviour and survival of hatchery-reared versus wild summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus)

We describe the use of laboratory trials to compare substrate-specific behaviour and susceptibility to preda - tion of hatchery-reared (HR) versus wild summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) juveniles. HR fish spent significantly more time swimming in the water column than wild fish and took significantly longer to become cryptic on the benthos than wild fish, regardless of substrate type. In predation trials with a blue crab ( Callinectes sapidus) predator, naive HR fish were significantly more susceptible to predation than wild fish. Antipredator-conditioned HR fish were significantly less susceptible to predation than naive HR fish but significantly more susceptible than wild fish, irrespec - tive of substrate. The modified behavioural patterns and increased susceptibility to predation of HR individuals ob - served in this study indicate that flounder reared in psychosensory-deprived hatchery environments may be poorly equipped to survive in natural habitats; they also indicate that it may be possible to mitigate detrimental behavioural patterns by exposing naive HR fish to natural stimuli before release into natural environments. These results have im - portant implications for stock enhancement, suggesting that stocked organisms are more likely to achieve postrelease survival if they are conditioned with natural stimuli prior to release into the wild. Resume : Nous decrivons le recours a des essais de laboratoire pour comparer le comportement specifique du substrat et la vulnerabilite a la predation chez des cardeaux d'ete ( Paralichthys dentatus) juveniles, d'elevage et sauvages. Les poissons d'elevage passaient nettement plus de temps que les poissons sauvages a nager dans la colonne d'eau, et pre- naient nettement plus de temps pour se dissimuler dans le benthos, quel que soit le substrat. Dans des essais de preda- tion faisant appel au crabe bleu (Callinectes sapidus), les poissons d'elevage novices etaient nettement plus vulnerables a la predation que les poissons sauvages. Les poissons d'elevage conditionnes a un comportement antipredateurs etaient nettement moins vulnerables que les poissons d'elevage novices, mais nettement plus vulnerables que les poissons sau- vages, quel que soit le substrat. Les changements dans le comportement et la plus grande vulnerabilite a la predation chez les individus d'elevage observes dans notre etude indiquent que les cardeaux eleves dans le milieu appauvri sur le plan psychosensoriel que represente l'ecloserie peuvent etre mal armes pour survivre dans un habitat naturel; ils indi- quent aussi qu'il est possible d'attenuer les patrons comportementaux nuisibles en exposant les poissons novices a des stimuli naturels avant de les lâcher dans le milieu naturel. Ces resultats ont des incidences importantes pour le retablis - sement des stocks, car ils font ressortir que les organismes ensemences sont plus susceptibles de survivre apres le lâ - cher s'ils ont ete conditionnes par des stimuli naturels avant leur liberation dans le milieu naturel.
Identification of microsatellite markers linked to leaf rust adult plant resistance (APR) gene Lr48 in wheat

With 2 figures and 2 tables Abstract The recessive adult plant leaf rust resistance (APR) gene Lr48 in CSP44 was tagged using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The population was phenotyped under controlled conditions using pathotype 77-5 (121R63-1) at both seedling and adult plant stages. Four microsatellite markers Xwmc175, Xwmc332, Xwmc627 and Xwmc149 were linked to Lr48 and mapped to chromosome 2BL with distances of 10.3, 2.5, 12.6 and 20.7 cM from Lr48 covering a length of 31 cM. Lr48 was placed between markers Xwmc175 and Xwmc332. The earlier reported location of Lr48 on 2BS could not be confirmed. The markers were validated on another population and the closest SSR marker, Xwmc332, was specific to resistance allele Lr48 and did not amplify in wheat lines carrying other resistance genes, thus enabling breeders to pyramid Lr48 with other leaf rust resistance genes.
Modelling antagonic effect of lactic acid eacteria supernatants on some pathogenic bacteria

This work presents a statistical model of survival analysis for three pathogenic bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus), when treated with neutralized and non-neutralized filtered supernatants broth from cultures of Lactobacillus acidhophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus sake. Survival analysis is a method employed to determine the period of time from an initial stage up to the occurrence of a particular event of interest, as death or a particular culture growth failure. In order to evaluate the potential efficacy of the ahead mentioned lactic acid bacteria when used as bioprotective starters in foods, experimental data were statistically treated and expressed by simple representative curves. Following the methodology of Cox and Kaplan-Meier, it was possible to make the selection of the best bioprotective lactic starter, as a predictive tool for evaluation of shelf life and prevention of eventual risks in fresh sausages and other similar food products.
Interpopulation variation in reproductive traits of female masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou

Several life history models predict that larger eggs and lower fecundity should be favored in a low-growth environment. We applied the model of Sibly et al. to seven Japanese populations of masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) in order to test the predictions that populations in which individual growth rate is low are characterized by larger eggs and lower fecundity. Two populations, Shumarinai and Shikaribetsu, had the lowest growth rates of individuals, largest egg sizes and lowest fecundities of all populations examined. In contrast, the Shiribetsu, Chitose and Uono populations had highest growth rates of individuals, smallest egg sizes and highest fecundities. The Shibetsu and Toya populations were intermediate between these two groups. The gonadsomatic index (GSI) of the Shumarinai and Shikaribetsu populations was smaller than that of all other populations. Correlation analysis indicated that populations with lower individual growth rates had larger eggs and lower fecundities. The results were consistent with the predictions of the Sibly et al. model: increased egg size which results in decreased fecundity is probably an adaptation to low-growth environments. Therefore, in masu salmon, growth differences among populations may explain interpopulation variation in egg size and fecundity.
An evaluation of the drop-disc technique for measurements of herbage production in ryegrass for silage

The drop-disc method of estimating herbage dry-matter production was evaluated for ryegrass from growth commencement to the silage stage; the latter typically corresponded to a maximum dry matter (DM) mass of almost 7 t ha−1. A close linear relationship (r2= 0·829) was found between disc settlement height and DM mass up to 4–5 t ha−1 for the period when growth was mainly vegetative rather than reproductive. During the latter stage, the presence of stems and the occurrence of lodging had a detrimental effect on the quality of disc calibration data. The technique was demonstrably useful in experiments as a cheap, rapid and trouble-free method for monitoring the initiation of grass production and rate of production during the vegetative stage.
Foliar spray of salicylic acid induces physiological and biochemical changes in purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) under drought stress

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a plant with a long history in cooking and folk medicine that has been distributed worldwide. In the present study, purslane was used as a model plant to investigate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) on plant tolerance to drought stress. The effects of SA foliar spray (0, 0.5 and 1 mM) on physiological and biochemical responses of purslane seedlings under drought stress (90, 60 and 30% field capacity) were investigated. The results showed that drought stress decreased the contents of photosynthetic pigments, parameters of gas exchanges, proline, soluble sugars, total phenolic, flavonoids, growth, and biomass production. However, SA improved photosynthetic pigments, gas exchanges, compatible solutes and secondary metabolites and thereby increased purslane growth and biomass production. Drought stress also induced oxidative stress (H2O2 and MDA) in purslane seedlings; however, SA reduced the drought-induced oxidative stress by regulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Drought stress increased the content of palmitic and arachidonic acid and decreased unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid), stearic and behenic acid in the leaves of purslane. However, SA improved the fatty acids content under drought stress. These results indicate that foliar application of SA improved the adaptation and tolerance of the purslane plant to drought stress by improving gas exchange, increasing the accumulation of secondary metabolites and compatible solutes, improving the antioxidant defence system and regulating the fatty acids profile of membrane lipid.
Guns, Violence, and Criminal Behavior: The Offender’s Perspective

Dowry is a succinct, but thorough look at the expansion of dowry practices and the inflation of dowry payments when families begin the process of finding a suitable partner for their son or daughter in Southeast Asia. This book has its roots in the Dowry Project, which seeks to share and encourage research in dowry, and dowry-related issues in South Asia and the diaspora. According to Dowry, in Southeast Asia marriage is considered the only proper course in life for women and parents are willing to do anything to help their daughter’s transition along this path. Women are not enabled by law to inherit land after their parent’s death, but dowry acts as a type of pre-mortem inheritance made up of goods that they are able to take with them to their in-laws’ house upon marriage. Dowry examines the tension between the protection women feel they need from these goods as well as the desire to break free from this system that degrades their value. While patriarchy is discussed as a both a cause and perpetuator of dowries, men are not blamed, but are given a fair and balanced look as people who are caught up in a system that they do not know how to change. Various activist interventions are discussed and the potential of future interventions and failure of previous interventions is examined. Dowry seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice and explain the tenable positions that all actors in the system face. Both macro and micro tensions are discussed as the roles of religion, economics, education and family pressures are put into perspective. For those who seek a glimpse into this world from a multitude of perspectives, Dowry is a strong choice. Generations: The Time Machine in Theory and Practice, by Judith Burnett. Surrey, UK: Ashgate Publishing Limited, 2010. 150pp. $99.95 cloth. ISBN: 9780754674566.
Seed ageing and field performance of maize under water stress

A sub-sample of maize (cv.Ksc 301) seeds was kept as control or high vigor seed lot (V 1 ) and two other sub-samples with about 15% moisture content were artificially aged at 40°C for 9 and 12 days (V 2 and V 3 , respectively). Hence, three seed lots with acceptable normal germinations of 98% (V 1 ), 92% (V 2 ) and 88% (V 3 ), but with different levels of vigor were provided. Laboratory tests were carried out as completely randomized design with four replicates. However, the field experiment was conducted as factorial based on RCB design in three replicates. Factors were seed ageing (three levels) and irrigation treatments (irrigation after 70, 90, 110 and 130 mm evaporation). Seeds were then sown with a density of 10 seeds m -2 on the 9 th May, 2010. Mean germination and emergence times significantly increased, but normal germination percentage, seedling dry weight and emergence percentage decreased with increasing seed ageing and decreasing seed vigor. As a result, plant biomass and grain yield per unit area for plants from aged seeds were considerably lower than those from non-aged seeds. No significant interaction of irrigation × seed ageing was observed for grain yield, suggesting that aged seeds had low yield under both well and limited irrigation conditions. Therefore, production of high vigor seeds and proper storage are necessary to ensure optimum stand establishment and satisfactory yield of maize under favorable and unfavorable field conditions. Key words: Biomass, harvest index, maize, seed ageing, seedling emergence.
Major histocompatibility and T‐cell receptor genes in Artiodactyls: characterization, polymorphism and genetic resistance to a helmintic infection

Summary Resistance or susceptibility to an infectious disease is determined to some extend by genetic variation of the host. This genetic variation can be used to breed more resistant animals to reduce costs for the control of the infection. Since the recording of parameters for disease resistance is usually time consuming, it was not feasible to include these into classical selection indices. Disease resistance associated markers could be used to select for this trait more efficiently. We developed PCR based characterization of an artiodactyl T cell receptor variable element (TCRVB6) and a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-DRB gene. Both genes could be amplified in a wide range of artiodactyl species. They harbour simple repetitive sequences in almost the same genomic position as in the human homologes. We developed an MHC-DRB typing system combining the microsatellite information with the hybridization of polymorphism specific oligonucleotides. To investigate possible associations to the faecal egg count (FEC), a flock of Scottish Blackface sheep has been typed for the TCRBV and the MHC-DRB loci. The MHC-DRB showed a highly significant association to the FEC. Potential applications and evolutionary aspects are discussed. Zusammenfassung Haupthistokompatibilitats-Komplex und T-Zell-Rezeptor-Gen bei Paarhufern: Charakterisierung, Polymorphismen und genetische Resistenz bei einer Wurminfektion Individuelle Unterschiede in der Resistenz gegen Infektionen sind teilweise durch genetische Variation des Wirtes bedingt. Diese genetische Variation kann genutzt werden, um auf Resistenz zu Zuchten und damit die durch Krankheiten bedingten Kosten zu vermindern. Die Erfassung geeigneter Parameter fur Krankheitsresistenz ist zeitaufwendig, wodurch die Berucksichtigung in klassischen Zuchtverfahren bisher nicht moglich war. Genetische Marker, welche mit der Resistenz assoziiert sind, konnen fur eine effizientere Selektion benutzt werden. Es wurden PCR-Systeme fur ein variables Element des T-Zell-Rezeptor-Komplexes (TCRVB6) und fur ein Haupthistokompatibilitatsgen (MHC-DRB) entwickelt. Beide Systeme konnten bei verschiedenen Paarhufern angewendet werden. In beiden Genen liegen simple repetitive Sequenzen an fast der gleichen Position wie bei den entsprechenden menschlichen Genen. Dies ermogfichte die Etablierung von PCR-Typisierungssystemen, welche die gleichzeitige Darstellung von Langenvariationen der Mikrosatelliten und von exonischen Polymorphismen erlauben. In einer Herde von Scottish Blackface Schafen wurde die Assoziation beider Loci mit der Eizahl im Kot untersucht. Das MHC-DRB-Gen ist hochsignifikant mit der Eizahl im Kot assoziiert. Mogliche Anwendungen und evolutionare Aspekte werden diskutiert.
Social Spending Responses to Organized Labor and Mass Protests in Latin America, 1970-2007

This article analyzes the relationship between collective protest and social spending in Latin America from 1970 to 2007. I argue that under democracy, organized labor is in a better position relative to other groups in society to obtain social policy concessions as a consequence of their collective action efforts. Labor insiders mobilize around specific demands, and labor strikes carry significant economic and political costs on governments. In contrast, other groups in society rarely protest around specific social policy issues and are more often subject to successful demobilization tactics from political leaders. Results from an error correction model (ECM) show that in democracies, collective protest has differentiated effects on social spending. While strikes have a strong positive long-term effect on social security and welfare spending, none of the different forms of collective protest affect education or health spending. Importantly, I also find evidence of a deterrent effect of mass protests in democratic regimes; cutbacks in human capital spending are less likely as peaceful large-scale demonstrations increase.
Inflammatory Cytokines, Proteins, and White Blood Cells in Burned Patients Affected with Second and Third Degree of Burn

ترتبط الحروق مع ارتفاع العديد من الفعاليات الايضية لمختلف اعضاء الجسم. ان ارتفاع العمليات الايضية تبدء من خلال تنشيط التفاعلات الالتهابية المختلفة والوسائط الخلوية . وظفت الدراسة الحالية لتقييم بعض العوامل الالتهابية والبروتينات وخلايا الدم البيض لدى الاشخاص المصابين بالحروق الحرارية . كان العدد الكلي للمرضى 60 شخصا مصابا بالحروق الحرارية ومن كلا الجنسين (30 رجلا و30 امراة ), ثم صنف المرضى طبقا لشدة الحروق والجنس الى اربع مجاميع ضمت كل مجموعة 15 شخصا. كما شملت الدراسة اختبار اشخاص اصحاء (15 رجلا و15 امراة ) استخدموا كمجموعة سيطرة . لوحظ حصول ارتفاع معنويp<0.05)) في قيم بروتين الطور الحاد لدى جميع مرضى الحروق عند مقارنتهم مع مجاميع السيطرة. كما بينت قيم تركيز الانترلوكين(IL-6) ارتفاع معنوي لدى جميع فئات المرضى ماعدا الدرجة الثانية, اذ انها لم تؤشر ارتفاع معنوي عند المقارنة مع الاشخاص الاصحاء. امابخصوص قيم البروتين المصلي الكلي والالبومين والكلوبيولين فقد اظهرت انخفاضا معنويا (p<0.05)في جميع المجاميع المدروسة بالمقارنة مع الاشخاص الاصحاء . امابشان العدد الكلي لكريات الدم البيض , فقد حققت ارتفاعا معنوياp 0.05)) في اغلب المرضى ماعدا الرجال المصابين بالحروق من الدرجة الثانية, فقد ارتفعت الخلايا الاحادية لديهم معنويا p 0.05)) في قيم الخلايا القاعدية لدى مرضى الحروق عند مقارنتهم مع مجاميع الاشخاص الاصحاء .