Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three murine cataract mutants (Cat2) are defective in different γ- crystallin genes

A number of murine cataract mutations have been localized to chromosome 1 close to the gamma-crystallin gene cluster (Cryg) (Everett et al., 1994, Genomics 20: 429-434; Loster et al., 1994, Genomics 23: 240-242). Based on the size of the mapping or allelism tests they have not been shown to be genetically distinct and have been assigned to locus symbol Cat2. Here we assign three mutations to the respective gamma-crystallin gene. Using a systematic candidate gene approach to analyze the entire Cryg cluster, an A-->G transition was found in exon 2 of Cryga for the ENU-436 mutation and is designated Cryga1Neu. The mutant allele Crygbnop (formerly Cat2(nop)) is caused by a replacement of 11 bp by 4 bp in the third exon of Crygb, while a C-->G transversion in exon 3 of Cryge has been found for the Cryget (formerly Cat2(t)) mutation. For the mutation Cryga1Neu, an Asp-->Gly exchange is deduced, whereas the mutations Crygbnop and Cryget lead to the formation of in-frame stop codons and give rise to truncated proteins of 144 and 143 amino acids, respectively. The effects of the mutations upon gamma-crystallin structure are likely to be quite different. The Cryga1Neu mutation is expected to affect the link between Greek-key motifs 2 and 3, whereas both Crygbnop and Cryget mutations are supposed to truncate the fourth Greek-key motif. All three mutations are predicted to alter protein folding of the gamma-crystallins and result in lens cataract, but the phenotype for each is quite distinctive.
Assessing the genetic diversity of Centaurea parlatoris group (sect. Dissectae, Compositae) in Sicily using isozymes

Abstract The Centaurea parlatoris group belongs to sect. Dissectae and is one of the most taxonomically critical groups in Sicily. The taxa included in it inhabit dry slopes, pastures and rocky places. Some of them are narrow endemics to Sicily, and others to Italy. The great morphological variability at the intrapopulation level has not permitted the creation of an adequate taxonomic scheme. The recent proposal of two new species from Sicily confirms the insufficient knowledge of the taxonomic diversity. This study involves eight Sicilian populations of the C. parlatoris group. Seven loci from nine enzyme systems [isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), alcohol deydrogenase (ADH), shikimate deydrogenase (SKD), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and phosphoglucoisomerase (PGI)] were examined. A total of 23 alleles were identified; seven were fixed in different populations, others were rare. The allele frequencies and the genetic variability values for each population were calculated. The highest intrapopulation variability was found in the populations of Monte Occhio and San Martino (71.4%), as well as in C. giardinae and C. sicana (57.1%). The lowest values were registered in the population of Isnello. The obtained dendrogram reflects the recent taxonomic treatment of the group. The study can provide means for both assessment of the future impact of erosion on diversity and elaboration of effective conservation strategies for these endemic taxa.
Burrowing dynamics and energy cost of transport in the soft-bodied marine invertebrates Polyphysia crassa and Priapulus caudatus

The dynamics and mechanical forces generated during burrowing in Polyphysia crassa (Annelida: Polychaeta) and Priapulus caudatus (Priapulida) were investigated. Both animals live in soft marine muds and burrow by utilizing a direct peristaltic wave alternating with a high internal pressure event which thrusts the anterior part of the body into the substratum. Forces generated during the various phases of a typical burrowing cycle were measured in animals moving beneath the natural substratum at 5±3 °C using electronic transducers and recorder. During ‘head’ advance Polyphysia generated 0.027 N, and during ‘tail’ advance 0.020 N, with peak internal pressures averaging 0.95 kPa (= 0.095 N/cm2). Force by Priapulus during head advance and tail advance was 0.081 N and 0.121 N, respectively, with peak internal pressures averaging 2.47 kPa (= 0.247 N/cm2). Polyphysia moves more slowly (0.24 cm/min) than does Priapulus (0.76 cm/min) and expends more energy on mass moved per unit distance. These force measurements during a burrowing cycle were used in place of respirometry as a basis for computation of net cost of transport (NCT) for each animal. NCT for Polyphysia was 635 J kg-1 m-1 and for Priapulus was 314Jkg-1m-l. Cost of transport for all burrowing animals thus far investigated is high compared to swimming, running and flying. For soft-bodied invertebrates that live an entirely buried existence this high cost must be interpreted in the broader context of the adaptive value of infaunal life, especially protection against predation, and not as simply a means of moving about.
The use of carbon-utilization profiling to determine sources of fecal contamination in a central Texas watershed

The purpose of this research was to characterize the relationship of Escherichia coli isolates from various animals, sewage, and water based on carbon substrate utilization patterns, and to use these patterns to determine the dominant contributors of nonpoint source fecal pollution to a central Texas reservoir from its watershed. We collected 1028 fecal samples from cattle, companion animals, goat, horse, poultry, sewage, sheep, and wildlife, collectively. From these, 1915 E. coli fecal isolates were analyzed. We collected 100 water samples throughout the North Bosque watershed; 910 E. coli water isolates were analyzed. The Biolog system was used to generate a carbon-utilization pattern for each isolate. A dendrogram constructed from the carbon-utilization patterns demonstrated that isolates from the same source category usually clustered together, excluding water isolates that were spread over many clusters. A bacterial-source tracking library was constructed from the carbon-utilization data obtained from the fecal and sewage isolates and analyzed for internal accuracy. Rates of correct classification for the library ranged from 12.8 to 78.6%. The average rate of correct classification for the library was 45.8%, and specificity values were high, ranging from 75 to 99%. When water isolates were submitted to the library for identification, 43 were classified as originating from cattle, indicating cattle were the dominant source of fecal pollution in the watershed. This was followed by sewage at 27%. Based on these data, our first recommendation for decreasing bacterial pollution in this watershed is to implement strategies that can reduce the contribution of fecal contamination from these 2 sources.
Attachment of Lactobacillus casei strain GG to human colon carcinoma cell line Caco‐2: comparison with other dairy strains

The degree of adhesion of Lactobacillus casei strain GG to human Caco‐2 cell line was investigated. Assessment of adhesion was compared to the adhesion of enterotoxigenic human Escherichia coli strain H 10407 and enterotoxigenic bovine E. coli strain B44 (non‐adhesive). Freeze‐dried Lactobacillus GG or samples from dairy products had medium to strong binding to the Caco‐2 cell line. Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCFB 1748) and L. bulgaricus showed no adhesion to the cell line while four tested Bifidobacterium strains had no or very weak adhesion to the Caco‐2 cell line.
THE EFFECT OF DIET PROPOLIS SUPPLEMENTATION ON ROSS BROILER CHICKS PERFORMANCE

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Alcoholic Extract of Propolis (AEP) on Ross (308) broiler chicks performance. This experiment , was carried out in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments (different levels of propolis including 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg diet) for 6 weeks. Weight gain, feed consumption , feed conversion ratio and mortality rate at the end of 3rd, 6th wk and whole periods (0 to 6 wk ) were compared statistically. Results indicated that in all periods, average weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency were significantly higher for propolis fed birds and inclusion of Propolis also reduced mortality rate in comparison to control diet.
SUGAR UTILIZATION BY A BREWING YEAST IN RELATION TO THE GROWTH AND MAINTENANCE PHASES OF METABOLISM

In batch fermentations, carried out using a range of conditions, the specific rate of sugar utilization is shown to decline throughout. When yeast mass is increasing, the yield coefficient relating carbohydrate utilization to mass production remains approximately constant and the declining specific fermentation rate parallels declining specific growth rate. When mass production ceases, maintenance of the yeast population requires only a low rate of sugar utilization. Attenuation associated with maintenance phase activity is relatively insignificant compared with that associated with growth.
Kin recognition and choice of shoal mates by threespine sticklebacks

In this study we addressed five questions concerning kin recognition and shoaling in threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus fry. Our results were: (1) fry distinguished between similar-aged sibs and non-sibs when tested at 18, 30 and 45 days of age, (2) fry reared with maternal half-sibs distinguished sibs from half-sibs; fry reared with paternal half-sibs did not discriminate between paternal half-sibs and either sibs or non-sibs, (3) the ability to discriminate sibs from non-sibs did not require experience, but the strength of the shoaling preference was modified by events early in life, (4) fry spent more time near kin when a predator was present and (5) fry did not distinguish between non-sib conspecifics and heterospecifics.
Limited effect of increased atmospheric CO2 concentration on ombrotrophic bog vegetation

Summary • Boreal and subarctic peatlands contain 20–30% of the world’s soil organic carbon, and if growing, they constitute sinks for atmospheric CO2. We hypothesized that even in the nutrient-poor bog environment, elevated CO2 would stimulate Sphagnum growth more than vascular plant growth, thereby improving Sphagnum’s competitive strength and enhancing carbon (C) sequestration. • Free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiments took place on predominantly ombrotrophic peatbog-lawns in Finland (FI), Sweden (SW), The Netherlands (NL), and Switzerland (CH). • After 3 yr of treatment, increased CO2 concentration (560 ppm on volume basis) had no significant effect on Sphagnum or vascular plant biomass at either site. • This research suggests that, just as with other nutrient-poor ecosystems, increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations will have a limited effect on bog ecosystems.
Legume Processing Effects on Dietary Fiber Components

Effects of different processes were studied on neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, and lignin content of legumes. Chick peas, kidney beans, and lentils were soaked and cooked, simulating home processing. Values were recorded on a wet basis as a guide to calculating their contribution to the diet. Decrease in values was more pronounced in pressure-cooked chick peas and kidney beans with cooking liquid removed. In lentils, cooking liquid embedded, no difference between processes was observed. Amounts of dietary fiber components on a dry basis, of interest when legume meal is used as food supplement, increased for chick peas and beans, except for the hemicellulose of beans and lentils, which decreased.
Nutritional Flavonoids Modulate Estrogen Receptor α Signaling

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) mediates 17β‐estradiol (E2) actions through the transcription of E2‐sensitive target genes. In addition, rapid non‐genomic signaling (e.g., MAPK/ERK) occurs. It is now well accepted that these rapid membrane‐initiated responses account for E2‐related cancer. Beside many beneficial effects on human health, nutritional flavonoids exert protective and anticarcinogenic effects on E2‐related cancer. The mechanism underlying these effects seems to be related to flavonoids antioxidant properties and/or to their ability to alter signal transduction protein kinases. In addition, an antiestrogenic activity has been proposed but not yet defined. However, the identification and characterization of the responsible mechanisms for flavonoid antitumoral effects is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the possibility that the antimitogenic effects of flavonoids are transduced by modulating ERα‐mediated rapid signaling. The ability of two flavonoids, the flavanone naringenin and the flavanol quercetin, with respect of E2, to induce ERα activities has been studied in the human cervix epitheloid carcinoma cell line (HeLa) devoid of any estrogen receptors and rendered E2‐sensitive by transient transfection with a human ERα expression vector. Our results indicate that flavonoids act as E2 mimetic on ERα transcriptional activity, whereas they impair the activation of rapid signaling pathways committed to E2‐induced proliferation. The resulting decoupling of ERα signal transduction could be proposed as a new mechanism in the protective effects of flavonoids against E2‐related cancer. IUBMB Life, 56: 145‐151, 2004
Breeding habitat of red-backed shrike Lanius collurio on farmland hilly areas of Central Italy: is functional heterogeneity one important key?

This paper examines the relationships between breeding site selection of red-backed shrikes Lanius collurio and land-use features using GIS. We examine the habitat preference of this species in areas characterised by a temperate climate and by a prevailing agricultural cover. We focused on the occurrence of red-backed shrike in relation to fragmentation, patch diversity and a few habitat features of the farmlands, as a surrogate for functional heterogeneity. We also studied several parameters such as the number of closely located nests, minimum distance between the nests and elevation above sea level of the breeding sites. Our results confirm the importance of the marginal elements such as shrubs, hedgerows and scatter patches in farmlands, and could add an effective method for studying suitable habitats for L. collurio using few environmental parameters. Our results suggest that breeding sites of the species are located mainly in cultivated zones, characterised by the presence of dispersal shrub patches and high edge density values and in proximity to the roads. Our results confirm also that landscape heterogeneity is one of the key factors in the selection of breeding habitat for red-backed shrikes in farmland of Central Italy, and therefore should be subject to agricultural policies aimed at conservation and maintenance of these environmental features.
Diversity of features of the female reproductive system and other morphological characters in leeches (Citellata, Hirudinida) in phylogenetic conception

An epistemological–evolutionary conception of leeches (Hirudinida) based on features of the female reproductive system in combination with other morphological characters is presented in the spirit of the cladistic school of taxonomy. Characters relating to the structure of the ovary and the course of oogenesis in leeches were interpreted in this manner, for the first time. Each study was conducted on type species of higher taxonomic groups of true leeches. Results of analyses using features of the reproductive system only as well as in combination with other morphological characters show Piscicolidae and Glossiphoniidae as sister clades making Rhynchobdellida a monophyletic group. Also, Hirudiniformes and Erpobdelliformes appeared to be sister clades within Arhynchobdellida. The relationship between the outgroup specimens and leeches remained unresolved, because both Acanthobdella peledina and branchiobdellidans appeared to be in an equivocal relationship to hirudinidans. Characters concerning the structure of the female reproductive system and course of oogenesis thus appeared to be useful, although conservative, for reconstruction of leech phylogeny, and they well reflect phylogenetic relationships of Hirudinida at the family level.
Catch statistics and trends in the shore angling fishery of the east coast, South Africa, for the period 1959–1982

Catches of marine linefish by shore-based Eastern Cape recreational anglers are analysed to examine the catch composition and trends. Data were obtained from annual week-long angling competitions (Angling Week, 1978–1982), from monthly competitions (postal competitions, 1979–1982) and from the annual records of individual anglers (catch-card returns, 1959–1982). Seasonal fluctuations in catches and mean sizes of kob, elf, bronze bream, galjoen and musselcracker are discussed. The distinct seasonal fluctuations of kob and elf can be explained by inshore/offshore and longshore migration patterns respectively; that of galjoen remains unclear. Catches of kob, elf and musselcracker exhibit apparent long-term cycles, which peak every 8, 6½ and 11 years respectively. There was a slight decrease (c. 6–9%) in mean fish mass over the period 1960–1980 for kob, elf and bronze bream, but for galjoen and musselcracker the mean mass increased (c. 45 and 35% respectively). The value of long-term data sets is discussed.
Molecular systematics of Trilliaceae II. Phylogenetic analyses of Trillium and its allies using sequences of rbcL and matK genes of cpDNA and internal transcribed spacers of 18S–26S nrDNA

Coding regions of the rbcL and matK genes of cpDNA and internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA were sequenced to study phylogenetic relationships within and among all four genera of Trilliaceae: Trillium, Paris, Daiswa and Kinugasa. The rbcL gene has evolved much slower than matK and in particular ITS; hence the phylogenetic trees based on the rbcL gene show a much lower resolution than trees based on either matK or ITS. The general topology of phylogenetic trees resulting from separate parsimony analyses of the matK and ITS sequences are relatively congruent, with the exception of the placement of T. pusillum. Both matK and ITS phylogenies reveal that T. rivale diverges at the base of the trees. In both trees, Paris, Daiswa and Kinugasa form a relatively weakly supported group. Within this group, the allo-octaploid Kinugasa japonica is the sister group of Daiswa species. The Paris‐Daiswa‐Kinugasa group, the major Trillium group, and T. undulatum and T. govanianum showed a loosely related topology, but their affinities are not evident according to these two molecular markers. However, phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences derived from matK shows that T. rivale together with clades T. undulatum‐T. govanianum, Daiswa‐Kinugasa and Paris is basally diverged as a sister group to the remainder of Trillium.
Reprodução das aves marinhas nas ilhas costeiras de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Studies involving the reproduction of seabirds in the Santa Catarina coast are scarce. From 1996 to 2002 a sampling program was implanted with the objectives of identifying the ranches, the species and to study some aspects of their reproductive cycle. Five species: Sula leucogaster Boddaert, 1783; Fregata magnificens Matheus, 1914; Larus dominicanus Lichtenstein, 1823; Sterna hirundinacea Lesson, 1831; S. eurygnatha Sauders, 1876, breed in the islands of Santa Catarina, with the largest intensity in the period of May to December. The size of the colonies varied in function of the species and of the reproduction area.
Phylogenetic relationships in Kumanoa (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) species in Brazil with the proposal of Kumanoa amazonensis sp. nov.

Necchi O. Jr., Vis M.L. and Oliveira M.C. 2010. Phylogenetic relationships in Kumanoa (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) species in Brazil with the proposal of Kumanoa amazonensis sp. nov. Phycologia 49: 97–103. DOI: 10.2216/09-24.1 This study evaluated the species-level taxonomy and phylogenetic relationship among Kumanoa species from Brazil with other regions of the world based on the plastid-encoded RUBISCO large subunit gene (rbcL). Partial rbcL sequences were obtained for 11 Kumanoa specimens. Eight species are recognised from Brazil on the basis of molecular and morphological data: seven previously described (K. abilii, K. ambigua, K. breviarticulata, K. cipoensis, K. equisetoidea, K. globospora and K. procarpa) and a new species here proposed (K. amazonensis sp. nov. Necchi & Vis). The new species has reduced and dense whorls but differs from the two closest related species in lacking secondary fascicles. Previously proposed infrageneric categories were not supported by the molecular data. Species described and endemic (K. breviarticulata, K. cipoensis, K. equisetoidea and K. procarpa) to Brazil are not grouped together but are variously related to other species from North America, Europe and Australasia. With the species recognised in this study using molecular and morphological data and those previously distinguished by morphology, 13 species of Kumanoa are currently documented from Brazil.
Five new species of Phytoseiidae from Central and South America (Acari: Gamasina)

ABSTRACT Five new species of Phytoseiidae are described: Chileseius paracamposi n. sp. , Amblyseius josephi n. sp. , A. fragosoi n. sp. , A. belizensis n. sp. and Cydnodromella barretoae n. sp. Three of these species were collected in Belize, one in Costa Rica and one in Chile. Cydonodromella barretoae has a previously unknown dorsal setal pattern, 11D:6B. Four of the five new species belong to the subfamily Amblyseiinae Berlese and the fifth to the subfamily Cydnodromellinae Chant and Yoshida-Shaul.
Genetic variability among natural populations of the liver fluke Fascioloides magna in white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus

Liver flukes, Fascioloides magna, from white-tailed deer were collected from four locations in the southeastern United States for genetic analysis of spatial differentiation. Nine of 14 electrophoretic loci were polymorphic. Average individual parasite heterozygosity ranged from 4.6 ± 3.4 to 13.1 ± 5.9%. These levels of genetic variability are comparable to those reported for other species of parasites. Allele frequency differences among samples were noted for seven of the nine polymorphic loci. Rogers genetic distance values for interlocality comparisons increased with geographic distance between samples. Partitioning the total genetic variation in Fascioloides magna, 83% of the variance was found among individuals within sample locations, 4% between locations within Tennessee and South Carolina, and 13% between states.
Changes in Phenolic Acid Content During Alternaria alternata Infection in Tomato Fruit

Phenolic acids are components of the plant defence system; however few studies had been done with fruits. The objective of this experiment was to elucidate the changes in phenolic acid content in tomato fruits in response to pathogenic attack. Tomato fruit Pinto was inoculated with spores of Alternaria alternata and stored for 10 days at 25� C and 90–92% of relative humidity. Sampling of epicarp and mesocarp tissues of control and infected tomato fruits were done every 2 days. Phenolic acids were extracted from each tissue and identified by HPLC coupled to a mass spectrometer. Quantification was done based in standard curves. In vitro evaluation of the phenolic acid effect either one-by-one and in a mixture of phenolic acids (MPA) over A. alternata spore germination was done with 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 mm. It was found caffeic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids in both epicarp and mesocarp tomato tissues before the beginning of the experiment. Infected tomato fruits showed significantly higher concentrations of vanillic acid in the epicarp, only. Chlorogenic acid and the MPA inhibit spore germination by 30%, whereas caffeic acid and vanillic acid inhibit 16% at 500 mm. It was concluded that chlorogenic, vanillic and caffeic acids are phytoanticipins in tomato fruit. The concentration of vanillic acid also increases in tomato fruit epicarp as part of the defence system during a pathogenic attack.