Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Weak top-down control of grazers and periphyton by slimy sculpins in a coldwater stream

Abstract We conducted an enclosure/exclosure experiment during summer 1998 and 1999 to test the strength of top-down control by slimy sculpins (Cottus cognatus) on benthic macroinvertebrates and periphyton. We used 1-m2 cages to manipulate slimy sculpin density within 6 riffles in Valley Creek, Minnesota. Each riffle contained an enclosure stocked with 3 slimy sculpins, a fishless exclosure, and an open control cage. In 1998, densities of total invertebrates and grazers on clay tiles were significantly higher in exclosures than enclosures and control cages; however, densities of individual grazer taxa (Glossosoma and Baetis) on tiles did not differ significantly among treatments. Fish had no significant effect on invertebrates inhabiting gravel substrate. In 1999, densities of total invertebrates and grazers on tiles and inhabiting gravel substrate did not differ significantly among treatments. Slimy sculpins did not have a detectable effect on the drift propensity of invertebrates during either year. Regardless of the effect of fish on grazers in either year, periphyton biomass did not differ significantly among the fish treatments even though there was a strong, negative correlation between Glossosoma density and periphyton biomass. Periphyton biomass was significantly higher on tiles with a barrier that excluded Glossosoma larvae from the surface, indicating that Glossosoma limited periphyton biomass. We conclude that the strength of top-down control by slimy sculpins on invertebrates was weak. We did not detect an algae-based trophic cascade during either year because Glossosoma larvae were relatively invulnerable to fish predation and did not alter their behavior in the presence of fish.
Altered Intraerythrocytic Development Phenotypes of Artemisinin-Resistant Plasmodium falciparum Confer a Fitness Advantage

Artemisinin is used in combination with other antimalarial drugs for treatment of multidrug resistant malaria worldwide. Clinical resistance to artemisinin recently emerged in Southeast Asia, yet in vitro phenotypes for discerning mechanism(s) of resistance remain elusive. Herein we describe novel phenotypic resistance traits expressed by artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. The resistant parasites exhibit altered patterns of development that result in reduced exposure to drug at the most susceptible stage of development in erythrocytes (trophozoites) and increased exposure in the most resistant stage (rings). In addition a novel in vitro delayed clearance assay (DCA) that assesses drug effects on asexual stages was found to correlate with parasite clearance half-life in vivo as well as with mutations in the kelch domain gene associated with resistance (Pf3D7_1343700). Importantly all of the resistance phenotypes were stable in cloned parasites for more than 2 years without drug pressure. The results demonstrate artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum have evolved a novel mechanism of phenotypic resistance to artemisinin drugs linked to abnormal cell cycle regulation; these results offer insights into a novel mechanism of drug resistance in P. falciparum and new tools for monitoring the spread of artemisinin resistance.
Cloning and characterization of Enaptin, a novel giant actin-binding protein connecting the nucleus to the actin cytoskeleton

Summary ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The a-actinin superfamily is the largest of the F-actin cross-linking protein families Members of this superfamily have an actin-binding domain (ABD) consisting of a pair of calponin homology domains. We have cloned and characterized a novel giant actin-binding protein called Enaptin, which belongs to this family. Together with NUANCE, Enaptin forms a group of giant proteins that associate with the F-actin cytoskeleton as well as the nuclear membrane. Enaptin is composed of an N-terminal a-actinin type ABD, followed by a long coiled-coil rod and a transmembrane domain at the C-terminus. We have cloned and assembled a cDNA for Enaptin and found that the longest open reading frame of Enaptin encompasses 27,669 bp and predicts a 1014 kDa protein. The human Enaptin gene located on 6q23.1-25.3 spreads over 515 kb and gives rise to several splicing isoforms (Nesprin-1, Myne-1, Syne-1, CPG2). Northern blot analysis identified a >14 kb transcript and an additional transcript of 5.5 kb in brain. Using a polyclonal antibody against the ABD of Enaptin we detected a protein of approximately 400 kDa in tissues like brain and skeletal muscle. Further analysis showed that Enaptin is expressed in a wide range of tissues. Polyclonal antibodies generated against the C-terminus of Enaptin detected the protein at the nuclear envelope and in the cytosol of human fibroblasts. We showed that Enaptin is located in the outer nuclear membrane by selective permeabilisation of the plasma membrane with digitonin, furthermore its nuclear envelope localization was not affected by disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. Our studies also indicated that the nuclear envelope localization of Enaptin depended on lamin A/C. This is underlined by our findings in fibroblast cells from patients affected with laminopathies where we observed an altered distribution of Enaptin. With the N-terminal ABD domain and its C-terminal transmembrane domain, Enaptin has the potential to connect the nucleus to the actin cytoskeleton. Studies on Enaptin orthologues in lower eukaryotes proposed a role for these proteins in nuclear positioning and anchorage and in embryonic muscle development. Our myoblast differentiation studies showed an altered expression of Enaptin during differentiation. In order to reveal the functions of Enaptin and its link to human disease, we initiated a project for targeted disruption of Enaptin in the mouse.
pEffects of UV radiation on the ultrastructure of several red algae

The effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the ultrastructure of four red algae, the endemic Antarctic Palmaria decipiens (Reinsch) Ricker and Phycodrys austrogeorgica Skottsberg, the Arctic‐cold temperate Palmaria palmata (Linnaeus) O. Kuntze and the cosmopolitan Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Agardh was studied. All four species showed a formation of ‘inside‐out’ vesicles from the chloroplast thylakoids upon exposure to artificial UV‐radiation. In P. decipiens, most vesicles were developed after 8 h and in P. palmata, after 48 h of UV exposure. In B. atropurpurea, vesi‐culation of thylakoids was observed after 72 h of UV irradiation. In Ph. austrogeorgica, the chloroplast envelope and thylakoid membranes were damaged and the phycobilisomes became detached from the thylakoids after 12 h of UV exposure. Ultraviolet‐induced changes in the membrane structure of mitochondria were observed in P. decipiens and P. palmata. However, in P. decipiens they were reversible as was the damage in chloroplast fine structure after 12 h of UV treatment. Protein crystals in Ph. austrogeorgica showed degradation after exposure to UV radiation. Different methods of fixation and embedding macroalgal material are discussed. These findings give insight into the fine structural changes which occur during and after UV exposure and indicate a relationship between the species dependent sensitivity to UV‐exposure and the depth distribution of the different species.
Composição botânica e química da Coastcross consorciada ou não com Arachis pintoi, com e sem nitrogênio

This study aimed to evaluate the botanical and chemical composition of pasture Coastcross + Arachis pintoi; Coastcross + Arachis pintoi with 100kg/ha of nitrogen (N); Coastcross + Arachis pintoi with 200kg/ha N, and Coastcross with 200kg/ha N, in the of winter, spring, summer and fall. The experimental design was randomized blocks with treatments in a split-plot with two replications (blocks). We evaluated the percentage of green leaf, stem green, dead material and Arachis pintoi as well as the ratio leaf / stem (RL: S), in addition to crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and in vitro digestibility dry matter. The use of 200kg/ha N gave the highest percentages of leaf green (32%) and stem + sheath green (58%), but with a reduction in the percentage of dead material (10%). In the autumn and summer there were higher percentages of leaf and reduced dead material. In the spring there was a higher percentage of legume in the forage mass. Nitrogen fertilization exclusively or associated with Arachis pintoi increased in vitro digestibility of dry matter and crude protein content and reduced content of Coastcross neutral detergent fiber. The association between legume nitrogen and favorable climatic conditions, provides improved botanical composition and nutritive value of pasture intercropping.
Phenotypic Detection Of Metallo-beta-lactamase Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Isolated From Burned Patients

Background and Objective: Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLS) mediated resistance is an emerging threat in hospital isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There is not enough information from Iran regarding the prevalence and the screening methods for such enzymes. The present study was undertaken to detect MBLS in strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from burned patient using phenotypic method. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 128 consecutive P. aeruginosa isolates obtained from hospitalized patients were subjected to susceptibility testing to antipseudomonal drugs by disc diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for ceftazidime was determined. The production of MBL was detected by the zone size enhancement with EDTA impregnated ceftazidime disc. Results: It was found out that 94 (73.44%) of the isolates were resistant to ceftazidime. These isolates screened as ESBLs producing strains and introduced for detection of MBL production. Out of the 94 P. aeruginosa that were resistant to ceftazidime, 50 (53.2%) isolates were MBL positive. This result indicated that 39.06% of all isolates were MBL positive. Conclusion: MBL-mediated ceftazidime resistance in P. aeruginosa is a cause for concern in the therapy of critically ill patients. The MBL producing P. aeruginosa isolates were more resistant to various antimicrobial agents. This result suggests that MBL producing isolates in hospitals may cause serious infections that illustrated when these strains were responsible for a nosocomial outbreak.
Monitoring of the succession of bacterial populations in infant faeces by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

The aim of this study was to follow the evolution of faecal bacteria over the first 34 weeks of life using molecular methods in healthy infants, all of them initially breast-fed and then subjected to a similar succession of dietary changes. Faecal samples from six healthy, full-term, unrelated babies were subjected to PCR amplification with general primers for 16S bacterial rDNA. The PCR products were analysed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to determine a pattern of predominant bacterial species in each sample. Detection of species of Bifidobacterium genus and Lactobacillus group was done using genus- or group-specific primers and sequencing DGGE bands. We detected an increment in the bacterial diversity in all infants, the more obvious changes being detected after introduction of a solid diet. Lactobacillus were detected from the third week and showed a frequent change of species. The presence of Bifidobacterium species was much more stable. Evolution of the microbiota in the six infants studied underwent significant changes until introduction of meat in the diet, but was unique for each infant despite the similarity of their feeding.
EFFECT OF TWO CONFINEMENT SYSTEMS ON ESTROUS AND DIESTROUS BEHAVIOR IN DAIRY COWS

Four groups of dairy cows ranging in age from 3 to 9 yr were observed continuously for 80 days after calving by closed circuit television and videorecorder over a period of 1.5 yr. Groups 1 and 2, each consisting of 16 cows were housed in a windowless free-stall area while groups 3 and 4, each consisting of 12 cows were housed in a conventional tie-stall area. Eating, drinking, resting and standing activities and number of changes between lying and standing positions were recorded daily. There was no difference between the two housing systems in their effect on ovarian function. There were marked differences in the monitored activities of cows in the two confinement systems. During estrus the increase in standing was more noticeable in the free-stall animals. The tie-stall animals stood normally for longer periods and had a greater number of changes in position each day with a sharp decrease at estrus. An interaction between age of cow and housing system was found. The older cows in the free-stalls rested.
Genetic aspects of ameloblastoma: a brief review

Ameloblastomas are defined as aggressive neoplasms arising from the odontogenic epithelium which exhibit a locally invasive behavior with a high rate of recurrence. If left untreated, they often lead to extensive tissue destruction and deformity. Due to the fact that these tumors emerge from remnants of normal odontogenic apparatus, which is strictly regulated through several genes, studies have been done in an attempt to unravel the relation between these two processes. The normal genetic regulation takes place through different signaling pathways, including four major families: TGF [Transforming Growth Factors, which include BMPs (Bone Morphogenetic Proteins)], FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factors), Hh (Hedgehogs) and Wnt (Wingless). Each family consists of several signals encoded by different genes. The unraveling of specific details concerning these genes and the mechanisms whereby the expression and relationships among them are mediated, may provide an opportunity to develop new treatment therapies and afford efficient prevention. Key words: Ameloblastoma, sonic hedgehog, bone morphogenetic protein, fibroblast growth factor, wingless.
Chemical composition and protein characteristics of lentils

Chemical and amino acid compositions, protein solubility (Osborn classification), and in vitro protein quality of six genotypes of lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.) were determined. Lentils contained an average of 28.6% protein, 3.1% ash, 4.4% fiber, 0.7% ether extract, 63.1% total carbohydrate (nitrogen-free extract), 44.3% starch and 4,186 kcal/kg of gross energy. Lentil starch contained 36.1% amylose. About one-half (47.1%) of the lentil proteins were soluble in 1.0 M sodium chloride, 3.8% soluble in water, 3.1% soluble in 70% ethanol, and 14.9% soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid. Only 24.0% of the lentil proteins were not solubilized by these solvents. The lentils contained 6.8% of the meal nitrogen as nonprotein nitrogen. The amino acid compositions of the six lentil genotypes were similar. The major amino acids were glutamic acid, aspartic acid, arginine, leucine and lysine; the minor amino acids were methionine, cystine and tryptophan. Because of the lower concentrations of the latter amino acids, l.
Computer-aided Melody Note Transcription Using the Tony Software: Accuracy and Efficiency

We present Tony, a software tool for the interactive annotation of melodies from monophonic audio recordings, and evaluate its usability and the accuracy of its note extraction method. The scientific study of acoustic performances of melodies, whether sung or played, requires the accurate transcription of notes and pitches. To achieve the desired transcription accuracy for a particular application, researchers manually correct results obtained by automatic methods. Tony is an interactive tool directly aimed at making this correction task efficient. It provides (a) state-of-the art algorithms for pitch and note estimation, (b) visual and auditory feedback for easy error-spotting, (c) an intelligent graphical user interface through which the user can rapidly correct estimation errors, (d) extensive export functions enabling further processing in other applications. We show that Tony’s built in automatic note transcription method compares favourably with existing tools. We report how long it takes to annotate recordings on a set of 96 solo vocal recordings and study the effect of piece, the number of edits made and the annotator’s increasing mastery of the software. Tony is Open Source software, with source code and compiled binaries for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux available from https://code.soundsoftware. ac.uk/projects/tony/.
Dawn Water Potential and Root Depth of Trees and Understorey Species in Southwestern Australia

Water relations of selected tree and understorey species in the jarrah forest of south-western Australia were studied during summer drought and the results related to root morphology. Seasonal patterns of predawn water potential (Ψp) differed between species according to root depth and between sites according to average annual rainfall. Dawn water potentials fell most rapidly and by the greatest amount in plants with the shallowest roots. Dawn water potentials of medium and deep rooted species were not consistently different. Separation of Ψp between sites of different annual rainfall was less marked than was separation by root depth. Changes in Ψp, were consistent with a top-to-bottom drying of the soil profiles. We suggest that measurements of Ψp of plants of appropriate root depth can be used to monitor the drying of soils as an alternative to more expensive mechanical and electrical methods.
Inheritance of resistance to Pythium dieback in the medicinal plant periwinkle

Inheritance of resistance to dieback, caused by Pythium aphanider-matum, in periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) was studied using a dieback-resistant dwarf mutant, Dw, with a green stem, and a susceptible accession, OR, with a purple stem. Plants of parental F1, F2 and backcross generations were evaluated for resistance to dieback in a randomized complete block design with four replications, in a field plot that had been continuously planted with periwinkle in previous years and where dieback severity was high. Resistance to dieback was evaluated on two dates, i.e. when distinct differences between plants of the parental strains were noticed. From both quantitative and qualitative analyses of data, resistance to dieback appeared to be governed by a single gene (with a broad-sense heritability of 0.85 and 0.79, depending on the date of evaluation), and was inherited independently of genes governing dwarfness and stem pigmentation.
Long-term P and K applications : II. Effect on corn and soybean yields and plant P and K concentrations

Increasing emphasis on environmentally sound nutrient management requires an improved understanding of fertilizer P and K needs for profitable crop production. A 20-yr study was conducted on two glacial till soils to determine: (i) the effect of various P and K rates on corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] yields and profitability during a 12-yr application phase and an 8-yr residual phase, and (ii) whether triennial applications of P and K produce crop yields equal to those from annual applications. Initial Bray P 1 and exchangeable K soil tests were 22 and 150 ppm, respectively, for the Webster clay loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Endoaquolls) and 10 and 228 ppm, respectively, for the Aastad clay loam (fine-loamy, mixed Pachic Udic Haploboroll). Phosphorus and K were applied annually for 12 yr at rates of 0, 50, and 100 lb P 2 O 5 /acre and 0, 50, and 100 lb K 2 O/acre while rates of 150 lb P 2 O 5 /acre and 150 lb K 2 O/acre were applied every third year. Yields were improved by the 50-lb P 2 O 5 rate in 6 of 12 yr when the soil test P (STP) was <22 ppm for the Webster soil and in 8 of 12 yr when the STP was ≤10 ppm for the Aastad soil. Yields were not improved further by the 100-lb P 2 O 5 rate on either soil. Yields from triennial P application were similar to those from annual P application in 23 of 24 site-yr. Annual application of fertilizer K increased yield only in 3 of 24 site-yr. During the 8-yr residual period, yields were increased above the eontrol in all 15 site-yr by carryover from the 50-lb P 2 O 5 rate. Corn yields were optimized at leaf K concentrations ranging from 1.14 to 2.29%, indicating the importance of knowing nutrient uptake characteristics of hybrids when assessing the K status of corn. Economic return was generally highest with the 150-lb P 2 O 5 rate applied every third year. Results from this study indicate that most profitable long-term returns can be obtained with broadcast applications of 150 lb P 2 O 5 /acre on a triennial basis and by monitoring STP and soil test K (STK) to take advantage of residual availability.
Adaptations by macroalgae to low carbon availability. II. Ultrastructural specializations, related to the function of a photosynthetic buffer system in the Fucaceae

The photosynthetic buffering capacity of several brown, red and green algae was investigated. This system allows the alga to carry out oxygen production in excess of the uptake of inorganic carbon during a certain period of time. In search for anatomical specializations wich might be connected with the function of the buffering system, the ultrastructure of the algae was examined
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) Affects Keratin 1 and Keratin 17 Gene Expression and Differentially Induces Keratinization in Hairless Mouse Skin

The environmental pollutant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) causes chloracne in humans by mechanisms that are as yet poorly understood. Because TCDD is known to affect keratinocyte differentiation in vitro , we have studied TCDD-dependent morphologic changes and the expression of murine keratin I (MK1; differentiation associated) and keratin 17 (MK17; presumably hyperproliferation associated) in HRS/J hr/hr hairless mouse skin. TCDD (0.2 μ g in acetone) applied topically to the dorsal skin caused epidermal acanthosis and hyperkeratosis of the dermal cysts as well as an involution of the utricles and the sebaceous glands. By means of in situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes of sections from untreated and vehicle (control)-treated skin, we localized MK1 mRNA to the epidermal spinous cell compartment. MK17 transcripts were detected only in the derivatives of the hair follicleutricle epithelium and dermal cysts. No spatial overlap was observed between MK1 and MK17 expression. After TCDD application, MK17 was newly expressed in the upper spinous cell layers of the interfollicular epidermis, although it was suppressed in the involuting utricles. In contrast, MK1 expression in the interfollicular epidermis was not affected by TCDD. Furthermore, MK1 expression was induced in the epithelium of the utricle remnants and in some dermal cysts. These data suggest that increased keratinization of the part of the follicular epithelium corresponding to the dermal cyst epithelium of hairless mice most probably explains the pathogenesis of TCDD-induced chloracne. The results demonstrate, furthermore, that TCDD can differentially affect keratinocyte differentiation in vivo as well as in vitro .
Meat from alternative species – nutritive and dietetic value, and its benefit for human health – a review

The aim of the current review was to shed light on the nutritional composition of meat from alternative species, including red deer, fallow deer, rabbit, horse, pigeon and ratites (mainly ostrich) by comparison with conventional meat, and their benefits for human health. One of the reasons for such interest was the occurrence, in Europe several years ago, of dioxin, Bovine Encephalopathy and foot-and-mouth disease problems in farm animals. Therefore, consumers began to look for alternative kinds of red meat from other non-traditional species. The nutritional composition of meat from alternative species by comparison with conventional meat is characterised by low levels of fat and cholesterol, relatively high concentrations of n-3 and iron. Therefore, the meat from alternative species may supplement the local meat market with good quality products.