Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Vitro-based and In Vivo-hased Simulations of Benzene Uptake and Metabolism in Rats

The metabolism of benzene was modelled in the rat by application of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. The model parameters were set by using reference physiological parameter values and reported partition coefficients from in vitro studies. Three sets of Vmax and Km values for benzene, derived from published in vitro studies, were substituted into the model while keeping all other model parameters constant. These model simulations were compared with two sets of empirical data on the metabolism or uptake of benzene after inhalation exposure. It was observed that the biotransformation parameter sets derived in vitro predicted all empirical data within a factor of two. In addition, it was observed that simulations across the two sets of empirical data which used biotransformation parameters obtained by fitting to one set of data to simulate the other set, led to results comparable to those in the in vitro-based simulations. It is concluded that the results of in vitro studies can be directly applied in a PBPK model in order to estimate the in vivo uptake and metabolism of benzene on the basis of previously determined model parameter assumptions. These results support earlier studies on the application of in vitro techniques for deriving PBPK model parameters. On the basis of other studies on the simulation of benzene kinetics, it is also concluded that additional studies are required to extend the validity of this approach for other compounds.
Antibacterial Activity of Some Plant Extracts on Escherichia coli with Special Reference to its Resistance Pattern

The present work was planned to isolate, characterize and evaluate the prevalence of E. coli serotypes in 180 samples (herbs, water and chicken) as well as detection of haemolysin production, Congo Red binding activity, serum activity and antimicrobial susceptibility test. Forty four samples out of 180 samples were found to be positive to E. coli with a percentage of 24.4%. The serological identification showed that O125, O112 and O86 were the most prevalent serotype among the 44 isolated strains with percentages of 27%, 25% and 18% respectively. The study showed that all 44 E-coli isolates had the ability to bind with C.R. dye gave red colonies and were sensitive to bactericidal effect of human and sheep serum (100%). The results of haemolysis showed that the isolates belonged to O112 and 0114 serotypes had a hemolytic activity and the other serotypes had no hemolytic activity. The result of antibiotics sensitivity indicated that E. coli strains were highly resistant to penicillin and erythromycin (100%), followed by gentamicin, ampicillin, oxytetracycline and nalidixic acid with percentages of 81.8%, 75%, 47.7% and 15.9 %respectively. All E. coli strains were found to be moderately sensitive to ceftazidime (100%) and sensitive to ciprofloxacin (70.5%). The result of ethanolic plant extract showed that Coriander, Ginger, bay leaf, Black pepper, Chilly, Parsley and Turmeric did not show any bactericidal activity against E. coli strains. While Hibiscus, Thyme and Cinnamon showed intermediate bactericidal activity in concentration 100%. Moreover, Black cumin showed low bactericidal activity against herbs and water isolates only with 100% concentration.
Regulation and sources of nitric oxide in Escherichia coli

The enteric bacterium \(Escherichia\) \(coli\) is exposed to nitric oxide (NO) in its oxygen-limited environment. Various transcription factors regulate gene expression to provide protection against nitrosative stress, but their respective roles remain controversial. Key questions answered in this thesis were whether S-nitrosylated OxyR directly regulates the expression of NO-regulated genes; whether NsrR is required for the synthesis of an important protective system; and whether FNR is a physiologically relevant sensor of environmental NO. Transcription from the NO-activated \(hcp\) promoter was almost totally dependent upon a functional FNR protein, which is inactivated by oxidative stress, but unaffected by deletion of the \(oxyR\) gene. This indicated that the effects of an \(oxyR\) mutation on resistance to nitrosative stress are indirectly due to inactivation of FNR rather than to direct activation of \(hcp\) transcription by S-nitrosylated OxyR. The NO-sensitive repressor, NsrR, is not essential for protection against nitrosative stress. Nitric oxide produced during nitrite reduction had no effect on the ability of FNR to activate or repress gene expression, which is primarily due to NO sensing by NsrR, not by FNR. Some NO accumulates in the \(E. coli\) cytoplasm even in mutants that lack known sources of NO. The source of most of this residual NO is the NsrR-regulated protein, YtfE. Contrary to the proposal by others that YtfE repairs iron-sulfur centres by replacing iron atoms released during nitrosative stress, it is proposed that YtfE releases NO from nitrosylated iron-sulfur proteins, and that Hcp reduces this NO to the less toxic N2O.
Adventive species of terrestrial malacofauna in the central portion of the Russian plain

Adventive fauna is a heterogenic in origin and heterochronic in time of appearance group of species in a regional fauna formed in result of migrations through direct or indirect human influence. 96 species of terrestrial snails are found in the Moscow and Tver Regions. 25(26%) of them are alien. The adventive species belong to 15 genera of 9 families. The alien species are classified herein by geographical, chronological and ecological parameters. According to their naturalization degree, the alien species can be classified into 3 groups. Domestizoids are the species inhabiting buildings (as houses, cellars, vegetable stores, greenhouses, etc). Colonozoids are species inhabiting secondary biotopes for a long time but not dispersing further. Epecozoids are species that have occupied anthropogenic biotopes and are continuously dispersing. Negative influence of the alien species on the aboriginal malacological fauna is recorded but that does not diminish the terrestrial species diversity in this area yet.
Growth and Reproduction in the Protogynous Hermaphrodite Pseudolabrus celidotus (Pisces: Labridae)

layed with respect to sex change over this period. Some IP males appear to change color during the spawning season. Growth is slower at Wellington during the first year only and is associated with a much larger recruitment. As a consequence maturity, which is reached during the 0+ year at Leigh, is largely delayed until the 2+ year at Wellington. In both areas, maturity is at a critical size of 100-110 mm SL, although slightly smaller for IP males. Although actual densities are higher at Wellington, the effective densities are = 13 per 500 m2 at both areas. Normal sex/color change occurs at a significantly larger size at Leigh. However, because of the growth difference, changes occur at a younger age. The average mature female phase is a year shorter at Wellington. There are only 3.7 mature females to each TP male at Leigh, as opposed to 8.7 at Wellington. However, because females are smaller at Wellington, the mean weight of ripe ovary available to each TP male is similar. Sex change and color change are always more closely related to size than age, as are maturity and fecundity. The results are discussed in relation to preliminary observations of social behavior, and Warner's (1975a) model predicting the optimal sex change schedule.
Comparisons of patch-use models for wintering American Tree Sparrows

ABsTRAcr. -I investigated three mutually exclusive patch-use hypotheses for wintering American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) flocks. An experimental design with five ranked patch types that differed by the mass of supplemental sunflower seed added to each was employed. Daily repetitions were grouped into three "environments," with harshness rankings based on the presence of snow cover and average daily temperatures. Tree sparrows spent equivalent times in all patch types but, because search plus handling times for patches differed, the birds removed different total amounts of seeds. Two models measured the amount of seed removed from each patch and were falsified. Neither the rate of seed consumption nor the total mass consumed were equivalent among patches. Tests of a third model supported the hypothesis that equivalent periods of time were spent in each patch. Foraging patterns did not follow predicted rankings of environmental harshness for temperature, as low seed visibility during repetitions without snow cover greatly reduced total amounts of seeds eaten. Received 14 March 1988, accepted 12 September 1988.
Protozoan, helminth, and arthropod parasites of the spotted chorus frog, Pseudacris clarkii (Anura: Hylidae), from north-central Texas

Thirty-nine juvenile and adult spotted chorus frogs, Pseudacris clarkii, were collected from 3 counties of north-central Texas and examined for parasites . Thirty-three (85%) of the P. clarkii were found to be infected with 1 or more parasites , including Hexamita intestinalis Dujardin, 1841, Tritrichomonas augusta Alexeieff, 1911, Opalina sp. Purkinje and Valentin, 1840, Nyctotherus cordiformis Ehrenberg, 1838, Myxidium serotinum Kudo and Sprague, 1940, Cylindrotaenia americana Jewell , 1916, Cosmocercoides variabilis (Harwood, 1930) Travassos , 1931, and Hannemania sp. Oudemans , 1911. All represen t new host records for the respective parasites . In addition, a summar y of the 36 species of amphibians and reptiles reported to be hosts of Cylindrotaenia americana is presented .
Basic functionality of commercial milk protein concentrates

Thirty-seven milk protein concentrates (MPC) from 10 different countries varied widely in respect to solubility, viscosity, foaming and emulsification. For these samples, there was no correlation between protein content and solubility, viscosity or foaming. Four selected MPCs, with protein contents ranging from 82-86% protein showed correlation between solubility and protein content, pH and viscosity. The 4 high protein MPCs gave emulsion and foaming properties in a model whipped topping system that were equivalent to that provided by sodium caseinate. There was no experimental basis in this study for determining the cause of the variable functionality. The wide variability of the commercial products of similar protein content can be expected to impact negatively on MPCs achieving full market potential.
Effects of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae on non-target ants associated with Odontotermes spp. (Isoptera: Termitidae) termite mounds in Kenya

Termites are an important component of savannah ecosystems throughout Africa. Despite their importance in the ecosystem, they can be serious pests of structures, houses, rangelands, tropical forestry, and agriculture. For many decades, chemical insecticides have remained popular for termite management worldwide. However, with the growing environmental concerns over pesticides, biological control using entomopathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin has become an often-considered alternative. Metarhizium anisopliae is an ubiquitous, naturally occurring pathogen, which has been reported infecting over 200 insect species; therefore, there is concern that use of M. anisopliae may affect non-target organisms. The effects of M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE 30 were experimentally tested on the ants which associate with Odontotermes spp. termite mounds. Laboratory bioassays were carried out to assess the effects of direct exposure to M. anisopliae on Crematogaster mimosae and Camponotus spp. In addition, ant diversity was monitored over 18 months from termite mounds treated with M. anisopliae in situ near the Mpala Research Centre in Laikipia District of central Kenya. Results obtained revealed no effects of direct exposure to M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE 30 on the mortality of C. mimosae (F1 = 7.29, P = 0.0072) or Camponotus spp. (F1 = 13.01, P = 0.0004) in the laboratory. No significant difference in Shannon indices of ant diversity from treated and untreated mounds (F1 = 0.016, P = 0.8989) was found. It is evident that M. anisopliae has no negative effects on ants that are associated with Odontotermes spp. termites.
The Influence of Food Distribution and Relatedness on the Social Behaviours and Proximities of Free-Roaming Cats (Felis silvestris catus)

THE INFLUENCE OF FOOD DISTRIBUTION AND RELATEDNESS ON THE SOCIAL BEHAVIOURS AND PROXIMITIES OF FREE-ROAMING CATS (FELIS SILVESTRIS CATUS) by Kristyn Rose-Helen Shreve Social behaviours serve many functions including conflict resolution and stabilizing group dynamics. Relatives may engage in more affiliative behaviours and be in frequent close proximity with each other. The distribution of food can increase intragroup competition and agonistic behaviours. I examined the influence of relatedness and food distribution on the social behaviour and proximity between free-roaming cats in a colony. To determine relatedness, individuals were genotyped at ten polymorphic microsatellite loci. Food was manipulated in dispersed and clumped treatments. Data included affiliative, agonistic and investigatory behaviours and the frequency of times cats were within 1 meter proximity to conspecifics. I compared behaviour/proximity data to relatedness data for each food treatment. Relatedness did not influence behaviour or proximity between conspecifics. Although food distribution did not influence behaviour or proximity between individuals within the entire colony, agonistic behaviours were influenced by the distribution of food at the subgroup level. THE INFLUENCE OF FOOD DISTRIBUTION AND RELATEDNESS ON THE SOCIAL BEHAVIOURS AND PROXIMITIES OF FREE-ROAMING CATS (FELIS SILVESTRIS CATUS)
Investigation of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae as a source for renewable fuel

ABSTRACT Microalgae are a promising alternative source for biodiesel production due to the potential high oil content in its cells and fast generation to yield a higher biomass. The focus of this study was to provide a feasibility study on the potential of a local isolated Chlorella vulgaris strain for biodiesel production comprising of cell growth, biomass productivity and drying at various temperatures. The results showed that C. vulgaris which was cultured in pH 7 medium, under the light intensity of 2000 lux and 14/10 h photoperiod cycle, produced the highest number of cells and biomass. pH, light intensity and photoperiod had an individual influence on the cell growth. Drying at 60°C was identified to be ideal since the lipid content decreased marginally while the lipid composition was retained, i.e. 36.45% of saturated and 60.05% of unsaturated fatty acid. The biodiesel synthesized in this study contained 16 to 18 carbon atoms (palmitic, stearic, oleic, palmitoleic, linoleic and linolenic acid) which were suitable elements in producing biodiesel. Furthermore, the biodiesel produced complied with the ASTM standards which establish this C. vulgaris strain as a potential source for biodiesel production.
Sodium and Potassium Transport in the Marine Alga Chaetomorpha Darwinii

Ohaetomorpha darwinii is a marine alga with large coenocytic cells. The cell sap contains about 540 mM potassium, 25 mM sodium, and 600 mM chloride, and the vacuole is 10 mY positive to the sea water. The potassium selectivity is due to an active inward pump and an outward sodium pump at the plasmalemma. The fluxes of potassium at the plasmalemma and tonoplast were about 100 and 150 pmoles/cm2/sec, and the fluxes of sodium at these membranes were about 100 and 4 pmoles/cms/sec, respectively. The potential differences at these boundaries were -35 mY and +45 mY. The cytoplasmic phase contained about 18 p.-equiv/g of potassium and 0·5-1·0 p.-equiv /g of sodium.
Gene Trees, Species Trees, and Species Networks

The availability of whole-genome sequence data has provided a rich resource of deep insights into many biological, medical and pharmaceutical problems and applications, and is promising even more. Yet, along with these insights and promises, genomic data have given rise to many challenging problems, mainly due to the quantity and heterogeneity of such data. One of these major challenges is the phylogenetic analysis of multiple gene datasets that whole genomes provide.
Intraperitoneal application of caffeine prevents D-galactosamine- induced hepatic expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) in the rat

of new lesions”, should also be evaluated, because the overall survival can be easily affected by second or subsequent treatments for recurrence. Dr. Fujita also states, ‘‘it appears that RFA has become an equally effective alternative to surgical resection for early HCC”. But, what is his opinion based on? We beg to disagree with this statement, because it is not based on any concrete data. At least our data [1] do not lend support to the notion of equality in clinical effects between surgery and RFA. Finally, Dr. Fujita has proposed that we conduct a subgroup analysis according to the size and number of tumors. We agree with him, because a subgroup analysis would theoretically be useful in a large volume study like ours. However, we abandoned this idea, because the critical limitation of the short follow-up period in our study can still not be overcome. We shall consider a subgroup analysis in a future study, using the latest data being collected now.
The role of opportunistic bacteria in marine cold-water larval cultures

11 Sammendrag . 13 Introduction . 15 Rearing marine larvae . 16 Live feed cultures . 16 Algae . 17 Rotifers . 18 Artemia spp. 19 Larvae . 19 Great scallop . 19 Cod . 20 Turbot . 20 Halibut. 21 Identification of bacteria associated with marine larval cultures . 23 Phenotypic characterisation . 23 Genotypic characterisation . 24 Bacteria associated with marine larval cultures . 25 Normal bacterial flora . 25 Infectious bacteria . 25 Vibrio infections . 31 Classical vibriosis Vibrio anguillarum . 31 Preventing disease . 34 Rearing systems . 34 Administration of beneficial bacteria probiotics . 35
Microbial Hazards and Emerging Issues Associated with Produce † A Preliminary Report to the National Advisory Committee on Microbiologic Criteria for Foods.

In the past two decades, the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in the United States has increased, and the geographic sources and distribution of fresh produce have expanded greatly. Concomitantly, public health officials have documented an increase in the number of reported produce-associated foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of these outbreaks doubled between 1973 and 1987, and 1988 and 1991, and that the number of cases of illness associated with these outbreaks more than doubled. A variety of produce items have been affected. During 1995 alone, major outbreak investigations linked infections with Salmonella serotype Stanley to alfalfa sprouts, Salmonella Hartford to unpasteurized orange juice, Shigella spp. to lettuce and green onions, Escherichia coli O157:H7 to lettuce, and hepatitis A virus to tomatoes. In response to this apparent increase, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods to address and better define the association of foodborne disease and microbial pathogens with fresh produce. A subcommittee formed in June 1995 is documenting relevant epidemiologic data, current industry practices, and laboratory data to identify potential hazards and related control strategies. This report presents the preliminary findings of that subcommittee.
Filtration of the bloom-forming cyanobacteria Synechococcus by three sponge species from Florida bay, U.S.A.

The extensive sponge mortalities observed in Florida Bay during the 1990s have been linked by some researchers to recent blooms of the planktonic cyanobacterium, Synechococcus spp. However, a direct causal link between these phenomena has yet to be firmly established. This study examined the relationship between the cyanobacterium, Synechococcus spp. , and the function and survival of three sponge species, Biemna spp. , Halichondria melanadocia, and Spheciospongia vesparia (loggerhead sponges), found in Florida Bay. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) The presence of bloom concentrations of Synechococcus diminish the filtration efficiency of sponges, potentially leading to food resource limitation and (2) bloom concentrations of Synechococcus are associated with the death of sponges over short time scales. To test these hypotheses sponges were exposed to both natural and laboratory-cultured Synechococcus under varying laboratory conditions and their filtration and water transport rates were measured. All sponge species tested were able to filter Synechococcus. Water transport rates were similar to those reported in the literature for other sponges. Mean transport rates were 0.221 ml ml -1 s -1 for Biemna, 0.080 ml ml -1 s -1 for H. melanadocia, and 0.069 ml ml -1 s -1 for S. vesparia. Repeated and multiple day (i.e., up to 5 d) exposures to bloom concentrations of Synechococcus did not lead to rapid mortality or significantly diminished filtration capabilities in S. vesparia. These results are discussed within the broader context of other scenarios by which cyanobacterial blooms may effect the survival of sponges, e.g., alternate ecophysiological conditions and longer exposure periods.
Effect of feeding wheat and rice straw based complete feed blocks on nutrients utilization, blood biochemical and growth performance in crossbred calves

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding wheat or rice based complete ration as mash or block form on feed intake, nutrient utilization, blood biochemicals and growth in growing crossbred female calves. Wheat and rice straw based complete feeds having different proportion of roughages in mash form were densified into blocks by applying the pressure of 3,000 psi for dwell time of 30 sec in the complete feed block making machine. Physical characteristics like weight, dimension, bulk density, post compression expansion and durability were evaluated. The highest bulk density (562.2 kg/m3) and the lowest post compression expansion (28.18%) was observed in rice straw (50% inclusion level) based complete feed block. The blocks were denser and durable without any change in nutritional composition, however, rice straw based feed blocks were more durable with less post compression expansion as compared to wheat straw based blocks. Crossbred female calves (24) of 10–12 months age were divided into 4 groups of 6 calves each on the basis of body weight. Calves were fed mash form of 50% wheat (WM50) or rice (RM50) straw whereas corresponding other group was offered compressed complete feed blocks of wheat (WB50) or rice (RB50) straw based diet ad lib. and 2 kg green oat. Feeding trial lasted for 90 days. A digestion trial of 7 days duration was conducted to assess nutrient utilization and blood samples of animals were collected on 85th day of the experimental feeding to anlayse blood bio-chemicals. Average daily weight gain and feed conversion efficiency did not differ in crossbred calves of different groups, however, body weight gain and feed intake was higher in calves fed block as compared to mash form of feed. The digestibility of DM, CP, EE and NFE did not differ among the groups. The blood glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations, and AST and ALT activities were similar among different groups. It is concluded that feeding of complete ration in block form is beneficial in terms of feed intake, nutrient utilization, growth and feed conversion efficiency in growing crossbred female calves.