Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seismic performance of RC frames retrofitted with haunch technique

Shake table tests performed on five 1:3 reduced scale two story RC moment resisting frames having construction defects, have shown severe joint damageability in deficient RC frames, resulting in joint panels\' cover spalling and core concrete crushing. Haunch retrofitting technique was adopted herein to upgrade the seismic resistance of the deficient RC frames. Additional four deficient RC frames were built and retrofitted with steel haunch; both axially stiffer and deformable with energy dissipation, fixed to the beam-column connections to reduce shear demand on joint panels. The as-built and retrofitted frames\' seismic response parameters are calculated and compared to evaluate the viability of haunch retrofitting technique. The haunch retrofitting technique increased the lateral stiffness and strength of the structure, resulting in the increase of structure\'s overstrength. The retrofitting increased response modification factor R by 60% to 100%. Further, the input excitation PGA was correlated with the lateral roof displacement to derive structure response curve that have shown significant resistance of retrofitted models against input excitations. The technique can significantly enhance the seismic performance of deficient RC frames, particularly against the frequent and rare earthquake events, hence, promising for seismic risk mitigation.
Copper Toxicity in Phaseolus vulgaris L. as Influenced by Iron Nutrition. I. An Anatomical Study1

The anatomy of the leaf of Phaseolus vulgaris L. was similar when grown at 0.04 and 0.50 ppm Cu without Fe and with 0.50 ppm Cu-Fe tartrate; necrosis was most severe in the latter. Stems showed no cellular abnormalities. Compared to the controls and other treatments, however, the number of xylem and tracheary elements was less in plants grown at both levels of Cu without Fe and with 0.50 ppm Cu-Fe tartrate. Stunting of roots and shoots occurred when plants were grown with high levels of Cu or without Fe. With high Cu, blunt enlarged root tips resulted from severe hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Lateral roots were initiated within 0.4 mm from the promeristem and fewer meristematic cells were present. Anatomical symptoms characteristic of high Cu were absent when FeEDTA was used as the source of Fe.
The Mouse in Animal Genetics and Breeding Research

* The Beginnings: Ode to a Wee Mouse (E J Eisen) * Testing Quantitative Genetic Selection Theory (E J Eisen) * Maternal Effects, Genomic Imprinting and Evolution (J Funk-Keenan & W R Atchley) * Inbreeding and Crossbreeding (G A Brockmann) * Genotype by Environment Interaction: Lessons From the Mouse (W D Hohenboken) * Genetics of Growth in the Mouse (J M Cheverud) * Genetics of Body Composition and Metabolic Rate (L Bunger & W G Hill) * Genetics of Reproduction (M K Nielsen) * Genetics of Behavior (R J Hitzemann) * Genetics of Disease Resistance (S L Ewart & R A Ramadas) * Genomic Dissection of Complex Trait Predisposition (D Pomp) * Mouse Mutagenesis (D R Beier) * Embryo Biotechnologies (C A Pinkert & M J Martin) * Transgenics (J D Murray & E A Maga) * The Mouse in Biomedical Research (R B Roberts & D W Threadgill) * The Mouse Genome Sequencing Project: An Overview (M C Wendl et al.)
Systematics and conservation of Colophon Gray (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)

Aim: To determine the specific and phylogenetic status of the described species of Colophon and to determine the main factors driving their evolution by testing the hypothesis of a lowland origin. Location: Cape Floristic Region, Western Cape, South Africa. Methods: The status and phylogeny of Colophon species was analysed from the mitochondrial COI, 16S rRNA and nuclear CAD genes, using a Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian approach. Timing of key biogeographical events in the diversification of Colophon was estimated in BEAST. Results: The combined molecular dataset supports the described species analysed. High genetic divergence was found between the described varieties C. stokoei and the two subspecies of C. eastmani. The mean estimated divergence of the genus was mid-Cretaceous, with a split into two lineages during the early Paleocene to mid Eocene. Species divergence was shown to have occurred during mid to late Miocene. Main Conclusions: Most species of Colophon showed an allopatric distribution, although contact zones between geographically adjacent species are likely as is the case between C. kawaii and C. haughtoni. Climate seems to be the main driving factor behind Colophon evolution and the hypothesis of a lowland origin appears to be supported. Addition of the © University of Pretoria 14 outstanding species and analyses of a slower evolving gene-region could help improve the resolution of the deeper phylogenetic nodes. We suggest the taxonomic revision of the C. stokoei varieties and the C. eastmani subspecies.
Molecular Modelling of Multi-Drug Resistance Transporters

Drug efflux is an important mechanism of drug resistance. It is mediated by transmembrane proteins called efflux transporters, which utilise either a primary source of energy (e.g. ATP), or a secondary source (e.g. electrochemical potential difference across the membrane), to extrude toxic substances, including therapeutic drugs, out of the cell. One family of efflux transporters that are frequently associated with drug resistance is the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily. They utilise energy gained from ATP hydrolysis to transport substrates either into the cell (import) or out of the cell (export) and are subsequently divided into two functional groups, the importers and the efflux transporters (also known as efflux pumps). Two ABC efflux transporters that are implicated in tolerance to antimicrobial drugs are PfMDR1 and PatA/PatB. PfMDR1 is protein expressed in the eukaryotic protist Plasmodium falciparum, the most important of the species that cause malaria. Malaria is a devastating disease killing millions of people every year in tropical and subtropical areas. Polymorphisms within the pfmdr1 gene are found to confer resistance to several first-line drugs against malaria. Similarly, PatA/PatB is a heterodimeric efflux transporter of the pathogenic bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is a leading cause of illness in young children, older people and individuals with debilitating medical conditions. Several strains of S. pneumoniae have been isolated during the last decades that show susceptibility to the frequently prescribed drugs, including fluoroquinolones. Overexpression of PatA/PatB transporter has been recently connected to fluoroquinolone resistance.This project aimed to model in silico the 3D structure of PfMDR1 and PatA/PatB, as a potential first stage in drug design. Atomistic models of the full-length transporters in the outward-facing conformation were build, using a combination of comparative modelling and ab initio structure prediction. Emphasis was given to the nucleotide binding domains (NBDs), with a special focus on the ATP-binding site, which is the most promising receptor site for future design of transporter modulators. Structural information available for other homologous proteins was utilised to model backbone and side-chain conformations in the most accurate way. The resulting models showed great robustness, and a large cavity was traced at the interface of the two NBDs , which can potentially facilitate a wide range of drug-like compounds.
HORMONAL CIRCADIAN RHYTHM ALTERATIONS AND PROLACTIN RECEPTOR DOWN REGULATION IN RESPONSE TO 2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN IN THE RAT

Studies were initiated to determine whether 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) affects circadian rhythms of serum prolactin (PRL), corticosterone, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, the effects of TCDD on PRL receptor activity, as assessed by the ability of PRL to induce ornithine decar­ boxylase (ODC), were determined. The earliest effect detected following TCDD administration was a significant decrease in serum PRL levels compared to pair-fed controls within 4 hr (p<0.05). This was followed by a significant decrease in serum T4 and a shift in serum corticoster­ one peak levels within the first 24 hr (p<0.05). This temporal sequence of hormonal changes suggests that PRL may be involved in the later alteration in serum T4 and corticosterone levels. Serum PRL levels 7 days after TCDD administration were significantly higher (P<0.05) in TCDD-treated animals compared to pair-fed controls suggesting that these animals were hyperprolactinemic. By 7 days after TCDD administration liver ODC activity in response to PRL was only 12% that detected in pair-fed controls. Liver ODC activity in response to dexamethasone (DEX) and aminophyl1ine was decreased to 25% and 22% of pair-fed controls, respectively. This suggests that an ability to alter receptor coupling or receptor populations of diverse hormones may play a role in TCDD toxicity.
The role of APC activators Cdc20p and Cdh1p in regulating mitosis and morphogenesis in C. albicans

Candida albicans is an important fungal pathogen of humans, and its ability to switch between different cell morphologies, including yeast, pseudohyphae and hyphae, is critical for virulence. The cell cycle plays an important, yet poorly understood, role in regulating cellular morphogenesis. Our previous work demonstrated that blocking the yeast cell cycle in mitosis, through depletion of the polo-like kinase Cdc5p, resulted in polarized growth of the yeast bud, producing filamentous cells that were distinct from pseudohyphae or true hyphae. Polarized growth was partially dependent on the spindle checkpoint factor Bub2p, suggesting that checkpoint-activated growth occurs in C. albicans . In contrast, similar checkpoint activation leads to cessation of cell proliferation in most other systems. In order to elucidate how mitotic progression and spindle checkpoints are linked to morphogenesis, a better understanding of the basic regulation of mitosis is required. To this end, we characterized homologues of Cdc20p and Cdh1p, which are targets of the spindle checkpoint and activators of the ubiquitin ligase anaphase-promoting complex (APC), a major regulator of mitotic progression in most systems. Cdc20p and Cdh1p were important for the metaphase-to-anaphase transition and mitotic exit, similar to their counterparts in S. cerevisiae , but strongly influenced morphogenesis in a different manner. Deletion of CDH1 resulted in a pleiotropic phenotype, including some enlarged yeast cells, while absence of the same factor in S. cerevisiae produced small cells. Absence of Cdc20p produced highly polarized yeast buds that resembled Cdc5p-depleted cells, in contrast to the large doublets resulting from loss of Cdc20p in S. cerevisiae . Overexpression of CDC20 in Cdc5p-depleted cells partially suppressed the cell cycle defect, suggesting that Cdc20p may be downstream of Cdc5p. However, polarized growth was not abolished. Deletion of the putative Cdc20p-binding and spindle checkpoint factor Mad2p partially compromised polarized growth in Cdc5p-depleted cells, implying that Mad2p may play a role in linking Cdc5p function with Cdc20p. Deletion of CDH1 had no effect on Cdc5p-dependent polarization, suggesting that Cdh1p is dispensible for the process. While Cdc20p was not required for serum-induced hyphal growth, some cells lacking Cdh1p were not able to form hyphae, yet invaded agar more readily than control cells, suggesting a complex role for this factor in regulating polarized growth. Thus, we provide genetic evidence that Cdc20p and Cdh1p play important roles in regulating mitosis and morphogenesis in C. albicans , but in a different manner than their homologues in S. cerevisiae . Our results extend our knowledge of the regulatory circuit governing mitosis in C. albicans and the potential pathway underlying checkpoint-activated polarized growth.
Transcriptional Regulatory Networks in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

One of the main goals of systems biology is reverse engineering network structures from experimental data. Using quantitative networks measures, biological processes can be characterized and understood on a systems level. This paper reviews the scientific literature on the transcriptional regulatory networks of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to discuss what kind of structures can be identified and what this means biologically. This discussion comprises network characteristics, network dynamics in biological processes, and robustness; an inherent emergent property of networks.
Farmers' Opinion About Rearnig of Deoni Cattle

Deoni cattle are known for their physique and drought power. Being the dual purpose breed, these fetch more market prices. Taking into account the merits of the breed, its purity needs to be maintained. So it becomes necessary to study the personal characteristics of deoni rearers and also to know about the opinion of the farmers regarding rearing of deoni cattle. The present study enumerates the opinions that of the 60 respondents studied 88.33 per cent exhibited favourable opinion about the rearing of deoni cattle while about 15.00 per cent had unfavourable opinion and 6.67 per cent of the respondents seemed to be undecided on the issue.
The effects of low pH on salmonid embryogenesis and vitellogenesis

The effects of low pH water on embryogenesis and vitellogenesis in kokanee and sockeye salmon ( O n c o r h y n c h u s n e r k a ) were investigated. Eggs were exposed to low pH from fertilization to 45 days post-median hatch or to an episodic exposure at pH 4.0. Adult kokanee were also exposed to low pH just prior to ovulation and spawning. Alkali-labile vitellogenin (Vg)-bound phosphates and calcium levels were measured in the plasma of acid exposed rainbow trout (Salrno g a i r d n e r i ) . The effect of low pH on calcium metabolism was also investigated by measuring gill c a 2 + ~ ~ p a s e and i n v i t r o gill osmotic water uptake from rainbow trout exposed i n vivo. The most sensitive stages of development during chronic or episodic exposure to low pH were early embryonic development and newly-hatched alevins. Incubation of eggs at low pH caused a lower median survival, delayed hatching, higher alevin mortality and reduced the efficiency of yolk conversion to tissue of yolk-sac alevins. Those effects were more pronounced when the eggs were fertilized at low pH. Exposure of sexually mature kokanee salmon to acidified water reduced egg and alevin survival, delayed embryo hatching and decreased the percent hatch. Those effects were more pronounced when their eggs were incubated at low pH. Rainbow trout exposed to pH 5.0 had significantly lower gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices compared to control fish, and did not exhibit an increase in plasma Vg-bound
Survival of Gannets Morus bassanus in Britain and Ireland, 1959–2002

Capsule The mean annual survival of adult Gannets was 92% and about 30% of young survived to an age of four years. Aims To obtain the first estimates of the survival of British and Irish Gannets from ringing recoveries. Methods Ringing and recovery data were analysed to obtain estimates of survival probabilities, using a range of statistical models for such data and the software MARK. Results The mean annual survival for adults was 0.919 with little difference between birds ringed as chicks on the Bass Rock (0.916) and those ringed at other colonies (0.922). Annual survival over the first four years of life increased gradually from 0.424 to 0.895 before reaching this adult value. Prior to maturity there were differences between the survival probabilities of chicks ringed on the Bass Rock and those ringed elsewhere, but for both groups survival to age four years was about 0.30. A recent lower rate of increase of the population could well be due to a decline in adult survival rates during the 1990s. Conclusion The estimated survival probabilities imply annual population growth that agrees well with the measured rate of population increase for the British and Irish breeding population up to the mid-1990s. However, for recoveries to keep track of up-to-date changes in the survival of Gannets during the current period, when the rate of population increase is slowing down, then either the rate of recovery or the numbers of adults ringed must be increased.
Levantamento das gramineas exoticas do Parque Nacional de Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brasil

RESUMO. A invasão biológica por espécies exóticas é considerada uma das principais ameaças para a conservação da biodiversidade em áreas protegidas. O levantamento das espécies exóticas em uma área mostra sua susceptibilidade à invasão. No Parque Nacional de Brasília, no período de 2002 a 2006, foram registradas 28 espécies de gramíneas exóticas que representam 19% do total das gramíneas (147) citadas para essa unidade de conservação. Para efetiva preservação da vegetação nativa do Parque Nacional de Brasília deverá ser elaborado um programa de monitoramento e controle/erradicação que contemple todas as espécies exóticas presentes nessa unidade de conservação.
Critical review of Russula species (Agaricomycetes) known from Tatra National Park (Poland and Slovakia).

All available published data on the occurrence of Russula species in Tatra National Park are summarized. Excluding the doubtful data, which are discussed herein, 66 species are recognized in Tatra National Park. Within each of the three main geomorphological units of the range, 42 species were recorded in the West Tatras, 18 in the High Tatras, and 16 in the Belanske Tatry Mts; additionally, 35 species were found in areas outside the Tatra Mts but within the National Park borders. Montane forests are the richest in Russula species (58); 13 species were found in the subalpine and 8 in the alpine belt. The number of reported species is highest in the Polish part of the West Tatra Mts; almost no data are available from the Slovak High Tatras. The smallest unit, the Belanske Tatry Mts, is the Tatra region best studied for alpine species. In comparison to other regions in Poland and Slovakia, Tatra National Park seems to be relatively well investigated, but in view of the richness of habitats in the Tatra Mts, we believe the actual diversity of Russula species in the region is higher than presently known.
Smartphones Reveal Angler Behavior: A Case Study of a Popular Mobile Fishing Application in Alberta, Canada

Successfully managing fisheries and controlling the spread of invasive species depends on the ability to describe and predict angler behavior. However, finite resources restrict conventional survey approaches and tend to produce retrospective data that are limited in time or space and rely on intentions or attitudes rather than actual behavior. In this study, we used three years of angler data from a popular mobile fishing application in Alberta, Canada, to determine province-wide, seasonal patterns of (1) lake popularity that were consistent with conventional data and (2) anthropogenic lake connectivity that has not been widely described in North America. Our proof-of-concept analyses showed that mobile apps can be an inexpensive source of high-resolution, real-time data for managing fisheries and invasive species. We also identified key challenges that underscore the need for further research and development in this new frontier that combines big data with increased stakeholder interaction and cooperation.
Molecular Genetics of Lactase Deficiencies

ABSTRACT Congenital lactase deficiency (CLD) (MIM 223000) is a rare autosomal recessive gastrointestinal disorder characterized by watery diarrhea in infants fed with breast milk or other lactose-containing formulas. The CLD locus was previously assigned by linkage and linkage disequilibrium analyses on 2q21 in 19 Finnish families. In this study, the molecular background of this disorder is reported. The CLD locus was refined in 32 CLD patients in 24 families by using microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotypes. Mutation analyses were performed by direct sequencing. We identified 5 distinct mutations in the lactase ( LCT ) gene, encoding the enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose in the intestinal lumen. Twenty-seven patients out of thirty-two (84%) were homozygous for a nonsense mutation, c.4170T→A (Y1390X, designated as Fin major ). In addition, four rare mutations were detected two of which, a four-nucleotide deletion (c.4998_5001delTGAG) and a two-nucleotide deletion (c.653_654delCT), predicted a frameshift and protein truncation at S1666fsX1722 and S218fsX224 of the 1927 amino acid polypeptide, respectively. Two point mutations, c.804G→C and c.4087G→A, would result in amino acid substitutions Q268H and G1363S, respectively. Five patients were compound heterozygous carrying the Fin
18. Morning Nest Arrivals in Cowbird Hosts: Their Role in Aggression, Cowbird Recognition, and Host Response to Parasitism

Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea) nesting in old-field habitats in central Missouri are parasitized at least four times as often as Field Sparrows. I used model cowbirds placed near nests to test if host aggression explained this difference. Although both Field Sparrows and Indigo Buntings responded to Brown-headed Cowbird models with significantly more chips than to a Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) control, only one female Field Sparrow and one Indigo Bunting pair attacked the cowbird model. Because the utility of aggression and cowbird recognition may depend on a host's actually encountering laying cowbirds, I also observed arrival times of hosts and cowbirds at nests near dawn during egg laying. Laying female Indigo Buntings rarely encountered laying cowbirds; the mean arrival time for Brown-headed Cowbirds at host nests was 11.4 min before sunrise (N =8), and female Indigo Buntings arrived 16.7 min after sunrise (N = 6). Laying Field Sparrows arrived at nests before or at about the same time as cowbirds (mean arrival 17.4 min before sunrise, N =16). Most parasitized Field Sparrow nests were abandoned in 1992 and 1993, suggesting that detection of female cowbirds at the nest causes Field Sparrows to desert their nests. These results suggest that aggression rarely prevents cowbirds from laying in nests of these hosts, but that recognition of brood parasites during laying elicits host nest desertion by Field Sparrows. Additionally, nest desertion by hosts may lead to underestimates of parasitism frequencies, because deserted nests are less likely to be found. Nest arrival times may limit the efficacy of host defenses against cowbirds, especially if cowbirds must commute to breeding areas from distant communal roosts.