Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ciliate pheromone structures and activity: a review

Abstract As in animals and other multicellular organisms, protozoan ciliates communicate via diffusible signalling pheromones. These pheromones have been identified in the culture supernatant of various species. However, their isolation and definitive structural characterization have been achieved only in species of Blepharisma and Euplotes. With the exception of the two B. japonicum pheromones represented by a tryptophan-related molecule and a glycoprotein, all the other pheromones isolated from Euplotes species are proteins that vary in extension between 38 and 109 amino acids. They form species-specific families of structurally homologous members, in full accord with their multi-allelic determination at an apparently single genetic locus. The determination of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) solution structures of E. raikovi and E. nobilii pheromones has provided direct evidence that, although structurally unique, Euplotes pheromones adopt a common, species-specific three-helix folding. This close structural homology among members of the same family well accounts for the pheromone capacity to compete with one another in cell receptor binding reactions and elicit context-dependent, autocrine (growth-promoting) or paracrine (mating-inducing) cell responses.
Genotypic Investigation of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Clinical Isolates in Korea, 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium that causes serious infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Also, P. aeruginosa possessing carbapenem-resistant metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) has been reported with increasing frequency in Korea. We therefore analyzed the level of multidrug-resistant clinical P. aeruginosa isolated from a secondary hospital in Korea in 2010. A total of 92 isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected from Sahmyook Medical Center in 2010. Susceptibility to antimicrobial agents was determined by analysis of the minimum inhibitory concentration test; the inhibitor-potentiated disk diffusion (IPD) test was performed for MBL detection. RAPD-PCR was used for genotyping to rapidly characterize P. aeruginosa strains isolated from clinical patients. The percentages of non-susceptible isolates were as follows: 40.2% to ceftazidime, 58.7% to meropenem, 56.5% to gentamicin, 46.7% to tobramycin, 62.0% to ciprofloxacin and 97.8% to chloramphenicol. The 29 multidrug-resistant strains were screened by the IPD test: of the 21 PCR-positive isolates, 19 were IPM-1 producers and 2 were VIM-2 producers. Among the 19 IMP-1-producing P. aeruginosa isolates, 16 isolates showed similar patterns, and three different banding patterns were observed. The proportion of IMP-1-producing multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa from clinical isolates steadily increased in this secondary hospital in Korea in 2010. This study provides information about the antimicrobial-resistant patterns and genotype of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical isolates in Korea, 2010.
Regulation of the Biosynthesis and Degradation of Starch

INTRODUCTION . REGULATION OF STARCH SYNTHESIS IN ALGAE, CYANOBACTERIA, AND LEAVES . In vivo Evidence Strongly Suggesting that the [3-P-glycerate]l[P,] Regulates Leaf Starch Synthesis . Regulation of ADPglucose Pyrophosphorylase from Nonchlorophyllous Plant Tissue . Native and Subunit Molecular Weight of the ADPglucose Pyrophosphorylase . SYNTHESIS OF STARCH FROM SUCROSE IN RESERVE TiSSUES . Properties of Sucrose Synthase . SYNTHESIS OF SUCROSE IN PLANTS . Properties and Regulation of Sucrose-P Synthase . Sucrose-6-Phosphate Phosphatase . Localization of Sucrose Synthesis and Questions Concerning Partition of Photosynthetic Carbon Between Sucrose and Starch . DEGRADATION OF STARCH . Localization of Starch Degradative Enzymes in Leaves. Properties of Leaf Amylases . Properties of the Spinach Leaf Phosphorylases . Pathway of Starch Degradation in Leaves . Regulation of the Leaf Starch Degradative Enzymes .
Forest Bird and Fruit Bat Populations on Sarigan, Mariana Islands

We conducted the first quantitative surveys of forest bird and bat populations on the uninhabited island of Sarigan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Severe habitat degradation has occurred on Sarigan because of overgrazing by introduced goats and pigs. Planting of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) for copra production has also eliminated much of the island's native forest. We recorded five species of forest birds on Sarigan: Micronesian Honeyeater ( Myzomela rubratra), Micronesian Megapode (Megapodius laperouse laperouse), Micronesian Starling (Aplonis opaca), Collared Kingfisher (Halcyon chloris), and White-throated Ground Dove (Gallicolumba xanthonura). Estimated population sizes (95% confidence interval) in 1997 were 1,821 (1,617-2,026) for Micronesian Honeyeater, 677 (545-810) for Micronesian Megapode, 497 (319-675) for Micronesian Starling, 107 (82-131) for Collared Kingfisher, and 170 (101-238) for Mariana Fruit Bat (Pteropus mariannus).
Changes in the occurrence and population trend of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hungary between 1990 and 2006

In order to determine the distribution of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hungary and to monitor the changes in population trend, a questionnaire survey was sent out to Hungarian game management units (GMUs) to complete between 1990 and 2006. The reliability of data coming from questionnaires was tested by field survey in 92 areas of 10×10 km UTM cells. Both the mean response rate and the mean area covered by responses was 42.4%. The otter population of Hungary might be considered to be stable. The otter distribution area was found to be wide (approximately 72.000 km2, i.e. 77.5% of Hungary) and populations were probably inter-connected; however, fewer occurrences were found in mountain areas and in dry plains with little wetland. Distribution (permanent, occasional or negative presence of otter in different years) was found to be constant. According to the questionnaire answers, the professional hunters seemed to slightly underestimate the occurrence of the otter, which is strictly protected, but otherwise their responses were reliable and usable. In order to conserve the otter and its aquatic habitats a standardized survey needs to be established as soon as possible.
Hymenopteran Parasitoids and Dipteran Predators Found Using Soybean Aphid After Its Midwestern United States Invasion

Abstract Parasitoids and predatory flies that can attack soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. , fields were identified 3 to 4 yr after the aphid was first sighted in the north central United States. We detected 15 species by exposing soybean aphid to ovipositing parasitoids and predatory flies at two locations in southern Michigan. The species detected were (in order of the number of specimens recovered from high to low) Aphidoletes aphidimyza Rondani (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), Lysiphlebus testaceipes Cresson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Allograpta obliqua Say (Diptera: Syrphidae), Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Eupeodes americanus Wiedemann (Diptera: Syrphidae), Leucopis glyphinivora Tanasijtshuk (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), Aphelinus asychis Walker (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), Sphaerophoria contigua Macquart (Diptera: Syrphidae), Binodoxys kelloggensis Pike, Starý & Brewer (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Eupeodes volucris Osten Sacken (Diptera: Syrphidae), Paragus hemorrhous Meigen (Diptera: Syrphidae), Toxomerus marginatus Say (Diptera: Syrphidae), Aphelinus albipodus Hayat & Fatima (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), Syrphus rectus Osten Sacken (Diptera: Syrphidae), and Praon sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). These species were capable of finding, attacking, and completing development on soybean aphid in soybean fields. Based on a literature review, host aphid ranges of the species detected varied widely, with a tendency toward broader host ranges. These data add to the existing information on the predatory complex currently known to attack soybean aphid in the north central United States. Implications for biological control of soybean aphid are discussed.
Development of seed polyphenols in berries from Vitis vinifera L. cv. Shiraz.

Polyphenols extracted from the seeds of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Shiraz berries were monitored during berry development. Initially seeds were green, plump and had pliable seed coats, but beginning at veraison the seeds browned in colour, became desiccated and the seed coats hardened. Isolated polyphenols consisted of flavan-3-ol monomers ((+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin and (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate) and procyanidins. The procyanidins were maximal in the 3 weeks prior to veraison, increasing little during this period. The amounts of flavan-3-ol monomers increased 5-fold during this same period of time, indicating that the procyanidins and the flavan-3-ol monomers accumulate at different stages. Beginning at veraison, amounts of all polyphenols declined and changed in composition. The decrease in amount followed second-order kinetics. Polyphenol changes after veraison could be explained by oxidation and therefore, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to follow the potential development of radical species in the developing seeds. Spectra consistent with a phenoxyl radical were observed in the developing seeds. The concentration of radicals remained low until veraison but then increased, reaching a maximum three weeks later, declining slowly thereafter. Changes in radical intensity together with other documented changes in the seed are consistent with an oxidative event occurring during fruit ripening.
Cellular inhibitors of Protein Phosphatase PP2A in cancer.

Protein Phosphatases of type 2A (PP2A) represent a major class of structurally complex Ser/Thr phosphatases, which have recently gained a lot of interest in cancer biology because of their establishment as genuine tumor suppressors. PP2A phosphatases comprise a large family of >80 holoenzymes with complex structure, pleiotropic functions and diverse ways to regulate their biological activities. PP2A catalyti c activity can be directly inhibited by an emerging set of specific cellular PP2A inhibitory p roteins, including Acidic Nuclear Phosphoprotein 32a (ANP32a), Suvar 3-9/Enhancer of zeste/Trithorax (SET), Cancerous Inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A), members of the cAMP-Regulated PhosphoProtein/ α-Endosulfin (ARPP-16/19/ENSA) family, and Type 2A Interacting Protein (TIP). In addition, the PP2A Methyl Esterase 1 (PME-1), a regulator of reversible carboxy-terminal methylation of the PP2A catalytic C subunit, stabilizes an inactive PP 2A C conformation and may be considered as an atypical inhibitor. Although sometimes poorly understood at the molecular level, these inhibitors either directly bind to the PP2A catalyt ic subunit or target very specific PP2A holoenzymes. In a wide variety of cancers, cellular PP2A inhibitors are aberrantly expressed, sometimes with very high frequency, and this constitutes a major mechanism by which the tumor suppressive function of PP2A can be impaired within a tumor. This offers interesting perspectives for therapeutic interference and some promising pre-clinical studies will be discussed.
Blood Cell Ultrastructure of the Ascidian Botryllus schlosseri.

In the blood of B. schlosseri these cell types are constantly present: hemoblasts, granulocytes, macrophages, morula cells, nephrocytes and pigmented cells. All blood cells seem to have a common origin from the hemoblast, which is an undifferentiated cell with large nucleus, prominent nucleolus and cytoplasm filled with ribosomes. At least two kinds of granulocyte (microgranular and macro-granular amoebocyte) are recognizable on the basis of granule size. Furthermore, the microgranular amoebocyte contains small vesicles, glycogen and peripheral bundles of microfilaments. The macrogranular amoebocyte displays a well developed RER formed by elongated cisterns that contain a finely granular material and swell to form large sac-like structures. Specialized amoebocytes (macrophages) can phagocytize cell fragments and entire cells, thus forming large necrotic masses. The morula cell is characterized by large vacuoles in which are strongly electron dense masses that contain iron, as revealed by X-ray microanalysis. Both young and mature morula cells are described and the probable formation of the masses from the Golgi complex is suggested. The nephrocyte (purinic cell) shows very few giant vacuoles containing numerous granules, mostly electron lucent and often of geometric form, that are presumably the same as the refringent granules visible in vivo.
THE EFFECTS OF SELECTED DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS ON SURVIVAL AND REPRODUCTION OF ORIUS INSIDIOSUS (SAY) (HEMIPTERA: ANTHOCORIDAE)

Abstract Diets combining the eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) with corn pollen, green snap bean pods, and adult western flower thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis Pergrande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)] were evaluated for their effects on the predatory anthocorid bug Orius insidiosus (Say). Nymphs fed only corn pollen did not complete development. Fourteen percent of the nymphs fed only green bean pod sections reached the adult stage. Females reared on a diet of bean pod sections did not oviposit. Nymphal survival, adult longevity, and fecundity were greatest for diets containing both E. kuehniella and green bean pods. When diets of bean pod sections and eggs of E. kuehniella were supplemented with pollen, egg production was slightly increased. Adult females provided with thrips were not more fecund than females maintained on a diet of eggs of E. kuehniella. Egg production increased significantly with the number of thrips consumed, demonstrating the importance of adult nutrition. Résumé Les effets de régimes alimentaires composés de diverses combinaisons d’oeufs d’Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae), de pollen de maïs, de gousses de haricots verts et d’adultes du thrips Frankliniella occidentalis Pergrande (Thysanoptera : Thripidae) ont été éprouvés chez la punaise anthocoride prédatrice Orius insidiosus (Say). Les larves nourries uniquement de pollen de maïs n’ont pas réussi à terminer leur développement. Quatorze pourcent des larves nourries exclusivement de morceaux de gousses de haricots verts sont parvenues au stade adulte; les femelles soumises à ce régime n’ont pas pondu. La survie des larves, de même que la longévité et la fécondité des adultes étaient maximales chez les insectes soumis aux régimes contenant à la fois des oeufs du lépidoptère et des gousses de haricots verts. L’addition de pollen à ce régime augmentait légèrement la production d’oeufs. Les femelles adultes nourries aussi de thrips n’étaient pas plus fécondes que les femelles nourries d’oeufs d’E. kuehniella. La production d’oeufs augmentait significativement en fonction du nombre de thrips consommés, ce qui démontre l’importance de la nutrition des adultes. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
Water Distribution during Germination in Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) Seeds Exposed to Magnetic Field

Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) seeds were exposed to static magnetic fields of 50 mT and 200 mT for 2 hours. The characterization of changes in water status were studied during imbibitions, by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Uptake of water during seed germination showed three phases with rapid initial hydration phase I, followed by lag phase II and steady hydration phase III. The water uptake was more in phase II and III in seeds exposed to magnetic field than unexposed seeds. Analysis of transverse relaxation times revealed a three component water proton system, namely hydration, intra-cellular bulk and extra-cellular free water in germinating seeds. The study showed an early appearance of hydration water with least mobility and greater values of relaxation times of cytoplasmic bulk water and hydration water in treated seeds over untreated seeds. It is inferred that early hydration of macromolecules and membranes with greater molecular mobility of bulk and hydration water fractions in magnetically exposed seeds may be responsible for quicker germination and early seedling vigour in sunflower.
SOME REPRODUCTIVE ASPECTS OF BULLET TUNA (AUXIS ROCHEI) FROM THE SOUTH WESTERN SPANISH MEDITERRANEAN

SUMMARY The bullet tuna (Auxis rochei) is one of the most abundant small tuna species in the Mediterranean Sea. This species is commercially exploited in the Spanish coast by traditional fisheries. Nevertheless, the biological and reproductive information about this species is currently scarce in the Western Mediterranean. Gonads of Bullet tuna from a Spanish Mediterranean trap (la Azohia, Murcia) were collect along June (2003) in order to determine the reproductive characteristics (Sex-ratio, maturity, oocyte developmental features, etc) of the population. The fish collected ranging from 334 to 470 mm in fork length. The sex-ratio was 1:1.7 F/M. All these fishes were mature and their reproductive characteristics indicate a spawning area near to the trap location. These and other biological aspects (size distribution, size/weight relations, etc) will be discussed in this paper. RESUME
Canopy structure in savannas along a moisture gradient on Kalahari sands

Measurements of tree canopy architecture were made at six savanna sites on deep, sandy soils, along a gradient of increasing aridity. There was substantial variation in the leaf area estimated within each site, using the same sample frame, but different measurement techniques. The trends in canopy properties in relation to the aridity gradient were consistent, regardless of the technique used for estimating the properties. The effective plant area index for the tree canopy (the sum of the stem area index and the leaf area index (LAI)) declined from around 2 to around 0.8 m2 m−2 over a gradient of mean annual rainfall from 1000 to 350 mm. Stems contributed 2–5% of the tree canopy plant area index. Since the tree canopy cover decreased from 50% to 20% over this aridity range, the leaf area index within the area covered by tree canopies remained fairly constant at 3–4 m2 m−2. Tree leaves tended from a horizontal orientation to a more random orientation as the aridity increased. On the same gradient, the leaf minor axis dimension decreased from around 30 mm to around 3 mm, and the mean specific leaf area decreased from 14 to 5 m2 kgha−1. There was good agreement between LAI observed in the field using a line ceptometer and the LAI inferred by the MODIS sensor on the Terra satellite platform, 2 months later in the same season.
Biology and Impacts of Pacific Island Invasive Species. 1. A Worldwide Review of Effects of the Small Indian Mongoose, Herpestes javanicus (Carnivora: Herpestidae)

ABSTRACT The small Indian mongoose, Herpestes javanicus (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1818), was intentionally introduced to at least 45 islands (including 8 in the Pacific) and one continental mainland between 1872 and 1979. This small carnivore is now found on the mainland or islands of Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania. In this review we document the impact of this species on native birds, mammals, and herpetofauna in these areas of introduction.
Jaguar and Puma Activity Patterns and Predator‐Prey Interactions in Four Brazilian Biomes

Jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) coexist throughout the Neotropics. Using camera trapping in four Brazilian biomes, we compare the daily activity patterns of the jaguar and puma, and their relationships with their main prey species. We used a kernel density method to quantify daily activity patterns and to investigate overlap between these predators and their main prey. Both cats showed intensive nocturnal and crepuscular activity (0.69 and 0.14 kernel density, respectively, for jaguars; 0.68 and 0.19 kernel density, respectively, for pumas). Only in the Pantanal did we observe a pattern of concentrated diurnal activity for both species. We found little temporal segregation between jaguars and pumas, as they showed similar activity patterns with high coefficients of overlapping (average ∆1 = 0.86; SE = 0.15). We also observed a significant overlap between the activity patterns of the predators and their main prey species, suggesting that both predators adjust their activity to reduce their foraging energy expenditure. Our findings suggest that temporal partitioning is probably not a generalized mechanism of coexistence between jaguars and pumas; instead, the partitioning of habitat/space use and food resources may play a larger role in mediating top predator coexistence. Knowledge about these behavior aspects is crucial to elucidating the factors that enable coexistence of jaguars and pumas. Furthermore, an understanding of their respective activity periods is relevant to management and associated research efforts.
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL PLANT SPECIES AND SOIL NUTRIENT STATUS IN SHORTGRASS STEPPE

The effect of plant community structure on nutrient cycling is fundamental to our understanding of ecosystem function. We examined the importance of plant species and plant cover (i.e., plant covered microsites vs. bare soil) on nutrient cycling in shortgrass steppe of northeastern Colorado. We tested the effects of both plant species and cover on soils in an area of undisturbed shortgrass steppe and an area that had undergone nitrogen and water additions from 1971 to 1974, resulting in significant shifts in plant species composition. Soils under plants had consistently higher C and N mineralization rates and, in some cases, higher total and microbial C and N levels than soils without plant cover. Four native grasses, one sedge, and one shrub differed from one another in the quantity and quality of above- and belowground biomass but differences among the six species in soil nutrient cycling under their canopies were slight. However, soils under bunchgrasses tended to have higher C mineralization and microbial biomass C than soil under the rhizomatous grass, Agropyron smithii. Also, the one introduced annual in the study, Kochia scoparia, had soils with less plant-induced heterogeneity and higher rates of C and N mineralization as well as higher levels of microbial biomass C than soils associated with the other species. This species was abundant only on plots that had received water and nitrogen for a 4-yr period that ended 20 yr ago, where it has persisted in the absence of resource additions for 20 yr, suggesting a positive feedback between plant persistence and soil nutrient status. Plant cover patterns had larger effects on ecosystem scale estimates of soil properties than the attributes of a particular plant species. This result may be due to the semiarid nature of this grassland in which plant cover is discontinuous and decomposition and nutrient availability are primarily limited by water, not by plant species-mediated characteristics such as litter quality. That local plant-induced patterns in soil properties significantly af- fected ecosystem scale estimates of these properties indicates that consideration of structural attributes, particularly plant cover patterns, is critical to estimates of ecosystem function in shortgrass steppe.