Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Osteoblastic Responses to TGF-β during Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling depends on the spatial and temporal coupling of bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts; however, the molecular basis of these inductive interactions is unknown. We have previously shown that osteoblastic overexpression of TGF-β2 in transgenic mice deregulates bone remodeling and leads to an age-dependent loss of bone mass that resembles high-turnover osteoporosis in humans. This phenotype implicates TGF-β2 as a physiological regulator of bone remodeling and raises the question of how this single secreted factor regulates the functions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts and coordinates their opposing activities in vivo. To gain insight into the physiological role of TGF-β in bone remodeling, we have now characterized the responses of osteoblasts to TGF-β in these transgenic mice. We took advantage of the ability of alendronate to specifically inhibit bone resorption, the lack of osteoclast activity in c-fos−/− mice, and a new transgenic mouse line that expresses a dominant-negative form of the type II TGF-β receptor in osteoblasts. Our results show that TGF-β directly increases the steady-state rate of osteoblastic differentiation from osteoprogenitor cell to terminally differentiated osteocyte and thereby increases the final density of osteocytes embedded within bone matrix. Mice overexpressing TGF-β2 also have increased rates of bone matrix formation; however, this activity does not result from a direct effect of TGF-β on osteoblasts, but is more likely a homeostatic response to the increase in bone resorption caused by TGF-β. Lastly, we find that osteoclastic activity contributes to the TGF-β–induced increase in osteoblast differentiation at sites of bone resorption. These results suggest that TGF-β is a physiological regulator of osteoblast differentiation and acts as a central component of the coupling of bone formation to resorption during bone remodeling.
OCCURRENCE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME CLOSTRIDIUM SPECIES ISOLATED FROM ANIMAL FEEDINGSTUFFS

The aim of this study was to assess the Clostridium species occurrence in animal feedingstuffs and to characterize toxigenicity of Clostridium perfringens isolates obtained. The Clostridium titre 0.0001 was detected in 2.3% of the compound feeds, and in 7.7% of the examined raw materials and the titre 0.001 was detected in 14.8% of the examined animal feedingstuffs. C. perfringens was isolated from 38% of the examined feedingstuff samples. The highest level of C. perfringens contamination was observed in feedingstuffs containing processed animal protein, especially fish meals. Out of 334 tested strains 50% possessed the cpa and cpb2 genes (type A subtype β2 C. perfringens) and in 46.4% of the examined strains only 900 bp (cpa) amplicons (type A) were detected. Two strains (0.6%) contained the cpa and cpb genes (type C), two strains (0.6%) had the cpa, cpb and cpb2 genes (type C subtype β2), three strains (0.9%) contained the cpa and iap genes (type E), three strains (0.9%) were the cpe positive (the cpa and cpe genes detected), and one strain (0.3%) was β2-toxigenic and cpe positive (cpa, cpb2 and cpe genes detected). One strain (0.3%) contained the cpa, etx and cpb2 genes (type D subtype β2). There were no strains containing the cpa, cpb and etx (type B) toxin genes.
Isolates of Microdochium nivale and M. majus Differentiated by Pathogenicity on Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and in vitro Growth at Low Temperature.

Pink snow mould is a serious disease on grasses and winter cereals in cold and temperate zones during winter. To better understand the basis for the variation in pathogenicity between different isolates of Microdochium nivale and M. majus and to simplify selection of highly pathogenic isolates to use when screening for resistance to pink snow mould in perennial ryegrass, we sought traits correlated with pathogenicity. Isolates of M. nivale were more pathogenic on perennial ryegrass than isolates of M. majus, as measured by survival and regrowth of perennial ryegrass after infection and incubation under simulated snow cover. Pathogenicity as measured by relative regrowth was highly correlated with fungal growth rate on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 2°C. Measuring fungal growth on PDA therefore seems to be a relatively simple method of screening for potentially highly pathogenic isolates. In a study of a limited number of isolates, highly pathogenic isolates showed an earlier increase and a higher total specific activity of β-glucosidase, a cell wall-degrading enzyme, compared with less pathogenic isolates. None of the M. majus isolates was highly pathogenic on perennial ryegrass. Our results indicate biological differences between M. nivale and M. majus and thus strengthen the recently published sequence-based evidence for the elevation of these former varieties to species status.
A Fossil Mud Turtle (Testudines, Kinosternidae) from the Early Middle Miocene (Early Barstovian) of New Mexico

ABSTRACT The nearly complete skeleton of a mud turtle, Kinosternon skullridgescens, n. sp. , is described from Santa Fe County, New Mexico. The specimen was collected from the early middle Miocene, early Barstovian, Skull Ridge Member of the Tesuque Formation (16.0–14.9 Ma) and is one of the oldest and most complete fossil representatives of the genus Kinosternon. Phylogenetically, the new taxon is placed on the stem of the flavescens group in conjunction with the extinct Kinosternon pojoaque from the late Barstovian of New Mexico. In addition to the flavescens group, K. skullridgescens shares morphological similarities with members of the subrubrum group (of North America), as well as with Kinosternon herrerai (from gulf drainages of eastern Mexico). Close proximity of the fossils K. skullridgescens and K. pojoaque to Mexico suggests that a small-plastroned ancestor of the extant taxa K. herrerai, Kinosternon angustipons (from lower Central America), and Kinosternon dunni (from northwestern South America) could have dispersed from North America into Central America by the middle Miocene (Barstovian). Phylogenetic results based on morphology suggest that the taxon Kinosternon steindachneri (formerly Kinosternon subrubrum steindachneri) be reinstated at the species level.
Rosa woodsii subsp. puberulenta and variety ertterae (Rosaceae), New in Western North America

Abstract An additional subspecies and two new varieties of Rosa woodsii Lindl. (Rosaceae) are recognized in western North America. Rosa woodsii subsp. puberulenta (Rydb.) W. H. Lewis & Ertter, characterized by an open habit and moderately curved prickles, is the predominant bottomland subspecies occurring in the Colorado Plateau of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Atypical unarmed populations of R. woodsii subsp. arizonica (Rydb.) W. H. Lewis & Ertter endemic to Oak Creek Canyon in the Mogollon Rim region of Coconino County, Arizona, are described as R. woodsii var. ertterae W. H. Lewis. The new combination R. woodsii var. arizonica (Rydb.) W. H. Lewis is provided for the remainder of R. woodsii subsp. arizonica. A key to the six subspecies of R. woodsii is provided.
Soil temperature affects carbon allocation within arbuscular mycorrhizal networks and carbon transport from plant to fungus

How soil carbon balance will be affected by plant–mycorrhizal interactions under future climate scenarios remains a significant unknown in our ability to forecast ecosystem carbon storage and fluxes. We examined the effects of soil temperature (14, 20, 26 °C) on the structure and extent of a multispecies community of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with Plantago lanceolata. To isolate fungi from roots, we used a mesh‐divided pot system with separate hyphal compartments near and away from the plant. A 13C pulse label was then used to trace the flow of recently fixed photosynthate from plants into belowground pools and respiration. Temperature significantly altered the structure and allocation of the AM hyphal network, with a switch from more vesicles (storage) in cooled soils to more extensive extraradical hyphal networks (growth) in warmed soils. As soil temperature increased, we also observed an increase in the speed at which plant photosynthate was transferred to and respired by roots and AM fungi coupled with an increase in the amount of carbon respired per unit hyphal length. These differences were largely independent of plant size and rates of photosynthesis. In a warmer world, we would therefore expect more carbon losses to the atmosphere from AM fungal respiration, which are unlikely to be balanced by increased growth of AM fungal hyphae.
SPECIES IN THE TAIL OF RANK–ABUNDANCE CURVES

At focal sites within dry sclerophyll woodland and temperate rain forest, species were identified that were of low local abundance and hence in the tail of the rank–abundance curve. We then asked the question: What proportion of tail species within a given community are constitutive members of the tail everywhere throughout their geographical range, versus what proportion are found as substantially more abundant somewhere within their range? Out of 55 tail species identified from dry sclerophyll woodland and 116 tail species identified from temperate rain forest, 91% and 95%, respectively, were significantly more abundant at other locations (“somewhere-abundant” species), versus 9% and 5% “everywhere-sparse” species. Among eight attributes in dry sclerophyll woodland and nine attributes in temperate rain forest compared between somewhere-abundant and everywhere-sparse species, none discriminated consistently between the two groups of species. The size and dispersal morphology of seeds, flowering and fruiting durations and seasons, regeneration strategy after fire, size of geographical ranges, maximum plant height, and size class revealed no consistent distinctions. For the small minority of species that are everywhere-sparse, some general explanation may exist as to why they are in the tail of rank–abundance curves, though none was located among the attributes compared in this paper. For the majority of tail species that are somewhere-abundant, any explanation as to why they are in the tail will need to account for different outcomes in different places.
Relative Susceptibility of Stages of Rice Panicle Development to Male and Female Oebalus pugnax1

Abstract In field experiments conducted in 2005 and 2006, panicles of rice, Oryza sativa L. , were infested for 48 h with one male or female rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (F.), at heading, milk, soft and hard dough stages of development. Number of grains, number and weight of filled grains, number and weight of empty grains, and percentage whole kernels per panicle were not significantly affected by infestation at any stage of panicle development, nor were any significant differences found in percentage peck caused by male or female O. pugnax. In 2005, percentage peck was significantly lower in uninfested panicles and panicles infested during hard dough than in panicles infested during heading, milk or soft dough. No differences were found in percentage peck caused by O. pugnax during heading, milk or soft dough. In 2006, no significant differences were found in percentage peck produced by O. pugnax in panicles infested during heading, milk, soft dough or hard dough. Higher percentage peck in hard dough may have been the result of late drainage of the field.
Phylogeography of the widespread plant Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae) in China indicated by three chloroplast DNA regions

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, a temperate tree species, has a wide distribution in China. To infer its refugia and patterns of migration during past climatic changes in China, genetic variations among different populations were studied. Gene sequences of three chloroplast DNA spacer regions, psbA‐trnH, trnL‐trnF, and trnD‐trnT, were obtained from 440 individuals of 44 populations. The distribution of haplotype and the relationships among them were investigated by haplotype network. In addition, the genetic diversity of the sampled regions was inferred, and the biogeographic history was also reconstructed. Twelve haplotypes were identified, among which, five were unique. The phylogenetic analysis and geographical distribution of haplotypes indicate that multiple glacial refugia existed in mainland China during the Quaternary oscillations. Due to the combined effects of contiguous range expansion and allopatric fragmentation, significant genetic structure was not found in this study. Based on biogeographic and demographic analysis, three main dispersal routes were identified for the major haplotypes, whereas others were more likely localized demographic expansion.
A study on epidemiology of hard tick (Ixodidae) in sheep in Sulaimani governorate - Iraq.

This study was carried out for the period from the beginning March 2009 till end of February 2010 in three zones I, II, and III (Mountainous, Semi-mountainous and foothills and plane) regions, respectively in Sulaimani governorate for distribution of ticks (Ixodidae) that infested sheep. The prevalence rate of infested sheep in all zones was 298 (11.8%) in Sulaimani governorate, and the prevalence rate of infestation in zone-I was 85 (10.1%), in zone-II 94 (11.1%), and in zone-III 119 (14.3%). The rate of infestation was high in March, April, May and July in all zones; no infestation was observed in zone-I and zone-II in November to February, but was observed in zone-III. Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, H. marginatum, Rhipicephalus turanicus and R. sanguineus were found and identified, two species were more predominant among sheep H. a. anatolicum in zone-III (Garmian region) 353 (70.0%) and R. turanicus in zone-I (Pishder region) 177 (59.4%), and H. a. anatolicum was found through March 61 (75.3%), April 89 (69%), May 92 (68.7%), and June 50 (74.6%) in zone-III. Hyalomma a. anatolicum and R. turanicus were found through March 22 (53.6%), 12 (29.3%): April 36 (41.4%), 38 (43.7%): May 46 (46.9%), 33 (33.7%), and June 41 (53.2%), 25 (32.5%) in zone-II respectively . H. marginatum and R. sanguineus were found in April 18 (14%), 11 (8.5%), and May 16 (11.9%), 13 (9.7%) in zone-III respectively, while R. turanicus was highly distributed in April 48 (71.6%) and May 57 (65.5%) in zone-I. According to linear model of the percentage of infested sheep in any zone by number of ticks was recognized and it was high in zone-III [3.1 + 0.23 Number of ticks (X)]. The ratio of male to female tick infested sheep was 1: 2 during the study. The site of attachment of ticks was observed; the highest number was noticed on the ears 492 (42.0%) and under tail 208 (17.7%).
Estimates of Agrilus planipennis Infestation Rates and Potential Survival of Ash

Abstract The invasive forest pest, Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer, Coleoptera: Buprestidae), has caused significant mortality of ash (Fraxinus spp.) in southeastern Michigan, USA, where this pest is thought to have been originally introduced into North America. Phloem feeding by A. planipennis larvae leads to girdling of the host tree, which has resulted in the death of millions of ash trees in invaded landscapes. A survey of ash over a large geographic area was used to estimate numbers of dead and infested ash at a landscape scale within Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Over 50 million ash trees infested with A. planipennis were estimated in the study area. This represented less than 20% of the ash trees at this broad landscape scale. We used an aerial survey with digital sketchmapping to identify individual and clusters of ash trees that were potentially alive in Oakland and Wayne Counties, Michigan, where A. planipennis is believed to have been active the longest. Diameters at breast height (DBH) and bark roughness were compared between live trees and the closest dead tree. Over 200 live trees were identified within five Huron-Clinton Metroparks, with 65% of these expressing signs and symptoms of A. planipennis attack. Trees that had succumbed to A. planipennis attack had significantly rougher bark than those trees that had survived, while DBH did not differ between the two groups. The probability of ash mortality increased with increasing bark roughness. Bark roughness provides insight into the potential survival of ash within forests. This case-control study, in addition to the estimates of infestation, establishes a baseline and the need to identify further individual and environmental characteristics that facilitate ash survival in the presence of A. planipennis.
Paradigma Pendidikan Anak dalam Keluarga di Era Digital (Perspektif Pendidikan Islam)

This article discusses the paradigm of child education in the family in the Digital Age in the perspective of Islamic education. Digital technology as the main feature of the digital era has two different sides, one side provides benefits, on the other hand causes damage. The benefits include ease of various aspects of the information needed, the presence of a variety of educational media and other positive content. Whereas the damage includes the strengthening of instant culture, the ease of children to access various inappropriate content, the rise of various criminalization in cyberspace etc. The paradigm of family education built in the digital era should pay attention to the reality of the present condition. This refers to the reality of the current generation that is very close to the digital world. Therefore, the educational approach should also be adapted to the conditions of children in this era. The important efforts that parents can make towards their children's education in the family are: (1) able to understand the potential and development of children; (2) able to understand the educational content that must be transmitted to their children; (3) able to recognize digital media both aspects of benefits and negative impacts; (4) able to use digital media as a means of education.
Immunolocalization of estrogen receptor β in the mouse brain: Comparison with estrogen receptor α

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) and ERβ are members of the steroid nuclear receptor family that modulate gene transcription in an estrogen-dependent manner. ER mRNA and protein have been detected both peripherally and in the central nervous system, with most data having come from the rat. Here we report the development of an ERβ-selective antibody that cross-reacts with mouse, rat, and human ERβ protein and its use to determine the distribution of ERβ in the murine brain. Further, a previously characterized polyclonal antibody to ERα was used to compare the distribution of the two receptors in the first comprehensive description of ER distribution specifically in the mouse brain. ERβ immunoreactivity (ir) was primarily localized to cell nuclei within select regions of the brain, including the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, septum, preoptic area, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, amygdala, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, thalamus, ventral tegmental area, substantia nigra, dorsal raphe, locus coeruleus.
Nitrogen studies in Lolium perenne grown for seed. II. Timing of nitrogen application

The effects of applying nitrogen at different growth stages to S24 and S23 perennial ryegrass grown for seed were investigated in a series of field experiments from 1971 to 1976. These varieties of ryegrass were found to be insensitive to timing of nitrogen application from apex initiation to the stage when ears first emerged. However, if nitrogen application was delayed until about 30% or more of the ears had emerged, yields were lower compared with earlier applications, this effect being significant when nitrogen was delayed until 70–80% ear emergence because of a decrease in both numbers of fertile tillers and number of seeds per unit area. No advantages were found for splitting nitrogen applications between apex initiation and ear emergence.
Seperation, identification and analysis of pigment (melanin) production in Streptomyces

Nine strains among 180 Streptomyces isolates produce a diffusible dark brown pigment on both peptone-yeast extract agar and synthetic tyrosine-agar. They also show the positive reaction to Ltyrosine or L-dopa substrates. The pigment has been referred to be as merely as dark brown watersoluble pigment, as melanoid or melanin. The different carbon and nitrogen sources which influence the pigment production in the Streptomyces isolates were also investigated, and the carotenoid content in the pigment was analyzed. The melanin formation in the Streptomyces species is the key feature for the classification of the Stretomyces group
Gerres phaiya: A New Species of Gerreid Fish (Teleostei: Perciformes: Gerreidae) from India, with Comments on Gerres poieti and the Gerres erythrourus Complex

Abstract Two species of gerreid fishes have been confused under the name Gerres poieti Cuvier, 1829, a name originally assigned to the gerreid fish from Indonesia illustrated and named “ikan-poeti” in Renard, 1719. A year later, Cuvier published a description of Gerres poeti (incorrect subsequent spelling) based on a 150 mm SL fish from Mahé, southwest coast of India, which he stated was the same species as Renard's ikan poeti. Iwatsuki et al. recognized Renard's fish as Gerres longirostris (Lacepède, 1801); consequently, Gerres poieti Cuvier, 1829, becomes a synonym of G. longirostris. Despite several discrepancies between Cuvier's description of the Indian fish and Renard's illustration of ikan poeti, the name poieti (or poeti) has been used as the valid name for both G. longirostris and an undescribed species from the southwest coast of India. The Indian species misidentified as Gerres poeti (sic) by Cuvier in 1830 is here described as a new species, Gerres phaiya, of the Gerres erythrourus species complex. This new species is characterized by an exceptionally robust second anal fin spine (ratio of greatest width of second spine/greatest width of third spine = 1.5–2.4), three supraneural bones (0/0+0/2/), dorsal fin with nine spines and 10 rays, 36–40 lateral line scales, four or 4.5 scales between fifth dorsal fin spine base and lateral line, 12–15 total gill rakers on first gill arch, caudal fin lobes rounded posteriorly, body depth 46–52% SL, and the silvery body often with 6–10 dusky vertical bars. Additional data are given for G. erythrourus (Bloch, 1791).
Simulated Impacts of Tournament-Associated Mortality on Largemouth Bass Fisheries

Abstract We used creel survey data combined with a simulation model to assess how tournament-associated mortality could increase exploitation of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and influence largemouth bass fisheries. We obtained estimates of total largemouth bass harvest (HARV) and total tournament catch (TC, i.e., the number of fish brought to judging stations) at nine lakes from Arkansas, Florida, and Texas. The ratio of TC to HARV exceeded 1.0 at five of the nine lakes studied and ranged from 0.35 to 5.18. We simulated potential tournament-associated mortality rates ranging from 0% to 70% applied to TC fish. Because exploitation was not known, we modeled harvest estimates to represent four potential exploitation rates (5, 15, 25, and 35%). The age-structured simulation model predicted that at three of nine lakes where TC/HARV ratios exceeded 3.0, tournament-associated mortality rates of 20–30% could cause 5–12% declines in the abundance of largemouth bass larger than 300 mm total length and resu.