Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Therapeutic Potential of Bacteriophages to Control Escherichia Coli Infection in Swiss Mice Model

Escherichia coli is one of the causes of infections in human and farm animals.Bacteriophages (or phages) have been proposed as natural antimicrobial agents to killbacterial cells within human or animal bodies. The study aimed to isolate phages againstE. coli from sewage sources and used it as a candidate for therapeutic purpose againstlethal dose of bacterial infection in Swiss mice model. Lytic phage was isolated fromsewage water collected in Jimma town following standard enrichment method against E.coli. The bacterium was obtained from Jimma University Specialized Hospitalbacteriology laboratory. Phage characterization as well as E. coli identification wasperformed. Lytic phage was used to assess survival of mice health from lethal dose(LD100) of E. coli infection.Three bacteriophages were isolated from among 5 differentsewage sources processed. One of the three selected bacteriophages has a mean of 5 mmplaque size and resistant to chloroform and ether. This phage was selected and used inmice model and inoculation of mice with high-dose of фJS3 phage alone produced noadverse effects. Then swiss mice injected intraperitoneally with the lethal dose of E. coli(10 9 CFU/ml) was grouped into three categories. Group one with six mice was givenstandardized number of lytic phages (10 9 PFU/ml), the second with antibiotic treatmentand the third as control group was given sterile physiologic saline. 10 9 CFU/ml E.coli cells caused death in the control mice within 5 days. In contrast, intraperitonealadministration of purified bacteriophage or antibiotic suppressed E. coli lethality in mice(100% survived). This study supports the view that bacteriophages are common inJimma area and could be useful in the treatment of animal infections caused bypathogenic bacteria
Mesoscale eddies and survival of late stage Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) larvae

We examined the distribution of sardine larvae relative to environmental conditions with the purpose of identifying and characterizing habitat that encourages high larval growth and survival, based on the 1983–1998 surveys of the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI). Long-term averages show that sardine ‘survivors’ (spatially aggregated larvae ≥ 18 days old) were most abundant offshore, whereas sardine egg density, chlorophyll biomass and zooplankton volume were greatest inshore. In contrast, mesoscale eddies, observed in remotely sensed sea surface temperature imagery, were found only in offshore regions. To further examine the link between eddies – which often result in locally elevated chlorophyll and zooplankton – and sardine survival, we compared the distribution of larvae and eddies survey by survey. Sardine survivors were most abundant offshore in only one-quarter of the research surveys, and when they were most abundant offshore they were associated with eddies. This indicates that the offshore eddy habitat produced exceptionally large numbers of survivors, as evidenced by the disproportionate effect on the long-term average.
Co‐occurrence of multiple, supposedly incompatible modes of sex determination in a lizard population

R. Shine,* M. J. Elphick and S. Donnellan Biological Sciences A08, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia Evolutionary Biology, South Australian Museum, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia *Correspondence: E-mail: rics@bio.usyd. edu.au Abstract Sex is determined genetically in some species (genotypic sex determination, or GSD) and by the environment (environmental sex determination, or ESD) in others. The two systems are generally viewed as incompatible alternatives, but we have found that sex determination in a species of montane lizard (Bassiana duperreyi, Scincidae) in south-eastern Australia is simultaneously affected by sex chromosomes and incubation temperatures, as well as being related to egg size. This species has strongly heteromorphic sex chromosomes, and yet incubation at thermal regimes characteristic of cool natural nests generates primarily male offspring. We infer that incubation temperatures can over-ride genetically determined sex in this species, providing a unique opportunity to explore these alternative sex-determining systems within a single population.
Morphological comparison of the regeneration process in Sabella spallanzanii and Branchiomma luctuosum (Annelida, Sabellida)

Within Annelida, the family Sabellidae is a particularly interesting clade in which to carry out comparative studies of regeneration, as its members vary in regeneration potential, with some even lacking this ability completely. However, data on the regenerative potential of sabellids are available only for a few species investigated early in the last century, and even for those, many aspects of regenerative ability are yet to be determined. In the present study, we compared the morphology of the regeneration process of anterior and posterior ends in Sabella spallanzanii and Branchiomma luctuosum, two sabellids that belong to closely related genera. Members of S. spallanzanii exhibited lower mortality in response to wounding and greater regenerative ability, with amputees able to complete the regeneration process more rapidly than in B. luctuosum. Moreover, results from this study suggest that adults of S. spallanzanii and B. luctuosum use different mechanisms to restore lost anterior body parts. In S. spallanzanii, both morphallaxis and epimorphosis appear to be important in anterior end regeneration, but in B. luctuosum, only epimorphosis appears to be important. Such variation among closely related taxa sharing similar body plans has rarely been reported, but might be profitably examined using molecular approaches in these and other species of sabellids. Results of such studies interpreted in the context of phylogeny may ultimately provide insight into the evolution of regeneration.
DYNAMIQUE PLURIANNUELLE DES HYPHOMYCETES AQUATIQUES DE L'OSSE, RIVIERE REALIMENTEE DU SUD-OUEST DE LA FRANCE

The Osse River is a plain river (southwest of France) fed by the Neste Canal flowing from the Pyrenees. From 1988 to 1993, 46 samples taken from the foam in the river have shown a great temporal variability in densities of aquatic hyphomycete conidia, especially during winter. In 1992, the winter maximum density, related to the latest leaf breakdown, was 1522 conidia/mm3, and the winter minimum, in 1989, 2 conidia/mm3. This variability was much lower during spring. The water temperature varied between 3.0 and 23.5 °C. Several species of hyphomycetes appeared as extremely sensitive to temperature variations, whereas no significant correlation with pH variations was found. The effects of floods on the fungal community varied according to the flood intensity and timing and to the composition of the riparian vegetation. The role of the species composition and the phenology of the riparian vegetation on the fungal community stucture and dynamics was discussed in relation to leaf litter decomposition. This pape.
New marsupials from the Eocene-Oligocene transition of the Andean Main Range, Chile

ABSTRACT We describe transitional Eocene–Oligocene marsupials of the Tinguiririca Fauna of the central Chilean Andes. Phylogenetic definitions of names attaching to several higher level clades of South American marsupials are proposed. Three new taxa are described: (1) a new species of Polydolops, P. abanicoi, representing the youngest polydolopoid known; (2) Klohnia charrieri, the closest known relative of the poorly known Patagonia (Colhuehuapian SALMA), which together form the nearest outgroup to the bizarre Groeberia (Divisaderan SALMA); and (3) a new didelphimorphian, Pascualdelphys fierroensis. Analysis of dental features in Klohnia helps resolve interrelationships among argyrolagoids, with Argyrolagidae (Proargyrolagus, Argyrolaginae) as closest outgroup to Groeberiidae ((Groeberia (Klohnia, Patagonia)); support for clades within Argyrolagoidea remains weak, in part due to missing data. An unsuccessful attempt to provide a phylogenetic placement for Pascualdelphys highlights the unsatisfactory stat.
Hoagland nutrient solution promotes the growth of cucumber seedlings under light-emitting diode light

Light-emitting diode (LED), as an efficient, energy-saving light source, has been widely used in artificial light plant production systems. It is confirmed that the combination of red and blue LED lights shows good performance on plant growth and development. Based on the hydroponic culture system in plant production factory, selection of a suitable nutrient solution for specific crop would be very important. In this study, four different widely used nutrient solutions (Hoagland, Garden-style, Yamasaki, and SCAU) were tested in perlite culture cucumber seedlings during 40-day growth under 2:1 ratio of LED lights with 12 h photoperiod at 100 ± 5 μmol m−2s−1 irradiance. The plant growth, morphology, pigments, biomass, photosynthetic characteristics, and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content were measured. Cucumber seedlings treated with formula SCAU showed weak appearance, less biomass, and reduced photosynthetic activity compared with those supplied with Hoagland. However, the differences between formulae Garden-style and Yamasaki were not obvious, but both of them showed significantly higher plant height, leaf area, total leaf number, and shoot N content compared to SCAU. It is concluded that formula Hoagland shows better performance regarding cucumber seedling growth under LED light.
SAFFRON—RENEWED INTEREST IN AN ANCIENT SPICE

Research into the chemical composition of saffron, the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus, has seen a renaissance in recent years. Different HPLC protocols for the analysis of saffron constituents have been established, enabling rapid authenticity control of the spice. Saffron flavor has attracted the interest of several research groups. Among the estimated 150 volatile compounds of saffron, approximately 40–50 constituents have so far been identified. Sensory studies allowed the detection of novel key flavor compounds. For some volatiles, generation from acid-labile progenitors was shown. Most recently, a considerable number of non-volatile aroma precursors could be isolated and structurally characterized. This paper reviews the present knowledge about the chemical composition of the world's most expensive spice and gives special emphasis to recent findings on saffron aroma formation.
Factors Leading to Endometritis in Dairy Cows in Egypt with Special Reference to Reproductive Performance

The incidence of endometritis and risk factors between herds and between breeds and its effect on the subsequent fertility of cows may differ among countries. It is therefore necessary to study the etiology of endometritis in these different circumstances. This work was carried out on 190 Holstein Friesian cows (2.5-13 years old) belonging to El-Salhia Agriculture project (Ismailia Province, Egypt) during the period from January 1996 to April 1997. The incidence of endometritis was 22.4%, and the most prominent risk factors leading to the occurrence of endometritis were retained placenta, stillbirth, external interference by herdmen during calving and difficult birth (20.6, 19.1, 12.3 and 5.3% respectively). The cows in the first parity had a higher incidence of endometritis (27.7%) than cows in the subsequent parities. Cows which calved in autumn (31.2%) had a higher incidence of endometritis than cows which calved in the other seasons. The endometritic cows had inferior reproductive indices than the normal cows. The interval between calving and first service in cows with endometritis was 14 days longer than the normal ones. The first service conception rate (12.5%) and final conception rate (45.5%) in cows with endometritis were lower than those in the normal cows (50 and 100%) (P<0.05 ). In conclusion the most important risk factors leading to endometritis are retained placenta and abnormal calving in dairy cows in Egypt. Moreover, postpartum endometritis adversely affects subsequent fertility in dairy cows in Egypt.
The seasonal cycle of productivity, metabolism and carbon dynamics in a wet aseasonal forest in north-west Amazonia (Iquitos, Peru)

Background: The forests of north-west Amazonia are characterised by the highest levels of tree diversity in the world, high rainfall and relatively fertile soils. Aims: Here we present a comprehensive description of the carbon cycle of two 1 ha forests plots in Allpahuayo, near Iquitos, Peru, one on an occasionally inundated alisol/gleysol landscape, the other on an arenosol (sandy soil). Methods: Data on the components of net primary productivity (NPP) and autotrophic respiration were collected over the period 2009–2011, and summed to estimate gross primary productivity (GPP) and carbon use efficiency (CUE). Results: Overall, these forests showed high values of GPP (39.05 ± 4.59 and 41.88 ± 4.60 Mg C ha−1 year−1). Despite the lack of a dry season, the forests showed distinct seasonality in tree growth, litterfall, flowering and fine root productivity. This showed that tropical forests with little seasonality in water supply can still exhibit distinct seasonality in NPP and carbon use, apparently synchronised to the solar radiation cycle. We found remarkably little difference in productivity between the alisol/gleysol plot and the arenosol plot. Conclusions: The GPP was higher than those reported for forests in Brazilian Amazonia on more infertile soils. The CUE was also higher, which may be related to the high forest dynamism and natural disturbance rate. These two factors combined to result in amongst the highest NPP values reported for Amazonia.
Rootstock, seasonal, and fruit size influences on the incidence and severity of albedo breakdown in Bellamy navel oranges

The effect of stock and fruit size on the incidence and severity of albedo breakdown in fruit from Bellamy navel orange trees grafted onto 7 rootstocks was studied over 3 seasons. The rootstocks could be rated, from lowest to highest, according to the proportion of scion fruit showing some degree of albedo breakdown as follows: sweet orange 79 mm) had a lower incidence than medium (62-70 mm) and large fruit (71-79 mm). The proportion of fruit exhibiting symptoms of albedo breakdown was not positively related to crop load, and despite removal of the effect of crop load, season remained a strong influence on the appearance of albedo breakdown, indicating that seasonal factors, such as summer temperatures, may also be important in the development of albedo breakdown.
From fresh to saline: a comparison of zooplankton and plant communities developing under a gradient of salinity with communities developing under constant salinity levels

In Australia, many freshwater wetlands are becoming saline. Knowing which elements of a biotic community will persist as wetlands turn saline is relevant to their future management. We simulated gradual and sudden increases in salinity in outdoor mesocosms to test the hypotheses that: (1) aquatic plant and zooplankton communities exposed to a gradient of increasing salinity over time would initially resemble freshwater communities, but as the salinity increased they would resemble communities found in more saline systems; and (2) that a gradual change in salinity over 6 months influences zooplankton and plant communities in the same way as a sudden salinity change. Below 1000 mg L–1, as salinity increased gradually, communities rich in species and numbers of individuals resembled freshwater communities. However, as the salinity exceeded 1000 mg L–1, taxa were progressively lost and communities became less diverse. When salinities exceeded 3000 mg L–1 the diversity decreased rapidly and few taxa remained at 5000 mg L–1. Both sudden and gradual increases in salinity induced similar decreases in diversity. We predict that as natural wetlands become more saline, few freshwater biota will survive once the salinity exceeds 5000 mg L–1. In the long term, such salinised wetlands would need to be recolonised by salt-tolerant taxa for a functional wetland to persist.
A Streptococcal Collagen-like Protein Interacts with the α2β1 Integrin and Induces Intracellular Signaling*

The streptococcal collagen-like proteins Scl1 and Scl2 are prokaryotic members of a large protein family with domains containing the repeating amino acid sequence (Gly-Xaa-Yaa)n that form a collagen-like triple-helical structure. Here, we test the hypothesis that Scl variant might interact with mammalian collagen-binding integrins. We show that the recombinant Scl protein p176 promotes adhesion and spreading of human lung fibroblast cells through an α2β1 integrin-mediated interaction as shown in cell adhesion inhibition assays using anti-α2β1 and anti-β1 integrins monoclonal antibodies. Accordingly, C2C12 cells stably expressing α2β1 integrin as the only collagen-binding integrin show productive cell adhesion activities on p176 that can be blocked by an anti-α2β1 integrin antibody. In addition, p176 promotes tyrosine phosphorylation of p125FAK of C2C12 cells expressing α2β1 integrin, whereas parental cells do not. Furthermore, C2C12 adhesion of human lung fibroblast cells to p176 induces phosphorylation of p125FAK, p130CAS, and p68Paxillin proteins. In a domain swapping experiment, we show that integrin binds to the collagenous domain of the Scl protein. Moreover, the recombinant inserted domain of the α2 integrin interacts with p176 with a relatively high affinity (KD = 17 nm). Attempts to identify the integrin sites in p176 suggest that more than one site may be involved. These studies, for the first time, suggest that the collagen-like proteins of prokaryotes retained not only structural but also functional characteristics of their eukaryotic counterparts.
Platelet-derived Growth Factor-induced H2O2 Production Requires the Activation of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase*

Autophosphorylation of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor triggers intracellular signaling cascades as a result of recruitment of Src homology 2 domain-containing enzymes, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), the GTPase-activating protein of Ras (GAP), the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2, and phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1), to specific phosphotyrosine residues. The roles of these various effectors in PDGF-induced generation of H2O2 have now been investigated in HepG2 cells expressing various PDGF receptor mutants. These mutants included a kinase-deficient receptor and receptors in which various combinations of the tyrosine residues required for the binding of PI3K (Tyr740 and Tyr751), GAP (Tyr771), SHP-2 (Tyr1009), or PLC-γ1 (Tyr1021) were mutated to Phe. PDGF failed to increase H2O2 production in cells expressing either the kinase-deficient mutant or a receptor in which the two Tyr residues required for the binding of PI3K were replaced by Phe. In contrast, PDGF-induced H2O2production in cells expressing a receptor in which the binding sites for GAP, SHP-2, and PLC-γ1 were all mutated was slightly greater than that in cells expressing the wild-type receptor. Only the PI3K binding site was alone sufficient for PDGF-induced H2O2production. The effect of PDGF on H2O2generation was blocked by the PI3K inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin or by overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of Rac1. These results suggest that a product of PI3K is required for PDGF-induced production of H2O2 in nonphagocytic cells, and that Rac1 mediates signaling between the PI3K product and the putative NADPH oxidase.
Effects of environmental factors on cyanobacteria dynamics in Lake Baringo, Kenya

The dominance of cyanobacterial algae in light-limited, shallow freshwater Lake Baringo is a major environmental concern in regard to Kenyan water quality and public health protection agencies. Accordingly, this study focused on determining the effect of different environmental factors on cyanobacteria dynamics in different sediment disturbance zones of the lake and in different seasons. This study also sought to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the influence of water clarity on cyanobacteria dynamics in the lake. Samples were collected from the field, stored in ice and transported to the laboratory for nutrient analyses. Cyanobacteria cultures isolated from the lake were grown under a 12:12 light/dark cycle. The frequency of dividing cells (FDC) technique, and a fluorescence microscopy technique, was used to count growing cyanobacteria cells. Specific cyanobacteria organic carbon synthesis was significantly negatively correlated with turbidity for the southern (r = � 0.6573; P < 0.05) and central sediment disturbance zones (r = � 0.6847; P < 0.05). This study indicated that water clarity is an environmental phenomenon that facilitates the movement of cyanobacteria into the turbid areas of the lake, where their production levels are significantly high, in contrast to the clear water along the edges of the water–land interface during the wet season (April to August) and dry season (September to March). Water clarity potentially enhances cell division inhibition and multiplication, thereby positively influencing cyanobacteria dynamics in Lake Baringo. Thus, it is concluded that the cyanobacteria growth rate resulting from use of the FDC technique suggests a link with inflowing water clarity that can be used to monitor in-lake water quality, to better manage cyanobacteria blooms in Lake Baringo and in lakes and reservoirs elsewhere.
Structure and synthesis of bromoindoles from the marine sponge Pseudosuberites hyalinus

Four new 6-bromoindoles and the known 6-bromoindole-3-carbaldehyde {5} have been isolated from the marine sponge Pseudouberitesd hyalinus collected in the North Atlantic around the Faroe Islands. The structures of 6-bromoindolyl-3-acetonitrile {1}, 6-bromoindolyl3-acetamide {2}, methyl 6-bromoindolyl-3-acetate {3}, and 6-bromoindole-3-carboxylic acid {4}, were elucidated by analysis of ir, mass, 1 H-nmr, and 13 C-nmr spectral data, and structures 1-3 were confirmed by synthesis
Distribution of ringed seals in the southeastern Beaufort Sea during late summer

The distribution and relative abundance of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) in the southeastern Beaufort Sea were examined through systematic aerial surveys in August–September of 1982 and 1984–1986. All data analyzed were collected by the same observer when sea state was ≤ 2 on the Beaufort Scale and when there was no forward glare. In late summer and early fall of 1982, 1984, and 1986, ringed seals occurred singly and in groups, to an observed maximum of 21 seals. Groups of seals were clumped into large areas of aggregation which appeared to persist for several weeks. Densities in aggregation areas ranged from 121 to 326 seals/100 km2, approximately 6–13 times greater than regional mean densities. The geographic extent of aggregation areas (350–2800 km2) and the numbers (1 in 1984, 2 in 1982, 3 in 1986) and locations of aggregations varied among years. Ringed seals tended to aggregate most frequently and in greatest numbers in waters north of the Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula, in the general area where the Cape Bat.