Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
G Protein α Subunits Activate Tubulin GTPase and Modulate Microtubule Polymerization Dynamics*

G proteins serve many functions involving the transfer of signals from cell surface receptors to intracellular effector molecules. Considerable evidence suggests that there is an interaction between G proteins and the cytoskeleton. In this report, G protein α subunits Gi1α, Gsα, and Goα are shown to activate the GTPase activity of tubulin, inhibit microtubule assembly, and accelerate microtubule dynamics. Giα inhibited polymerization of tubulin-GTP into microtubules by 80–90% in the absence of exogenous GTP. Addition of exogenous GTP, but not guanylylimidodiphosphate, which is resistant to hydrolysis, overcame the inhibition. Analysis of the dynamics of individual microtubules by video microscopy demonstrated that Gi1α increases the catastrophe frequency, the frequency of transition from growth to shortening. Thus, Gα may play a role in modulating microtubule dynamic instability, providing a mechanism for the modification of the cytoskeleton by extracellular signals.
The Systematic Location of Genes by Means of Crossover Observations

IN the construction of a chromosome map, the distances between neighboring genes are equated to the percentage of crossovers which have been observed between them. Owing to errors of random sampling, and sometimes to other disturbing causes, inconsistencies always arise between the distances so determined. For example, in the important data given by Lancefield and Metz for the sex chromosome of Drosophila willistoni [1, p. 241] we have the following values:
A Wheat Germ Medium for Rearing the Pink Bollworm

Composition of an artificial medium for laboratory cultures of the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund.), is given. The medium has wheat germ meal as the primary constituent but also contains vitamin-free casein, sucrose, Wesson's salts, choline chloride, agar, sodium alginate, vitamins, and water. Growth and development on the pink bollworm on this diet approximated that reported for the insect in the field. The larval developmental period averaged 16.3 days; prepupae 2.2 days; and pupae 8.8 days. Pupae produced on this medium were slightly smaller than those collected from cotton bolls. Oviposition records indicated that females reared on the wheat germ medium would produce more eggs than field-collected moths. Records for several thousand insects indicated that an average of 81.5% of the larvae originally placed on the diet would grow into adults.
Proximal Causes of Natal Dispersal in Belding's Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus Beldingi)

I studied the proximal factors influencing dispersal from the natal site in two free—living populations of Belding's ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) in the Sierra Nevada of California. I tested 10 hypotheses, each suggesting a different social, ecological, or ontogenetic factor as a proximal cause of natal dispersal in this species. Using discriminant analysis I also examined effects on dispersal of several independent variables concurrently. Data from marking and live—trapping studies over three field seasons (1979—1981) failed to support hypotheses suggesting resource shortage, ectoparasite load, social facilitation, conspecific aggression, or avoidance by conspecifics as proximal causes of natal dispersal in S. beldingi. Furthermore, dispersal is apparently not caused by changes in juveniles' response thresholds to conspecific aggression or by juveniles' attempts to avoid members of their family units, nearest neighbors, or other members of their local populations. My data supported an "ontoge.
Fate of [14C]diphenylamine in stored apples

The nature and magnitude of residues in apples treated with [ 14 C]diphenylamine (DPA) was investigated following treatment and storage at reduced temperature. Additional apples were treated with a mixture of [ 14 C]DPA and deuterium-labeled DPA (D-10-DPA) for use in metabolite identification. Stored apples were sampled at 16 different intervals throughout a 40-week period. Total radioactive residue levels remained constant over the entire testing interval. The parent chemical and several metabolites were identified on the final harvest peel and pulp samples by quantitative and qualitative analytical methods. A majority of the terminal residue, which was confined largely in the peel, consisted of unmetabolized DPA. Residues in pulp, however, were largely composed of glycosyl conjugates of several hydroxylated diphenylamine (OH-DPA) metabolites. The major polar metabolite identified in stored apples was a glucose conjugate of 4-hydroxydiphenylamine (4-OH-DPA). Additional metabolites, characterized as glycosyl conjugates of 2-OH-DPA, 3-OH-DPA, 4-OH-DPA, or dihydroxy-DPA, were also detected along with their intact (i.e., nonconjugated) forms in apple pulp.
Effects of leaves of Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae) on nest development and on respiratory metabolism of leaf‐cutting ants Atta sexdens L. (Hym., Formicidae)

Abstract: Laboratory colonies of the leaf‐cutting ants Atta sexdens feed daily with leaves of Ipomoea batatas showed ant mortality and a significant decrease in the size of the fungal garden after the second week, with complete depletion of nests after 5 weeks of treatment. The mean oxygen consumption rate of these ants was higher than the control (ants collected from nests feed with leaves of Eucalyptus alba), suggesting a physiological action of the leaves of I. batatas on the ants in addition to the effect of inhibiting the growth of the fungal garden.
Observations on the Whipping Characteristics of Cream

Abstract With the application of UHT technology to the processing of whipping creams, consumers 5 purchase creams with whipping characteristics different from creams processed by conventional pasteurization. This study observed differences in whipping properties among raw, pasteurized, and UHT whipping creams. Whipping time to reach maximum volume, number of days before and after retail sell-by date, and overrun were recorded. Mean whipping time and maximum overrun varied significantly by processor, product composition, and retail cream age. Mean whipping time ranged from 1.6 min for raw unpasteurized creams to 3.4 min for UHT heavy cream without whipping aids. Mean maximum overrun ranged from 141% for UHT heavy creams without whipping aids to 216% for UHT whipping creams with aids. There was considerable variation in mean whipping time and mean maximum overrun among processors for creams of the same composition. Regression analysis between whipping time and retail cream age revealed a positive relationship for some product types and a negative relationship for others. Whipping time and maximum overrun of retail whipping creams vary substantially by product type, processing treatment, and processor.
Habitat, environment and niche: what are we modelling?

The terms 'habitat', 'environment' and 'niche' are used inconsistently, and with some confusion, within the ecological literature on species distribution and abundance modelling. Here I suggest interrelated working definitions of these terms whereby the concept of habitat remains associated with descriptive/ correlative analyses of the environments of organisms, while the niche concept is reserved for mechanistic analyses. To model the niche mechanistically, it is necessary to understand the way an organism's morphology, physiology, and especially behaviour, determine the kinds of environment-it experiences when living in a particular habitat, and it is also necessary to understand how those environmental conditions affect fitness (growth, survival and reproduction). While distributions can potentially be predicted by modelling descriptions or correlations between organisms and habitat components, we must model an organism's niche mechanistically if we are to fully explain distribution limits. A mechanistic understanding of the niche is also critical when we want to predict an organism's distribution under novel circumstances such as a species introduction or climate change.
Advances in Devices for Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease which poses a major challenge to healthcare and is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from either an underproduction or underutilization of the insulin hormone. The actual cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it most likely results from an autoimmune mediated destruction of the insulin producing pancreatic beta cells that reduces or terminates insulin production. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is often caused by obesity and induces a gradual desensitization of the body’s cells to insulin. Recent advances in diagnostic methods have heralded in a new era of diabetes management with improved glucose control, reduced fear of complications and better compliance with intensive therapies. Additional efforts are being made to refine these methods to allow their implementation into clinical practice and gain universal acceptance. Advances in diagnostic methods for insulin delivery and glucose monitoring are an important step forward in greatly improving the lives of diabetic patients.
Plankton response to weakening of the Iberian coastal upwelling

Coastal upwelling regions, which are affected by equatorward‐wind variability, are among the most productive areas of the oceans. It has been suggested that global warming will lead to a general strengthening of coastal upwelling, with important ecological implications and an impact on fisheries. However, in the case of the Iberian upwelling, the long‐term analysis of climatological variables described here reveals a weakening in coastal upwelling. This is linked to a decrease of zonal sea level pressure gradient, and correlated with an observed increase of sea surface temperature and North Atlantic Oscillation. Weakening of coastal upwelling has led to quantifiable modifications of the ecosystem. In outer shelf waters a drop in new production over the last 40 years is likely related to the reduction of sardine landings at local harbors. On the other hand, in inner shelf and Ria waters, the observed weakening of upwelling has slowed down the residual circulation that introduces nutrients to the euphotic layer, and has increased the stability of the water column. The drop in nutrient levels has been compensated by an increase of organic matter remineralization. The phytoplankton community has responded to those environmental trends with an increase in the percentage of dinoflagellates and Pseudonitzschia spp. and a reduction in total diatoms. The former favors the proliferation of harmful algal blooms and reduces the permitted harvesting period for the mussel aquaculture industry. The demise of the sardine fishery and the potential threat to the mussel culture could have serious socio‐economic consequences for the region.
The upwelling light stream in natural waters

The upwelling light field in natural waters is of great importance for the appearance of the water bodies, for visibility of objects seen through the water, and for remote sensing of water properties. As a contribution to the understanding of this radiant flux, a study has been carried out by the Monte Carlo simulation technique of the behavior of photons scattered upward from the downwelling light stream within water bodies. Immediately after scattering the angular distribution of these photons is biased very much toward small angles to the horizontal. As a consequence, the rate of attenuation of this photon population as it travels upward is initially very high. With increasing distance upward the rate of attenuation progressively diminishes as the more horizontally traveling photons are selectively extinguished.
Root demography in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa)

A rhizotron was used to study fine-root demography in mature vines of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa). The vines were grown in a deep, well drained, silt loam and received normal orchard management. Roots were measured from 10 to 160cm depth at biweekly intervals for 2 years. After an initial phase of rapid colonisation of the repacked soil behind the rhizotron windows, the total length of visible roots per vine remained quite steady. This apparent stability of the total belied fast and sustained localized turnover of the fine roots at all soil depths. Fifty-one per cent of the roots survived ≤28d, 69% died at an age ≤56d and only 8% survived >252d. For each year, the cumulative length of roots grown was equivalent to about 2·75 times the maximum net length of roots visible. These may be the largest annual rates of root turnover yet reported. This has important ramifications for the carbon balance, mineral nutrition and water relations of the plant.
Cyanobacterial abundance and microcystin occurrence in Mediterranean water reservoirs in Central Spain: microcystins in the Madrid area

The occurrence and concentration of microcystins were analysed in sestonic samples from seven water reservoirs in the Madrid region (Spain) between July and November in two consecutive years (2002 and 2003). The data collected indicate that microcystins were present on several occasions in both years in all the reservoirs studied. The months of maximum risk for cyanotoxin occurrence were July, September and October, when Microcystis typically dominated the phytoplankton community. Four of the seven reservoirs exhibited conspicuous blooms, three of which were toxic. Of the samples in 2002 and 2003, 45% and 70%, respectively, contained microcystins (Mc). In four of the reservoirs, microcystin concentrations were higher than the WHO recommended limit for drinking water (1 µg Mc l−1) and, in one of the reservoirs (Santillana), its concentration, was extremely high (up to 70 µg Mc l−1). Concentrations above 1 µg l−1 were found during several months in this reservoir. Mc/chl a ratios in net-concentrated samples ranged from 0.0002 to 2.24 μg Mc (μg chl a)−1 with a mean value of 0.31 µg Mc (μg chl a)−1. From the data obtained we can conclude that M. aeruginosa is the main producer of microcystins in freshwaters from the Madrid region.
Female Gametophyte Development in Kadsura: Implications for Schisandraceae, Austrobaileyales, and the Early Evolution of Flowering Plants

Recent phylogenetic analyses of angiosperms have identified a set of “basal” angiosperm lineages (Amborella, Nymphaeales, and a clade that includes Illiciaceae, Schisandraceae, Trimeniaceae, and Austrobaileyaceae) that are central to the study of the origin and early diversification of flowering plants. Prior to this phylogenetic revelation, much of the work on the embryology of ancient angiosperm lineages focused on core magnoliids (e.g., Magnoliales, Winterales). It is now apparent that little is known about the basic embryological features of the most ancient extant lineages of flowering plants, particularly with respect to the nature and development of the female gametophyte and the ploidy and genetics of the endosperm. Here, we report that Kadsura japonica (Schisandraceae) develops a four‐celled female gametophyte with an egg cell, two synergids, and a uninucleate central cell. The pattern of free‐nuclear divisions in the female gametophyte of Kadsura precisely matches what has recently been reported for four‐celled gametophytes in the Nymphaeales. Following the first mitosis, migration of one of the two nuclei to the chalazal pole of the female gametophyte, as in Polygonum‐type female gametophytes, does not occur. Rather, both nuclei remain close together in the micropylar domain where they undergo one additional mitotic division to yield four free nuclei before cellularization. Microspectrofluorometric analysis of relative DNA content of the central cell nucleus in Kadsura shows that this nucleus is haploid and contains the 1C quantity of DNA prior to fertilization. Thus, the endosperm of Kadsura should be diploid and biparental, as it is in Nuphar and other Nymphaeales. It now appears that four‐celled female gametophytes, with consequent production of diploid endosperms, are common among the most ancient lineages of angiosperms, with the sole exception, to date, of Amborella. Finally, based on an analysis of the modular nature of the angiosperm female gametophyte, we provide evidence that four‐celled female gametophytes that yield diploid biparental endosperms are likely to be plesiomorphic for flowering plants.
DIETS OF SHOREBIRDS AT THE BERG RIVER ESTUARY, SOUTH AFRICA: SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIATION

Summary Kalejta, B. 1993. Diets of shorebirds at the Berg River estuary, South Africa: spatial and temporal variation. Ostrich 64: 123–133. The diets of three common migrant waders; Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea. Grey Plover Pluvialis-squatarola and Greenshank Tringa nebularia and three resident species, Blacksmith Vanellus armatus, Kittlitz's Charadrius pecuarius and Whitefronted Plovers C. marginatus, were studied at the Berg River estuary, South Africa from December 1987 to April 1989. Direct observations of feeding were combined with analyses of stomach contents, pellets and droppings. Nereid worms, Ceratonereis erythraeensis and C. keiskama, were the principal food of all species studied except Greenshanks, which fed mostly on crabs, Hymenosoma orbiculare. Despite considerable overlap in the diets of all bird species, there were differences in the size classes of nereids taken by different bird species. Visually-foraging plovers (Charadriidae) were highly selective, feeding on the largest nere.
The protein kinase C activator PMA modulates LPS lethality in normal mice and protects against LPS lethality in D-galactosamine-sensitized mice

Pretreatment for 5 h with 10 μg phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), a well established activator of protein kinase C (PKC) in many kinds of cells including macrophages, was found to either (a) delay, or (b) potentiate, lethal endotoxin shock in mice, depending upon the dose of LPS. The latter occurred despite a marked attenuation (>90%) of the TNFα response to LPS. In mice sensitized with D-galactosamine the same PMA pretreatment offered protection against challenge from either LPS or TNFα. This protection, coupled with the ability of PMA to reduce serum TNFα while increasing serum corticosterone in response to LPS, adds in vivo support for a possible role for PKC activation in early endotoxin tolerance. A phorbol ester (4α-phorbol) that is not a PKC activator was found ineffective. PMA produced a prompt and profound decrease in body temperature which reached a nadir at 3 h. However, the protective effect produced by PMA was not dependent upon a decrease in body temperature per se, but was dependent upon administration of PMA at the same time or prior to LPS.
Flowering and fruiting of arid zone species of Acacia in central Australia

Abstract A number of factors potentially affect flowering and fruiting of Acacia species in arid central Australia. Three phenological data sets were examined to determine the influence of edaphic, climatic and inherent evolutionary factors. Data for three intensively-studied common species showed that soil moisture over various lag periods was the best predictor of flowering, while site differences and temperature were of secondary importance. Soil moisture, site differences and daylength (time of year) were better predictors of fruiting. According to long-term records of a wider selection of species, the persistence of temperate-zone spring flowering patterns was apparent in one section of Acacia ; the same patterns were also more common in shorter-lived species. Species from other sections and longer-lived species were more opportunistic in their flowering. Fruiting commonly occurred in the second half of the year, peaking in October, regardless of opportunistic or seasonal flowering. Phenological patterns are mixed, in keeping with the unreliable rainfall and environmental diversity of the Australian arid zone.
Efficacy of Single Dose of 500 mg Mebendazole on Geohelminths amongst School Age Children in Bafoussam, Cameroon

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of mebendazole in the treatment of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections amongst school age children in Bafoussam. Methodology: In this study, 948 school age children were recruited. Stool samples were collected from all participants before treatment. Twenty-one days later, specimen bottles were redistributed only to positive cases who received treatment. Parasitological analyses were performed using the concentration method of Willis and McMaster techniques. 500 mg mebendazole was administered to those who were positive for one of the above parasites. The prevalence, parasite load, cure rates and egg reduction rates were assessed. Results: Baseline prevalence of infections and mean parasite loads were 1.69% and 6226.9 EPG ( Ascaris lumbricoides ), 0.74% and 50EPG ( Trichuris trichiura ), and 2.85% and 64.81 EPG (Hookworm) respectively. Post treatment control showed a decrease of prevalence and mean parasite load to 0.0% and 0 EPG ( A. lumbricoides ), 0.63% and 42.86 EPG ( T. trichiura ), and 0.84% and 14.81 EPG (Hookworm) respectively. Results of the study revealed that a single dose of 500 mg mebendazole resulted in cure rates of 100%, 70.37% and 14.29% and egg reduction rates of 100%, 68.57%, and 63.16%, for ascariasis, hookworm infection and trichuriasis respectively. Mebendazole is safe and no side effect was observed. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that mebendazole is mostly effective against Ascaris and hookworm infection but not for Trichuris trichiura .
The study of plant SNAREs specificity in vivo

Abstract SNARE (soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins are the principal actors of the concluding step of membrane traffic, the fusion of a vesicle with its acceptor membrane. The specificity of their interactions has been studied mostly in vitro and is now waiting for innovative approaches to elucidate the highly complex in vivo situations with which the multicellular organisms have satisfied the need for polarized and regulated secretion or vacuolar/lysosomal/endosomal trafficking. Plants, because of their high number of SNARE genes, their complex vacuolar system and peculiarity of established models for studying polarized and regulated exocytosis (pollen tube, root hair), represent a particularly challenging system for understanding the fine details of SNARE functions. The specificity of SNARE interactions resides in their structure but is certainly modulated by the cellular environment and a number of accessory factors; consequently, only in vivo experiments will reveal the full complexity of SNARE‐regulated processes. This review will highlight the major areas of interest and the approaches to study plant SNAREs specificity in vivo.
Influence of Larval Rearing Conditions on the Body Size and Flight Capacity of Epiphyas postvittana Moths

Effects of rearing conditions of larvae on the body weight and flight duration of the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker), were evaluated in the laboratory. The body weight of both male and female moths at emergence decreased with increasing temperature from 15 to 28-degrees-C during larval stages; in contrast, flight duration increased with rising temperature. There was no effect of larval density on flight duration, although the body weight of moths decreased as density increased. Variation in water content of artificial diet showed a significant influence on flight duration of female moths, but not on body weight in either sex. Flight duration was different only for females when their larvae were reared on young leaves of four host plants. Female moths from larvae on Rumex crispus and Plantago lanceolata flew for significantly longer periods than those from larvae on Trifolium repens and Pyrus malus. Larvae fed on young leaves yielded adults that flew for longer periods than those fed on senescent leaves. Inconsistency in relationships between body weight and flight duration of moths with respect to influences of different environmental factors during the larval stages indicates that flight capacity is unlikely to be influenced by body size in this species.