Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does an acid load promote liver desaturases and increase serum lipids

Sugar sweetened and acid containing soft drinks may influence the serum lipids. We raised the question whether intake of acid beverages in general might influence serum and liver triglycerides, and hepatic desaturases, which govern triglyceride synthesis. Thirty male rats were divided into 6 groups and given the same food, but various beverages: sucrose-cola, cola light, phosphoric acid, acetic acid or water. Serum triglycerides and HDL, liver triglycerides and the fatty acid distribution in liver lipids were determined. Liver desaturase indexes were calculated; Delta9-desaturase by the palmitoleic to palmitic acid (and oleic to stearic acid) ratios, and Delta5-desaturase by the arachidonic to linoleic acid ratio. Correlation, ANOVA and Mann Whitney tests were used to study associations and differences. After 6 weeks the sugar-cola group had lower food intake, higher fluid intake and urinary acid excretion, higher hepatic desaturase indexes and serum triglycerides, and lower HDL than the other groups. The hepatic desaturase indexes correlated positively with each other (p < 0.01), with liver TG (p � 0.01), and with 18 h urinary acid excretion (p < 0.01). Rats ingesting acid beverages seemed to respond with increased serum triglycerides and lowered HDL cholesterol concentration. Thus, soft drinks might increase the acid load, thereby possibly contributing to increased hepatic desaturase activities and lipoprotein formation.
Studies on efficacy of some acaricidal molecules for the management of Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae) infesting chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) in West Bengal

Among the different molecules used to manage Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) diafenthiuron (300 g a.i./ha) showed the best efficacy against motile stages followed by milbemectin (3.5 g a.i./ha) and propargite (1000 g a.i./ha). Highest yield (68.18%) was obtained in diafenthiuron (300 g a.i./ha) treated plots followed by milbemectin (3.5 g a.i./ha) (65.85%) and propargite (1000 g a.i./ha) (64.10%) and comparatively less yield was obtained in spinosad (60 g a.i./ha) (48.14%). Population of yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) showed significant positive correlation with temperature (maximum and minimum) and negative correlation with relative humidity (maximum) and total rainfall while exhibited positive correlation with relative humidity (minimum) and wind speed.
18. Notes on the Spiders Hyptiotes paradoxus and Cyclosa conicn

Summary. 1 Observations were made on an adult female Hyptiotes puradoms 2 The construction of the triangular web and the peculiar method of dealing with the prey are described. 3 The laying of the eggs and the making of the cocoon were observed, and the development was followed up to the second instar. 4 Cyclosu conica decorates its web with bands of silk or pellets of insect remains. Observations on 105 webs showed great variation in the occurrence and arrangement of these decorations. 5 The development of the peculiarly shaped abdomen of C. conica is described.
Retention of Cucurbit Yellow Vine Disease Bacterium Serratia marcescens Through Transstadial Molt of Vector Anasa tristis (Hemiptera: Coreidae)

Abstract Retention or loss of transmissibility after molting was tested for adult and nymphal squash bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer), a natural vector of the plant pathogen Serratia marcescens Bizio, the causal agent of cucurbit yellow vine disease. Squash bug adults and nymphs fed from bacteria-infiltrated squash cubes were caged on squash test plants and transferred weekly to new plants for eight consecutive weeks. Twelve percent of the bugs that acquired as adults transmitted the bacterium to at least one of the test plants; 75% of these transmitters inoculated more than one plant. Transmission to plants occurred as late as 3 to 8 weeks postacquisition. Ten percent of squash bugs that fed on S. marcescens as fifth instars inoculated plants after molting to the adult stage; 77% of these transmitters inoculated more than one plant. Two insects that fed on S. marcescens as third instars inoculated squash plants. When examined by scanning electron microscopy, the foregut cibaria of transmitting insects were free of bacteria-like structures. The ability of A. tristis to transmit S. marcescens after molting to the adult stage suggests that the hemocoel acts as the site of retention of transmissible bacteria.
Microsatellite data reveals weak population substructuring in Copadichromis sp.‘virginalis kajose’, a demersal cichlid from Lake Malawi, Africa

Small but significant differences were found in allele frequencies among five populations (overall F ST estimate (θ)=0.004, P=0.006; overall R ST estimate (RHO)=0.019, P<0.00001) of the demersal cichlid Copadichromis sp. virginalis kajose', collected from five locations in Lake Malawi. Pairwise F ST estimates revealed significant differences between the most southerly population (Cape Maclear), and the three most northerly populations (Mbamba Bay, Metangula and Chilola). Pairwise R ST estimates also revealed significant differences between some populations, but no geographical pattern was discernible. There was no evidence of isolation by distance using either the shortest straight-line distance between samples, or the distance around the shoreline following a 50 m depth contour. F ST T estimates were considerably lower than found in previous studies on the mbuna (rock-dwelling species), but higher than those found in a study of three pelagic cichlid species from Lake Malawi. Substructuring in C. sp. virginalis kajose' appears to be on a similar scale to the Atlantic cod.
Biogeographical structure of the microphytoplankton assemblages in the region of the Subtropical Convergence and across a warm-core eddy during austral winter

The distribution of microphytopla nkton in the region of the Subtropical Convergence (STC) and across a warm-core eddy shed from the Agulhas Return Current was investigated along two transects in late austral winter (June-July) 1993, during the South African Antarctic Marine Eco- system Study (S AAMES) III cruise. Sampling was undertaken for the analysis of nutrients, and for the enumeration and identification of microphytoplankton species. Along both transects, chlorophyll con- centrations were highest at stations at the southern boundary of the STC and at the periphery of the warm-core eddy. Of the variance associated with chlorophyll concentration, temperature accounted for 65% of the total. Along both transects, a decrease in species richness from north to south was observed. The spatial distribution of the numerically dominant diatom species was similar in both tran- sects. The microphytoplankton assemblage was dominated by the subtropical diatom species Chactoccros constnctus north of the STC, and by Pseudoeunotia doliolus within the eddy and south of the STC. Using cluster and ordination analyses, three significantly different groupings of stations were identified along the combined transects. These coincided with stations located north and south of the STC and with the warm-core eddy proper, confirming that the STC represents a strong biogeograph- ical boundary. The predominance of the warm-water species P.doliolus and Planktoniella sol in and around the warm-core eddy south of the STC suggests that eddies are important in the transfer of micTophytoplankton across this strong biogeographical boundary.
Potential effects of climate change on northwest Portuguese coastal zones

Coelho, C. , Silva, R. , Veloso-Gomes, F. , and Taveira-Pinto, F. 2009. Potential effects of climate change on northwest Portuguese coastal zones. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1497-1507.Coastal erosion is a common problem in Europe; a result of the dynamic nature of its coastal zones, of anthropogenic influences, such as coastal interventions and littoral occupation, and of the effects of climate change. The increase in the occurrence of extreme events, the weakening of river-sediment supplies, and the general acceleration of sea level rise (SLR) probably tends to aggravate coastal erosion on decadal time-scales. Describing vulnerability and risk patterns for energetic environmental actions is important for coastal planning and management to rationalize the decision-making process. To minimize negative effects, the various processes causing erosion must be understood to assess the possible prediction scenarios for coastal evolution in the medium to long term. This paper describes the application of a coastal (shoreline evolution) numerical model to a stretch of the Portuguese coast to determine the effects of various scenarios of wave action and SLR that might result from climate change over the next 25 years. We conclude that the effects of SLR are less important than changes in wave action. The numerical model was also applied in a generic situation to compare shoreline evolution with and without anthropogenic intervention.
CHARACTERIZATION OF TWO HIGHLY CONSERVED POXVIRUS TRANSMEMBRANE PROTEINS OF UNKNOWN FUNCTION

Title of Document: CHARACTERIZATION OF TWO HIGHLY CONSERVED POXVIRUS TRANSMEMBRANE PROTEINS OF UNKNOWN FUNCTION Cindy L. Sood, Ph.D., 2009 Directed By: Dr. Bernard Moss, Adjunct Professor, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics The vaccinia virus I5L open reading frame encodes a 79-amino-acid protein, with two predicted transmembrane domains, conserved among all sequenced members of the chordopoxvirus subfamily. No nonpoxvirus homologs or functional motifs have been recognized, and the role of the I5 protein remains unknown. I5 synthesis was dependent on viral DNA replication and occurred exclusively a t late times, consistent with a consensus late promoter motif adjacent to the start of the open reading frame. I5 was present in preparations of purified virions and could be extracted with nonionic detergent, suggesting membrane insertion. Transmissi on electron microscopy of immunogold-labeled thawed cryosections of infected cel ls revealed the association of an epitope-tagged I5 with the membranes of immature a nd mature virions. Viable I5L deletion and frameshift mutants were constructed a nd found to replicate like wild-type virus in a variety of cell lines, indicating hat the protein was dispensable for in vitro cultivation. However, mouse intranasal challeng e experiments indicated that a mutant virus with a frameshift resulting in a st op codon near the N terminus of I5 was attenuated compared to control virus. The attenuation correlated with clearance of mutant viruses from the respiratory tract and with less progression and earlier resolution of pathological changes. We suggest that I5 is involved in an aspect of host defense that is evolutionarily conserved although a role in cell tropism should also be considered. The vaccinia virus A43R open reading frame encodes a 168-amino cid protein with a predicted N-terminal signal sequence and a C-terminal tra smembrane domain. Although A43R is conserved in all sequenced members of the orthopoxvirus genus, no non-orthopoxvirus homolog or functional motif was recognized. Biochemical and confocal microscopic studies indicated that A43 is expressed at l ate times following viral DNA synthesis and is a type-1 membrane protein with two N linked oligosaccharide chains. Neither mature nor enveloped virions contained appreciable amounts of A43, which was detected in Golgi and plasma membranes. Loss of A43R expression had no discernible effect on plaque size or virus replication in cell culture and little effect on virulence in a mouse intranasal infection model. Although the A43 mutant produced significantly smaller lesions in the skin of mice than the control, the amounts of virus recovered from the lesions were similar. CHARACTERIZATION OF TWO HIGHLY CONSERVED POXVIRUS TRANSMEMBRANE PROTEINS OF UNKNOWN FUNCTION
Prey Selection and Provisioning Rate of a Breeding Pair of Hodgson's Hawk-Eagles Nisaetus nipalensis

Abstract A breeding pair of Hodgson's Hawk-eagles Nisaetus nipalensis brought prey items of four vertebrate taxa with a mass range of 5–1900g to the nest. In the late breeding period, when both sexes performed provisioning, the male delivered birds and lighter items, whereas the female brought reptiles and heavier items, resulting in significant sexual prey partitioning regarding both taxa and mass. In the nestling stage, coinciding with the late breeding period, the male achieved a provisioning rate similar to that of the female, despite hunting bird prey, whose agility reduces their vulnerability, indicating the male's greater overall foraging ability.
Effects of vasopressin and somatostatin on hemodynamics and blood gases in patients with liver cirrhosis

The effects of somatostatin and vasopressin on blood gases, pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics, and portal pressures assessed by the gradient between occluded and free hepatic vein pressures, were investigated in 18 patients with liver cirrhosis. In the first 10 patients, an iv bolus of 250 μg somatostatin, followed by an infusion of 125 μg somatostatin over 30 min, caused a sudden rise in pulmonary and systemic vascular pressures lasting 2 to 5 min and accompanied by bradycardia. There was a slight and transient increase in venous admixture (Qsp/Qt) and alveolar-arterial oxygen tension gradients (P(A-a)O2), and a transient reduction in O2 delivery (O2 del) (–11% of the baseline values) and portal pressures (–14%). In the next 8 patients, vasopressin, 0.4 U/min infused over 30 min, caused a more persistent pulmonary and systemic hypertension and bradycardia, a slight increase in P(A-a)O2) and Qsp/Qt, a reduction in O2 del (–27%) and a decrease in portal pressures (–32%). These effects were marked during the entire vasopressin infusion period.Both somatostatin and vasopressin had vasoconstrictive properties and exerted negative effects on hemodynamics and blood gases. Vasopressin appeared to be a more potent drug than somatostatin.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY (ELISA) FOR AGGLUTININ, AN ANTIBACTERIAL PROTEIN OF THE SHRIMP FENNEROPENAEUS INDICUS

Abstract Antibacterial activity of Fenneropenaeus indicus hemolymph was mediated by Agglutinin (Ag), a protein of molecular weight 181 kDa with two subunits 97 kDa and 84 kDa. Agglutinin was purified by gel filtration chromatography, PAGE, and SDS-PAGE, and polyclonal antibodies (anti-Ag) were raised in rabbits. In a double immunodiffusion test, single precipitin lines were found between the center well containing immune serum and surrounding wells containing purified Ag and crude hemolymph. The IgG fraction was purified from anti-Ag immune serum and used to develop ELISA. The Ag standard curve was linear over a range of 17.8–8,900 ng. The sensitivity of the ELISA was 178 ng/ml. Agglutinin-free hemolymph yielded background optical density values, confirming the specificity of the assay. Serial dilutions of agglutinin-rich hemolymph produced sample titration curves that are parallel to the Ag standard curve. Thus, the ELISA is suitable for quantification of Ag in hemolymph.
DISTRIBUTION MAPS AND IUCN THREAT CATEGORIES FOR HIERACIUM SECTION ALPINA (ASTERACEAE ) IN BRITAIN

Distribution maps and IUCN threat categories for the 30 named species of Hieracium section Alpina (Asteraceae) in Britain are given, based on taxonomic and distribution studies by D.J. Tennant and others over the last 30 years. Twenty-seven taxa are endemic to Scotland, one to England, one to Britain and one also occurs in mainland Europe and the Arctic. There are three main centres of diversity in Scotland: the Eastern Highlands (especially the Cairngorm Mountains), the Western Highlands and the Northern Highlands. Under the IUCN threat categories, seven taxa are Critically Endangered, seven are Endangered, two are Vulnerable, ten are Near Threatened and seven are Nationally Scarce. The main threats are collecting, natural events such as rock falls and avalanches, global warming, acid rain, over-grazing and tourism. There is particular concern for the long-term survival of four taxa.
Onion cultivars released by La Consulta Experiment Station, INTA, Argentina

‘Híbrido Industria INTA’. From 1978 to 1988, Rubén Oliva, who emphasized seed production, continued the program. Since 1988, Claudio Galmarini has been in charge of the program. In the 1990s, the fresh-market cultivars Cobriza INTA, Navideña INTA, and Antártica INTA were released (Galmarini et al., 1995). A special agreement was established between a dehydration company and La Consulta Experimental Station to develop open-pollinated populations and hybrids with high solids content. In 1997, the cultivar Refinta 20 was released (Galmarini, 1998). The cultivars released by La Consulta Experiment Station onion-breeding program account for more than 80% of the onions cultivated in Argentina. The current goals of the program are early maturity, good storage ability, and introduction of resistance to pink root into intermediate and long-day, open-pollinated cultivars and F1 hybrids. Classical breeding methods, including mass, pedigree, and recurrent selection, are being used. In vitro culture techniques (e.g., ovule and ovary culture) are used to hasten the production of homozygous lines by haploidy. Several haploid plants have been produced and double haploids are being tested (Martinez et al., 1997). Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) have been identified to fingerprint some of the new onion cultivars (Masuelli and Galmarini, 1996).
GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF STINGING CATFISH (Heteropneustes Fossilis; Bloch) REARING AND FEEDING ON FORMULATED FISH FEED IN THE LABORATORY CONDITION

Current study evaluates the effect of formulated feed on growth performance and feed utilization of shingi fish (Heteropneustes fossilis) (Bloch) in glass aquarium culture system. Two formulated feeds; A & B with two different protein levels 35% & 28% were used as treatment feed. Change in growth performance by the shingi fish fed on two types of fish feed during the rearing and feeding trial have been assessed by the determination of condition factor, survival rate, average daily gain (ADG), and specific growth rate (SGR%). The value of condition factor, ADG and SGR% have been found to have similarities with the results obtained by other working scientists both at home and abroad. The fish feed A (35% protein) have been found to be effective for better growth of the shingi fish.
Participation of the superoxide radical in the beneficial effect of ascorbic acid on heat-induced fish meat gel (Kamaboko)

The influence of ascorbic acid (AsA) on the proteins in raw meat paste (surimi) of walleye pollack during the formation of a gel by incubating at 40°C, or 40°C and 90°C was examined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. AsA significantly enhanced the decrease in the amount of myosin heavy chain (MHC), by promoting the polymerization of MHC via disulfide bridging. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, a chelator, and tiron, a scavenger of the superoxide radical, both inhibited the promoting effect of AsA on MHC polymerization in surimi. Therefore, the superoxide radical generated via the metal-catalyzed autoxidation of AsA participated in the polymerization of MHC. The production of the cysteine (Cys) thiyl radical due to superoxide in a 10 mM Cys solution was confirmed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, in which superoxide was generated by photo-activation of riboflavin. These results suggest that the polymerization of MHC by AsA proceeds through a radical-radical reaction of the thiyl radicals of Cys residues that are generated by superoxide radicals.
Pattern analysis of genotype-by-environment interaction for grain yield in durum wheat

SUMMARY Pattern analysis, cluster and ordination techniques, was applied to grain yield data of 20 durum wheat genotypes grown in 19 diversified environments during 2005–07 to identify patterns of genotype (G), environment (E) and genotype-by-environment (G×E) interaction in durum multi-environment trials (METs). Main effects due to E, G and G×E interaction were highly significant, and 0·85 of the total sum of squares (SS) was accounted for by E. Of the remaining SS, the G×E interaction was almost 12 times the contribution of G alone. The knowledge of environmental and genotype classification helped to reveal several patterns of G×E interaction. This was verified by ordination analysis of the G×E interaction matrix. Grouping of environments, based on genotype performance, resulted in the separation of different types of environments. Pattern analysis confirmed the cold and warm mega-environments, and allowed the discrimination and characterization of adaptation of genotypes. However, several patterns of G×E interaction in Iran's regional durum yield trials were further discerned within these mega-environments. The warm environments tended to be closer to one another, suggesting that they discriminate among durum genotypes similarly, whereas cold environments tended to diverge more. The dwarf and early maturing breeding lines from ICARDA with low to medium yields and high contribution to G×E interaction were highly adapted to warm environments, whereas the tall and later maturing genotypes with low to high yields were highly adapted to the cold environments of Iran.
Chemical, physicochemical, and nutritional evaluation of plantago (Plantago ovata forsk)

ABSTRACT Plantago ovata F. are small tan-colored seeds with ≈30% weight husk. Plantago's husk high content of soluble fiber makes it a good lubricant of the intestinal track with demonstrated effects in lowering plasma cholesterol levels in humans and experimental animals. Plantago seeds grown in Northern Mexico were analyzed for proximate composition, combustion heat, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, fatty acids, amino acids, and protein fractionation. In vitro digestibility and digestibility of dry matter, apparent and true digestibility, and net protein ratio (in vivo) were also analyzed. Plantago seeds had 17.4% protein, 6.7% fat, 24.6% total dietary fiber, 19.6% insoluble fiber, 5.0% soluble fiber, and a combustion heat of 4.75 kcal/g. Osborne fractionation (based on solubility) yielded albumin 35.8%, globulin 23.9%, and prolamin 11.7%. The oil from plantago seeds had a high percentage of linoleic acid (40.6%) and oleic acid (39.1%) and a minor proportion of linolenic acid (6.9%). In vitro protei.
Forest Vegetation and Soil Patterns Across Glade-forest Ecotones in the Knobs Region of Northeastern Kentucky, USA

Abstract The Crooked Creek Barrens Preserve in the northeastern Knobs region of Kentucky contains an aggregation of species-rich grass and forb-dominated glade openings surrounded by secondary forest. Encroachment of woody species and invasion by non-native species threaten the rare forbs and sedges of the glades. The locations of these plant assemblages are commonly known to correspond to the unique properties of their underlying soils, yet few studies consider how soil factors may influence habitat conservation or restoration. This study describes vegetation and soil properties across the glade-edge-forest transition of three individual glade openings. Juniperus virginiana was the most abundant woody species within the glade openings. Juniperus virginana, Quercus stellata, Fraxinus americana and Cercis canadensis co-dominated the edge-forest boundary. Glade surface soils had dramatically higher pH (2 units) and lower extractable soil P (50% less) than forest soils. Also, total soil N content and net mineralization rates were significantly lower in glades than in forest or edge soils. The highly erodable nature of alkaline shale sediments appears to have contributed to the current location and extent of the glade openings. These findings suggest that management efforts to enhance rare plant habitat by expanding the glade openings should be accompanied by monitoring of soil changes following clearing. Further study should assess whether glade species of conservation concern are restricted to the nutrient-poor alkaline soils within extant glade openings or if they readily colonize the more nutrient-rich habitat of the cleared edge.