Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drivers of nano- and microplanktonic community structure in a Patagonian tidal flat ecosystem

Tidal flats are exceptionally dynamic coastal ecosystems. Tides are their main source of energy, whose influence decreases landwards (as land elevation increases), thus shaping physical, chemical and biological gradients. In this study, we assess whether the structure of nano- and microplankton varies along a spatial gradient in San Antonio Bay (SAB, SW Atlantic), a semi-desert coastal ecosystem with a wide tidal flat and a macrotidal regime. We hypothesize that the tidal effect shapes SAB’s both taxonomical groups and size spectrum. The seasonal sampling of 9 sites revealed that diatoms and small flagellates were the most abundant groups, together accounting for over 75% of total density in practically all sites and seasons. High densities of meroplanktonic stages of Ulva lactuca were recorded in spring at the innermost sites, accounting for over 95% of all planktonic cells. Slopes of the size spectrum analysis were in line with highly productive inshore waters (mean, −0.64) and showed that larger phytoplankton was the main contributor to total biomass, despite its decreasing importance toward inner sites. The spatial and seasonal variations found for lower trophic web compartments provide evidence of the importance of tidal transport in ruling phytoplankton structure in tidal flats under strong macrotidal regimes.
Climacia californica Chandler, 1953 (Neuroptera: Sisyridae) in Utah: taxonomic identity, host association and seasonal occurrence

Abstract We provide a record of spongillaflies (Sisyridae) with an associated host sponge from a population found in Spring Creek, Utah. We monitored the population for the 2016 field season to identify the insect and its associated host sponge and to establish the seasonal period of the insect’s presence in the adult stage. We also evaluated the commonly used sampling techniques of sweeping and light trapping and made natural history observations. We identified the spongillaflies as Climacia californica Chandler, 1953 and the sponge to be Ephydatia fluviatilis (Linnaeus, 1758). We collected 1726 adults, and light trapping proved to be the superior collecting method. The population was characterised by a two-week emergence peak occurring at the end of July to beginning of August followed by a steep decline. Other habitats within the state contained E. fluviatilis and should be sampled using light traps at times when peak abundances are predicted to further understand the distribution of C. californica across the state and the Intermountain West. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F795281F-0042-4F5F-B15B-F6C584FACF2B
CDK-regulated phase separation seeded by histone genes ensures precise growth and function of Histone Locus Bodies

Many membrane-less organelles form through liquid-liquid phase separation, but how their size is controlled and whether size is linked to function remain poorly understood. The Histone Locus Body (HLB) is an evolutionarily conserved nuclear body that regulates the transcription and processing of histone mRNAs. Here, we show that Drosophila HLBs form through phase separation of the scaffold protein multi-sex combs (Mxc). The size of HLBs is controlled in a precise and dynamic manner that is dependent on the cell cycle and zygotic gene activation. Control of HLB growth is achieved by a mechanism integrating nascent mRNAs at the histone locus, which catalyzes phase separation, and the nuclear concentration of Mxc, which is controlled by the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases. Reduced Cdk2 activity results in smaller HLBs and the appearance of nascent, misprocessed histone mRNAs. Our experiments thus identify a mechanism linking nuclear body growth and size with gene expression.
Impact of Hatching Egg Disinfection on Hatching Characteristics and Chick Embryos

Four thousand two hundred hatching eggs were obtained from Bandarah chicken to evaluate the effect of chemical and natural egg disinfectants and fumigation on egg weight loss, embryonic mortality, hatchability, hatch time, chick weight and chick weight loss. Three incubation trials were done; each one contained 1400 hatched eggs and divided into fourteen treatments (100 eggs per each). First treatment (T1) was used as control without any treatment, eggs of second treatment (T2) were dipped in water and third treatment in alcohol, whereas T4, T5, T6, T7 treated egg groups were dipped in chemical disinfectant (sodium chloride, betadine, hydrogen peroxide, virkon S). Egg of T9, T10, T11, T12, T13 and T14 groups were dipped in natural disinfectants (oregano, cumin 02 and 04 % and oregano+ cumin01 and 02), respectively. The thickest eggshell (031mm) was recorded for betadine group in infertile eggs compared with those for formaldehyde fumigation and oregano+cumin 01% oregano+cumin 01% group (035mm) compared with all other treatment groups. Formaldehyde fumigation recorded the worst and highest significant percentage of embryonic mortality (1795%). Highest significant percentages for hatchability of fertile egg were recorded in egg groups with oregano 02 and 04% (9687 and 9576%), cumin 02 and 04 % (9551and 9715%) and oregano+cumin01 and 02% (9619 and 9615%), respectively.
Stakeholders’ perceptions on water resources management in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Cultural perceptions are an integral part of rural water resources governance, which ostensibly conflict with urban water resources management. Issues of access to water and culturally embedded gender roles are rife in water governance debates. Notwithstanding the importance of cultural perceptions in water management, no study has been undertaken to assess stakeholders’ perceptions on customary and statutory water management institutions and their impact on water management issues in the Okavango Delta. Guided by the cultural lag concept, a purposive sampling technique was used to select three villages (Shakawe, Tubu and Shorobe) in the study area. While 455 household heads were randomly selected to elicit pertinent socio-economic and cultural data via a questionnaire survey, an expert purposive sampling technique was used to select nine key informants from whom in-depth information on the subject was obtained. The results indicated that local people’s perceptions of cultural water management practices were mostly tied to their belief systems even though the existing management strategy is grossly sympathetic towards statutory water management institutions. The paper recommends the blending of customary and statutory water management institutions and placing both of them on the same pedestal in the management of water resources in the Okavango Delta and other, similar social-ecological milieus.
Extensive functional repertoire underpins complex behaviours: insights from Parkinson’s disease

Rapid reconfigurations of brain activity support efficient neuronal communication and flexible behaviour. Suboptimal brain dynamics impair this adaptability, possibly leading to functional deficiencies. We hypothesize that impaired flexibility in brain activity can lead to motor and cognitive symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To test this hypothesis, we studied the ‘functional repertoire’ – the number of distinct configurations of neural activity – using source-reconstructed magnetoencephalography in PD patients and controls. We found stereotyped brain dynamics and reduced flexibility in PD. The intensity of this reduction was proportional to symptoms severity, which can be explained by beta-band hyper-synchronization. Moreover, the basal ganglia were prominently involved in the abnormal patterns of brain activity. Our findings support the hypotheses that: symptoms in PD reflect impaired brain flexibility, this impairment preferentially involves the basal ganglia, and beta-band hypersynchronization is associated with reduced brain flexibility. These findings highlight the importance of extensive functional repertoires for behaviour and motor.
Exploring the Attitudes Toward Interprofessional Practice: Eastern North Carolina Perspectives

Interprofessional health care delivery has the potential to greatly impact the experience, costs, and outcomes of health care. Primary care providers have the capacity to be the tipping point of this change. Primary care providers’ attitudes toward interprofessional care may bolster or impede implementation of the concept. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the attitudes toward interprofessional practice as self-reported by primary care providers in eastern North Carolina (NC). The Attitudes Toward Health Care Teams Scale (ATHCTS), a validated 21-item scale, was used to explore providers’ attitudes toward intentional team-based collaborative practice within a large health system in eastern NC. Providers included physicians, physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners. Cronbach’s alpha for the 21-item scale was calculated at . 877. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to examine a between groups analysis of the mean scores, finding no significant difference between the mean scores of the three professional groups. The findings of the nonparametric, cross-observational, quantitative study are discussed in this report. Further exploration of the attitudes of larger numbers of primary care providers is indicated.
Global variability analysis of mRNA and protein concentrations across and within human tissues

Abstract Genes and proteins show variable expression patterns throughout the human body. However, it is not clear whether relative differences in mRNA concentrations are retained on the protein level. Furthermore, inter-individual protein concentration variability within single tissue types has not been comprehensively explored. Here, we used the Gini index for in-depth concentration variability analysis of publicly available transcriptomics and proteomics data, and of an in-house proteomics dataset of human liver and jejunum from 38 donors. We found that the transfer of concentration variability from mRNA to protein is limited, that established ‘reference genes’ for data normalization vary markedly at the protein level, that protein concentrations cover a wide variability spectrum within single tissue types, and that concentration variability analysis can be a convenient starting point for identifying disease-associated proteins and novel biomarkers. Our results emphasize the importance of considering individual concentration levels, as opposed to population averages, for personalized systems biology analysis.
Ecohydrology of the Venezuelan páramo: water balance of a high Andean watershed

ABSTRACT Background: The páramo provides key ecosystem services, including regulation and provision of water. To understand the underlying functions, an ecosystem approach is necessary. Aims: We quantified the combined effect of vegetation and soils (integrated topographic and vegetation units – TVU) on the hydrological balance of a Venezuelan páramo micro-watershed and analyse its hydrological response to intra- and interannual rainfall variability. Methods: Data (2008–2016) from meteorological stations of TVUs and of a streamflow station was used to calculate watershed level hydrologic balances. We quantified the impact of the TVUs outputs by calculating evapotranspiration under non-standard conditions (ETc adj). Result: Evapotranspiration of wetlands and tarns was high, exceeding annual precipitation. Shrubland had low evapotranspiration. Recharge of páramo reservoirs (soils, wetlands, tarns) occurred when monthly rainfall exceeded 90 mm. In dry years there were lower water yields with less effective hydrological regulation. In average years the differences between input and output in watershed balances were very small. Conclusions: The high and constant evapotranspiration of the wetlands and tarns (due to permanent water availability) suggests they could maintain streamflow during dry periods. Their high evapotranspiration rates are compensated by low rates in shrublands units, reducing the mean total evapotranspiration of the watershed. The watershed balances suggest a limited regulatory capacity in these relatively dry páramos with no volcanic soils.
Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin attenuates the inflammatory response induced by interferon gamma and muramyl dipeptide in epidermal keratinocytes

Stony Brook University Libraries. SBU Graduate School in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Lawrence Martin (Dean of Graduate School), Sanford R. Simon-Dissertation Advisor- Professor Departments of Biochemistry & Cell Biology and Pathology, Richard Kew- Chairperson of Defense- Assistant Professor Department of Pathology, Deborah Brown- Professor Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Martha Furie- Professor Department of Pathology, Thomas Mammone Executive Director, Estee Lauder Co.
Complete plastid genome of the endangered species Paraisometrum mileense (Gesneriaceae) endemic to China

Abstract Paraisometrum mileense is a unique species of Paraisometrum endemic to south-west China, which is a “100-years-lost” plant and was rediscovered in 2006. In this paper, complete plastid genome of P. mileense is firstly assembled and characterized. The length of total plastid genome is 153,259 bp consisting of a large single-copy region (LSC) of 84,293 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,162 bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 25,402 bp. In total, 113 genes are predicted, including 80 protein-coding genes (PCGs), four rRNA genes and 29 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that P. mileense with the other eight Gesneriaceae species formed a clade with a 100% bootstrap support.
THE INFLUENCE OF LAND USE AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES ON THE QUALITY OF GRASSLAND SOIL

Improper conversion of grassland utilization patterns leads to soil quality degradation and increased soil erosion. Analysis of the differences and sensitivities of soil physical, chemical and biological quality indicators under different agricultural management practices, research with the development of Xinjiang YiLi Nalati representing the natural grassland grazing grassland, conventional farming and organic farming fields as the research object. The results showed that the degeneration of soil chemical mass will be much more to see for grazing mode. The most sensitive chemical quality index is soil total nitrogen and organic carbon, especially 0.25-2 mm and 2-8 mm soil organic carbon content. The farmland cultivation mode stimulates the soil microorganism’s ability of absorbing carbon and nitrogen, which goes against the soil carbon and nitrogen’s conservation especially for a long-term fertilizer application in the regular farming mode.
Sources de résistance
 d'Opuntia
 spp. contre la cochenille à carmin,
 Dactylopius opuntiae
 , au Maroc

This article describes the screening of 248 genotypes of different species of Opuntia spp. for resistance to Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae). This cactus germplasm came from a collection maintained at the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA), Morocco. The objective of this research was to identify ecotypes or clones resistant to this cochineal in order to reconstitute the cactus orchards that have been totally devastated in several regions of the kingdom. Natural and artificial infestations from surrounding hedgerows were monitored on a one‐hectare plot planted with 744 cactus plants belonging to these 248 genotypes of Opuntia spp. The design of the experiment was a randomized complete block with three replicates. Data on the evolution of the vegetative state of the cactus plants, as well as their level of infestation with the cochineal, was collected regularly. The results show that only seven ecotypes (Marjana, Belara, Karama, Ghalia, Angad, Cherratia and Melk Zhar) proved to be resistant to the soft scale pest, compared to the rest of the 241 clones that were infested. The seven resistant ecotypes have been registered in the national cactus catalogue and a parcel of mother plants with this identified plant material resistant to D. opuntiae was established. These resistant ecotypes will be the subject of later studies of resistance mechansims (antibiosis and antixenosis) for the cochineal and also for research on genetic improvement of the cactus in Morocco.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of an economic plant Salix wilsonii

Abstract In this study, we report the first complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of Salix wilsonii. The cp genome is 155,026 bp in length, exhibiting a typical quadripartite structure of a large single copy (LSC) region of 83,917 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 16,285 bp and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) region of 27,412 bp. The overall base composition of the cp genome in asymmetric order is A: 32.09%, C: 17.94%, G: 18.65%, and T: 31.31%, and the AT content is 63.4%, whereas the proportions of AT contents in LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 66.53%, 68.99%, and 58.27%, respectively. Further, phylogenetic analysis of 46 species shows that S. wilsonii is evolutionarily closest to Sailx tetrasperma, and both of them belong to the genus Salix.
Germline burden of rare damaging variants negatively affects human healthspan and lifespan

Genome-wide association studies often explore links between particular genes and phenotypes of interest. Known genetic variants, however, are responsible for only a small fraction of human lifespan variation evident from genetic twin studies. To account for the missing longevity variance, we hypothesized that the cumulative effect of deleterious variants may affect human longevity. Here, we report that the burden of rarest protein-truncating variants (PTVs) negatively impacts both human healthspan and lifespan in two large independent cohorts. Longer-living subjects have both fewer rarest PTVs and less damaging PTVs. In contrast, we show that the burden of frequent PTVs and rare non-PTVs is less deleterious, lacking association with longevity. The combined effect of rare PTVs is similar to that of known variants associated with longer lifespan and accounts for 1 − 2 years of lifespan variability. We further find that somatic accumulation of PTVs accounts for a minute fraction of mortality and morbidity acceleration and hence provides little support for its causal role in aging. Thus, damaging mutations, germline and somatic, can only contribute to aging as a result of higher-order effects including interactions of multiple forms of damage.
Organic geochemistry and uranium in Grants mineral belt

Organic material is intimately associated with the primary uranium deposits of the Grants mineral belt. This organic material is now insoluble and nonvolatile, and most of it lacks cellular structure. The relationship of organic matter and uranium can be shown physically, chemically, and statistically. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis have been used to examine the organic matter from several ore deposits. The results show carbon-rich materials that have been severely degraded by radiation from uranium and daughter products. The organic material now resembles amorphous carbon, having lost most of its hydrogen and oxygen. From the uranium content and approximate age the radiation dose is calculatd to be 10/sup 11/ rads. The radiation damage has also produced an interesting new carbon-isotope fractionation effect, by which the carbon associated with ore is enriched in carbon-13 (C/sup 13/) relative to the non-ore carbon. From model experiments and laboratory work on samples from the Grants district, the following hypotheses are made: first, the soluble organic matter (of unknown origin) coated or precipitated on the mineral grains; subsequently, the uranium (probably as uranyl cation or carbonate anio complex) was concentrated in and on this organic matter by ion exchange and chelation with functionalmore » groups. This cycle of organic coating and uranium concentration could have been episodic or continuous but must have lasted at least 10/sup 6/ years, based on calculations using assumed porosity, permeability, hydraulic gradient, uranium content of water, and organic concentration factors. Finally, after 10/sup 8/ years, the radiation damage has created an amorphous carbon material that is deficient in hydrogen and oxygen; this material helps to protect the ore from mobilization because it is chemically inert. « less
Camellia sinensis Tea and Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review

Background: This article aims to provide currently available data and insight science knowledge on association between teas, their polyphenols and the risk of cancers including prostate, liver, lung, gastric, breast, colon and colorectal, esophageal, oral cavity, non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, esdometrial, and pancreatic based on published studies by searching Pub Med and database of Web of Science belonging Institute for Science Information and secondary referencing qualified for inclusion. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of tea in cancer prevention also briefly discussed. The authors hope that this work will be help for readers, researches, reviewers, and editors who are interested in the related field of the Camellia sinensis tea studies.
Bone morphogenetic protein 9 induces osteogenic differentiation of germ cell 1 spermatogonial cells

Germ cell 1 spermatogonial (GC-1spg) cells are multipotent progenitor cells. We previously confirmed that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 9 is among the most osteogenic BMPs. However, whether GC-1spg cells are driven toward osteogenic differentiation under proper stimuli is uncertain. Additionally, the molecular mechanism of BMP9 remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether BMP9 can induce osteogenic differentiation of GC-1spg cells. Recombinant adenoviruses were generated by the AdEasy system to regulate the BMP9 expression in GC-1spg cells. We identified osteogenic markers by real-time PCR and staining techniques in vitro. Ectopic ossification assays and histological analysis were also performed to verify the in vivo activity of BMP9. Finally, potential signaling pathways of BMP9 were assessed by transcriptome sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis. Using recombinant adenoviruses, we demonstrate that BMP9 upregulates osteogenic markers including Runx2, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and Sox9. BMP9 also activates alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition in GC-1spg cells. In vivo results show that BMP9 overexpression in GC-1spg cells promotes ectopic bone formation and chondrogenesis. In addition, RNA-sequencing and KEGG pathway analysis demonstrate that several signaling pathways are involved in BMP9-mediated osteogenesis. GC-1spg cells not only maintain spermatogenesis but also retain the ability to form bone tissue. Therefore, BMP9 activity in GC-1spg cells may help identify signaling pathways implicated in bone formation and could be of use in regenerative medicine.
Isometric beak morphology in Phoenicopterus ruber roseus, Phoenicopteriformes

It is well documented that size of various body parts tends to correlate within the same individual. In the current study, we explore the relationship between body weight and some area and lineal beak measurements in a sample of 17 corpses of Greater flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber roseus (10 immatures and 7 adults), collected and after obtaining beak radiographic latero-lateral projections. On images, the following traits were obtained: area of rhinotheca -the sheath covering the maxilla- and gnathotheca -the sheath covering the mandibular-, rhamphotheca height, ocular area, ocular height, ocular width, height, width and area of nares. Our results suggest that some beak measurements are positively correlated with body weight, while nostril area is not. Specifically, rhinotheca and gnathotheca areas and rhamphotheca height were strongly coupled and largely correlated to body weight. The observed differences in beak dimensions are merely a consequence of body weight difference. It is suggested, that the cranial skeleton and musculature are closely linked at least developmentally, allowing for efficient functional integration, but genetic and functional tests must have been performed to reveal the exact nature of the flamingo beak change.