Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence that [3H]‐α,β‐methylene ATP may label an endothelial‐derived cell line 5′‐nucleotidase with high affinity

1 In membranes prepared from a permanent cell line of endothelial origin (WEC cells), [3H]‐α,β‐methylene ATP ([3H]‐α,β‐meATP) labelled high (pKd = 9.5; Bmax = 3.75 pmol mg−1 protein) and low (pKd = 7.2; Bmax = 23.3 pmol mg−1 protein) affinity binding sites. The high affinity [3H]‐α,β‐meATP binding sites in the WEC cell membranes could be selectively labelled with a low concentration of the radioligand (1 nM). In competition studies performed at a radioligand concentration of 1 nM, 88.6% of the sites possessed high affinity (pIC50 = 8.26) for α,β‐meATP. 2 The high affinity [3H]‐α,β‐meATP binding sites appeared heterogeneous since in competition studies a number of nucleotide analogues (α,β‐meADP, ATP, ADP, AMP, GTP, GppNHp, GMP) and adenosine identified two populations of the sites labelled by 1 nM [3H]‐α,β‐meATP. The proportion of sites with high affinity for these compounds was found to vary between 42 and 69°. 3 Approximately 60–69% of the binding sites labelled with 1 nM [3H]‐α,β‐meATP possessed high affinity for α,β‐meADP (pIC50 = 8.87), AMP (pIC50 = 7.12), GMP (pIC50 = 7.34), UTP (pIC50 = 6.12), GTP (pIC50 = 7.59), GppNHp (plC50 = 735) and adenosine (pIC50 = 5.45). The sites at which these compounds possessed high affinity were probably the same, since, in the presence of GMP at a concentration (10 μm) sufficient to inhibit selectively the binding of [3H]‐α,β‐meATP, the [3H]‐α,β‐meATP binding sites with high affinity for AMP, UTP, α,β‐meADP, GTP, GppNHp and adenosine were also occluded. 4 WEC cell membranes were able to metabolize a trace concentration (6 nM) of [3H]‐AMP to [3H]‐adenosine under the conditions of the binding assay. The pIC50 values of adenosine (5.99), GMP (7.55) and the substrate AMP (7.19) for inhibiting this [3H]‐AMPase activity were almost identical to their high affinity pIC50 estimates obtained in the binding assay. Although α,β‐meADP, α,β‐meATP, β,γ‐meATP, ATP, ADP and GppNHp identified heterogeneity in the [3H]‐AMPase activity of the WEC cells, their pIC50 values for inhibiting the major portion of the [3H]‐AMPase activity were similar to their respective high affinity pIC50 values in the binding assay. It thus seems likely that WEC cells express a form of 5′‐nucleotidase that possesses high affinity for both α,β‐meADP and α,β‐meATP and that this enzyme can be labelled by [3H]‐α,β‐meATP. 5 In the presence of 10 μm GMP, the affinity estimates for α,β‐meADP, AMP, GMP, GTP, GppNHp, ADP and adenosine at the high affinity [3H]‐α,β‐meATP binding sites that remained available, were low and similar to their affinity estimates at the high affinity [3H]‐α,β‐meATP binding sites of rat vas deferens. Since the high affinity [3H]‐α,β‐meATP binding sites in rat vas deferens are thought to be P2x purinoceptors it is possible that the high affinity [3H]‐α,β‐meATP binding sites in the WEC which possess low affinity for α,β‐meADP are also P2x purinoceptors.
Pleistocene refuge areas and postglacial dispersal of copepods of the northeastern United States

The distribution of common freshwater copepods of the northeastern United States has a marked association with major meltwater drainage systems and coastal marine submergence zones formed during the retreat of the Wisconsinan ice sheet. Postglacial dispersal routes inferred from the deglaciation chronology indicate that zooplankton could have come from several major Pleistocene refuges in the Mississippi Valley, Appalachian Plateaus, and mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain, and from northern locations on the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Contemporary distribution patterns suggest that some species of copepods dispersed primarily in surface waters during advances and retreats of continental glaciers. These include species of the calanoid Skistodiaptomus and the cyclopoid Diacyclops thomasi that occur in coastal lowlands and in lower elevation lakes in mountainous areas that could be flooded by retreating ice-front lakes. There is little evidence, except for inadvertent introductions through human activities, that these s.
Subsurface Drip and Overhead Irrigation Effects on Conservation-tilled Cotton in the San Joaquin Valley

Conservation cropping systems are being developed for cotton (Gossypium spp.) traditionally grown on raised beds with several soil-disturbing tillage passes in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) of California, USA. Overhead (OH) irrigation and subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI) systems are water-conserving techniques being tested with reduced tillage in the SJV. However, crop growth, yield, microclimate, and pest population dynamics in these systems have not been documented. A field study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 at Five Points, Calif. , to evaluate the difference between the two irrigation systems. Cotton cv. Phytogen 725 RF was no-till planted into wheat residue. In both years, the soil surfaces in the OH plots were 1° to 2°C cooler and 5% to 15% wetter than the SSDI plots. These differences had no effect on crop growth, development, yield, or quality, but weed densities and biomass were lower in the SSDI than in the OH in both years. However, the SSDI plots had more spider mites (Tetranychus sp.) than the OH plots in 2011. The study showed that cotton could be successfully grown with conservation tillage, high residue systems, with either OH or SSDI systems in the SJV.
Quantification of DNA damage by q-PCR in cryopreserved zebrafish Primordial Germ Cells

Summary Cryopreservation of Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs) for gene banking in fish is very promising considering the limitations that exist in fish embryo. Via germ line chimerism, these cells allow surrogate production in teleost fish. However, cryopreservation involves a range of extreme factors that might be stressful to cells. Moreover, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) produced during cryopreservation can damage DNA. Quantitative PCR was validated to quantify DNA damage mediated directly by reactive oxygen species or by cellular consequences of exposure to ROS. In this study, quantitative PCR (q-PCR) was used for the first time to measure mitochondrial and nuclear DNA damage after PGCs cryopreservation. Our data showed that the smallest number of lesions per 10 Kb was observed in one of the regions of the nuclear genome (2.6). However, nuclear genome was generally more sensitive than mitochondrial genome to damage induced by H2O2 or freezing without cryoprotectants. Using our cryopreservation protocol, the number of DNA lesions per 10 Kb was never higher than 4.68. In summary, q-PCR represents a feasible technique to quantify DNA damage, and this study demonstrates for the first time that it could be successfully applied to analyze PGC protocols.
Attitudes towards pesticide labelling among Greek tobacco farmers

Abstract A survey of tobacco farmers was conducted in the rural area of Pieria in northern Greece to investigate farmers' attitudes towards information given on container labels in respect to pesticide use and safety issues. A large proportion of the farmers (72%) agreed that most information on pesticide labels is hard to read, whereas the vast majority (94%) agreed that most of the information on pesticide labels is hard to understand. More than half of the farmers (63%) reported that they often try to read the labels but do not understand everything featured on them, whereas only a tiny proportion of the farmers (6%) stated that they always read and understand the entire label. Among those farmers who stated that they never read the labels, just over half (53%) reported that it is because they do not understand the information the labels contain, whereas 35% claimed that it is because they already know the information. Two out of three farmers (66%) reported that when buying a pesticide product they mostly pay attention to the directions for use. Few farmers (6%) reported that they pay attention to safety precautions, environmental hazards, and information concerning first aid and antidotes given on the label. Most farmers (57%) reported that when deciding to use a pesticide product they primarily rely on pesticide salesmen's information, while nearly a third (32%) reported that they rely on their own experience. Only a few farmers (6%) stated that they rely primarily on the information found on the product labels. Forty-six percent of the farmers declared that they normally exceed the recommended rates indicated on the label, whereas none reported using less than the label rates. We conclude that essential information about pesticide handling and safety issues found on pesticide labels has to be more effectively communicated to the farmers using appropriate label formats which facilitate noticeability, legibility, and comprehension.
Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters for length and weight of marine net-pen reared coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch Walbaum)

Heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated for length and weight of two brood years (BY 1977 and BY 1978) of coho salmon [Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum)] during the marine net-pen phase of rearing. The estimates were calculated from length and weight measurements on progeny resulting from a nested mating design and measurements at approximately 4 and 7 months after entering sea water. Point estimate for heritabilities based on the sire component for BY 1977 were low to moderate (0.02–0.19) and did not differ significantly from zero. On the other hand, BY 1978 estimates ranged from 0.31 to 0.62 and, with two exceptions, were significantly different from zero. The latter estimates may have been inflated by inclusion of variances from non-additive sources, but still indicated that differences in the genetic potential for increased growth between the two year classes may be substantial. Genetic correlations between length and weight within sampling periods were consistently high (0.95–1.00), indicating that pleiotropic gene action or close linkage among genes affects length and weight. Genetic correlations between body size traits (length and weight) between sampling periods varied considerably but suggested a potential for indirect selection gains. Genetic correlation approximations derived using family means or ranks appeared to provide reliable estimates and may be useful when environmental influences cause a significant deviation from normality.
Activation of the TGF- β/Smad signaling pathway in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Activation of the TGF- β/Smad signaling pathway in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Background Although the pathogenetic relevance of transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β) to glomerulosclerosis is well established, it is not known whether a signal transduction cascade of TGF- β is involved in the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), nor is it clear how TGF- β1 is activated during the course of FSGS formation. Methods We examined the expression patterns of TGF- β1, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), TGF- β type II receptor (TGF- βIIR), phosphorylated Smad2/Smad3, and podocyte-specific epitopes [Wilms' tumor protein-1 (WT-1) and glomerular epithelial protein-1 (GLEPP-1)] in 15 renal biopsy specimens with idiopathic FSGS and six renal biopsies with no detectable abnormalities by means of immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression patterns of TGF- β1, TGF- βIIR, and TSP-1 were further evaluated by in situ hybridization in seven biopsies. Results In the controls, immunostaining for TGF- β1, TSP-1, TGF- βIIR, and phosphorylated Smad2/Smad3 was almost negligible, but an apparent signal for TGF- β1, TSP-1, and TGF- βIIR mRNAs was observed in the visceral glomerular epithelial cells (GEC). In the cases of FSGS, the expression levels of TGF- β1, TSP-1, and TGF- βIIR proteins and mRNAs and phosphorylated Smad2/Smad3 were significantly increased, particularly in the GEC of the sclerotic segments, wherein WT-1 and GLEPP-1 were not detected. Conclusion These results suggest that damage to podocyes may stimulate TGF- β1, TSP-1, and TGF- βIIR expression in GEC, thereby activating the Smad signaling pathway and, in so doing, leading to overproduction of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Thus, a signal transduction cascade of the TGF- β/Smad signaling pathway, which is activated in the GEC, appears to be involved in the development of FSGS.
Quantifying daily migration in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus

In Ireland the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Echinoidea) typically inhabits intertidal bored holes. At Lough Hyne, Co. Cork, a population occurs associated with rock scree in the shallow subtidal zone. This study provides unequivocal quantitative evidence to demonstrate diurnal migration in a population of P. lividus at Lough Hyne, Ireland. Most size groups/age-classes did not to migrate, the youngest always and oldest never occurring under rocks. Those that did migrate between the lower and upper surface of rocks (2+, 3+ and 4+ age categories) did so in exactly the reverse circadian pattern to those described from the Mediterranean Sea.
Protein profile of silkworm midgut of fifth-instar day-3 larvae

Proteomic analysis was performed on the midgut of fifth-instar day-3 female silkworm (Bombyx mori, strain p50) larvae. Though silkworm genome analysis has not yet been completed, the Drosophila genome and silkworm expression sequence tag (EST) data were applied to the analysis of the midgut proteins in the database (DB) for identification. The spots, which were excised manually from two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) gels, were treated with 4-vinylpyridine for alkylation. Each spot was analyzed by capillary high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ion-trap mass spectrometry (MS) after proteolysis using a trypsin. Nearly 60% of the proteins analyzed by MS were identified. These included many kinds of cytoskeleton proteins, ATPase, and chaperonins.
Hypolipidemic Activity of Fermented Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Gruel (Ogi) in Hypercholesterolemic Rats (Rattus nervegicus)

Background: Fermented gruel ( Ogi ) has been reported to have high lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with proven probiotic properties. This fermented food has also has different therapeutic usages. Objective: The activities of fermented sorghum ( Ogi ) on induced hypercholesterolemia in albino rats were investigated. Materials and Methods: The LAB strains were isolated from traditionally fermented sorghum gruel Ogi. Also the ability of the isolates to tolerate bile and produced bile salt hydrolase was also determined. The hypolipidemic activity of fermented gruel ( Ogi ) with and without LAB strains in hypercholesterolemic rats was determined using standard methods. Results: The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in sorghum Ogi ranged between 5. 0792 log 10 CFU/g Original and 5.6990 log 10 while the average values of pH and titratable acidity (TTA) were 3.8 and 0.38 respectively. There was no significant difference between the weights of the animals in the control group (Basal Diet) and the experimental groups (at p<0.05). The mean values of the low density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDLC) in the rats were 188.60±7.27 mg/dl in the animals fed with HLF while the least value was recorded in the Basal diet supplanted with Ogi (BD+ Ogi ) (110.80±26.93 mg/dl). The mean high density lipoproteins cholesterol in the serum of the rats in cholesterol free feed supplemented with BD+ Ogi diet group was the highest (52.600 mg/dl). The amount of the total lipid in the animal fed with high lipid diet (HLF) was significantly higher than the amount in the organs of the animals feed with diets containing BD+ Ogi , HLF+ L. lactis and HLF+ L. brevis (at α = 0.05). In decreasing order, the amount of the glycerides in high lipid feed diets supplemented with Ogi , Lactobacillus lactis and L. brevis . The mean value of the Aspartate transaminase in the animals in Basal Diet group was higher at the commencement of the experiment (275.45±34.43 IU/L). while the level of the alanine transaminase was not significantly different (at p< 0.05). The histo-pathological micrograph of the various organs revealed the hypolipidemic potential activity of fermented sorghum. Conclusion: The diets supplemented with the fermented food showed better activity against hypercholesterolemia in the rat groups than their microbial isolates. It would therefore be safe to recommend these foods to individuals with this disease situation and those with incidence of coronary heart disease in Nigeria.
Influences of Cyanobacterial Toxins Microcystins on the Seedling of Plants

Cyanobacterial blooms associated by their toxins have been increasing in frequency in fresh water bodies throughout the world. Among the cyanobacterial toxins, microcystins (MC) are the most common and cause severe adverse impacts on plants, aquatic organisms and human beings. In this study, the effects of MC (at the concentrations of 20 and 200 μg·L-1) from field water and crude extract of cyanobacterial scum (mainly Microcystis spp.) from the Dau Tieng Reservoir, Vietnam, on the seedlings of three plants, Brassica rapa-chinensis, B. narinosa and Nasturtium officinale, were investigated for over a period of 7 days. The results showed that MC reduced the fresh weight, root and shoot length of the exposed seedlings. In addition, abnormalities of leaf shape and color of B. rapa-chinensis under exposure to MC were observed. The results implied that MC were taken up and might be accumulated in the seedlings possessing potential risk to consumers as seedlings of these plants are a common food source for Vietnamese. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of MC on B. rapa-chinensis, B. narinosa and N. officinale.
Aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) in wetland habitats in western Palaearctic: key and associated aphid parasitoid guilds

Abstract This paper presents over 66 tritrophic parasitoid-aphid-plant associations from wetland habitats in western Palaearctic, comprising 24 parasitoid species, 24 aphid hosts and over 30 plant species, based on records from 25 countries. Seven new associations are documented. About half of the established tritrophic associations (34) were recorded rarely, while 6 associations have been documented more than 100 times each, based on 4 common and widespread Aphidiinae species. The majority of recorded parasitoid species (16) are involved in only 1–2 tritrophic associations, 7 species were recorded in 3–5 associations, and one species (Praon necans) is a member of even 16 different associations based on wetland habitats. Generally, the most frequently recorded associations are based on some very common and widespread parasitoids not specific for this class of habitats. On the basis of distribution, host range and habitat specialization we have divided aphid parasitoid associations in wetland habitats into three ecological categories. The most specialized group, containing rarely recorded parasitoid species whose distribution and aphid hosts are strictly associated with wetland habitats, is potentially highly vulnerable to extinction. The role of aphids associated with wetland habitats as reservoirs for economically important parasitoid species is discussed and a key for the identification of aphid parasitoids in wetland habitats is provided.
Protection of Aquatic Biodiversity in California: A Five-tiered Approach

Abstract Aquatic biodiversity is being lost at an even more rapid rate than terrestrial biodiversity, especially in arid regions such as California. In the United States, it is increasingly obvious that the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) cannot adequately deal with this loss. To help solve this problem, we have developed a five-tiered approach for aquatic conservation in California that should be applicable to other regions as well: (1) immediate ESA listing of species likely to be extirpated in the next 20 years; (2) implementation of restoration-oriented management strategies for clusters of declining species that inhabit the same habitats or drainages; (3) creation of a system of drainages and habitats called Aquatic Diversity Management Areas that provides systematic, statewide protection of aquatic biodiversity; (4) designation of a system of key watersheds, starting with seven pilot watershed projects that represent a diversity of challenges; and (5) development of schemes for bioregional land.
Genetic studies of South Australian Merino sheep. 3. Heritabilities of various wool and body traits

Heritabilities have been estimated for a large number of quantitative and qualitative wool and body traits recorded on two flocks of South Australian Merino sheep over a 12-year period. Data were unadjusted for fixed environmental effects and so the estimates are applicable to the heterogeneous populations found in most practical situations. Dam-offspring heritabilities of quantitative traits ranged from 0.15 for primary follicle number to 0.63 for body weight. Greasy and clean fleece weights, percentage clean yield, staple length, crimps per inch, fibre diameter, secondary and total follicle number, skin thickness, coefficient of variation of fibre diameter and secondary/primary follicle ratio had moderate to high heritabilities. Dam-offspring heritabilities of qualitative traits ranged from 0.12 for weather damage of the fleece to 0.75 for birthcoat. Total folds, face cover and hocks had high heritabilities, and wool character, type of staple formation and wool quality had moderate heritabilities. The main production traits (body weight, greasy fleece weight, yield, clean fleece weight, staple length, fibre diameter and total follicle number) were corrected for variation due to type of birth and age of dam and their heritabilities re-estimated. No change occurred in the half-sib heritabilities; dam-offspring heritabilities increased by an average of 0.05.
Systematics of the Genus Eubothrium Nybelin (Cestoda, Pseudophyllidea), with Partial Re‐description of the Species

Material from as many species of the cestode genus Eubothrium as could be obtained (six out of nine existing species), from a range of hosts and from both marine and freshwater habitats, were examined both by light and scanning electron microscopy. The scolex shape as seen with SEM turned out to be a very valuable specific character. Particular attention was also paid to the possibility that intra‐specific races, distinguishable on biological criteria, might in addition exhibit characteristic morphological differences.
Biological control of Phytophthora drechsleri Tucker, the causal agent of pistachio gummosis, under greenhouse conditions by use of Actinomycetes

Actinomycetes enhance soil fertility and have antagonistic activity against wide range of plant root-pathogens. These microorganisms were isolated from agricultural soils of Kerman as pure cultures. Phytophthora drechsleri Tucker, causes gummosis and root rot of pistachio trees worldwide. From 130 Actinomycetes isolates, 12 inhibited growth of the pathogen of pistachio gummosis in culture plates and four of the most active isolates exhibited biological control of the pathogen under greenhouse conditions. When plants were grown in sterile soil mix and treated both with Actinomycetes and the pathogen, the number of healthy plants increased dramatically and the symptoms on diseased plants were less severe in comparison with seedlings treated with the pathogen alone. From the collected data it was well conclusive that in greenhouse tests, soil applications of Actinomycetes controlled causal agent of root rot of pistachio seedlings. Antifungal activity was of fungicidal type on the pathogen mycelia. From the stand point of biotechnological goals, the results indicate that the active isolates can be investigated for use as biofertilizers, biofungicides and use in future development of recombinant DNA in pistachio trees bearing elevated resistance to gummosis. Field trials of the active isolates are under investigation