Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BIOCHEMICAL VALUES STABILITY IN SERUM AND PLASMA OF RENAL DISEASED PATIENTS

The stability of five parameters in serum and plasma after prolonged storage was studied by determining the effects of storage temperature and time on the laboratory results of samples obtained from renal diseased patients. Serum and plasma were separated from clot and red cells and analysed in duplicates immediately to obtain the baseline fresh value (zero hour value). The remaining serum and plasma were stored at 4 0 C ± 2 0 C and 32 0 C ± 2 0 C for 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours, and then assayed in duplicates. Statistically significant changes from the zero hour mean value were determined using ANOVA. Instability (P<0.05) was observed at 32 0 C for sodium and potassium ions after 96 hours, chloride after 72 hours, creatinine after 42hours and urea after 24 hours. All parameters in serum and plasma stored at 4 0 C (refrigerated) were stable within 5 days. Proper storage temperatures and time must therefore be considered for these analytes if measurement does not to take place immediately after specimen collection.
Effects of soy protein on selected enzymes in tissues of rats fed a cholesterol diet

Soy protein, an important component of soybeans is unique among plant-based protein because of its associated isoflavones. Isoflavones are a group of compounds with variety of biological properties that may potentially benefit human health. Their actions in various tissues have motivated researchers to access the possible related mechanisms and functions. This study is aimed at determining the effect of soy protein on selected tissue enzymes (used as aids in early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease) in rats fed a cholesterol diet. 24 male Wistar albino rats were assigned randomly into three groups. The first group serving as control was placed on normal diet while groups two and three were fed diet containing 5% cholesterol and 5% cholesterol plus 5% soy protein, respectively. The animals were placed on their respective diet for 7 weeks and at weekly interval LDH, ALT, AST and -GT activities in the liver, kidney and heart were monitored. At the end of the study period, LDH, ALT, AST and -GT activities were substantially reduced in the liver, kidney and heart of rats fed soy protein plus cholesterol diet compared with those fed cholesterol diet without soy protein. These results indicate that soy protein reduces the accumulation of excess fat in the liver, kidney and heart and thus prevent cell death due to lipotoxicity.
Sri Lanka Field Survey after the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

An International Tsunami Survey Team (ITST) consisting of scientists from the United States, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka evaluated the impacts of the 26 December 2004 transoceanic tsunami in Sri Lanka two weeks after the event. Tsunami runup height, inundation distance, morphological changes, and sedimentary characteristics of deposits were recorded and analyzed along the southwest and east coasts of the country. Preliminary results show how local topography and bathymetry controlled the limits of inundation and associated damage to the infrastructure. The largest wave height of 8.71 m was recorded at Nonagama, while the greatest inundation distance of 390 m and runup height of 12.50 m was at Yala. At some sites, human alterations to the landscape increased the damage caused by the tsunami; this was particularly evident in areas of coral poaching and of sand dune removal.
Integrating classical and spatial multivariate analyses for assessing morphological variability in the endemic Iberian viper Vipera seoanei

Historical and ecological processes have deeply affected biogeographic patterns of animals. Studying morphological variability of species, using classical and spatial analyses, can elucidate these patterns and give insights on both processes. Morphological variability of the endemic Iberian viper Vipera seoanei is examined to identify morphological coherent groups, biogeographic patterns and the putative role of abiotic pressures in the geographic variation of morphological variation. Results from classic and spatial multivariate analyses over 27 morphometric traits for 468 specimens from the global range of the species were integrated. Classic analyses reported large morphological variability and confirmed the differentiation of two coherent groups, which are representatives of current subspecies. Spatial analyses reported a geographic gradient pattern from western Cantabrian Mountains to the rest of the study area. Areas of high morphological variability were found, and two spatial coherent groups with an integration zone were recognized. Significant spatial correlations and trends suggest that some traits could be under selection and may display adaptations to local environments. Although observed patterns can be attributed to Pleistocene climatic cycles, an adaptive diversification of the species is supported. The combination of classical and spatial multivariate analyses is a useful methodology to identify morphological patterns and infer underlying factors.
Studies on Anabaena sp. NCCU-9 with special reference to phycocyanin

Phycocyanin is a major light harvesting pigment of cyanobacteria. Phycocyanin has gained importance in many biotechnological applications in food sciences, therapy, immunodiagnostics, cosmetics and pharmacological processes. Screening of cyanobacterial strain showed maximum phycobiliprotein in Anabaena NCCU-9. It was followed by optimization of extraction conditions. Sodium phosphate buffer, pH-7.5, supplemented with 0.15 M sodium chloride, freezing and thawing (-20 & 4°C) enhanced the total phycobiliprotein extraction. In this paper purification and characterization of phycocyanin: one of the important phycobiliprotein is being presented. Extraction, ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis, gel chromatography and SDS PAGE gave phycocyanin of 4.45 purity value and a band of 18.5 kDa.
Potential mechanisms for the antioxidant effects of Jasonia montana

The use of medicinal plants as a dietary supplement is increasing in parallel with the research on it's therapeutically roles on human health. A literature survey indicated that polyphenols from Jasonia montana represent a promising antioxidant activity. Quercetin is the most common Jasonia montana polyphenols. Also, Jasonia montana quercetin derivatives act as antioxidants in vitro by scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and chelating redox- active transition metal ions. This review will discuss the mechanism of antioxidant and chelating activity of quercetin in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications.
Effects of isolation on the colonisation of restored habitat patches by forest‐dependent arthropods of soil and litter

Abstract. 1 A novel experimental approach was taken to investigate the effects of distance from rainforest remnants on the recolonisation patterns of ants and other soil and litter arthropods in ‘restored’ habitat patches within a pasture matrix. 2 Experimental habitat patches were created by adding a thick mulch of sterilised woodchips and leaves, and simulating shade using shadecloth, to create conditions similar to those that occur during rainforest restoration. These patches were deployed at five experimental sites in the Maleny plateau of subtropical eastern Australia. Artificial habitat patches were located at varying distances from a rainforest edge at each site, as well as within the rainforest. The experiment also included a test for efficacy of inoculation, which involved translocation of a small quantity of litter (containing live arthropods) from rainforest habitat to isolated habitat patches. 3 The results showed that, after 9 months, there was little colonisation by rainforest‐dependent taxa in any of the experimental plots beyond those closely adjacent to forest patches. Inoculation was unsuccessful in increasing the extent of arthropod establishment. 4 A number of explanations that potentially account for the observed results are suggested. An experimental approach provides an opportunity to test explicitly for factors considered important for the development of biota in restored habitat patches. There are, however, unavoidable limitations associated with the design of experiments that simulate small‐scale analogues of restoration treatments. Avoiding these limitations may require controlled and replicated efforts in experimental restoration over larger areas, based on collaborations between researchers and practitioners.
Analyses of Free and Bound Phenolics in Rice

Free and bound phenolics in 21 japonica cultivars (Oryza sativa) of rice bran and polished rice were analyzed using 3D-HPLC. Although we observed high content variations among cultivars, the major free phenolics were ferulic acid (1) and p-coumaric acid (2). Rice bran and polished rice contained 0.25-2.9 (mean, 0.56) mg/100 g and 0-277 (mean, 65) μg/100 g of 1 and 0.1-1.1 (mean, 0.43) mg/100 g and 0-159 (mean, 24) μg/100 g of 2, respectively. Contents of bound phenolics were much more than those of free phenolics and variations in contents of bound phenolics among cultivars were less than those of free phenolics. The major bound phenolics were 1, 2 and 5, 5'-diferulic acid ((E, E)-4, 4'-dihydroxy-5, 5'-dimethoxy-3'-bicinnamic acid, 3). Rice bran and polished rice contained 22-225 (mean, 155) mg/100 g and 1.7-13 (mean, 7.1) mg/100 g of bound 1, 51-243 (mean, 116) mg/100 g and 0.5-4.9 (mean, 1.8) mg/100 g of bound 2 and 3-22 (mean, 9.8) mg/100 g and 0.04-0.5 (mean, 0.26 mg/100 g) of bound 3, respectively. 5, 8'-Diferulic acid benzofuran form (trans-5-[(E)-2-carboxyvinyl]-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-2, 3-dihydrobenzofuran-3-carboxylic acid, 4) was first detected in cell wall of rice bran and the content of 4 was seven times higher than 3, showing that 4 is the major diferulic acid in this location.
Taxonomic Re-Assessment of Kindbergia (Brachytheciaceae, Bryophyta) in China, with a Description of Pseudokindbergia gen. nov.

Abstract — The distribution and systematic position of Kindbergia Ochyra in China is reevaluated. The phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear marker (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and chloroplastic markers (rpl16, trnG, and trnL-F) show that the alleged species of “Kindbergia” in China and Himalayas form a maximally supported clade (1.00 PP and 100 MPBS), which is closely related to the clade of Brachythecium Schimp. , Eurhynchiadelphus Ignatov et Huttunen, and Myuroclada Besch. , whereas the other Kindbergia specimens from Africa, America, Europe, Japan and the Southern Hemisphere form a monophyletic group, which is sister to Scleropodium Schimp. The specimens of Chinese species of “Kindbergia” are found, both molecularly and morphologically, to be identical with the Himalayan K. dumosa (Mitt.) Ignatov et Huttunen, and differ from Kindbergia specimens from other regions in the world in the shape of proximal branch leaves, operculum shape and capsule orientation. A new monotypic genus Pseudokindbergia M. Li, Y.F. Wang, Ignatov et B.C. Tan, is established to accommodate only the generitype P. dumosa (Mitt.) M. Li, Y.F. Wang, Ignatov et B.C. Tan, comb. nov. (≡ Hypnum dumosum Mitt.), and Bryhnia serricuspis (Mitt.) Y.F. Wang et R.L. Hu (≡ Eurhynchium serricuspis Mitt.) is considered synonymous with it.
Near‐to‐nature logging influences fungal community assembly processes in a temperate forest

Summary 1. As the Earth’s biota enters the sixth great mass extinction event recorded in the history of the planet, it is predicted that the erosion of biodiversity will result in the reduction of the goods and services that ecosystems provide. To mediate the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem function associated with wood production in temperate forests in Europe, a near-to-nature strategy has been developed. Whether this strategy enables natural assembly mechanisms of fungi responsible for major ecosystem processes is unknown. 2. We analysed variation in species richness and both the functional and phylogenetic structure of fungal assemblages of different trophic life histories (soil saprotrophic, wood saprotrophic, and ectomycorrhizal fungi) in 69 beech forest plots along a steep gradient of management intensity. We focused on reproductive traits to test the hypothesis that management intensity shifts community assembly mechanisms from limitations in niche overlap that promote the coexistence of dissimilar species to environmental filtering that selects for similar species. Specifically, we hypothesized that unpredictable resources in production forests filter the assemblages, promoting species with small fruit bodies and with small and elongated spores. 3. As management intensity increased, functional diversity decreased from a random pattern to a clustered pattern, which indicated that management intensity increased the strength of environmental filtering. However, phylogenetic diversity increased from a random pattern to an overdispersed pattern. Combining phylogenetic diversity with functional diversity did not provide additional insight into the traits but revealed a contrasting pattern. Reproduction traits of the assemblages shifted, with a decrease in mean fruit body size and an increase in spore elongation. 4. Synthesis and applications. Near-to-nature logging concepts are not able to mimic the major processes that shape fungal community assembly in protected forests. This could have severe consequences for important ecosystem functions provided by fungi. The phylogenetic overdispersion indicated that analyses of other traits in addition to reproductive traits are required to disentangle the factors affecting fungal community structure.
Predaceous Diving Beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) of the Nearctic Region, with emphasis on the fauna of Canada and Alaska

Dytiscid beetles comprise a large element within the Canadian fauna yet their identification is difficult for the nonspecialist and the distribution and habitats of the species are only sketchily known. The initial and continued aims are to make the predaceous water beetle fauna of Canada accessible to as wide an audience as possible by summarizing available knowledge of the fauna, documenting the species present and their distribution and habitats, providing means for the identification of the taxa, and indicating where knowledge is especially lacking and where interesting and possibly productive research avenues lie. To achieve these aims it has been necessary to revise several genera, review the systematic position of many taxa and to seek out immature stages of various taxa. Much new information, including descriptions of new taxa, is included in this book. The aim of the work being to aid and encourage others to look at water beetles with increased interest and appreciation and to stimulate research on these poorly understood insects. The Canadian fauna cannot be understood without reference to the overall Nearctic fauna and therefore the scope gradually enlarged over time to include most of the North American fauna. This work treats all Nearctic genera and most species. Detailed treatment is provided for all species known from Canada. Non-Canadian species are treated as fully in some genera, in others these species are included only in keys. Only within genera where some species are too poorly known to allow their definition, are all species not included. The areas with the most incomplete coverage are both the Gulf States and southwestern United States, namely western Texas to southern California. For the rest of the continent, it is hoped that this work will provide a useful identification guide.
Three new species of the Liolaemus elongatus group (Iguania: Liolaemidae) from Argentina

We describe three new species of Liolaemus from Southern Argentina.These new species belong to the monophyletic Liolaemus elongatus group, included within thesubgenus Liolaemus sensu stricto. Two of the new species inhabits in southern MendozaProvince and the other one inhabits in central west Rio Negro Province. The new speciesexhibit character states that distinguish they from all other members of the L. elongatus group.Those character states include color pattern, number of scales in dorsum, shape of temporalscales, and size (among others). Although with those new species we clarify the taxonomicstatus of several populations which belongs to the L. elongatus group, many remain unknown.
Root Graft Transmission of Tree Pathogens

The role of root grafting as an avenue of transmission of tree pathogens has been speculated upon only in comparatively recent times. Sorauer (62) briefly mentioned root grafting in Handbuch der Pflanzen Krankheiten. Little data accumulated on this subject until investigations of annosus root rot, oak wilt, and Dutch elm disease revealed the destructive potential of this avenue of pathogen transmission in dense stands of trees. Although there is not a great deal of literature on this subject, the literature we do have constitutes a very clear message identifying high density, monoculture systems of tree production as being very conducive to the extreme intensifi­ cation of losses due to attack by certain pathogens. Clear or otherwise, the message is being ignored in many quarters. With the advent of the Dutch elm disease in the United States, especially in the midwestern states, solid, unbroken rows of American elm have given way to solid, unbroken rows of other species, for example, maple, sycamore, linden, etc. This failure to communicate the risky nature of such management may be due (in some measure) to a reluctance on the part of some scientists to accept the signifi­ cance of root graft transmission in tree disease dynamics but also to a general unawareness on the part of many urban planners and formulators of public policy that such a phenomenon even exists. Traditionally, trees were believed to function as distinct entities; they were thought to interrelate only as they modified the environment and competed with other plants for space, light, water, nutrients, etc. Indeed, the concept of competition between plant units now is well established and
Multi-compartmental modeling of HIV-1 cryptic viremia

Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) can suppress plasma HIV below the limit of detection in normal assays. Recently reported results suggest that viral replication may continue in some patients, despite undetectable levels in the blood. It is broadly reported that latently infected cells are the main cause of this persistence under cART. It has been suggested that the appearance of the circularized episomal HIV DNA artifact 2-LTR, following treatment intensification with the integrase inhibitor raltegravir, is a marker of ongoing viral replication. These 2-LTR episomes are assumed to be formed from the virus DNA copies that could not be integrated in the DNA of the CD4+ T Cells caused by raltegravir. Other work has suggested that lymphoid organs may be a site of reduced antiviral penetration and increased viral production. Given the fact that raltegravir does not affect viral load in peripheral blood, the main hypothesis of viral persistence through ongoing replication is that the process is happening in anatomical reservoirs related to poor penetration of reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors. This thesis proposes a mathematical model to investigate whether lymph nodes can function as sanctuary sites for ongoing viral replication and investigates the patterns of 2-LTR formation expected after raltegravir application, incorporating spatial dynamics to previous models. It also describes the mechanisms by which this could be possible, and the conditions needed to generate the transient behavior of both measured 2-LTR and HIV viremia in the blood after administering raltegravir in patients on apparently suppressive cART regimens as shown in recent studies. A multicompartmental differential equation is described taking into account the dynamics of infected and uninfected CD4+ T cells, free virus, and cells containing 2-LTR circles. The sanctuary site is modeled with limited penetration of the antiviral drugs.
CD8α+ and CD11b+ Dendritic Cell-Restricted MHC Class II Controls Th1 CD4+ T Cell Immunity 1

The activation, proliferation, differentiation, and trafficking of CD4 T cells is central to the development of type I immune responses. MHC class II (MHCII)-bearing dendritic cells (DCs) initiate CD4+ T cell priming, but the relative contributions of other MHCII+ APCs to the complete Th1 immune response is less clear. To address this question, we examined Th1 immunity in a mouse model in which I-Aβb expression was targeted specifically to the DCs of I-Aβb−/− mice. MHCII expression is reconstituted in CD11b+ and CD8α+ DCs, but other DC subtypes, macrophages, B cells, and parenchymal cells lack of expression of the I-Aβb chain. Presentation of both peptide and protein Ags by these DC subsets is sufficient for Th1 differentiation of Ag-specific CD4+ T cells in vivo. Thus, Ag-specific CD4+ T cells are primed to produce Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ. Additionally, proliferation, migration out of lymphoid organs, and the number of effector CD4+ T cells are appropriately regulated. However, class II-negative B cells cannot receive help and Ag-specific IgG is not produced, confirming the critical MHCII requirement at this stage. These findings indicate that DCs are not only key initiators of the primary response, but provide all of the necessary cognate interactions to control CD4+ T cell fate during the primary immune response.
Changing distribution and abundance of Swan Goose Anser cygnoides in the Yangtze River floodplain: the likely loss of a very important wintering site

Summary Virtually the entire population of the globally ‘Vulnerable’ Swan Goose Anser cygnoides winters in the Yangtze floodplain. Historically, the species was widely distributed throughout the floodplain but now approximately 95% of the population is confined to three closely-situated wetlands in Anhui and Jiangxi Provinces. Recent counts indicate that at one of these sites, Shengjin Lake (in Anhui), a decline of about 10,000‐20,000 birds, to about 1,000 currently, has taken place during the last five years. The likely cause of the decline in Swan Goose abundance at Shengjin Lake is the recent decrease in submerged vegetation, particularly tuber-producing Vallisneria which is the species’s main food; this decrease has been linked with the introduction of intensive aquaculture in the main areas used by Swan Geese within the lake. Earlier range contractions in the Yangtze floodplain may also be linked to reductions in submerged vegetation cover at other sites, where intensive aquaculture has also been implicated. Changes in lake hydrology following construction of the Three Gorges Dam may also have adversely affected submerged vegetation productivity. Key information needs for the effective implementation of conservation measures for Swan Goose include an understanding of (1) the fitness consequences of Swan Geese being forced to switch to different foods; (2) how aquaculture can be managed to minimise impacts on submerged vegetation; (3) the impact of changing lake hydrology on key Swan Goose food plants; and (4) the optimal management of wetlands to ensure that adequate food is both produced during the summer period and is available throughout the winter.