Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
European bat lyssaviruses — an ecological enigma

ABSTRACT The first European case of bat rabies was reported in 1954. Since then, more than 800 cases have been confirmed from 13 countries. The causative agents are European Bat Lyssavirus Type-1 (EBLV-1) and Type-2 (EBLV-2). The natural host of EBLV-1 seems to be the serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus) with more than 95% of all cases reported in this species. Although much fewer EBLV-2 cases have been identified, it seems that Myotis dasycneme and M. daubentonii are likely to be the principal hosts' species for this virus. The ecological mechanisms underlying the transmission of EBLV-1 and EBLV-2 are still poorly understood. In order to assess the public health risks associated with EBLVs and the implications for bat conservation, some issues need urgent clarification. In this review some of the most pressing topics will be addressed. Only collaboration between a range of disciplines that include virologists, epidemiologists and bat conservationists will be able to elucidate some of these unanswered questions.
The GH/IGF axis in the mouse kidney

textabstractGrowth hormone (GH) is a protein hormone synthesized and secreted by somatotroph cells within the anterior pituitary predominantly under regulation of hypothalamic peptides, GH releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SS) (1-3) (Figure 1). Further, production of GH is modulated by various neuronal and endocrine factors. Genetic predisposition, nutrition, stress, exercise and sleep pattern are all known to influence GH release. GH itself can regulate its own production at the hypothalamic level, where it modulates the release of GHRH and SS (2), and at pituitary level where it has autocrine inhibitory effect on secretion from the somatotroph (4) (Figure 1). GH secretion is also regulated through a negative feedback loop involving the principal mediator of GH activity, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) (5) (Figure 1). High serum levels of IGF-I are believed to decrease GH secretion not only by directly suppressing the somatotroph, but also by stimulating release of somatostatin from the hypothalamus. However, recent results from liverspecific IGF-I KO mouse suggest that IGF-I feedback regulates GH secretion at the pituitary rather than at the hypothalamic level (6). Integration of all the factors that affect GH synthesis and secretion results in a pulsatile pattern of release.
Alkaline-rich quartz syenite intrusions of the Western Karelia subprovince

Abstract We have studied a group of granitoids from the Western Karelia subprovince of the Fennoscandian Shield. This group is referred to as quartz syenites, but shows compositional variation from syenites to quartz monzonites, with a small number of monzonites and granites. Compositionally studied rocks are alkali and alkali-calcic, and magnesian, mostly metaluminous. Characteristically, they have a high content of alkaline (Na, K), large ion lithophile elements (LILE) (Ba, Sr), high-field strength elements (HFSE) (TiO2, Zr, Ce), as well as a low content of Mg, Ni and Cr, by which they can be distinguished from sanukitoid and quartz diorite suites of the Karelia Province. These quartz syenites were emplaced between 2.74 and 2.66 Ga, representing late-phase intrusions overlapping in age with the sanukitoids, the quartz diorites and the leucogranitoids. Initial whole-rock ϵNd values of quartz syenites vary from 1.8 to −1.8, and do not indicate a significant contribution of considerably older crust. Oxygen-isotope data for zircon indicate a varying mantle source (δ18O 5.35–7.15‰), with a contribution from source(s) with elevated δ18O values. Our data provide constraints on compositionally diverse Neoarchaean magmatism in the Archaean Karelia Province. The late Archaean evolution of the Western Karelia subprovince resembles that of the Neoarchean domains worldwide with respect to granitoid composition and temporal distribution. Supplementary material: Tables detailing geochemical analyses, analytical data for the five age samples and oxygen-isotope analyses from this study are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare. c.3459771
Plant Demography and Habitat: A Comparative Approach

Abstract Progress in plant demography will depend upon being able to synthesize a large body of data and this requires a means of comparing populations between sites and species. We have employed a comparative technique using elasticity analysis of stage-projection matrices to partition the contributions of fecundity (F), survival (L) and growth (G) to the finite rate of increase λ. Ordination of populations of 77 perennial herbs and trees in G-L-F space has shown that species segregate in this triangular space according to their life history and habitat. In the present paper we use the correspondence between demographic parameters and habitat revealed by this method to predict how succession and a variety of environmental factors such as grazing and fire are likely to alter the demography of populations and ultimately to change the composition of communities.
Pollen tube growth and early seed development in Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell. (Myrtaceae) in relation to ovule structure and preferential outcrossing.

Pistils of Eucalyptus regnans were observed by bright field, fluorescence, phase contrast, Nomarski, and scanning electron microscopy from 4 weeks prior to anthesis to 16 weeks after self- and cross- pollination. The transmitting tissue of the style had a central canal which extended for half its length. The unfertilised ovary contained a mean of 30.5 ovular structures with 16.5 normal ovules, 2.5 abnor- mal ovules, and 11.5 sterile ovulodes. The ovules were arranged in two rows in three (occasionally four) locules. The ovulodes always occupied positions at the stylar end of the ovary, but with this exception there was no pattern to the occurrence of the abnormal ovules. Pollen tubes grew between the cells'of the transmitting tissue, and not in the stylar canal. Penetration of the ovules had commenced by 5 days after both self- and cross-pollination. The early fertilised ovule contained a zygote and free-nuclear endosperm, and embryos with between 1 and 16 cells were present at 16 weeks after pollination. Not all normal ovules were fertilised, despite adequate numbers of pollen tubes. Ovulodes were never observed to be penetrated by a pollen tube, but with this exception there was no relationship between position on the placenta and either the penetration of ovules by a pollen tube or the occurrence of fertilised ovules. There was no difference between self- and cross-pollination in either the number of ovules penetrated by a pollen tube, or the number of fertilised ovules up to 16 weeks following pollination.
Swimming Speed and Swimming Metabolism of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) in Relation to Available Food: A Laboratory Study

A laboratory study was performed on how young Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) regulate their swimming speed according to available food. A circular tank 15 m in diameter was divided into six sectors, each containing two cod ranging in length from 29 to 42 cm. Live fish 5 cm long on average were used as prey. For the first 48 d food intake was changed every 1 or 2 wk equally for all six groups. During the last 31 d each group received different amounts of food. The mean swimming speed was highest (0.6 bl/s) when food intake was about half the maximum intake and lowest (0.2 bl/s) when food was unlimited or not available. Swimming metabolism was related to food intake in a similar way, but with a larger difference between the most active (50 mg O2∙kg−1∙h−1) and the least active group (10 mg O2∙kg−1∙h−1). Maximum sustained swimming metabolism was estimated to be about 0.6 times the standard metabolism. The estimated energetic cost of swimming as a percentage of energy obtained from the food decreased with food in.
SNP diversity in introduced populations of the invasive Gambusia holbrooki.

– We used a targeted gene approach to amplify genomic fragments to characterise single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in introduced European populations of the invasive mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki. Patterns of diversity within and among European populations of G. holbrooki and American collections of G. holbrooki and Gambusia affinis reveal unexpected high diversities within European populations. This ascertainment bias is one of the major challenges in the development of SNP markers for monitoring species involved in worldwide introductions. Pattern of diversity among European populations confirmed diverse introductions, as suggested by earlier mtDNA studies. However, SNPs showed larger differentiation between populations than had been previously detected with mtDNA sequencing. Five major population groups were identified: central France, southern Iberian, northern Iberian, Eastern Europe and Mediterranean French Rivers.
Effects of ELF Magnetic Fields on Hematological Parameters: An Experimental Model

An experimental model has been developed in which mice were chronically exposed to an ELF magnetic field, under controlled conditions, with the purpose of learning its effects on peripheral blood. The OF1 mice were continuously subjected for two generations to an external magnetic field of 15 μT (rms) and 50 Hz sinusoidal waves generated by a system of Helmholtz coils designed by our Institute (BIASC). The first generation of animals was exposed for a period of 17 weeks and the second generation, born in the field, was exposed for 14 weeks. The most usual hematological parameters of mothers (12 control and 12 exposed) and daughters (30 control and 30 exposed) were analyzed. A leukopenia in exposed daughters and significant variations of platelet levels between both experimental groups were noted. Besides a slight decrease in hematocrit, red blood cell levels and hemoglobin concentration have been observed in exposed mice. The greatest changes were found in animals of the second generation.
Some Marine and Brackish-Water Achnanthes from Yaquina Estuary, Oregon (U.S.A.)

distr ibutions of cight prominent marine and brackish-water taxa of Achnanthes in Yaquina Estuary, Oregon (U.S. A.) wcrc investigated from samptes obtained in August, Qctober, Februaiy, May, and July of 1968-69* This projcct involved quanti tat ive estimates of relative abundancc and a study of the taxonomy and cell wall morphology of euch taxon. Achnanthes brevipes var. interrnedia and A. /avanica f. subconstricta are brackish-water taxa that were most abundant during the summer, while A. kuwaitensis, also found only in brackish water, was more prominent in late summer and eurly fall. Achnanthes parvula rcached its largest population size during the spring and summer months and grew well in both marine and brackish water. Achnanthes yaquinensis, a new species, was found in marine water during the spring and summer, Achnanthes cocconeioides, A. groenlandica var. phinneyi, and A. groenlandica var, phinneyi f, faydei occurred both in marine and brackisli watcr and were usually found at one or more stations at all seasons of the yeur . In gcncral, all cight taxa possess a laminar cell wall with holes that are partially occluded by reticulate sieve membranes. Achnanthes yaquinensis and A. /avanica f. Subconstricta have a narrow penetrating stauros, and these taxa along with A. kuwaitensis and X. parvula have relatively large, orbicular hyaline areas at the extremities of the pscudoraphc valve, A detailed, taxonomic description of each of the eight taxa is included in the text.
Patterns of dispersal and seasonal migration in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) spacing behaviour, during the period between mother-fawn separation and home range establishment, was studied in southern Sweden during 1987–1992. Data were collected, using telemetry, in two non-hunted populations. Females dispersed either as yearlings, or as 2- or 3-year-olds after having migrated between non-overlapping summer and winter ranges for one and two seasons, respectively. Seasonal migration usually ended with permanent settlement in the new summer area. Males dispersed as one- or two-year-olds, or remained philopatric. Median distance moved was c. 2 km with no significant sex-bias. Both populations underwent one increase, and one stable phase. During the increase phase, the frequency of yearling dispersal was 70% in one of the populations, but dropped to 20% at high density. This drop paralleled a 14% decrease in yearling winter weights. In the other population, yearling dispersal frequency was 56% during the increase phase. This population stopped increasing at an intermediate density and dispersal frequency was kept at 75%. Weights remained high in this population. In neither of the populations, at intermediate and high densities, was a sex-bias in dispersal among yearlings evident. Dispersers were on average heavier than philopatrics. High juvenile winter weight did not predestinate yearlings to dispersal, whereas low weight seemed to prevent dispersal. On the basis of these relationships, we propose a hypothesis relating dispersal to body condition, in order to explain dispersal tendency at different population densities. Further, we suggest the reason for female migration is the advantage of residing in a group during winters when predation risk is high. Since it is difficult for females (but not for males) to join non-relatives, dispersers must go back to the natal area as long as they have too few offspring to form their own matriarchal group.
Diagnostic Markers for Schistosome-Mediated Liver Disease

Chronic schistosomiasis presents with either a moderate or a severe form, termed intestinal (INT) or hepatosplenic (HS) schistosomiasis, respectively. The Schistosoma mansoni-associated hepatomegaly is estimated in 8.5 million people and ultimately results from liver granulomas induced by trapped parasitic eggs. The CBA/J mouse model replicates these two human disease forms and was used to understand the progressive pathology that leads to HS and to identify potential biomarkers. In this model 20% of infected mice spontaneously develop hypersplenomegaly syndrome (HSS) by 20 weeks of infection while the remaining 80% develop moderate splenomegaly syndrome (MSS). Using this model, we compared the liver protein patterns of control mice and mice infected for 6, 8, 12, or 20 (MSS and HSS) weeks. Two-dimensional differential in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) was used to identify protein pattern variations and protein spots were identified using matrix adsorption laser desorption ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. In the first experiment, we found 124 protein spot unique changes for MSS and HSS compared to control mice of which 80 were identified and 35 changes were specific for HSS. In the second experiment, comparison between various time points with control mice revealed 76 significant protein spot changes of which 44 were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Importantly, we found that the abundance of liver keratin D, transferrin isoforms, collagen isoforms, hydroxyproline and Schistosoma mansoni-phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase increased while epoxide hydrolase isoforms, peroxiredoxin 6 and major urinary protein (MUP) isoforms decreased significantly with infection. To verify the changes in the liver 2D-DIGE analysis, candidate liver protein markers were measured in mouse serum using targeted biochemical assays. The mouse serum analysis showed MUP levels were decreased, while transferrin, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), keratin D, hydroxyproline were increased in HSS mice compared to control mice or MSS mice supporting the liver 2D-DIGE analysis. Using targeted assays, serum samples from INT and HS patients were tested for the candidate liver protein markers: keratin D, CTGF, hydroxyproline and transferrin. The human serum analysis showed keratin D levels increased for HS compared to INT and normal sera. The CTGF levels were high in INT compared to HS and normal sera, while transferrin remained unchanged in INT and HS similar to normal sera. Additionally, in severe HS disease, serum hydroxyproline emerged as a strong indicator of fibrosis. We believe that these findings will have direct value in the development of diagnostic tools for early detection of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in humans.
Pressure and specific energy requirements for densification of compost derived from swine solid fraction.

Compost derived from swine solid fraction is a low density material (bulk density less than 500 kg m-3). This makes it costly to transport from production sites to areas where it could be effectively utilized for value-added applications such as in soil fertilization. Densification is one possible way to enhance the storage and transportation of the compost. This study therefore investigates the effect of pressure (20-110 MPa) and pressure application time (5-120 s) on the compaction characteristics of compost derived from swine solid fraction. Two different types of material have been used: composted swine solid fraction derived from mechanical separation and compost obtained by mixing the first material with wood chips. Results obtained showed that both the pressure applied and the pressure application time significantly affect the density of the compacted samples; while the specific compression energy is significantly affected only by the pressure. Best predictor equations were developed to predict compact density and the specific compression energy required by the densification process. The specific compression energy values based on the results from this study (6-32 kJ kg-1) were significantly lower than the specific energy required to manufacture pellets from biomass feedstock (typically 19-90 kJ kg-1).
Production Characteristics of White Karaman, Chios x White Karaman (F 1 ) Crossbred Lambs. II. Fattening Performance, Slaughter and Carcass Characteristics

This study was carried out to investigate the fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics of White Karaman and Chios x White Karaman (F1 ) crossbred lambs. The data for the study were obtained from 11 purebred and 12 (6 from each genotype) ram lambs for determination of slaughter and carcass characteristics. Lambs were fed alfalfa hay and concentrates ad libitum in the fattening period. All ram lambs with a live weight of 20 kg were fattened in the same pen until they reached 45 kg live weight and afterwards they were slaughtered for investigation of carcass characteristics. During the fattening period it was determined that average daily live weight gain in purebred and crossbred groups was 245.53 g and 218.87 g, and that the amount of consumed concentrate feeds for 1 kg live weight gain was 3.28 kg and 3.77 kg, respectively. In purebred and crosbred groups slaughtered at 45 kg slaughter weight, the cold carcass weight was 22.10 kg and 21.40 kg, the carcass dressing percentage was 48.88 % and 47.15 %, and the tail fat percentage was 17.85 % and 10.11 %. The difference between the groups for the last parameter was statistically significant (P
Optimizing protein- and vitamin-fortified peanut spreads containing soybean or milk powder

Response surface methodology was used to optimize total fat content and percentage of stabilizer in total fat (PSTF) to produce stable peanut spreads. Peanut spreads fortified with 5 vitamins, 2 minerals and 19% roasted soybean (PSS) or 14% nonfat dry milk (PSM) were formulated to match the amino acid profile requirement for 9–13 year old children. Contour plots using response surface regression models were generated at a restricted range of total fat content of 39% to 47% and PSTF of 1.2 to 3.2 for optimization. For PSM, fat content did not affect the texture if PSTF remained constant. When PSTF increased, the hardness and the stability of peanut spreads increased. However, both fat content and the percentage of stabilizer in total fat influenced the texture and stability of PSS.
Warner-Bratzler Shear Force, Sarcomere Length, Total Collagen Contents and Sensory Characteristics of Hanwoo Beef (Korean Native Cattle) Quality Grade

This study was conducted to investigate the Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS), sarcomere length, total collagen contents and consumer tests of different cuts of Hanwoo beef based on quality grade. Five cuts [Cheggt (striploin), Dngsim (loin), Moksim (chuck roll), Udoon (top round), Yanggi (brisket)] were obtained from Hanwoo beef (bulls and steers, 24-30 months old) and grouped by their quality grades (1 ++ , 1 + , 1, 2 and 3). The WBS values of chuck cut in 1 ++ , 1 + and 1 quality grade groups were 5.47 (kg/0.5 inch 2 ), 5.46 (kg/0.5 inch 2 ) and 6.54 (kg/0.5 inch 2 ), respectively, which were significantly lower than those of chuck in quality grade 3, which was 8.41 (kg/0.5 inch 2 ) (p<0.05). The sarcomere length of the quality grade groups were significantly longer for brisket (3.72 µm) of 1 ++ quality grade than for that of 3 quality grade brisket (p<0.05). Brisket of 1 ++ and 2 quality grade had significantly greater sarcomere lengths than strip loin and top round in the same quality grade (p<0.05). The total collagen contents of strip loins in the 1 ++ , 1 + , and 1 quality grade groups (1.17, 1.18 and 1.14 g/100 g, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the 3 quality grade group (1.63 g/100 g) (p<0.05). The overall sensory scores of tenderness and juiciness for the five cuts of 1 ++ quality grade were significantly higher than those of the other quality grade (p<0.05). Among the five cuts, loin had the highest tenderness and juiciness scores (p<0.05), whereas top round had the lowest tenderness and juiciness scores (p<0.05). Overall, there were significant differences in the WBS and sensory properties among quality grades and cuts (p<0.05). However, the sarcomere length and total collagen contents of chuck roll, top round and loin did not differ among quality grades.
Acetic acid bacteria - perspectives of application in biotechnology - a review.

The most commonly recognized and utilized characteristics of acetic acid bacteria is their capacity for oxidizing ethanol to acetic acid. Those microorganisms are a source of other valuable compounds, including among others cellulose, gluconic acid and dihydroxyacetone. A number of investigations have recently been conducted into the optimization of the process of glycerol biotransformation into dihydroxyacetone (DHA) with the use of acetic acid bacteria of the species Gluconobacter and Acetobacter. DHA is observed to be increasingly employed in dermatology, medicine and cosmetics. The manuscript addresses pathways of synthesis of that compound and an overview of methods that enable increasing the effectiveness of glycerol transformation into dihydroxyacetone.