Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biophysical and biochemical characterization of proteins involved in a-glucan biosynthesis in mycobacteria

A capsule composed of mainly α-glucan forms the most outermost layer of cell envelope of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causing agent of tuberculosis. Capsule participates in modulating the immune system responses. In GlgE pathway, one of the three pathways involved in α-glucan synthesis, trehalose in converted to glucan through the activity of four enzymes, trehalose synthase, maltokinase Pep2, maltosyltransferase GlgE and branching enzyme GlgB. It has shown that M. tuberculosis TreS and Pep2 form an octameric complex together. During this study we solved the structure of the complex at 3.6 A in M. smegmatis. The structure reveals two pairs of Pep2 monomers bind to the opposite sides of the diamond shaped TreS tetramer in a 4 + 4 complex. However, studying the stoichiometry of the complex using other techniques such as: ITC, AUC and SAXS indicates a 4 + 2 complex formation in the solution. Moreover, our data using size exclusion chromatography would suggest that this complex formation is pH dependent and favors complex formation at more acidic pHs. This study is a step forward towards better understanding of the capsule synthesis in M. tuberculosis and highlights the role of complex formation between enzymes as an effective strategy to control the metabolic pathways in mycobacteria.
Excess Cash Flows and Diversification Discount

We study the impact of diversification on firm cash flows and excess value. Specifically, we investigate whether there is a direct link between the discount to diversification and excess cash flow reductions around related and unrelated acquisitions. Our results provide empirical support for a positive and significant association between excess cash flow declines and excess value losses after the acquisition. Our findings also show that bidders who conduct unrelated acquisitions experience larger excess cash flow declines and valuation discounts than do bidders who engage in related acquisitions. Our results are robust to the targets’ excess cash flow and valuation characteristics.
Time-Budget Estimates of Avian Energy Expenditure: Physiological and Meteorological Considerations

Daily energy expenditures (Htd) of aviary-housed budgerygahs (Melopsittacus undulatus) were estimated simultaneously using doubly labeled-water (DLW) and timebudget (TB) methods under summer and winter conditions. Laboratory validation of the DLW technique displayed excellent agreement with concomitant gravimetric measures of CO₂ production (algebraic mean difference = -0.04%; range = -5.2%-6.2%). The aviary studies combined continuous 24-h recording of each bird's daily activities with quantification of its thermal environment (wind speed and air and operative temperatures). Activity and thermoregulatory costs of birds used for TB studies were measured in the laboratory. Comparison of Htd's predicted by DLW to values predicted by the TB method indicate that measurement of activity costs at the time of the study and their subsequent evaluation through existing heat-transfer models are equally important to determining reliable energy budgets. Avian TB studies that fail to address these concerns are prone to systematic biases in their estimates of Htd.
The effect of changing the pre-slaughter handling on bovine cattle DFD meat

Objective. To evaluate the effect that a series of changes in the handling techniques used throughout the pre and post slaughter periods and during the handling of cooled carcass have on the presence of DFD (Dark, firm and dry) meat. Materials and methods. Odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals were estimated applying logistic regression models. Data from 18 visits to the slaughterhouse regarding: animal handling on arrival, slaughter period, and carcass storage was obtained through the use of a questionnaire. A total of 572 carcasses were analyzed to determine DFD meat using pH and color (L*, a*, b* and C*) measurements done on the Longissimus dorsi muscle. Results. Even after of the changes were made, the lairage period to slaughter continued to be a factor (p<0.05) associated to the presence of DFD meat (OR=1.13). Of the complementary variables, the amount of time that cattle spent on the resting pens was associated (p<0.05) to the presence of DFD meat (OR=1.003). Conclusions. Regardless of the changes made in the ante mortem handling, a high frequency of DFD was found (39%), suggesting a permanent audit program to detect other critical points in the supply chain.
Effect of Feeding Complete Rations on the Performance of Lactating Crossbred Cows

A 90 day lactation trial was conducted on 18 crossbred milch cows (b. wt., 407.78 kg), divided into three groups (8.S ± 0.91 milk yield and 7–10 days in lactation) and offered feed either by conventional feeding system (wheat straw and concentrate mixture, separately; Tj), in the form of total mixed ration (TMR/Sani, T2) or in the form of pelleted ration (T3). DM intake, CP intake (P<O.OS) and gross energy intake (P<O.OI) were higher in cows fed pelleted feed than either conventional ration or TMR. The digestibility of DM, CP and GE of pelleted ration was higher (P<O.OS) than that of TMR and similarly the digestibility in TMR group was higher (P<O.OS) than that of conventional ration. There was no effect of dietary treatments on fat corrected milk (FCM) yield. Thus, itmay be concluded that pelleting is a practical method of densification for improving nutrients intake and their utilization and milk production in dairy cows.
An investigation on breeding biology of Vietnam strain of climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch) reared in a commercial hatchery.

An investigation was conducted to know the breeding biology of Vietnamese climbing perch (Anabas testudineus), locally known as Koi. Monthly samples were collected from Rupali Fish Hatchery throughout the period from January to July 2014. Five gross ovarian stages i.e. immature (mean ova diameter 0.17±0.05 mm), maturing (mean ova diameter 0.33±0.05 mm), mature (mean ova diameter 0.63±0.11 mm), ripe (mean ova diameter 0.76±0.08 mm) and regressing (mean ova diameter 0.29±0.09 mm) were observed. The highest mean GSI value for female and male were 14.91 and 8.33 respectively in May that indicates the peak breeding season. Size at first maturity for female was approximately 20.5 cm in total length and fecundity was ranged from 50610 to 227378. The relationship between fecundity and total length (TL), fecundity and body weight (BW), fecundity and ovary weight (OW) and fecundity and ova diameter (OD) were linear. The present study provides the first detailed information about the breeding biology of Vietnamese Koi in Bangladesh. Therefore, the results will play a vital role for the induced breeding, proper management and conservation of this species.
A Place to Learn or a Place for Leisure? Students' Use of the School Library in Norway

The aim of this article is to present findings about how students in Norway use and value the school library as part of their daily practice in school, and who those users are. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and questionnaires in two case-study schools (16-18-year-old students) for six months. The findings indicate that students use and value the school library more as a social meeting place and a place for pleasure than as a place for education-related studies. The data are discussed within a theoretical frame of sociology and domain-specific socialization theories and describe the library as a porous space in the school.
Foliar Sprays of Flurprimidol, Paclobutrazol, and Uniconazole Suppress Height of Seed-propagated New Guinea Impatiens

Our objective was to quantify the efficacy of foliar plant growth retardant applications on plant height and time to flower of seed-propagated new guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) produced in packs and flats. ‘Divine Cherry Red’, ‘Divine Scarlet Bronze Leaf’, and ‘DivineWhite Blush’ seedlings were planted in 1801cell packs. Seven days after planting, deionized water (control) or solutions containing ancymidol (15 to 60 mg L), chlormequat chloride (750 to 3000 mg L), daminozide (1250 to 5000 mg L), ethephon (250 to 1000 mg L), flurprimidol (10 to 40mg L), paclobutrazol (10 to 40mg L), or uniconazole (5 to 20mg L) were applied to seedlings. A second experiment was performed with the same cultivars quantifying the growth and development in response to a broader range of flurprimidol or paclobutrazol (5 to 40 mg L) or uniconazole (2.5 to 20 mg L) sprays. Plant height was measured 7 weeks after planting. For Expt. 1, ancymidol, chlormequat chloride, and daminozide had little to no impact on stem elongation. However, flurprimidol, paclobutrazol, and uniconazole suppressed height at flowering of all three cultivars. In Expt. 2, plant height with concentrations flurprimidol, paclobutrazol, or uniconazole up to 27 to 30, 20 to 30, or 4 to 5 mg L, respectively, depending on the cultivar. Five to 20 mg L flurprimidol or paclobutrazol, or < 2.5 mg L uniconazole may be used to control stem elongation of seed-propagated new guinea impatiens for production in flats.
ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE FISHERIES IN THE LOWER REACHES OF THE TIGRIS RIVER, NORTH QURNA, BASRAH, IRAQ

The fisheries of the lower reaches of Tigris river, north Qurna in Basrah Governorate have been analyzed during the period from January to December 2005. The fishing boats used there varied in lengths form 5 to 10m, of which 50% were motorized with 25-75 HP. Seine and drift gill nets are the main fishing gears used, their lengths ranged from 100 to 200m with mesh sizes of 14-100mm and 7-32mm for seine and gill nets respectively. The number of fishermen in each boat varied from 1 to 7. Twenty three fish species were recorded caught in the area, of which eight were marine species, belonging to twelve fish families, in addition to shrimps. The total catches ranged from 629Kg in January - march to 3335Kg in July- September with total catch of 7671Kg. Three species namely catfish Silurus triostegus, crucian carp Carassius carassius and khishni Liza abu comprised 86.93% of the total catches constituting 69.65%, 11.02% and 6.26%, respectively. The average catch per unit of effort was 19.8 Kg/hr/100m for seine nets and 2.42 Kg/hr/100m for gill nets. The diversity and evenness indices for biomass were 1.0 and 0.33, respectively, in July-September and 1.5 and 0.52, respectively, in October-December. The highest similarity index of species composition was between April-June and July-September (87%), and lowest between April-June and January-March (63%).
THE CLASS CARICI RUPESTRIS-KOBRESIETEA BELLARDII OHBA 1974 ALSO IN THE WESTERN CARPATHIANS

A class Carici rupestris-Kobresietea bellardii is for the first time accepted in the hierarchical system of higher syntaxa in the Western Carpathians (Slovakia). On the basis of 10 releves, obtained in the Belianske Tatry Mts during the period 1983–2004, syntaxonomic comparison was made with the data from the neighbouring mountain ranges and countries (Alps – Austria, Italy, and Eastern Carpathians – Romania, Ukraine). Floristic, phytogeographical and ecological peculiarities are presented in the synoptic table, and the positions of the fragments of glacial relict vegetation type are discussed in the framework of whole areas of wind edge naked rush and dwarf-shrub heath communities.
A new benthic macrofauna and sediments sampler for attaching to otter trawl nets: comparison with the Van Veen grab

Most bottom trawling around the world occurs in shelf areas covered by unconsolidated sediments, which can negatively affect bottom communities in several ways. We present a new bottom sampler device that can be attached to trawl nets or other bottom fishing gears. This device consists of a steel tube with a piston positioned in the interior to slide the material collected after the trawling and two lateral supports for fixing the device to the footrope of the trawl. Sampling design consisted in comparison two distinct sites, in each of them were conducted three tows with the sediment sampler device and at the begin and final of each tow it were collected sediment samples with Van Veen grab. PERMANOVA test on macrofauna composition indicated no significant difference in relation to both sampler devices. During the experiment, was not detected any problems in relation to positioning and using the new sampler. The addition of extra weight to the ballast cord did not unestablished the net and the device returned to the surface full of sediment in all the trawls, thus enabling the analysis of macrofauna and sediment particle size. Since this device does not interfere with the operation of the vessel or fishing performance, suggest a promising use of this equipment to collect samples in soft bottoms, as well as analysis of macrofauna and determining the size and composition of sediment.
On-farm produced microbial soil inoculant effects on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) production

The use of microbial soil inoculants in agriculture is of increasing interest among growers and scientists. This study aimed to determine the effects of a commercially available arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) inoculant, an on-farm produced AMF inoculant, and an on-farm produced indigenous microbial inoculant on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) AMF colonization, biomass accumulation, nutrient uptake and recovery, and grain yield and protein in a containerized greenhouse experiment and two years of field trials conducted in Maine, USA. The inoculants were compared with respective controls (sterilized inoculants) and the levels of N, P and K were equalized across treatments. Both AMF inoculants enhanced AMF colonization in a greenhouse potting mix containing unsterilized field soil, but only the on-farm produced AMF increased aboveground biomass and phosphorus (P) uptake and recovery. No differences were observed among inoculants and their relative controls in the field. However, the indigenous microbial inoculant (IMO+) increased wheat aboveground biomass, nutrient uptake, nutrient recovery and grain yield when compared with the mycorrhizal inoculants, but no increases were observed when contrasted against its control (IMO − ). Wheat growth enhancements from IMO were likely due to nutrient supply from the compost-based material in which it was produced. Results demonstrate that a mycorrhizal inoculant produced on-farm can increase wheat AMF colonization, aboveground biomass, and P uptake and recovery in a containerized setting. Otherwise differences between inoculants and their relative controls were limited, perhaps due to competition from the native soil microbial community, thus inoculation of field plots cannot be recommended for wheat.
Toxicity of Mercury to Growth and Survival of Seabass Larvae, Lates calcarifer and the Modifying Effects of Salinity

Short-term chronic toxicity tests were conducted to investigate the adverse effects of mercury (Hg) on growth (measured as dry weight) and survival of seabass larvae, Lates calcarifer, and the modifying effects of salinity. Seven-day static-renewal tests were conducted at four salinities: 2, 10, 20 and 30 psu. The experiments were repeated three times for each salinity. Results indicated that seabass larvae were very sensitive to low concentrations of Hg. Based on the actual measured Hg concentrations, the mean NOEC, LOEC and LC 50 values for survival were 30.8, 52.5 and 46.2 µg L -1 , respectively, while the mean NOEC, LOEC, IC 25 and IC 50 values for growth were 5.2, 12.6, 8.5 and 19.2 µg L -1 , respectively. Salinity did not have any significant effects on the toxicity of Hg on survival and growth of seabass larvae. One possible explanation is that Hg preferentially forms very strong complexes with sulfhydryl groups (-SH) in proteins rather than with chloride.
Membrane-active antibacterial compounds in methanolic extracts of Jatropha curcas and their mode of action against Staphylococcus aureus S1434 and Escherichia coli E216.

This research presents the antibacterial potential and mode of action of related active compounds of kernel meal, leaves, stem bark, root bark and root wood extracts of Jatropha curcas Linn. plant on Staphylococcus aureus S1434 and Escherichia coli E216. At double MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) value, cell viability of S. aureus S1434 was inhibited by all extracts, but only kernel meal and root wood extracts inhibited E. coli E216. At half MIC, the μ24 (decrease in cell viability after 24h) for S. aureus S1434 was 69 and 66%, while that of E. coli E216 were 44 and 42% in the presence of kernel meal and leaves extract, respectively. However at double MIC, less than 5% of viable cells of S. aureus S1434 were detected in the leaves and root bark extracts after 5h. Conversely, less than 5% of the viable cells of E. coli E216 were detected in the presence of kernel meal and root wood extract after 7.5h. Loss of 260nm absorbing compounds and proteins from bacterial cells was directly proportional to the time of exposure of cells to the extracts. All extracts caused bacterial cells to lose their ability to tolerate salt (NaCl) at double MIC value. The loss of 260nm absorbing compounds, proteins and the loss of tolerance to NaCl suggest that leaves, root bark and kernel meal damaged the bacterial cell membrane. The analysis of bioactive compounds by GC-MS confirmed the presence of acetic acid, hexadecanoic acid, citric acid, 9-octadecenoic acid as the major membrane-active antibacterial compounds.
VEGETATION OF TRAMPLED HABITATS IN THE PREKMURJE REGION (NE SLOVENIA)

The work deals with the vegetation growing along and on roads, footpaths and wheel tracks in the Prekmurje region. The author concludes that the communities appearing in these habitats can be classified into several syntaxa. The most characteristic associations are classified into the class Polygono-Poetea annuae. On less trampled sites one can find also the communities that are otherwise partly adapted to trampling, however, they are classified into other syntaxonomic units, for example into the alliance Sisymbrion or Malvion (both from the class Stellarietea mediae) or into the alliance Plantagini-Prunellion from the class Molinio-Arrhentheretea. The following plant communities were established Matricarietum discoideae-recutitae Jarolimek et al. 1997 (Malvion neglectae), Polygono arenastri-Lepidietum ruderalis Mucina 1993 (Sisymbrion) and Poetum annuae Felfoldy 1942 (Polygono-Poetea annuae) and Prunello vulgaris-Ranunculetum repentis Winterhoff 1963 (Molinio- Arrhenatheretea).
Artificial rearing of the peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Integration of the sterile insect technique (SIT) into the area-wide management of the peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) is a promising alternative to the localized use of chemical control tactics. Implementation of the SIT requires adequate numbers of sterile male insects that are produced in large mass-rearing facilities. The present study was carried out to improve the rearing methods of the peach fruit fly so as to contribute to the development of effective mass-rearing protocols. Commercially available papaya, mango, peach and guava juices were found to be equally effective as oviposition stimulants. Moreover, with respect to the fecundity and fertility of flies, water was found to be as effective as the tested fruit juices. During the first 3 weeks, 90% of the total eggs produced were collected from adult oviposition cages holding 50,000 flies. A larval diet composed of sugarcane bagasse, ground maize, sugarcane sugar, waste brewer’s yeast, wheat bran, benzoic acid, nipagin and water resulted in the following values for the quality control parameters: egg hatch 85%, pupal recovery >67%, pupal weight >4.2g, pupation >95%, adult emergence >89%, and fliers >65%. Adult emergence and flight ability were similar for pupae placed in sand and vermiculite as the pupation medium.
Cognitive therapy for depression.

A lthough approximately two thirds of patients with depression are treated successfully with medication alone,1 many patients do not respond to medication,2 have residual symptoms,3 or frequently relapse.4 Many patients may prefer a nonpharmacologic therapy or one that is consistent with their model of depression.1 Because cognitive therapy addresses many of these issues, family physicians should be familiar with its nature and uses. Cognitive therapy was developed as a departure from traditional therapeutic approaches to mental illness.5 While working with patients, Aaron Beck, a pioneer in cognitive therapy, observed that negative moods and behaviors were usually the result of distorted thoughts and beliefs, not of unconscious forces as proposed in Freudian theory.5
Genetic structure of cod along the coast of Norway: Results from isozyme studies

Abstract A total of 521 cod in samples from eight coastal and fjord locations along the Norwegian coast, from the Russian border to mid-Norway, were assessed for allele frequencies at six polymorphic tissue enzyme loci (LDH-3*, PGM-1*, MDH-3*, IDHP-1*, PGI-1* and PGI-2*). According to individual otolith deposition patterns, the four northernmost samples contained both North-East Arctic (“arclie(”) cod and Norwegian coastal ((“coastal(”) cod. At five of the loci, cod appeared to be one genetically homogeneous unit thmughout the sampling area. Locus LDH-3*, however, showed substantial inter-sample genetic heterogeneity. At this locus, samples from northern Norway (north of the Lofoten Islands) had significantly lower frequencies of the LDH-3* 100 allele than those from mid-Norway, whereas the frequencies within each of these groups were not significantly heterogeneous. Among cod typed as “arctic”, however, there was a statistically significant surplus of LDH-3* heterozygotes on some locations and in some ag.
Mechanisms of Wnt8 function in zebrafish mesoderm patterning

Mechanisms of Wnt8 Function in Zebrafish Mesoderm Patterning. (May 2005) Marie-Christine Ramel, B.S., Kingston University; M.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Arne Lekven In vertebrate embryonic development, correct specification of tissue fates along the dorsoventral (D/V) axis is known to require the secreted signaling ligand Wnt8. Wnt8 signaling promotes ventral fates and antagonizes the expansion of the dorsal domain known as the organizer. Maintenance of the organizer is critical for proper development as this tissue is known to produce inhibitors of Wnt and BMP (Bone Morphogenetic Protein) family ligands; BMPs are also known to play a major role in promoting ventral fates. In order to understand how Wnt8 antagonizes the organizer, we analyzed the epistatic relationship between Wnt8 and the transcriptional repressors Vent and Vox using zebrafish as a model organism. We found that Wnt8/β-catenin signaling directly regulates the transcriptional levels of vent and vox so that they can repress the transcription of dorsal genes on the ventral side of the embryo. To understand the contribution of Wnt8 towards ventral fate specification, we carefully analyzed its relationship with BMP signaling during gastrula stages. We found that bmp expression in the mesoderm is under the control of Wnt8 at mid-gastrulation and that regulation of