Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sponge cell aggregation: checkpoints in development indicate a high level of organismal complexity

Studies of regeneration provide insight across many scales of animal biology from the processes of cellular communication to the ecology of whole populations. Sponges are highly regenerative animals, with studies showing adults can both recover large portions of their body after predation or damage due to storms, and even reform whole individuals, via an aggregation stage, from dissociated tissues. While sponges are clearly highly regenerative, few studies actually show dissociated cells forming functional individuals. As sponges often serve as model organisms for studying the development and function of traits in metazoans, determining the universality and mechanics of their regeneration potential is important. We tested the capacity of members of seven sponge species from temperate freshwater and marine environments, from a range of taxonomic positions, and with different habits, to form functional sponges after dissociation. Development to a functional sponge progressed through a series of checkpoints: the sorting of cells and removal of debris; adhesion to a substrate and differentiation of cells; organization of cells into tissues; and regionalization of tissues. Two of the seven species tested, Spongilla lacustris and Haliclona cf. permollis, progressed through all four checkpoints, while the remaining five species progressed to various levels of development before aggregates disintegrated. Our findings highlight three important conclusions: (1) The ability of aggregates to differentiate into functional sponges is not as widespread as previously thought; (2) The species-specific ability of aggregates to develop to functional sponges appears to be an adaptive trait; and (3) The progression of development in aggregates through checkpoints, which in later development involves formation of tissues and regionalization of tissues, highlights the complexity of the sponge body plan and suggests fundamental rules in development shared across metazoans.
Taxonomic status and relationships of bracken ferns (Pteridium: Dennstaedtiaceae) of Laurasian affinity in Central and North America

Detailed quantitative comparisons confirm and extend the discrimination of four major morphotypes amongst brackens of Laurasian affinity in Central and North America. These are recognized here at subspecies level as: Pteridium aquilinum sspp. feei, pubescens, latiusculum, and pseudocaudatum. Measurements of spore size indicate that sporophytes of P. aquilinum ssp. feei are diploid (2 n = 104), as are sspp. pubescens, latiusculum, and pseudocaudatum. Phenetic cluster analysis based on DNA fingerprinting by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction groups these four subspecies as genomically more similar to each other than to any taxa from other geographical regions. The chloroplast haplotype of ssp. feei is the same as that of sspp. latiusculum, pseudocaudatum, and pubescens with respect to the absence of both of the short direct repeats in the rps4–trnS region (haplotype A), whereas the European ssp. aquilinum (haplotype B) has one of these repeats, and the Southern Hemisphere brackens P. arachnoideum and P. esculentum (haplotype C) have the other. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 157, 1–17.
Homologous and Heterologous Regulation of α-Melanocyte-stimulating Hormone Receptors in Human and Mouse Melanoma Cell Lines

Abstract Specific high-affinity receptors for α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) are found in variable abundance on many melanoma cell lines. We have examined melanocortin peptides and other factors for their ability to regulate the number of MSH receptors in eleven human and two mouse melanoma cell lines. MSH induced up-regulation of its own receptors in three human cell lines and down-regulation in six human and two mouse melanoma cell lines. No regulation was observed in two human lines. Scatchard analysis revealed modulation of the number of receptors per cell without any change in affinity. The concentrations inducing half-maximal response for up- and down-regulation were 1.6 nm and 0.23 nm, respectively. ACTH1–17 and [Nle4,d-Phe7]-α-MSH were more potent, whereas ACTH1–24, desacetyl-α-MSH, and [Nle4]-α-MSH were less potent in receptor up-regulation as compared to α-MSH. Down-regulation but not up-regulation could be fully mimicked by Gs-protein activation and partially by elevation of cellular cAMP. Combination of different agents which increase cAMP was found to be counterregulatory. TPA and retinoic acid generally down-regulated MSH receptors but had no effect on HBL cells. Several protein kinase inhibitors increased MSH binding in B16 cells. MSH-induced receptor down-regulation and melanin synthesis were most effectively antagonized by selective inhibitors of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in these cells. Taken together, MSH receptors on melanoma cells are both positively and negatively regulated. Whereas cAMP-dependent protein kinase activation seems to be involved in down-regulation, the mechanism responsible for up-regulation remains to be elucidated.
Utilisation of inorganic and organic phosphorus sources by isolates of Amanita muscaria and Amanita species native to temperate eastern Australia

Utilisation of orthophosphate, inositol hexaphosphate and DNA by isolates of Amanita alboverrucosa, A. conicoverrucosa, A. fuscosquamosa, A. muscaria, A. nauseosa, A. ochrophylla, A. pyramidifera, A. roseolamellata, A. xanthocephala and six unidentified Amanita species from eastern Australian temperate sclerophyll forests was examined during growth in axenic liquid cultures. With the exception of A. nauseosa and A. xanthocephala on DNA, isolates of all taxa were shown to utilise orthophosphate and both organic substrates as sole phosphorus sources. Considerable intraspecific variation in utilisation of the organic phosphorus sources relative to orthophosphate was observed for A. muscaria and the native Australian taxa. Overall the data suggest that Amanita spp. may contribute significantly to organic phosphorus mobilisation in Australian forest soils.
Prevalence and abundance of Anguillicola crassus in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) at a thermal discharge site on the Swedish coast

Summary The accidental introduction and establishment of a population of the sanuivorous swimbladder nematode, Anguillicola crassus, in eels in an area of the Baltic Sea off the coast of Sweden that is affected by thermal water discharge was studied bi-annually over a 5-year period. In 1987, none of 387 eels examined was found to be affected. The first case of infection was recorded in 1988 and within 3 years the prevalence of infection had increased to about 60 %. By 1991, this was the most heavily infested area in Swedish waters. Whereas for yellow eels in the surrounding archipelago records have been kept only sporadicall since the infestation became established, in 1989–91 it was observed that both the prevalence and the abundance of infection were significantly higher in spring than during the second half of the year. When the frequency distributions of parasites for this period 1989–91 are compared, it is evident that this seasonality is connected with an autumn increase in the proportion of eels free from infestation, rather than a reduced proportion of those heavily infected. Furthermore, no seasonality was noted in the proportion of developmental stages of the parasite. Consequently, the observed seasonality is suggested mainly to be an effect of immigrating heathy eels.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos density and productivity in relation to land abandonment and forest expansion in the Alps

Land abandonment and afforestation are causing considerable forest expansion in the Alpine chain, with consequent loss of Alpine pastures, the main foraging habitat for Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos. A population of 46 pairs of Golden Eagles was systematically surveyed between 1984 and 1989 in the central-eastern Italian Alps. We measured the amount of woodland within the potential hunting range of 36 pairs. Nearest-neighbour distance was correlated positively with the extent of woodland within the potential hunting range. Productivity was not significantly affected by the amount of woodland within the potential for-aging range. At current rates of forest expansion, such data suggest a 5–9% density decline in the next 20 years. However, increasing food supply and decreasing human persecution could be masking current effects of habitat loss.
Twenty-one years of mass balance observations along the K-transect, West Greenland

Abstract. A 21-yr record is presented of surface mass balance measurements along the K-transect. The series covers the period 1990–2011. Data are available at eight sites along a transect over an altitude range of 380–1850 m at approximately 67° N in West Greenland. The surface mass balance gradient is on average 3.8 × 10−3 m w.e. m−1, and the mean equilibrium line altitude is 1553 m a.s. l. Only the lower three sites within 10 km of the margin up to an elevation of 700 m experience a significant increasing trend in the ablation over the entire period. Data are available at: doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.779181 .
Using the Technology Acceptance Model to Explore User Experience, Intent to Use, and Use Behavior of a Patient Portal Among Older Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions: Descriptive Qualitative Study

Background Patient portals offer modern digital tools for older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) to engage in their health management. However, there are barriers to portal adoption among older adults. Understanding portal user interface and user experience (UI and UX) preferences of older adults with MCC may improve the accessibility, acceptability, and adoption of patient portals. Objective The aim of this study was to use the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a framework for qualitatively describing the UI and UX, intent to use, and use behaviors among older patients with MCC. Methods We carried out a qualitative descriptive study of Kaiser Permanente Colorado’s established patient portal, My Health Manager. Older patients (N=24; mean 78.41 (SD 5.4) years) with MCC participated in focus groups. Stratified random sampling was used to maximize age and experience with the portal among participants. The semistructured focus groups used a combination of discussion and think-aloud strategies. A total of 2 coders led the theoretically driven analysis based on the TAM to determine themes related to use behavior, portal usefulness and ease of use, and intent to use. Results Portal users commonly used email, pharmacy, and lab results sections of the portal. Although, generally, the portal was seen to be easy to use, simple, and quick, challenges related to log-ins, UI design (color and font), and specific features were identified. Such challenges inhibited participants’ intent to use the portal entirely or specific features. Participants indicated that the portal improved patient-provider communication, saved time and money, and provided relevant health information. Participants intended to use features that were beneficial to their health management and easy to use. Conclusions Older adults are interested in using patient portals and are already taking advantage of the features available to them. We have the opportunity to better engage older adults in portal use but need to pay close attention to key considerations promoting usefulness and ease of use.
Flexible Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Management of Ureteric Stones in Pediatric Age Group

Background: pediatric stone disease is one of the most common urological issues in pediatric urology practice. The incidence of urinary stone disease is increasing in children in last decades. Aim of the Work: determination of the efficacy and outcome of flexible ureteroscopy using holmium Yttrium aluminium garne laser lithotripsy and compare its results with that of Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy EWSL in management of ureteric stones in pediatric age group. Patients and Methods: this study included 40 patients in pediatric age group. Complaining of upper ureteric stones less than (1cm). Patients underwent either ESWL or Flexible Ureteroscopy randomly according to 1: 1 ratio. The procedures were done at Eldemerdash hospital and National Institute of Urology and Nephrology. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A: Patients undergone extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Group B: Patients received flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy. Results: there was no statistically significant difference found between the two studied groups regarding age, sex, size and BMI, and stone free rate. Also there was highly statistically significant difference as regard hospital stay. The SWL group required a shorter period of hospitalization and there was highly statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding duration of the procedure which is more prolonged in flexible group. Conclusion: flexible URS lithotripsy and laser are considered a safe, highly efficient, minimally invasive, and reproducible surgery technique -with a higher stone free rates and less postoperative complications, after a single procedure, when compared to ESWL- for management of upper ureteric calculi in children after failure of ESWL.
Comparative nutritional and phytochemical analyses of two varieties of Solanum melongena

fruits of round and oval shape varieties of Solanum melongena showed high moisture content of 78. 44 „b 0.49 % and 72.93 „b 0.76 % respectively. Lower carbohydrate and lipid contents of 11.77 „b 1.55 % and 1.65 „b 0.62 % respectively were found in the round variety than the oval variety. The levels of protein, fibre, calcium, iron and potassium were higher in the round variety than the oval variety. Higher level of magnesium, phosphorus and sodium was found in the oval variety than the round variety but the level of zinc was the same in both varieties (0.25iO0.001%). The quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that phytate and oxalate, although not high but were higher in the round variety than in the oval variety. Similarly, alkaloid, and tannin were higher in the round variety, while saponin was higher in the oval variety. These results suggest that these fruits especially the round variety, possess nutritional and health benefits for diabetic patients, individuals that are watching their weight and those with ischemic heart diseases.
Large subunit rDNA and rbcL gene sequence data place Petrohua bernabei gen. et sp. nov. in the Batrachospermales (Rhodophyta), but do not provide further resolution among taxa in this order

The phylogenetic relationship among 12 previously described batrachospermalean taxa and a novel member of the order were investigated using the LSU and rbcL genes separately and in combination. The primary goal of this research was to establish the phylogenetic placement of a previously undescribed freshwater red alga from Chile. The results showed that the new entity with pseudoparenchymatous tube morphology is a member of the Batrachospermales and Petrohua bernabei gen. et sp. nov. is described herein. This is the first record to our knowledge of a Lemanea‐like alga from Chile. It would appear that this thallus construction has evolved at least three times in the Batrachospermales and that the switch from a Batrachospermum‐like construction to a pseudoparenchymatous construction may be a repeated adaptive response to turbulent waterfall habitats. In addition to providing information about a new freshwater red alga, this study sought to determine whether combining the data from two genes would produce a more robust phylogeny, particularly for intermediate nodes, to resolve familial relationships within the order. As with previous analyses, the Batrachospermales was resolved as a clade and support was high for relationships resolved among relatively recent nodes. Unfortunately, combining the LSU and rbcL data did not have the desired effect of more fully resolving intermediate nodes among the Batrachospermales.
Trends in Atlantic Contribution to Mixed-Stock King Mackerel Landings in South Florida Inferred from Otolith Shape Analysis

Abstract The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico (GOM) stocks of king mackerel Scomberomorus cavalla are genetically distinct but have overlapping winter ranges around South Florida. Understanding the factors driving the relative contribution of each stock to South Florida winter landings is necessary for effective management. The contribution of the Atlantic stock was estimated for the 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 fishing seasons using otolith shape as a natural tag. Analysis of otolith shapes from king mackerel sampled in summer (when the Atlantic and GOM stocks were presumed to be geographically separated) revealed significant sex and stock effects. Discriminant function analysis conducted with otolith morphometric indices and Fourier harmonic amplitudes as classification variables produced jackknifed classification success rates ranging from 60% to 73%. Maximum likelihood estimates of the Atlantic stock's contribution to winter landings indicated that there was a spatial gradient, the lowest contribution (mean = 25%) occurring off southwestern Florida and the highest (mean = 48%) off southeastern Florida. Estimates of the Atlantic stock's contribution to the easternmost zone increased from December through March, possibly reflecting the northward spring migration of both stocks. A comparison of contemporary and historic estimates dating back to the 1996–1997 fishing season revealed evidence of a long-term increase in the GOM stock's contribution, which may be driven by a dramatic increase in the size of the GOM stock and a gradual decline in that of the Atlantic stock over the time period considered.
INDUCTION OF BIOLUMINESCENCE IN THE MARINE FISH, Porichthys, BY Vargula (CRUSTACEAN) LUCIFERIN. EVIDENCE FOR de novo SYNTHESIS OR RECYCLING OF LUCIFERIN

Abstract— The marine fish, Porichthys notatus, emits light by a classical luciferin‐luciferase reaction whose components are similar, if not identical, to those found in the luminescent crustacean, Vargula. Porichthys is divided geographically into a southern luminescent and a northern nonluminescent population. Specimens of nonluminescent Porichthys can be induced to become luminescent by injection or ingestion of Vargula luciferin. After feeding a known quantity of Vargula luciferin, light emitted by Porichthys was monitored for a 2‐yr period. Summation of light produced during each bioluminescence episode demonstrated that the total quanta emitted over 2 yr exceeded the theoretical yield from the administered luciferin. These results indicate that the administered luciferin either recycles or induces de novo synthesis of additional luciferin in Porichthys.
Biological Activities of Water Extract and Solvent Fractions of an Edible Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus

노루궁뎅이버섯을 이용하여 성인병 치료와 예방을 위한 기능성식품 개발을 위한 기초자료를 얻기 위해 노루궁뎅이버섯 물 추출물과 유기용매 분획물을 이용하여 성인병관련 생리활성을 확인하였다. 노루궁뎅이버섯 물 추출물은 87.78%의 항산화활성을 나타냈으며, 부탄올 분획물과물 분획물은 87.91%와 92.27%의 높은 활성을 나타냈다. 에틸 아세테이트 분획물은 2.96 plasmin unit의 높은 혈전용해 활성을 보였다. 핵산 분획물로부터 77.67%와 90.53%의 높은 트롬빈 저해활성과 ${\alpha}$ -glucosidase 저해활성을 확인하였다. 실험 결과로부터 노루궁뎅이버섯 에틸아세테이트 분획물의 높은 혈전용해 활성과 핵산 분획물의 높은 트롬빈 저해활성과 ${\alpha}$ -glucosidase 저해활성은 혈관계질환 치료나 예방을 위한 기능성식품 개발에 이용 가능할 것으로 기대된다. 【This study was performed to investigate the biological activities of Hericium erinaceus fruiting body, including antioxidative, fibrinolytic, thrombin inhibitory and ${\alpha}$ -glucosidase inhibitory activities. The water extract of H. erinaceus was fractionated into hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and water fractions, and each of these fractions was individually assayed. The water extract showed high antioxidative activity at 87.78%. The water fraction showed the highest extraction yield at 35.68% (w/w). In the fraction activity tests, butanol and water fractions showed strong antioxidative activities at 87.91% and 92.27%, respectively. Assays for fibrinolytic activity indicated that only the ethyl acetate fraction has significant efficacy at 2.96 plasmin units/mL. The 10-fold dilution of hexane fraction showed high thrombin inhibitory activity, and ${\alpha}$ -glucosidase inhibitory activity at 77.67% and 90.53%, respectively. In conclusion, solvent fractions of H. erinaceus can be used as materials for the development of biofunctional foods to prevent cardiovascular diseases. 】
Identifying Olive Cultivars by Isozyme Analysis

Pollen samples of 155 olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars from different origins were analyzed to study isoenzymatic variability in five enzyme systems: alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), esterase (EST), glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), and malic enzyme (ME) using starch gel electrophoresis. Polymorphism was observed in all of the isozyme systems. ME, GPI, EST, and LAP were the most useful systems for identification of cultivars. Different combinations of banding patterns of these systems allowed us to identify 85% of the cultivars. The remainder were separated into groups of two or three cultivars that could be identified using morphological character- istics. No intracultivar polymorphisms were observed.
Molossus aztecus and Other Small Molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Brazil

We report the first record of Molossus aztecus from two localities in southeastern Brazil, Lavras and Viçosa, confirming the presence of this species in South America; both localities are located in the state of Minas Gerais. Samples from Lavras contained both M. aztecus and M. molossus, permitting direct comparison of the two taxa. At both sites, the original vegetation was Cerrado-Atlantic Forest ecotone and the bats were captured at elevations from 650 to 1,100 m. We compared our specimens of M. aztecus from southeastern Brazil with M. aztecus from Mexico, M. molossus from several parts of Brazil, M. coibensis from Panama, M. barnesi from French Guiana, and M. currentium from Paraguay. Capturing M. aztecus and M. molossus sympatrically reinforced their distinctiveness; they differ in morphometrical traits and qualitative characters of skull and pelage. We also found that specimens earlier identified as M. coibensis from Brazil, are referable to M. barnesi from French Guyana.
Phanerozoic diversity and neutral theory

Abstract Although Phanerozoic increases in the global richness, local richness, and evenness of marine invertebrates are well documented, a common explanation for these patterns has been difficult to identify. Evidence is presented here from marine invertebrate communities that there is a Phanerozoic increase in the fundamental biodiversity number (&thgr;), which describes diversity and relative abundance distributions in neutral ecological theory. If marine ecosystems behave according to the rules of Hubbell's Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography, the Phanerozoic increase in &thgr; suggests three possible mechanisms for the parallel increases in global richness, local richness, and evenness: (1) an increase in the per-individual probability of speciation, (2) an increase in the area occupied by marine metacommunities, and (3) an increase in the density (per-area abundance) of marine organisms. Because speciation rates have declined over time and because there is no clear evidence for an increase in metacommunity area through the Phanerozoic, the most likely of these is an increase in the spatial density of marine invertebrates over the Phanerozoic, an interpretation supported by previous studies of fossil abundance. This, coupled with a Phanerozoic rise in body size, suggests that an increase in primary productivity through time is the primary cause of Phanerozoic increases in &thgr;, global richness, local richness, local evenness, abundance, and body size.