Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Expression of Human Glucosylceramidase 2 Isoforms on Lipid Profiles in COS-7 Cells

Glucosylceramide (GlcCer) is a major membrane lipid and the precursor of gangliosides. It is continuously formed and degraded in glycosphingolipid metabolism. GlcCer is mainly degraded by two enzymes, lysosomal acid β-glucosidase (GBA) and nonlysosomal β-glucosidase (GBA2). Deficiencies of GBA and GBA2 affect glycosphingolipid metabolism, resulting in neurological diseases, such as Gaucher Disease and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. To understand which GBA2 isoforms are active and how they affect glycosphingolipid levels in cells, we expressed nine human GBA2 isoforms in COS-7 cells, confirmed their expression by qRT-PCR and western blotting, and assayed their activity to hydrolyze 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (4MUG) in cell extracts. Human GBA2 isoform 1 showed high activity, while the other isoforms had activity similar to the background. Comparison of sphingolipid levels by ultra-high resolution/ accurate mass spectrometry (UHRAMS) analysis showed that isoform 1 overexpression increased ceramide and decreased hexosylceramide levels compared to control and other isoforms. Comparison of ratios of glucosylceramides to the corresponding ceramides in the extracts indicated that GBA2 isoform 1 has broad specificity for the lipid component of glucosylceramide. These studies suggest that only one GBA2 isoform 1 is active and affects sphingolipid levels in the cell, acting on glucosylceramides with a wide range of lipid components. Our study provides new insights into how increased breakdown of GlcCer affects cellular lipid metabolic networks.
Effect of botanicals on the incidence of competitor moulds and biological efficiency of grey oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus).

The main obstacle for increased production of oyster mushroom(Pleurotus spp.) in West Bengal isthe frequent contamination of the mushroom growing beds with micro flora. An experiment was conducted with a view to develop a suitable management practice against the competitor moulds of P.ostreatus in an eco- friendly manner. Eight different botanicals were tested along with the most popular chemical treatment (carbendazim 75 ppm +formalin 500 ppm) against the competitor mould fungi in vitro and in vivo. Chemical treatment was found to be most effective in reducing the mycelial growth of five contaminants (65.4 to 86.6%) in vitro and checked the incidence of competitor moulds 81.36 % in vivo, which increased the yield of mushroom up to the tune of 35.20 % (106 % B.E.). A. indica (neem) showed its supremacy among all the botanicals tested and gave minimum effect on the growth of mushroom mycelium (4%) and exhibited maximum inhibitory effect (54.1 to 71.6 %)against Aspergillus spp. , Trichoderma spp. , Coprinus spp. , and Penicillium spp. which was and found to be less effective against Sclerotium rolfsiiin vitro followed by extracts of Pongamia pinnata (6.7 %) and (42.4 to 61.3%) inhibition respectively against the mycelium of P. ostreatus and mould fungi. A range of 35.3 to 62.4% reduction in the incidence of inky caps (Coprinus sp.) and 26.3 to 68.4% reduction in green moulds(Trichoderma spp.) were recorded with different phyto-extracts. All the botanicals except Acacia nilotica reduced the incidence of competitor moulds (18.18 to 70.91%) in mushroom beds which resulted in an increaseof yield up to the level of 21.3 %. The information provides an alternative method of surface sterilization of substrates under the agro-ecological conditions of lateritic belt of West Bengal, India, which can minimize the use of fungicides in mushroom cultivation.
In vitro bioactive luteinizing hormone assay shows cyclical, seasonal hormonal changes and response to luteinizing‐hormone releasing hormone in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis)

Studies on the reproductive mechanisms of the squirrel monkey have been hampered by inadequate measurements of luteinizing hormone (LH). The mouse interstitial cell bioassay, which measures testosterone production as the endpoint, was validated for use in the squirrel monkey by parallel responses of serum to LH standards and by in vivo responses to an LH‐releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue. The LH surge profile, as determined by daily blood sampling, was found to be of 1–2 days duration and comparable in amplitude to those of other primates. A 9.7‐day ovulatory cycle length was also calculated and was similar to previous estimates based on other hormonal and behavioral methods. A 150‐fold decrease in basal LH was found in the nonbreeding season, as was a decreased LHRH response. This assay makes possible future studies on hypothalamic‐ovarian mechanisms in this species.
Effects of temperature and salinity on the survival and development of mud crab, Scylla serrata (Forsskål), larvae

The combined effects of temperature and salinity on larval survival and development of the mud crab, Scylla serrata, were investigated in the laboratory. Newly hatched larvae were reared under 20 °C temperature and salinity combinations (i.e. combinations of four temperatures 25, 28, 31, 34 °C with five salinities 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 g L−1). The results showed that temperature and salinity as well as the interaction of the two parameters significantly affected the survival of zoeal larvae. Salinity at 15 g L−1 resulted in no larval survival to the first crab stage, suggesting that the lower salinity tolerance limit for mud crab larvae lies somewhere between salinity 15 and 20 g L−1. However, within the salinity range of 20–35 g L−1, no significant effects on survival of zoeal larvae were detected (P>0.05). The combined effects of temperature and salinity on larval survival were also evident as at low salinities, both high and low temperature led to mass mortality of newly hatched larvae (e.g. 34 °C/15 g L−1, 34 °C/20 g L−1 and 25 °C/15 g L−1 combinations). In contrast, the low temperature and high salinity combination of 25 °C/35 g L−1 resulted in one of the highest survival to the megalopal stage. It was also shown that at optimal 28 °C, larvae could withstand broader salinity conditions. Temperature, salinity and their interaction also significantly affected larval development. At 34 °C, the mean larval development time to megalopa under different salinity conditions ranged from 13.5 to 18.5 days. It increased to between 20.6 and 22.6 days at 25 °C. The effects of salinity on larval development were demonstrated by the fact that for all the temperatures tested, the fastest mean development to megalopa was always recorded at the salinity of 25 g L−1. However, a different trend of salinity effects was shown for megalopae as their duration consistently increased with an increase in salinity from 20 to 35 g L−1. In summary, S. serrata larvae tolerate a broad range of salinity and temperature conditions. Rearing temperature 25–30 °C and salinity 20–35 g L−1 generally result in reasonable survival. However, from an aquaculture point of view, a higher temperature range of 28–30 °C and a salinity range of 20–30 g L−1 are recommended as it shortens the culture cycle.
Comparing Population Size Estimators for Plethodontid Salamanders

Abstract Despite concern over amphibian declines, few studies estimate absolute abundances because of logistic and economic constraints and previously poor estimator performance. Two estimation approaches recommended for amphibian studies are mark-recapture and depletion (or removal) sampling. We compared abundance estimation via various mark-recapture and depletion methods, using data from a three-year study of terrestrial salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our results indicate that short-term closed-population, robust design, and depletion methods estimate surface population of salamanders (i.e., those near the surface and available for capture during a given sampling occasion). In longer duration studies, temporary emigration violates assumptions of both open- and closed-population mark-recapture estimation models. However, if the temporary emigration is completely random, these models should yield unbiased estimates of the total population (superpopulation) of salamanders in the sampled area. We recommend using Pollock's robust design in mark-recapture studies because of its flexibility to incorporate variation in capture probabilities and to estimate temporary emigration probabilities.
Biological aspects and population dynamics of three terrestrial snails infesting fruit trees in Egypt

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to study some biological aspects and the seasonal fluctuation of three econom ic land snails infesting three fruit crops along two successive years at the experimental laboratory and private orchards of She bin ElKom center - Menoufia governorate. The obtained results indicated that there were significant differences in the biological aspects among the three land snails, Monacha cartusiana, Theba pisana, and Eobania vermiculata under laboratory conditions, where the longest mean life cycles were 379.4 ± 15.2 and 364.0 ± 14.1 for E. vermiculata, M. cartusiana without significant differences between them, while the difference was significant with T. pisana 313.3 ± 10.2 (LSD 5% = 37.5). As for the ecological studies on the land snails under field conditions, the statistical analysis of the obtained results indicated that there were significant differences among the monthly numbers of each snail species infesting orange, apple and grape trees along the two years of study, furthermore, there were significant differences among the grand total numbers of each snail infesting the thr ee fruit crops. The results of the two years concluded that the highest occurrence of snail species was recorded wit h the snail E. vermiculata (39.7%), as well as the highest infested crop was orange, while the lowest numbers were recorded with the T. pisana snail (28.5%), and grape crop. It could be concluded that the optimum period for good control of land snails are in Autumn months where the population was very low as well as the snails are active.
Hemispheric specialization for prosody perception: A meta-analysis of the lesion literature

It is unclear whether there is hemispheric specialization for prosodic perception and, if so, what the nature of this hemispheric asymmetry is. Using the lesion-approach, many studies have attempted to test whether there is hemispheric specialization for emotional and linguistic prosodic perception by examining the impact of leftversus right hemispheric damage on prosodic perception task performance. However, so far no consensus has been reached. In an attempt to find a consistent pattern of lateralization for prosodic perception, a meta-analysis was performed on 38 lesion studies (including 450 left hemisphere damaged patients, 534 right hemisphere damaged patients and 491 controls) of prosodic perception. It was found that both leftand right hemispheric damage compromise emotional and linguistic prosodic perception task performance. Furthermore, right hemispheric damage degraded emotional prosodic perception more than left hemispheric damage (trimmed g = −0.37, 95% CI [−0.66; −0.09], N = 620 patients). It is concluded that prosodic perception is under bihemispheric control with relative specialization of the right hemisphere for emotional prosodic perception. CHAPTER 2.1: LATERALIZED PERCEPTION OF PROSODY: A META-ANALYSIS 29
BIOINSECTICIDAL POTENTIAL OF PARTIALLY PURIFIED PROTEINASE INHIBITORS FROM BRASSICA OLERACEA (L.) AGAINST SPODOPTERA LITURA (FAB.) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE)

One group of the insecticidal proteins of plant origin are the proteinase inhibitors (PIs) which are polypeptides of low-molecular weight that inhibit proteolytic activity. The present study was undertaken to assess the deleterious effect of partially puri fied PIs from the cauliflower Brassica oleracea (L.) against the polyphagous noctuid Spodoptera litura (Fab.). The obtained results show that the partially purified caudiflower PIs have a potent inhibitory activity against the serine-proteinase trypsin. Also, these plant PIs have anti-nutritive and deterrent effect on this pest. A considerable decline in larval weight, mean relative growth rate (MRGR), and food assimilated were noticed.
Objective assessment of maturity in the Patagonian squid Loligo gahi (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae) from Falkland Islands waters

An objective assessment of maturity in the loliginid squid Loligo gahi was tested using a method developed for L. pealeii utilizing principal component and discriminant analyses. Samples were taken from both seasons of the commercial fishery in the Falkland Islands (prosecuted south of 51°20′S) in 1994 and 1995. In addition, research samples were taken in January, June, and November, outside the fishing seasons, to provide individuals of a greater range of size and maturity. The method, using a combination of indices of somatic and gonad lengths and scoring abundance of eggs and spermatophores in females and males, respectively, proved to be successful both in a research context, when variables can be measured to a high degree of precision, and in a fisheries context where less precision is practicable. The method also detected anomalies in the maturity status of squid that might have been overlooked in a more subjective assessment, corroborating the accumulating evidence for batch-spawning in loliginid squid. Four stages of maturity were recognized for female squid and three for male squid.
Abundance and composition of coprophagous Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) in the developmental cycle of pine stands in Człuchów Forest (NW Poland).

The aim of the study was to gain knowledge about changes in abundance and species composition of Scarabaeidae in pine stands. Beetles were collected in baited traps in Czluchow Forest, Pomeranian Lake District (Lasy Czluchowskie, Pojezierze Pomorskie) in 1998-1999. In total, 18,207 specimens were collected, representing 36 species. It has been discovered that the structure of coprophagous Scarabaeidae communities inhabiting pine stands changes in the course of the forest developmental cycle. Brownfield adjoining to a forest, clear-cut areas and plantations are inhabited by heliophilous communities of coprophagous Scarabaeidae, with dominant species such as Aphodius fimetarius, A. coenosus, A. distinctus, A. prodromus, Onthophagus nuchicornis and O. fracticornis. Thicket stage, pole timber stage, and the mature stand are inhabited by umbrophilous coprophagous Scarabaeidae communities characteristic of pine stands, with dominant species such as Aphodius rufipes, A. fimetarius, A. depressus, A. fasciatus and Onthophagus fracticornis. At thicket stage both the number of species and abundance of coprophagous Scarabaeidae are dramatically reduced in comparison to other developmental stages. Moreover, a fundamental change in species composition is observed.
Verification of models of gas bubble break-up caused by eddies generated by a self-aspirating disk impeller

The paper presents a photographic analysis of the break-up of gas bubbles flowing out of the outlets of a self-aspirating disk impeller. It was found that bubbles detached from the interfacial surface most often disintegrate to form several daughter bubbles. Further in the work, the population balance model was verified for several formulas describing the bubble break-up rate. It has been found that a good fit to the experimental data is provided by the formula given by Laakkonen for 5 daughter bubbles. The possibility of using the Monte Carlo method to model the bubble break-up process was also determined. For this method, a good agreement of results was achieved for the division into a maximum of 10 daughter bubbles. In the case of this method it was also found necessary to use the function of break-up frequency at a higher rate for smaller bubbles.
PRODUCTIVITY OF BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS: EFFECTS OF RECREATIONAL DISTURBANCE IN A NATIONAL PARK

Abstract National parks in Alaska are generally assumed to be high-quality, undisturbed wildlife habitats. However, these parks attract recreational users, whose presence may reduce the suitability of key habitats for nesting shorebirds. In Kenai Fjords National Park, Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) often breed on gravel beaches that are also popular campsites. In this study, we examined the effects of recreational activities in coastal Alaska on reproductive performance of Black Oystercatchers. We monitored survival of nests and chicks on 35 to 39 breeding territories annually during four breeding seasons (2001–2004). Most recreational disturbance on these territories occurred after the peak hatching date of first clutches. Annual productivity was low (average of 0.35 chicks per pair), but was not strongly affected by recreational disturbance. Daily survival of nests varied annually and declined over the season. Our results suggest that nest survival was lower during periods of extreme high tides. Daily survival rate of broods increased over the season and was higher on island than mainland territories, likely due to differences in predator communities. Territory occupancy rate and site fidelity were high; 95% of color-banded oystercatchers returned to the same breeding territory in the subsequent year. We conclude that Black Oystercatchers are resilient to low levels of recreational disturbance. However, in light of projected increases in recreation, we suggest managers move campsites away from the traditional nest sites identified in this study to minimize future disturbances.
Plant extract effect on Seed-borne pathogenic fungi from seeds of paddy grown in southern India

A total of 40 seed samples of different cultivars of paddy, collected from southern part of India, were mycologicaly analyzed by agar plating method on Czapek's-Dox-Agar (CzA) medium and Standard Blotter Method (SBM), revealed the occurrence of 33 di- verse fungal species belonging to 16 genera. The species of Drechslera oryzae (RP 82.5%) was recorded with the incidence and relative preponderance (RP), followed by Curvularia lunata (RP 67.5%) and Aspergillus niger (RP 65.0%) respectively. The data on the diversity and incidence of fungal species would be a great importance in the region for predicting the extent of pre-and post-infections. In vitro antifungal activity assay of methanol extract of 12 plants belonging to different families were tested against eight patho- genic fungal species viz., Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata, Drechslera oryzae, D. halodes, Fusarium moniliforme, Pyricularia oryzae and Trichoconis padwickii by poisoned food technique. The results revealed that, methanol extract of Acacia nilotica, Caesalpinia coriaria, Decalepis hamiltonii, Emblica officinalis, Lawsonia inermis and Mimosops elengi showed significant antifungal activity at 3500 µg/ml concentration. Comparative evaluation of the extracts with the synthetic fungicides viz., bavistin, blitox, captan, dithane M-45 and thiram at the recommended dosage revealed that, antifungal activity of methanol extract of D. hamiltonii, L. inermis and M. elengi was almost equivalent. These plants can possibly be exploited in the management of seed-borne pathogenic fungi and pre- vention of biodeterioration of paddy in an eco-friendly way.
Differential fruitset between grapevine cultivars is related to differences in pollen viability and amine concentration in flowers

Background and Aims Reproductive capacity among grapevine cultivars varies considerably and impacts yield. Bioactive amines are reported to be involved in many aspects of plant reproductive physiology. We aimed to examine the association between the reproductive performance of cultivars and the concentration of amines in the reproductive organs. Methods and Results The reproductive performance of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon was assessed by determining fruitset, coulure index, millerandage index, pollen tube growth and stigma receptivity. Endogenous concentration of amines in flowers and berries was measured. Poor reproductive performance exhibited by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot compared with that of Shiraz was correlated with poor pollen viability. Amine profiles in the flowers and berries varied significantly among cultivars. A significantly higher concentration of diaminopropane was found in Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and correlated with a higher proportion of underdeveloped berries. An aromatic amine phenylethylamine was found to be the major free amine in the flowers of Merlot, a cultivar susceptible to poor fruitset. Conclusion Variable reproductive performance exhibited by grapevine cultivars is related to differences in pollen viability and amine concentration in the reproductive organs. Significance of the Study A better understanding of the association between reproductive performance and amines in the reproductive organs of grapevines has been achieved.
SCIENTIFIC ESTIMATES OF BYCATCH LANDED BY THE SPANISH SURFACE LONGLINE FLEET TARGETING SWORDFISH (Xiphias gladius) IN THE INDIAN OCEAN WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE 2004 - 2006 PERIOD.

This paper presents scientific estimates of the bycatch species landed by the Spanish surface longline fleet targeting swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the Indian Ocean since the beginning of this fishery in 1993, as well as an update for the recent period 2004- 2006. The species classified as bycatch amounted to 46.2% of the total weight landed. The three most prevalent species in the catch, Xiphias gladius, Prionace glauca and Isurus oxyrhinchus, represented 85.2% of the total weight landed during this last period. As far as bycatch species are concerned, large pelagic sharks were the most prevalent group with 76.5% of the bycatch in weight, whereas tunas amounted to 15.0%, billfish to 2.2% and other species to 6.3%. Prionace glauca and Isurus oxyrhinchus are the two most prevalent bycatch species in the group of large pelagic sharks, reaching 84.4% and 12.0% of the landings of this group, respectively.
Lanthanum anomalies as fingerprints of methanotrophy

Methane is an important greenhouse gas whose emissions into the oceans and atmosphere are regulated by relatively unconstrained anaerobic and aerobic microbial processes. The aerobic pathway for methane oxidation is thought to be largely dependent upon the use of rare earth elements (REE), but to date the effects of this process on their abundances in bacteria or in organisms living in symbiosis with methanotrophs remain to be evaluated. Here we show that deep sea chemosynthetic mussels prospering at methane seeps display distinctive lanthanum enrichments linked to the enzymatic activities of their symbionts. These results demonstrate that methanotrophy is able to fractionate efficiently REE distributions in organisms and possibly in the environment. Lanthanum anomalies recorded in ancient sediments are potential chemical fossils that could be used in the geological record for tracking early evidence of microbial life.