Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sex hormones regulate the contribution of PKCε and PKA signalling in inflammatory pain in the rat

We have evaluated the contribution of differences in second messenger signalling to sex differences in inflammatory pain and its control by sex hormones. In normal male but not female rats, epinephrine‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia was antagonized by inhibitors of protein kinase Cε (PKCε), protein kinase A (PKA) and nitric oxide synthetase (NOS). Similarly, in PKCε knockout mice, a contribution of PKCε to epinephrine‐dependent mechanical hyperalgesia occurred in males only. In contrast, hyperalgesia induced by prostaglandin E2, in both females and males, was dependent on PKA and NO. In both sexes, inhibitors of mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular‐signal related kinase kinase (MEK) inhibited epinephrine hyperalgesia. In gonadectomized females, the second messenger contributions to epinephrine hyperalgesia demonstrated the pattern seen in males. Administration of oestrogen to gonadectomized females fully reconstituted the phenotype of the normal female. These data demonstrate gender differences in PKCε, PKA and NO signalling in epinephrine‐induced hyperalgesia which are oestrogen dependent and appear to be exerted at the level of the β‐adrenergic receptor or the G‐protein to which it is coupled.
Reproductive cycle of Arvícola sapidus (Rodentia, Arvicolidae) from southern Navarre, Spain

size and vascularization of the uterus, presence of embryos and placental scars, histological analysis of the ovary and development of the mammary glands. The results show that sexual maturity development is related to age, season and size of both the individual and its reproductive organs. In the studied population there are males with spermatozoa present throughout the entire year. However, the size of testes and seminal vesicles of the adult males varied yearly, reaching lowest values at the end of autumn and winter. The mean number of embryos per litter is 3.7 ± 1.4 (n = 51, range: 1-7), being closely related to the mother's weight. Intrauterine mortality affects at leats 5.1% of the embryos and 17.6% of the litters, while 53.7% of the females show placental scars. Females show high sexual activity between March and October (46.1-90.0% are pregnant or nursing) and are less active in the remaining months. In southern Navarre, A. sapidus breeds throughout the year with two well differentiated periods, one of high reproductive intensity (March-October, with maximum between April and June), and another of lesser intensity (November-February).
The Effects Of Two Forms Of Slow-Release Insulin On Lactating Dairy Cow Metabolism And Milk Component Production

This study investigated the effect of increasing doses of two different types of slow-release insulin on the 24-h profi les of plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in lactating dairy cows. The study was carried out in two separately analyzed experiments investigating the effects of Humulin-N (H), a neutral protamine hagedorn insulin, and insulin glargine (L), an insulin analogue, at doses of 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 IU/kg BW in a randomized complete block design. Sixteen cows were used for each insulin type, resulting in n = 4 for each dose within insulin type. Cows were fi tted with a single jugular catheter on the day before the study. On the day of the study, cows were given treatments by subcutaneous injection of either sterile water or the designated insulin type and dose. Blood samples were taken hourly from the jugular catheter. Subcutaneous injection of both H and L resulted in linear decreases in plasma glucose concentrations (P < 0.001). Plasma insulin concentration linearly increased with increasing dose of H (P < 0.001). Though we were able to measure insulin in samples from cows treated with H, we were unable to obtain accurate insulin concentrations for samples from cows treated with L. We attempted to measure overall insulin concentrations and metabolites of L by a commercially-available ELISA and a commercially-available RIA kit, but did not retrieve values that we felt truly represent the amount of insulin activity being exhibited during this treatment. Though we were unable to measure actual insulin concentrations in cows treated with L, the observation of reduced plasma glucose in cows treated with L serves as a proxy for overall insulin activity. Both slow-release insulin products elicited insulin-like activity in lactating dairy cows, as evidenced by reduced plasma glucose concentrations. Given these results, the potential exists to use both H and L to study the effects of insulin
Identification of shared antigenic determinants of the putative human T lymphocyte antigen receptor

A mouse antiserum, anti-gp40,49 was obtained by immunizing BALB/c mice with the putative T cell antigen receptor isolated from HPB-MLT cells. This antiserum reacted with peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) and a panel of immunocompetent T cell lines and clones in each case precipitating from lysates of cells labeled by surface iodination, a disulfide-linked dimer consisting of an alpha subunit Mr (46,000- 49,000) and a beta subunit Mr (40,000-45,000). Variability in Mr of the two subunits, particularly of the beta (light) subunit, was observed when the receptors of immunocompetent T cell lines with different antigen specificities were compared. Anti-gp40,49 serum reacted selectively with the alpha subunit after reduction and alkylation of the protein complex. These results confirm the relationship between the gp40,49 protein complex of HPB-MLT cells and the putative T cell antigen receptor on normal immunocompetent T cells and indicate that the alpha subunit of the human receptor expressed shared determinant(s) that are immunogenic in the mouse. Some features of the T cell antigen receptor appear to be unusual in that even with a xenoantiserum against the purified molecule, only antibodies against clonotypic determinants could be detected at the cell surface by quantitative immunofluorescence analysis.
MONOPHYLY OF THE GENUS CLOSTERIUM AND THE ORDER DESMIDIALES (CHAROPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA) INFERRED FROM NUCLEAR SMALL SUBUNIT rDNA DATA

We newly sequenced the nuclear‐encoded small subunit (SSU) rDNA coding region for 21 taxa of the genus Closterium. The new sequences were integrated into an alignment with 13 known sequences of conjugating green algae representing six traditional families (i.e. Zygnemataceae, Mesotaeniaceae, Gonatozygaceae, Peniaceae, Closteriaceae, and Desmidiaceae) and five known charophycean sequences as outgroups. Both maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony analyses supported with high bootstrap values one large clade containing all placoderm desmids (Desmidiales). All the Closterium taxa formed one clade with 100% bootstrap support, indicating their monophyly, but not paraphyly, as suggested earlier. As to the taxa within the genus Closterium, we found two clades of morphologically closely related taxa in both maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony trees. They corresponded to the C. calosporum species complex and the C. moniliferum‐ehrenbergii species complex. It is of particular interest that the homothallic entity of C. moniliferum v. moniliferum was distinguished from and ancestral to all other entities of the C. moniliferum‐ehrenbergii species complex. Superimposing all 50 charophycean sequences on the higher order SSU rRNA structure model of Closterium, we investigated degrees of nucleotide conservation at a given position in the nucleotide sequence. A characteristic “signature” structure to the genus Closterium was found as an additional helix at the tip of V1 region. In addition, eight base deletions at the tip of helix 10 were found to be characteristic of the C. calosporum species complex, C. gracile, C. incurvum, C. pleurodermatum, and C. pusillum v. maius. These taxa formed one clade with an 82% bootstrap value in maximum parsimony analysis.
Profiles of forestry contractors and development of the forestry-contracting sector in Sweden

Abstract Contractors perform the majority of forestry activities in Sweden, yet little is known about the development of their company structures and strategies. By analyzing data from the Swedish Forest Agency's yearly survey to forestry contractors for 2006–2009 and comparing the results with previous data for 1993–1998, we examined the current profiles of Swedish forestry contractors and their recent development. For 2006–2009, responses were received from 700 to 770 forestry contractors, corresponding to ca. 20% of the estimated total number of Swedish forestry contractors. In 2009, 60% of contractors were mainly performing logging activities, whereas 30% were mainly performing silvicultural activities. Between 1993 and 2009, the number of contractors increased by ca. 80%, while the number of forestry working contractors and their employees increased by 157%. These increases were mainly due to increased silvicultural activities. Although one-person enterprises still dominate among Swedish forestry contractors, most logging work is performed by small-sized enterprises, whereas most silviculture work is performed by large-sized enterprises. Our study suggests that there is an increased dependency upon contractors and forestry contractors have become more diversified, but still specialized, in the type of work they perform.
QUALITATIVE STUDY OF ANOPHELES SPECIES IN KONDUGA LAKE AREA OF BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

The investigation on Anopheles species in Konduga lake area, Borno State of Nigeria, was carried out to identify various Anopheles species prevalent in the area and to determine their relative population densities. Six Anopheles species were recorded, namely, A. gambiae, A. funestus, A. ziemanni, A. squamosus, A. pharoensis, and A. maculipalpis. The relative population densities of various species were higher during rainy season than during the dry season. The population densities of female Anopheles were higher than those of the males. With the exemption of A. maculipalpis, all the other Anopheles species recorded during the study are known transmitters of human malaria. A. gambiae of the A. gambiae complex was dominant in the study area. The periodic occurrence of Anopheles explains periodicity of malaria epidemiology in the study area. The high population of the female Anopheles predisposes inhabitants of the study area to incessant contact with the malaria vectors. Lake Konduga and its environments seem to satisfy the basic requirements of Anopheles mosquitoes growth and survival.
May a hybridogenetic complex regenerate the nuclear genome of both sexes of a missing ancestor? First evidence on the occurrence of a nuclear non‐hybrid Squalius alburnoides (Cyprinidae) female based on DNA sequencing

Based on molecular evidence and on direct observation of gonads and morphology, we describe the occurrence of a female of the hybridogenetic minnow Squalius alburnoides bearing the nuclear genome of the paternal ancestor of the complex and the mtDNA of S. pyrenaicus (the maternal species). The paternal ancestor is believed to be extinct and the available molecular evidence indicates that it was a species distant from the maternal ancestor and closer to a very different genus (Anaecypris). Its nuclear genes were perpetuated through hybrids and through diploid males originated from the hybrids and containing two copies of the paternal genome. The discovery of a diploid female with the pure nuclear genome of the paternal ancestor, even if it represents a very rare occurrence, illustrates a very interesting biological phenomenon: the possibility of re‐emergence of an extinct species from its descendent hybrids, although carrying the mtDNA of another species.
Effect of natural fermentation on the functional properties of protein enriched composite flour.

The functional properties of a naturally fermented composite flour made up of 30% edible defatted groundnut flour and 70% sorghum meal were compared with conventionally fermented sorghum meal. Fermentation increased the nitrogen solubility of the composite flour in the alkaline pH region. The increased protein of the composite flour (23%) improved the functionality of the meal as reflected in its better water-absorption capacity, its water-retention capacity, and its fatabsorption capacity compared to values obtained with sorghum meal for the three functional properties, respectively. Natural fermentation resulted in the improvement of the water-absorption capacity of the composite flour but decreased its water-retention capacity and its fatabsorption capacity. The fermented composite flour showed better foaming capacity and emulsification capacity than fermented sorghum meal. Fermentation helped to stabilize the foaming properties of the composite flour; however, it did not improve its emulsion stability.
Statistical mechanics of quasispecies theories of molecular evolution

Statistical Mechanics of Quasispecies theories of molecular evolution by Enrique Murioz Tavera This thesis presents a statistical mechanical analysis of different formulations of quasispecies theory of molecular evolution. These theories, characterized by two different families of models, the Crow-Kimura and the Eigen model, constitute a microscopic description of evolution. These models are most often used for RNA viruses, where a phase transition is predicted, in agreement with experiments, between an organized or quasispecies phase, and a disordered non-selective phase when the mutation rate exceeds a critical value. The methods of statistical mechanics, in particular field-theoretic methods, are employed to obtain analytic solutions to four problems relevant to biological interest. The first chapter presents the study of evolution under a multiple-peak fitness landscape, with biological applications in the study of the proliferation of viruses or cancer under the control of drugs or the immune system. The second chapter studies i i i the effect of incorporating different forms of horizontal gene transfer and two-parent recombination to the classical formulation of quasispecies models. As an example, we study the effect of the sign of epistasis of the fitness landscape on the advantage or disadvantage of recombination for the mean fitness. The third chapter considers the relaxation of the purine/pyrimidine assumption in the classical formulation of the models, by formulating and solving the parallel and Eigen models in the context of a four-letter alphabet. The fourth and final chapter studies finite population effects, both in the presence and in the absence of horizontal gene transfer.
Misdirected Parental Care by a Male Eastern Towhee at a Wood Thrush Nest

Abstract Misdirected parental care, or care directed toward unrelated young, has been recorded for many bird species. The Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) is not known to practice this behavior or allow other species to attend to its young. We observed a Wood Thrush nest with three Wood Thrush nestlings and one Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) nestling being attended by a male Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus). The towhee fed the young of both species in the nest for at least 5 days and was subsequently observed feeding a Wood Thrush fledgling. The towhee also participated in nest maintenance and defense. The proximate cause of towhee attendance at the Wood Thrush nest remains unknown, but begging calls from the nestlings may have stimulated the behavior.
Receptor subtypes for endothelin in the kidney of the freshwater turtle (amyda japonica)

The distribution of receptor subtypes for endothelin (ET) in the kidney of the freshwater turtle, Amyda japonica, was examined by quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography using iodinated mammalian type ET‐1 (125I‐ET‐1) as a radiolabeled ligand. Specific 125I‐ET‐1 bindings were localized to renal tubules, renal arteries and ureter with binding densities of 111.21 ± 19.14, 182.13 ± 10.57 and 219.46 ± 12.83 amol/mm2, respectively. Binding dissociation constants in renal tubules, renal arteries and ureter were 1.05 ± 0.63, 2.03±0.56 and 1.70±0.47nM, respectively. Receptor subtypes for ET in the kidney were characterized by competition with BQ 123 and BQ 788 as specific antagonists for ET receptors, type A (ETA), and type B (ETB) subtypes, respectively. Specific 125I‐ET‐1 bindings in renal arteries and ureter were potently inhibited by BQ 123 in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas BQ 788 was not in competing for specific 125I‐ET‐1 bindings in this structure. However, specific 125I‐ET‐1 bindings in renal tubules were inhibited more potently by BQ 788. Therefore, these results indicate that specific ET receptors are localized in renal tubules, renal arteries and the ureter of the freshwater turtle. Results also suggest that the predominant ET receptor subtypes are like the ETA receptor in renal arteries and ureter, and like the ETB receptor in the renal tubule.
Quantitative trait locus analysis of late maturity a-amylase in wheat using the doubled haploid population Cranbrook Halberd

Mapping of the late maturity α-amylase (LMA) gene using quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis represents an important step in identification of potential molecular markers that would greatly improve efficiency and accuracy of screening for LMA. QTL controlling the expression of LMA in wheat were detected in a doubled haploid (DH) cross/population derived from wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) cultivars Cranbrook (LMA source) and Halberd (non-LMA). The DH population and parents were sown in replicated trials at Narrabri with sowing times differing by 2 weeks. Cool temperature treatment of detached tillers was used to induce expression of LMA in lines carrying the defect. The number of grains in ripe, treated tillers that contained high pI (malt, germination type) α-amylase isozymes was measured using an ELISA antibody kit highly specific for high pI isozymes. QTL analyses were conducted separately for each sowing, but results from both sowings were consistent and indicated that there was a highly significant (P < 0.001) QTL on the long arm of chromosome 7B (accounting for 31% of the variation in the first experiment), with Cranbrook contributing the higher value allele. A second QTL that accounted for 13% of the variation was found close to the centromere on chromosome 3B. Although it was less important than the QTL on 7B it was nevertheless still significant (P < 0.05).
Circle Hook Size and Spacing Effects on the Catch of Pacific Halibut

Joint fishing for halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis Schmidt, 1904) and sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria Pallas, 1811) in Alaska in recent years has created questions about the use of fishing effort data in the halibut stock assessment. The optimum gear for halibut uses larger hooks and longer spacing than sablefish gear. We conducted a randomized block fishing experiment to estimate the relative fishing power of different hook sizes and spacings. The blocks consisted of 12 randomized treatments, each a combination of one of four hook sizes and four hook spacings. All possible treatments were not tested because some are not used in the fishery. Each treatment consisted of a single 100-hook skate of gear. Primary response variables were the weight of legal-sized halibut for commercial retention and the count of sub-legal sized fish. The experiment was conducted in a high fish density region in 2005 and in a lower fish density region in 2007. There was no evidence of an interaction effect between hook size and hook spacing in either year, for either legal-sized weight or sub-legal count. Hook size had an effect on sub-legal fish counts in both areas, with highest catches on smaller hooks, but there was evidence of a hook size effect on legal weight in the high density area. Hook spacing had an effect on weights and counts with higher catch seen on the longer spacings.
Molecular heterogeneity in Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Anabaena flos-aquae (Cyanophyta): a synchrotron-based Fourier-transform infrared study of lake micropopulations

Synchrotron-based Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy was used to characterize micropopulations of the cyanobacteria Anabaena flos-aquae and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae in mixed phytoplankton samples taken from the epilimnion and hypolimnion of a stratified eutrophic lake (Rostherne Mere, UK). All FTIR spectra (normalized to amide I) showed a closely similar sequence of 10 bands over the wavenumber range 4,000–900 cm−1 and were assigned to a range of vibrationally active chemical groups. Interspecific differences between Anabaena and Aphanizomenon were revealed using correlation and multivariate analysis (principal component analysis, PCA) of the set of individual band intensities. Differences between species (separately for epilimnion and hypolimnion) were also analysed by comparing band intensity means, and by performing PCA over a broad spectral region (1,750–900 cm−1). Comparison of intensity means showed that spectra obtained from epilimnetic algae had significant differences in bands 5–7 and in bands 4, 9 and 10. However, in the spectra obtained from the hypolimnion algae, a different pattern was observed, with significant differences between the species restricted to bands 7–10. PCA of the spectral region 1,750–900 cm−1 also demonstrated interspecific differences in relation to carbohydrate and protein concentrations, with Anabaena displaying higher carbohydrate levels in both the epilimnion and hypolimnion. Intraspecific comparisons of band intensity means for epilimnion and hypolimnion subpopulations demonstrated clear differences in Aphanizomenon, where significant differences were observed between epilimnion (higher carbohydrate concentration compared with protein) and hypolimnion (lower carbohydrate concentration compared with protein) subpopulations. Anabaena however showed only minor differences. PCA comparison of the spectral region 1,750–900 cm−1, followed by data visualization using scores plots and loading plots, also demonstrated quantitative differences. Scores plots resolved the epilimnion and hypolimnion subpopulations in Aphanizomenon (but not Anabaena), with the loading plot showing large differences in carbohydrates, supporting the analysis using discrete peak intensities.
Feed conversion efficiency as a key determinant of dairy herd performance: a review

This paper focuses on dairy herd performance in the United Kingdom and southern Australia, where feed costs have been estimated to comprise between 40 and 67% of the total costs of production. The efficiency of conversion of grazed pasture, home grown forages and purchased feeds into milk has a major bearing on farm profit. Feed conversion efficiency (FCE), defined as ‘kg milk of standardised composition with respect to protein and fat concentrations produced per kg feed dry matter consumed’, is a useful measure of the performance of a farm feeding system, but is seldom used by dairy farmers. It could also be defined as ‘g protein plus fat produced per kg feed dry matter consumed’, given that farmers are often paid for these components. The value of estimating FCE on an annual or shorter-term basis is discussed in relation to accepted principles of feed utilisation and dairy cow energy requirements. The implications of feed intake, conversion of ingested nutrients into absorbed nutrients and the subsequent utilisation of these nutrients for milk production or other purposes, as well as the effects of stage of lactation on FCE, are reviewed. Measuring FCE and identifying opportunities for improvement is relatively straightforward in housed feeding systems, but is more problematic under grazing. Hence, approaches and the key assumptions in estimating FCE in grazing situations, as well as possible limitations of these estimates, are discussed. Finally, a case study examining the potential impact of improved nutritional strategies on FCE and on margin over feed costs is presented. It is concluded that, to remain profitable, dairy farmers need to have a sound knowledge of cow nutrition, along with appropriate measures of FCE to monitor the performance of their milk production system. Such indicators of the biological performance of the farming system are most useful when used in conjunction with appropriate measures of economic performance.