Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of aflatoxin carcinogenesis.

Much progress has been made in elucidating the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that underlie aflatoxin carcinogenesis. In humans, biotransformation of AFB1 to the putative carcinogenic intermediate. AFB-8,9-exo-epoxide, occurs predominantly by cytochromes P450 1A2 and 3A4, with the relative importance of each dependent upon the relative magnitude of expression of the respective enzymes in liver. Genetic variability in the expression of these and other cytochromes P450 may result in substantial interindividual differences in susceptibility to the carcinogenic effects of aflatoxins. Detoxification of AFB-8,9-epoxide by a specific alpha class glutathione S-transferase is an important protective mechanism in mice, and it accounts for the resistance of this species to the carcinogenic effects of AFB. This particular form of GST is expressed constitutively only at low levels in rats, but it is inducible by antioxidants such as ethoxyquin, and it accounts for much of the chemoprotective effects of a variety of substances, including natural dietary components that putatively act via an "antioxidant response element" (ARE). In humans, the constitutively expressed GSTs have very little activity toward AFB1-8,9-exo-epoxide, suggesting that--on a biochemical basis--humans should be quite sensitive to the genotoxic effects of aflatoxins. If a gene encoding a high aflatoxin-active form of GST is present in the human genome, but is not constitutively expressed, and is inducible by dietary antioxidants (as occurs in rats), then chemo- and/or dietary intervention measures aimed at inducing this enzyme could be highly effective. However, as it is possible that human CYP 1A2 may also be inducible by these same chemicals (because of the possible presence of an ARE in this gene), the ultimate consequence of dietary treatment with chemicals that induce biotransformation enzymes via an ARE is uncertain. The balance of the rate of activation (exo-epoxide production) to inactivation (GST conjugation plus other P450-mediated non-epoxide oxidations) may be a strong indicator of individual and species susceptibility to aflatoxin carcinogenesis, if the experimental conditions are reflective of true dietary exposures. There is strong evidence that AFB-8,9-exo-epoxide binds to G:C rich regions of DNA, forming an adduct at the N7-position of guanine. Substantial evidence demonstrates that AFB1-8,9-epoxide can induce activating mutations in the ras oncogene in experimental animals, primarily at codon 12. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Stand reaction of linseed oil

Several theories have been proposed concerning the stand oil reaction but no precise reaction scheme has been described. In this work, the stand reaction of linseed oil was characterized in order to determine the nature of the products formed during this reaction. Using complementary analytical techniques (more especially NMR and mass spectrometry), the existence of two different reactions was demonstrated: the Diels-Alder addition between fatty acid chains and the addition of a methylene radical on double bonds, followed by combination or elimination reactions.
Does Mangrove Leaf Chemistry Help Explain Crab Herbivory Patterns?

ABSTRACT We examined feeding by the mangrove tree crab Aratus pisonii in Tampa Bay, Florida, in relation to the percent dry weight of carbohydrate, protein, phenolics, condensed tannins, ash, carbon, nitrogen, carbon:nitrogen ratio, water content, and sclerophylly for leaves of the red mangrove Rhizophora mangle. Comparisons of leaf chemistry were made among leaves that experienced variable levels of crab damage. Because R. mangle is the crab's preferred food source based on damage patterns in the field, comparisons of R. mangle leaf chemistry were made in relation to that of the black mangrove Avicennia germinans and the white mangrove Laguncularia racemosa. We observed a negative relationship between level of leaf damage and percent dry weight of nitrogen, carbohydrates, condensed tannins, and sclerophylly. In contrast, a positive relationship was found between leaf damage and the carbon:nitrogen ratio. The chemical constituents that provided the best explanation for differences in damage among the three mangrove species include condensed tannins, nitrogen, carbon:nitrogen ratio, carbohydrates, phenolics, water content, and ash. The results from this study suggest that chemistry only partially explains food preference by A. pisonii. It appears that A. pisonii feeding behavior and preference may be influenced by a more complex series of factors and interactions, which may include reproduction by, predation on, and interspecific competition with A. pisonii.
Effects of selenium administration on blood serum Se content and on selected reproductive characteristics of sheep (short communication)

Abstract. Effects of selenium on certain indicators of sheep reproductive success and on Se level in the sheep's blood serum were studied in 2001–2002 on 100 Polish merino sheep ewes kept in a Western Pomeranian sheep farm. The 100 ewes were picked out on random and divided into two equal groups: treatment and control. The blood samples for serum Se assays were collected prior to administration of sodium selenide (before servicing) and 7 days after the treatment. The study was aimed at determining Se effects on the reproductive success (fecundity) of ewes and on selected indicators of lamb utility in a Se-deficient area. Se administration prior to servicing enhanced the herd’s reproductive success. The treatment group’s litter size was by 0.38 lamb per ewe higher than that of the control. The control group lamb body weight was lower than that of the treatment group by an average of 0.23 kg on birth and 0.31 kg 33 days later.
Disruption of NF-κB Signaling Reveals a Novel Role for NF-κB in the Regulation of TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Expression1

The NF-κB family of transcription factors functions broadly in the host control of immunoregulatory gene expression, inflammation, and apoptosis. Using Jurkat T cells engineered to inducibly express a transdominant repressor of IκBα, we examined the role of NF-κB in the regulation of cytokine and apoptotic gene expression. In this T cell model, as well as in primary T lymphocytes, expression of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) apoptotic signaling protein was dramatically down-regulated by inhibition of NF-κB binding activity. TRAIL acts through membrane death receptors to induce apoptosis of activated T lymphocytes and can be up-regulated by a variety of physiological and pharmacological inducers. However, regulation of TRAIL gene expression has not been defined. Treatment with TCR mimetics (PMA/ionomycin, PHA, and anti-CD3/CD28 Abs) resulted in a rapid increase in the expression of TRAIL mRNA and cell surface TRAIL protein. Induction of the transdominant repressor of IκBα dramatically down-regulated surface expression of TRAIL, indicating an essential role for NF-κB in the regulation of TRAIL. The induced expression of TRAIL was linked to a c-Rel binding site in the proximal TRAIL promoter at position −256 to −265; mutation of this site or an adjacent κB site resulted in a complete loss of the inducibility of the TRAIL promoter. The regulation of TRAIL expression by NF-κB may represent a general mechanism that contributes to the control of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in T lymphocytes.
First results concerning the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against Hercinothrips femoralis (Reuter)

The efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora against larvae and adults of banded greenhouse thrips, Hercinothrips femoralis, was studied under laboratory conditions. The activity of the biological agents under study was determined at three different temperatures (15, 20, and 25°C), with concentration of 200 infective juveniles per individual (larva or adult), a day:night ratio of 4:20 and relative humidity of 95 %. The experiment was conducted in plastic rearing vessels on French bean leaves with a slightly modified version of a method used for studying the bionomics of thrips. The mortality rate of the thrips was determined four days after the application of the nematode suspension. Temperature had significant influence on adult pest mortality, but no significant effects were found with nematode species. Neither temperature nor nematode species had significant effect on larval mortality, which ranged from 23 % (S. feltiae at 25°C) to approximately 50 % (H. bacteriophora at 15 and 25°C). Mortality of adults was significantly influenced only by temperature, with the nematodes being most efficient at 25°C (approximately 30 % mortality by H. bateriophora). The results of our research showed that foliar application of entomopathogenic nematodes might be a relatively efficient way for controlling H. femoralis, but the optimization of environmental factors would likely improve their efficacy further.
INVESTIGATING THE ROLES OF CELL ADHESION MOLECULES IN SYNAPSE FORMATION AND FUNCTION

Recent findings have revealed a crucial contribution of the adhesion molecule neuroligin-1 to the precise organization and regulation of intercellular synaptic connections within the central nervous system, and disruption of neuroligin-1 signaling in vivo fosters cognitive abnormalities. Despite considerable recent progress, several uncertainties remain regarding the exact synaptic function of neuroligin-1. Principle among these uncertainties is whether neuroligin-1 primarily promotes initiation of de novo synaptic connections or maturation of functional, pre-existent connections. To begin to address this, experiments must be devised that are capable of dissociating activity-dependent and -independent effects of neuroligin-1 signaling on pre- and postsynaptic compartments. An additional uncertainty is how and when synapses containing neuroligin-1 are specified as either excitatory or inhibitory. Elucidating these synapse specification cascades will prove crucial in defining the contribution of neuroligin-1 to overall network balances of excitation and inhibition that guide proper cognitive development. A final uncertainty is how alternate adhesion complexes may coordinate with neuroligin-1 to initiate or maintain synaptic connections. Differentiating redundant from complementary functions among adhesion systems will help reconcile unresolved discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo experiments and ultimately provide a clearer understanding of synapse formation and function in vivo. Herein I detail significant new findings clarifying each of these uncertainties. Utilizing a specific transfection protocol, I first demonstrate that neuroligin-1 is capable of robustly inducing presynaptic differentiation independent of proper postsynaptic development and synaptic activity. Second, employing both multi-molecular perturbations and a delimited biological model of the synapse, I show that the postsynaptic scaffolding molecule PSD95 specifically acts downstream of neuroligin-1-mediated synapse initiation. Third, the model synapse is again employed to differentiate between separate synaptic functions of neuroligin-1 and alternate adhesion molecule SynCAM1. Building from these distinct synaptic functions, I provide preliminary evidence that SynCAM1 matures inactive neuroligin-1-initiated synapses. Fourth, I present the first direct evidence that neuroligin-1 contributes to dendritic morphogenesis in mammalian neurons, consistent with recent findings within the Xenopus system. Collectively, these results evince a robust capacity of neuroligin-1 in initial stages of synaptogenesis and contribute to a new theory of neuroligin-1 function in both activity-dependent synapse initiation and activity-dependent synapse maturation.
Murine natural killer cells contribute to the granulomatous reaction caused by mycobacterial cell walls

Mice injected with deproteinized cell walls prepared from the strain H37rv of Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop a granuloma-like lesion in which NKT cells are predominant. NKT cells play a primary role in the granulomatous response, because the latter does not occur in Jα281−/− mice, which miss NKT cells. The glycolipidic fraction of the cell walls is responsible for the recruitment of NKT cells; the recruiting activity is associated with fractions containing phosphatidylinositolmannosides. These results define a powerful experimental set up for studying the in vivo induction of NKT cell responses to microbial components.
Survival consequences of sex‐biased growth and the absence of a growth–mortality trade‐off

Summary 1 Growth rate is of considerable importance to the life histories of indeterminately growing organisms. Its determination of size at age can generate positive associations with several traits, although the rate at which size increases with time has been negatively linked with survival. Such a trade-off may not, however, be evident at growth rates considerably less than species-specific maxima, nor need links between growth and life history be similar for both sexes. 2 Based on a 5-year, mark–recapture study of an unexploited population of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) near the edge of the species’ range, I tested the null hypotheses that seasonal growth does not differ between sexes and that survival is independent of growth rate. Both hypotheses were rejected. 3 Faster growth by males during summer, and by females during winter, can be explained by seasonal differences, by sex, in the proportional allocation of energy to gonads and soma. 4 Survival increased with growth rate per se, independently of the latter's effects on size at age; survival among males appears more dependent on growth than that of females. 5 The results indicate that there can be fitness costs associated with slow growth, that these costs can differ between sexes, and that they may be exacerbated during periods of energetic stress. Trade-offs between growth and survival may depend on the behavioural and developmental contexts in which they are examined, need not be ubiquitous and may vary throughout a species’ geographical range.
Multiple ecosystem services, possible trade-offs and synergies in a temperate forest ecosystem in Mexico: a review

Identification of the ecosystem services provided by Mexican temperate forests is a prerequisite in ensuring their conservation and sustainable management. This study aimed (1) to describe ecosystem services provided by Mexican temperate forests (provisioning, regulating and cultural services); and (2) to identify possible trade-offs and synergies based on the types of ecosystem services available in Mexican temperate forests. We synthesized relevant literature from scientific articles, government statistics and grey literature covering the years 1985–2012. Timber extraction is the main beneficial ecosystem service of temperate forests recognized by public policy as shown by the high income from this activity; but it has trade-offs of greater magnitude with other provisioning services (water, bioenergy and non-timber forest resources), and with other supporting, regulating and cultural ecosystem services. For example, it causes the loss of other forest resources, extinction of commercially important species and loss of the system's structural complexity. Water capture and extraction of non-timber forest resources have lesser effects on support and regulation services, and in the case of water capture, the magnitude of the effect depends on the type and reversibility of the modification of the ecosystem. The synergies between ecosystem services have mutual benefits; for example, a decision to enhance the scenic beauty in temperate forests potentially improves water cycling and provision of non-timber forest resources, and has a positive effect on cultural and regulation services. In Mexican temperate forests the recognition of ecosystem services is limited and is based largely on grey literature. More robust scientific information is needed on the role of these forests in maintaining biodiversity and provision of ecosystem services essential to the welfare of the population. Also, monitoring of ecosystem processes of highland temperate forests in tropical regions is very limited, so it is necessary to generate research to develop a paradigm shift from forest management based strictly on logging to one based on ecosystem management.
The Effect of Stream Bed Morphology on Shredder Abundance and Leaf-Litter Decomposition in Hungarian Midland Streams

The aim of this study was to examine the differences between natural and morphologically modified stream bed sections in Hungarian midland streams by means of macroinvertebrate shredder abundance and leaf litter decomposition, and identify the key drivers of poor shredder fauna in modified water bodies. Eight sampling sites on three low order Hungarian watercourses were selected and studied between the springs of 2008 and 2009. Three types of leaf litter were collected and placed into leaf litter bags that were fixed to a metal wire net on the bottom of the river bed. Samples were taken in every four weeks. Leaf litter content and decomposition rate was determined and macroinvertebrates identified. Gammaridae dominated among shredders and their proportion did not differ significantly in bags. The shredders’ counts and the leaf litter decay rates were different in the experimental streams. The sampling sites located in modified stream sections, with limited availability of food, exhibited lower shredder densities but higher decomposition rates (k>0.01 d -1 ) than those observed in sites of undisturbed bed morphology with rich allochtonous organic matter (k<0.0077 d -1 ). However, no significant differences were obtained in decay rates among the leaf species. Our results suggest that shoreline vegetation and bed morphology are two equally important factors in determining functional properties of streams; and leaf litter decomposition rate is not only a function of shredder density. Thus decomposition rate can be an important functional variable for ecological status assessment of the water.
Habitat use and circadian pattern of Solitary Tinamou Tinamus solitarius in a southern Brazilian Atlantic rainforest

Summary Solitary Tinamou Tinamus solitarius is a threatened Brazilian bird, and very little is known about its ecology and behaviour. In this study we aimed to verify the use of habitats in different stages of plant succession and the circadian activity pattern of the species. The study was conducted in Santa Catarina state (27º43’S, 48º49’W). Six camera traps were used to record the species in three areas of different successional stages during a 12-month period. Traps remained at each sample site for two months, after which they were moved to a new site, a minimum distance of 100 m apart. A total of 76 independent records of Solitary Tinamou were obtained, and its habitat use was found to be different within the three successional stages (P = 0.02). The majority of 54 independent records were obtained in the secondary forest; not one photo of the species was taken in the most degraded area. Solitary Tinamou exhibited a crepuscular pattern of activity, with most records (n = 38) taken at 07h00 and 06h00, and it appears to be sensitive to forest clearance.
A New Baleen Whale (Mysticeti: Cetotheriidae) from the Earliest Late Miocene of Japan and a Reconsideration of the Phylogeny of Cetotheres

ABSTRACT A new, well-preserved mysticete fossil is described and diagnosed here as Joumocetus shimizui, gen. et sp. nov. The holotype specimen was recovered from the earliest Late Miocene, Haraichi Formation, Annaka Group, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Although many cetotheres have been found from the Pacific realm, the Cetotheriidae sensu stricto is relatively rare in terms of taxonomic diversity and also abundance of specimens. Joumocetus will be the fourth genus of the Cetotheriidae sensu stricto from the Pacific and the geologically earliest and most archaic Cetotheriidae sensu stricto yet reported. Joumocetus retains a number of primitive characteristics, and our phylogenetic analysis indicates that Joumocetus is placed basally among the Cetotheriidae sensu stricto. Our analysis clearly indicates a monophyly of the Cetotheriidae sensu stricto and of a clade that consists of Balaenopteridae, Eschrichtiidae, and cetotheres. The results also indicate the monophyly of the following two groups: cetotheres not belong to Cetotheriidae sensu stricto (= Isanacetus-group) and Cetotheriidae sensu lato (= Isanacetus-group + Cetotheriidae sensu stricto); however, the monophylies of these groups are not well supported by bootstrap analysis. Consequently, the relationships and definition of these mysticete taxa remain unclear. Based on the present study and a review of previous studies, we suggest that the Isanacetus-group is a paraphyletic taxon that includes the ancestors of two clades, Balaenopteridae + Eschrichtiidae and the Cetotheriidae sensu stricto.
Short Communication: Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy accurately predicts the digestible energy content of barley for pigs

Zijlstra, R. T. , Swift, M. L. , Wang, L. F. , Scott, T. A. and Edney, M. J. 2011. Short Communication:Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy accurately predicts the digestible energy content of barley for pigs. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 301–304. Density, chicken apparent metabolizable energy (AME), and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) were tested to predict the widely varying swine digestible energy (DE) content of barley. The DE content of 39 barley samples ranged from 2686 to 3163 kcal kg−1 (90% DM) in grower pigs. The R2 between DE content and density (0.14) and broiler chicken AME content (0.18 and 0.56, without and with enzyme, respectively) was low. In contrast, the coefficient of determination to predict swine DE content for ground barley samples using NIRS was respectable for external validation (R2=0.74) and internal cross validation (1-VR=0.79), but more robust calibrations should be developed for commercial application.
Leaf Nitrogen Content, Photosynthesis and Radiation Use Efficiency in Peanut1

Abstract It has been hypothesized that a close correlation exists between specific leaf nitrogen content (SLN, g N m-2 leaf area) and leaf carbon exchange rate (CER), and crop radiation use efficiency (RUE). This association has not been investigated previously in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) so the objective of this research was to obtain such data under greenhouse and field conditions. In the greenhouse study differing nitrogen fertilizer treatments for a non-nodulated cultivar resulted in leaves with a wide range of SLN and CER. A strong, positive association between SLN and CER was found. In the field little variation in either SLN or CER was observed through much of the growing season in four commercial cultivars. Consistent with the observation of stability in SLN and CER, RUE based on total, intercepted solar radiation was found to be constant at 1.00 g MJ-1 through the growing season. However, the observed RUE was 29% greater than a theoretical RUE calculated assuming a uniform distribution of SLN.