Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential prey utilization by the generalist predator Coleomegilla maculata lengi according to prey size and species

Prey utilization by the generalist predator Coleomegilla maculata lengi Timb. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) of three sympatric lepidopterous species was quantified in relation with prey size (age) and prey species. Based on optimal foraging theory, we argued that costs associated with the utilization of small and large prey are higher than those of intermediate prey size. As a result, we expected a higher prey consumption rate on intermediate prey size leading to a convex prey consumption curve. Laboratory experiments showed that, within a given prey instar, Coleomegilla maculata lengi preyed more on Plutella xylostella (L.) compared to Artogeia rapae (L.) and Trichoplusia ni (Hübner). Generally, prey consumption rate by Coleomegilla maculata lengi on the three prey species decreased with increasing immature prey size (age). The predation efficacy of Coleomegilla maculata lengi adults and fourth instar larvae was higher compared to younger coccinellids (L2). Although, Coleomegilla maculata lengi showed a higher level of predation on smaller immature prey, we demonstrated that it is not the optimal size range for this predator. As predicted, prey weight consumption rate by Coleomegilla maculata lengi was higher at intermediate prey size leading to a convex prey utilization curve. The beneficial impact of Coleomegilla maculata lengi predation on the host plant was also estimated by using a Protection Index that considers the differential predation caused by the coccinellids and the relative importance of each pest species in terms of plant injury. Coleomegilla maculata lengi has a more significant beneficial impact when it preys on T. ni immatures.
Alteration by diacylglycerols of the transport and fatty acid composition of lymph chylomicrons in rats

Lymph fistula rats were continuously infused with emulsions containing diacylglycerol consisting of 1,3-species (65.6%), 1(or 3),2-species (32.6%), and triacylglycerol (rapeseed oil) at the rate of 3ml/h for 1 h through a cannula inserted into the stomach. The lymph fluids were collected every hour for 5 h after starting the infusion of the lipid emulsions, and the lymph chylomicrons were isolated, purified and analyzed. Test emulsions were prepared to provide the same amount of fatty acids (144mg/h) as that in these acylglycerols. The rates for triacylglycerol transport at 2–3 h and for cholesterol transport by chylomicrons at 2–3 h and 3–4 h of the experimental period in rats infused with the diacylglycerol emulsion were significantly lower than the corresponding values in the rats infused with the triacylglycerol emulsion. As a consequence, the cumulative value for triacylglycerol transport at the end of the experimental period in rats infused with the diacylglycerol emulsion was significantly lower th.
Azithromycin has lung barrier protective effects in a cell model mimicking ventilator-induced lung injury.

Azithromycin (AZM) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic widely used to treat infections. AZM has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions unrelated to its antibacterial activity which contribute to the effectiveness of this drug in chronic respiratory diseases. The mechanisms behind these beneficial effects are not yet fully elucidated. We have previously shown that AZM enhances barrier integrity of bronchial epithelial cells and directs them towards epidermal differentiation. In this study, we analyzed the effect of AZM pre-treatment of bronchial and alveolar derived cell lines while mechanically stressed in a Cyclical Pressure Air-liquid interface Device (CPAD), that mimics the disruption of the epithelial barrier with increased inflammatory response in lung tissue, associated with ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Immunostainings along with imaging the cells in the electron microscope, show that barrier integrity of the epithelium is compromised by cyclically stressing the cells but maintained when cells were AZM pre-treated. Lamellar body formations were also revealed in AZM pre-treated cells possibly further supporting the barrier enhancing effects. RNA sequencing shows that the inflammatory response is attenuated by AZM pre-treatment before cyclical stress. Expression of YKL-40, an emerging inflammatory marker is shown to increase due to cyclical stress and by AZM treatment. These data suggest that AZM has barrier protective and immunomodulatory effects, attenuating the inflammatory response during mechanical stress and might therefore be lung protective during mechanical ventilation.
Wrist Posture Estimation Differences and Reliability Between Video Analysis and Electrogoniometer Methods

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the inter- and intrarater agreement of estimated wrist angles using video and to compare wrist angles from video analysis to electrogoniometers. Background Video analysis is used frequently in ergonomic assessments, but factors including parallax and complex angles may influence wrist angle estimates. Electrogoniometers are an alternative to video, but may not be reliable in complex postures. Given the limitations of each method, there is a need to determine the suitability of the measurement methods for field use. Method Ten participants performed frame-by-frame wrist (flexion–extension, radioulnar deviation) and forearm (pronation–supination) posture estimation for worker tasks from three camera views (top, side, and oblique). Workers were equipped with electrogoniometers to record wrist posture during the tasks. The video estimate data was compared between 2 days and to sensor data. Results Percent agreement between participants ranged from 53% to 81% across all ratings. Agreement was highest from the side view (66%, κ = 0.56) for flexion–extension and top view for radioulnar deviation (77%, κ = 0.52) and pronation–supination (69%, κ = 0.58). Video–electrogoniometer agreement was lower, with peak agreement from the top view for flexion–extension (57%, κ = 0.49) and radioulnar deviation (68%, κ = 0.30) and the oblique view for pronation–supination (53%, κ = –0.1). Conclusion Participant estimate agreement was moderate-substantial overall and aligns with previous reports. Disagreement between video and electrogoniometers may be attributed to camera angle and parallax effects and the small magnitude of wrist motions compared to other joints.
Swimbladder inflation, growth and survival of yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi (Valenciennes, 1833) larvae under different temperature, light and oxygen conditions

Poor swimbladder inflation leads to low fish survival due to resulting spinal deformities and the inability to feed and develop normally. Failure of swimbladder inflation may be attributed to the inappropriate range of abiotic conditions. This study investigated the effects of temperature, light source and intensity, and oxygen conditions on initial swimbladder inflation, growth and survival of yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi larvae. The study consisted of four separate trials including low (21.5°C) and high (24.5°C) temperatures, natural and artificial light sources, low (1000 lux) and high (32 000 lux) light intensities, and ambient and supersaturated dissolved oxygen. Initial swimbladder inflation was only significantly affected by light source, with the highest inflation rate (97.5 ± 3.5%) under artificial light. Fish growth was improved at the higher temperature and at the higher light intensity. Survival was only significantly influenced by light intensity, with the highest survival (11.0 ± 2.3%) at the high intensity (32 000 lux). This study indicates that light source affects swimbladder inflation timing and high artificial light intensity improves larval fish growth and survival.
Hepatic C9 cells switch their behaviour in short or long exposure to soft substrates

There have been several studies to understand the influence of stiffness of the culture substrates for different types of adherent cells. It is generally accepted that cell proliferation, spreading and focal adhesions increase with higher matrix stiffness. However, what remains unclear is whether this kind of cell behaviour may be reverted by culturing on soft substrates those cell lines that were originally selected or primed on stiff surfaces.
Disinfection of vegetable seed by treatment with essential oils, organic acids and plant extract

Various essential oils, organic acids, Biosept, (grapefruit extract), Tillecur and extracts of stinging nettle and golden rod were tested for their antimicrobial properties in order to disinfect vegetable seed. In in vitro assays, thyme oil, oregano oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil and Biosept had the highest activity against the seed borne pathogens Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Alternaria dauci and Botrytis aclada. Low antimicrobial activity was found for the organic acids against the fungal pathogens. Seed treatment for 0.5 h with selected essential oils or Biosept in concentrations between 0.1 and 1% eliminated > 99% of total bacteria associated with cabbage seed. It also reduced the percentage of seeds contaminated with fungi in blotter tests from 70% to less than 10%. Extended periods of treatment did not significantly improve results. Cinnamon oil and Biosept used in concentrations exceeding 1% had a negative effect on seed germination. Antimicrobial effects with organic acids were variable, but in general, the organic acids ascorbic acids, propionic acid, acetic acid and lactic acid at concentrations of 2.5% or higher, reduced seed-associated bacteria. Of the organic acids, only propionic acid reduced seed germination at a concentration higher than 1%. Thyme oil was considered the most promising natural compound for reducing seed borne pathogens in seed. Various essential oils, organic acids, Biosept, (grapefruit extract), Tillecur and extracts of stinging nettle and golden rod were tested for their antimicrobial properties in order to disinfect vegetable seed. In in vitro assays, thyme oil, oregano oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil and Biosept had the highest activity against the seed borne pathogens Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Alternaria dauci and Botrytis aclada. Low antimicrobial activity was found for the organic acids against the fungal pathogens. Seed treatment for 0.5 h with selected essential oils or Biosept in concentrations between 0.1 and 1% eliminated > 99% of total bacteria associated with cabbage seed. It also reduced the percentage of seeds contaminated with fungi in blotter tests from 70% to less than 10%. Extended periods of treatment did not significantly improve results. Cinnamon oil and Biosept used in concentrations exceeding 1% had a negative effect on seed germination. Antimicrobial effects with organic acids were variable, but in general, the organic acids ascorbic acids, propionic acid, acetic acid and lactic acid at concentrations of 2.5% or higher, reduced seed-associated bacteria. Of the organic acids, only propionic acid reduced seed germination at a concentration higher than 1%. Thyme oil was considered the most promising natural compound for reducing seed borne pathogens in seed.
Allocasuarina (Casuarinaceae) Invasion of an Unburnt Coastal Woodland at Ocean Grove, Victoria: Structural Changes 1971–1996

Changes in vegetation structure in a long-unburnt (> 115 years) woodland at Ocean Grove, Victoria, were assessed by comparing density data collected in 1971 by Withers and Ashton (1977) with comparable data from 1996. The changes in structure outlined by Withers and Ashton (1977) continued to operate over the 25 year period, namely, a dramatic increase in the density of Allocasuarina littoralis (Salisb.) L.A. S.Johnson, and a continued decline in the once-dominant eucalypts, especially Eucalyptus ovata Labill. The density of A. littoralis increased from 911 trees ha–1 in 1971 to 3565 trees ha–1 in 1996. Most of the surviving E. ovata displayed extensive crown dieback, and appear likely to die in the near future. Many eucalypt seedlings which were planted into burnt and unburnt experimental plots in 1971 were still alive in 1996, but most were less than 0.5 m tall and suppressed by tall regrowth of A. littoralis and Acacia pycnantha Benth. In the continued absence of fire and other disturbances, it is predicted that A. littoralis will continue to dominate the reserve, leading to further declines in eucalypts. It appears unlikely that a single fire will prevent A. littoralis dominance, and frequent burning at short intervals may be required to reinstate an open woodland structure.
Prognostic Value of Histopathological Features and Loss of H3K27me3 Immunolabeling in Anaplastic Meningioma: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

The diagnosis of anaplastic meningioma (AM) (WHO grade III) is based on the presence of a high mitotic index (MI) and/or overt anaplasia. Only few data exist about the reproducibility and prognostic value of overt anaplasia. Additionally, the prognostic value of H3K27me3 loss in AM has not yet been demonstrated. Our objectives were to evaluate the reproducibility and prognostic value of WHO criteria and H3K27me3 loss in a multicenter series of 66 AM. Interobserver reproducibility was good for the determination of WHO grade (Kappa = 0.671) and MI (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.649), and fair for assessment of overt anaplasia (Kappa = 0.366). Patients with meningiomas showing high MI had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) than patients with meningiomas showing overt anaplasia without high MI (p = 0.009). OS was significantly lower in case of overt anaplasia with low MI (<20/1.6 mm2) than in atypical meningiomas (p = 0.008). H3K27me3 loss was present in 10/47 (21%) of AM and independently associated with shorter OS (p = 0.036; Cox multivariate analysis), with a good reproducibility (Kappa = 0.643). In conclusion, the presence of overt anaplasia could give additional prognostic information in tumors lacking high MI. Finally, loss of H3K27me3 is an easy-to-use and reproducible marker of poorer prognosis.
The Role of a Green Alga in the Precipitation of Calcite and the Coprecipitation of Phosphate in Freshwater

The precipitation of calcite from a calcium bicarbonate solution, similar in ionic strength to natural hardwaters, was observed in a series of experiments utilizing an automated culture apparatus. Seeded growth experiments, using calcite seed crystals, were performed at a range of phosphate concentrations to observe inhibitory effects. These experiments demonstrated a linear relationship of increasing inhibition with increasing initial phosphate concentration. A further series of experiments was performed in which an actively photosynthesizing culture of a unicellular green alga (Chlorococcum sp.) was added to the culture vessel in order to initiate precipitation. Experiments to observe spontaneous precipitation, occurring in the absence of both seed and alga additions, were carried out to compare with precipitation rates in the algal experiments. A control experiment was also performed to investigate whether precipitation occurrred in algal cultures maintained in darkness. The carbonate site mechanistic model, developed for calcite precipitation in abiotic conditions, was used to analyse the results of the algal experiments and found to be applicable.
The Challenges of Hazard Identification and Classification of Insoluble Metals and Metal Substances for the Aquatic Environment

The OECD is currently harmonizing procedures for aquatic hazard identification of substances. Such a system already exists in Europe where it is recognized that special consideration must be given to sparingly soluble metals and metal compounds (SSMMCs) because standard hazard testing procedures designed for organic chemicals do not accommodate the characteristics of SSMMCs. Current aquatic hazard identification procedures are based on persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT) measurements. Persistence measurements typically used for organic substances (biodegradation) do not apply to metals. Alternative measurements such as complexation and precipitation are more appropriate. Metal bioaccumulation is important in terms of nutritional sufficiency and potential food chain transfer and toxicity. Unlike organic substances, metal bioaccumulation potential cannot be estimated using log octanol-water partition coefficients. Further, bioaccumulation and bioconcentration factors are often inversely related to exposure concentration for most metals and organisms, and hence are not reliable predictors of chronic toxicity or food chain accumulation. Metal toxicity is due predominately to the free metal ion in solution. In order to assess the toxicity of SSMMCs, the rate and extent of transformation to a soluble form must be measured.
Biological control of Heterobasidion annosum on Pinus pinea by Phlebiopsis gigantea

Summary The efficacy of a native isolate of Phlebiopsis gigantea in protecting the stumps of Pinus pinea against spore infection by Heterobasidion annosum s.str. was investigated. In preliminary tests carried out in stem pieces of P. pinea in confined environment, the efficacy of the isolate was compared with Rotstop®, the commercial formulation prepared from a north European P. gigantea strain. Both showed a fully protective effect against artificial inoculation of H. annosum. Moreover, in stump treatment experiments carried out in a coastal P. pinea forest close to Rome, the native P. gigantea was effective against heavy airborne inoculum of H. annosum. Some natural infection by P. gigantea occurred in the stumps, but it was unable to control the pathogen. Random amplified microsatellite analysis allowed to recognize the presence of different P. gigantea strains in the forest. Resume L’etude porte sur l'efficacite d'une isolat indigene de Phlebiopsis gigantea pour proteger les souches de Pinus pinea vis a vis de l'infection de spores de Heterobasidion annosum s.str. Des tests preliminaires ont ete realises sur troncons de tiges de P. pinea en conditions controlees pour comparer l'efficacite de l'isolat a celle du Rotstop, formulation commerciale preparee a partir d'une souche nord europeenne de P. gigantea . Les deux ont assure une protection totale contre l'inoculation artificielle de H. annosum. L'isolat indigene de P. gigantea s'est egalement montre efficace dans des essais de traitements de souches dans une foret cotiere de P. pinea pres de Rome, avec une forte pression d'inoculum aerien de H. annosum. Quelques infections naturelles de P.gigantea ont ete observees sur les souches mais n'ont pas reussi a assurer une protection contre le parasite. Une analyse par RAMs a permis de differencier differentes souches de P. gigantea dans cette foret. Zusammenfassung Es wurde die Wirksamkeit eines einheimischen Isolates von Phlebiopsis gigantea als Schutz gegen Sporeninfektion von Pinus pinea-Stumpfen durch Heterobasidion annosum s.str. untersucht. In an Stammabschnitten unter kontrollierten Bedingungen durchgefuhrten Experimenten wurde die Wirksamkeit dieses Isolats im Vergleich zu Rotstop, einem kommerziellen Produkt aus einem nordeuropaischen P. gigantea-Stamm, uberpruft. Beide zeigten volle Schutzwirkung nach kunstlicher Inokulation mit H. annosum. Auch in Versuchen zur Stumpfbehandlung in einem Pinus pinea-Wald an der Kuste in der Nahe von Rom war das einheimische P. gigantea-Isolat bei hohem naturlichem Inokulum von H. annosumuber die Luft wirksam. Die Stumpfe wurden auch in gewissem Umfang naturlich von P. gigantea infiziert, aber dies genugte nicht fur eine Bekampfung des Pathogens. Mit Hilfe der RAMS Methode (zufallig amplifizierte Mikrosatelliten) wurden am Standort mehrere P. gigantea-Stamme nachgewiesen.
Broader adaptive range of sympathetic burst size in response to blood pressure change in older women with greater arterial stiffness

In this study, we focused on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) burst size and occurrence separately as subcomponents of the sympathetic baroreflex in older adults, and we found that the distribution (variation) of burst size against burst occurrence was greater in women than men. Older women had greater carotid artery stiffness compared with older men, while blood pressure (BP) distribution (variation) was comparable between sexes. Sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity assessed with burst incidence was less sensitive as the carotid artery became stiffer in older men and women, while that assessed with burst area was more sensitive as the carotid artery became stiffer in older women but not in older men. These results help us understand the mechanisms underlying the compensation for the impaired response of MSNA burst occurrence in older women with greater carotid artery stiffness to regulate BP similar to that in older men.
Characterization of Copper/Zinc-Superoxide Dismutase(Cu/Zn-SOD) Gene from an Endangered Freshwater Fish Species Hemibarbus mylodon (Teleostei; Cypriniformes)

Gene structure of copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD; sod1) was characterized in Hemibarbus mylodon (Teleostei; Cypriniformes), an endangered freshwater fish species in Korean peninsula. Full-length cDNA of H. mylodon SOD1 consisted of a 796-bp open reading frame sequence encoding 154 amino acids, and the deduced polypeptide sequence shared high sequence homology with other orthologs, particularly with regard to metal-coordinating ligands. Genomic structure of the H. mylodon sod1 gene (hmsod1; 1,911 bp from the ATG start codon to the stop codon) was typical quinquepartite (i.e., five exons interrupted by four introns); the lengths of the exons were similar among species belonging to various taxonomic positions. The molecular phylogeny inferred from sod1 genes in the teleost lineage was in accordance with the conventional taxonomic assumptions. 5'-flanking upstream region of hmsod1, obtained using the genome walking method, contained typical TATA and CAAT boxes. It also showed various transcription factor binding motifs that may be potentially involved in stress/immune response (e.g., sites for activating proteins or nuclear factor kappa B) or metabolism of xenobiotic compounds (e.g., xenobiotic response element; XRE). The hmsod1 transcripts were ubiquitously detected among tissues, with the liver and spleen showing the highest and lowest expression, respectively. An experimental challenge with Edwardsiella tarda revealed significant upregulation of the hmsod1 in kidney (4.3-fold) and spleen (3.1-fold), based on a real-time RT-PCR assay. Information on the molecular characteristics of this key antioxidant enzyme gene could be a useful basis for a biomarker-based assay to understand cellular stresses in this endangered fish species.
The determination of the zeta potential of casein micelles

SUMMARY The principle of moving boundary electrophoresis has been employed for the measurement of the electrophoretic mobility and subsequent calculation of zeta potential of bovine casein micelles. The zeta potential of casein micelles was observed to increase with increase in temperature (from 10 to 50 °C) and to decrease with decrease in pH. Heat treatment of milk between 90 °C/30 min and 135 °C/50 min had no significant effect on zeta potential. The zeta potential of casein micelles during rennet action decreases until all the κ-casein has been cleaved by the enzyme. The results of this study indicate that electrostatic interactions alone are not sufficient for an understanding of the absolute stability of casein micelles.
Detritus Food Webs in Conventional and No-tillage Agroecosystems

onservation tillage-crop planting systems that leave 30% or more of crop residues on the soil surface instead of plowing them under-is becoming widely adopted in US agriculture. The total area under conservation tillage is estimated to be between 24 and 36 million hectares, or about one-third of the nation's cropland, which represents an increase of about 1,25% during the past decade (Christensen and Magleby 1983). The primary reasons for this increase are that conservation