Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of potential toxicity and mutagenicity of distillates from the drying of five species of wood

The Ames test is frequently used to evaluate the potential for adverse human health effects that may be associated with uncharacterized chemical compounds or mixtures of compounds. In this research, the Ames test was used to evaluate aqueous condensates distilled from southern yellow pine, yellow-poplar, red oak, Douglas-fir, and eastern white pine dried at 250 o F in a closed laboratory extraction system. The purpose of these tests was to mimic «worst case» conditions of emissions that could be generated during wood drying. Testing of all condensates under increasing concentrations revealed cytotoxic dose-response relationships; but none of the condensates was mutagenic in the absence of metabolic activation by mammalian liver enzymes. In the presence of rat liver microsomal enzymes, condensates from yellow-poplar, Douglas-fir, white pine, and southern yellow pine produced repeatable mutagenic dose-response relationships. Yellow-poplar condensate resulted in the highest single mutagenic response, yielding 5,340 revertants/ml of condensate, but was mutagenic for only 1 of the 4 strains of bacteria used for Ames testing. Douglas-fir and white pine condensates were significantly mutagenic for three of four Ames strains, and exhibited significant cytotoxicity in the presence and absence of rat liver microsomal extracts. Southern yellow pine condensate was mutagenic for two of the four Ames strains, but was far less mutagenic and cytotoxic than condensates from Douglas-fir or white pine. While these laboratory results show that wood-derived condensates contain only weak mutagens, further testing is being done using condensates from actual kiln-drying operations to determine if large volumes of condensate will offset their apparent weak mutagenicity. Further genotoxicity testing and acute and chronic toxicity testing with other species and with condensates taken from kiln-drying operations is needed prior to the formulation of any rational regulatory policy governing the disposition of condensate or vapor emissions
Reproductive success of American kestrels nesting along an interstate highway in Central Iowa

We studied the reproductive success of American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) nesting in nest boxes attached to the backs of highway signs along Interstate 35 (1-35) in central Iowa, 1988-1992. Nest box occupancy averaged 45.1%. All nest boxes faced either north or south, and there was no significant association between nest box occupancy and nest box orientation. European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) built nests in almost every nest box not occupied by kestrels. Apparent nesting success, the percentage of nests fledging at least one young, averaged 68.9%. There was no significant association between apparent nesting success and nest box orientation. Using the Mayfield method, we detected a significantly lower probability of survival during the incubation stage than during the broodrearing stage. Clutch size averaged 4.8 over the five years of the study, and mean hatching success was 62.5%. Mean brood size was 3.1, and mean number of young in a brood to fledge was 2.9 (90.9% fledging success). The kestrels in this study had reproductive success similar to that of kestrels nesting in nest boxes in other areas of North America. Received 10 Nov. 1992, accepted 22 Feb. 1993. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) nesting in boxes was first reported in the 1930s (Kalmbach and McAtee 1930, Bent 1938), and since that time others have shown that providing nest boxes for kestrels can increase breeding densities (Hamerstrom et al. 1973, Stahlecker 1979, Bloom and Hawks 1983, Toland and Elder 1987). Boxes have been attached to trees (Bloom and Hawks 1983, Toland and Elder 1987), wooden posts (Wheeler 1992), utility poles (Stahlecker 1979, Toland and Elder 1987), and buildings (Hamerstrom et al. 1973, Toland and Elder 1987). In 1988, we began a study of kestrels nesting in nest boxes on signs along 1-35 in central Iowa. In this paper, we describe the reproductive success of kestrels using these boxes. We also compare the reproductive success of kestrels nesting along the interstate highway with that of kestrels using nest boxes elsewhere in North America. STUDY AREA AND METHODS The nest boxes in this study were placed on both sides of the north-south highway at about 2-km intervals (Fig. 1). All nest boxes faced north or south. Land bordering the interstate is farmed intensively with row crops. Field work was conducted in central Iowa between 1988 and 1992. We monitored 50 nest boxes in 1988, 1991, and 1992 (Story and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Science II, Iowa State Univ., Ames, Iowa 50011. (Present address: ITT Rayonier Inc., P.O. Box 200, Hoquiam, Washington 98550.) 2 Dept. of Statistics, Snedecor Hall, Iowa State Univ., Ames, Iowa 50011. (Present address: Dept. of Statistics, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, Kansas 66502.)
Molecular characterisation of novel LMW-m and LMW-s genes from four Aegilops species (Sitopsis section) and comparison with those from the Glu-B3 locus of common wheat

Abstract. Low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) are a component of the gluten network and play a key role in determining the viscoelastic properties of wheat dough. Aegilops species have been shown to be an important source of variation for valuable traits for wheat breeding. However, very little is known about LMW-GS genes in section Sitopsis species, which are closely related to the B genome of common wheat. Ten accessions of Sitopsis species were evaluated for variability of LMW-GS genes, and 20 novel genes were obtained, of which nine were LMW-m and 11 were LMW-s genes. Only two were pseudogenes, corresponding to one LMW-m and one LMW-s gene. Six groups of genes were detected: three for each of the LMW-m and LMW-s genes. All groups of LMW-s genes and one of LMW-m genes (pGluU) detected were not related to B-genome genes from common wheat, whereas the remaining genes were. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and insertions and deletions, detected in active variants compared with those from common wheat could affect structure protein. The analysis of reactive epitopes for coeliac disease revealed that LMW-s subunits lacked toxicity, as did the pGluU LMW-m subunits; the other LMW-m subunits were less toxic than that from common wheat.
Growth and Survival of Yersinia enterocolitica in Yogurt.

Two lots of yogurt were prepared to contain two different strains of Yersinia enterocolitica (E675 serotype 0:3 and 2653 serotype 0:8) at an initial inoculum of 2 × 106 cells/ml, and then were refrigerated at 5±1°C for 7 d. Numbers of Y. enterocolitica , as well as pH value of yogurt were determined every 24 h. Y. enterocolitica survived until the end of the week at a population of 8,000 and 10,000 cells/ml for each strain, respectively. The pH value of yogurt decreased sharply from 6.3 to 4.5 by the end of preparation, and a low value of 4.2 was reached at the end of refrigerated storage.
High Relative Humidity Promotes Blossom-end Rot on Growing Tomato Fruit

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. ‘San Marzano’) was grown in the greenhouse under normal conditions. After pollination of flowers in the first truss, plants were transferred to growth chambers with either 95% or 55% RH, light and dark temperatures of 18° and 15°C, respectively, and a 16:8 hr, (light:dark) cycle. Blossom-end rot symptoms developed at the distal-end on the young green fruit within 15–16 days at 95% RH. Plant tissues from plants grown at high RH had lower Ca concentrations than comparative tissues of the low RH plants and exhibited increased growth compared to the low RH regime plants. The K content was affected indirectly by the high RH in most of the tested tissues.
Treatment of bacterial endometritis in crossbred cows using intrauterine oyster-glycogen, a non-specific immunomodulator

Therapeutic efficiency of oyster glycogen (OG) given intrauterine, was evaluated in bacterial endometrits in cattle. Repeat breeding cows (12) with bacterial endometritis received intrauterine infusion of 500 mg oyster glycogen in 50 ml of sterile phosphate buffer saline (PBS) on the day of oestrus. Another group of 12 endometritis cows received only PBS as untreated control. In OG treated cows more than 80% of the cellular contents were polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), of which 65% were alive with mean phagocytic activity as 5 bacteria/PMNL. The cellular response remained evident during the 72 hr study period. TLC did not change in cows receiving only PBS. Uterine swabs in all 24 experimental repeat breeding cows revealed bacterial isolates. Uterine swabs in 8 out of 12 (66.67%) OG treated cows and 1/12 (8.33%) control cows were free from bacterial isolates and were found pregnant with insemination at the first post treatment oestrus. It is concluded that a single infusion of 500 mg OG intra uterine enhanced uterine neutrophilic influx, cleared bacterial infections and improved conception rate.
In Vitro Propagation of Heliconia psittacorum by Bud Culture

A protocol was developed for in vitro propagation of Heliconia psittacorum L.f. by culture of terminal and axillary buds of rhizomes. Cultures were initiated on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 40 μM BA, 150 ml coconut water/liter, 30 g sucrose/liter, and 2 g Gelrite/liter. Shoot multiplication was achieved on the above medium without cocounut watrer, but supplemented with 10 μ BA. Shoots were rooted on MS basal medium and successfully acclimated to greenhouse conditions (.)
From genome to phenome

s Abstracts are grouped in: • Abstracts guest speakers • Lodewijk Sandkuijl lecture • Abstracts talks: T 01 to T 16 • Abstracts posters : P 01 to P 65 Posters Poster boards have a size of 200 cm (height) en 120 cm (width) Language The official language of the biannual spring meeting will be English Accreditation Accreditation forms are available at the registration desk Badges You are requested to hand in your badge at the end of the symposium Presentations You are requested to timely! hand in an USB stick with your presentation to the chairperson of your symposium session NVHG board and scientific organization Prof. Frank Baas Dr. Hans Kristian Ploos van Amstel Dr. John Engelen Dr. Alice Brooks Dr. Lidewij Henneman Dr. Ir. Joris Veltman Prof. Hans van Bokhoven Prof. Peter Devilee Prof. Raoul Hennekam Prof. Richard Sinke Administrative organization Wilmy Swaerdens nvhgsecretariaat@umcutrecht.nl Henny Schurmann henny.schurmann@mumc.nl
Transposon regulation upon dynamic loss of DNA methylation

Transposons are DNA sequences that can duplicate autonomously in the genome, posing a threat for genome stability and integrity. To prevent their potentially harmful mobilization, eukaryotes have developed numerous mechanisms that control transposon expression, among which DNA methylation plays a particularly important role. In mammals, DNA methylation patterns are stable for life, at the exception of two key moments during embryonic development, gametogenesis and early embryogenesis. After a phase a global loss of genomic methylation accompanying the acquisition of pluripotent states, DNA methylation patterns are re- established de novo during differentiation. This work attempted to elucidate how the genome copes with the rapid loss of DNA methylation, in particular regarding the control of transposons in absence of this essential protective mark. Using an embryonic cellular model of induced methylation reprogramming, I showed that various chromatin-based mechanisms can compensate for the progressive loss of DNA methylation. In particular, my results suggest that the Polycomb machinery acquires a critical role in transposon silencing, providing a mechanistic relay specifically when DNA methylation patterns are erased. In a second phase, this work analyzed the contribution of the DNA methyltransferase cofactor DNMT3l during events of embryonic de novo methylation. Overall, these findings shed light onto the processes by which genome regulation adapts during DNA methylation reprogramming.
Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius)(Diptera : Calliphoridae) development : Rate, variation and the implications for forensic entomology

mega-Abstract: The development of the cePhala (Fabricius), was examined at 27eC . previous reports, Various developmental the following ages: 18 first molt 144hr; adult 234hr. Diff development appear to reflect variation in which time may be particularly By cohorts, we were growth curves based on body Iength and dry of precision for estimates of larval age based Oriental Iatrine fly, Chrysomya mega-in order to resolve discrepancies in events were completed by all larvae by , 30 hr; second molt, 72 hr; puparia-ering descriptions of C. megacephala the length of the postfeeding period, --- sensitive to environmental conditions. to construct confidence bands about weight. This allows the first measure on laboratory growth data.
Tidal and long-term exchanges through channels in the middle and upper Florida keys

Current meter time series collected during 1994 and 1995 from channels in the Middle and Upper Florida Keys are used to investigate the movement of water between Florida Bay and Hawk Channel on the Atlantic side of the keys. The cumulative net displacement through Channel Two and Indian Key Channel indicates a long-term net outflow into Hawk Channel. Data from Whale Harbor Channel and Snake Creek show a long-term net flow into Florida Bay. Measurements from Tavernier Creek show a net inflow during the first half of a 3-mo study period and a nearly equal outflow during the second half. Amplitudes and local phase angles of the principal tidal constituents are used to calculate tide-induced volume transport. For the M 2 constituent, the volume moving past the study site during each half tidal cycle varies from 0.8 x 10 6 m 3 in Tavernier Creek to 12.5 x 10 6 m 3 in Channel Two. The other principal semidiurnal and diurnal constituents (S 2 , K 1 and O 1 ) add volumes ranging from 13 to 47% of the M 2 value. Long-term transport associated with the principal tidal constituents varies from 1.6 m 3 s 1 in Tavernier Creek to 68.6 m 3 s 1 in Channel Two. Results indicate a tide-induced movement of water into Florida Bay through four of the five channels. Only Whale Harbor Channel shows a net outflow. Current meter and bottom pressure records from Channel Two and Indian Key Channel are used to calculate total volume transport. Average outflows through Channel Two and Indian Key Channel are -53.9 and -30.3 m 3 s -1 , respectively. Comparison of volume transport calculated from observed currents and water levels with values calculated from observed currents and predicted water levels suggests that historical current meter data can be paired with predicted tidal water level fluctuations to estimate total transport within a few percent. Channel transport values estimated from calibration data obtained during a single tidal cycle can have errors of ± 20%.
Assessment of Toxic Elemental Concentration in Marine Fish Trachurus capensis (Cape Horse Mackerel) and Implications for Public Health

While fish is considered a healthy component of the human diet, consumption of fish with high levels of trace metals in their flesh constitutes a public health risk as trace metals have been proven to be toxic with deleterious health effects. We investigated the concentration of toxic elements in sea water and also in different body parts of the fish Trachurus capensis caught off Durban using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The highest metal concentration in fish body parts was observed for Pb followed by Zn. Significantly higher levels of Mn were observed in fish gills as compared to the tissue (muscle) and fish frame. With respect to bioaccumulation, significantly higher Pb levels were observed in fish tissues compared to As, Cr and Mn. In the frame, significantly higher Pb levels were observed compared to all other metals except Ba. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of different metals in fish gills. Overall, the toxic metal concentrations in the muscle of cape horse mackeral were below levels of concern for human consumption as defined by the FAO and WHO.
Effects of bore of milk tubes and claw volume on vacuum variations during simulated milking

The magnitude of the milk extraction vacuum or teat-end vacuum during the b-phase of pulsation (TVB) is affected by the resistance of the components between the teat end and the milk pipeline, by liner design and by pulsation effects. The objective of the present study was to measure the effect of claw volume, pulsation pattern, pulsator ratio and the internal diameter of the connecting tubes of the milking machine cluster on vacuum at the teat end and in the claw during simulated milking. All tests were performed on a flow simulator (three flow rates) using a cluster fitted with wide-bore tapered liners in a mid-level milking system. The TVB and the claw vacuum during the b-phase of pulsation (CVB) were reduced with increases in water flow rate and increases in claw volume (P < 0.001). Increasing claw volume also reduced (P < 0.01) mean teat end vacuum (TV) measured over the complete pulsation cycle. Simultaneous pulsation gave higher TVB and CVB than alternate pulsation. An increase in the bore of the long milk tube (LMT) increased TVB and CVB (P < 0.001). While increasing the bore of the short milk tube (SMT) from 8.5 mm to 13.5 mm reduced (P < 0.001) TVB and CVB, the differences were small in practical terms. Simultaneous pulsation gave higher (P < 0.001) teat end vacuum fluctuation (TVF) in complete pulsation cycles than alternate pulsation. While increased pulsator ratio gave a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in TVB and CVB the differences were small in practical terms. Increases in either claw volume (P < 0.01), bore of LMT (P < 0.05) or bore of SMT (P < 0.001) reduced the magnitude of TVF.
Descriptions d'espèces nouvelles de Careproctus et Paraliparis et données nouvelles sur ces genres et le genre Edentoliparis de l'océan austral (Cyclopteridae, Liparinae)

Les campagnes oceanographiques du «Polarstem» en mer de Weddell (ANT V/3, 1986 et EPOS, 1989), du «Marion-Dufresne» (MDO3/ICHTYO, MD04/BENTHOS: iles Kerguelen, 1974, 1975; MDO8/BENTHOS, MD3O/BIOMASS: iles Crozet 1976, 1982; MD42/SIBEX: banc Banzare, 1985) et de l'«Aurora Australis» (ile Heard et baie Prydz, 1990 et 1991) dans le secteur indien de l'ocean Austral ont permis la collecte d'une interessante collection de Liparinae (Cyclopteridae). Sept especes du genre Paraliparis, une espece du genre Edentoliparis et une nouvellle espece du genre Careproctus sont identifiees dans le secteur indien
Prevalence of ESBL phenotype, blaCTX-M-1, blaSHV and blaTEM genes among uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from 3 military hospitals of Tehran, Iran

Objective: To determine the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production and prevalence of blaCTX-M-1, blaSHV and blaTEM genes among uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolates from 3 military hospitals of Tehran during 2015-2016. Methods: One-hundred and eleven isolates were adopted. The antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The combine disk was used for phenotypic ESBL production. The ceftazidime MIC was conducted with the micro-broth dilution test. The PCR assay was used to detect the blaCTX-M-1, blaSHV and blaTEM genes. Results: In the broth microdilution method, 103 (92.7%) isolates showed minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥ 1 µg/mL, and also in the combined disk method, 89 (80.1% of all) were ESBL positive. On the other hand, among 91 ceftazidime resistant isolates, 86 (77.4% of all) were ESBL positive. The difference between the two methods for ESBL confirmation was not significant. The result of MIC was similar to the disk diffusion method in the detection of phenotypic ESBL production. Among ESBL producer isolates, the prevalence of blaCTX-M-1, blaSHV and blaTEM was 77.4% (n = 86), 47.4% (n = 53) and 2.4% (n = 2), respectively. These genes were amplified in a wide range MIC of ceftazidime. Conclusions: The prevalence of multi-drug resistant UPEC and ESBL positive isolates was high in military hospitals. The majority of UPEC isolates amplified blaCTX-M-I and blaSHV type β-lactamase genes. One-third of isolates were positive in presence of both these genes. There was no relation between ceftazidime MIC and presence of beta-lactamase genes.
Regulatory T Cell-Based Immunotherapy: Prospects of Antigen-Specific Tolerance Induction

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the forkhead box transcription factor Foxp3 have a vital function in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and the prevention of fatal multi-organ autoimmunity throughout life. In the last decade, Foxp3+ Treg cells have raised the hope for novel cell-based therapies to achieve tolerance in clinical settings of unwanted immune responses such as autoimmunity and graft rejection. Conceptually, the antigen-specific enhancement of Treg cell function is of particular importance because such strategies will minimize the requirements for pharmaceutical immunosuppression, sparing desired protective host immune responses to infectious and malignant insults. This chapter discusses current concepts of Treg cell-based immunotherapy with particular emphasis on antigen-specific Treg cell induction from conventional CD4+ T cells to deal with organ-specific autoimmunity. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-2506-8.ch006
Leaf Conductance, Growth, and Survival of Willow and Deciduous Fruit Tree Species under Flooded Soil Conditions

Potted seedlings and cuttings of various tree species were submerged to 5–10 cm above the soil level for up to 20 months in order to determine flood tolerance based on leaf conductance (kl), growth, and survival. Flooding induced a decline in kl at soil oxygen diffusion rates of 30, 22, 20, and 15 × 10−8g cm−2 min−1 for Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, Halford seedlings (peach), Pyrus communis L. cv. Bartlett (Bart), Pyrus calleryana Decne (Call), and Pyrus betulaefolia Bunge (Bet), respectively. The leaves of some species, particularly Pyrus communis L. cv. Old Home × Farmingdale 97 (OH × F 97), abscised shortly after a decline in kl, yet leaves of most other Pyrus species did not abscise despite months of maintaining a kl near zero. Growth rates were reduced for all fruit tree species except Bet and Call after one month of spring flooding. One month of fall flooding reduced the growth of all fruit tree species the following spring. Bet survived 20 months of continuous submergence; however, only Salix discolor Muhl. (willow) grew well under these conditions. Flooding promoted adventitious rooting of willow, Cydonia oblonga Mill. cv. Provence BA 29 (quince) and Malus domestica Borkh. cv. MM 106 (apple); anthocyanin pigmentation in leaves of apple and all Pyrus species; leaf chlorosis of quince, apple, and peach; and hypertrophied lenticels on the submerged stems and roots of all species. The tolerance, based upon kl, growth, and survival, was: willow > Bet > Call = quince > Bart > OH × F 97 = Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.) Nak. (Pyri) = Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim. (Ussuri) = apple > peach. Although the survival of pear rootstocks with and without a ‘Bartlett’ scion were similar, flooding symptoms often were quite different.