Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeted nanoparticles for detecting and treating cancer

Enabled by their size and supramolecular structures, nanoparticles (that is, particles of approximately 10 to 100 nanometers) promise to be particularly capable agents in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. When loaded with chemotherapeutic agents, nanoparticle delivery to cancerous tissues relative to healthy tissues may be favorably biased by size and through the attachment of targeting ligands to the surface of the particle. Nanoparticles may be made from a variety of materials, and in addition to chemotherapeutic payloads, nanoparticles can incorporate non‐bioactive elements useful as diagnostic and device agents. For example, the inclusion of iron oxide colloids enables nanoparticle use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, and also, through the application of an alternating magnetic field (AMF), enables the particle to generate enough heat to be used for hyperthermic therapeutic applications. In this report, we also introduce novel Magnetic Nanoparticle Hydro‐Gel (MagNaGelTM) materials comprised of chemotherapeutic agents, iron oxide colloids, and targeting ligands. MagNaGel particles were fabricated in the 20‐ to 40‐nm size range with very narrow size dispersion. These particles demonstrate high (>10 wt %) chemotherapeutic loading, tumor‐associated biomolecular binding, good magnetic susceptibility, and attractive toxicity and circulation profiles in mouse models. Looking forward, the convergence of drug and device on the nano‐scale promises treatment modalities that cannot be practiced through traditionally distinct drug and device combinations. MagNaGel nanoparticles are drug‐device hybrids that, when used in conjunction with diagnostic MRI and inductive heating, may play a key role in new and powerful cancer treatment regimens. Drug Dev. Res. 67:70–93, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Breeding ecology of Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava in an arable landscape dominated by autumn-sown crops

Capsule Yellow Wagtails successfully raised two consecutive broods in landscapes dominated by autumn-sown crops and did not require spring crops or fallow plots for later nesting. Aims To assess whether arable landscapes dominated by winter cropping provide habitats that allow Yellow Wagtails to raise two successful broods. To assess the utility of spring cultivated agri-environment fallow plots as a nesting and foraging habitat for Yellow Wagtails. Methods Nesting success and foraging behaviour of Yellow Wagtails was monitored on lowland arable farmland dominated by winter cropping during two successive breeding seasons. Results Yellow Wagtails successfully raised first and second broods mainly in winter cereals, with later nests being more successful. Some nests were initiated in bean fields where egg-stage failure rates were high, probably as a consequence of depredation. Fallow plots were not used for nesting but, along with other areas of sparse vegetation, were regularly used for foraging. Conclusions Yellow Wagtails breeding at relatively low densities achieved high rates of reproductive success in a landscape dominated by winter cereals and with few spring-sown crops. This study suggests that spring-sown crops may not be necessary for Yellow Wagtails to rear two successful broods each summer within arable landscapes.
Les plantes médicinales utilisées contre les dermatoses dans la pharmacopée Baïnounk de Djibonker, région de Ziguinchor (Sénégal).

Objectives : To know the medicinal plants used in the treatment of skin diseases in the pharmacopoeia of Bainounk of Djibonker, Ziguinchor region (Senegal). Methods and results : The technique of open semi-structured interviews was used to collect information. The study has identified thirty-six species traditionally used in the treatment of skin diseases. They are divided into twenty-five families and thirty-six genera. The best represented families Apocynaceae, Papilionaceae and Rubiaceae with each three species. The plants used are mainly trees (36%) and shrubs (30%). The most appropriate species Khaya senegalensis (94.4%), New bouldia laevis (88.9%), Carapa spp. and Solanum cerasiferum (77.8% each). The leaves are the organs most used with 46% come from the roots with 21%.
Relationships between Swida controversa Fruit Phenology and Fruit Removal Behaviors of Frugivorous Birds

Abstract The behavior of frugivorous birds during the removal of fruit from Swida controversa was investigated to compare the relationships between measures of fruit maturation and quantitative fruit removal behavior of birds. Bird exclusion devices were used on some branches to allow comparison of the traits of removed and un-removed fruits. Nine bird species visited S. controversa, but only four removed fruit, and each bird species removed a different number of fruits per visit. Only 11.5% of a branch's fruits were removed by birds. Birds removed only larger, blacker, more mature fruits, suggesting birds were effective seed dispersers.
Patterns of survival and extinction of nematodes in isolated soil

The effects of local extinction on the structure of a nematode community were examined by monitoring soil nematode populations in cores that were isolated from surrounding soil. The cores were intact hlocks of deciduous forest soil and litter of three different sizes (75, 250, and 920 cm 3 ), maintained in a controlled-environment room, and sampled at 2-month intervals for 16 months. The number of nematode types per sample declined over time, from an initial average of 16 to less than 5 per 100 individuals. Types that were morphologically specialized for feeding on resources that were abundant in the cores persisted. Extinctions were associated with deficiencies of resources and with low initial population size
Purification and characterization of a glutamic acid-specific protease from Staphylococcus epidermidis

An extracellular protease was purified to homogeneity from a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus epidermidis from subgingival plaque of a periodontitis patient and its biochemical characteristics were determined. An apparent molecular mass of the protease, 27kDa, was estimated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The N-terminal 26 amino acids showed 69% identity to those of the mature form of Staphylococcus aures V8 proteinase. The pH optimum of the caseinolytic activity was about 8.0. The enzyme specifically catalyzed the hydrolysis of a carbonyl end of glutamic acid, and slightly hydrolyzed that of aspartic acid. Diisopropyl fluorophosphate potently inhibited the protease activity, followed by iodoacetic acid, whereas other inhibitors including EDTA and phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride had little effect and dithiothreitol did not activate. The protease was predominantly observed in a bacterial culture obtained by the dialysis membrane technique, but was scarcely expressed in liquid culture either with or without shaking, nor in a culture on an agar plate without a dialysis membrane. Taken together, these findings indicate that the S. epidermidis 27-kDa protease is a novel inducible glutamic acid-specific serine protease related to V8 proteinase (EC 3. 4. 21. 9).
Ant–plant–homopteran mutualism: how the third partner affects the interaction between a plant-specialist ant and its myrmecophyte host

By estimating relative costs and benefits, we explored the role of the homopteran partner in the protection mutualism between the myrmecophyte Leonardoxa africana T3, the ant Aphomomyrmex afer, and sap–sucking homopterans tended by ants in the tree's swollen hollow twigs. The ants obtain nest sites and food from their host–plant (food is obtained either directly by extrafloral nectar or indirectly via homopterans). Aphomomyrmex workers patrol the young leaves of L. africana T3 and protect them against phytophagous insects. Because ants tended, either solely or primarily, coccids in some trees and pseudococcids in others, we were able to study whether the nature of the interaction was dependent on the identity of the third partner. First, the type of homopteran affects the benefits to the tree of maintaining a large ant colony. Larger colony size (relative to tree size) confers greater protection against herbivory; this relationship is more pronounced for trees whose ants tend pseudococcids than for those in which ants tend coccids. Second, for trees (and associated ant colonies) of comparable size, homopteran biomass was much larger in trees harbouring coccids than in trees with pseudococcids. Thus, the cost to the tree of maintaining ants may be greater when ants are associated with coccids. The net benefits to the plant of maintaining ants appear to be much greater with pseudococcids as the third partner. To explore how the type of homopteran affects functioning of the system, we attempted to determine which of the resources (nest sites, extrafloral nectar, and homopterans) is likely to limit ant colony size. In trees where ants tended coccids, ant–colony biomass was strongly dependent on the number of extrafloral nectaries. In contrast, in trees whose ants tended only pseudococcids, colony biomass was not related to the number of nectaries and was most strongly determined by the volume of available nest sites. We present hypotheses to explain how the type of homopteran affects functioning of this symbiosis, and discuss the implications of our study for the evolutionary ecology of ant–plant–homopteran relationships.
Sorption of Arsenic and Cadmium and Their Effects on Growth, Micronutrient Utilization, and Photosynthetic Pigment Composition of Asterionella formosa

By use of continuous-culture techniques, populations of the freshwater diatom Asterionella formosa were exposed to various concentrations of arsenic or cadmium for periods of 6–23 days. Sorption of arsenic (as arsenate) was a linear function of ambient concentrations 130 μg As∙L−1. In contrast, cadmium sorption was a complex function of ambient concentration and time. Cellular arsenic and cadmium was desorbed in some of the experiments, and there appeared to be an active regulatory mechanism that kept the cellular arsenic content at a nontoxic level. For arsenic, no detrimental effects on growth or on micronutrient utilization were observed over the range of ambient concentrations used ( 10 μg Cd∙L−1 ceased growth and micronutrient utilization in 20–30 h. Fractionation .
The Lithobiomorpha of the Southeastern States

In this paper is summarized our present knowledge of the genera and species of the Lithobiomorpha occurring in the extensive region lying south from Kentucky and the Virginias and east of the Mississippi river. The great majority of the records given are based upon collections made by the author himself in the summer of 1910, during which season all of the states in the territory indicated, excepting Florida, were visited. The southern portion of Georgia and the coastal region of this state and of the Carolinas were not covered. Some species additional to those here listed are likely to be found in these sections. The season was favorable for members of this group; and it is felt that the great majority of the more widespread forms were secured. In this connection it may be noted that in the case of most of the species specimens were taken in a considerable number of localities and that all the species previously recorded were again found excepting two from southern Georgia and Florida, where, as before mentioned, collections were not made.
Germination and establishment of Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) as affected by soil and seed characteristics

The seed supply of Themeda triandra, syn. T. australis (kangaroo grass), for revegetation purposes may always be limited given the biological constraints on its production. It is important, therefore, that available seed be used efficiently by maximising germination and establishment. In two glasshouse experiments, we investigated the effects of various soil and seed factors and their interactions on germination and establishment of seeds sown on the soil surface and at depth. Maximum germination was achieved by either de-awning seeds and burying them manually at 1 cm depth or by sowing awned seeds on the soil surface in the vicinity of cracks or stones which allowed up to 96% of the seeds to bury themselves by natural means. Diurnal fluctuations in relative humidity of only 30% caused the 4-6 cm long geniculate awns to twist hygroscopically, thereby propelling the seeds along the soil surface and increasing their chances of becoming buried in favourable or 'safe' microsites for germination. A bitumen-coated straw mulch improved germination of de-awned seeds by maintaining high moisture content in the top 2 cm of soil, but inhibited the movement of awned seeds along the soil surface and their entry into safe microsites for germination. The data are discussed in terms of maximising germination and seedling establishment of Themeda, determining the most appropriate seed harvesting and cleaning methods, and selecting sowing methods which are most likely to be effective.
Effect of Storage on Cloud Stability of Cloudy Apple Juice

Cloud stability of particles in cloudy apple juice during its storage for 120 days at 4, 22 and 40 °C is conducted. The juices are added with or without ascorbic acid. The cloud stability of juices during storage is studied by optical microscopy, electron microscopy and size distribution analysis of suspending particles combined with a polyphenols component analysis by high performance liquid chromatography. At the beginning of storage, the turbidity of juice added with or without ascorbic acid decreased quickly because particles of larger size in juices aggregated and deposited, and since there are less larger particles at the upper portion of the bottles, the depositing speed of particles decreases. The loss of total phenolic compounds, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid and tannin increases with the increase of temperature and storage time. The polyphenols degraded quickly during the initial period of storage and then it slowed down. The addition of ascorbic acid to the juice can inhibit the oxidation and polymerisation of phenolic compounds to avoid the formation of new small insoluble particles during the storage, and the efficacy of inhibiting between adding 0.024% or 0.006% (w/w) ascorbic acid is not remarkably different.
Bursaphelenchus firmae n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), isolated from Monochamus grandis Waterhouse that emerged from dead firs, Abies firma Sieb. et Zucc.

Bursaphelenchus firmae n. sp. is described. This new species was isolated during a field survey of longhorn beetle-associated nematodes. The fourth-stage dispersal (dauer) juveniles of the new species were recovered from dissected bodies (tracheal system) of Monochamus grandis, which emerged from dead logs of Japanese fir, Abies firma, collected from Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan. The new species is mid-sized for the genus, with females 603-828 μm and males 530-698 μm long. Four lateral lines occur on the body surface and seven genital papillae are found in males (P1 ventral single papilla and P2-P4 pairs). A long and arcuate spicule forms a trapezium in lateral view and a rather large, sub-squared, bursal flap and a vulva with conspicuous vulval flap are present. The female tail is smoothly tapered and possesses a conspicuous and blunt mucro. Based upon its diagnostic morphological characters, the new species belongs to the B. xylophilus group of the genus, and is closely related to B. fraudulentus, B. mucronatus, B. doui, B. macromucronatus and B. populi. It is distinguished from these five species by the morphology of the male bursal flap and the female mucro and several morphometric values. Molecular phylogenetic analyses inferred from D2/D3 LSU suggest that the new species is close to B. mucronatus and B. xylophilus, i.e., these three species form a well supported monophyletic clade within the genus. Although the new species has a weak pathogenicity to pine trees, it does not seem to be a severe risk to native pine forests.
Ancient mitochondrial DNA analyses of Iberian sturgeons

Summary Today’s European sturgeons are relics of erstwhile widely distributed populations, diminished mainly by overfishing and habitat changes over the centuries. While extinct European populations in the Baltic and North seas have been identified as Acipenser oxyrhinchus or A. sturio, a clear species determination on the Iberian Peninsula is still lacking. Plans to conserve existing populations and to re-introduce extinct wild populations in European rivers will benefit from information of historic population/genotype composition. In this study, we used techniques involving ancient DNA as well as morphological comparisons based on bony scutes to identify twelve samples from five archaeological sites (650bc–1500ad, one sample dated 10.1–11.8 ky) on the Iberian Peninsula. All amplified PCR products of bony scutes (n = 5) had the mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of European sturgeon. Neither mitochondrial haplotypes of A. naccarii nor mitochondrial haplotypes of A. oxyrinchus were found.
White spruce limestone ecotypes

White spruce provenances from soils with limestone parent material, and non-limestone parent material were planted on calcareous and non-calcareous soils. The limestone provenances grew the most on calcareous soils: the non-limestone provenances grew the most on non-calcareous soils. Limestone ecotypes have evolved by natural selection.
Response of different genotypes of Brassica carinata to microspore culture

Sixteen lines of Brassica carinata were evaluated for microspore culture and plant regeneration. The highest values of cell division and embryo yield resulted from buds between 2.5 and 3.5 mm long with 3 days of pretreatment at 32°C and plating densities of 100 000-150 000 microspores/ml. Ten out of 16 lines tested (63%) responded positively to microspore culture. In all breeding and F 1 lines, both cell division and embryo yield varied over a wide range, but embryogenic response was higher in F 1 lines than in the breeding lines.
The effect of broiler market age on performance parameters and economics

In the present study, 35 farmers contracted by an integration company were selected. Each farmer owned an average of seven poultry houses, and housed six flocks per year, with a total of 4.0 million housed broilers. Birds were grouped into 5 market ages (MA1= 46 days), and the following parameters were measured: average flock body weight (AFW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), livability (L), production efficiency index (PEI), production cost, and farmer's gross margin. MA significantly influenced all parameters, except production cost/kg broiler. The effects of farm and farm*MA interaction were not significant. Each day of MA increase resulted in increases of 68.43g and 0.039 units in AFW and FCR, respectively. PEI was 4.0% lower in MA5 as compared to MA1, thereby reducing farmer's compensation in 11.89% per reared broilers. Production costs were not different among market ages, partially due to a reduction from 16.86 (MA1) to 14.62% (MA5) in the farmer's participation in the total cost. The results show that a new farmer's compensation index that included MA is necessary to calculate farmer's margin.
The effects of atmospheric deposition on potassium, calcium, and magnesium cycling in two deciduous forests

Sulfate was the dominant anion in throughfall and soil solutions from a chestnut oak (Quercuspinus L.) and a yellow poplar (Liriodendrontulipifera L.) forest in eastern Tennessee. Assuming much of this was of anthropogenic origin, cation-leaching rates from foliage and in soils of these forests would have to have been accelerated by acid deposition by two- to three-fold. This acclerated leaching could, in turn, cause changes in the rates of K+, Ca2+, or Mg2+ cycling according to any of a number of possible scenarios explored in this paper. Subsoils beneath the chestnut oak stand adsorbed from atmospheric deposition, which reduced -mediated cation leaching to some extent. In contrast, subsoils from the yellow poplar stand showed a current net output of (perhaps desorbing sulfate adsorbed during previous periods of higher input) and much higher rates of cation leaching. The yellow poplar site showed net annual exports of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+, but the chestnut oak site showed a net accumulation of Ca2+ an.
The Petromyzoniformes with particular reference to paired species

The distribution of living lampreys (Petromyzoniformes) is antitropical, a feature almost certainly related to the fact that the ultimate incipient lethal temperature of ammocoetes lies between ~28 and 32 °C. In general, the species that attain the largest body size have the widest distribution. The holarctic species are placed in the Petromyzonidae, while those of the Southern Hemisphere are assigned either to the Geotriidae or Mordaciidae. Reference is made to the techniques used in lamprey systematics, placing particular emphasis on defining the terminology of the components of the dentition and the ways in which body proportions can be measured. Using dentitional characters, the Petromyzonidae can be arranged in a logical sequence from Ichthyomyzon and Petromyzon to either Caspiomyzon or to series consisting either of Eudontomyzon and Tetrapleurodon or the subgenera of Lampeira, i.e. Entosphenus, Lethenteron, and Lampetra. A list is given of the 17 parasitic and 22 nonparasitic lampreys described from the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The evolution of nonparasitic lampreys has involved an extension of larval life and a reduction in the postmetamorphic period, a process which has led to a marked reduction in the size of the mature adults. The more conspicuous differences between nonparasitic and parasitic species start to appear after the onset of metamorphosis. These include the rapid enlargement and maturation of gonads in nonparasitic species. However, significant differences have been found between the larvae of nonparasitic lampreys and those of their parasitic ancestor in such features as the number of oocytes, trunk myomeres, and size at the onset of metamorphosis.Key words: lampreys, life cycles, parasitic, nonparasitic, distribution, dentition, phylogeny, Petromyzonidae, Geotriidae, Mordaciidae
Evasion from predation : the perilous life of planktonic copepods throughout development

Copepods are a key link in marine ecosystem food webs and can respond to predation through rapid escape swimming. We demonstrate a compensatory mechanism that young copepods (nauplii) exhibit with changing temperature in order to maximize escape effectiveness. We manipulate viscosity to separate the effects of physiological temperature and physical effects of viscosity. Using 3-dimensional digital holographic video techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution, a shift in appendage timing to create an increase in power stroke duration (TP) relative to recovery stroke duration (TR) was measured. A novel fluid dynamics model was used to demonstrate that a shift in stroke timing at reduced temperature and elevated viscosity allows the nauplius to maximize velocity, and escape distance while not increasing energy expenditure. These results show that by altering appendage timing through differential temperature dependence in swimming strokes and through temporal variation in appendage overlap, copepod nauplii can maximize escape effectiveness from predators across their thermal