Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus Mobilisation and Immobilisation Vary in the Root Environment of Different Barley Genotypes with Different Phosphate Sources

ABSTRACT A method was developed to estimate root efficiency of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in making available phosphorus (P) from various unlabelled, sparingly-soluble compounds containing P. The post-treatment method is based on axenic germination on a P-free medium, removing the seedling from the medium and incubating the P substance to be tested in situ in the medium, followed by soluble P determination. Seven lines of landrace barley were tested with 8 day old seedlings. CaHPO4 was found to be dissolved by five of the lines, while two of them on average immobilized phosphate (dissolved less than in controls without a plant) with significant differences between the lines (p < 0.01). The acidification of the medium by the barley correlated significantly (rs = 0.727; p < 0.001) with the dissolved level of P from CaHPO4. On average, FePO4 was immobilized by all the barley lines though with significant differences (p < 0.01), and showed a significant negative correlation with the acidification of the medium (rs = −0.306; p = 0.011). One barley line showed wide variation towards FePO4 having both mobilizing and immobilizing plants in the sample, either meaning a temporary change in capability or genetic heterogeneity within the line. The immobilization of FePO4 is in accordance with the observed accumulation of FePO4 in soils also frequently sown with barley. P of Siilinjärvi Apatite was immobilized by all the barley lines without significant differences, but showed a minor negative correlation between P dissolving and acidification (rs = −0.168; p = 0.108). These results corroborate the poor capability of apatite dust to serve as a source of P for barley observed in published field trials in organic farming, and cast doubts on the usefulness of apatite as a direct fertilizer of slowly soluble P for barley. The polymorphic properties of the landrace barleys with regard to P acquisition are considered against the prescribed fire practices on soil preceding sowing and use of top mulch of manure on sown barley fields in the past. The introduced post-treatment method revealed several statistically significant differences. It can be applied to other sources of P avoiding the use of labelled compounds and as a cheap test extended to various substances, which can then be studied as to their changes by roots of different species.
Field and Bioassay Studies on the Vitamin B12-Phytoplankton-Nutrient Relationships

The seasonal relationships of vitamin B 12 , phytoplankton and nutrients were investigated by field and bioassay experiments in the Saronicos Gulf, Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean Sea). The field data demonstrated a statistically significant negative relationship of vitamin B 12 with Chl α, diatoms, flagellates, phosphate and total inorganic nitrogen. The bioassay experiments were performed using Pavlova lutheri as a test organism and examined the combined effect of nutrients and vitamin B 12 on growth. The results supported the hypothesis that in the area of study vitamin B 12 might not be a limiting factor for phytoplanktonic algae but it certainly stimulates growth through a multiple nutritional mechanism
Ex situcultivation ofAplysinaaerophobaclose toin situconditions: ecological, biochemical and histological aspects

Sponges provide the largest number of biologically active natural products known from the marine environment and continue to be a very well studied phylum of marine fauna. The Mediterranean sponge Aplysina aerophoba accumulates brominated isoxazoline alkaloids such as Aplysinamisin-1, Aerophobin-2, Isofistularin-3 and the biotransformation product Aeroplysinin-1, which possesses, for example, antibiotic and cytotoxic properties. Until now, it is still being discussed which organisms – the sponge itself or associated microorganisms – are responsible for metabolite production. For cultivating Aplysina individuals under ex situ conditions, we surveyed relevant ecological factors in situ and controlled them in our aquarium system. We maintained A. aerophoba for more than 9 months and analysed changes of metabolite content and composition, microbial association as well as morphology in situ and ex situ under different light exposure. Although sponges showed slight reduction during maintenance, ex situ cultivation similar to in situ conditions provides a promising method to keep sponges and obtain their bioactive metabolites.
Theoretical support for a conformational change of polyphenol oxidase induced by metabisulfite

Polyphenol oxidases (PPO) are responsible for the oxidation of phenols into quinones that give brown or black pigments. The aim of the work presented in this paper was to study the mechanism of inhibition of palmito (Acanthophoenix rubra) PPO by metabisulfite. When monitored spectrophotometrically and with an oxymeter, a decrease in enzymatic activity was observed. When measured with the oxymeter, there was a decrease in oxygen comsumption, indicating enzyme inhibition. When monitored with the spectrophotometer, the existence of a lag phase was noted, indicating that the quinones formed either are reduced into phenols or react with metabisulfite to give a colorless complex. The oxidation of phenol took place during the lag phase, and when metabisulfite was depleted, the amount of oxygen was not enough to allow the oxidation of the substrate in the optimal conditions. The plot of inhibition versus metabisulfite showed an allosteric behavior of PPO with positive cooperativity. The incubation of PPO with metabisulfite resulted in inhibition of enzymatic activity. This inhibition was as strong as the concentration of metabisulfite was high. The plot of log(residual activity) versus incubation time showed a diphasic behavior. All of these results indicate that PPO inhibition by metabisulfite does not obey a first-order reaction and that the action of metabisulfite is accompanied by a conformational change of the enzyme. Accordingly, bisulfite would react with the enzyme and form an intermediate complex that is more stable than the native form. The decomposition of this complex would give an inactive enzymatic form (E i ) through a slower second step. Fitting experimental values to the equation describing a two-step denaturation model confirmed the structural changes observed by electrophoresis by other authors.
Elevated Sucrose-phosphate Synthase Activity in Source Leaves of Potato Plants Transrformed with the Maize SPS Gene

SummarySucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) activity in source leaves of potato plants (Solanum tuberosum cv. May Queen) transformed with maize SPS gene under the control of a modified cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter was two to four times higher than the endogenous activity found in the control. A negative correlation (r = 0.82) between SPS activity and the ratio of starch to sucrose was observed. There were no significant changes in starch synthesis enzyme (ADGPase and QE) activities in the leaves. Photosynthesis did not differ significantly between control and transgenic lines. Aboveground (leaves and stem) and belowground (tuber) dry matter in three transgenic lines harvested during tuber development increased up to 15% and 20%, respectively, indicating that increased capacity for sucrose synthesis in potato leaves may lead to favorable growth. Moreover, the activity of this enzyme in source leaves of two transgenic potatoes increased when reaction temperature was elevated from 15°C to 35°3, a.
The South African Scoring System (SASS) Version 5 Rapid Bioassessment Method for Rivers

The assessment of biota in rivers is a widely recognised means of determining the condition or ‘health’ of rivers. Benthic macroinvertebrates, in particular, are recognised as valuable organisms for bioassessments, due largely to their visibility to the naked eye, ease of identification, rapid life cycle often based on the seasons and their largely sedentary habits. Numerous bioassessment techniques have been developed over the last three decades, varying in complexity and region of implementation. South Africa has an exemplary history in this field, culminating in the refinement of invertebrate and other techniques and their application in a National River Health Programme. The method presented here is a refinement of the highly successful SASS (South African Scoring System) method developed by Chutter (1994), which forms the backbone of this programme. This paper takes the method to a level where it can, and has been, accredited to ISO standards. The principal changes made include the tighter definition of the technique and the sampling and analytical methods, as well as the introduction of quality control procedures. Some changes have also been made to the list of invertebrates used in this method. Field trials were conducted to test the variability of the method. Of the various indices available to the method, the Average Score per Taxon (ASPT) is the most consistent over all biotopes (lowest CV%). On the other hand, of the biotopes examined the Gravel/Sand/Mud (GSM) combination is the most variable with respect to the SASS Score and number of taxa encountered. The spatial variability on a reach of river with similar water quality characteristics was found to be statistically negligible. However, one generally finds that statistically significant differences occur between the SASS Scores and the number of taxa counted by different operators. The ASPT, on the other hand, is a more consistent and repeatable measure of river health assessment and, within a given reach of river and considering all biotopes, the differences in results produced by different operators were statistically negligible. The results highlight the need for appropriate competency-based training and consistent application of the method.
Diversity measurement combining relative abundances and taxonomic distinctiveness of species

We discuss a diversity measure combining information of relative abundances and taxonomic distinctiveness suggested by Ricotta (2004). We show that Ricotta's measure violates weak species monotonicity, a condition that requires that the addition of a species should always increase a diversity index if abundances change only marginally. We suggest an alternative index satisfying weak species monotonicity and apply it to the ‘Zeesserveld’ forest reserve in the Netherlands.
Diversity and Molecular Characterization of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Selected Ecological Regions in Kenya.

Mosquitoes play a predominant role as leading agents in the spread of vector-borne diseases and the consequent mortality in humans. Despite reports on increase of new and recurrent mosquito borne-disease outbreaks such as chikungunya, dengue fever and Rift Valley fever in Kenya, little is known about the genetic characteristics and diversity of the vector species that have been incriminated in transmission of disease pathogens. In this study, mosquito species were collected from Kisumu city, Kilifi town and Nairobi city and we determined their genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships. PCR was used to amplify the partial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene of mosquito samples. Molecular-genetic and phylogenetic analysis of the partial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene were employed to identify their relationship with known mosquito species. Fourteen (14) haplotypes belonging to genus Aedes, nine (9) haplotypes belonging to genus Anopheles and twelve (12) haplotypes belonging to genus Culex were identified in this study. Findings from this study revealed a potentially new haplotype belonging to Anopheles genus and reported the first molecular characterization of Aedes cumminsii in Kenya. Sequence results revealed variation in mosquito species from Kilifi, Kisumu and Nairobi. Since vector competence varies greatly across species as well as species-complexes and is strongly associated with specific behavioural adaptations, proper species identification is important for vector control programs.
Energy exchanges of pregnant and lactating ewes

At intervals throughout gestation, the energy, carbon, and nitrogen exchanges of four Merino ewes were determined with the aid of closed-circuit indirect calorimetry. Six similar but non-pregnant animals were studied at the same time. The food consisted of equal parts of lucerne and wheaten hay; half the sheep in each group were given a constant 600 g/day and half 900 g/day, and the non-pregnant ewes were fasted on one occasion. Free fatty acids, glucose, and ketones in the blood were also determined during the final stages of pregnancy. Balance measurements were continued during lactation, the ewes being given 1200 g food/day for the first month and 900 g for the second. The digestibility of the food was not affected by pregnancy or lactation, but urinary nitrogen loss decreased as pregnancy advanced and was least during lactation. Although a constant amount of food was eaten, the heat production of each pregnant animal increased throughout gestation. The heat increment of pregnancy at term was 90 kca1/24 hr/kg foetal tissue. The most direct measurements of oxygen uptake by the foetus in utero indicate much lower levels of heat production per kilogram of tissue; it is concluded that these are underestimates. The metabolic rate was unusually high immediately before parturition, and in two cases decreased to near non-pregnant levels 24 hr after lambing. The total energy retention of the ewes became smaller as pregnancy advanced, and in two cases was negative at term. Metabolizable energy was used for reproduction with a gross efficiency of 15–22% and a net efficiency of 13%. The metabolizable energy used per kilogram of foetus was approximately 10% of the maintenance requirement of the ewe herself. Daily energy utilization by the conceptus at term probably accounted for 70% of the glucogenic substances available from the food. There was no evidence of increased gluconeogenesis from protein by the pregnant ewe. The nutrition of the ewe during gestation affected lactation mainly in the first week or two. The data indicate that nitrogen intake rather than energy intake limited milk production. Irrespective of the amount of energy in the milk, the heat increment due to feeding was 20% smaller for lactating than for dry fatteningewes. It is suggested that efficient use of acetate by the mammary gland permits more efficient lipogenesis by other tissues.
Winter is coming: Miocene and Quaternary climatic shifts shaped the diversification of Western‐Mediterranean Harpactocrates (Araneae, Dysderidae) spiders

Past climatic shifts have played a major role in generating and shaping biodiversity. Quaternary glacial cycles are the better known examples of dramatic climatic changes endured by ecosystems in temperate regions. Although still a matter of debate, some authors suggest that glaciations promoted speciation. Here we investigate the effect of past climatic changes on the diversification of the ground‐dwelling spider genus Harpactocrates, distributed across the major mountain ranges of the western Mediterranean. Concatenated and species‐tree analyses of multiple mitochondrial and nuclear loci, combined with the use of fossil and biogeographic calibration points, reveal a Miocene origin of most nominal species, but also unravel several cryptic lineages tracing back to the Pleistocene. We hypothesize that the Miocene Climatic Transition triggered major extinction events in the genus but also promoted its subsequent diversification. Under this scenario, the Iberian mountains acted as an island‐like system, providing shelter to Harpactocrates lineages during the climate shifts and favouring isolation between mountain ranges. Quaternary glacial cycles contributed further to the diversification of the group by isolating lineages in peripheral refugia within mountain ranges. In addition, we recovered some unique biogeographic patterns, such as the colonization of the Alps and the Apennines from the Iberian Peninsula.
Structure‐Function Relationships of Human α2‐Macroglobulin

Human a,-macroglobulin (a,M) is a large glycoprotein (Mr = 720,000) composed of four identical subunits (M, = 180,000 for each subunit). ' A major reason for the interest in the structure and function of a2M is its biological role as a scavenger of nearly all endoproteinases in the blood of vertebrates. ' a2M has structural and functional properties that make it unique as a proteinase inhibitor: it is the largest proteinase inhibitor known and has the widest range of reactivity because it irreversibly inhibits most endoproteinases.I In addition to these unique features, the reaction of a 2 M with a proteinase results in a major change in its structure, resulting in the entrapment of the proteinase and the exposure of receptor binding sites. ' These functions of a2M are incorporated in a structure consisting of two pairs of dimers that are covalently linked by two disulfide bonds (the protomeric unit). , Furthermore, each subunit has a thioester bond that is known to have a role in the transformation of the native structure to the proteinase-bound form. ' Our studies indicate that the thioester linkages serve to maintain the native molecule in a strained, twisted configuration and their cleavage upon reaction with the proteinase initiates the change in the structure of a2M that results in its entrapment. Surprisingly, the proteinase exhibits activity toward small substrates after reacting with a 2 M , even though it can no longer degrade protein^. ^ These observations have given rise to the
Spatial variation of benthic macroinvertebrates and the environmental factors influencing their distribution in Lake Victoria, Kenya

Abstract Benthic macroinvertebrates in the Kenyan waters of Lake Victoria were sampled on a monthly basis from March 1994 to March 1995. Ekman grab samples were obtained from 10 stations representing all the major ecological zones of the lake. The aim of the study was to estimate the abundance and diversity of benthos. The highest mean (± standard error) benthic density was 15113.4 ± 3885.3 m−2 at stations 53, which was significantly different from that of all the other stations (73.5 ± 16.8 to 1625.8 ± 275.4 m−2). Oligochaeta species, which are indicators of organic pollution, dominated the benthic abundance at station 53. Benthos in this station were exposed to both organic and inorganic pollutants as evidenced by highest level of nitrates and trace metals contaminants copper, iron, manganese and aluminum in water at the bottom of water column compared to that at all the other stations. The pollutants find their way to these sites from towns of Webuye, Eldoret, and Kakagema in the catchment through runoff and rivers. The elevated benthic abundance at station 53 could be due to organic and inorganic pollutants. Shannon index values for the stations in the Winam Gulf were more than triple the values estimated for the open waters implying the gulf had better water quality than the main lake. The gulf mean (± standard error) species heterogeneity values ranged from 0.7 ± 0.2 to 1.1 ± 0.1 whereas in open waters (except station 54) the values were 0.07 to 0.2 ± 0.05. This could be attributed to mixing of water throughout the water column in the gulf ensuring high oxygen levels throughout the water column, which favoured diverse benthos to flourish. In contrast, in deep waters (ca. 40 m) of the main lake stratification occurred most time of year resulting in anoxia in the hypolimnion. Thus, only the dipterans chironomids and chaoborids and oligochates that are adapted to withstand low oxygen levels were recorded, albeit in low densities.
Mobile Health for Pediatric Weight Management: Systematic Scoping Review

Background The prevalence and consequences of obesity among children and adolescents remain a leading global public health concern, and evidence-based, multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions are the cornerstone of treatment. Mobile electronic devices are widely used across socioeconomic categories and may provide a means of extending the reach and efficiency of health care interventions. Objective We aimed to synthesize the evidence regarding mobile health (mHealth) for the treatment of childhood overweight and obesity to map the breadth and nature of the literature in this field and describe the characteristics of published studies. Methods We conducted a systematic scoping review in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews, by searching nine academic databases in addition to gray literature for studies describing acceptability, usability, feasibility, effectiveness, adherence, or cost-effectiveness of interventions assessing mHealth for childhood obesity treatment. We also hand searched the reference lists of relevant articles. Studies aimed at the prevention of overweight or obesity were excluded, as were studies in which mHealth was not the primary mode of treatment delivery for at least one study arm or was not independently assessed. A random portion of all abstracts and full texts was double screened by a second reviewer to ensure consistency. Data were charted according to study characteristics, including design, participants, intervention content, behavior change theory (BCT) underpinning the study, mode of delivery, and outcomes measured. Results We identified 42 eligible studies assessing acceptability (n=7), usability (n=2), feasibility or pilot studies (n=15), treatment effect (n=17), and fidelity (n=1). Change in BMI z-scores or percentiles was most commonly measured, among a variety of dietary, physical activity, psychological, and usability or acceptability measures. SMS, mobile apps, and wearable devices made up the majority of mobile interventions, and 69% (29/42) of the studies specified a BCT used. Conclusions Pediatric weight management using mHealth is an emerging field, with most work to date aimed at developing and piloting such interventions. Few large trials are published, and these are heterogeneous in nature and rarely reported according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials for eHealth guidelines. There is an evidence gap in the cost-effectiveness analyses of such studies.
Poloxamer 407 increases soluble adhesion molecules, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and E‐selectin, in C57BL/6 mice

Objectives Soluble shedded forms of cell adhesion molecules (sCAMs) found in plasma are regarded as surrogate markers for the cellular expression of CAMs. The presence of oxidised low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) cholesterol and fatty acids in the plasma, hypertriglyceridaemia and reduced plasma concentrations of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) are all thought to stimulate an increase in the cellular expression of CAMs such as vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and E‐selectin. Our objectives were to determine how plasma levels of the soluble CAMs were modulated in a mouse model of dyslipidaemia induced chemically with poloxamer 407, and how these changes might be related to changes in the plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL‐C, non‐HDL‐C and triglycerides.