Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Ras Gene Mutations in Main Spontaneously-occurring Non-epithelial Tumors of B6C3F1 Mouse

The B6C3F1 (C57BL/6 × C3H/He) mouse has commonly been used for various chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies. This mouse develops various types of spontaneous tumors during its lifetime. The incidence of ras gene mutation has been reported in tumors of various epithelial tissues including the liver, lung, and Harderian gland of the B6C3F1 mice. However, there are few reports on the frequency of ras activation in non-epithelial tumors in spite of their high incidence similar to that of epithelial tumors. We examined ras gene mutations in 114 non-epithelial tumors (hemangioendothelial cell tumors, malignant lymphomas, and histiocytic sarcomas), generated spontaneously in B6C3F1 mice by non-RI single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing of DNA, which was isolated from paraffin-embedded sections and amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Only seven non-epithelial tumors in the B6C3F1 mice contained mutation of the H-ras codon 61, all of which were C to A transversion (CAA → AAA). The present studies suggest that activation of the ras gene is involved only a little in occurrence of the primary spontaneous non-epithelial tumors and that the pathways other than ras gene activation lead to the development of most non-epithelial tumors in the B6C3F1 mouse.
A scanning electron microscope study of developing sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

The exterior features of the rind and the cut surface of sections of developing sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were examined with the scanning electron microscope. Before pigmentation, a developing sclerotium appears as a white mass of interwoven mycelial strands covered with numerous droplets of liquid, each of which is surrounded by membranous material. Subsurface mycelial cells swell, become pigmented, and result in the formation of the dark bulbous rind cells which darken with age. Membranous material which envelops the liquid exuded from developing sclerotia was always evident and appressed to the surface of the rind in old sclerotia. The interior of sclerotia consists of a mass of mycelia embedded in an amorphous matrix, which in young sclerotia is liquid but in older sclerotia appears solid. Openings in the outer rind cells, from sclerotia of old cultures and those removed from diseased sunflowers, indicate possible means by which other microorganisms could enter and degrade sclerotia. Multi.
Fatty acid profile of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. seed oil

Fatty acid profile data for refined cold-pressed Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. seed oil, in comparison to other commercially available oils — olive, rapeseed and camellia, are presented. Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. seed oil has high oleic and linoleic acid content and high polyunsaturated acid content. Squalene elutes as a distinct peak in the GC chromatograph. For a positive identification, MS detection was used. In the samples analyzed, squalene occurred in the range of 57.4–68.2 mg g−1.
Changes of biogenic amines in Chinese low-salt fermented fish pieces (Suan yu) inoculated with mixed starter cultures

Summary In this study, two groups of mixed starter cultures (S1, S2), which were isolated from Suan yu, were inoculated for this experimental product, and a batch without starters was used as the control. The effect of the mixed starter cultures on the suppression of biogenic amine (BA) produced during the ripening of Suan yu was investigated. Changes in BA, pH, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), microbial counts and free amino acids (FAA) contents were detected during ripening. The results show that the mixed starter cultures rapidly decreased pH, inhibited the growth of contaminant microorganisms emerged in the sample and drastically reduced the accumulations of tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine. However, histamine and spermine were not produced in any batch. Besides, pH, FAA and BA production were not directly correlated. The study suggests that inoculation with S1 and S2 inhibited BA, thereby improving the product safety.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated barley transformation

Genetically transformed barley was produced by eco-cultivating immature embryo explants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying a binary vector coding for chimaeric bacterial genes, bar and gus, and selecting for bialaphos-resistant cultures from which plants were regenerated. Integration of both genes was confirmed by gel blot hybridization analysis of DNA from the transformed plants and their progenies. From 1282 embryos, plants were recovered for 54 independently transformed lines, giving a transformation efficiency of 4.2%. Transgene numbers in the different lines ranged from single copy insertion to at least ten copies. Sixteen out of 18 plants grown to maturity were fully fertile. Both marker genes, bar and gus, were expressed and co-segregated in the T1 progeny plants. In the majority of cases, the genes showed Mendelian segregation predicted for transgene insertion at a single locus. In one family with multiple transgene insertions, molecular analysis of T1 and T2 plants suggested that the T-DNA had inserted at two unlinked loci.
G-quadruplex DNA - Methods and protocols

Thanks to the end of several genome sequencing projects it has become a reality the notion that mammal genomes (notably mouse and human) harbor hundreds of thousands of Guanine-quartets which have the potential to interact to form Guanine-quadruplexes, that is to say, non-standard DNA conformation of stabilized planar arrangement of four guanine bases. Then, in very recent years, it becomes clear enought that G-quadruplexes have general functions in Biology, not only at the telomeric ends (where the canonic sequence of TTAGGG is particularly prone to form G-quadruplexes), such as playing roles in processes as different as gene expression, DNA recombination, DNA transcription, mRNA maturation and translation.
The Evolution of Helping. I. An Ecological Constraints Model

The ecological factors underlying the evolution of helping behavior in birds and mammals are examined. I argue that a necessary first step for the evolution of cooperative breeding is a substructuring of the population into small, stable, social units; in most known cases these are extended-family units. The ecological conditions leading to the development of such units are explored, and a general model is presented that emphasizes ecological constraints that limit the possibility of personal, independent breeding. When severe constraints occur, selection will favor delayed dispersal and continued retention of grown offspring within their natal units. Differing proximate factors can be responsible for limiting the option of personal reproduction. In stable, predictable environments where marginal habitat is scarce, high population density and resulting habitat saturation can lead to a severe shortage of territory openings (Brown 1974; Koenig and Pitelka 1981). This decreases the chance for independent establishment by new breeders. In variable and unpredictable environments, erratic changes in the carrying capacity can create the functional equivalents of breeding openings and closures. During harsh years, the cost of successfully reproducing can be magnified to prohibitive levels. When the chance of successful reproduction is sufficiently restricted, for either reason, selection will favor individuals remaining as nonbreeders within their natal groups. In essence, grown offspring remain at home only when the cost of doing otherwise is prohibitive. This ecological constraints model predicts that the frequency of occurrence of nonbreeders will vary directly with (1) the degree of difficulty in becoming established as a breeder (for species in stable, saturated, habitats), and (2) the level of environmental harshness (for species in erratic, unpredictable habitats). Available evidence is presented for the acorn woodpecker, Melanerpes formicivorus (representing 1), and the white-fronted bee-eater, Merops bullockoides (representing 2), in a preliminary test of the predictions.
Preliminary genetic analyses of voluntarily supplied disease data in Australian dairy herds

Health disorders data collected from Australian dairy herds were analysed to estimate incidence levels and genetic parameters for some diseases traits and to examine the consequence of selection for Australian profit ranking (the economic index in Australia) and other economic traits on incidence of some diseases. Data on disease problems including udder, leg, reproductive and ‘all disorders’ were extracted from the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme database for cows that calved in 2007 and 2008 and were analysed fitting a linear sire model. The occurrence of disease problems was as high as 0.3 if ‘all disorders’ were put into one group. Five percent of the cows that calved showed leg problems and the incidence of udder problems was ~0.13. The heritability of all disease problems ranged from 0.01 for reproductive problems to 0.03 for udder problems. The results showed that selection on milk yield traits will likely increase the frequency of all health disorders. Although selection on udder depth and somatic cell count helps to mitigate the possible genetic deterioration in udder problems, it is unlikely to avoid it totally. Therefore, more effort to collect and analyse health event data from Australia dairy herds could help to better design genetic and environmental measures to reduce the consequence of health problems.
Chemical Composition, In Situ Degradability and In Vitro Gas Production of Tagasaste ( Chamaecytisus palmensis ) Forage Harvested at Different Stages

The leguminous tree tagasaste is highly productive in the Ethiopian highlands. However, its nutritional value, as affected by the different agronomic practices is not fully understood under the tropical highland conditions. This study investigated the quality profile of tagasaste forage harvested at different re-growth stages by measuring the chemical composition, in situ degradability and in vitro gas production. Tagasaste re-growths after one year of establishment was harvested and the re-growths starting from the main rainy season (July) was harvested at 4, 6, 8 and 10 months. The harvested forages were fractionated into leaves and edible branches. Chemical composition, in situ degradability using rumen fistulated steers and in vitro gas production using rumen fluid from rumen fistulated dry cows were evaluated. The average crude protein (CP) content of tagasaste in the leaves ranged between 189 and 242 g kg-1 dry matter (DM) was not significantly affected by harvesting stage regrowth. The neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin and ether extract contents of tagasaste increased with length of re-growth. The amino acid profile of tagasaste protein showed high contents of the essential amino acids leucine and lysine but lower contents of methionine and histidine. Tagasaste grown under Ethiopian highland conditions was found deficient in phosphorus, sulphur, and sodium, but had adequate amounts of calcium, potassium, zinc and iron. The average in situ potential and effective degradability of leaves were 795 and 518 g kg-1 DM respectively and was lowest at the 10 months harvesting stage. The in vitro gas production declined with length of re-growth. Gas production was higher for leaves followed by branches with mean value of 43.7 and 39.1 ml 200-1 mg DM at 24 h respectively. The high CP content, degradability and in vitro gas production of tagasaste forage reveals its high potential to be used as a protein supplement for ruminants. The studied quality parameters should be further verified using animal performance.
Pseudocodium okinawense (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta), a new species from Okinawa and the first report of the genus from eastern Asia

A new species of the green algal genus Pseudocodium is described on the basis of specimens collected from Okinawa, southern Japan. It differs from the generitype species P. de-vriesii Weber-van Bosse from South Africa, P. australasicum Womersley from Australia and P. floridanum C. J. Dawes & A. C. Mathieson from Florida in its smaller size (1–2 cm in height, axes 0.5–1.0 mm in width) and infrequent branching. Unlike P. de-vriesii and P. australasicum also is its total lack of constricted or articulated axes. Molecular-phylogenetic analyses based on plastid encoded rbcL gene sequences show the Okinawan plants to group with Atlantic P. floridanum but to be specifically distinct owing to substantial base pair differences (88 bp, 11.876%). Remarkable differences in morphometric data, ecological preferences and geographic distribution were also found between them. We thus describe the Okinawan entity as Pseudocodium okinawense E. J. Faye, M. Uchimura et S. Shimada sp. nov. In addition, on the basis of laboratory culture experiments, a diminutive, entirely tubular growth form showing great morphological dissimilarity with field materials is newly observed in the genus, thus adding further details to our understanding of the plants vegetative phenology at early developmental stages.
Emergence trapping of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in brackish forest habitats in Maroochy Shire, south-east Queensland, Australia, and a management option for Verrallina funerea (Theobald) and Aedes procax (Skuse).

This study details the use of emergence traps with sticky adhesive to capture adult mosquitoes emerging from brackish water pools located in almost impenetrable swamp oak and tea-tree forests in Maroochy Shire, south-eastern Queensland. Twenty emergence traps were set weekly for 12 weeks between March and June 1998, during which time a total of 825 adult mosquitoes were collected. Aedes procax (Skuse) (55%) was the most abundant species, followed by Verrallina funerea (Theobald) (16%) and Culex halifaxii Theobald (9%). Emergence of Ve. funerea was greatest after tidal inundation of pools with brackish water, whereas Ae. procax emerged in greatest numbers following heavy rainfall. As there are significant areas of swamp oak and tea-tree forest in Maroochy Shire and an increasing pressure for urbanisation in adjacent areas, the aerial application of persistent S-methoprene formulations is considered the most appropriate option for control.
Synthesis of a new class of uridine phosphorylase inhibitors

A new series of potent uridine phosphorylase inhibitors have been prepared from barbituric acid. Among them, 1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-5-)(m--benzyloxy)benzylbarbituric acid (37, BBBA) is the most promising having a Ki value of 1.1 ± 0.2 nM with uridine phosphorylase from human liver. The new inhibitors are easily synthesized and are better inhibitors of human uridine phosphorylase than their uracil counterparts.
Morphological and genetic characterization of benthic dinoflagellates of the genera Coolia, Ostreopsis and Prorocentrum from the south-eastern Bay of Biscay

Benthic dinoflagellates of the genera Coolia, Ostreopsis and Prorocentrum isolated from coastal waters of the south-eastern Bay of Biscay were identified morphologically by means of light microscopy (LM) including epifluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To identify the strains to species level, molecular phylogenetic analyses using the nuclear large subunit rDNA (LSU) were performed for 16 strains of the three genera. These morphological and phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of the following species: Coolia canariensis S. Fraga, Coolia monotis Meunier, Ostreopsis cf. siamensis Schmidt, Prorocentrum emarginatun Fukuyo, P. lima (Ehrenberg) Dodge, P. rhathymum Loeblich III, Sherley & Schmidt, and two as yet unidentified species, which in the phylogenetic tree were grouped with different strains of Prorocentrum emarginatun and P. fukuyoi Murray et Nagahama from GenBank. A strain from Minorca (Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean Sea) analysed in this study for comparative purposes and fitting morphologically into the P. emarginatum/P. fukuyoi group also appeared in this cluster, which seems to include morphologically cryptic or semicryptic species. The most common taxa were Coolia monotis, Ostreopsis cf. siamensis and Prorocentrum lima, which appeared at most sampling sites. Only the strains corresponding to Ostreopsis cf. siamensis and Prorocentrum lima were toxic to Artemia franciscana.
Energy flow through macroinvertebrates in a polluted plains stream

The trophic basis of production and energy flow through macroinvertebrate communities was determined at 3 sites differentially impaired by urbanization and agricultural activities on the plains section of the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado, USA. Site 1 received minimal impact from human activities and had the lowest annual secondary production (26.0 g ash-free dry mass [AFDM] m−2 y−1). Site 2 was enriched by treated wastewater and had the highest production (61.7 g AFDM m−2 y−1). Site 3 was impacted by urbanization and agriculture and showed intermediate secondary production (50.9 g AFDM m−2 y−1). Non-tanypodine Chironomidae accounted for 33, 87, and 50% of invertebrate production at sites 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Amorphous detritus was the most important energy base at all sites. Except for predators, all invertebrate taxa consumed a higher amount of amorphous detritus than any other food type (64–78% of total diet). Diatoms were the 2nd most common food type (8–23%). Non-tanypodine Chironomidae constituted the major trophic pathway, consuming 44 to 89% of available food resources. The relative importance of animal prey in the diet of macroinvertebrates decreased with increasing environmental stress, whereas the relative importance of diatoms increased with increasing stress. Increased invertebrate production in urban and agricultural sites possibly resulted from relatively low predation pressure and high nutrient availability.
Contribution de l'otolithométrie à l'étude de la dynamique de la migration larvaire de l'anguille européenne (Anguilla anguilla)

L'originalite de l'anguille europeenne reside dans son aire de ponte unique : la Mer des Sargasses, qui implique de longues migrations transatlantiques. La premiere d'entre elles, a destination des cotes europeennes, concerne les deux stades larvaires : leptocephales et civelles transparentes. Cette migration larvaire demeure mal connue du point de vue spatio-temporel (duree et voies empruntees). Une etude microstructurale des sagittae de civelles transparentes a permis, non seulement de decrire les etapes anterieures de la vie larvaire marine, mais aussi, d'estimer l'âge absolu des civelles par comptabilisation de l'ensemble des accroissements journaliers. Une telle connaissance permet de deduire la periode de ponte des anguilles argentees en Mer des Sargasses.
A new species of the spider genus Naevius Roth from Argentina (Araneae, Amaurobiidae, Macrobuninae)

Naevius calilegua spec. nov. is described from yungas in Jujuy Province, Argentina. Naevius species bear a conspicuous tibial gland, discharging through a movable dorsal tibial apophysis. This character relates Naevius to the macrobunine genera Emmenomma and Anisacate.
Inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) activity induces nerve growth factor‐resistant apoptosis in PC12 cells

The mechanism(s) underlying nerve growth factor (NGF)‐mediated rescue of neurons from apoptosis is poorly understood, although it is well established that the high‐affinity NGF receptor (TrkA) plays a pivotal role in mediating NGF effects. The report that the low‐affinity NGF receptor (p75NGFR) can induce apoptosis prompted us to analyze the role played by a putative p75NGFR‐associated signal‐transduction element, the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), in the modulation of apoptosis in PC12 cells. Here, we report that inhibition of NFκB function results in apoptosis of rat PC12 cells, a neuroblast‐like cell line model of NGF‐responsive neural tissues. Furthermore, NGF did not protect PC12 cells from cell death induced by the inhibition of NFκB. These results indicate that NFκB function is essential to maintain PC12 cell survival and to permit NGF‐mediated rescue, consistent with the idea that signaling elements potentially associated with both TrkA‐ and p75NGFR are involved in the regulation of apoptosis. J. Neurosci. Res. 47:155–162, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toxicological Evaluation of Occidiofungin against Mice and Human Cancer Cell Lines

Occidiofungin, a glyco-lipopeptide obtained from the liquid culture of Burkholderia contaminans MS14, has been identified as a novel fungicide. The natural product was shown to have a minimal amount of toxicity in a previous mouse toxicity study following intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration. In this study, the toxicity of occidiofungin was evaluated following a 5 mg/kg intravenous tail vein injection. In addition, the toxicity of occidiofungin was evaluated against human fibroblast and cancer cell lines. Weight loss was the most significant observation following intravenous administration of occidiofungin. Histology, hematology, and blood serum chemistry did not reveal any significant signs of toxicity. The activity observed in the in vitro cytotoxicity assay against the cancer cell lines was all below 75 nM concentration of occidiofungin. To date, the potency of occidiofungin against these cancer cell lines is greater than any activity observed against fungi. The findings in this study support the need to further evaluate occidiofungin’s chemotherapeutic potential.
Study of the Formation of Caseinomacropeptides in Stored Ultra-High-Temperature-Treated Milk by Capillary Electrophoresis

The proteolytic activity of enzymes of psychrotrophic bacteria on casein and raw and ultra-high-temperature (UHT)-treated milk was studied by capillary electrophoresis (CE) in order to characterize the degradation products and evaluate the possibility of distinguishing them from those due to the action of chymosin on K-casein. Casein hydrolysates with Pseudomonas fluorescens B52 proteinase, milk inoculated with P. fluorescens, and commercial UHT milks were studied. The degradation products included caseinomacropeptide (CMP), pseudo-caseinomacropeptide (pseudo-CMP; CMP lacking the 106 Met residue) and an unidentified third peak. These peaks were already present in some freshly prepared UHT milk samples, and a progressive increase in peak area was observed upon storage at 22 °C. This might give rise to false positive results when the presence of rennet whey is investigated by CE. However, low area ratios of pseudo-CMP to CMP might allow the presence of rennet whey solids to be suspected.
Is everything all right up there? A long-term interdisciplinary silvicultural systems project in a high elevation fir-spruce forest at Sicamous Creek, B.C.

The Sicamous Creek Project was established as part of the British Columbia Provincial Silvicultural Systems program in 1990 to investigate the effects of clearcutting and other practices on a high elevation forested ecosystem. The objective is to provide the forestry community with information on the ecology of high elevation forests in the Southern Interior, and the probable responses to a wide range of disturbance. After a period of planning by a team of scientists and foresters from several agencies, a site in subalpine fir-Engelmann spruce forest at 1530 m to 1830 m elevation near the town of Sicamous in the south central interior of British Columbia was logged in the winter of 1994–95. A range of treatments was created by logging one third of the forest in 30 ha experimental units using a range of opening sizes (individual tree selection, 1/10 ha, 1 ha, and 10 ha) and a no-logging control. Within these experimental units, smaller areas (0.08 ha) have been treated to create a range of soil disturbance.