Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Skeletal Muscle Pump During Contractile Transitions

The aim of this study was to characterize the contribution of skeletal muscle contraction to the immediate hyperemic blood flow response as well as the continued involvement in matching tissue perfusion to elevated metabolic rates. There exists a substantial reserve for increased blood flow within skeletal muscle in response to dynamic exercise however the interaction of neural regulation, vasoactive metabolites, and mechanical characteristics are incompletely understood. To address questions concerning blood flow in response to transitions from rest to various metabolic rates an isolated canine gastrocnemius in situ model was employed. Seven canines were used for this investigation with the gastrocnemius muscles isolated for isometric contractions with tetanic stimulation. Measures were made for blood flow, blood pressure, force, and near infrared spectrophotometric analyses under conditions of spontaneous blood flow. The following transitions were investigated: from rest to tetanic contractions of 1/3 s, rest to 2/3 s, rest to 1/1 s and during the transition from 1/3 s to 2/3s all with spontaneous blood flow response intact. Additionally, an estimation for the blood flow response with no mechanical contribution from the muscle pump was made with determination for the kinetics of the estimate. The time constant (tau) for the blood flow response was not significantly different between the measured flow with contraction (Qwc) and the estimate with no contraction (Qnc) for the 1/3 s stimulation rate (12.8 ± 5.5 s vs 11.8 ± 3.2 s respectively), the transition from the high baseline (1/3 s) to a higher rate (2/3HB) (21.2 ±
Potential applications of rapid microbiological methods for detection of antibiotic residues in wastewater, surface and well water

The goal of the present study was to determine whether the commercial microbiological and tracer assays for the detection of antibiotics in the food were also useful and sensitive enough for testing water samples. Diffusion tests Delvotest® SP-NT and BRT-AiM showed the similar sensitivity to tested antibiotics in spiked water samples. Both tests showed the similar sensitivity to examined antibiotics in water as it was published in milk, while tracer assay BetaStar showed slightly higher minimum detection levels for penicillin and ampicillin but not for cloxacillin. The previous concentration of the samples by lyophilization took place to detect concentrations of antibiotics 100-fold lower than there were the minimum detection limits of the assays. The presence of inhibitory substances in surface and well samples was detected in 16 (16.3 %) cases out of 98 with both ampoule diffusion methods. The positive results were obtained at 15.0 % of surface water samples, while in well water the residues were found also in 16.9 % and 13.6 % samples, using Delvotest SPNT and BRT-AiM, respectively. The β-lactams were detected with BetaStar in 7.5 % of surface water samples. The 12 wastewater samples from hospitals were contaminated with inhibitory substances in 45.5 % (Delvotest SP-NT) or in 36.4 % (BRT-AiM).
TOWARDS A GREENER ENVIRONMENT: SYNTHESIS AND APPLICATIONS OF GREEN NANOPARTICLES

Rapid industrialization and urbanization is continuously damaging our environment with large amounts of hazardous and unwanted chemicals, gases or other substances that are released around the world. The development of nanoparticles has led to a revolution in the field of industrialization and modern diagnostic technology. However, the use of nanoparticles in the biomedical and diagnostic field has been restricted owing to the toxicity and harmful effects of metallic nanoparticles synthesized using physical and chemical methodology. This gave an opportunity to search for an ecofriendly and environmentally benign synthesis process for the nanoparticles, from the living system and thus the concept of green nanotechnology came into the limelight. Most of the physical and chemical methods used for the synthesis of nanoparticles are too expensive, time consuming and involve the use of toxic, hazardous chemicals that are responsible for various biological risks. Numerous efforts are being made throughout the world to develop ecofriendly technologies to produce environmentally benign, non-toxic products using green nanotechnology involving biotechnological tools (Joerger et al., 2000; Chauhan et al., 2012). Nanoparticles synthesized using biological methods have diverse characteristics, with greater stability and appropriate dimensions since they are synthesized using a one-step procedure, which results in elimination of various undesirable processing conditions (Ingale and Chaudhari, 2013). Detailed information regarding environment friendly methods for nanoparticle synthesis may facilitate development of more ecofriendly and benign nanoparticles, which will have the potential for use in various biomedical and health related applications. Therefore, the present review highlights the classification of nanoparticles, different sources of green synthesis, possible mechanisms of their synthesis and various applications.
Regulation of budding yeast kinetochore proteins by SUMO modification

Genome stability is a fundamental requirement for the stable propagation of eukaryotic cells, maintenance of phenotype, and cell viability. For example, aneuploidy (abnormal chromosome number), is a hallmark of most human cancers, and can be attributed to increased rates of chromosome instability in cancer cells. The multiprotein kinetochore complex contributes to faithful chromosome segregation by mediating the attachment of a specialized chromosomal region, the centromere, to the mitotic spindle. A dysfunctional kinetochore represents one possible source for chromosome instability and the generation of aneuploid cancer cells, due to a failure to properly mediate this attachment. To better understand the regulation of kinetochore proteins and their role in chromosome segregation, a series of genomic screens were performed with known kinetochore components in the budding yeast Saccharomyces. cerevisiae, to identify genetic/physical interactions and novel functions that are critical for proper chromosome segregation. This work lead to the study of two distinct relationships: (1) between the kinetochore and the nuclear envelope, and (2) between kinetochore proteins and the ubiquitin-like protein S U M O . In the first study, genes that are linked to chromosome stability were identified by performing genome-wide synthetic lethal screens using a series of novel temperature sensitive mutations in essential genes encoding a central (SPC24) and outer, (SPC34) kinetochore protein. B y performing these screens using different mutant alleles of each gene, we aimed to identify genetic interactions that revealed diverse pathways affecting chromosome stability. This study, which is the first example of genome-wide synthetic lethal screening with multiple alleles of a single gene, demonstrated that functionally
In vitro Inhibitory Effects of Combinations of anti-Influenza Agents

To assess the possible interactions among candidate anti-influenza agents, dual combinations of rimantadine, ribavirin, 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoroguanosine (2-FDG) and 4-guanidino-Neu5Ac2en (GG167) were tested against clinical isolates of influenza A H3N2 and H1N1 subtype viruses in MDCK cells by ELISA. Each of the dual combinations showed additive effects, except for the combination of 2-FDG and ribavirin which was synergistic against the influenza A (H1N1) virus. However, this combination also showed enhanced cytotoxicity. In this assay system, influenza agents with differing mechanisms of antiviral interaction interacted in an additive fashion with respect to inhibition of viral replication.
Multi‐tissue stable‐isotope analyses can identify dietary specialization

Individual specialization along one or more niche axes is now recognized as an integral and ubiquitous aspect of populations. A major challenge, however, is quantifying the level of specialization using robust metrics that are applicable across species and ecosystems. Measuring stable‐isotope values in multiple tissues with different isotopic turnover rates could be one mechanism for quantifying specialization. We used simulation studies of stable‐isotope values to investigate how the recently proposed relative index of specialization varies in relation to variance in prey isotope values, diet–tissue discrimination factors, specialist group size and tissue half‐life, and applied specialization metrics to two systems – Australian freshwater fish and marine birds in the Canadian Arctic. In all simulations, populations comprised entirely of generalists were easily separated from those with even small amounts (5%) of individual specialization. In some cases, however, specialization measured using isotope values with bimodal distributions may appear similar to those with univariate distributions, but this can be detected by examining the original data. All fish and bird species examined showed varying degrees of individual specialization. Analysing stable isotopes in multiple tissues can provide a useful index of the degree of specialization within a population that can be compared to the same metric measured in other groups or species.
Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of Gentiana sect. Cruciata (Gentianaceae) based on four chloroplast DNA datasets

Gentiana sect. Cruciata is mainly found on alpine mountains across Eurasia, with the greatest species diversity occurring on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). In this study, we determined the phylogenetic relationships between species within the Cruciata section to further elucidate the biogeographical processes governing these relationships. Phylogenetic reconstructions, based on both parsimony and Bayesian methods, were applied to data from four cpDNA fragments (>3,000 bp) that were obtained for 39 accessions belonging to Cruciata and related sections or outgroups. Our results suggested that all the species sampled within this section comprise a monophyletic group, but rejected all previous hypotheses regarding intra-sectional classifications based on gross morphology. Five clades were identified. The basal clade comprised three species that were endemic to the QTP. The clade that diverged second comprised three Central Asian species. The European clade, containing only G. cruciata, was grouped with the remaining two clades containing species from the QTP and central Asia. The biogeographic analyses and divergence estimates Suggested that this section diversified initially on the QTP within four million years. Given the low genetic differentiation, most species/clades may be the result of more recent differentiation. These results together confirmed the long-standing hypothesis that alpine plants in Central Asia and Europe originated from the QTP and/or West China and diversified extensively after the Pliocene when global temperatures decreased.
The measurement of taxonomic evolution: preservational consequences

The accuracy of numerical summaries of data from the fossil record has been hotly contested in recent years. In this paper I present a computer simulation which mimics the process of preservation and the resultant loss of data in survivorship records. The simulation accepts as its input data a hypothetical “original” record and a time dependent model of preservational loss. These parameters are used to generate a “preserved” record, and the “original” and “preserved” data sets are then compared. Eleven hypothetical original records having different patterns of diversity and turnover were “preserved” in this manner. Indices of diversity, origination, extinction, turnover, and longevity were evaluated for each of five different models of preservational bias. All of the indices behaved in a single characteristic fashion. Taxonomic data that contained large fluctuations (of the order 100%) were preserved accurately. Similarly the large scale changes in preserved records matched original distributions. Records with small fluctuations (30%) were variably preserved and when such fluctuations were present in the preserved record they did not always correlate with events in the original record. Longevities were more accurately preserved than were other forms of taxonomic data. The results are believed to reflect the levels of accuracy obtainable from generic and familial data and suggest ways in which data sets warranting more detailed study may be singled out.
Ametryn leaching in soils from the sugarcane region in northeastern Brazilian

O ametryn e um dos herbicidas mais utilizados na cultura da cana-de-acucar, e pouco se conhece sobre as interacoes desse herbicida com os atributos dos solos da regiao canavieira do Nordeste brasileiro. Esse conhecimento antes da recomendacao do herbicida permite minimizar os efeitos negativos ao ambiente - em especial, aos recursos hidricos - e garantir a eficiencia no controle de plantas daninhas. Neste trabalho foi estimado o potencial de lixiviacao do ametryn, por meio de bioensaios e cromatografia, em cinco solos da regiao canavieira do Nordeste brasileiro: Neossolo Quartzarenico, Argissolo Vermelho, Espodossolo Ferri-humiluvico, Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo e Cambissolo Haplico. Para isso, foram preparadas colunas com amostras dos respectivos solos. No topo dessas colunas foi aplicado o ametryn e, 12 horas depois, foi simulada uma precipitacao pluviometrica de 60 mm. Apos a drenagem da agua (72 horas apos aplicacao do herbicida), as colunas foram abertas longitudinalmente, para retirada de amostras de cada solo a cada 5 cm de profundidade. Numa parte dessas amostras fez-se a quantificacao do ametryn por cromatografia liquida de alta eficiencia e, na outra, foram realizados ensaios biologicos para confirmar esses resultados. A mobilidade do ametryn foi influenciada pelas caracteristicas fisico-quimicas dos solos, principalmente pelo teor de materia orgânica, textura e capacidade de troca cationica (CTC). Entretanto, isso nao pode ser considerado para o Espodossolo Ferri-humiluvico, cujas caracteristicas cimentantes restringem a infiltracao de agua e compostos orgânicos. A maior lixiviacao do ametryn ocorreu no Neossolo Quartzarenico, com maior concentracao do herbicida na camada de 5 a 10 cm de profundidade, em relacao a camada superficial de 0 a 5 cm, indicando possibilidade de perda da eficiencia agronomica e maior risco de contaminacao de aguas subterrâneas.
Historical highlights and current status of biotechnology : From mystery to the lock and key hypothesis to the design of recombinant enzymes

Historical events in early biotechnological work comprise fascinating discoveries, such as yeast and bacteria as living matter, responsible for fermentation were believed to be created by a spontaneous generation, and actthrough a mysterious vis vitalis. Unorganized ferments or enzymes were shown much later as the chemical basis of bioconversions. The structure of proteins required several decades to be established. The analysis of the genetic code and the recombinant technology are the core areas of biotechnology now. Many controversies on the theories, vitalist, and chemical, of biochemical processes of life, the reversal of paradigms, strong interaction and stimulus from practical work and industries led to the emergence of new disciplines, microbiology, biochemistry and biotechnology.
IUCN Guidelines for Determining When and How Ex Situ Management Should Be Used in Species Conservation

The Convention on Biological Diversity's target of halting extinctions by 2020 is less than a handful of years away. Captive, or ex situ, management has long been cited as having a potential role to play in the recovery of species, although this remains the subject of debate. IUCN's Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) produced guidelines to assist in identifying when ex situ management may contribute to species recovery in 2002. Since then, there have been considerable developments in a range of areas that may influence the design of such programs (e.g., understanding of constraints on breeding programs, development of new techniques and approaches, and strategic planning approaches to species conservation). IUCN SSC has therefore revised its guidance and proposes a five‐step process: (1) compile a status review; (2) define the role(s) that ex situ management might play; (3) determine the precise nature of the ex situ population in order to meet identified role(s); (4) define resources and expertise, and appraise the feasibility and risks; and (5) make a decision that is informed based on the above analysis and transparent. These guidelines offer an objective process for considering the role of ex situ management in species conservation.
Western ukrainian Cochlearia (Brassicaceae)- : the identity of an isolated edge population

A strongly isolated population of Cochlearia in North-Western Ukraine was analysed using highly discriminating AFLP markers, to clarify the confusing taxonomy of the genus at the eastern edge of its distribution in Europe. The analysis revealed a high level of similarity between the Ukrainian population and C. pyrenaica, supporting its inclusion within this species and not within C. polonica. Cochlearia polonica remains a narrowly distributed endemic of the Polish lowlands. Most genetic variability of the Central European populations of the diploid C. pyrenaica (Ukraine, Carpathians, Alps) was found among populations. In addition, the populations significantly differentiated into two distinct groups (Alps versus Carpathians and Ukraine). The strong genetic divergence of the Ukrainian population together with its low within population variability (similarity indices between individuals exceeding 0.9) highlights the need for conservation efforts to prevent the irreversible loss of this distinct gene pool of C. pyrenaica.
Whole-Genome Analysis of Histone Marks Reveal Bivalent Promoter Dynamics upon Differentiation

: In ES cells, many promoters are co-modified by the activating H3K4me3 mark and the repressive H3K27me3 mark. These bivalent domains are thought to play a pivotal role related to pluripotency by maintaining lineage commitment programs in a poised state. Enhancers are long-range regulatory elements that affect development and differentiation, which are marked by the presence of H3K4me1. However, how enhancers functional interact with bivalent promoters has remained unknown. In this paper, we found bivalent promoters are significantly flanked by poised enhancers which are distinguished by the enrichment of H3K4me1 and the absence of the H3K27ac in hESC. After differentiation of ESC to NPC, a neuron-specific subset of bivalent promoters acquires a chromatin signature with active modification marks.
Apport de l'observation microscopique couplée à l'analyse d'images dans l'évaluation de la qualité bactériologique des eaux : approche cellulaire globale

Le role important des bacteries dans les ecosystemes aquatiques necessite leur denombrement d'une maniere plus totale que leur seule quantification par les methodes traditionnelles de culture. L'utilisation de l'observation microscopique en epifluorescence assistee par analyse d'images permet d'une part un denombrement des cellules totales qui met en evidence de tres grandes differences entre les abondances cellulaires bacteriennes totales et celles des cellules bacteriennes cultivables. Par des reactions specifiques il est possible de qualifier sur le plan de la viabilite les cellules bacteriennes non cultivables en mettant en evidence plusieurs parametres de leur etat physiologique comme l'activite de leur chaine respiratoire, de leur metabolisme, l'evaluation du niveau de la fluorescence de leur ADN (permettant une quantification ou qualification de celle-ci), enfin l'integrite de leur membrane cellulaire. Apres presentation de quelques resultats portant sur differents milieux aquatiques eventuellement dans des conditions stressantes pour certains, il apparait que l'observation microscopique en epifluorescence, assistee par un analyseur d'images teste dans cette etude, est une methode de choix pour un denombrement automatise et fiable et pour la qualification des cellules bacteriennes non cultivables en termes de viabilite.
Larger lizards live longer in the group-living Egernia stokesii

Abstract. Animal space use has implications for gene flow, disease dynamics, mating systems and the evolution of sociality. Given recent attention to sociality in reptiles, lizards are an important group for expanding our understanding of animal space use. Lizard space use is commonly investigated within one population over a short period and limited attention has been given to potential predictors of site fidelity. This study evaluated site fidelity in three populations of group-living Egernia stokesii (gidgee skink) between two field surveys separated by almost a decade. Of 43 recaptured lizards, 28 (65%) occupied their original space, and 15 (36%) of those shared their space with the same other lizard or lizards in both surveys. This confirmed long-term site and social bond fidelity in E. stokesii. We found that larger lizards were more likely to be recaptured. Neither body size, individual genetic heterozygosity, nor the availability of refuges strongly predicted whether lizards were recaptured in the same or a different place. The reasons why some lizards stayed in the same space while others moved are yet to be resolved.
Analysis of cyanophage diversity and population structure in a south-north transect of the Atlantic ocean

Cyanophages (viruses which infect cyanobacteria) are abundant in the marine environment and are thought to be a significant factor in determining the dynamics of Synechococcus spp. populations. In an effort to use molecular techniques to characterise cyanophage populations, we designed cyanophage-specific (CPS) PCR primers based on a gene found in three genetically distinct marine cyanophages (Fuller et al., 1998). CPS primers were used to amplify cyanophage DNA extracted from viral communities concentrated from seawater samples obtained during a cruise transect between the Falkland Islands, in the south Atlantic ocean, to the UK. Following phylogenetic analysis of cloned and sequenced PCR products, it was revealed that genetic diversity of marine cyanophage clones within a single water sample was as great as clones and cyanophage isolates collected between different oceans. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis confirmed this high diversity. DGGE analysis also revealed changes in cyanophage population structure in surface seawater over the south-north transect and throughout depth profiles in the water column. Maximum Synechococcus spp. concentrations, in a stratified water column, correlated with maximum cyanophage diversity.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Osphronemus goramy (Perciformes: Osphronemidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of Osphronemus goramy was sequenced and characterized in this study. It is 16,526 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 1 non-coding control region (D-loop). The overall base composition of the heavy strand of O. goramy mtDNA is 29.64% A, 25.74% T, 30.11% C and 14.52% G. The phylogenetic result showed that there exists a close relationship among those genus within Anabantoidei. All results in this study provided an important data set for phylogenetic and taxonomic analyses of Osphronemus species.