Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological modulation of the natriuretic peptide system

The natriuretic peptide (NP) system is a cardioprotective hormonal system that fails to meet its cardioprotective end point during the development of cardiovascular complications such as hypertension and heart failure. The use of NPs or orally-active drugs that enhance the function of the NP system, are being explored for the treatment of such disorders. Much of the recent research has focused on vasopeptidase inhibitors that can inhibit neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and thereby augment NP signalling while attenuating the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. These drugs offer several beneficial effects over conventional ACE inhibitors but the vasoactive peptide bradykinin, which is partly responsible for their beneficial effects, leads to serious side effects such as angioedema. The hope that these compounds will replace conventional drugs is fading away but they might be useful in targeted refractory populations immune to conventional drugs. The trends from the recent published patents suggest that pharmaceutical companies are exploring new strategies that include inhibition of endothelin-converting enzyme along with ACE and/or NEP. This comprehensive review will address the patents as well as basic and clinical pharmacology of leading compounds that exploit various strategies to modulate the NP system. This includes recombinant NPs, NP receptor ligands, vasopeptidase inhibitors and novel molecules that offer new strategic insights into the modulation of the NP system for the treatment of cardiovascular complications.
Space and time aspects of ecosystem services, using the example of the EU Water Framework Directive

Within the concept of ecosystem services (ES), space and time approaches, with their physical and socio-economic dimensions, play an important role. Among the space aspects, the configuration (e.g. size, shape) and composition (pattern) of ecosystems, but also the spatial positions of service providing areas, service connecting areas and service benefiting areas are of great relevance. Ecosystem changes, and also differences between supply and demand (or use) of ES, are typical time-related aspects. Scale issues concern both the space and time dimensions. A scheme in the form of a guideline or a checklist is proposed, which helps to consider, systemize and improve space and time aspects in methodological frameworks and in special investigations. Space and time aspects of ES and the application of the scheme are exemplified on the European Union Water Framework Directive. The introduction of this directive as a political instrument has led to significant improvements of the ecological state of surface waters and the groundwater, and the ES they supply, not least due to the appropriate, exemplary consideration of space and time aspects.
Identification of bacteria isolated from roots of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) cultivated in a French soil

The bacterial microflora of the rhizoplane and roots of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown in a French soil was examined. Gram-negative, oxidative isolates were dominant, among which Agrobacterium radiobacter and Pseudomonas vesicularis were the most common. Only 4 of the 45 isolates were nitrogen fixers (acetylene reducers), and they all belonged to the Azospirillum lipoferum species. Key words: sunflower, rhizoplane, Gram-negative isolates.
Mapping ecosystem services in the Ewaso Ng'iro catchment

This article describes an exercise to portray, quantify and map ecosystem services in the arid and semi-arid lands of Northern Kenya. We used a framework that distinguished intermediate services, final services and benefits to classify ecosystem services. The intermediate services were water and forage, key inputs into the final benefits of livestock production, wildlife tourism and cropping. To construct maps of ecosystem services, this study first delineated and described the natural resource base, as well as the physical and human geography and physical infrastructure of the catchment. The supply of ecosystem services were then described and mapped as bundles by land use type. This distribution was based on a spatially explicit land use map, as land management choices determine production of ecosystem services. The conceptual framework of ecosystem services implies that any given point in a landscape supplies multiple ecosystem services. However, few studies manage to describe or map such bundles of ecosystem services. We described the bundles of services provided by different land uses and geographic points. The maps allow for comparison of service provision among different locations. The final map shows the market value of the final benefits, which allow for an economic comparison among different commodities.
Spring phytoplankton blooms in Xiangxi Bay of Three-Gorges Reservoir: spatiotemporal dynamics across sharp nutrient gradients

After the impoundment of Three-Gorges Reservoir, the specific hydrodynamics created sharp nutrient gradients in Xiangxi Bay. To discover how spring blooms in Xiangxi Bay respond to sharp nutrient gradients, we investigated the phytoplankton community composition and dynamics along nutrient gradients and analyzed the strategies of different types of phytoplankton in filling their niches. We observed a total of 148 taxa of 59 genera belonging to seven phyla. Phytoplankton concentration ranged from 0.03 × 107 to 3.74×107 cell L−1 with two pulses during the spring bloom period. Bacillariophyta was the predominant group, which accounted for 75.4% of total abundance. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) revealed that phytoplankton occurred in optimal niches for their growth across the nutrient gradients. Specifically, species of Bacillariophyta were found in the region with Si:DIN > 1, and species of Cryptophyta, Chrysophyta, Euglenphyta, Pyrrophyta, and some of Chlorophyta were most abundant in the region with DIN:PO4P < 16. High abundances of Cyanophyta and some Chlorophyta were observed in the region where DIN:PO4P > 16. The CCA also indicated a potential nutrient limitation of Si on Bacillariophyta, of DIN on Cyanophyta and some Chlorophyta, and of PO4P on Cryptophyta, Euglenphyta, Pyrrophyta, and some Chlorophyta. Moreover, as a complement for the traditional Redfield ratio of 16N:1P in determining whether N or P limits a system, our study revealed that the stoichiometric ratio of 1Si:1DIN is an important criterion to determine limitation for diatoms.
Effects of Ingestion of Margarine Containing Medium-Chain Triglycerides for 4 Weeks on Blood Parameters and Postprandial Thermogenesis

We conducted a double-blind, controlled study to investigate the effects of prolonged ingestion of margarine containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCT-M) on serum lipids, apolipoprotein and vitamin A levels, and on postprandial thermogenesis, compared with those of margarine containing long-chain triglycerides (LCT-M). Healthy subjects (n = 26, Body Mass Index 22.6 ± 3.3 kg/m2, mean ± SD) were divided into two groups and ingested 1950-2400 kcal/day of energy, 59-69 g/day of total fat, and 42 g/day of test margarine (15 g/day of MCT or LCT) for 4 weeks. Intake of medium-chain fatty acids was significantly greater with the MCT-M diet (14.2 ± 0.4 g/day, mean ± SD) than with the LCT-M diet (0.2 ± 0.0 g/day) during the 4-week period. There were no significant differences in the blood concentrations of lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, retinol, glucose, insulin, ketone, hemocytes and electrolytes, or in measures of liver and renal function, between the diet groups. After prolonged ingestion of MCT-M, consumption of an MCT-M meal led to a significant increase in postprandial O2 consumption compared with an LCT-M meal (after 30 min: MCT-M 45 ± 7 ml/min vs. LCT-M 30 ± 7 ml/min; mean ± SE). In conclusion, we suggest that the influences of ingestion of MCT-M for 4 weeks on serum lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, retinol, ketones, plasma glucose and liver and renal function were similar to those of LCT-M. We also suggest that the prolonged ingestion of 15 g of MCT in healthy humans did not attenuate the postprandial thermogenesis caused by meals containing 5 g of MCT. From these suggestions, MCT-M have a possibility of being efficient foodstuff for preventing obesity in healthy humans.
Characterization of Tissue‐Ferritin Purified from Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella

ABSTRACT Tissue‐ferritin was homogeneously purified from the hemolymph‐free whole body of Galleria mellonella larvae. Tissue‐ferritin was composed of four subunits, 26, 30, 32 and 34 kDa. The 34 kDa subunit among them was specifically found in tissue ferritin while its N‐terminal sequence of 19 amino acid residues was identical to that of 32 kDa hemolymph‐ferritin subunit. It was observed that the 32 and 34 kDa subunit of tissue‐ferritin were glycosylated like 32 kDa subunit of hemolymph‐ferritin. It suggests that the 34 kDa subunit is an isoform of 32kDa ferritin subunit according post‐transcriptional modification. By semi quantitative RT‐PCR, the distribution of 32 kDa ferritin subunit mRNA was observed in fat body, Malpighian tubules, integument, and muscle, but found in a very small amount in silk gland or not found in gut. On the other hand, 26 kDa subunit mRNA was found in all organs tested although it was in a small quantity found in gut and silk gland. By dietary Hg treatment, 34 kDa subunit of tissue‐ferritin was clearly up‐regulated.
Localization of Selenoproteins in the Perinuclear Structure of the Rat Kidney

Abstract Investigations were performed on rats to obtain information on the distribution of selenoproteins in the microsomal fraction, especially in the perinuclear structure [endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus] of the kidney. For the determination of the selenium levels instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) via 75Se was used. The membrane‐bound selenium‐containing proteins were detected by labeling of rats with 75Se‐selenite, subcellular fractionation of the tissue homogenates, separation of the proteins by SDS‐PAGE, or two‐dimensional electrophoresis and autoradiography of 75Se. In this way, at least 17 membrane‐bound selenium‐containing proteins could be distinguished in the microsomal fraction of the kidney. Of those, six selenium‐containing proteins with molecular masses of about 15, 16, 20, 23–25, 42–44, and 58–60 kDa were found in the ER fraction, which was isolated from the microsomes by differential centrifugation and further purification steps with detergents. The 75Se‐labeled bands with molecular masses of 15 and 20 kDa and those in the range of 23–25, 42–44, and 58–60 kDa, could be attributed to known selenoproteins. A further 75Se‐labeled 16 kDa protein, which had been detected in an earlier study, was characterized as a selenocysteine (Sec)‐containing selenoprotein with an isoelectric point of 5.4. The localization of the different selenoproteins in the ER is of great interest with regard to the functions of these cellular organelles.
Introduction

An attempt of sequence selection is made for multiple alignments of transmembrane proteins in order to detect the structural similarity in the protein families. A high frequency therapy device increases metabolism by flowing alternating currents of frequencies above 100 KHz to human tissue and increasing tissue temperature and blood flow due to the fat dissolving mechanism. However, intermittent sparks between ceramic parts that apply high-frequency power to the subject's metal plate during contact with the patient during treatment with a high frequency therapy device cause adverse effects such as skin burns or experienced therapists. This causes not only physical damage but also the patient's refusal to treat the high-frequency therapy device. The purpose of this study is to develop a high-frequency system for the treatment of obesity that does not cause sparks even if it is not a skilled therapist. It is also desirable to control the output by feeding back the load fluctuation of other therapists to secure the safety.
Total synthesis of acarbose and adiposin-2

The first complete synthesis of acarbose (1a), the pseudotetrasaccharidic α-amylase inhibitor, is reported: coupling of the protected (+)-valienamine (16) and the epoxide (9) derived from 1″,6″-anhydromaltotriose (3), followed by deprotection; likewise, adiposin-2 (2a), the 6′-hydroxy analogue of (1a), has also been synthesised.
The Food and Feeding Chronology of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) in Lake Washington

The food habits of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Lake Washington, Seattle, U.S.A. were studied over a period of nine months. Altogether 549 yellow perch were examined for the stomach contents. The daily activity pattern of the yellow perch in Lake Washington appears to correspond roughly with the feeding pattern. The maximum numbers of perch caught by the nets during 24 hour study periods correspond well with degree of fullness of stomachs noted for the different times of the day. The food consisted mainly of cottids, mysid shrimps (Acanthomysis awatchensis) and chironomid pupae and larvae. There was no difference in the food consumed between the different sexes and between the different size groups. Maximum feeding by perch during the day was observed just before dark and the daily ration was calculated to be about 1.4% of their wet body weight.
A Benchmark of Structural Variant Analysis Tools for Next Generation Sequencing Data

In language of genetics and biochemistry, sequencing is the determination of an unbranched biopolymer's primary structure. A sequence is a symbolic linear depiction, result of sequencing. This sequence is a succinct summary of the most of the sequenced molecule's atomic-level structure. Most known is DNA-sequencing, RNA-sequencing, Protein-sequencing and Next-Generation-sequencing
Dispersal behaviour of red deer hinds

Dispersal has been defined as a three-phase process: leaving the natal site, travelling across unfamiliar territory (i.e. exploratory behaviour) and arriving at a new range (WOLFF 1994; CLOBERT et al. 2001). In ungulates, several factors, e.g. resource and reproductive competition in the natal site (MOORE & ALI 1984; WASER 1985; but see ROMEO et al. 1997), determine the emigration of most young males, whereas females tend to be philopatric, i.e. they remain in the same group throughout their lives. In polygynous species, in fact, intrasexual competition is more intense among males than among females (TRIVERS 1972; CLUTTON-BROCK 1989) and daughters usually remain near or within the natal site (GREENWOOD 1980; DOBSON 1982; CLUTTON-BROCK 1989). In evolutionary terms and time scale, the pattern of a dispersing sex and a philopatric one is the most efficient pattern to avoid inbreeding risks. On the other hand, individuals of the philopatric sex should also emigrate occasionally, e.g. from densely populated areas with a scarcity of key resources. If so, while the former reason for dispersal should be density-independent, the latter is density-dependent. Thus, we could predict that female emigration should occur irregularly, whereas male emigration should be a widespread and common behaviour. The opposite pattern (males stay, females emigrate) would hardly be a viable option: detailed knowledge of the seasonal availability of local food resources and escape terrain is a basic requirement to ensure successful reproduction and long-term survival of a sub-population, which may militate against exploratory behaviour and dispersal of females, but for exceptions mainly relevant to carnivores (e.g. FRAME et al. 1979; MECH 1987; ROGERS 1987). The relative rarity of female emigration makes it a little-studied behaviour, the pattern of which is largely unknown, making any relevant information worth recording. In this report we describe the dispersal behaviour of two radiotagged red deer hinds.
Species and Size‐Related Trends in Asexual Propagation of Commercially Important Species of Tropical Sea Cucumbers (Holothuroidea)

— Juveniles of four species of tropical sea cucumbers of moderate to high commercial value were studied to determine their potential for being propagated asexually by evaluating their survival and regeneration times after being forced to undergo transverse fission. The four species were Holothuria fuscogilva.H. nobilis, Actinopyga mauritiana, and Stichopus variegatus. Rubber bands placed midbody on the sea cucumbers provided an effective yet simple technique to induce fission. Posterior parts of animals had similar or higher survivorship and shorter regeneration times relative to the anterior parts. Combining this information with that collected earlier on adults indicated that smaller animals (both anterior and posterior parts) had higher survivorship (up to 100%) and shorter regeneration times (as fast as 41 d) relative to adult animals of the same species. Using percent weight retained after processing into beche-de-mer, a rough measure of body wall thickness, and size of the animal relative to the adult weight, a multiple regression equation was calculated to predict percent survival and regeneration times for both anterior and posterior parts. The equation illustrated that small, thin-walled species would have the highest survivorship and shortest regeneration times. As the percent weight retained increased, as would be the case with more thick-walled species, and as the animal approached the adult weight, survivorship declined and the regeneration time increased.
Ca2+‐dependent glutamate release involves two classes of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores in astrocytes

Astrocytes can modulate synaptic transmission by releasing glutamate in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. Although the internal Ca2+ stores have been implicated as the predominant source of Ca2+ necessary for this glutamate release, the contribution of different classes of these stores is still not well defined. To address this issue, we cultured purified solitary cortical astrocytes and monitored changes in their internal Ca2+ levels and glutamate release into the extracellular space. Ca2+ levels were monitored by using the Ca2+ indicator fluo‐3 and quantitative fluorescence microscopy. Glutamate release was monitored by an L‐glutamate dehydrogenase‐linked detection system. Astrocytes were mechanically stimulated with a glass pipette, which reliably caused an increase in internal Ca2+ levels and glutamate release into the extracellular space. Although we find that the presence of extracellular Cd2+, a Ca2+ channel blocker, significantly reduces mechanically induced glutamate release from astrocytes, we confirm that internal Ca2+ stores are the predominant source of Ca2+ necessary for this glutamate release. To test the involvement of different classes of internal Ca2+ stores, we used a pharmacological approach. We found that diphenylboric acid 2‐aminoethyl ester, a cell‐permeable inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor antagonist, greatly reduced mechanically induced glutamate release. Additionally, the preincubation of astrocytes with caffeine or ryanodine also reduced glutamate release. Taken together, our data are consistent with dual IP3‐ and caffeine/ryanodine‐sensitive Ca2+ stores functioning in the control of glutamate release from astrocytes. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating cougar predation rates from GPS location clusters

We examined cougar (Puma concolor) predation from Global Positioning System (GPS) location clusters (≥2 locations within 200 m on the same or consecutive nights) of 11 cougars during September-May, 1999-2001. Location success of GPS averaged 2.4-5.0 of 6 location attempts/night/cougar. We surveyed potential predation sites during summer-fall 2000 and summer 2001 to identify prey composition (n = 74; 3-388 days post predation) and record predation-site variables (n = 97; 3-270 days post predation). We developed a model to estimate probability that a cougar killed a large mammal from data collected at GPS location clusters where the probability of predation increased with number of nights (defined as locations at 2200, 0200, or 0500 hr) of cougar presence within a 200-m radius (P< 0.001). Mean estimated cougar predation rates for large mammals were 7.3 days/kill for subadult females (1-2.5 yr; n = 3, 90% CI: 6.3 to 9.9), 7.0 days/kill for adult females (n = 2, 90% CI: 5.8 to 10.8), 5.4 days/kill for family groups (females with young; n = 3, 90% CI: 4.5 to 8.4), 9.5 days/kill for a subadult male (1-2.5 yr; n = 1, 90% CI: 6.9 to 16.4), and 7.8 days/kill for adult males ( n = 2, 90% CI: 6.8 to 10.7). We may have slightly overestimated cougar predation rates due to our inability to separate scavenging from predation. We detected 45 deer (Odocoileus spp.), 15 elk (Cervus elaphus), 6 pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), 2 livestock, I moose (Alces alces), and 6 small mammals at cougar predation sites. Comparisons between cougar sexes suggested that females selected mule deer and males selected elk (P < 0.001). Cougars averaged 3.0 nights on pronghorn carcasses, 3.4 nights on deer carasses, and 6.0 nights on elk carcasses. Most cougar predation (81.7%) occurred between 1901-0500 hr and peaked from 2201-0200 hr (31.7%). Applying GPS technology to identify predation rates and prey selection will allow managers to efficiently estimate the ability of an area's prey base to sustain or be affected by cougar predation.
Antibacterial Activity of Piqueria trinervia., a Mexican Medicinal Plant Used to Treat Diarrhea

Abstract Intestinal infectious diseases are among the top 10 causes of mortality in Mexico. Children under 5 years of age and adults over 65 years are the most affected; the incidence is greater in rural and indigenous communities. Traditional remedies based on medicinal plants are commonly used; however, the biological activity of many of them has been poorly studied. Thus, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of the hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of aerial parts and roots of the Piqueria trinervia. Cav. (Asteraceae) plant used to treat diarrhea in Mexico. The extracts were tested in vitro. against 11 strains: Escherichia coli. , E. coli. multidrug resistant (MDR), Salmonella typhi. , Shigella boydii. , Staphylococcus aureus. , Staphylococcus epidermidis. , Yersinia enterocolitica. , Vibrio cholerae. not toxic, Bacillus subtilis. , Enterobacter aerogenes. , and Enterobacter agglomerans. The hexane extract obtained from the thick roots was active against the 11 strains. The ethyl acetate extract from the thin roots was active against eight of the strains; poor activity was detected in dichloromethane and methanol extracts.
Neotropical C3/C4 grass distributions – present, past and future

Changes in C4 grass distribution and abundance are frequently observed in Quaternary, Holocene and future environmental‐change scenarios. However, the factors driving these dynamics are not fully understood, and conflicting theories have been reported. In this paper, we present a very large dataset of modern altitudinal distribution profiles of C3 and C4 grasses covering the entire Neotropical Andes, which was compared with actual climate data. The results of multivariate analysis demonstrate that, in the Neotropical Andes, mean annual temperature is the main factor governing the modern altitudinal distribution of C3 and C4 grass species. The C3 and C4 grass distributions were compared with simulations based on the Lund‐Potsdam‐Jena dynamic global vegetation model (LPJ‐DGVM), which allowed the present grass distribution to be estimated. Finally, the DGVM was employed to simulate past and future scenarios, using the IPCC's climate projections for 2100 and PMIP2 models for the Holocene Optimum (HO, 6000 years bp) and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 21 000 years bp). The results were found to be significantly different from those obtained using a simple photosynthetic model. According to LPJ forced with the PMIP2 models for the LGM, during the LGM, the C4 grasses would not have reached higher altitudes than found in the present day.