Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DISTRIBUTION OF TROPOMYOSIN ISOFORMS IN SPINY LOBSTER MUSCLES

Heterogeneity and tissue specificity of tropomyosin isoforms included in various muscles of the spiny lobster, Panulirus japonicus, were investigated using two-dimensional urea-shift gel electrophoresis, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with first dimension isoelectric focusing and second dimension sodium dodecyl sulfate gels, and immunoblotting. Four kinds of tropomyosin isoforms were recognized as major components in spiny lobster muscles, and distribution of these isoforms was considerably tissue-specific. Three kinds of tropomyosin isoforms designated as TMa, TMb, and TMc in the present study were detected in abdominal and cephalothoracic muscles. TMa was detected predominantly in fast muscles, TMb predominantly in slow muscles and it was the only isoform in leg muscles, and TMc was found preferentially in the dorsal-side fast muscles. Six distribution patterns of tropomyosin isoforms, two fast-type, two slow-type, thoracic-type and leg-type, were detected in the skeletal muscle tissues. A unique tropomyosin constituent designated as TMh was observed as the main component in the heart muscle. The antisera against TMa and TMb showed that these isoforms had the epitopes specific to the respective isoforms as well as those common to both isoforms. The antisera specific to TMa and TMb were prepared by absorption of the antibodies common to both isoforms from the respective antisera. From immunoblot analysis of TMc and TMh with the absorbed antisera, it was shown that these isoforms had rather TMa-type antigenicities. J. Exp. Zool. 277:87–98, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Glycerol as a feed component in diets of fattening pigs.

The production of motor fuel from rapseed oil forms large amounts of glycerol as a waste product (about 100 g per kg oil). The aim of this experiment was to test glycerol as a component in diets of fattening pigs. In two experiments received 48 pigs (Pietrain × Fl, Landrace × German breed) up to 30% glycerol in barley‐soya bean oil meal diets. Six pigs per group with an initial weight of 32 kg (experiment 1) and 31,2 kg (experiment 2) in average received the diets semi ad libitum during the whole fattening periods. Barley was replaced by glycerol, that the content of glycerol in diets amounted 5 and 10% (1th exp.) and 5; 10; 20 and 30% in the 2nd exp. respectively. The feed intake was in order of groups up to slaughtering in exp. 1: 1.98; 2.17 and 2.23 kg DM/animal and day and in exp. 2 over 71days: 2.26; 2.44; 2.54; 2.32 and 2.37 kg DM/ animal and day. The sweetish taste and the better feed structure of diets with glycerol supplementation is the reason for the higher feed intake in the groups with a glyc.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin requires β‐sheets 1 and 2 of the human CD11a β‐propeller for cytotoxicity

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin (Ltx) is a repeats‐in‐toxin (RTX) cytolysin that kills human leukocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 (LFA‐1; αL/β2)‐bearing cells. In order to determine whether the αL portion of the heterodimer is involved in Ltx recognition, we transfected human, mouse and bovine αL cDNAs into J‐β2. 7, an αL‐deficient cell line, and looked for restoration of Ltx susceptibility. Cells expressing either bovine or human αL in conjunction with human β2 were efficiently killed by Ltx, an indication that bovine αL could substitute for its human counterpart in critical regions used by Ltx for attachment to LFA‐1. On the other hand, cells expressing murine αL and human β2 were not susceptible to the lethal effects of Ltx indicating that the toxin recognition sites are not present in the corresponding mouse sequence. To further identify the region(s) of αL recognized by Ltx, we constructed and evaluated a panel of chimeric human/murine αL genes in J‐β2. 7 cells. Analysis of the αL mutant panel showed that the presence of human N‐terminal 128 amino acids on a mouse CD11a background, a region that includes β‐sheets 1 and 2 of the β‐propeller of the human αL chain, was sufficient for Ltx cytolysis.
Manoao (Podocarpaceae), a new monotypic conifer genus endemic to New Zealand

Abstract The monotypic genus Manoao is erected to accommodate Lagarostrobos colensoi, silver pine, because the character-states of L. colensoi, endemic to New Zealand, and those of Huon pine, L. franklinii, endemic to Tasmania, are so divergent as to warrant treatment as separate genera distinct from Dacrydium and the other segregate genera Halocarpus and Lepidothamnus. As a consequence, Lagarostrobos is redefined to include the type and sole extant species, L. franklinii. The necessary new combination and transfer are made, and names previously assigned to both species are typified.
New mutations in growth hormone and receptor genes from Chinese Wuzhishan miniature pig

Abstract Growth hormone (GH) and receptor genes (GHR) from Chinese Wuzhishan miniature pig (WZSP) were cloned to pGEM-T vector through RT-PCR, which was based on the total RNA obtained from WZSP's pituitary and liver tissues. The results of sequencing showed that the open reading frame of GH gene for WZSP contained 217 amino acids including the signal peptide of 26 amino acids and the coding sequence of GHR gene for WZSP contained 639 amino acids including the signal peptide of 18 amino acids. Two substitutions of amino acids found in the signal peptide of GH gene may affect the transport of GH. Five mutations found in the cytoplasmic domain of GHR may possibly influence GHR signal downstream transduction.
(Z)‐3‐nonenol, (Z,Z)‐3,6‐nonadienol and (S,S)‐(‐)‐epianastrephin: male produced pheromones of the Mexican fruit fly

(Z)‐3‐nonenol, (Z,Z)‐3,6‐nonadienol and (S,S)‐(‐)epianastrephin proved active as male‐produced pheromones which elicited behavioral responses from virgin female Mexican fruit flies (Anastrepha ludens) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in laboratory bioassays. All three chemicals elicited attraction and/or locomotor arrest when tested individually. When tested together, (Z)‐3‐nonenol inhibited the behavioral effect of (Z,Z)‐3,6‐nonadienol but either of the alcohols synergized the effect of (S,S)‐(‐)‐epianastrephin. Quantities of the pheromones per male abdomen were: (Z)‐3‐nonenol −100 ng; (Z,Z)‐3,6‐nonadienol −40 ng; and total epianastrephin (R,R and S,S enantiomers) −700 ng. Relative to the quantities in abdominal extract, males released these chemicals during sexual display in a blend containing a higher proportion of the alcohols.
Cholinesterase activity in Spodoptera littoralis Boisd., in relation to development and metamorphosis.

Zusammenfassung Es wurden Untersuchungen uber die Wirkung von Cholinesterase (ChE) in den embryonalen und postembryonalen Stadien von Spodoptera littoralis durchgefuhrt. Acetylcholin (ACh) wurde in hoher Menge vor allem im Thorax gefunden. Die Larven synthetisieren extrem hohe Betrage von Acetylcholin, unabhangig von der betrachtlichen Menge, die sich in den Rizinus-blattern an denen die Larven gezogen wurden, befinden. Acetylcholin fand sich im ganzen Korper der erwachsenen Larven, mit Ausnahme des Gehirns. Es wird als ein Wachstumsfaktor betrachtet. In enthirnten Larven, die we-der Nahrungsaufnahme noch Wachstum zeigten, nahm ACh progressiv ab, wahrend es anscheinend in den physiologisch aktiven Stadien aufgebaut wird. Das cholinergische System wird offenbar nicht in die hormonelle Kon-trolle der Metamorphose oder Oogenese einbezogen.
Effects of a seed treatment with a neonicotinoid insecticide on germination and freezing tolerance of spring wheat seedlings

Larsen, R. J. and Falk, D. E. 2013. Effects of a seed treatment with a neonicotinoid insecticide on germination and freezing tolerance of spring wheat seedlings. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 535-540. Spring wheat is a major crop in Canada, and in the western and northern regions of the production area early planting is required to ensure high yield, and high grain quality. This puts the crop at risk for exposure to early season cold or freezing temperatures. This study examined whether germination and freezing tolerance of seedlings of 11 spring wheat cultivars is affected by a seed treatment containing a neonicotinoid insecticide. As a result of the seed treatment, the number of germinating seeds was significantly higher for treated than untreated seed lots. There was also a slight (5.7%), but significant increase in freezing tolerance of treated plants based on the vigour of regrowth of seedlings exposed to -4°C in controlled freezing tests performed indoors. Differences in the response to the neonicotinoid insecticide treatment were observed between varieties. These preliminary results indicate that the seed treatment may be effective in improving germination and freezing tolerance of spring wheat as assessed in indoor screening tests. Further testing will be required to establish whether a positive effect can be confirmed in more variable outdoor environments and in other cereal crop types.
Advanced stem cell delivery systems for the treatment of corneal epithelial limbal stem cell deficiency

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) can be treated successfully using ex vivo limbal epithelial stem cells (LESC) derived from cadaveric donor tissue. However, shortages in such tissues and graft rejection, resulting from inflammation, are persistent issues. The purpose of this study was to optimize current culturing techniques used for LESC transplant tissue, considering expansion and cryopreservation issues surrounding the establishment of a stem cell bank. In addition, a novel anti-inflammatory biomimetic peptide was investigated to address issues surrounding amnion and steroid use in LESC transplantation, inflammation and transplant rejection. Cell cultures derived from Optisol and organ culture stored tissues were examined for optimum growth, characterized by an ability to grow to 70 % to 80 % confluence while maintaining epithelial cell morphology and the presence of positive and negative LESC markers (K3, K19, p63 and PAX-6) as identified by immunocytochemical staining and QRT-PCR. Furthermore, the effect of culture expansion and cryopreservation on stem cell characteristics was examined. A short chain IL-1 receptor antagonist peptide was synthesized and characterized using mass spectroscopy (MS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Antiinflammatory properties were investigated using ELISA detection of IL-8, IL-6 and IL-1β in keratocytes and LESC following stimulation with either lipopolysaccharide or recombinant human IL-1β. Feasible delivery of cells and peptide on a contact lens was investigated to assess the possibility of an “all in one” graft.
Feeding and ecomorphology of three clupeoids in the N Aegean Sea

The present study examines the feeding habits of anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus ), sardine ( Sardina pilchardus ) and round sardinella ( Sardinella aurita ). The results are combined with previously published information on feeding-related morphological features (i.e. mouth area, intestine length and tail area) in order to explore morphological affinities between species and the effect of ecomorphology on their co-existence. These species were mainly zooplanktivorous and no dietary differences were found with sex and season. Anchovy preyed mainly on Crustacea larvae, whereas sardine and round sardinella on Copepoda. In the majority of cases (>90%), the individual fractional trophic level of all species ranged between 3.0 and 3.5, classifying them as omnivores with preference to animals. The feeding-related morphological features differed between anchovy and the two other species, whereas only intestine length differed between sardine and round sardinella. The fact that round sardinella’s diet and morphology show a greater resemblance to those of sardine, further support the hypothesis that is a particulate feeder as sardine. Hence the three species tend to exploit the same food resources differently throughout the year. Thus, they make best use of the environment and its resources, in order to avoid competition and achieve optimum feeding conditions throughout their life cycles
Long-term effect of organic/inorganic input on the distribution of zinc and copper in soil fractions under a rice – wheat cropping system

Abstract A long-term experiment under a rice – wheat system was used to investigate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer application on the zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in various soil fractions. Levels of Zn and Cu in the different fractions were comparable to the initial levels after 7 years of continuous cropping without any fertilization. However, addition of organic manures in the absence of inorganically applied Zn or Cu increased the water-soluble plus exchangeable, organic fraction and the manganese oxide and amorphous iron oxide fractions of Zn and Cu over their initial levels. Application of N150P75K75Zn25 + farmyard manure (FYM) or N75P37.5K37. 5Zn25 + green manure lowered the Zn content in the carbonate and crystalline iron oxide fractions, with a concomitant increase in Zn associated with the water-soluble plus exchangeable, organic fraction and the manganese oxide and amorphous iron oxide fractions compared to the N150P75K75Zn25 treatment alone. Levels of Cu in the water-soluble plus exchangeable, organic fraction and the manganese oxide and amorphous iron oxide fractions were significantly higher in the N150P75K75Zn25 + FYM, N150 + press mud and N75P37.5K37. 5Zn25 + green manure treatments than in the N150P75K75Zn25 treatment alone. A maximum increase in Cu of 1.4 – 1.5-fold was observed in the organic fraction. The residual fraction, and amorphous and crystalline iron oxide fractions constituted the major proportion of total Zn and Cu in soil.
Combining alders, frankiae, and mycorrhizae for the revegetation and remediation of contaminated ecosystems

Alder shrubs and trees that are capable of forming symbioses with mycorrhizal fungi and the nitrogen-fixing ac- tinomycete Frankia sp. are particularly hardy species found worldwide in harsh and nutrient-deficient ecosystems. The my- corrhizal symbiosis may assist alders in nutrient and water uptake, while the actinorhizal symbiosis provides assimilable nitrogen. It is through these highly efficient symbioses, in which microsymbionts benefit from plant photosynthates, that actinorhizal plants such as alders colonize poor substrates, enrich soil, and initiate plant succession. These natural capabil- ities, combined with careful screening of microsymbionts and host plants, may prove useful for the rehabilitation of dis- turbed ecosystems. Although alders have been used extensively at industrial scales in forestry, nurse planting, and contaminated land revegetation, relatively little research has focussed on their actinorhizal and mycorrhizal plant-microbe interactions in contaminated environments. To study such a topic is, however, critical to the successful development of phytotechnologies, and to understand the impact of anthropogenic stress on these organisms. In this review, we discuss two alder-based phytotechnologies that hold promise: the stimulation of organic contaminant biodegradation (rhizodegrada- tion) by soil microflora in the presence of alders, and the phytostabilization of inorganic contaminants. We also summarize the plant-microbe interactions that characterize alders, and discuss important issues related to the study of actinorhizal and (or) mycorrhizal alders for the rehabilitation of disturbed soils.
Currents along the Tsitsikamma coast, South Africa, and potential transport of squid paralarvae and ichthyoplankton

In July 1998, a bottom-mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler was deployed at 36m depth in the centre of the Tsitsikamma National Park on the eastern Agulhas Bank, South Africa. The purpose was to investigate transport of chokka squid Loligo vulgaris reynaudii paralarvae hatched on the inshore spawning grounds (<60m) and ichthyoplankton spawned within the park. Analysis of the first 12 months of data (July 1998–June 1999) shows that surface flow was mainly eastward (alongshore), with a maximum velocity (u-component) of +115cm s−1 and an average of +24cm s−1. Generally, velocity decreased with depth, with a maximum bottom velocity (u-component) of +65cm s−1 and an average of +10cm s−1. Data from a nearby thermistor array show that the water column was usually isothermal during winter (July–September), with bottom flow in the same direction as the surface layer. In summer (December–March), vertical stratification was most intense, and surface and bottom flows differed in velocity and direction. Potential net monthly displacements calculated for three depths (5m, 23m and 31m) indicate that passive, neutrally buoyant biological material (e.g. squid paralarvae, fish eggs and larvae) would likely be transported eastwards in the surface layer for eight of the 12 months, and would generally exceed distances of 220km month–1. Displacement in the bottom layer was more evenly distributed between east and west, with net monthly (potential) transport typically 70–100km, but reaching a maximum of 200km. Wind-driven coastal upwelling, prevalent during the summer, causes the surface layer of the coastal counter-current to flow offshore for several days, resulting in potential displacement distances of 40km from the coast. These results suggest that squid paralarvae hatched on the inshore spawning grounds are not generally transported towards the 'cold ridge', a prominent semi-permanent oceanographic feature of cold, nutrient-rich upwelled water, where food is abundant, and that fish larvae, whether from the surface or bottom layer, are exported beyond the boundaries of the Tsitsikamma National Park.
Age determination of blue-winged teal

Primary freater secondary coverts, and the degree of bill spotting were evaluated as characters for use in the spring to distinguish first-year, blue-winged teal (Aras discors) females from older ones. The length of the 10th primary feather did not prove suitable to separate different aged females. Extreme primary lengths might be used to determine the age of some males. In females that have been through a postnuptial molt the greater secondary coverts have a more symmetrical, and more acutely angled, white, inverted "V"-marking. Any female with a "V" subjectively classified as good has gone through at least one postnuptial molt, and a female with no sign of a "V" on the coverts is a juvenile or yearling before her first postnuptial molt. By measuring the longest bill spot on the upper mandible of each known-age female, it was possible to determine the age of some female teal. Because the spots fade during the breeding season, no lower size limit could be set to delineate first-year females at that time of year, but any nest-trapped hen with a spot longer than 10 mm was considered to be older than 1 year. Upper and lower limits were also established to distinguish some yearlings and 2year-olds in the fall. E DETERMINATION OF BLUE-WINGED TEAL1 RLES W. DANE, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana2 This evaluation of age characters was prompted by a need to establish a means of distinguishing first-year, blue-winged teal females from older females during the breeding season, so that reproductive in1 This work was financed by the Purdue Research Foundation and the North American Wildlife Foundation, and the field research was conducted at the Delta Waterfowl Research Station, Delta, Manitoba. 2 Present address: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota. is evaluation of age characters wa o pted by a need to establish a me ns distinguishing first-year, blue-winged al females from older females during the eeding season, so that rep oductive inhis work was fina ced by the Purdue Research formation from nest-trapped females could be used in a study of the influence of age on reproductive capability. Cloacal characters (Gower 1939, Hochbaum 1942), notched rectrices (Pirnie 1935:275), and markings and condition of tertials (Carney and Geis 1960) are characters used in distinguishing juvenile waterfowl from adults in the fall, but these are not valid for separating first-year ducks from older birds in the breeding season. Tarsi and bills of redheads (Aythya americana) attain full est-trapped females could of the influence of age i e ca ability. Cloacal charThis content downloaded from 40.77. 167.35 on Wed, 28 Jun 2017 17:57:48 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor. org/terms 268 Journal of Wildlife Management, Vol. 32, No. 2, April 1968
The Effect of AQUI‐S® Sedation on Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Stress Responses during Salmon Smolt, Salmo salar L., Transport and Transfer to Sea

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of AQUI-S® (5.0 mg/L) sedation compared with nonsedation on the primary (plasma cortisol), secondary (osmoregulation), and tertiary (mortality) stress responses in Atlantic salmon smolts during transport and transfer to sea. AQUI-S sedation during on- and off-loading sufficiently reduced the primary stress response to lower mortality (2.5%) during transfer to sea compared with unsedated fish, which experienced a mortality rate above 11.5%. The unsedated fish experienced an acute mortality, which only stabilized 16 d after the transport. None of the secondary stress responses measured in this experiment could contribute in explaining this phenomenon, with the possible exception of plasma magnesium. While osmolality and chloride increased in both groups during the experiment, it did not seem to be related to the difference in the primary stress response documented in the sedated and unsedated groups. It instead appeared to be an effect of the salinity change from freshwater to seawater after transport. Plasma magnesium differed between the groups, while plasma magnesium in the AQUI-S-sedated group returned to prestress levels 12 h after transport. The unsedated group showed no such recovery even 1 wk after transport, which may indicate a disturbance in hydromineral balance and give plausible explanation for delayed mortality this group experienced. AQUI-S shows promise as a stress-reducing sedative for Atlantic salmon smolts and if used properly could improve animal welfare and survivability during and after common aquaculture-related incidents.
A genetic system to identify DNA polymerase β mutator mutants

DNA polymerase β (pol β) is a 39-kDa protein that functions in DNA repair processes in mammalian cells. As a first step toward understanding mechanisms of polymerase fidelity, we developed a genetic method to identify mammalian pol β mutator mutants. This screen takes advantage of a microbial genetics assay and the ability of rat pol β to substitute for Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I in DNA replication in vivo. Using this screen, we identified 13 candidate pol β mutator mutants. Three of the candidate mutator mutants were further characterized in vivo and shown to confer an increased spontaneous mutation frequency over that of wild-type pol β to our bacterial strain. Purification and subsequent analysis of one of our putative mutator proteins, the pol β-14 protein, showed that it possesses intrinsic mutator activity in four different assays that measure the fidelity of DNA synthesis. Therefore, residue 265, which is altered in pol β-14 and another of our mutant proteins, pol β-166, is probably critical for accurate DNA synthesis by pol β. Thus, our genetic method of screening for pol β mutator mutants is useful in identifying active mammalian DNA polymerase mutants that encode enzymes that catalyze DNA synthesis with altered fidelity compared with the wild-type pol β enzyme.
Some Factors Involved in the Control of Microtubule Assembly in Sea Urchins

Some recent evidence is discussed which suggests that the control of microtubule assembly during the formation of the mitotic apparatus in sea urchins involves three factors. These include: nucleation sites such as the kinetochores, a mechanism for regulating intracellular calcium, and a heat stable substance which prevents spontaneous, non-nucleated microtubule polymerization.