Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Presence of G1 and G4 Mutations in Growth Differentiation Factor 9 Gene of Iranian Sheep

The fecundity in sheep has been much interested for producers due to its economical importance. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is an autosomal gene with over dominance effect for two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which resulted in sterility in homozygote mutant ewes and additive effect for three SNPs, without showing sterility event. In the present study, DNA was extracted from whole blood of 19 Iranian Afshari and 8 Shal sheep breeds. The extracted DNA was multiplied several folds for G1, G4 and G8 sites in GDF9 gene through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and was sent for sequencing. Results showed that G1-GDF9 mutation (arginine to histidine shift) was detected in Afshari breed, while G4-GDF9 mutation (glutamic acid to lysine shift) was detected in both Afshari and Shal breeds. The observed SNPs were recorded with very low frequency (<8%) in fertile ewes with twining birth, while infertile ewe did not carry the mutant allele. This might indicate an association between these mutations and twin-births in Iranian breeds. Furthermore, these mutations could not be the reason for ewe infertility. In consistent with the rare frequency of infertility in Iranian sheep, the investigated population lacked the G8 or Thoka mutations, which are the most effective mutations in GDF9 gene. This may be due to lack or rare frequency of this SNP in Iranian sheep flocks. In conclusion, G1- and G4-GDF9 SNPs are segregating with very low frequency in Iranian sheep flocks, so that no homozygous ewe for these SNPs was detected in the current study. The same phenomenon could be the case for other important mutations and the sample size should be very large to rule out presence of such mutations in Iranian sheep breeds.
Chemotaxonomy of Triterpenoid Pattern of HPLC of Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma tsugae

Three strains of Ganoderma tsugae (CCRC36065, CCRC37034, CCRC37038) and three strains of Ganoderma lucidum (CCRC36021, CCRC37029, CCRC37033) were cultivated. Their triterpenoid patterns of the fruit body were analyzed by reverse phase HPLC using a gradient elution of acetonitrile/2% acetic acid (1/4 and 1/2). The triterpenoid patterns of G. tsugae and G. lucidum are different. But similar 2 and 3 dimensional patterns are obtained among three strains of G. tsugae. Different patterns are found among different strains of G. lucidum. Ganoderic acid A(1), B(2), C(3) and D(4) were isolated from the ethanol extract of G. tsugae.
Texas Shrews (Blarina hylophaga) Lacking External Eye Openings

Abstract Shrews are insectivorous opportunistic foragers occupying moist habitats characterized by high vegetative composition. Shrews characteristically have poorly developed eyesight and rely on olfactory and auditory senses for efficient foraging. Two Blarina hylophaga (Elliot's short-tailed shrew) recently trapped in East Texas did not have externally visible eyes. Further examination during specimen preparation revealed both had developed eyes, but lacked developed, opened, or functional eyelids. A third shrew, collected in Bastrop County, TX, had developed eyes and eyelids, however, the external openings were abnormally small. All three shrews were adults and alive in traps, suggesting no ill effects due to the reduction or absence of eye openings and further suggesting little or no effect on the survival of these individuals.
A STUDY ON IN VITRO ANTI BREASTCANCER ACTIVITY OF CRUDE ETHANOL AND ACETONE PIGMENT EXTRACTS OF MICROCOCCUS LUTEUS BY MTT ASSAY AND ANALYSIS OF PIGMENT BY THINLAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid. Micrococcus luteus is gram positive cocci in tetrads characterized by yellow colour pigmentation found in mucous membranes such as the nasal cavities, the upper respiratory tract, and the lining of the mouth. The aim of our study was to study on in vitro anti breast cancer activity of crude ethanol and acetone pigment extracts of Micrococcus luteus isolated from soil by MTT assay and TLC. Micrococcus luteus was isolated, characterized and identified from soil and subcultured on TSA and was inoculated in to LB broth and incubated for 72 hrs at room temp in rotary shaker. The broth was centrifuged and filtered. The crude ethanol and acetone pigment extracts were prepared. The MCF-7cell line was used for cytotoxic study by MTT assay. The results for an anti breast cancer activity of crude ethanol and acetone pigment extracts were found to be 48% and 51%. It was concluded that in vitro anticancer activity of crude acetone pigment extract was found to be higher than crude ethanol pigment extract.
MRI을 이용한 홍삼 내부조직 판별

Red ginseng is classified according to outer form and the quality of internal tissue, and red ginseng below third grade can't be sold. Also there are many differences in price according to grade. So if inferior Red ginseng is sold, economic loss and claim take place. This research is done conducted to investigate the possibility of the non-destruction internal tissue investigation of red ginseng. It is observed and compared that MR image after getting MR image agrees with real cutting side in 10-13% water content of red ginseng. The MR image can be obtained to see the internal section of red ginseng with equal condition of time, temperature and slice thickness in spin echo pulse sequence. The MR signal of red ginseng is very weak, because it contains low water density. So it takes about 30 minutes with the measurement of single point image (SPI). But the suitable time to distinguish internal tissues is about 9 seconds in TE (Echo Time) 2.23ms, TR (Repetition Time) 150ms. The image to discriminate internal tissues in 9 seconds can be obtained when slice thickness is 10 mm with changes of 3,5, 10 mm. The image obtained after 30 minutes' boiling of 55 degrees has clearer image than that of normal temperature. It is thought that MR signal is stronger through active motion of water particles as temperature increases. With this method MR image of red ginseng can be obtained and characteristics of internal tissues can be observed in such a short time.
Transgenic mice overexpressing insulin-like growth factor-II in β cells develop type 2 diabetes

During embryonic development, insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) participates in the regulation of islet growth and differentiation. We generated transgenic mice (C57BL6/SJL) expressing IGF-II in β cells under control of the rat Insulin I promoter in order to study the role of islet hyperplasia and hyperinsulinemia in the development of type 2 diabetes. In contrast to islets from control mice, islets from transgenic mice displayed high levels of IGF-II mRNA and protein. Pancreases from transgenic mice showed an increase in β-cell mass (about 3-fold) and in insulin mRNA levels. However, the organization of cells within transgenic islets was disrupted, with glucagon-producing cells randomly distributed throughout the core. We also observed enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose utilization in islets from transgenic mice. These mice displayed hyperinsulinemia, mild hyperglycemia, and altered glucose and insulin tolerance tests, and about 30% of these animals developed overt diabetes when fed a high-fat diet. Furthermore, transgenic mice obtained from the N1 backcross to C57KsJ mice showed high islet hyperplasia and insulin resistance, but they also developed fatty liver and obesity. These results indicate that local overexpression of IGF-II in islets might lead to type 2 diabetes and that islet hyperplasia and hypersecretion of insulin might occur early in the pathogenesis of this disease.
EARLY AGE ONSET FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER ASSOCIATED WITH COMPOUND HETEROZYGOTE M680I /M694V MUTATION

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by acute episodes of fever accompanied by severe abdominal pain, pleurisy, arthritis, and skin rash. The clinical variability of the disease has been mainly attributed to MEFV gene allelic heterogeneity and partly to the influence of additional genetic and/or environmental factors. We present a 6-month-old boy who suffered from recurrent fever accompanied by abdominal pain and skin rashes. Molecular screening by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing for common mutations causing FMF revealed presence of a 694V/680I compound heterozygote mutation in exon 10 of the related gene. This is the first report of early onset and severe phenotype FMF case associated with a 694V/680I compound heterozygote mutation.
Redescription of Notomastus hemipodus Hartman, 1945 and N. tenuis Moore, 1909 (Polychaeta: Capitellidae)

Abstract Redescriptions of Notomastus hemipodus and N. tenuis are provided based on the examination of type specimens and supplemental material. Details of important morphological characters such as epithelial texture, lateral organs, genital pores, shape of the hooded hooks, and methyl green stain pattern are provided for both species. The two species, widely reported along the east, west, and Gulf coasts of North America, the Caribbean, and even Nigeria, have been confused since the 1960s. Notomastus americanus is newly synonymized with N. hemipodus due to the similarity in the characters of epithelial texture, first uniramous chaetiger, presence of an anterior palpode, and hooded hooks as well as identical methyl green stain patterns.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING THE DISTRIBUTION OF SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES (EUBALAENA AUSTRALIS) ON THE SOUTH COAST OF SOUTH AFRICA I: BROAD SCALE PATTERNS

Aerial surveys over the last 32 yr have shown that the distribution of southern right whales Eubalaena australis along the south coast of South Africa is markedly discontinuous, but highly predictable. A GIS was used at a variety of scales to investigate whether this pattern was related to environmental characteristics. Whale distribution was analyzed as density per 20-min bin of longitude over two temporal and spatial scales, namely 15 bins for 32 yr, and a wider scale but shorter time period, 23 bins for 19 yr, as well as using three years of GPS accuracy data (15 bins) for finer scale analysis. Environmental factors tested were depth, distance from shore, sea floor slope, protection from swell, protection from wind, and shore type. The majority of whales were concentrated in areas that provided reasonable protection from open ocean swell and seasonal winds, and had sedimentary floors with gentle slopes. They generally avoided exposed rocky shorelines. Cow-calf pairs were found significantly closer to shore and in shallower water than unaccompanied whales, particularly off sandy beaches. Habitat choice at this time of year may be related both to energy conservation for calves and lactating females (calm sea conditions) and to protection of the new-born.
Biosynthesis of chain‐specific alkanes by metabolic engineering in Escherichia coli

Renewable energy is one of the key issues for sustainable development. Compared with alcohols and esters, alkanes—with the highest energy density—are a better liquid fuel. In this study, we focused on medium‐chain alkanes, the main compounds of jet fuels. To control the chain length of alkanes, a chain length specific thioesterase from Umbellularia californica, a fatty acyl‐CoA reductase Acinetobacter sp. M‐1 that prefers lauroyl‐CoA and myristoyl‐CoA, and a decarbonylase from Nostoc punctiforme were engineering into Escherichia coli cells. The combination of genes, which determines the chain length of products, was carefully designed to control the product spectrum. Undecane and tridecane were produced with a concentration of 2.21 ± 0.18 and 1.83 ± 0.12 mg⋅g−1, respectively. A total of 4.01 ± 0.43 mg⋅g−1 pentadecane was also detected in the final products. The results showed the feasibility to use microorganisms as cell factories for alkane production. The product spectrum revealed that the chosen genes played a key role in the production of chain length specific alkanes.
Histopatologi Aorta Torasika Tikus Putih (Rattus Norvegicus Strain Wistar) Jantan Setelah Pemberian Diet Aterogenik Selama 12 Minggu

ABSTRACT Unhealthy dietary pattern such as high fat diet and less of physical activity are the determinat of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by lipid deposition in arterial wall. Beside the high fat consumption, addition of cholic acid and induction of vitamin D3 may also has role in atherosclerosis. Now, there has been many researches to know the process of the atherosclerosis using rat as animal model. The objective of this research is to know the differences of histopathologic image between thoracic aorta of male white rat (Rattus novergicus strain wistar) fed with standard diet and fed with atherogenic diet for 12 weeks. This research was an experimental laboratory with a post test only design. Twelve male rats were segregated into two groups (n=6) there were labelled as control group fed a standard diet and labelled as atherogenic group fed vitamin D3 and atherogenic diet which contain cholic acid 0,2%, fat 5% and yolk 2%. The experiment was designed for 12 weeks. The parameter used is atherosclerosis lesion score of all groups labelled. The result showed at control group found macrophage, foam cell and intracellular lipid accumulation with 33,33% percentage while atherogenic group found macrophage, foam cell and intracellular lipid accumulation with 100% percentage, extracellular lipid accumulation 33,33% (for a little extracellular lipid), 66,66 (a lot of extracellular lipid) and surface defect with 0,16%. The statistic test result showed the significant difference of atherosclerosis score between control group and atherogenic group (p=0,003). The conclusion of this study there is atherosclerosis process happen in 2 sampel (33,33%) in control group and 6 sampel (100%) in atherogenic group. Keywords : thoracic aorta, atherosclerosis, atherogenic diet, histopathology.
Fishery Effects on Dolphins Targeted by Tuna Purse-seiners in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean

Dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP), particularly spotted (Stenella attenuate) and spinner (Stenella longirostris) dolphins, are subject to fishery-induced stress due to chase and encirclement by tuna purse-seiners intent on capturing the large yellowfin tuna that are frequently found associated with dolphin schools in this area of the Pacific Ocean. The direct, observed mortality of dolphins in the fishing nets has decreased over the years from several hundred thousand annually during the early 1960’s when the fishing practice originated, to less than 5000 dolphins annually (thought to be a biologically insignificant level) since the early 1990s. Despite the decrease in observed mortality, the dolphin populations have not been recovering as expected. In an effort to determine whether fishery-related stress may be contributing to this lack of recovery, through unobserved effects on survival or reproduction, a variety of studies have been and continue to be conducted examining various aspects of interactions between ETP dolphins and the tuna purse-seine fishery. These studies include a review of current knowledge of stress physiology in mammals, a necropsy program to examine dolphins killed during purse-seining operations, a chase-recapture experiment, and various analyses of existing (historical) data which have led to ongoing studies of fishery effects on mother-calf pairs, ETP dolphin reproductive biology, and analyses of dolphin school composition. The effect of noise has not been addressed directly in these studies, but potentially contributes to fishery-related stress in terms of initiating the significant and prolonged evasion response typical of dolphin schools reacting to tuna purse-seiners in the ETP. Although studies completed to date have not provided a definitive answer to whether fishery-induced stress is a significant factor in the lack of dolphin stock recovery in the ETP, it is possible that at least some adults, and probably many young dolphins, are negatively affected by interactions with tuna purseseine fishing operations.
IN SITU REGULATION OF CHLOROPLAST COUPLING FACTOR ACTIVITY

INTRODUCTION 269 COUPLING FACTOR STRUCTURE AND CATALYTIC MECHANISM . 272 Composition and Structure of Chloroplast Coupling Factor . 272 Models for F, Catalytic Mechanism . 273 The Binding and Exchange of NUcleotides . 275 COUPLING FACTOR ACTIVATION 276 Reduction of CF Complex . 276 Energetic Requirements of Activation 279 Activation of CF complex In Situ . 280 COUPLING FACTOR DEACTIVATION 282 Energetic Factors and Disulfide Reoxidation . 282 The Role of Nucleotide Rebinding. 283 ATPase Inhibitor Proteins. 284 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 285
Changes in Composition of Phospholipid and Triacylglycerol Fatty Acids Prepared from Prediapausing and Diapausing Individuals of Dolycoris baccarum and Piezodorus lituratus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract Although new generation (prediapausing) adults of Dolycoris baccarum (L.) and Piezodorus lituratus (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) spend the summer in fields, diapausing individuals spend the winter in overwintering localities under stones and plants. The phospholipid and triacylglycerol fatty acid composition of whole insects from prediapausing and diapausing adults was analyzed to determine changes in fatty acid unsaturation during diapause. The most abundant fatty acids from both fractions were palmitic (16:0), oleic (18:1), linoleic (18:2n-6), palmitoleic (16:1n-7), stearic (18:0), and linolenic (18:3n-3) acids. This represents a typical complement of heteropteran fatty acids. However, palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) levels were higher in the triacylglycerol fraction in diapausing adults of P. lituratus (13.6%) than those reported from other heteropterans (1–3%) (Thompson 1973). The unsaturation/saturation ratio was significantly increased in triacylglycerol and phospholipid, apparently because of increases in major monounsaturated 18:1 at the expense of major saturated 16:0 during diapause. These changes were probably a response to low environmental temperatures.
Monitoring of antibiotic resistance in isolates of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in the Czech Republic between 2001 and 2003

During the period of 2001 and 2003 a total of 238 isolates of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae obtained from 26 pig herds in the Czech Republic (2001 - 73 isolates, 2002 - 110 isolates, 2003 - 55 isolates) were examined for antibiotic resistance by disc diffusion method. Resistance to erythromycin (95.5% to 98.6%), streptomycin (76.4% to 82.7%) and tiamulin (72.7%) was detected most frequently over the whole monitored period. High increase in percentage of resistant isolates to tetracycline (2001 - 11.0%, 2002 - 36.4%, 2003 - 81.8%), doxycycline (2001 - 9.6%, 2002 - 34.6%, 2003 - 61.8%), nalidixic acid (2001 - 2.7%, 2002 - 14.5%, 2003 - 45.5%), and norfloxacin (2001 - 0%, 2002 - 7.3%, 2003 - 34.6%) was found, while differences in resistance to cephalotine (2001 - 1.4%, 2002 - 7.3%, 2003 - 9.1%), cotrimoxazol (2001 - 4.1%, 2002 - 10.0%, 2003 - 7.3%), amoxicillin (2001 - 12.3%, 2002 - 12.7%, 2003 - 10.9%) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (2001 - 9.6%, 2002 - 9.1%, 2003 - 10.9%) were small. Prevalence of isolates resistant to sulfasomidine was detected decreasing (2001 - 43.8%, 2002 - 47.3% and 2003 - 29.1%).
Sex-selective harvesting of polar bears Ursus maritimus

Abstract We explored limits and consequences of male-biased harvesting of polar bears Ursus maritimus using a simulated population based on empirically-derived estimates of age-specific rates of survival and reproduction. The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) was identified as the total kill in which the number of females that could be taken resulted in ≤5% change in females older than 50 years. MSY depended on the proportion of males in the harvest, although the effect of male selection on the post-harvest population was to reduce the mean age and number of males. A practical limit to the increase in MSY possible from male-selective harvesting was identified at the 3 : 1 (M/F) sex ratio. At 3 : 1 (M/F), all males were eventually harvested as 2-year olds, and males were reduced to 25% of pre-harvest levels. A more conservative harvest strategy of 2 : 1 (M/F) resulted in a 30% reduction of males and a reduction of the mean age of males from 10.0 to 7.7 years post-harvest. We thus recommend that sex-selective harvesting of polar bears do not exceed 67% males (i.e. a harvest ratio of 2 : 1), a demonstrably safe and sustainable harvest strategy, to avoid depletion of males and possibly reduce recruitment by having too few sexually mature males in the population. When females are harvested below MSY, then harvest strategies that select for males at rates > 2 : 1 (M/F) can be conservative because the increase in females also increases the reproductive performance of the population. In the absence of information on density effects, managers should be conservative in their expectations of increases in the female population.
Thermal Biology of the South American Apple Snail Asolene platae (Caenogastropoda: Ampullariidae)

ABSTRACT Asolene platae is a freshwater snail of the Ampullariidae native from La Plata River basin in South America. Water temperature has an overwhelming influence on the biology of apple snails, though there are no systematic studies related to the thermal biology of this species. The effect of temperature on the activity, growth and mortality of A. platae was studied through laboratory experiments using constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C. The lower threshold and cumulative degree-days for the embryonic development were estimated under fluctuating temperature. Water temperature had a significant effect on the activity of A. platae, being almost null at 15°C, reaching its maximum in the range 25–30°C and decreasing above 30°C. Regardless of temperature, snails remained resting nearly half of the time, exhibiting less activity than other apple snails across similar temperatures. Mortality was higher for hatchlings than for adults at all temperatures with the exception of 35°C, which resulted in high levels of mortality for both groups. Growth of hatchlings was significantly affected by temperature, being highest between 25 and 35°C. The lower temperature threshold for the embryonic development was around 16°C and the cumulative degree-days to complete development were estimated between 107.5 and 120.5°C.d. The optimum temperature for A. platae would be 25–30°C. Temperatures of 35°C and above would be harmful, while temperatures below 20°C resulted in rapid decreasing in activity and slower growth rates. The information about the thermal requirements of A. platae will be useful optimizing rearing conditions and developing predictive models of the potential distribution of A. platae in scenarios where it is introduced outside of its native range.