Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Co-regulation of GABAA receptors by neurosteroids and protein kinases

γ-aminobutyric acid type-A (GABAA) receptors mediate inhibitory synaptic transmission in the CNS where neurosteroids and protein kinases are their most potent endogenous modulators. Acting individually, these can either enhance or depress receptor function depending on the type of neurosteroid or kinase present, and the subunit combination of the receptor. However, in vivo, these agents probably act in concert to modulate GABAA receptors and precisely ‘fine-tune’ inhibitory neurotransmission; although how this is achieved remains unclear. Therefore, the relationship between these two modulators, at α1β3γ2L and α4β3δ GABAA receptors, expressed in HEK293 cells, was investigated using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology. At α1β3γ2L receptors, the potentiation of GABA responses by tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC) was reduced by PKC inhibition and enhanced by PKC activation, implying a role for this kinase in regulating neurosteroid potentiation. By comparison, neurosteroid potentiation was reduced at α1β3S408A,S409Aγ2L receptors, and was unaltered by PKC inhibitors or activators indicating that phosphorylation of the β3 subunit, by PKC, is important for regulating neurosteroid activity. To determine whether ‘extrasynaptic-type’ GABAA receptors are modulated similarly, experiments were also undertaken with α4β3δ and α4β3S408A,S409Aδ receptors. Neurosteroid potentiation was significantly reduced at both receptor subtypes after treatment with the protein kinase inhibitor, staurosporine. Staurosporine was notably less effective at α4β3S408A,S409Aδ receptors, suggesting that, although β3 subunit phosphorylation may play a role in the regulation of neurosteroid potentiation at α4β3δ receptors, it does not fully account for this modulation. Biochemical experiments on α4 subunits identified a new Ser/Thr phosphorylation site (S443). THDOC-mediated potentiation at α4S443Aβ3S408A,S409Aδ receptors was unaffected by protein kinase inhibition, strongly suggesting that phosphorylation of both the α4 and β3 subunits is required for the regulation of neurosteroid activity at α4β3δ receptors. Furthermore, Western blot analysis for wild-type α1β3γ2L receptors, revealed that THDOC increased phosphorylation of β3S408,S409 implying a ‘reverse’ pathway exists for neurosteroids to modulate the phosphorylation state of the GABAA receptor. Overall, these findings provide an important insight into the regulation of GABAA receptors in vivo, and into the mechanisms by which fine-tuning of GABAergic inhibitory transmission may be achieved by two endogenous neuromodulators.
GrazeIn: a model of herbage intake and milk production for grazing dairy cows. 1. Prediction of intake capacity, voluntary intake and milk production during lactation

The prediction of both food intake and milk production constitutes a major issue in ruminants. This article presents a model predicting voluntary dry matter intake and milk production by lactating cows fed indoors. This model, with an extension to predict herbage intake at grazing presented in a second article, is used in the Grazemore decision support system. The model is largely based on the INRA fill unit system, consisting of predicting separately the intake capacity of the cows and the fill value (ingestibility) of each feed. The intake capacity model considers potential milk production as a key component of voluntary feed intake. This potential milk production represents the energy requirement of the mammary gland, adjusted by protein supply when the protein availability is limiting. Actual milk production is predicted from the potential milk production and from the nutritional status of the cow. The law of response of milk production is a function of the difference between energy demand and actual energy intake, modulated by protein intake level. The simulation of experimental data from different feeding trials illustrates the performance of the model. This new model enables dynamic simulations of intake and milk production sensitive to feeding management during the whole lactation period.
USING ECOLOGICAL AND BIOGEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES TO PRODUCE A TYPOLOGY OF THE PLANT SPECIES USED IN BIOENGINEERING FOR RIVERBANK PROTECTION IN EUROPE

River managers involved in riverbank protection need plant‐selection guidelines based on the biogeographical and ecological requirements of a wide variety of plant species. In this study, we propose a double typology of the woody plant species used in riverbank protection bioengineering in Europe based on ecological and biogeographical features.
Morphological Variation of Six Pigmented Rice Local Varieties Grown in Organic Rice Field at Sengguruh Village, Kepanjen Subdistrict, Malang District

Indonesia is the third richest country for pigmented rice source. Morphological character of pigmented rice in Indonesia is less reported since recent publications and descriptions of pigmented rice are only limited to black rice of Cempo Ireng variety and red rice of Aek Sibundong variety. Pigmented rice varieties in Indonesia are cultivated in an organic way. These varieties are Wojalaka black rice of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Manggarai of NTT, Toraja of South Sulawesi, Cempo Ireng of Central Java and red rice of Aek Sibundong (leading variety) and Baubau of Southeast Sulawesi. The objective of research was to compare the morphological variation of root, stem, leaf, panicle, floret and the colour of milk mature grain and mature grain by observing the vegetative and generative parts of six local rice varieties. Research had been conducted from February 2012 to February 2014 in Sengguruh Village, Kepanjen District, Malang Regency. This study type was quasi-experiment with eleven replications. Group Random Design was used. The observation was given upon vegetative, reproductive and maturity phases as groups. Independent variables in this research were six rice varieties, while the dependent variable was morphological variation (root, stem, leaf, panicle, floret, milk mature grain and mature grain). The data of morphological variation were tabulated through MS Excel 2007 for windows . Descriptive data analysis was used to determine the average rate and the deviation standard of each variable. Data were analyzed by ANOVA at a cut off value of α of 0.05. It was followed by HSD Tukey Test facilitated by SPSS 16.0. The analysis of multivariate data in cluster and biplot was carried out with PAST. The result of the study indicated that there was morphological difference on stem, leaf, panicle, floret, milk mature grain and mature grain. The colour of the stem in Aek Sibundong variety was purple, while that of other varieties was green. Toraja and Manggarai varieties had the highest height with 163-168 cm, followed by Cempo Ireng with 139 cm, Wojalaka and Baubau with 110-112 cm. Aek Sibundong Variety had the lowest height with 99 cm. Aek Sibundong and Wojalaka varieties had 6-7 internodes which were the greatest number of internode, while other varieties only had 4-5 internodes. Some varieties, such as Aek Sibundong, Wojalaka and Baubau had short and small leaf. The leaflet angle of Aek Sibundong and Baubau were 14 0 and it might be said as upright, while that of Wojalaka was 43 0 or moderate. Cempo Ireng, Manggarai and Toraja had its 63-88 0 of the leaflet angle or it was said as flat. Cempo Ireng and Wojalaka were included into Rice Indica Group while Toraja, Manggarai, Cempo Ireng and Baubau belonged to Rice Javanica Group. There were two morphological groups. Group 1 included Toraja, Manggarai and Cempo Ireng, while Group 2 consisted of Aek Sibundong, Baubau and Wojalaka.
Experimental Investigation of Aerodynamic Performance of Different Wind Turbine Airfoils

In this study aerodynamic performance of the different wind turbine airfoils that can work efficiently in the province of Kayseri weather conditions was investigated in subsonic wind tunnel. Firstly, the theoretical study had been done and 3 airfoils (S826, NACA 4415, NACA 63-415) were determined. Aerodynamic parameters (CL, CD, CL/CD) of the airfoils manufactured in the model airplane workshop was measured by a Gamma type force/torque sensor (loadcell). Experiments was carried out between -4o and 26o angle of attack at 3 different velocities (6-7-8 m/s, 126000-147000-168000 the Reynolds number). According to the obtained results NACA 63-415 airfoil showed that CL/CD values are about 7 between 4 and 12 angle of attack when others are 4. After the angle of attack of 12 CL/CD values of NACA 63-415 airfoil decreased and until the angle of attack of 21 this airfoil has higher lift / drag ratios then other airfoils. As a result, wind power plants operating at low speed can be established in Kayseri with NACA.63-415 airfoil that has concluded that it is better to use in terms of efficiency.
Which Populations of Aquatic Bacteria Should We Enumerate

Bacteria in aquatic systems comprise at least four distinct populations. The planktonic population floats in the water column with the particle-associated population, while the epilithic and epiphytic populations are attached to submerged surfaces, and the sediment population occupies the water-filled spaces of the sediment. Samples taken from the water column include the planktonic and particle-associated bacteria, and core samples include the sediment population, but special techniques are required to sample the epilithic and epiphytic organisms. In all bacterial populations, except the planktonic, the natural adhesion of the cells to surfaces and to each other produces adherent microcolonies whose cohesion presents special problems in bacterial enumeration. Since we have described freshwater systems in which epilithic bacterial populations are numerically dominant, and since large sediment populations are found in most aquatic systems, it is imperative that bacterial enumeration studies recognize each of these distinct populations. The authors examine the methods available for the enumeration of the bacteria in each distinct population and suggest a holistic approach to bacterial enumeration that can be applied to any aquatic system.
Protocol for seaweed decontamination to isolate unialgal cultures

Decontamination protocols in seaweeds are essential tools for ecophysiological studies in laboratory cultures. These protocols consist of a set of procedures and physical and chemical treatments that must be adjusted for each species. Thus, the effects of explant size and of combinations of physical treatments (brushing and cutting) and chemical treatments (sodium hypochlorite, detergent, seawater, distilled water, germanium dioxide) on the process of obtaining unialgal culture of two pigmentar morphos of Hypnea musciformis were investigated. It was found that thallus segments 50 mm in length, when transported from the field to the laboratory, remained healthier and were less susceptible to epiphytes than those 7 mm in length. The collected material had surfaces contaminated by diatoms, which were weakly attached, as well as surface contamination caused by strongly attached Sahlingia subintegra. The most efficient combination of physical and chemical treatments was explant brushing, cutting and washing with detergent. This combination eliminated the contamination by S. subintegra, but not all of the diatom contamination. The population of the latter was reduced by using physical treatment and by washing with detergent and distilled water and then exterminated by using germanium dioxide (0.003 mg/L). Employing this protocol, unialgal cultures of H. musciformis could be established in approximately eight to ten weeks.
Regulation of the epithelial Ca2+ channels TRPV5 & TRPV6 by associated proteins.

TRPV5 and TRPV6 constitute the Ca2+ influx pathway in a variety of epithelial cells. Here, we identified S100A10 as the first auxiliary protein of these epithelial Ca2+ channels using yeast two-hybrid and GST pull-down assays. This S100 protein forms a heterotetrameric complex with annexin 2 and associates specifically with the conserved sequence VATTV located in the C-terminal tail of TRPV5 and TRPV6. Of these five amino acids, the first threonine plays a crucial role since the corresponding mutants (TRPV5 T599A and TRPV6 T600A) exhibited a diminished capacity to bind S100A10, were re-distributed to a subplasma membrane area and did not display channel activity. Using GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays we demonstrated that annexin 2 is part of the TRPV5-S100A10 complex. Furthermore, the S100A10-annexin 2 pair co-localizes with the Ca2+ channels in TRPV5-expressing renal tubules and TRPV6-expressing duodenal cells. Importantly, downregulation of annexin 2 using annexin 2-specific siRNA inhibited TRPV5 and TRPV6-mediated currents in transfected HEK293 cells. In conclusion, the S100A10-annexin 2 complex plays a crucial role in routing of TRPV5 and TRPV6 to plasma membrane.
Willows indirectly reduce arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization in understorey communities

1. Understanding mechanisms underlying species distributions is a central theme in ecology. This study identifies factors driving spatial variation in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We conducted two experiments to test whether heterogeneity in AMF colonization of alpine perennial plants across a willow‐meadow ecotone is due to variation in (i) above‐ground competition with willows for light (experiment 1), (ii) below‐ground interactions with willows and their ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF; experiment 1) or (iii) leaf litter deposition (experiment 2).
Structure-function relationship of the bovine papillomavirus E2 protein

The bovine papillomavirus type-1 E2 protein is the master regulator of the papillomavirus transcription and replication, the activity of which is regulated through sequence-specific DNA binding. Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a nucleic acid analogue, which associates with high affinity to complementary DNA, RNA or PNA, yielding in formation of stable complexes. The potential use of PNA as a sequence-specific inhibitor of the E2 protein activity is studied in this report. We demonstrate that replacement of one or both DNA strands with the complementary PNA reduced drastically the affinity of the BPV-1 E2 protein to its target site in the direct as well as in competitive binding as shown by in vitro gel-shift assays. We demonstrate that PNA could specifically bind to the double stranded E2 binding site by forming the complex with DNA oligonucleotide. In addition, PNA was able to bind specifically to the E2 binding site within the supercoiled plasmid DNA. Such binding of PNA to the E2 binding site within the origin of replication specifically abolished the activity of the E2 protein in the initiation of DNA replication in vivo. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Post‐Hypsithermal plant disjunctions in western Alberta, Canada

Aim Evaluate the hypothesis that nine disjunct vascular plant species along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and in the Peace River District of west‐central Alberta represent remnants of more southerly vegetation that occupied these areas during the Holocene Hypsithermal (9000–6000 yr bp). Alternatively, these plants represent populations that became established because of independent chance dispersal events.
Geographic range determinants of two commercially important marine molluscs

Aim We modelled the spatial abundance patterns of two abalone species (Haliotis rubra Donovan 1808 and H. laevigata Leach 1814) inhabiting inshore rocky reefs to better understand the importance of current sea surface temperature (SST) (among other predictors) and, ultimately, the effect of future climate change, on marine molluscs.
Mitochondrial DNA analyses show that Zambia's South Luangwa Valley giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti) are genetically isolated

Thornicroft's giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti, is a geographically isolated subspecies of giraffe found only in north-east Zambia. The population only occurs in Zambia's South Luangwa Valley, an area which interestingly places it between the current distribution of Masai (G.c.tippelskirchi) giraffe to the north, and the Angolan (G.c.angolensis) and South African (G.c.giraffa) giraffe in the south-west and south, respectively. Specific studies have been undertaken on the ecology of this subspecies, but their population genetics remains unknown. We studied 34 individuals from the South Luangwa National Park and adjacent Lupande Game Management Area and seven individuals from northern Botswana. The complete cytochrome b and control region sequences of the mitochondrial genome were sequenced and analysed together with database data by maximum likelihood tree reconstruction and maximum parsimony network analyses. The giraffe from Zambia's South Luangwa Valley are most closely related to the subspecies G.c. tippelskirchi and part of their radiation. However, they form a unique population that would benefit from increased research and conservation management. Resume La girafe de Thornicroft, Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti, est une sous-espece isolee geographiquement que l'on ne trouve qu'au nord-est de la Zambie. Cette population ne vit que dans le sud zambien de la Vallee de la Luangwa, une zone qui la situe entre la distribution actuelle de la girafe masai (G.c.tippelskirchi) au nord, celle de la girafe d'Angola (G.c.angolensis) et celle d'Afrique du Sud (G.c.giraffa), respectivement au sud-ouest et au sud. Des etudes specifiques ont ete entreprises sur l'ecologie de cette sous-espece, mais la genetique de cette population reste inconnue. Nous avons etudie 34 individus du Parc National de South Luangwa et de l'Aire de gestion de la faune de Lupande qui lui est proche et sept individus du nord du Botswana. Les sequences completes du cytochromeb et d'une region de reference du genome mitochondrial ont ete realisees et analysees en regard des donnees de reference par des analyses par reconstruction de l'arbre selon le principe du maximum de vraisemblance et par la methode de parcimonie maximale. Les girafes de la Vallee de South Luangwa en Zambie sont plus etroitement apparentees a la sous-espece G.c. tippelskirchi et font partie de leur radiation. Cependant, elles constituent une population unique qui aurait tout interet a faire l'objet de nouvelles recherches et d'une meilleure gestion de conservation.
PESQUISA DE CISTOS DE Giardia spp. EM FEZES DE PSITACÍDEOS CATIVOS

Giardia spp e um protozoario flagelado de distribuicao mundial responsavel pelo quadro de giardiase em aves e mamiferos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a frequencia de ocorrencia de cistos de Giardia spp. nas fezes de psitacideos cativos. Foram avaliadas 120 amostras de fezes coletadas de 60 aves saudaveis e 60 aves doentes. A presenca do cisto do parasita foi determinada pelo exame coproparasitologico, pela tecnica de concentracao por centrifugacao. Os resultados obtidos revelaram uma frequencia de ocorrencia de 46,6%. A frequencia no grupo de aves saudaveis foi de 48,3%, ligeiramente superior a frequencia observada no grupo de aves doentes (45%). Os dados deste trabalho alertam para a presenca do parasita nas fezes de psitacideos cativos. Palavras-chave: aves, doencas parasitarias, Giardia spp, psitacideos.
Total fatty acid composition in the characterization and identification of orchid mycorrhizal fungi Epulorhiza spp.

Os fungos rizoctonioides sao os principais fungos micorrizicos de orquideas. A caracterizacao morfologica e a analise de sequencias conservadas do DNA total sao as principais estrategias empregadas na identificacao e no estudo da diversidade desses fungos. Contudo, fungos rizoctonioides fitopatogenicos tem sido caracterizados e identificados, de forma confiavel e precisa, pela determinacao da composicao de seus acidos graxos. Com o objetivo de avaliar a utilizacao da composicao de acidos graxos na caracterizacao e identificacao de fungos rizoctonioides micorrizicos de orquideas, tres fungos Epulorhiza spp. , micorrizicos de Epidendrum secundum, dois fungos nao identificados, isolados de Epidendrum denticulatum, e um fungo fitopatogenico Ceratorhiza sp. AGC foram agrupados com base no perfil de seus acidos graxos, utilizando as distâncias euclidiana e de Mahalanobis e o metodo UPGMA. Os dendrogramas gerados possibilitaram a distincao entre o isolado fitopatogenico de Ceratorhizasp. AGC e os fungos micorrizicos estudados. Os simbiontes de E. secundum foram distribuidos em dois clados: o primeiro contendo os isolados de Epulorhiza sp.1, e o segundo, o isolado de Epulorhiza sp.2. A similaridade entre os simbiontes de E. denticulatum e os fungos Epulorhizaspp. sugere a identificacao desses simbiontes como Epulorhiza sp. Esses resultados foram semelhantes aos obtidos pela analise da regiao ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) do rDNA. O dendrograma construido a partir da distância de Mahalanobis apresentou melhor resolucao, distinguindo claramente os clados descritos. A analise da composicao de acidos graxos mostrou ser uma ferramenta util na caracterizacao e identificacao dos fungos micorrizicos rizoctonioides estudados.
Transfer of Maternal Antibody from Mother to Egg may have no Protective Meaning for Larvae of Red Sea Bream Pagrus major, a Marine Teleost

The protective value of antibody of maternal origin was examined in larvae of red sea bream. Eggs and larvae from the mother fish, immunized with Vibrio vaccine, were incubated for about 1 month, and the immunoglobulin (IgM) amount and antibody titre were monitored. IgM and antibody against Vibrio were recognized in the eggs. However the levels acutely diminished within a few days after hatching. On day 20 to 25, the IgM concentrations but not antibody titres increased again, indicating the be ginning of their synthesis. These results imply the maternal antibody has no protective function in the larvae.
The importance of landscape and habitat properties in explaining instantaneous and long‐term distributions of large branchiopods in subtropical temporary pans

Summary 1. The notion that the spatial configuration of habitat patches has to be taken into account to understand the structure and dynamics of ecological communities is the starting point of metacommunity ecology. One way to assess metacommunity structure is to investigate the relative importance of environmental heterogeneity and spatial structure in explaining community patterns over different spatial and temporal scales. 2. We studied metacommunity structure of large branchiopod assemblages characteristic of subtropical temporary pans in SE Zimbabwe using two community data sets: a community snapshot and a long-term data set covering 4 years. We assessed the relative importance of environmental heterogeneity and dispersal (inferred from patch occupancy patterns) as drivers of community structure. Furthermore, we contrasted metacommunity patterns in pans that occasionally connect to the river (floodplain pans) and pans that lack such connections altogether (endorheic pans) using redundancy models. 3. Echoes of species sorting and dispersal limitation emerge from our data set, suggesting that both local and regional processes contribute to explaining branchiopod assemblages in this system. Relative importance of local and regional factors depended on the type of data set considered. Overall, habitat characteristics that vary in time, such as conductivity, hydroperiod and vegetation cover, best explained the instantaneous species composition observed during a snapshot sampling while long-term species composition appeared to be linked to more constant intrinsic habitat properties such as river connectivity and spatial location.