Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ovarian and immunological responses to alternating exogenous gonadotropin regimens in the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and tigrina (Leopardus tigrinus)

Exogenous gonadotropins frequently are used to stimulate ovarian follicular growth and ovulation in mammalian species, including felids. However, repeated exogenous gonadotropin treatment can result in decreased ovarian responsiveness due to antibody formation. In this study, our objectives were to assess the effectiveness of alternating gonadotropin regimens on ovarian responses in ocelots and tigrinas, and investigate the humoral immune responses to these gonadotropins in each species. Females were treated four to six times with alternating equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG)/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and porcine follicle stimulating hormone (pFSH)/luteinizing hormone (pLH) regimens at 4-month intervals. With each treatment, the females were evaluated laparoscopically to assess ovarian follicular development and recover oocytes from mature follicles. Blood was collected before each treatment and at laparoscopy. Overall, the ocelots averaged more (P 0.05) in inducing follicular growth and oocyte maturation. The total number of ovarian structures and oocyte maturation percentages did not decrease (P<0.05) in either species with sequential stimulations. Although the percentage of blood samples containing anti-gonadotropin immunoglobulins increased (P<0.05) with sequential treatment, the presence of positive titers did not cause a decrease (P<0.05) in ovarian responsiveness. In summary, the female ocelots and tigrinas continued to respond to these alternating ovarian stimulation protocols after repeated use, despite the formation of anti-gonadotropin antibodies in some of the females. These findings suggest that the use of alternating gonadotropin regimens may permit more intensive reproductive management of these endangered cat species for conservation. Zoo Biol 00:1–14, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The effect of otolith storage methods on the concentrations of elements detected by laser‐ablation ICPMS

Otoliths of male (1+ year old) Terubok, tropical shad Tenualosa toli from the Lupar River, Sarawak, were treated in different ways to assess the effect of post-capture storage on element concentrations in the otolith core and edge detected by laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Five treatments were compared: rapid removal and dry storage; fish kept 5 h after capture then otoliths removed; rapid removal and stored in alcohol; fish rozen for 24 h then otoliths removed; and storage of intact head in alcohol for several weeks. Seven elements were detected at the core and edge of otoliths (Li, Na, Mg, Mn, Co, Sr, Ba). Of these, Na, Mg, Co and Ba differed among treatments, being highest in treatments where the otolith remained in the head. Variation in element measurements due to treatment effects was similar to within-otolith variation for the other elements and was least variable in the fresh treatment. The variation in concentration between the core and edge was more significant than other sources of variation (up to 100 times) for some elements. These differences were probably due to physiological factors (ontogenetic) or to yearly changes in water chemistry. The results indicate that the method of otolith storage, especially freezing whole fish, can have a small, but measurable, effect on the concentrations of Na, Mg, Co and Ba.
High capacity screening of pooled compounds: Identification of the active compound without re‐assay of pool members

A matrix‐based compound pooling and deconvolution method has been developed that significantly increased the efficiency of a high‐capacity screening program. This method is based on screening pools of 10 compounds. The matrix used to assemble the pools resulted in each compound being assayed twice—each time with a completely different set of pooled compounds. The active compound in an active pool was accurately predicted by determining which compound was present in an active pool both times that a pool containing that compound was tested. This has eliminated the need to re‐assay each individual member of active pools. This approach has been tested with a set of 6,680 compounds in three different assays: inhibition of Factor Xa, inhibition of gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor binding, and inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (isoform II). Thus significant time is saved not only by pooling the compounds for the initial assay but also by avoiding the need to re‐assay all compounds in active pools. Moreover, no false negatives occurred in these assays—an important consideration from a drug discovery perspective. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molluscs of the middle and lower Odra: the role of the river in the expansion of alien species in Poland

The malacofauna of the middle and lower Odra (Oder River), a large river degraded by human activities, is still rich and diversified. Fifty five mollusc species were recorded from 31 studied localities: 32 Gastropoda and 23 Bivalvia. The highest number of species (47) inhabited the areas between groynes, whereas the fewest species (20) were found in the river current outside groynes. As many as 14.5% of the recorded species were alien to the Polish fauna: Lithoglyphus naticoides, Potamopyrgus antipodarum, Physella acuta, Ferrissia fragilis, Menetus dilatatus, Corbicula fluminalis, C. fluminea, and Dreissena polymorpha. The presence of so many alien species shows that the Odra, together with the system of canals (which through the Spree and the Havel connect it to the drainage basin of the Elbe), is a major route along which alien molluscs migrate to Poland.
Nitrate and Nitrite-mediated Transcription Antitermination Control ofnasF(Nitrate Assimilation) Operon Expression inKlebsiella pneumoniaeM5al☆

Abstract Klebsiella pneumoniaecan use nitrate and nitrite as sole nitrogen sources during aerobic growth. Nitrate is converted through nitrite to ammonium by assimilatory nitrate and nitrite reductase, respectively. Enzymes required for nitrate assimilation are encoded by thenasFEDCBAoperon ofK. pneumoniaenasFoperon expression is subject to both general nitrogen control and pathway-specific nitrate/nitrite induction, mediated by the NtrC and NasR proteins, respectively. Sequence inspection revealed a presumptive σN(σ54)-dependent pro- moter as well as two presumptive upstream NtrC protein binding sites. Site-specific mutational and primer extension analyses confirmed the identity of the σN-dependent promoter. Deletions removing the apparent NtrC protein binding sites greatly reduced NtrC-dependent regulation, indicating that these sites are involved in general nitrogen control. However, deletions removing most of the sequence upstream of the promoter had little effect on nitrate/nitrite regulation, suggesting that thenasFleader region is involved in nitrate/nitrite regulation. The 119 nucleotide long transcribed leader region contains an apparent factor-inde pendent transcription terminator. Promoter replacement experiments demonstrated that the leader region is involved in nitrate/nitrite regulation ofnasFoperon expression. Deletions removing the transcription terminator structure resulted in a nitrate-blind constitutive phenotype, indicating that the transcription terminator structure serves a negative function. Other deletions, removing proximal portions of the leader region, resulted in an uninducible phenotype, indicating that this region serves a positive function. These results indicate that nitrate/nitrite regulation ofnasFoperon expression is determined by a transcription attenuation mechanism. We hypothesize that in the absence of nitrate or nitrite, the terminator structure abrogates transcription readthrough into thenasFoperon. In the presence of nitrate or nitrite, the NasR protein mediates transcription antitermination, thereby allowing transcription to proceed into thenasFoperon.
Eco-physiological effects of suspended solids on fish

粘土鉱物であるスメクタイトの海水中の懸濁濃度を 1 時間毎に断続的に上昇させて，ヒラメの鰓酸素利用率（UO2）および酸素消費量（VO2）の変化を調べた。 スメクタイト濃度は，0.0, 1.0, 2.1, 4.5, 9.5, 20.0 g L-1（実験I）と 0.0, 31.6, 56.2 g L-1（実験II）の 2 系列とした。 実験Iの濃度範囲では UO2，VO2 のいずれにもスメクタイトの影響は認められなかった。 一方，実験IIでは UO2 と VO2 は，ともに何も添加していない海水の時よりも有意に減少した。 この結果は，スメクタイトが二次鰓弁間を閉塞し，有効ガス交換表面積が減少したためと考えられる。
Identification of the gene encoding granule-bound starch synthase I in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.)

The cDNA and genomic clones from sweet potato encoding granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) were isolated and characterized. The sequence analysis of the cDNA shows that the sweet potato GBSSI mature protein is comprised of 531 amino acids and that the precursor has a transit peptide of 77 amino acids. A comparison of the cDNA and genomic sequences suggested that the sweet potato GBSSI gene has 14 exons and 13 introns, the first of which is located in the untranslated region. This gene is considered to be a low-copy gene based on genomic Southern analysis.
Microbiological, Chemical and Sensory Properties of Pre-cooked Roast Beef Preserved with Horseradish Essential Oil

Pre-cooked roast beef slices were stored 28 days at 4 +/- 2 degrees C in air or 100% N2 with and without vaporized horseradish essential oil (HEO). Addition of 20 microliter HEO/L restricted growth of most spoilage bacteria. Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae were strongly inhibited by HEO. Lactic acid bacteria were more resistant to the antimicrobial effect and dominated spoilage flora. Sensory evaluation and headspace analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed that development of off-flavors and odors derived from fat oxidation products was delayed by HEO. Cooked meat color was also preserved in samples stored under HEO.
Small seed size increases the potential for dispersal of wetland plants by ducks

1 Long‐distance dispersal (LDD) is important in plants of dynamic and ephemeral habitats. For plants of dynamic wetland habitats, waterfowl are generally considered to be important LDD vectors. However, in comparison to the internal (endozoochorous) dispersal of terrestrial plants by birds, endozoochorous dispersal of wetland plants by waterfowl has received little attention. We quantified the capacity for endozoochorous dispersal of wetland plants by waterfowl and identified the mechanisms underlying successful dispersal, by comparing the dispersal capacities of a large number of wetland plant species. 2 We selected 23 common plant species from dynamic wetland habitats and measured their seed characteristics. We fed seeds of all species to mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), a common and highly omnivorous duck species, and quantified seed gut survival, gut passage speed and subsequent germination. We then used a simple model to calculate seed dispersal distances. 3 In total 21 of the 23 species can be dispersed by mallards, with intact seed retrieval and subsequent successful germination of up to 32% of the ingested seeds. The species that pass fastest through the digestive tract of the mallards are retrieved in the greatest numbers (up to 54%) and germinate best (up to 87%). These are the species with the smallest seeds. Seed coat thickness plays only a minor role in determining intact passage through the mallard gut, but determines if ingestion enhances or reduces germination in comparison to control seeds. 4 Model calculations estimate that whereas the largest seeds can hardly be dispersed by mallards, most seeds can be dispersed up to 780 km, and the smallest seeds up to 3000 km, by mallards during migration. 5 Synthesis. This study demonstrates the mechanism underlying successful endozoochorous dispersal of wetland plant seeds by mallards: small seed size promotes rapid, and hence intact and viable, passage through the mallard gut. Mallards can disperse wetland plant seeds of all but the largest‐seeded species successfully in relatively large numbers (up to 32% of ingested seeds) over long distances (up to thousands of kilometres) and are therefore important dispersal vectors.
Reevaluation of Mycobacterium fortuitum (Synonym: Mycobacterium ranae)

One hundred strains of Mycobacterium fortuitum (M. ranae) were characterized. Strains now recognized as belonging to the species M. chelonei were excluded. Seven serotypes of M. fortuitum showed some correlation with cell wall lipids, colony types, temperature tolerance, Bonicke's biotypes, and other properties. Serotype I was frequently associated with disease, whereas serotype II, although common in the environment, never was. M. fortuitum subsp. fortuitum and M. fortuitum subsp. giae belong to serotypes I and V, respectively; the other serotypes were not considered worthy of special subspecific designation. A list of the constant and variable characteristics of M. fortuitum is given.
Resource partition among lacertid lizards in southern Europe

Twenty-four species of lacertid lizards were examined at 31 sites in western Yugoslavia, Greece and Iberia. Comparative observations were made on over 4500 individual lizards, noting such features as times of activity, hunting methods, diet, micro- and macro-habitat, refuges used and body temperature. These data are used as a basis for assessing resource partition in related sympatric species, for finding out whether different systematic groups have characteristic types of niche, and for comparing community structure in the three peninsulas of southern Europe.
Karyotypic characterization of representatives from Melolonthinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): karyotypic analysis, banding and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)

Meiotic chromosomes of Phyllophaga (Phytalus) vestita, Phyllophaga (Phyllophaga) aff capillata and Lyogenys fuscus (Melolonthinae) were analyzed by conventional staining, C-banding, fluorochromes, silver nitrate and FISH. The three species had a diploid number of 2n=20 and a sex mechanism of the (Xyp; XYp) parachute type. P. (Phytalus) vestita,P. (Phyllophaga) aff capillata and Lyogenys fuscus showed pericentromeric constitutive heterochromatin (CH) in all autosomal bivalents and on X chromosomes. Staining with CMA3 and DAPI fluorochromes showed that the CH of P. (Phytalus) vestita is not specifically rich in AT and GC-base pairs, whereas in P. (Phyllophaga) aff capillata the sex bivalent and one autosomal pair were found to be enriched in GC base pairs with CMA3, and in Lyogenys fuscus CH was positive for DAPI. Silver nitrate staining revealed nucleolar remnants in all three species. However, FISH obtained a precise identification of nucleolar organizing regions with an rDNA 18S and 25S probe. A signal of hybridization was seen in each species, being detected in the X chromosome of P. (Phytalus) vestita and Lyogenys fuscus, and in a small autosomal bivalent of P. (Phyllophaga) aff capillata.
Insight into molecular interactions of Aβ peptide and gelatinase from Enterococcus faecalis: a molecular modeling approach

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the presence of extracellular deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides. The Aβ levels are maintained by a suitable balance between its production and clearance via receptor-mediated cellular uptake and direct enzymatic degradation. However, decreased production of Aβ degrading enzymes and loss of Aβ degrading activity in the human brain initiates the process of accumulation of Aβ peptides. Mutations in amyloid beta peptides are also known to reduce clearance of Aβ peptides. So it becomes necessary to understand molecular interactions involved in the process of Aβ degradation in detail at the atomic level. Hence, in this study, we used molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation techniques to explore molecular interactions between gelatinase from Enterococcus faecalis and Aβ peptide. The comparison between wild type and mutant Aβ peptides revealed that the docked complex of gelatinase–wild type Aβ peptide is more stable as compared to mutant complex. These results showed that the residue Glu 328 of gelatinase from E. faecalis might play a catalytic role by serving as a proton shuttle to cleave wild type Aβ peptide in between Leu 34–Met 35. Thus, the results obtained from this study might be useful to design new strategies against Aβ peptide degradation.
Occurrence of Stem Canker on Rape Caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in Korea

Stem canker symptoms were observed in a rape field in Muan, Korea during a disease survey in May 2006. A total of 15 isolates of Phoma sp. were obtained from the infected stems of the plant. All isolates were identified as Leptosphaeria biglobosa based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. The Korean isolates of L. biglobosa were assigned to `brassicae` among six subclades of L. biglobosa complex based on the entire ITS sequences of rDNA. Pathogenicity of the fungal isolates was confirmed on leaves and stems of rape by artificial inoculation. This is the first report that Leptosphaeria biglobosa causes stem canker of rape in Korea.
Application of Protoplast Fusion Technology to Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.): Biodiversity as a Source to Enhance Biological Activity of Secondary Compounds

SUMMARY Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L., Asteraceae) is an under-exploited species adapted to a northern climate. Its flower heads and leaves are characterized by their terpenoids which are moderately bioactive against insects. A related species, pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium Vis.), produces highly bioactive terpenoids, pyrethrins, which are used in commercial biopesticides. The constraint of pyrethrum for further utilization is its cold sensitivity. In this study, tissue culture methods for tansy and pyrethrum were first developed to optimize the best conditions for protoplast isolation from donor tissues. Protoplast fusion between tansy and pyrethrum was developed using polyethyleneglycol. In addition, the genetic and chemical biodiversity of tansy was explored to find new germplasm for the further breeding experiments. Up to 1 × 106 protoplasts per 1 g−1 FW of leaves could be obtained from tansy leaves. The production of protoplast-derived calli varied, but the best time for cell division was late winter or early spring. Protoplast-derived calli of tansy resulted in root and spontaneous shoot formation, although a protoplast-to-plant procedure still needs more studies. The hybridity of intraspecific (tansy × tansy) and interspecific (tansy × pyrethrum) protoplast fusion was successfully tested already at the callus stage. The nuclear DNA content was higher for calli derived from interspecific fusion (10.66 and 31.87 pg) than from intraspecific fusion (8.84, 15.96 and 19.59 pg). The nuclear DNA content of both types of fusion calli was more than the parental level in many fusion calli. The increased content of nuclear DNA in the fusion calli suggests that some degree of protoplast hybridization had occurred. The distance matrices calculated from the RAPD-PCR data with complete linkage cluster analysis showed that the calli derived from the intraspecific fusion were closer to tansy than to pyrethrum. In contrast, the calli derived from interspecific fusion were closer to pyrethrum than to tansy. Compounds such as syringaldehyde, coniferyl alcohol and artedouglasia oxide were only identified from protoplast-fusion derived calli, but no compounds common for parental tissues and fusion calli could be detected. Tansy grown in Finland contains a wide range of genetic, chemical and morphological variation. Especially, among the larger number of volatile compounds detected from tansy, the chemotypes accumulating irregular monoterpenes such as artemisia ketone and davadone D, which are biochemically close to pyrethrins, are an interesting source for further biotechnological applications. In conclusion, biodiversity can be a valuable source of novel germplasm for breeding tansies that better accumulate more bioactive compounds.
MLN120B, a Novel IκB Kinase β Inhibitor, Blocks Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth In vitro and In vivo

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to delineate the biological significance of IκB kinase (IKK) β inhibition in multiple myeloma cells in the context of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) using a novel IKKβ inhibitor MLN120B. Experimental Design: Growth-inhibitory effect of MLN120B in multiple myeloma cells in the presence of cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1)], conventional agents (dexamethasone, melphalan, and doxorubicin), or BMSC was assessed in vitro. In vivo anti-multiple myeloma activity of MLN120B was evaluated in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID)–hu model. Results: MLN120B inhibits both baseline and tumor necrosis factor-α–induced nuclear factor-κB activation, associated with down-regulation of IκBα and p65 nuclear factor-κB phosphorylation. MLN120B triggers 25% to 90% growth inhibition in a dose-dependent fashion in multiple myeloma cell lines and significantly augments tumor necrosis factor-α–induced cytotoxicity in MM.1S cells. MLN120B augments growth inhibition triggered by doxorubicin and melphalan in both RPMI 8226 and IL-6-dependent INA6 cell lines. Neither IL-6 nor IGF-1 overcomes the growth-inhibitory effect of MLN120B. MLN120B inhibits constitutive IL-6 secretion by BMSCs by 70% to 80% without affecting viability. Importantly, MLN120B almost completely blocks stimulation of MM.1S, U266, and INA6 cell growth, as well as IL-6 secretion from BMSCs, induced by multiple myeloma cell adherence to BMSCs. MLN120B overcomes the protective effect of BMSCs against conventional (dexamethasone) therapy. Conclusions: Our data show that the novel IKKβ inhibitor MLN120B induces growth inhibition of multiple myeloma cells in SCID-hu mouse model. These studies provide the framework for clinical evaluation of MLN120B, alone and in combined therapies, trials of these novel agents to improve patient outcome in multiple myeloma.
Airborne laser scanning-based decision support for wood procurement planning

We present a decision support tool for guiding the selection of marked stands based on airborne laser scanning (ALS) data. We describe three stages, namely (1) wall-to-wall mapping of the stands matured for cutting using low-density ALS data; (2) tree-level inventory of these stands using high-density ALS data and (3) theoretical bucking of the imputed tree stems to produce detailed information on their characteristics. We tested them in a Scots pine dominated boreal forest area in Eastern Finland, where 79 sample plots were measured in the field. The detection of the stands matured for cutting had a success rate of 95% and our results demonstrated a further potential to limit the result towards stands dominated by certain species by means of intensity values derived from the low-density ALS data. The applied single-tree detection and estimation chain produced detailed tree-level information and realistic diameter distributions, yet the detection was highly emphasised on the dominant tree layer. The error levels in the estimates were generally less than standard deviations of the field attributes. Finally, plot-level accumulations of saw-log volumes were found rather similar, whether the input was based on the imputed tree data or trees measured in the field. The results are considered useful for ranking the stands based on their properties, whether the aim in the wood procurement is to focus on certain species or to select stands suitable for production needs.
Synchronous Eruptions of Boreal Seed-Eating Birds

Analysis of Audubon Society Christmas-count data (1962-1971) revealed a generally synchronous pattern of winter eruptions between eight species of seed-eating birds whose winter ranges normally include boreal forests. Species and populations occupying montane conifer forests in the West did not fit this pattern as well. Literature analysis revealed a circumboreally synchronized pattern of seed crop fluctuations in certain high-latitude tree species and an apparently resulting pattern of southward eruptions of birds dependent upon these foods. Between 1948 and 1971 eruptions were relatively large in 1949, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1965, 1968, 1969, and 1971.