Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zinc Blotting Assay for Detection of Zinc-Binding Prolamin in Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Grain

ABSTRACT In plants, zinc is commonly found bound to proteins. In barley (Hordeum vulgare), major storage proteins are alcohol-soluble prolamins known as hordeins, and some of them have the potential to bind or store zinc. 65Zn overlay and blotting techniques have been widely used for detecting zinc-binding protein. However, to our knowledge so far this zinc blotting assay has never been applied to detect a prolamin fraction in barley grains. A radioactive zinc (65ZnCl2) blotting technique was optimized to detect zinc-binding prolamins, followed by development of an easy-to-follow nonradioactive colorimetric zinc blotting method with a zinc-sensing dye, dithizone. Hordeins were extracted from mature barley grain, separated by SDS-PAGE, blotted on a membrane, renatured, overlaid, and probed with zinc; subsequently, zinc-binding specificity of certain proteins was detected either by autoradiography or color formation. The dithizone staining method gave similar reproducibility to the radioactive blotting. The.
Development of a Novel PCR Primer to Differentiate and Identify Bacillus subtilis and Closely Related Species Isolated from Thai Fermented Foods

A novel PCR assay based on 16S-23S internal transcribed spacers (ITS) length polymorphism was developed for rapid differentiation and identification of the Bacillus subtilis group, especially B. subtilis, B. licheniformis and B. amyloliquefaciens, the most frequently isolated bacilli from fermented foods. A new group-specific conserved primer pair, CITS-F and CITS-R, was designed for specific amplification of the ITS region in B. subtilis and closely related species. The fingerprints of seven reference species, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. licheniformis, B. pumilus, B. atrophaeus, B. vallismortis and B. mojavensis using CITS-F and CITS-R primers showed the same four signature bands of 227, 400, 542 and 650 bp. They are different from those of other genera and species tested. Therefore, these four signature bands could be used to differentiate and identify the B. subtilis group. Moreover, the sequence of the 227 bp signature band could also be used to distinguish closely related species of the B. subtilis group used in this study. A novel PCR assay based on ITS length polymorphism pattern using CITS-F and CITS-R could be considered as a rapid and easy method for the primary differentiation of the B. subtilis group.
Demography of the Endangered Fragrant Prickly Apple Cactus, Harrisia fragrans

The population dynamics of the endangered fragrant prickly apple cactus of southeastern coastal Florida were studied in order to predict future population growth and structure. Plants in two populations were tagged, mapped, and measured each year for 5 yr. Recruitment and mortality were recorded. These small populations declined dramatically with high mortality and low recruitment rates. Transition matrices based on stem length were constructed and analyzed. The dominant eigenvalues indicated declining populations. Projection analysis also indicated population decreases, but it underestimated the actual declines. This result is understandable since the predicted stable length distributions (analogous to stable age distributions) were different from the actual length distributions at the end of the fifth year. In 8 yr, the two populations declined by 55.3% and 59.8%. Elasticity matrices indicated the overwhelming importance of the largest individuals to the survival of the populations, yet changes in reproductive rate had negligible demographic effects. Actual length distributions at the end of the fifth year were projected to the eighth year and compared with actual length distributions in the eighth year. For population 1, there was a significant difference, in which there were actually more small individuals and fewer large individuals than projected, but results were not significantly different for population 2. A population viability analysis indicated that modal time to extinction for both populations was <20 yr.
G protein inhibition of CaV2 calcium channels

Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels translate the electrical inputs of excitable cells into biochemical outputs by controlling influx of the ubiquitous second messenger Ca2+. As such the channels play pivotal roles in many cellular functions including the triggering of neurotransmitter and hormone release by CaV2.1 (P/Q-type) and CaV2.2 (N-type) channels. It is well established that G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) orchestrate precise regulation neurotransmitter and hormone release through inhibition of CaV2 channels. Although the GPCRs recruit a number of different pathways, perhaps the most prominent, and certainly most studied among these is the so-called voltage-dependent inhibition mediated by direct binding of Gβγ to the α1 subunit of CaV2 channels. This article will review the basics of Ca2+-channels and G protein signaling, and the functional impact of this now classical inhibitory mechanism on channel function. It will also provide an update on more recent developments in the field, both related to functional effects and crosstalk with other signaling pathways, and advances made toward understanding the molecular interactions that underlie binding of Gβγ to the channel and the voltage-dependence that is a signature characteristic of this mechanism.
Superstar Investors

Many famous investors are outspoken about their investment philosophies and carefully apply them to a select number of securities. In this article, we seek to apply their wisdom systematically to determine whether their philosophies might generate alpha when applied broadly. We show how four very different, extraordinary track records—from Berkshire Hathaway, PIMCO’s Total Return Fund in the Gross era, George Soros’s Quantum Fund, and Fidelity’s Magellan Fund under Peter Lynch—can be viewed as expressions of a handful of systematic styles.
Update on High-Throughput RNA Isolation Technologies High-Throughput RNA Isolation Technologies. New Tools for High-Resolution Gene Expression Profiling in Plant Systems

The complete genome sequences of two representative species of flowering plants, the monocot rice (Oryza sativa) and the eudicot Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), provide us with a new opportunity to understand developmental and physiological events at the genome level (Arabidopsis Genome Initiative, 2000; Goff et al., 2002; Yu et al., 2002). Large numbers of genes in each organism (approximately 28,000 in Arabidopsis; Yamada et al., 2003; .40,000 in rice; Bennetzen et al., 2004) make the analysis of the regulation of every individual gene a considerable challenge. However, technological advances in quantifying RNA levels have made global gene analysis more feasible and reproducible. For Arabidopsis and rice, commercial oligonucleotide microarrays, which cover significant portions of genes in each genome, are available, as are custom-designed arrays (Zhu, 2003). For organisms whose genomes are not sequenced, spotted microarrays with expressed sequence tag (EST) clones are broadly available. In addition to hybridizationbased measurements of gene expression, sequencing, or PCR-based gene expression analyses are being used. Available expression profiling technologies are well summarized by Breyne and Zabeau (2001). One of the biggest challenges in studying global gene regulation in multicellular organisms is the heterogeneity of gene expression. Each organ is unique at the level of its tissues, cells, and gene expression profiles. In addition, there is growing evidence that responses to environmental stimuli or developmental signals occur differentially at the cell or tissue level. Thus, to better understand gene regulatory circuits, gene expression should be analyzed at a single cell or tissue type. Because the quantity of RNA, protein, or metabolites obtained from a single cell is very small, the development of sophisticated technologies is necessary. We need new techniques to efficiently isolate molecules from single cells and the equipment to detect and quantify small amounts of molecules. SINGLE-CELL TRANSCRIPT PROFILING: BROADLY APPLICABLE TECHNIQUES
Use of para-amino hippuric acid to measure blood flows through portal-drained-viscera, liver and hindquarters in sheep

SUMMARY The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate a new surgical procedure to catheterize hepatic vessels as well as the posterior aorta and vena cava, (ii) to test a modification of a downstream dilution technique in order to measure blood flows through splanchnic tissues and hindquarters in rapid succession, and (iii) to improve the reliability of splanchnic blood flow measurements using paraamino hippuric acid (PAH). Ten adult ewes were used. The transhepatic surgical approach used proved successful; it was relatively easy to set up and a good recovery of hepatic functions was obtained. The attempt to measure splanchnic and hindquarters blood flow in rapid succession by alternating the sites of PAH infusion was unsuccessful, probably because of transient modifications in infusion rates due to different blood pressures in veins and arteries. Indeed, arterial PAH concentrations changed with infusion site. Finally, a better reproducibility of splanchnic blood flow measurements was obtained in sheep, fed every 3 h, by infusing the required amount of PAH partly via the mesenteric vein and partly via a ruminal vein.
Update on Reactive Oxygen Species and Autophagy in Plants and Algae Reactive Oxygen Species and Autophagy in Plants and Algae

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy have been historically associated with cell death. However, more recent evidence indicates that both ROS and autophagy play important roles in signaling and cellular adaptation to stress. As a catabolic process, autophagy allows eukaryotic cells to recycle intracellular components including entire organelles during development or under stress conditions such as nutrient limitation. Degradation and recycling of macromolecules via autophagy provides a source of building blocks (amino acids, lipids, and sugars) that allow temporal adaptation of cells to adverse conditions. In addition to recycling, autophagy is required for the degradation of damaged or toxic material that can be generated as a result of ROS accumulation during oxidative stress. The mitochondrial electrontransport chain and the peroxisomes are primary sources of ROS production in most eukaryotes. The plant cell contains an additional organelle, the chloroplast, with an intense electron flow that leads to high rates of ROS production. Studies in plants and algae have demonstrated that autophagy is structurally and functionally conserved in photosynthetic organisms and plays an important role in the cellular response and adaptation to different stress conditions that involve the generation of ROS, such as oxidative and drought stresses, pathogen infection, or photooxidative damage. These findings suggested a strong link between autophagy and ROS in photosynthetic eukaryotes. Here, we review recent studies in plants and algae describing redox control of autophagy and discuss the conserved regulatory proteins that may transmit redox signals to the autophagic machinery. AUTOPHAGY: GENERAL FEATURES
Update on Phytochelatin Synthase

This Update is concerned with the mechanism of synthesis of heavy metal-binding thiol peptides, phytochelatins (PCs), by the enzyme PC synthase (EC 2.3.2.15). The bulk of the considerations in this review centers on what has been learned recently of the fundamental mechanics of PC synthesis, the domain organization and phylogenetic distribution of PC synthases, and PC synthase-like enzymes, and what this tells us about the chemistry underlying and the enzyme residues necessary for PC synthesis. It was decided to prepare a review of this type rather than aim at amore comprehensive treatment of heavymetal homeostasis and detoxification in plants for two reasons. The first is that there are already several contemporary reviews dealing with the more global aspects of plant heavy metal physiology. Excellent examples are Cobbett (2000), Clemens (2001), and Cobbett and Goldsbrough (2002). Readers who have not already read these are encouraged to do so. The second reason is that some of the most fascinating and unexpected developments for our understanding in this area of late derive from investigations of the catalytic mechanism and distribution of PC synthases, facets of this field of research that have yet to be reviewed in detail.
Predatory behaviour and prey-capture decision- making by the web-weaving spider Micrathena sagittata

Optimal-foraging theory predicts how a predator would feed most efficiently when faced with a choice of two types of prey differing in profitability and density in the habitat. The predator should focus only on the more profitable prey, since any prey item eaten by the predator has a cost in terms of the time and resources taken to subdue and eat it. A study of the hunting behaviour and prey-type selection of the web-weaving spider Micrathena sagittata (Walckenaer, 1841) (Araneae: Araneidae) in the field is documented. In the first part of the study, prey of two sizes were offered in four sectors of the web (top, bottom, right, and left). A prey item was provided at one position of the web at a time. Attack time was recorded at each position. Also, choice and no-choice tests were carried out by offering prey in opposing web sectors (top and bottom) simultaneously. Large prey were more successfully captured in the upper parts than in the bottom parts of the web. In the choice test, spiders always preferred.
Modeling the Effects of Diet Formulation on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Excretion in Swine Waste

Two weight classes of growing-finishing swine were fed corn-soybean diets lower in protein and phosphorus to determine the reduction in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in swine waste when compared to pigs fed a conventional diet. For the two weight classes, total N waste was reduced 32% and 25% while total P excretion was reduced 39% and 38%. The experimental results were used to calibrate the NCPIG model to predict N and P excretion levels. Model excretion values for the same diets showed similar trends in mineral reduction by diet, but were higher for urinary N when compared to observed values. A portion of this difference in urinary N was attributed to lower body maintenance of the experimental animals. The impact of the lower protein and phosphorus diets was evaluated over the growing-finishing period using the NCPIG model. Model results showed an approximate reduction of 44% in total N and P excretion when compared to the conventional diet with little impact in time of production. The results of this project indicate that diet manipulation is a viable tool for U.S. swine producers in maintaining a sustainable U.S. swine industry.
A re-examination of the characters separating Chorthippus montanus and C. parallelus (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Summary Chorthippus m. montanus and C. p. parallelus are often difficult and sometimes impossible to separate using existing keys. Eleven potentially useful characters are re-evaluated in the male and six in the female. In males the best characters are found to be the number of stridulatory pegs on the hind femur, the length of the stridulatory file, cercus and anterior medial area, and the distance of the stigma from the fore wing tip; these characters are closely correlated with each other. In females the shape and length of the ventral valves of the ovipositor are found to be the most useful characters. The acoustic behaviour, cytology, serology, ecology and distribution of the two species are discussed. A lectotype is designated for C. caffer Ramme, which is newly synonymised with C. p. parallelus. C. erythropus Faber is reduced in status to a subspecies of C. parallelus. The status of the following is also discussed: C. montanus tatrae Harz, C. parallelus aemulus Mishchenko, C. p. geminus Mishchenko,.
The impact of quality management practices, training and employee suggestion schemes on quality performance

Quality has become an important competitive priority for manufacturing industries in the globalised scenario and this has resulted in firms benchmarking their quality practices among the best in the world. The purpose of this paper is to look into the impact of quality management practices on quality performance in a manufacturing firm of a public sector undertaking in India and explore the indirect impact of training and employee suggestion scheme on the relation between quality management practices and quality performance. Data was collected from 235 executives and analysed using partial least square. Results indicate that quality management practices had a positive impact on quality performance. Further analysis revealed that training partially mediates the relation between quality management practices and quality performance whereas employee suggestion scheme did not. Recommendations to ensure better organisational performance through quality management practices suggested.
Use of serum progesterone levels to detect pregnancy in elk

The objective of this investigation was to determine the realibility of serum progesterone assays as a means for detecting pregnancy in elk (Cervus elaphus). The elk were trapped during February through April in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. Blood samples were set to Bio-Science Laboratories for projesterone analysis by radioimmunoassay. Levels of progesteron were highly variable within the pregnant and nonpregnant elk. (RJC)
Sydonol, a new fungal morphogenic substance produced by an unidentified Aspergillus sp.

In the course of our study on fungal morphogenic substances produced by fungi,1} we have isolated a new bisabolane-class of fungal metabolite, sydonol (I). Sydonol was produced by a strain of Aspergillus sp. isolated as one of the air-borne fungi collected in our laboratory. Sydonol showed inhibition of colonial growth and successively induced to form irregularly swollen hyphae of a phytopathogenic fungus Cochliobolus lunata (IFO 6299) at 50jug/disc. In this paper, we wish to describe the isolation and structural determination of sydonol. The culture medium (100 ml, pH unadjusted) containing dextrose (2%), malt extract (2%) and peptone (0.1%) in a 500ml shaking flask was inoculated with the strain and incubated at 27°C for 2 days. The inoculum (5ml) was
Sexual behaviour of male and female tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii) at post‐partum oestrus

This study describes the sexual behaviour of the adult male and female tammar wallaby from the time a female gives birth to the end of post-partum oestrus. Eleven females were continuously observed from around the time of birth until up to 3 h after the last observed mating attempt. Males began to associate with females from around the time of birth, thus females appear to be attractive to males at, but not prior to parturition. Females subsequently allowed males to mate with them from 1.3±0.8h (mean±S.D.) post-partum, although the first ejaculation was delayed until 1.8±0.8h after birth owing to intense intermale aggression directed towards any male which attempted to mate with an oestrous female. Mating chases, in which a post-partum female was pursued by several males, were observed from 1.3±0.8h post-partum. All of this mating activity usually occurred within the first 6h after birth.
Floristic composition, woody species diversity, and spatial distribution of trees based on architectural stratification in a subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest on Ishigaki Island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

The floristic composition, woody species diversity, and spatial distribution of trees in a subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest on Ishigaki Island, Japan, were investigated based on architectural stratification. Five architectural layers made up the forest stand. The floristic composition was almost similar between the third and the bottom layers, whereas it was almost exclusive between the top and the lower four layers. The fourth layer contained the highest potential number of species (90). Castanopsis sieboldii, Daphniphyllum teijmannii, Neolitsea aciculata, and Distylium racemosum were typical facultative shade species that appeared in all layers. Ardisia quinquegona was the most dominant species, as it had the highest importance value at the stand level; it was also considered a small climax species because of its disappearance in the top layer but higher importance value in the lower four layers. The values of Shannon’s index H’ and Pielou’s index J’ were 4.36 bit and 0.69, respectively, for the entire stand; these values tended to increase from the bottom layer upward, except for the H' -value of the top layer. Furthermore, woody species diversity was higher in the upper strata than the lower strata. The spatial distribution of trees was random in each layer, except in the bottom layer where trees were aggregately distributed. The degree of overlap in tree habitats differed among layers, and the results suggested that trees in the second layer could capture moderate light, while light could not easily penetrate the lower three layers. Therefore, most species in the lower layers must be shade-tolerant. The mean tree weight of each layer decreased from the top layer to the bottom layer, whereas the corresponding tree density increased. We concluded that this trend might be a general phenomenon in subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests of the Ryukyu Archipelago, and we designated this trend as the quasi mean tree weight-density trajectory of forest stratification. The relationship of mean tree height to tree density for the upper two layers supported Yamakura’s quasi -3/2 power law system.
Problems in Distinguishing Historical from Ecological Factors in Biogeography

SYNOPSIS. The geographical distribution of animals is affected by both historical and present-day ecological factors. It is of great interest to distinguish between their effects. Unfortunately, both major classes of factors can yield similar biogeographic patterns, making it difficult to know which factor is more important. In addition, it is very important to examine all of the consequences of a particular hypothesis, as well as alternatives. Two examples are given: the Pleistocene forest refuge hypothesis and vicariance biogeography. The refuge hypothesis yields three predictions, but only one is upheld-concordance of centers of diversity; the distribution of positions and widths of contact zones is inconsistent with the hypothesis. The two alternative hypotheses, current ecology and current peripheral isolation, yield predictions which are upheld. The major prediction of vicariance biogeography, that concordant cladograms should indicate common vicariant sequences among the lineages, is rejected. Concordant cladograms can only result from common patterns of shared selection regimes and thus do not reflect vicariant patterns. More work needs to be done in distinguishing historical from ecological factors in species distributions.
Protective effects of anti‐Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase antibodies against lethal respiratory infection of the mouse

Abstract Experimental respiratory infection of mice with a Bordetella pertussis clone producing and releasing high yields of pertussis toxin and adenylate cyclase was lethal, inducing complete edematous hemorrhagic alveolitis within 48–72 h. By preincubating the challenge inoculum with polyclonal antibodies against the filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA), the pertussis toxin (Ptx), the adenylate cyclase (AC) or a monoclonal anti-AC antibody, we found that only anti-FHA and anti-AC antibodies were protective against the lethal lesions. These results provide direct evidence that B. pertussis AC might be incriminated in the pathogenesis of whooping cough as a major toxin responsible for the local cytopathic syndrome in the respiratory tract.