Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-424-5p inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by decreasing AKT3 expression

This study examined the expression and potential mechanism of microRNA (miRNA)-424-5p in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). NPC tissues were collected from 40 patients who were enrolled in the study, and skin samples were collected from 26 healthy subjects during plastic surgery as controls. We performed various in vitro assays using miR-424-5p to examine its function in primary NPC-1 cells. Bioinformatics was employed to analyze potential target genes and signaling pathways of miR-424-5p. We found that miR-424-5p expression in NPC tissues is downregulated and negatively correlated with lymph node metastasis and clinical staging. Expression of miR-424-5p in NPC cells was also downregulated, and transfection with miR-424-5p mimics inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of NPC-1 cells. Bioinformatics identified the AKT3 gene as a potential target of miR-424-5p and dual luciferase assays confirmed this finding. Upregulation of AKT3 expression rescued the inhibitory effect of miR-424-5p on the proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our results suggest that miR-424-5p inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NPC cells by decreasing AKT3 expression.
Benthic bacterial production in the northern Baltic Sea measured using a modified 14C-leucine uptake method

Benthic bacterial production was measured with a modified ['4C]leucine incorporation method in the northern Baltic Sea in 1996 and 1997. Samples were incubated and TCA extractions were done in microcentrifuge tubes. Unincorporated label was removed by repeated centrifugation. Pellets were suspended in scintillation cocktail and counted as a gel using internal standardisation, a method that gave highly comparable counts with combustion of the sample. Bacterial production varied between 0.15 and 0.8 mg C 1-' h-' (90 to 350 mg C m-2 d-'). The highest production was found at Stn GF2 in the Gulf of Finland and the lowest in the northern Baltic Proper Bacterial growth rates were 0.07 to 0.84 d-'. Comparison of these results with published data from sedimentation trap measurements suggests that only a part of the benthic bacterial C demand can be explained by sedimentation.
ENERGY ALLOCATION STRATEGY IN YOUNG FISH: ALLOMETRY AND SURVIVAL

We observed substantial variation in seasonal growth rates, autumn body size, and growing-season mortality among eight experimental cohorts of age-O rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Wet mass, water, lipids (storage), and lipid-free dry mass (structure) had biphasic allometries with inflexions at - 10 cm in length. Dry:wet mass and storage:structure ratios were positively related to fish length, indicating that the relative quantities of these constituents change with body size. Lipid concentration varied according to a sigmoid relationship with wet mass which also had a growth-rate dependence. Inde- pendent assessments of the allometry of growing-season survival and winter metabolism facilitated assessment of the costs and benefits of two alternate energy allocation strategies of young fish. For cohorts with low growth rates and small autumn body size, a somatic growth rate maximization strategy is optimum, producing a 5% net survival advantage over an energy storage maximization strategy. For cohorts with intermediate growth rates and autumn mass, somatic growth and energy storage strategies lead to similar first-year sur- vival. The fastest growing cohorts are estimated to have a net survival advantage of 7%, by adopting an energy storage maximization strategy over a growth rate maximization strategy.
Ultrastructural features of the gametogenic and sporogonic development of Hepatozoon sipedon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) The applicability of ultrastructural data in differentiating among Hepatozoon species

Les stades de la gametogonie et de la sporogonie de l'hemogregarine Hepatozoon sipedon, un parasite du phylum Apicomplexa qui infeste la Couleuvre d'eau (Nerodia sipedon sipedon), ont ete etudies dans le moustique Culex pipiens a l'aide de la microscopie electronique. Quatre jours apres que le moustique se soit nourri sur une couleuvre, un microgamonte et un macrogamonte se sont associes (syzygyie) dans une vacuole parasitophore a l'interieur de l'hemocoele du moustique. La microgametogenese a produit deux microgometes bi-flagelles, dont un a fertilise la macrogamete. Apres la fertilisation, les zygotes ont grandi rapidement et amasse d'importantes reserves sous forme d'inclusions lipidiques. Apres le 16 e jour, le noyau du jeune oocyste a subi des divisions multiples au cours du premier stade de la formation des sporoblastes. Les cristalloides apparaissent dans le cytoplasme de l'oocyste apres le 20 e jour. Le 24 e jour, l'oocyste contient de nombreux sporoblastes, qui murissent tous apres le 28 e jour dans des sporocystes qui contiennent huit sporozoites et un grand corps residuel. les sporozoites contiennent un grand cristalloide compose de petites particules en arrangement paracristallin. L'usage des caracteristiques ultrastructurales pour la separation des especes d'Hepatozoon est presente dans le contexte des hypotheses sur les phylogenies courantes des genres du sous-ordre Adeleorina.
A NEW APPLICATION OF STORAGE DYNAMICS: DIFFERENTIAL SENSITIVITY, DIFFUSE COMPETITION, AND TEMPORAL NICHES

We have developed our recent demonstration that a temporal niche axis may support the stable coexistence of tree species. We previously applied a two-species lottery model assuming differences between species in environmental sensitivity to generate the predictions that the better competitor will show greater fluctuation in recruitment and be the less common species, predictions supported unanimously by data from a Mexican deciduous forest. Here, we expand on that model and explore the implication from our earlier study that competition among tree species may be focused, rather than the more commonly assumed diffuse, by applying a version of the model dealing with diffuse competition. We found focused competition to be the better explanation of the available data. Our results constitute a serious challenge to the entrenched opinion that competition among tree species is diffuse and to the proposition that competition may be unimportant in structuring tree communities. Another component of the earlier work was the comparison of closely related species. Although species may be ecologically similar for reasons other than phylogenetic relatedness, the additional underlying genetic similarity and the shared evolutionary history of close relatives makes them good candidates for the processes driving storage dynamics. We draw on the Gentry data set to show that congeneric species co-occur in plant communities in all habitat types worldwide, indicating that the dynamics we describe may take place in almost any community containing woody species, in any part of the world.
Neutralization Techniques, Crime Decision-making and Juvenile Thieves

ABSTRACT Theft is the most common criminal offence committed by juveniles and youngsters in Hong Kong. Based upon the qualitative data abstracted from semi-structured interviews with 30 subjects aged from 10 to 17, the author examined the decision-making of juvenile thieves, and found that neutralization techniques played a significant role in their decisions to offend. A majority of subjects of the study relied on three particular types of neutralization techniques to release themselves from discomfort and guilty feeling of criminal acts, namely (1) the denial of possible risk and harm, (2) denial of responsibility and (3) condemnation of others.
A BIOSYSTEMATIC REVISION OF THE GENUS MUSCIDIFURAX (HYMENOPTERA: PTEROMALIDAE) WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF FOUR NEW SPECIES

Abstract Extensive collections of synanthropic fly parasitoids in animal excrement accumulations in the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Chile, Denmark, Israel, and South Africa yielded seven forms of a Muscidifurax complex which were totally or partially reproductively isolated. Morphological studies of female and male parasitoids coupled with biological and zoogeographical information permitted the identification of five sibling species. Muscidifurax raptor Girault and Sanders 1910 is redescribed and four additional species are described as new: M. zaraptor, from the southwestern United States; M. raptoroides from Central America and Mexico; M. uniraptor from Puerto Rico, and M. raptorellus from Uruguay and Chile. Biological notes are added to the descriptions, and it was postulated that the genus is undergoing a process of speciation with local populations slowly becoming reproductively isolated and eventually giving rise to morphologically distinguishable entities. Most evidence suggests the establishment of Muscidifurax in the New World, concomitant with or shortly following the establishment of muscoid flies in accumulated excrement. Scanning electronmicroscopy was used in the analysis of some morphological structures.
The Agrobacterium DNA Transfer Complex

Abstract Agrobacterium tumefaciens elicits tumorous growths on plants by transforming plant cells with a segment of its own DNA. This trait led to development of Agrobacterium as a vector for genetic transformation of flowering plants. The transformation process is a unique mixture of several distinct steps, some of which are evolutionarily and functionally related to bacterial conjugation, and some of which converge with eukaryotic cellular processes. Recent work has advanced our understanding of each of these steps. The early reactions in the production of an ssDNA transfer intermediate (T-strand), mediated by the VirD1/D2 proteins, are chemically similar to formation of a relaxosome in bacterial conjugation. The T-strand is coated by the ssDNA binding protein VirE2; however, whether this binding occurs in the bacterium or in planta is disputed. VirB proteins, related to proteins for the conjugal transfer of DNA between bacteria, most likely form the transfer apparatus. VirD2, which remains covalently b.
LOCALIZATION OF NON-SPECIFIC ESTERASE IN THE GUINEA PIG TESTIS

The acrosome of spermatozoa contains many enzymes such as hyaluronidase, non-specific esterase and acrosomal proteinase. It is said that these enzymes contribute to removing cumulus cells, corona cells and zona pellucida, respectively. Concerning the release of the enzymes, non-specific esterase differs from both hyaluronidase and acrosomal proteinase. The spermatozoa release the latter two enzymes after the vesiculation of acrosome; on the other hand, they lose the former enzyme while acrosomes are still kept intact. To know the cause of this difference, the precise localization of non-specific esterase was investigated on the spermatid of guinea pig testis and the spermatozoa of epididymis by using the histochemical technique. The results showed that the esterase activity was recognized on the acrosomal membrane until step 8 of spermatogenesis (Clermont, 1960), while it was seen only along the plasma membrane, which covered the acrosomal cap region, in, late-stage spermatids and spermatozoa.
Estudio de la distribución, porcentaje y microecología de los parásitos de algunas especies de edentados argentinos

In this paper the endoparasitic fauna of Ch. villosus; Ch. vellerosus; D. hybridus; D. novemcinctus; Chl. truncatus and T. matacus (Xenarthra‐Dasypodidae) is summarized. Geographical distribution of the hosts and their parasites is correlated. Percentage of parasitism is given and the relationships of the feeding with the helminths are commented.
Intrinsic adhesive and cohesive assessment of the moisture sensitivity of bio-rejuvenated recycled asphalt binders

: Alternative binders not derived from fossil fuels, known as biobinders, are opening new paths for multiple applications in road infrastructure. Biobinders, usually produced from bio-oils obtained from the processing of biomass and industry by-products, are tuneable materials whose properties can be adjusted to meet specific targets. For this reason, an interesting approach is to couple biobinders with Reclaimed Asphalt (RA) by taking advantage of their rejuvenating properties to design bio-asphalt mixtures with high-content RA and no additional virgin bitumen. Recent research has proven the feasibility of this approach through validation at full-scale (BioRePavation project). However certain aspects related to the durability of bio-asphalt mixtures still require further research, one of these being their resistance to moisture damage. This study aims at filling some of these current gaps by conducting an initial investigation of the moisture sensitivity of selected biobinders and bio-rejuvenated asphalt binders. In order to do this, the intrinsic adhesion and cohesion properties of an extracted RA binder, two biobinders, their blends and two types of aggregates were characterised by means of Surface Free Energy (SFE), individually and as a system. The binders/blends-aggregate systems were further tested by means of the Pneumatic Adhesion Tensile Test Instrument (PATTI) to determine their pull-off tensile strength (POTS). The results show that the bio-rejuvenated asphalt binders present equivalent cohesive and adhesive properties to a conventional bitumen and superior performance when compared to the RA binder. Hence, the combination of biobinders and RA has great potential to guarantee resistance to moisture damage of bio-recycled asphalt mixtures with high-content RA and no additional bitumen.
The biology of the stoat (Mustela erminea) in the National Parks of New Zealand II. Food habits

Abstract The gut contents of 1514 stoats from 14 collection areas (mostly forest or forest edge) were analysed. The distribution of 2643 prey items is expressed as percentage frequency of occurrence in 1250 guts containing food. In the total collection, the frequency of occurrence of the major categories of prey was: mice 19%; rats 6%;, lagomorphs 18%; opossums 10%; birds 43%; lizards 5%; insects 41%; freshwater crayfish 2%; carrion about 1–2%. The diet of stoats in relation to age, sex, season, and habitat was examined more closely in the subsamples from forest (n = 866; three classes of forest recognised) and from Mount Cook (n = 146, the only large non-forest sample). There were no general and consistent differences with age. In all seasons female stoats ate more mice and ground wetas, and males more opossums and ‘unidentified mammals’ (mostly opossums and rats). Grouping the prey as large, small, or medium showed that females ate more small prey (P < 0.01) and males more large prey (0.02 < P < 0.05), .
Estimates of nuclear DNA content in bryophyte sperm cells: phylogenetic considerations

Nuclear DNA contents of developing sperm were estimated for 17 species of bryophytes by cytophotometry in squash preparations of antheridia after Feulgen staining. Genome sizes are in the lower end of the range for land plants. Two hornwort C-values have the lowest recorded for bryophytes at 0.17 and 0.26 pg DNA per nucleus. In liverworts, C-values range from 0.49 pg in Blasia pusilla to 4.05 pg in Pellia epiphylla, while moss genome sizes are less variable, ranging from 0.38 pg in Takakia ceratophylla to 0.92 pg in Atrichum oerstedianum. DNA content is not correlated with chromosome number in these bryophytes, but sperm cell size and cellular complexity are directly related to C-value. Structural variations in the locomotory apparatus are viewed as evolutionary modifications associated with changes in genomic complexity, with a generalized increase in complexity of the motile assemblage accompanying increases in DNA content. Nuclear DNA values are not as variable in bryophytes as they are in pteridophytes and seed plants. We suggest that in plants producing biflagellated gametes, lower DNA contents afford a selective advantage. Comparisons with plants that produce multiflagellated or pollendispersed sperm indicate operation of a nucleotypic effect in archegoniates with biflagellated sperm. This effect may be on sperm cell functioning, which in turn influences reproductive success.
Interspecific variation in daily energy expenditure during avian incubation

Daily energy expenditure (DEE) of free-living birds during the incubation and subsequent brood-rearing stages was measured using the doubly-labelled water technique for seven species of bird. These data are combined with published information to provide a data set of 17 species of bird covering the mass range 12–85 g. Allometric relationships between DEE and body mass for the two stages of breeding were constructed using three models (log-transformation regression, geometric mean regression, and iterative non-linear regression). The geometric mean regression model was rejected as inappropriate. The iterative non-linear regression model provides the best predictions of DEE given the average body mass of a species, but is of less value for comparing data sets. The most commonly used model (log transformation regression) was thus favoured for comparative purposes as the predictions it generates do not significantly alter the conclusions that would be obtained with use of the iterative non-linear regression models (Marquardt model) for the data sets in this work. Comparison between the average DEE for the two stages of breeding suggest higher DEE during the brood-rearing period, although this was significant in only five species. The difference in body mass among species can account for more of the variation in average DEE during incubation (r2= 82·6%) than during brood-rearing (r2= 67·3%1), indicating that other effects such as activity are probably more important determinants of energy expenditure during brood-rearing. The residual variation in DEE during incubation, after the effect of body mass had been removed, was considered for groups of species occupying different ecological niches. It is shown that the level of activity and ambient temperature can explain much of the residual variation in DEE during incubation. The blue tit was used as an example to demonstrate the role of energy balance as a constraint on reproductive success during the incubation period.
Effects of climate and overfishing on zooplankton dynamics and ecosystem structure: regime shifts, trophic cascade, and feedback loops in a simple ecosystem

Mollmann, C. , Muller-Karulis, B. , Kornilovs, G. , and St John, M. A. 2008. Effects of climate and overfishing on zooplankton dynamics and ecosystem structure: regime shifts, trophic cascade, and feeback loops in a simple ecosystem. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 302-310.The Central Baltic Sea is the largest brackish waterbody in the world ocean, containing a highly productive but low-diversity ecosystem. Climate-induced changes in hydrography recently caused an ecosystem regime shift with changes at all trophic levels. The most pronounced changes in the ecosystem occurred at the zooplankton and fish trophic levels. In the zooplankton, dominance changed between the copepods Pseudocalanus acuspes and Acartia spp. , a result of reduced salinities and increased temperatures. The change in hydrography also affected the reproductive success of the major fish species, resulting in a change in dominance from the piscivorous cod (Gadus morhua) to the planktivorous sprat (Sprattus sprattus). First, we investigate statistically the occurrence of regime shifts in time-series of key hydrographic variables and the biomass time-series of key species. Second, we demonstrate a three-level trophic cascade involving zooplankton. Finally, we model the ecosystem effects of the abiotic and biotic changes on copepod biomass and recruitment of fish stocks. Our results demonstrate the linkage between climate-induced zooplankton and fish regime changes, and how overfishing amplified the climate-induced changes at both trophic levels. Hence, our study demonstrates (i) the multiple pathways along which climatic and anthropogenic pressures can propagate through the foodweb; (ii) how both effects act synergistically to cause and stabilize regime changes; and (iii) the crucial role of zooplankton in mediating these ecosystem changes.
The young and the restless: Socializing trumps sleep, fear of missing out, and technological distractions in first-year college students

Abstract College students are a sleep-deprived population, with first-year students facing a number of specific challenges to sleep. As students transition into and through the first year of college, sleep may be sacrificed for a variety of reasons. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen first-year students, exploring factors that impacted sleep during the first semester of college. Study participants identified three unique but related themes that impacted their sleep: socializing trumps sleep; fear of missing out; and social/technological distractions. Implications are provided for balancing social, academic and biological demands in emerging adulthood.
Teachers, Tundra, and Talking Circles: Learning History and Culture in an Alaska Native Village

Abstract What teachers know about their subject–matter and how to teach it has become increasingly important as states continue to expect more rigorous learning outcomes for K–12 students—even more so when we consider that they must teach this content to an increasingly diverse student population. This article reports the findings from a four–year case study of a teacher professional development project that was designed to give simultaneous attention to enhancing teacher subject–matter knowledge in history/social studies and helping teachers develop culturally responsive pedagogical practices. The professional development took place in a rural Alaska Native village where participants worked with Native Elders and engaged in Native ways of learning and knowing. The findings from this study suggest that the learning opportunities provided to the teachers successfully increased their understanding of history and culture by using culturally based ways of knowing and learning. The study reveals the potential of this type of bifocal professional learning for supporting the development of culturally responsive social studies pedagogy.
Conservation priorities for harlequin frogs (Atelopus spp.) of Peru

Populations of harlequin frogs Atelopus are declining throughout their geographical range. In Peru six of the 11 nominally described species are Critically Endangered, and there are at least 17 undescribed additional forms (all representing apparently distinct species), the conservation status of which is unknown. Most Atelopus taxa in Peru have relatively small geographical ranges, some known only from single populations, and have only a limited chance of survival. Conservation will require: (1) improvement of the faunistic and taxonomic knowledge of the genus, (2) field surveys, including in remote areas, (3) assessment of all species and populations for chytridiomycosis and research on the agent's biology, (4) ex situ conservation measures to facilitate later reintroduction, and (5) involvement of national and international conservationists and local people.