Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diel and tidal abundance of fish larvae in a barrier-estuary channel in New South Wales

In four 24-h series of ichthyoplankton sampling during winter (June–July) 1996 in Swansea Channel (which connects Lake Macquarie with coastal waters of central New South Wales, Australia) 3367 fish larvae representing at least 77 species were collected. The larval fish community clustered by sampling date and by diel phase. Diel phase had a stronger influence on abundance of more common taxa than did tide phase, and also most influence on community structure. For most taxa there was no difference in abundance between flood and ebb tides, regardless of the estuarine or marine source of the eggs and larvae. All but two of 16 common species were present in Swansea Channel throughout their entire larval stage. The sparids Acanthopagrus australis and Rhabdosargus sarbawere present in the channel only at settlement-competent sizes. These two species showed evidence of selective presence in the channel during a particular diel or tidal phase, with A. australis apparently preferring night-flood tides, which would aid migration to the estuarine nursery habitats in Lake Macquarie. The ability or inclination to escape the strong bi-directional flows in channels seems limited to only a few taxa that appear to respond to physical cues and tidal current flows.
On Leukocyte Recruitment in Cholestatic Liver Injury

Cholestasis is a frequent clinical syndrome, which is caused by a dysfunction in bile formation of the hepatocyte or from obstruction of the biliary tract. This is associated with inflammation of the liver tissue, resulting in severe liver injury. In this inflammatory process, leukocyte recruitment has emerged as a key feature. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to analyze the detailed mechanisms behind intrahepatic leukocyte accumulation and its regulation in the pathophysiology of sepsis-associated or obstructive cholestasis and their impact on hepatocellular function and damage. For this purpose, cholestatic conditions were induced in C57BL/6 mice in the weIl established experimental models of LPS sepsis and obstructive cholestasis foIlowing bile duct ligation. Analyses included intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology, ELISA, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, determination of bilirubin and liver enzyme levels as well as measurement of bile flow and secretion. In doing so, it was found that P-selectin-mediated recruitment of leukocytes, but not the local production of pro-inflammatory mediators, is the primary cause of sepsis-associated cholestasis. Moreover, obstructive cholestasis is associated with P-selectin-mediated intrahepatic platelet accumulation, which crucially contributes to leukocyte recruitment and liver in jury. Besides, LFA-l mediates firm leukocyte adhesion in the liver microcirculation during obstructive cholestasis. Finally, inhibition of rhokinase attenuates cholestasis-induced CXC chemokine formation, leukocyte recruitment and hepatocellular damage in the liver. Thus, the results of this thesis clearly demonstrate that leukocyte recruitment in the liver plays a key role in the pathophysiology of cholestasis. Accordingly, it may be concluded that targeting leukocyte recruitment may be an effective strategy to preserve bile flow under septic conditions and to reduce cholestasis-induced liver injury. (Less)
The Observations of Lernaeid Parasites of Cirrhinus Mrigala (Mori)

One hundred and twenty fish (Cirrhinus mrigala) were examined for lernaeid ectoparasites at private fish farms. Lernaeid ectoparasites showed an overall prevalence of 25%. Four species of genus Lernaea i.e. L. cyprinacea, L. polymorpha, L. lophiara and L. oryzophila were recorded. The overall prevalence of L. cyprinacea, L. polymorpha, L. lophiara and L. oryzophila was 13.33, 9.16, 1.66 and 0.83% respectively. The relationship between body weight and lernaeid parasites showed that L. cyprinacea, L. polymorpha, L. lophiara and L. oryzophila had highest prevalence of 31.81, 18.18, 4.54 and 4.54% respectively in weight group of 1501-2000g. L. cyprinacea, L. polymorpha and L. lophiara had lowest prevelance 3.70, 4.34 and 2.08% in weight group of 1-500g, 501-1000g and 1001-1500g respectively. L. oryzophila showed nil prevalence in other weight groups. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The present results revealed that L. cyprinacea, L. polymorpha, L. lophiara and L. oryzophila had highest prevalence 17.5, 12.5, 2 and 1% respectively in length group of 18-22cm. L. cyprinacea showed lowest prevalence (3.2%) in length groups of 8-12cm. L. polymorpha had lowest prevalence (11.11%) in length groups of 13-17cm, whereas L. oryzophila and L. lophiara were not observed in other length groups. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Keyword: Cirrhinus mrigala, ectoparasites, Lernaea spp. body weight, body length, prevalence
Occurrence of virulence genes among S. agalactiae isolates from vagina and anus of pregnant women - a pilot study

Introduction: Streptococcus agalactiae, group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates as well as in the elderly and in immunocompromised. The goal of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of chosen virulence genes, which are also responsible for the virulence of GBS, among strains isolated from women in the Department of Perinatology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland. Material and methods: Clinical swabs were collected at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy among 105 women. Forty GBS isolates were identified to the genus by using standard microbiological methods. Bacterial DNA was isolated with a Bacterial and Yeast Genomic DNA Kit and then PCR reactions were carried out to check the presence of virulence genes: sag, scpB, bca and rib. The standard bacterial strain, Streptococcus agalactiae ATCC 12386 was used as a control. Statistical analysis of relationship between the presence of particular virulence genes was carried out by using Chi 2 Pearson test. Results. Colonization with S. agalactiae was established in 31 of 105 women (29.5%) in this study. Vaginal colonization was shown in 9 women, rectal colonization in 13 women, colonization in both vagina and anus was found in 9 women. All the GBS strains (n = 40) had sag gene, 92.5% scpB gene. The presence of rib gene was confirmed in 14 of strains (35%), bca gene in 32 of strains (80%). Statistical analysis revealed no relationship between the presence of bca and rib genes. Conclusions: The frequency of occurrence of GBS strains among pregnant women is similar to other studies as well as the presence of scpB and rib genes. However, bca gene was found more often probably because of different population investigated.
How can dairies maximize their profits and properly remunerate their dairy farmers

The current pricing process of raw milk in Brazil discourages producers from improving milk composition, which affects both yield and quality of dairy products. Furthermore, small and medium-sized dairies face great difficulties when it comes to planning production. Thus, a linear programming model was developed to price the raw milk and determine the optimal mix (combination of quantities) of dairy products that maximizes total contribution margin (TCM) under daily scenarios of high (January) and low (July) raw milk supplies (summer and winter, respectively) by comparing optimal solutions with actual results. The TCM of optimal and actual mixes were higher in January due to the greater availability of raw material. Packaging was a limiting factor in the production of cheese in optimal mixes. The relationship between unit contribution margin (UCM) and the required amount of raw materials per product unit and resource availability is crucial to defining the mix of dairy products and TCM of the dairy. Casein and raw milk volume showed shadow prices. Under both scenarios, the calculated prices of raw milk were higher than the prices charged by the dairy and were higher in January. The proposed model remunerates the producers based on the quantity and quality of raw milk. The dairy can maximize its TCM by better planning its mix of products with the use of linear programming.
Epiphloea belongs to Collemataceae (Lecanoromycetes, lichenized Ascomycota)

Abstract The cyanolichen genus Epiphloea is currently included within the Heppiaceae (Lichinomycetes) based on ascus characteristics. The presumed presence of a prototunicate ascus has been used as support for this classification, despite the incongruence with other characters (e.g. spores). Here, we use a molecular phylogeny of the two markers mtSSU rDNA and Mcm7 to investigate the position of Epiphloea. In addition, we have re-investigated the ascus characteristics. Our results place the two species, Epiphloea byssina and E. terrena, within the Collemataceae, nested in Leptogium s. str. The ascus type in both species is shown to be Lecanoralean and similar to the ascus in other Collemataceae, with a strongly amyloid tube-like structure. This observation supports the placement within Lecanoromycetes and refutes the earlier suggested affinities with Heppiaceae and Lichinomycetes. The correct names for these species are Leptogium byssinum and Leptogium terrenum.
On a Method of Analysis for Synergistic and Antagonistic Joint-Action Effects with Fenoxaprop Mixtures in Rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract Presented and illustrated is an easy-to-implement and flexible methodology for the analysis of synergistic and antagonistic effects when the effects are defined as nonlinear functions of means. The methodology augments standard mixed-model analyses with the Delta method for standard errors of nonlinear functions of means. Explained is why standard ANOVA methods that have been adopted in the literature are not recommended. To illustrate the methodology, the joint-action effects of fenoxaprop with companion herbicides in two-component mixtures for weed control in rice were evaluated. The companion herbicides were halosulfuron, bispyribac-sodium, bensulfuron, penoxsulam, carfentrazone, quinclorac, and imazethapyr. Weeds evaluated were barnyardgrass and broadleaf signalgrass. Experiments in Louisiana and Mississippi in 2009 revealed a preponderance of antagonistic effects. The analysis showed that mixtures with bispyribac-sodium, penoxsulam, quinclorac, and imazethapyr were generally the most antagonistic and provided the least control. Nomenclature: Barnyardgrass, Echinocholoa crus-galli L. Beauv. ECHCG; broadleaf signalgrass, Urochloa platyphylla (Nash) R.D. Webster BRAPP; rice, Oryza sativa L.
Summer, sun and sepsis—The influence of outside temperature on nosocomial bloodstream infections: A cohort study and review of the literature

Background The incidence of many infections is seasonal e.g. surgical site infections, urinary tract infection and bloodstream infections. We questioned whether there is seasonal variation even in climate-controlled hospitalized patients, and analyzed the influence of climate parameters on nosocomial bloodstream infections. Methods and findings The retrospective cohort study is based on two databases: The German national surveillance system for nosocomial infections in intensive care units (ICU-KISS) from 2001 to 2015 and aggregated monthly climate data. Primary bloodstream infection (PBSI) is defined as a positive blood culture with one (or more) pathogen(s) which are not related to an infection on another site and which were not present at admission. Monthly infection data were matched with postal code, calendar month and corresponding monthly climate and weather data. All analyses were exploratory in nature. 1,196 ICUs reported data on PBSI to KISS. The ICUs were located in 779 hospitals and in 728 different postal codes in Germany. The majority of the 19,194 PBSI were caused by gram-positive bacteria. In total, the incidence density of BSI was 17% (IRR 1.168, 95%CI 1.076–1.268) higher in months with high temperatures (≥20°C) compared to months with low temperatures (<5°C). The effect was most prominent for gram-negatives; more than one third (38%) higher followed by gram-positives with 13%. Fungi reached their highest IRR at moderately warm temperatures between 15–20°C. At such temperatures fungi showed an increase of 33% compared to temperatures below 5°C. PBSI spiked in summer with a peak in July and August. PBSI differed by pathogen: The majority of bacteria increased with rising temperatures. Enterococci showed no seasonality. S. pneumoniae reached a peak in winter time. The association of the occurrence of PBSI and temperatures ≥20°C was stronger when the mean monthly temperature in the month prior to the occurrence of BSI was considered instead of the temperature in the month of the occurrence of BSI. High average temperatures ≥20°C increased the risk of the development of a PBSI by 16% compared with low temperatures <5°C. Conclusions Most nosocomial infections are endogenous in nature; the microbiome plays a crucial role in host health. If gut and skin microbiome varies with season, environmental parameters will contribute to the observed incidence patterns. Similarly, the impact of global warming on both local weather patterns and extreme weather events may influence the acquisition of pathogens. A better understanding of the etiology of these infections is needed to provide guidance for future infection control strategies.
Response of Onion and Leek Plants during the Early Growth Stage to Mycorrhizal Inoculation on a Phosphorus Deficient Calcareous Soil

A pot experiment was carried out in the greenhouse at the faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Egypt, to evaluate the response of onion and leek plants during the early growth stage to mycorrhizal inoculation on a phosphorus (P) deficient calcareous soil. The soil used in this work was collected from Burg El-Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt from the surface layer to plough depth (down to 20 cm). Uniform seedlings of onion (Allium cepa L.) and leek (Allium porrum L.) each having two or three pairs of fully grown leaves, were selected and transplanted into the pots at the rate of two seedlings per pot. Half of the pots were inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi (M) (Glomus intraradices) while the other half was uninoculated (NM). All plants were harvested three times as 15; 25 and 35 days after transplanting (DAT). The experiment was structured following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. The results showed that, under the same conditions of this experiment with P deficient calcareous soil, mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) varied in their ability to stimulate plant growth at different growth stages. Mycorrhizal inoculation negatively affected both onion and leek during the early two growth stages (0 - 15; 15 - 25 DAT) on the growth parameters (shoot dry weight; shoot height and root length). Contrarily, onion and leek growth were improved by mycorrhizal fungi in later growth stage (25 - 35 DAT) on the same growth parameters. The shoot dry matter, shoot height and root length of onion inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi at the third sampling date (35 DAT) increased by 32% ; 22% and 20% respectively compared to uninoculated onion plants. Also, the growth parameters of leek plants inoculated with AMF at the third sampling date (35 DAT) increased by 25%; 24.8% and 28% respectively compared to the uninoculated leek plants. On the other hand, the shoot P concentration and P uptake of onion and leek plants with and without Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) increased with increasing plant growth stages. The increase in P concentration and P uptake of onion and leek plants inoculated with Mycorrhizal fungi was rapidly in the second growth stage (from 25 to 35 DAT) compared to the first growth stage (from 15 to 25 DAT). A highly significant correlation between root length and P uptake of plant (onion and leek with and without AMF) was observed. This study however indicated that beneficial responses due to mycorrhizal inoculation may need some time (35 DAT or more under the same conditions of this experiment) to develop its structure into the plant roots.
Albumin content in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) as affected by the environment

Albumins or water soluble proteins (wsp) in wheat are important as nutrients containing high content of essential amino acids such as lysine, tryptophan, methionine, and also asparagine, glutamine, arginine, and proline in comparison to storage proteins-glutenins and gliadins. Fifteen bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and 15 durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes were evaluated across six different environments for two years to determine the content of albumins in grains. The purpose of this research was to determine the variability of the albumins content of the tested bread wheat and durum wheat genotypes, effects of environment, genotype and their interaction (GEI) on the trait of interest, heritability in a broad sense, stability, and also to interpret GEI by climatic factors modelling. The statistical procedure included analysis of variance, sites regression and factorial regression. The mean content of albumins was 20.23 g kg -1 in bread wheat and 23.12 g kg -1 in durum wheat. Environment followed by GEI was the most important in determining albumins content. The heritability in a broad sense was low, i.e. 31.3% for bread wheat and only 2.4% for durum wheat. GEI for the albumins content was explained with the efficacy of 94.7% and 94.2% of sum of squares, for bread wheat and durum wheat, respectively, by the following models: mean temperature in May, winter moisture reserves, minimum temperature in April and March for bread wheat; and precipitation sum in April, sunshine hours sum in March, maximum temperature in May, and winter moisture reserves for durum wheat. The simultaneous selection for high albumins content and good stability proved to be possible for bread wheat genotypes, but less for durum wheat genotypes due to unsatisfactory stability.
Sequenced-based typing research for Legionella pneumophila isolated from the cooling tower in Shenzhen.

Objective To evaluate the gene characteristics of Legionella pneumophila isolated from the air-condition cooling tower in public places of Shenzhen by the sequence-based typing(SBT). Methods Seven housekeeping genes including flaA,pilE,asd,mip,mompS,proA,neuA of 52 strains of Legionella pneumophila were amplified by PCR.Amplified products were sequenced and the results were compared with the database of EWGLI.Results Among 52 strains of Legionella pneumophila,the ST typing of 27 strains of Lp1 was ST1,ST 144,ST 150,ST 154,ST 159 and ST 160,25 strains of Lp2-14 ware ST8,ST 152,ST 239 and ST 242,and 9 strains of Lp2-14 were unknown according to the database,which were named a-i.Conclusion The sequence-based typing has been proved a discriminatory,exact,normal technique,which is easy to be standardized and used to compare the international strains of Legionella pneumophila.
Role of Repressors in Fine Regulation of Development: Sxl and Its New Repressors Hey and Myc

Role of Repressors in Fine Regulation of Development: Sxl and Its New Repressors Hey and Myc. (December 2009) Elena Kozhina, B.S., Novosibirsk State University, Russia Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. James Erickson In Drosophila, XX embryos express Sxl from the early promoter, SxlPe, and become females. At the same time, XY embryos with only one X chromosome become males. I investigated the role of repression in the establishment of the strict regulation of SxlPe. I found that the co-repressor Groucho, is responsible for amplification of the two-fold difference in X-encoded activator genes into an all-or-nothing difference in Sxl expression. Three new basic helix-loop-helix repressors of Sxl were identified: Hey, Cwo and the prooncogene Myc, all of which are maternally supplied. I have shown that Myc specific repression is important as early as cycle 10, which is 2 cycles earlier than the onset of normal Sxl expression.
The influence of training-induced sarcomerogenesis on the history dependence of force

ABSTRACT The increase or decrease in isometric force following active muscle lengthening or shortening, relative to a reference isometric contraction at the same muscle length and level of activation, are referred to as residual force enhancement (rFE) and residual force depression (rFD), respectively. The purpose of these experiments was to investigate the trainability of rFE and rFD on the basis of serial sarcomere number (SSN) alterations to history-dependent force properties. Maximal rFE/rFD measures from the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) of rats were compared after 4 weeks of uphill or downhill running with a no-running control. SSN adapted to the training: soleus SSN was greater with downhill compared with uphill running, while EDL demonstrated a trend towards more SSN for downhill compared with no running. In contrast, rFE and rFD did not differ across training groups for either muscle. As such, it appears that training-induced SSN adaptations do not modify rFE or rFD at the whole-muscle level. Summary: The addition and subtraction of serial sarcomeres induced by downhill and uphill running, respectively, does not influence the magnitude of lengthening-induced residual force enhancement and shortening-induced residual force depression.
Effects of Temperature Manipulation during Late Embryogenesis on Broiler Performance

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of thermal manipulation (TM) for different periods during different ages of embryogenesis on the post hatch performance of broiler. Eggs from Ross breeders were subjected to heat treatment of 38.4°C at day 19 for 6h per day (T1) and in T2 eggs were subjected at 19 and 20 days old for 3h per day. Control eggs were incubated at 37.4°C. Eggs were submitted to the same humidity range (80-85%). A total of 270 one-day chicks obtained from the treated eggs in the hatchery, were distributed randomly on the treatments with three replicates per treatment (30 chicks per replicate). Chicks reared on the floor, and Aviagin rearing guides of Ross strain was applied for environmental control. A pelleted feed and water were offered adlibitum . Results showed significant (p<0.05) differences in body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) during the grower phase, while values of feed conversion ratio (FCR) differed insignificantly among treatments. In overall, higher BW and BWG were found in T1, while lowest value of FI was recorded in T2, both treated groups showed improvement in FCR compared to the control. Male broilers obtained higher BW with embryos exposure to higher temperature for 3h in days 19 and 20, while female broilers obtained higher BW with both treatments compared to the control. The production index improved in both treated groups compared to control and lower mortality was recorded in T1, while highest value recorded in T2. In conclusion results indicated that TM of broiler embryo during late embryogenesis period improved post hatch performance of broiler chickens.
Early Cellular Responses Induced by Sedimentary Calcite-Processed Particles in Bright Yellow 2 Tobacco Cultured Cells

Calcite processed particles (CaPPs, Megagreen®) elaborated from sedimentary limestone rock, and finned by tribomecanic process were found to increase photosynthetic CO2 fixation grapevines and stimulate growth of various cultured plants. Due to their processing, the CaPPs present a jagged shape with some invaginations below the micrometer size. We hypothesised that CaPPs could have a nanoparticle (NP)-like effects on plants. Our data show that CaPPs spontaneously induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in liquid medium. These ROS could in turn induce well-known cellular events such as increase in cytosolic Ca2+, biotic ROS generation and activation of anion channels indicating that these CaPPs could activate various signalling pathways in a NP-like manner.