Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Signal amplification in HL‐60 granulocytes

Receptors for the chemotactic peptide fMet-Leu-Phe (fMet, N-formylmethionine) are present in membranes of myeloid differentiated human leukemia (HL-60) cells and stimulate phospholipase C via a pertussis-toxin-sensitive guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory protein(s) [G-protein(s)]. We have developed methods for the assessment of formyl-peptide-receptor-stimulated binding of radiolabeled guanosine 5′-[γ-thio]triphosphate ([35S]GTP[S]) to native HL-60 membranes. Agonist stimulation of [35S]GTP[S] association with the membrane was minimal ( 20%) when GTP[S] was the sole nucleotide present in the incubation medium. In contrast, receptor activation led to a marked (up to sixfold) stimulation of [35S]GTP[S] binding when GDP or GTP were present in high (> 100-fold) excess of [35S]GTP[S]. The increase in [35S]GTP[S] binding caused by the chemotactic agonist was strictly dependent on the presence of Mg2+ and was significantly increased by Na+. Agonist-independent binding of [35S]GTP[S] and the increase due to the chemotactic agonist were markedly attenuated by both pertussis and cholera toxin. Comparision of the number of chemotactic-peptide-sensitive [35S]GTP[S]-binding sites to the number of chemotactic peptide receptors present in HL-60 membranes provided direct evidence that a single formyl-peptide receptor is capable of catalyzing the binding of [35S]GTP[S] to, and thus the activation of, multiple (up to 20) G-proteins in native plasma membranes.
Molecular phylogenetic analyses of Drakaeinae: Diurideae (Orchidaceae) based on DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region

Abstract. Results of the analysis of rDNA sequences based on 55 collections representative of 32 Drakaeinae orchid species and outgroups supported the monophyly of the subtribe, with weak support for the inclusion of Spiculaea, and revealed six strongly supported monophyletic, well defined morphological groups. Caleana is monophyletic. Chiloglottis s.lat. is monophyletic when Simpliglottis and Myrmechila are included. Our results also suggested that the segregate genus Phoringopsis is better treated as part of Arthrochilus.There is sufficient molecular and morphological support for recognition of the leafless, mycroheterotrophic Thynninorchis to be maintained as a separate genus. A taxonomic summary is provided, including reassignment of taxa at generic ranks and new combinations for Caleana alcockii (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem. , Caleana brockmanii (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem. , Caleana disjuncta (D.L.Jones) M.A.Clem. , Caleana dixonii (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem. , Caleana gracilicordata (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem. , Caleana granitica (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem. , Caleana hortiorum (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem. , Caleana lyonsii (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem. , Caleana parvula (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem. , Caleana terminalis (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem. and Caleana triens (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem.
Immunohistochemistry of serotonin (5-HT) in the human gut endocrine cells. An application of ultrastructural immunohistochemistry

The ultrastructural localization of serotonin (5-HT)-like immunoreactivity was investigated in human gut endocrine cells by the block-staining method using horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled anti-5-HT rabbit (Fab')2. The reactive products against 5-HT were satisfactorily demonstrated on the membrane-bound and/or non-membrane-bound ribosomal granules as well as on the basally accumulated biconcave granules as seen in typical enterochromaffin (EC) cells.The cross-reactivity of the anti-5-HT antisera to various tryptophan related compounds and the other monoamines was examined by the 125I labeled protein A (IPA) assay system. The anti-5-HT antisera were completely neutralized by serotonin-bovine serum albumin (BSA) and N-acetylserotonin-BSA conjugates and incompletely by free serotonin creatininesulfate. No inhibition of the antibody binding activity was observed when the antisera were preincubated with tryptophan and its related compounds or other monoamines.In conclusion, our results confirmed the ultrastructural localization of 5-HT-like immunoreactivity in EC cells and the availability of the blockstaining method using HRP-labeled anti-5-HT (Fab')2 for ultrastructural immunohistochemistry.
Lipid Composition of Some Typical North Sea Copepods

Copepods of the southern North Sea and Wadden Sea were investigated with special respect to the main lipid groups as well as to their fatty-acid pattern. The seasonal variation of lipids of the small copepods Temora longicornjs, Acartia clausi and Centropages hamatus was determined; in addition some zooplankters, which could only be sampled sporadically, were analysed. The seasonal values for total lipids from the small copepods varied between 0,3 and 1 pg ind. -', with maximal concentrations during spring and autumn. In addition to fatty-acid pattern, the proportions of triglycerides, phospholipids and free fatty acids were determined. The triglycerides are fixed as depot lipid with high seasonal variation in their concentrations (the main lipid component). Phospholipids exhibited less variation, which is to be expected, since they are incorporated as structural lipids in membranes. A comparison of the feeding behav~or between omnivorous copepods and copepods characterized by selective feeding shows that the fatty-acid pattern seems to depend on the type of food ingested. In selective feeders the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids is greater than in omnivorous copepods.
Transfert de gène in vivo: étude, régulation et application de l'électrotransfert

L'electrotransfert est une technique de transfert de gene in vivo, permettant une expression elevee du transgene dans un grand nombre de tissus. Dans ce contexte, nous avons utilise l'imagerie optique pour optimiser differents protocoles d'electrotransfert dans le muscle et la peau. Nous avons developpe un systeme de regulation de l'expression des genes combinant le systeme de regulation repressible a la tetracycline Tet-Off et une strategie antisens. Nous avons examine le potentiel de l'electrotransfert d'ADN plasmidique pour l'obtention d'anticorps neutralisants a haut titre contre les toxines botuliques A, B et E. Les animaux immunises avec des plasmides codant les fragments immunogenes des toxines expriment de facon endogene ces fragments de toxines, qui servent d'antigenes et declenchent une reponse immune. Nous avons finalement etudie l'etat de methylation de l'ADN plasmidique apres injection et electrotransfert dans le muscle squelettique et sa possible integration dans le genome.
Genetic and morphological divergence along the littoral–pelagic axis in two common and sympatric fishes: perch, Perca fluviatilis (Percidae) and roach, Rutilus rutilus (Cyprinidae)

Individuals are constantly in competition with one another and, on both ecological and evolutionary timescales, processes act to reduce this competition and promote the gain of fitness advantages via diversification. Here we have investigated the genetic (AFLP) and morphological (geometric morphometrics) aspects of the littoral–pelagic axis, a commonly observed resource polymorphism in freshwater fishes of postglacial lakes. We found a large degree of variation in the genetic and morphological divergence between littoral and pelagic perch and roach across Swedish lakes. Although there was evidence of assortative mating (elevated kinship values) in both species, we could not find any significant coupling of morphology and genetic divergence. Instead, there was evidence that the extent of resource polymorphism may be largely caused by phenotypic plasticity. These results suggest that assortative mating, which can lead to genetically determined adaptive divergence, does occur in these species, particularly perch, but not according to genetically fixed morphological traits. The behavioural mechanisms facilitating associative mating need to be investigated to explore the interaction between phenotypic plasticity and adaptive genetic divergence and their roles in diversification. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 114, 929–940.
Sex ratio conflicts, mating frequency, and queen fitness in the ant Formica truncorum

We examined the effect of facultative sex allocation by workers on queen fitness in a Furnish population of the ant Formica truncorum. Workers rear female-biased broods in colonies headed by a singly mated queen and male-biased broods in colonies headed by a multiply mated queen. As a result, multiply mated queens have a 37% fitness advantage over singly mated queens. Neither reproductive output nor worker population of colonies varied with queen mating frequency. We suggest that singly mated queens persist in the population because fitness benefits to multiply mated queens via sex allocation are balanced by costs of additional mating*. Alternatively, singly mated queens may persist simply because some queens lack opportunities to mate multiply or because male control sometimes prevents additional matings by queens. Kty words: eusodah'ty, Formica, queen fitness, sex allocation, social insects, worker-queen conflict. [Behav Ecol 9:116-121 (1998)]
May Obesity and Nutritional Knowledge Influence the Assessing Energy Intake Underreporting in Adults

Aims: Investigate the influence of the nutrition knowledge and nutritional status in the assessing energy intake underreporting. Methodology: It’s a cross-sectional study in 52 adults treated in an ambulatory. The nutritional knowledge was measured through the Nutritional Knowledge Scale. The anthropometric data analyzed were: waist circumference, height and weight. The food consumption was checked by three recalls of 24 hours. The resting metabolic rate was calculated by the Mifflin’s formula, and the assessing energy intake underreporting was calculated after Goldberg’s formula. Statistical analysis Original Research Article Quesada et al.; BJMMR, 12(3): 1-8, 2016; Article no.BJMMR. 22248 2 was performed by the “Bioestat 5.0” program and the Chi Square test for trend was used to evaluate the association between variables (p≤0,05). Results: The studied group showed an average age of 38,90±9,52. The assessing energy intake underreporting was noted in 92,3% of the sample. It was observed that the average energy intake related (1583,27±575,29 Kcal) was less than the average of the resting metabolic rate (1802,71±227,02 Kcal). Higher values of IMC (A = 0,153; p = 0,85) and in waist circumference (A = 2,769; p = 0,05) were associated with the increase of the assessing energy intake underreporting. In the other hand, there was a decreasing tendency (A = 0,384; p = 0,750) in the association between energetic underreporting and nutritional knowledge. Conclusion: It was observed a higher tendency of assessing energy intake underreporting between individuals with higher IMC and waist circumference and lower nutritional knowledge.
Late‐Acting Self‐Incompatibility and Other Breeding Systems in Tabebuia (Bignoniaceae)

Although breeding system investigations were previously performed in only nine of the 100 Tabebuia species, indications of self‐incompatibility have been found in all of them, and the four species studied for the site of incompatibility reaction showed some kind of late‐acting self‐incompatibility. Polyembryony has been found in T. chrysotricha and T. ochracea, with adventitious origin of the extra embryos being shown in the latter. We investigated the breeding system in five species of Tabebuia by hand‐pollination experiments, fluorescence microscopy study of in situ pollen tube growth, and histological analysis of postpollination events. Although both T. chrysotricha and T. heptaphylla developed fruits by self‐pollination, polyembryony was verified only in the former, which indicates that self‐fertility in Tabebuia is not necessarily associated with apomixis. The remaining species were 100% self‐sterile. Although some penetrated ovules in crossed pistils of T. vellosoi were found at the 48‐h interval, none of the ovules in selfed pistil was penetrated at the same interval, with penetration of many ovules occurring 72 h postpollination. In T. impetiginosa, ovule penetration efficiency 48 h after pollination was higher in cross‐ than in self‐pollinated pistils, and the majority of the ovules in selfed pistils were penetrated and fertilized in 72 h. The incidences of ovule fertilization and endosperm initiation were significantly slower in selfed compared with crossed pistils, and a clear developmental slowdown of the endosperm occurred in selfed pistils before abscission, although no other signs of developmental malfunctions were detected. In all of the self‐sterile species, abortion of selfed pistils occurred in a small period after pollination, and no swelling of the ovary was observed in T. umbellata. All of these results agree with the occurrence of late‐acting self‐incompatibility in T. impetiginosa, T. umbellata, and T. vellosoi, and no evidence was found that self‐sterility in these species is due to inbreeding depression.
Ingestion efficiency of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) larvae feeding on Artemia, Moina micrura Kurz and their combination.

Ingestion efficiency of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) larvae feeding on Artemia alone (A), Moina alone (M) and a 50:50 mixture of Artemia and Moina (AM) at 1, 3, 5 and 7 organisms ml-1 densities was investigated in terms of individual ingestion rate (IIR), dry mass ingestion (DMI) and energy intake (EI). Irrespective of larval stages and test food densities, larvae showed a significantly higher IIR for diet A except for AM, as the IIR for A and AM were similar from stage V onwards. Compared with diet A, IIR of M were sevenfold to fourfold lower, up to stage V. However, the larvae showed a sharp increase in IIR thereafter and gradually the differences reduced to about 1.6-1.2 fold at later stages. Despite the lower IIR, both DMI and EI for Moina were higher from stage VIII onwards than values for Artemia. In case of mixed diet (AM), the larvae of all stages showed a food selectivity response.
Damage repair mechanisms in sensory hair cells

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are a class of drug used to treat bacterial infections but have the unfortunate side effect of being both oto- and nephro-toxic. Deafness caused by aminoglycoside ototoxicity results from a loss of sensory hair cells from the inner ear. In vitro, two early effects of aminoglycoside exposure can be observed. First, membrane blebs are formed around the perimeter of the hair-cell apical surface. Secondly phosphatidylserine (PS), an aminophospholipid that is normally restricted to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, flops to the outer leaflet. This membrane damage occurs rapidly, within 90-120 seconds of drug exposure and can be completely reversed. The aim of this thesis was to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying damage repair in sensory hair cells recovering from aminoglycoside damage. TEM studies using cationic ferritin as a tracer indicates the repair process involves membrane internalisation, but recovery cannot be blocked by inhibitors of macropinocytosis, the clathrin-independent carrier (CLIC) pathway, PI3 kinase, PKC, Pak1 or of the clathrin-coated pit pathway. Damage repair is, however, prevented by the actin stabiliser jasplakinolide and the inhibitor of Protein kinase A, H-89. In addition, the CLIC pathway inhibitor EIPA has been uncovered as a reversible blocker of aminoglycoside entry into hair cells.
Fungicides Inhibition Analysis by Molecular Docking and Sensitivity Testing of Penicillium italicum

Blue mold, caused by Penicillium. italicum, is one of the most damaging postharvest diseases of citrus fruit. P. italicum Sterol 14α-demethylase (PiCYP51), an important enzyme in membrance sterol biosynthesis, is a key target of antifungal compounds for citrus disease caused by P. italicum. The three-dimensional structure of PiCYP51 from P. italicum Chinese isolate (HS-1) was constructed through homology modeling basing on the crystal structure of human CYP51. After molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, the refined model was assessed by PROCHECK on the quality. Following evaluation on the reliability was performed by investigating the binding interaction of two commercial sterol 14α-demethylase inhibitors (DMIs) with the enzyme. The binding mode predicted by the molecular docking revealed that the DMIs interacted with PiCYP51 mainly through hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, the results were compatible with the detected EC50 values, which were determined as 0.25 and 0.31mg/L for tebuconazole and diniconazole. The binding mode of antifungal agents with PiCYP51 can provide references for DMIs optimization, virtual screening, or de novo antifungal compounds design.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Ground Water Quality of Two Industrial Zones of Karachi, Pakistan

The purpose of this research study is to determine the quality of groundwater in and around the two industrial zones of Karachi such as SITE (Sindh industrial and trading estate) and KITE (Korangi industrial and trading estate) by using EIRA (Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment) method. The environmental researchers find this method easy enough to use for risk assessment and environmental impact. It has estimated the risk and impact associated with measured concentrations of ecological indicators for environmental components examined as a representative in assessment process. There are several mathematical steps being applied in this method. Out of 32 sampling points (18 each) of groundwater analysis, six ecological indicators examined representative for evaluative purpose were assessed. The results of the study indicated that the groundwater quality of both the industrial zones had high pollutant and contaminated due to industrial activities. Therefore, it is certain to implement the plan for remediation to uplift the quality of groundwater and overcome the pollution.
Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection and Foraging Return of Adult Largemouth Bass in Reservoirs

AbstractPrevious laboratory studies have demonstrated that turbidity alters prey selection by Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, but this has not been tested in the field. Laboratory studies have also suggested that daily rates of consumption by Largemouth Bass may decline as turbidity increases and that the rate of decline may differ among prey types, possibly providing a mechanism that drives the observed prey selection patterns. We conducted laboratory trials to measure daily consumption rates for Largemouth Bass when foraging on Bluegills Lepomis macrochirus and Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum; we also collected field data in three reservoir systems (Boomer, Sooner, and Guthrie lakes, Oklahoma) during 2 years to evaluate Largemouth Bass prey selection and consumption rates over a range of turbidity levels. In the laboratory trials, Largemouth Bass daily consumption rates declined with increased turbidity, but the decline was similar between the two prey types. We detected no correlations between .
Research activities focused on management of red palm weevil at the UJI-IVIA Associated Unit (Region of Valencia, Spain)

During the past 5 years, the Associated Unit between Institut Valencia d’Investigacions Agraries (IVIA) and Universitat Jaume I (UJI) has been working on the management of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. The host status of Washingtonia filifera, Chamaerops humilis and Phoenix theophrasti was established, and complete resistance via antibiosis was described for W. filifera. A thermal constant (egg to adult) of 989.3 degree-days has been established for R. ferrugineus when feeding in live P. canariensis. Based on this result, less than one annual generation is expected in areas with mean annual temperature below 15°C, and more than two if above 19°C. Assays on chemical control showed that a dose of 1.14 g aluminium phosphide m−3 for 3 days is enough to kill all stages of R. ferrugineus in infested palms. The efficacies of imidacloprid and a microencapsulated paint containing chlorpyrifos and pyriproxyfen were also studied. Imidacloprid had high efficacies when applied as a drench either as a preventive or a curative treatment, whereas the paint was effective as a preventive treatment only. Biological control by use of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi has been explored. Steinernema carpocapsae resulted in high efficacies when applied in a chitosan formulation. Beauveria bassiana also gave very good results, and new assays are under way to improve its use.
What is the role of local landscape structure in the vegetation composition of field boundaries

ABSTRACT Question: How distinct is the flora of field boundaries? How does the structure of field boundaries determine the composition of vegetation? Location: Estonia, six 4 km × 4 km agricultural areas. Methods: We studied the vegetation of fields and field boundaries using 2 m × 2 m sample plots. We estimated the frequency of species in both habitat types, applied an MRPP test to analyse the vegetation composition of field boundaries with various combinations of landscape features (ditches, roads, tree and bush layers) illustrating this by DCA ordination, and used indicator species analysis to determine the characteristic species of each boundary type. Results: Ca. 45% of the flora of field boundaries comprised species found on agricultural land. Most typical species in fields – agrotolerants – were also the most common in field boundaries. The vegetation of road verges and grassy boundaries consisted mainly of disturbance-tolerant species. Woody boundaries were characterised by shade-tolerant and nitrophilous species. Ditch banks included species typical of moist habitats and semi-natural grasslands. Few threatened or protected species were observed. Conclusions: The vegetation composition of field boundaries varied due to the complex effects of landscape structure around and in these boundaries. Plant species in agricultural landscapes can be classified into two broad emergent groups on the basis of their different responses to agricultural disturbances – agrotolerant species and nature-value species. Agrotolerant species are promoted by agriculture, nature-value species include rare weeds and habitat specialists. We suggest that high-nature-value species should prevail in monitoring the effects of land-use intensification on biodiversity rather than total species richness. Nomenclature: Flora Europaea (Tutin et al. 2001).
Complete mitochondrial genome of Tetraophasis szechenyii Madarász, 1885 (Aves: Galliformes: Phasianidae), and its genetic variation as inferred from the mitochondrial DNA Control Region

The buff-throated partridge, Tetraophasis szechenyii Madarász, 1885, is a species endemic to west China. The complete mitochondrial genome of this species was sequenced. It was 16,706 base pairs (bp) in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a control region (CR). The phylogenetic relationships of the buff-throated partridge and 19 other Phasianidae species were inferred by Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses based on 12 protein-coding genes. With the exception of a few nodes, most internal branches were supported by a high Bayesian posterior probability (BPP = 1.0). The resulting trees clarified the phylogenetic position of T. szechenyii within Phasianidae. The genetic diversity and population structure of the Pamulin population of T. szechenyii were examined based on the mitochondrial DNA CR. Nucleotide sequence analysis defined 18 haplotypes in 24 individuals. Haplotype diversity (h) was 0.953 and nucleotide diversity (π) was 0.0044. The results revealed that the genetic diversity of this population was not particularly low. Combined with the field work conducted by our lab, we found that members of the Pamuling population are cooperative breeders and the population may contain individuals from neighbouring groups. Our work provided genetic background information for the conservation and management of this species.