Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Expression for Average Information Matrix for a Mixed Linear Multi-Component of Variance Model and REML Iteration Equations

For the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedure, which is an iterative method and is in common use to estimate variance components in animal breeding researches and applications, there have been proposed the computing algorithms of several kinds. Focussing on the so-called average information (AI) algorithm and assuming a mixed linear, multi-component of variance model, in this study, an expression for the AI matrix in which the vector of predicted residuals is not contained is derived. The resulting elements of the AI matrix are expressed in terms of quadratic and bilinear forms for the vectors of observations and the mixed model solutions. Replacing the Hessian matrix by the current AI matrix, a quasi-Newton type procedure is defined for REML estimation. Although a generalized inverse of the mixed model coefficient matrix and direct solutions to the mixed model equations are required to form the current AI matrix, use of sparse matrix tools makes the proposed numerical technique efficient. As an illustration, some computing performance of the current REML procedure is shown, analyzing a data set on carcass weight in the Japanese Black cattle.
Superação da dormência e avaliação da qualidade fisiológica de sementes de Sesbania virgata

A avaliacao da qualidade fisiologica de lotes de sementes de Sesbania virgata e dificultada pela dormencia inerente a especie, bem como pela inadequacao metodologica de testes disponiveis. Para desenvolver procedimentos adequados a avaliacao da qualidade das sementes de S. virgata, foram avaliados metodos tanto para quebra de dormencia como para realizacao do teste de tetrazolio. Em uma primeira fase, as sementes de cinco lotes foram submetidas a tratamentos para quebra de dormencia: lixa, acido e corte do tegumento, previamente ao teste de germinacao. Para caracterizacao dos lotes e adequacao da metodologia do teste de tetrazolio, na segunda fase, as sementes foram lixadas na regiao oposta ao eixo embrionario, e submetidas aos seguintes testes: tetrazolio, germinacao, velocidade de emergencia, peso de materia fresca e de materia seca de plântulas. Foram utilizados dois metodos de pre-condicionamento: embebicao em papel por 18 h a 30 oC e imersao em agua por 12 h a 30 oC e tres periodos (uma, duas e tres horas) de imersao em solucao de tetrazolio 0,5%. Na analise do perfil dos lotes de S. virgata foram detectadas variacoes na qualidade fisiologica pelos resultados dos testes de vigor e germinacao. O metodo de escarificacao com lixa possibilitou a quebra de dormencia das sementes de S. virgata,e o pre-condicionamento das sementes em papel com embebicao em solucao de tetrazolio 0,5% por duas horas e um procedimento adequado para avaliacao da viabilidade das sementes.
Infectivity of wild-type rubella virus in fibrochondrocyte cells

This study describes the rapid growth of the rubella virus in samples of a primary fibrochondrocyte cell culture with the development of a cytopathic effect (CPE), in response to infection by the rubella virus. The cells were isolated from the meniscus joint of a rabbit after enzymatic extraction and incubated at 37°C with a Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum. A total of six clinical samples from urine, blood and cerebrospinal fluid were inoculated in the fibrochondrocyte and the cell lines of the African green monkey kidney - ATCC CCL-81 (Vero). The fibrochondrocyte cell showed CPE after 24 hours and virus growth was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Nested PCR. The cells inoculated with samples were examined by phase contrast microscopy and showed characteristic rounding, along with bipolar and multipolar cells. The infection curve increased during the five days of observation, showing that the titers in fibrochondrocyte cells were then higher than those observed in Vero cell lines.
Effects of Metal Mixtures on Aquatic Biota: A Review of Observations and Methods

A brief review of the historical development of metal mixture interaction analyses is presented. The two major classifications of mixture models are outlined, the “Concentration Addition” and the “Response Addition” approaches. Within these two categories, a number of graphical, mathematical and statistical methods have been used, such as the toxic unit approach, relative potencies, toxicity equivalence factors, and dose-response relationships that have been described using several methods such as probit, logit, and regression analyses. A database was generated to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of less than additive, strictly additive, and more than additive responses to metal mixture effects reported in the literature. The three responses occurred at 43, 27, and 29%, respectively. The database is available electronically from the lead author. The research required to determine the most appropriate methods to quantify the effects of metal mixtures in an ecological risk assessment (ERA) framework is discussed. Until this research is completed, ERAs should use existing models such as the toxic unit or the effects addition approach. Bioaccumulation measurements by organisms for which the accumulation to response relationship is known would also be a useful complement.
N2-Fixation in Field Settings: Estimations Based on Natural 15N Abundance

This paper reviews a growing body of literature on the use of variations in the natural abundance of 15N to estimate the fractional contribution of N2-fixation to N2-fixing systems. This method is based on the small difference in 15NN abundance which frequently occurs between N derived from N2-fixation and N derived from other sources. The requirement of the method is that this difference be significant. Whether this requirement is met is site specific and must be empirically established at each site of interest. Advantages and disadvantages of this method are compared with those of more conventional methods. Sources of error, including heterogeneity of 15NN abundance of non-atmospheric N sources are considered. Tests of the method, under both greenhouse and field conditions, are described. Estimates based on this method compare favourably with other methods for field evaluation of N2-fixation, provided that the site and the sampling strategy are appropriate for application of the method. Applications of the method in several ecosystems are described.
The Occurrence of Phytophthora ramorum in Nursery Stock in California, Oregon, and Washington States

Data from nursery surveys conducted in 2003, 2004, and 2005 for ramorum blight and dieback caused by Phytophthora ramorum were analyzed to determine which plant cultivars were likely to be infected with P. ramorum. Susceptible plant host genera, species, and cultivars were identified using culture and nested-polymerase chain reaction analyses, and disease incidence was calculated. For the genus, species, or cultivar analyses at least 20 samples were utilized in this study. The results indicated that the genus Camellia had the highest disease incidence, followed by Rhododendron and Viburnum. Camellia cvs. Setsugekka, Jean May, April Remembered, Winter's Fire, Kramer's Supreme, Bonanza, Magnoliaeflora, Apple Blossom, Silver Waves, Yuletide, and Nuccio's Gem showed the highest risk of P. ramorum infection. Four Rhododendron cvs. Purple Splender, Cunningham's White, Unique, and Nova Zembla were also grouped into the high risk category. All other Rhododendron and Viburnum plant species were at medium or low risk of infection by the pathogen. This study indicated that there is a large variation in disease incidence among genera and specific cultivars within a genus. A series of controlled, replicated, and well designed experiments involving a large sample size of plant cultivars is essential in order to identify the underlying reasons for the observed variation in infection risks of the surveyed data.
Antigen recognition by γδ T cells

Summary: γδ T cells contribute to host immune competence uniquely. This is most likely because they have distinctive antigen‐recognition properties. While the basic organization of γδ T‐cell receptor (TCR) loci is similar to that of αβ TCR loci, there is a striking difference in how the diversity of γδ TCRs is generated. γδ and αβ T cells have different antigen‐recognition requirements and almost certainly recognize a different set of antigens. While it is unclear what most γδ T cells recognize, the non‐classical major histocompatibility complex class I molecules T10 and T22 were found to be the natural ligands for a sizable population (0.2–2%) of murine γδ T cells. The recognition of T10/T22 may be a way by which γδ T cells regulate cells of the immune system, and this system has been used to determine the antigen‐recognition determinants of γδ T cells. T10/T22‐specific γδ T cells have TCRs that are diverse in both V gene usage and CDR3 sequences. Their Vγ usage reflects their tissue origin, and their antigen specificity is conferred by a motif in the TCR δ chain that is encoded by V and D segments and by P‐nucleotide addition. Sequence variations around this motif modulate affinities between TCRs and T10/T22. That this CDR3 motif is important in antigen recognition is confirmed by the crystal structure of a γδ TCR bound to its ligand. The significance of these observations is discussed in the context of γδ T‐cell biology.
Nestmate discrimination in the queenless ponerine ant Diacamma sp. from Japan

We examined the nestmate discrimination ability of Diacamma sp. , an ant that reproduces by colony budding. We also tested for a relationship between internest distance and hostility. Hostility toward non‐nestmates was significantly stronger than that toward nestmates, suggesting that Diacamma sp. discriminates between nestmates and non‐nestmates. There was no significant correlation between internest hostility and internest distance, which indicates the absence of a “dear enemy” phenomenon in this species.
The contribution of ground-level inoculum of Fusarium culmorum to ear blight of winter wheat

In a series of field experiments in eastern England over 5 years, severe ear blight developed only in plots of winter wheat that were inoculated by spraying with conidial suspensions of Fusarium culmorum during anthesis, and in which infection was encouraged by rainfall or mist irrigation. In the absence of artificial inoculation of the ears, F. culmorum caused less extensive ear blight, and only where soil-surface inoculum was available after its application on infested plant material (colonized oat grains) up to 3-4 weeks before anthesis; it then developed most where significant rainfall occurred close to the time of anthesis. A warm, dry period following application of inoculum to the ground in late March contributed to increased infection of grain by F. culmorum, although ear blight was not increased. Ear infection therefore depended on adequate viable inoculum on infested plant debris within the crop, and conditions tending to favour brown foot rot development as well as, subsequently, rainfall and moist conditions during anthesis. These conditions did not occur together naturally during this period. Seedling infection by F. culmorum or Microdochium nivale made no significant contribution to ear blight. Inoculation of ears at anthesis with M. nivale or a locally obtained isolate of F. langsethiae did not produce ear blight symptoms. Possibilities for minimizing the availability of inoculum of F. culmorum and the implications for various options for ear-blight control are discussed.
Genetic diversity in Prunus spinosa L. – challenges in the use of autochthonous sources

Genetic diversity in natural stands of autochthonous blackthorn ( Prunus spinosa L.) of different German provenances has been analyzed using a highly reproducible high-annealing-temperature random ampliﬁed polymorphic DNA (HAT-RAPD) protocol. The findings were compared to those from seedstocks of the same provenances, reported earlier. Generally, genetic diversity in the natural stands was even lower (H o 0.099–0.116) compared to the corresponding seedstocks (H o 0.118–0.133). Furthermore, genetic differentiation was found to be moderate between natural residential sources (pairwise F st 0.138–0.184, 22.527% variation among populations), but higher than between the seedstocks (pairwise F st 0.086-0.104, 7.782% variation among populations). The findings are discussed in respect to German conservation law and its practical implementation.
Induction of phospholipid hydroperoxides in relation to change of tissue mineral distribution caused by magnesium-deficiency in rats.

本研究ではMg欠乏食投与による組織中ミネラル分布と過酸化リン脂質量の変化たついて検討を行った。 Mg欠乏食投与により血漿, 赤血球膜, 肝臓, 心臓および大動脈中PCOOH量の増加を観察した。 これらの組織中過酸化リン脂質の増加は遷移元素であるFeやCuの蓄積に起因することが考えられた。 Mg欠乏食投与により抗酸化酵素であるSODもしくはGPXの活性が肝臓, 腎臓, 心臓および血漿で低下した。 また, Mg欠乏食投与により血漿中脂質濃度の増加が観察されており, リポタンパクが酸化傷害されている可能性が示唆された。 さらに生体内DNAの酸化的損傷マーカーである8-OHdGの上昇が尿で確認された。
Etude comparée des potentialités hivernales d'assimilation carbonée de trois conifères de la zone tempérée (Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb., Abies alba Mill. et Picea excelsa Link.)

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Etude comparée des potentialités hivernales d’assimilation carbonée de trois conifères de la zone tempérée (Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb., Abies alba Mill. et Picea excelsa Link.) J.M. Guehl, B. Clerc, J.M. Desjeunes
Reproduction and Settlement of Mytilus Edulis on an Exposed Rocky Shore in Galway Bay, West Coast of Ireland

The marine mussel, Mytilus edulis, is a widely distributed bivalve, especially abundant on wave washed exposed rocky shores (Lewis, 1964). Investigations on the reproductive and settlement cycles of M. edulis in Irish waters have concentrated to date on sheltered shore populations (Wilson & Seed, 1974; Seed & Brown, 1975; Rodhouse et al., 1984; McKenzie, 1986). An exception to this is a brief account of settlement in Bantry Bay (Cross & Southgate, 1983). Elsewhere in Europe, investigations on the biology of exposed-shore mussels is restricted to the extensive studies of Seed (1969) on the north-east coast of Britain.
Distribution of macrobenthic assemblages along a marine gradient in Mediterranean eutrophic coastal lagoons

Coastal lagoons can be characterised by strong environmental changes along the outer marine-inner brackish gradient, which are reflected in the patterns of distribution of organisms and composition of assemblages. Close to the sea the assemblages are dominated by marine animals, while in the innermost confined areas, there would be estuarine taxa and organisms typical of organically-enriched areas. During the last decades, human impact has been severe in these habitats and has often profoundly altered the distribution of animals and plants along the gradient. In this study we have analysed the distribution of macrofauna along the outer marine-inner brackish gradient in five Italian lagoons, affected by severe human disturbance on the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian and Sardinian coasts. We aimed to measure changes in the composition of assemblages according to the distance from the sea, consistent among lagoons and time, after the occurrence of eutrophication, repeated distrophic crisis and other human interventions. We considered existing data from campaigns done during 1994, 1995 and 1999. We arranged different datasets according to the available data, in order to measure the spatial distribution of macrofauna genera with distance from the sea and through time. Analyses showed differences among assemblages related to the gradient. Nevertheless, the species characterizing the assemblages were all typical of organically-enriched areas, which testified to an impoverishment of diversity and functioning of all these systems. [KEYWORDS: Coastal lagoons ; eutrophication ; Italian coast ; macrofauna ; Mediterranean ; spatial distribution]
Neutrophils in health and disease: An overview

Neutrophils are granulocytes, which form an essential component of the cellular innate system involved in killing bacteria and fungi. They play critical role in host defence by phagocytizing and digesting microorganisms and inappropriate activation of neutrophils may result in damage to normal host tissues. The structure, functions of neutrophils, mechanism of controlling periodontal bacteria, and neutrophilic abnormalities with oral manifestations are discussed in this article.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibits Growth Hormone Secretion from Cultured Anterior Pituitary Cells

Abstract Anabolic proteins such as pituitary GH enhance the function of several immune cell types. The converse could also exist, that is communication from the immune cells to GHproducing somatotrophs. To test this hypothesis, tumor necrosis factor-a (TNFa), a product of activated macrophages, was exposed to cultured rat pituitary cells, and GH release was monitored. TNFa inhibited basal and GH-releasing hormone-stimulated GH accumulation, with IC50 values of 170 U/ml (5.2 ng/ml) and 50 U/ml (1.5 ng/ml), respectively. This inhibition was first measured after 6 h of TNFa treatment, continued for at least 3 days, and was reversible. A number of measurements (e.g. trypan blue exclusion, chromium release, and GH cell content) yielded no signs of cytotoxicity to explain the inhibition. We conclude that TNFa can reduce basal and stimulated pituitary GH release in vitro.
Isopolar vs Isosteric Phosphonate Analogues of Nucleotides

Abstract A range of β,γ-bridged phosphonate analogues of ATP and of β,β-bridged analogues of Ap4A has been synthesised. Some of their metal binding characteristics and inhibition of enzymatic phosphoryl transfer processes can be described in terms of the relative importance of steric and electronic features of the nucleotide analogues.
Performance of nanopolyaniline-fungal enzyme based biosensor for water pollution

The Laccases are oxidoreductases belonging to the multinuclear copper-containing oxidases; they catalyse the monoelectronic oxidation of substrates at the expense of molecular oxygen. These essentially ecofriendly enzymes work with air and produce water as the only by-product. Their uses span from the textile to the pulp and paper industries, and from food applications to bioremediation processes. Laccases also have uses in organic synthesis, where their typical substrates are phenols and amines, and the reaction products are dimers and oligomers derived from the coupling of reactive radical intermediates. Laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus was extracted from the Shaken flask cultures of Pleurotus ostreatus and grown at 25°C with continuous agitation (110 rpm) in baffled Erlenmeyer flasks (1000 mL) containing 200 mL medium. The basal glucose yeast extract peptone agar medium (GYP medium) used for cultures unless otherwise stated contained 20 g glucose L
Comparação entre medidas ultra-sônicas e da carcaça na predição da composição corporal em bovinos: estimativas do peso e da porcentagem dos cortes comerciais do traseiro

One hundred two animals were evaluated to develop prediction equations for estimating hind-quarter composition from live animal ultrasound measurements and to compare these equations with those developed from carcass measurements. To develop prediction equations used all-possible regressions procedure for variables reductions and stepwise regression. Final models using live animal variables included live weight (PVUS), Longissimus muscle area (ULMA) and fat thickness (UFAT) for weight (PCTT; R² = 0.78) and percent (RCTT; R² = 0.18) of hind-quarter retail product. The models using variables carcass included hot carcass weight (HCW), carcass Longissimus muscle area (CLMA) and carcass fat thickness (CFAT) and Conformation (CONF) for weight (PCTT; R² = 0.89) and percent (RCTT; R² = 0.67) of hind-quarter retail product. Results indicate that composition predictions equations developed from live animals and ultrasound measurements can be useful to estimate yield hind-quarter retail product.
Occurrence of Form PIIcf Sieve-element Plastids in Xyris Species (Xyridaceae)

Abstract Mature leaf fragments from eight species ofXyrisfrom the Serra do Cipo, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were prepared by the usual methods for electron microscopy. Ultrastructural analysis of phloem shows the occurrence of nacreous walls with a polylamellate structure in the sieve-elements ofX. tortilisand plastids similar to P-plastids, form PIIcf in the sieve-elements of all investigated species.
Response of Male Goby, Padogobius Martensii, To Aggressive Sound Playback Following Pre-Experimental Visual Stimulation

Three playback experiments with a freshwater goby, Padogobius martensii, examined the effects of recent aggressive experience on the response of the territorial fish to the aggressive sound alone. Experiments 1 and 2 were conducted on a first group of fifteen resident males (i.e. males individually housed within laboratory tanks for at least 5 days). Experiment 1 simply consisted of playing back the sound to the resident male not exposed to social stimulation for at least 48 h. In experiment 2 the same male was exposed to its mirror image before the start of playback. Results showed that in experiment 1 males ignored or even tended to avoid the site of sound stimulation, whereas in experiment 2 they attended the sound site more frequently during the sound playback. In both experiments the mirror and the loudspeaker were placed on the same side of the tank. The third playback experiment was therefore developed to include mirror and loudspeaker on opposite sides of the tank. A different group of sixteen males was used for these experiments. Results showed that the sound playback may be more important than the mirror site in directing the approach response of the male. Furthermore, the magnitude of sound interference was positively correlated with the level of mirror aggressiveness shown by the male before playback. Functional implications of the responses to the aggressive sound alone for the territorial fish are discussed.
Papain Purification Insights: Monitoring by Electrophoretic Approaches and MALDI-TOF Peptide Mass Fingerprint Analyses

Papain was purified from dried Carica papaya latex by fractioned salt precipitation in presence of sodium tetrathionate to preserve enzymatic activity. Purification was followed by different electrophoretic methods. Identification of the purified product was afforded by submitting the peptides obtained by tryptic digestion of papain to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS) analysis. Comparison of the peptide masses analyzed by peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) MALDI-TOF and those obtained by theoretical tryptic digestion, revealed the presence of some peptides belonging the other three endopeptidases contained in papaya latex (very similar to papain in molecular weight and pI) in the purified fraction of papain. The PMF by MALDI-TOF could be applied as a method to follow papain purification.