Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Karyological Study of the Jungle Cat, Felis chaus (Carnivora, Felidae) by Conventional Staining, G-banding and High-resolution Staining Technique

As an endangered species in Thailand, wild animal species of the jungle cat (Felis chaus) was selected for karyological study. Blood samples were taken from 2 males and 2 females. After the standard whole blood lymphocyte culture in the presence of colchicine, the metaphase spreads were performed on microscopic slides and air-dried. Conventional staining, G-banding and high-resolution staining technique were applied to stain the chromosomes. The results showed that 2n (diploid) of jungle cat was 38, and the fundamental number (NF) was 72 in the male and female. There are 6 autosome types: A type had 6 large submetacentric chromosomes, B type had 8 large acrocentric chromosomes, C type had 4 large metacentric chromosomes, D type had 8 small submetacentric chromosomes, E type had 6 small metacentric chromosomes and F type had 4 small telocentric chromosomes. A pair of the short arm of chromosome E1 (chromosome pairs 14) showed a clearly observable satellite chromosomes. The X chromosome was medium submetacentric chromosome and the Y chromosome was the smallest submetacentric chromosome. From the G-banding and high-resolution staining technique, the number of bands and locations in the jungle cat was 167 and 183 respectively, and each chromosome pair could be clearly differentiated. We found that chromosomes B1, B2, D1, D4, E3, F2 and X chromosome patterns were according to the domestic cat (Felis catus) chromosomes. Chromosomes A1, A2, A3, B3, B4, C1, C2, D2, E1, E2, F1 and Y-chromosome are similar to those of the domestic cat. These results show the evolutionary relationship between the jungle cat and domestic cat. The karyotype formula for the male and female jungle cat is as follows: 2n(38) = L4m + L6sm + L8a + S6m + S8sm + S4t + sex chromosomes.
Estimação e predição por modelo linear misto com ênfase na ordenação de médias de tratamentos genéticos

This study reviewed the theory of estimation/prediction of treatment means, in randomized block designs, emphasizing aspects of interest to plant breeders. Comparisons were made between analyses based on fixed (intrablock) and mixed (with random treatments effects - recovering intergenotypic information) linear models for identifying the determining factors that may affect the classification of genotypes. The mixed model approach, in comparison with the traditional analyses (marginal means and intrablock analysis), in general, leads to: i) more uniformly distributed treatment means; and ii) selection of different genetic treatments when the genetic variance is small relative to the environmental variance, as well as designs being non-orthogonal and unbalanced. In addition, if treatments of distinct reference populations are evaluated in the same experiment, BLUP prediction can lead to different ranking of means, in comparison with the intrablock analysis, even if designs are balanced and orthogonal.
The Impact of Margin Interest on the Valuationof Credit Default Swaps

These days, both exchange-traded and most OTC derivatives transactions are collateralized: The upfront payment, if any, and regular mark-to-market variation margin are held in escrow, possibly earning interest, until the contract is exercised. In theoretical modeling, interest paid on the collateral is typically ignored, under the assumption that the mark-tomarket cash flows can go either way and, in any case, the interest amounts are small. Kan and Pedersen demonstrate that this intuition is not necessarily true. For credit default swaps (CDS), the impact of margin interest can be significant; in fact, the margin interest rate should be used for discounting in calculating the fair value of CDS.
Invasions and niche width: does niche width of an introduced crayfish differ from a native crayfish?

1. Human activities have promoted the spread of species worldwide. Several crayfish species have been introduced into new areas, posing a threat to native crayfish and other biota. Invader success may depend on the ability to utilise a wide variety of habitats and resources. Successful invaders are generally expected to have broader niches and to be more plastic than non-invasive species. 2. Using stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen we compared the niche widths of native noble crayfish and introduced signal crayfish, a successful invader of Swedish streams. The calculation of niche width took account of between-site differences in basal resource isotope signature ranges. We also assessed whether population density, prey biomass or prey diversity affected niche width. 3. At the species level, signal crayfish had twice the niche width of noble crayfish. However, individual populations of noble crayfish and signal crayfish in Swedish streams had similar niche widths. This suggests that signal crayfish has greater plasticity with respect to habitat utilisation and feeding than noble crayfish. Niche width in both species correlated positively with benthic invertebrate biomass and diversity, indicating that animal food sources are important for crayfish. 4. We find that assessing niche width in relation to invader success can be a useful tool trying to predict the impact of invasions on different scales. The findings in this study suggest that invaders and natives will have a similar impact on the stream scale whereas the invader will have a larger impact on the regional scale due to the ability to utilise a wider range of streams. (Less)
Damage Control

ABSTRACT Deceptive claims in advertising can cause serious damage to a firm's reputation. Prior research revealed that consumers who recognized deception in an advertisement in turn generally would develop a negative perception of advertising. The authors explore the issue of how a company can recover consumer trust after being caught in a deceptive advertising episode. In particular: GlaxosmithKline, among the world's largest pharmaceutical companies by turnover, pleaded guilty in 2007 in a New Zealand court to making misleading health claims relating to Ribena blackcurrant fruit drink. Lessons are derived from this high-profile case and the company's attempts to recover its reputation by means of television apology.
Chloramine-T Margin-of-Safety Estimates for Fry, Fingerling, and Juvenile Rainbow Trout

Abstract Chloramine-T (CLT) is a candidate for approval for use in U.S. aquaculture to control mortality in freshwater-reared salmonids caused by bacterial gill disease (causative agent, Flavobacterium branchiophilum). The proposed treatment regimen is to administer CLT at 12–20 mg/L in a static or flow-through bath for 60 min/d on three alternate or consecutive days. To estimate a CLT margin of safety, defined as the highest dosing regimen above the proposed maximum therapeutic regimen at which no adverse effects are observed, we conducted seven experiments with fry, fingerling, and juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss that examined mortality and an eighth experiment that examined mortality, gross pathology, and histopathology after CLT exposure. In each experiment, triplicate groups of fish were exposed to a range of CLT concentrations representing 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, or 5× the highest proposed dose (20 mg/L) for 3× the proposed treatment duration (60 min) on three alternate or consecuti.
Breeding Maize for a Bioeconomy: A Literature Survey Examining Harvest Index and Stover Yield and Their Relationship to Grain Yield

The use of maize (Zea mays L.) stover as a feed-stock for cellulosic biofuels production will create demand for maize hybrids with greater stover yield. It is expected that grain yield will remain the most critical trait and continue to drive hybrid sales, requiring that any increases in stover yield be made without sacrificing grain yield potential. The objective of this review was to determine the relationship between grain yield, harvest index, and stover yield to illuminate the potential for increasing both grain and stover yield through breeding. In contrast to what has been observed in other crops, gains in maize grain yield over time in the U.S. Corn Belt have been accompanied by increases in stover yield. Where recurrent selection on grain yield has been most successful, stover yield also increased while harvest index has been relatively stable. The opposite situation has been observed in tropical germplasm, where gains in grain yield have been associated with increasing harvest index and relatively constant biomass yield. We expect that stover yield of Corn Belt hybrids will continue to increase along with grain yield, resulting in future hybrids capable of producing both more food and biofeedstock for energy production. If maize breeders pursue selection for increased stover yield, we found no evidence to suggest that breeding for stover yield will necessarily reduce rate of gain in grain yield.
A revised classification of the Sphacelariales (Phaeophyceae) inferred from a psbC and rbcL based phylogeny

Phylogenetic relationships within the brown algal order Sphacelariales and with its sister group were investigated using chloroplast-encoded psbC and rbcL DNA sequences. A pilot study with 21 non-sphacelarialeans, representing nine orders (and some incertae sedis taxa), showed a strongly supported monophyly of the Sphacelariales with its sister taxa Phaeostrophion irregulare, Bodanella lauterborni and Heribaudiella fluviatilis. These three taxa were selected as outgroup for further analyses including DNA sequences of 30 sphacelarialean specimens representing all but two of the recognized genera (Phloiocaulon and Ptilopogon were not sampled). Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood trees showed some incongruence with Maximum Parsimony trees. Trees based on rbcL showed some incongruence with trees based on psbC and combined alignments. Phylogenetic results were used as the basis for a newly proposed classification of the Sphacelariales that reflects evolutionary history. The Sphacelariales is subdivided into four families: Cladostephaceae (monotypic), Sphacelariaceae, Stypocaulaceae, and a newly created monotypic family Sphacelodermaceae to incorporate Sphaceloderma caespitula, comb. nov. (former Sphacelaria caespitula). Sphacelaria radicans is transferred to a newly created genus Protohalopteris and classified in the Stypocaulaceae, which also contains the two unsampled genera Phloiocaulon and Ptilopogon as well as the genus Halopteris. The genera Stypocaulon and monotypic Alethocladus were merged with Halopteris. The Sphacelariaceae were subdivided into six genera including Sphacelaria (consisting only of the former subgenus Propagulifera) and the monotypic Sphacella. Herpodiscus durvillaeae, Sphacelaria pulvinata and the Sphacelaria subgenera Bracteata and Reinkea were merged in an emended Herpodiscus. A new genus Sphacelorbus was created for Sphacelaria nana. Battersia was reinstated for Sphacelaria mirabilis and the subgenus Pseudochaetopteris, except for Sphacelaria plumosa for which Chaetopteris was reinstated.
Independent Regulation of Rap1 and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase by the α Chain of Go

Receptors coupled to Gi/o proteins stimulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. The intracellular pathways linking the α chains of these G proteins to MAPK activation are not completely understood. One of the signaling molecules which has been suggested to act downstream of Gαi/o is the small G protein Rap1. We investigated the role of Rap1 in MAPK stimulation by Gαo in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Our previous results have shown that in this cell system activated Gαo strongly potentiates the MAPK response to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Rap1 regulation was examined in cells transfected with Rap1 and wild-type Gαo or the activated mutant Gαo-Q205L. Immunocytochemical analysis detected both Rap1 and the Gαo subunit at the plasma membrane as well as on perinuclear cytoplasmic vesicles. Expression of wild-type Gαo had no significant effect on the levels of activated Rap1. In contrast, Gαo-Q205L virtually abolished the activation of Rap1 induced by EGF. Further experiments showed that MAPK stimulation by EGF was greatly inhibited by expression of activated Rap1, suggesting that Rap1 inhibition could mediate the effect of Gαo on the MAPK cascade. However, Gαo-Q205L efficiently inhibited the activation of Rap1 induced by fibroblast growth factor (FGF). We have previously found that the ability of FGF to activate MAPK is not modified by Gαo. In addition, expression of the GAP protein RAP1GAPII blocked Rap1 activation without affecting EGF- or FGF-dependent MAPK stimulation. These findings provide evidence for independent regulation of Rap1 and MAPK by the Go α chain.
Chemical composition, fungal microflora and mycotoxin content in maize silages infected by smut (Ustilago maydis) and the effect of biological and chemical additives on silage aerobic stability.

Maize attacked by the facultative biotrophic smut pathogen, Ustilago maydis (Basidomycetes) was ensiled in microsilos in two combinations of infected and non-infected plants, with or without biological (Polmasil) or chemical (Kemisile 2000) additives. The silage was subjected to chemical and microbiological analyses. The aerobic stability of the silage was tested. Ustilago maydis constituted up to 6.22% of the total yeast content (CFU g -1 ) in the infected and 0.22% in the noninfected material. Silage made from infected plants had a higher content of fungi (6.45 vs 4.54), moulds (6.20 vs 4.54), and yeast (6.08 vs 3.71) expressed as log 10 CFU g -1 as compared with noninfected plants. The use of the chemical additive decreased these effects. The contents of ochratoxin, zearalenone, and deoxynivalenol were low and did not change during the ensiling. The cytotoxicity test did reveal toxicity of silage from infected plants, however. It seems that the observed toxicity is the effect of toxins other than those assayed.
Molecular ecology and phylogeography of the bent‐wing bat complex (Miniopterus schreibersii) (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Asia Minor and adjacent regions

In this study we investigate population genetic structure and phylogeography of the bent‐wing bat complex (Miniopterus schreibersii) in Asia Minor and adjacent regions. PCR amplification and sequencing of the first hypervariable domain of the mitochondrial control region were used to obtain the genetic data. Morphometric differentiation between lineages was analysed by comparing forearm lengths. We found two reciprocally monophyletic lineages within the M. schreibersii complex, identified as M. s. schreibersii and M. s. pallidus. Distributions of the lineages were allopatric with a U‐shaped suture zone passing through Central Anatolia. The suture zone separated coastal regions occupied by M. s. schreibersii from inland, higher altitude regions occupied by M. s. pallidus. The lineages showed a considerable sequence divergence of c. 9%, accompanied by a corresponding difference in forearm length. The presence of the genetically distinct lineages, with allopatric distribution and corresponding morphometric differences, probably reflects their long isolation during the ice‐age in the Balkans and the Caspian/Caucasus refugia, followed subsequently by expansion into different habitats. Based on the present data, the lineages can be recognized as evolutionary significant units.
Inhibition of soil-borne plant pathogens by the treatment of sinigrin and myrosinases released from reconstructed Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris

Abstract Myrosinases (thioglucoside glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.3.1) are able to hydrolyse glucosinolates in natural plant products. In Arabidopsis thaliana three different genes with different tissue-specific expressions and distribution patterns encode myrosinases. cDNAs of myrosinase genes (TGG1 and TGG2) were isolated from A. thaliana and expressed in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris. The enzyme activities of myrosinase TGG1 and TGG2 genes expressed in P. pastoris were higher than those expressed in E. coli. Among six glucosinolates tested for specificity to myrosinases TGG1 and TGG2, the suitable substrates for these two genes expressed in P. pastoris and E. coli were sinigrin, gluconapin, glucobrassicanapin and glucoraphanin. Treatment of sinigrin with myrosinases excreted from reconstructed E. coli and P. pastoris with TGG1 and TGG2 genes showed strong fungicidal effects on mycelial growth of Rhizoctonia solani AG-4, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Pythium aphanidermatum. This study suggests that the combination of glucosinolate with myrosinases excreted from the reconstructed microbes may be of potential for control of soil-borne diseases.
Identification of an RAPD marker linked to the Vf gene for scab resistance in apples

Apple scab, caused byVenturia inaequalis (Cke.) Wint. , is the most serious disease of apple trees in many areas of the world. Resistance toV. inaequalis, derived from the small fruited speciesMalusfloribunda 821, is determined by a major dominant geneVf. Our objective was focused on the identification of RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) markers linked to theVf gene. The approach in this paper is based on the introgression of theVf gene fromM. floribunda into commercial varieties. Comparing RAPD patterns of a genomic DNA sample ofM. floribunda with a pooled DNA sample of resistant individuals and that of 10 susceptible commercial apple varieties, we identified fragments which are derived fromM. floribunda. One of them,OPD20/600, proved to be linked to theVf gene by cosegregation analysis with two backcross progenies. It is the first DNA marker so far for the scab resistance.
Novel bait stations for attract‐and‐kill of pestiferous fruit flies

A novel, visually‐attractive bait station was developed in Hawaii for application of insecticidal baits against oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), and Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (all Diptera: Tephritidae). The bait station developed represents a supernormal visual stimulus of papaya foliage and takes advantage of the flies’ strong response to the high light‐reflecting properties of yellow color and of their need for shelter, while fully protecting the bait against rainfall. Field studies revealed that the behavioral response of female fruit flies, in particular C. capitata and B. cucurbitae, to yellow‐painted bait stations sprayed with GF‐120 NF Naturalyte Fruit Fly Bait was significantly enhanced compared with similarly sprayed bait stations that mimicked the green color of fully grown papaya leaves. Field studies conducted with B. cucurbitae indicated that the period of bait attractiveness can be extended for at least 1 week after bait application due to the rain‐fastness properties of the bait stations and the use of a visually‐attractive color. Our studies provide the behavioral basis for the development of improved attract‐and‐kill bait stations for fruit flies in Hawaii. These devices also provide a standardized way of evaluating bait spray formulations, thus allowing for proper comparisons over time, across species, and among geographical areas.
Temporal pressure enhanced topical drug delivery through micropore formation

Temporal pressure improves transdermal drug delivery of molecules and nanoparticles via micropore formation. Transdermal drug delivery uses chemical, physical, or biochemical enhancers to cross the skin barrier. However, existing platforms require high doses of chemical enhancers or sophisticated equipment, use fragile biomolecules, or are limited to a certain type of drug. Here, we report an innovative methodology based on temporal pressure to enhance the penetration of all kinds of drugs, from small molecules to proteins and nanoparticles (up to 500 nm). The creation of micropores (~3 μm2) on the epidermal layer through a temporal pressure treatment results in the elevated expression of gap junctions, and reduced expression of occludin tight junctions. A 1 min treatment of 0.28-MPa allows nanoparticles (up to 500 nm) and macromolecules (up to 20 kDa) to reach a depth of 430-μm into the dermal layer. Using, as an example, the delivery of insulin through topical application after the pressure treatment yields up to 80% drop in blood glucose in diabetic mice.
Early Life History of Spiny Lobster

Spiny (rock) lobsters are the basis of important fisheries in all of the world's major oceans. We synthesize current information on their early life history from a variety of biological disciplines and draw conclusions about the significance of this phase in the ecology of the group. Larval behaviour is still poorly understood and the scale of larval dispersal conjectural. However, recruitment processes in some shallow-water species, including effects of the environment on these processes, are becoming clearer. Field and laboratory studies have increased our understanding of phyllosoma larval development and behaviour. Our knowledge of the puerulus stage has increased dramatically, particularly concerning behaviour from studies using collectors to measure settlement and through laboratory experiment. Discovery of the habitat of young juveniles has led to examination of relationships between puerulus abundance at sea, levels of puerulus settlement, and the abundance of juveniles and recruits.
Differences between bacterial associations with two root types of Vicia faba L

Abstract Differences between various inherent physiological characteristics of lateral roots and of taproots of faba bean plants (Vicia faba L.) have been described in the literature. The question as to whether distinct bacterial communities inhabit each of those root types calls for further investigation. This question was tackled using aeroponically grown plants, i.e., plants that were grown under conditions as homogeneous as possible. Samples of the apical 5 cm of taproots and of lateral roots were compared. Metabolic fingerprints of root bacterial communities were analyzed using the Biolog® assay. Specificity of colonization of the different root types by specific bacterial taxa was examined by the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. Root bacterial communities produced distinct metabolic fingerprints for each of the two root types. Herbaspirillum spp. were found to be associated with lateral roots but not with taproots both under non-saline and saline (50 mM NaCl) conditions. No significant differences were found in the abundance of bacteria with respect to either root type or salinity. It is concluded that different root types, even within single root systems, differ not only in their physiological traits but also in their bacterial associations. Such associations might have adaptive advantages.
Synthesis and Enzymatic Incorporation of Modified Deoxyadenosine Triphosphates

Several deoxyadenosine triphosphates containing modifications at the 8-position have been synthesized. Suitably protected 8-bromodeoxyadenosines were coupled with five imidazole-containing moieties by nucleophilic aromatic substitution or Sonagashira coupling to give modified nucleosides that were then triphosphorylated. Incorporation assays were performed for these modified residues with many commercially available DNA polymerases, and it was found that two of the modified dATPs could be effectively taken up as substrates by Sequenase V2.0. These two residues are candidates for substrates in combinatorial selections in the search for improved catalysis from DNAzymes. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
The End of Modern Finance?

GEORGE M. FRANKFURTER is the Lloyd E Collette projessor offinancial sewices at the College of Business Administration at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Dr. Frankfurter is also the editor of the International Review of Financial Analysis, which he co-funded. He was previously on thejnancefaculty at Syracuse University, and has published numerous articles in refereed journals. Dr. Frankfurter holds an undergraduate degree from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and M. B.A. and Ph. D. degrees from the State University of New York at Bufalo.