Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of the Norepinephrine Transporter by the Venom Peptide χ-MrIA

χ-Conopeptide MrIA (χ-MrIA) is a 13-residue peptide contained in the venom of the predatory marine snail Conus marmoreus that has been found to inhibit the norepinephrine transporter (NET). We investigated whether χ-MrIA targeted the other members of the monoamine transporter family and found no effect of the peptide (100 μm) on the activity of the dopamine transporter and the serotonin transporter, indicating a high specificity of action. The binding of the NET inhibitors, [3H]nisoxetine and [3H]mazindol, to the expressed rat and human NET was inhibited by χ-MrIA with the conopeptide displaying a slight preference toward the rat isoform. For both radioligands, saturation binding studies showed that the inhibition by χ-MrIA was competitive in nature. It has previously been demonstrated that χ-MrIA does not compete with norepinephrine, unlike classically described NET inhibitors such as nisoxetine and mazindol that do. This pattern of behavior implies that the binding site for χ-MrIA on the NET overlaps the antidepressant binding site and is wholly distinct from the substrate binding site. The inhibitory effect of χ-MrIA was found to be dependent on Na+ with the conopeptide becoming a less effective blocker of [3H]norepinephrine by the NET under the conditions of reduced extracellular Na+. In this respect, χ-MrIA is similar to the antidepressant inhibitors of the NET. The structure-activity relationship of χ-MrIA was investigated by alanine scanning. Four residues in the first cysteine-bracketed loop of χ-MrIA and a His in loop 2 played a dominant role in the interaction between χ-MrIA and the NET. Hα chemical shift comparisons indicated that side-chain interactions at these key positions were structurally perturbed by the replacement of Gly-6. From these data, we present a model of the structure of χ-MrIA that shows the relative orientation of the key binding residues. This model provides a new molecular caliper for probing the structure of the NET.
The geometry of biological time

1980 Preface * 1999 Preface * 1999 Acknowledgements * Introduction * 1 Circular Logic * 2 Phase Singularities (Screwy Results of Circular Logic) * 3 The Rules of the Ring * 4 Ring Populations * 5 Getting Off the Ring * 6 Attracting Cycles and Isochrons * 7 Measuring the Trajectories of a Circadian Clock * 8 Populations of Attractor Cycle Oscillators * 9 Excitable Kinetics and Excitable Media * 10 The Varieties of Phaseless Experience: In Which the Geometrical Orderliness of Rhythmic Organization Breaks Down in Diverse Ways * 11 The Firefly Machine 12 Energy Metabolism in Cells * 13 The Malonic Acid Reagent ('Sodium Geometrate') * 14 Electrical Rhythmicity and Excitability in Cell Membranes * 15 The Aggregation of Slime Mold Amoebae * 16 Numerical Organizing Centers * 17 Electrical Singular Filaments in the Heart Wall * 18 Pattern Formation in the Fungi * 19 Circadian Rhythms in General * 20 The Circadian Clocks of Insect Eclosion * 21 The Flower of Kalanchoe * 22 The Cell Mitotic Cycle * 23 The Female Cycle * References * Index of Names * Index of Subjects
LIGHT‐INDUCED CHANGES IN THE VESICULAR APPARATUS OF Phycomyces SPORANGIOPHORES DURING THE PHOTOTROPIC RESPONSE

Abstract— We studied the ultrastructure of laterally illuminated stage I sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus to determine whether the phototropic response had any structural correlate. Stimulated sporangiophores conserved the distinctive division into the four longitudinal zones described for state I, and showed no significant differences in the distribution of major organelles in the sides proximal and distal to the light source. On the other hand, apical vesicles were asymmetrically distributed, being present in lower numbers in the faster growing (distal) side of the sporangiophore. We suggest that this asymmetrical distribution reflects the differential utilization of vesicles necessary to sustain the corresponding growth rate of each side. Illumination therefore, must affect the rate of vesicle migration and utilization, more than their rate of synthesis.
Optimization of ethanol production from starch by an amylolytic nuclear petite Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain

Ethanol fermentation characteristics of the 100% respiratory‐deficient nuclear petite amylolytic Saccharomyces cerevisiae NPB‐G strain was investigated in both shake‐flask and controlled bioreactor cultivation conditions, and comparison with the earlier reported results revealed 54.6% increase in ethanol yield. Efforts to improve the starch utilization rate by increasing the selection pressure or supplying the fermentation medium with glucose did not prevent the observed decrease in time‐dependent amylolytic activity. Response surface methodology (RSM) was then used as a statistical tool to optimize the initial yeast extract and starch contents of the medium, which resulted in a substantial increase in the stability of the expression plasmid in both the respiratory‐deficient NPB‐G and the parental respiratory‐sufficient WTPB‐G strains, with concomitant improvement in their amylolytic potentials. High ethanol yields on substrate values of the bioreactor cultures, which were very close to the theoretical yield, indicated that the amylolytic respiratory‐deficient NPB‐G strain was effective in the direct fermentation of starch into ethanol. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Execution Risk

Transaction costs in trading involve both risk and return. Risk is a result of price movements and price impacts over a gradual trading period. Return is associated with the cost of immediate execution. The trade-off between risk and return in optimal execution reflects the same risk preferences as in ordinary investment. Models of the joint optimization of positions and trades show conditions under which optimal execution does not depend on the other holdings in the portfolio. Optimal execution, however, may call for trades in assets other than those listed in the trading order; these can hedge the trading risks. The execution risk model for trading with reversals and continuations implies a natural measure of liquidity risk.
Outer membrane protein secretin of type iii secretion system of Vibrio vulnificus : structure prediction and orientation

: The marine organism Vibrio vulnificus causes seafood-borne infection and is a major cause of human mortality. Secretin, a major component of the type III secretion system (TTSS) virulence machinery, forms oligomeric rings in the outer membrane of many Gram-negative organisms. The secretin ring-shaped complexes possess pore-forming activity. The pores function as channels for transport of macromolecules across the complex. However, the TTSS secretin family has not been studied in V. vulnificus . The secretin of TTSS of V. vulnificus was identified and predicted to be homologous to secretin of Gram-negative organisms like Yersinia and Escherichia coli . It contained an amino-terminal signal peptide region for processing by the sec machinery. The homology model of secretin of V. vulnificus possessed the E . coli periplasmic domain specific to secretin of TTSS. Buried pore-lining residues in the homology model were identified by bioinformatics tools. Thus, secretin of V. vulnificus may function as channels to allow transport of molecules. The optimized pore axis with the biggest and longest cavity through the channel was detected which generated a guide to the orientation of secretin in V. vulnificus . Thus, the secretin of V. vulnificus has a conserved C-terminal domain enclosing a pore and a nonconserved lipolytic motif which may be involved in adherence to the chitinous surface.
Could Externally Desynchronized Circadian Rhythm Be Resynchronized in Shift Workers?

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of shift work on circadian time structure of several variables, such as skin temperature (ST), heart rate (HR), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), subjective drowsiness (SDr), subjective fatigue (SF) and subjective attention (SA) in shift workers of a sub-urban cement factory. Six shift workers volunteered for this study. In each subject, above mentioned variables were monitored at least 4-6 times per day for over a period of one week. The study was conducted in two different spells. In the first spell (1994), circadian time structure of six shift workers was studied about 14 months after slowing down of overall functioning of the cement factory. In the second spell (1996), the circadian time structure of the same subjects was reexamined following about 30 months of slough in the cement factory. The results indicate that the rhythm desynchronization of ST, HR and PEFR was witnessed among shift workers in 1994. However, when all six shift workers were monitored again in 1996, the desynchronized rhythm became synchronized in most of the shift workers. Further, in the present study it was noticed that subjective variables, such as SF and SA are less prone to desynchronization as compared to other objective variables. The relative stability of rhythms in fatigue and attention could also be ascribed to the period of sleep-wake rhythm that remained either 24 h or very close to 24 h irrespective of the year of study. In conclusion, the findings of this study document rigorously that externally desynchronized circadian rhythms in shift workers could become normal following their transfer from shift work to diurnal work.
Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence analysis of psbA from the dinoflagellates: Origin of the dinoflagellate plastid

Cloning and sequencing of psbA, the gene encoding D1 protein of photosystem II, from six species of dinoflagellates harboring a peridinin type plastid [Prorocentrum micans Ehrenberg, Amphidinium carterae Hulburt, Heterocapsa triquetra Stein, Lingulodinium polyedra (Dodge) Stein, Alexandrium tamarense (Lebour) Balech and Alexandrium catenella (Whedon et Kofoid) Balech] is reported. Using the polymerase chain reaction technique, the psbA gene was detected in a satellite DNA band isolated from total DNA of A. catenella by CsCl‐Hoechst 33258 gradient ultracentrifugation. This finding suggests that in dinoflagellates psbA is encoded in the plastid genome. The deduced amino acid sequences of D1 from the dinoflagellates did not reveal a typical ‘C‐terminus extension’, which should be removed by proteolytic cleavage from the D1 precursor. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the deduced amino acid sequences of D1 revealed that the six species of dinoflagellates are monophyletic and also showed that dinoflagellates cluster with rhodophytes, a cryptophyte and heterokonts. These results support the hypothesis that the peridinin type plastid in dinoflagellates originated from an engulfed red alga.
Alcohol Intake Impairs Glucose Counterregulation During Acute Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia in IDDM Patients: Evidence for a Critical Role of Free Fatty Acids

In this study, we assessed the effects of alcohol intake on glucose counterregulation in response to acute insulin-induced hypoglycemia in IDDM patients and in normal control subjects. Nine euglycemic IDDM patients and 9 normal control subjects were studied. After a baseline period, insulin (0.15 U/kg) was administered subcutaneously to induce hypoglycemia. Each IDDM patient was studied 3 times. In the first study, alcohol was orally administered as wine. In the second (control) study, water was administered instead of wine. In the third study, wine was given; however, a continuous infusion of heparin plus intralipid was administered to prevent the fall in plasma free fatty acid. Normal control subjects underwent only the alcohol and the control studies. In IDDM patients alcohol intake impairs, whereas in normal subjects it supports glucose counterregulation. Alcohol intake is associated with normal catecholamine responses in both IDDM diabetic patients and normal subjects. In both IDDM patients and normal subjects, hepatic glucose production in the recovery phase of the alcohol study was normal. Plasma glucose rate of disappearance was significantly increased by alcohol intake in IDDM (13.72 ± 0.82 vs. 11.84 ± 0.53 μmol · kg−1 · min−1; P < 0.05). Alcohol intake in both normal subjects and IDDM patients decreased plasma free fatty acid (267 ± 22 vs. 156 ± 20 μM; P < 0.01 and 356 ± 29 vs. 96 ± 12 μM; P < 0.01). We hypothesized that in IDDM patients, deficient glucose recovery during alcohol intake is the result of the ability of alcohol to depress lipolysis.
Date and age at migration in juvenile giant kokopu, Galaxias argenteus (Gmelin) (Teleostei: Galaxiidae) and estimation of spawning season

Abstract Juveniles of giant kokopu (Galaxias argenteus (Gmelin)) that had newly entered fresh water were captured, primarily from the Buller and Hokitika Rivers, New Zealand, between 5 November and 15 December (when sampling ceased). Age at migration estimated from otolith daily growth rings was mostly c. 104–140 days. There is a positive relationship between fish length and number of otolith growth rings at migration, though variation is broad. Back calculation to hatch indicated that hatching occurred 185–245 days after 1 January (4 July‐2 September); allowing 28 days for development, these data suggest that giant kokopu spawn between early June and early August.
Biodiversity and systematics: how have we fared in the International Year of Biodiversity?

The 2010 target to achieve a significant reduction in the current rate of loss of biodiversity at global, regional and national levels was not met. However, progress was made and the International Year of Biodiversity has kept biodiversity in the spotlight—illuminating our limited successes as well as the failures. Much has been learned from the process and the new generation of 2020 targets, agreed at Nagoya, includes a range of more focused practical goals as well as the longer-term, aspirational changes that need to take place. We recognise that there is a shift in thinking towards increasing the management of all ecosystems – “gardening the planet” – but we are concerned that the science of ecosystem management is insufficiently developed to deliver. In particular, our knowledge of the components of biodiversity of many ecosystems, and of their interactions, is dangerously incomplete and for many natural systems we are ill-informed to make decisions on their management. Taxonomists must help to fill these gaps in the science underpinning the field of biodiversity and ecosystem services. We welcome the proposed Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) as a mechanism for integrating the relevant science, from taxonomy and ecology to earth system modelling. Its work will likely be subject to intense scrutiny, just like the reports of the International Panel on Climate Change, and its focus must similarly always be on the evidence base and on the clarity and transparency of its arguments.
The use of light‐induced absorbance changes at 820 nm to monitor the oxidation state of P‐700 in leaves

Abstract The use of the light‐induced absorbance change at 820 nm (ΔA 820) to monitor the oxidation and reduction of P‐700 in irradiated leaves is examined. Results obtained from leaves irradiated with a range of wavelengths of light, poisoned with DCMU, or lacking PS I, are consistent with the proposition that the light‐induced ΔA 820 can be used to monitor P‐700 oxidation in leaves.
Variation of RAMS markers within the intersterility groups of Heterobasidion annosum in Europe

Summary Random amplified microsatellite (RAMS) markers were used for the analysis of genetic variation within and among the intersterility groups of Heterobasidion annosum. Isolates from seven European countries were used, and the analysis of 77 markers revealed banding patterns with several markers unique to intersterility (IS) groups S, P and F. The highest number of polymorphic markers and the lowest number of fixed markers was observed within IS group P. In addition, a low level of geographic differentiation was observed within IS groups S and P by amova analysis.
Proinsulin-Secreting Hybrid Skin That Can Be Used to Treat Diabetic Animals

The present study attempted to utilize the hybrid-type artificial skin (hybrid skin) as an effective transgene carrier for somatic gene therapy. We have elaborated a proinsulin-secreting hybrid skin that can be used to treat diabetic animals. Rat skin fibroblasts (RSFs) were transfected with human proinsulin cDNA-containing plasmid vectors, pBMG-Neo-Ins.1 The fibroblasts were then maintained for 2 weeks in the culture medium containing G-418 to select transgenic cells (RSF308 cells). Fibroblasts transfected with pBMG-Neo without the insert cDNA were also prepared and used as control cells (RSF1518 cells). An immuno-reactive insulin (IRI) level in the culture medium of RSF308 cells was 319 ± 22.8 µIU/106 cells/h (mean ± SD). A hybrid skin was reconstituted in a 35-mm plastic dish by incorporating 2 x 106 rat fibroblasts into 2 ml of three-dimensional lattices of type I collagen (collagen gel) and then placing 106 rat keratinocytes on the gel. We made three types of hybrid skin: (a) a hybrid skin prepared w.
Gibberellic acid detection of dwarf offtypes in micropropagated Cavendish bananas

Detection of dwarf offtypes produced by micropropagation of Cavendish bananas (Musa spp.) cultivars New Guinea Cavendish and Williams was achieved by spraying gibberellic acid (GA3) solution (289 pmol/L) onto deflasked plants and measuring various plantlet responses. The most useful identification criterion was elongation of the sheath of the first leaf to form after GA3 application. Elongation of this structure was about 2-fold greater in normal plants than observed in dwarfs. Similar measurements taken earlier during in vitro culture or later during plant establishment in soil were not as useful in discriminating between normals and dwarfs as the measurements made at deflasking. The similar GA3-induced elongation response of the dwarf offtype and that of the naturally occurring dwarf cultivar Dwarf Parfitt suggests that the mechanism for dwarfism could be the same in the 2 cases.
Aggressive Response of Adult Bobolinks to Neck Ligatures on Nestlings

Abstract We monitored provisioning behavior at 18 Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) nests during 240.5 min of videotape data from June to July 2006, and observed 64 nest visits by adults while nestlings were fitted with neck ligatures. Adults pecked or pulled at the ligatures, often aggressively, at 72% of nests (n = 18) and 52% of visits (n = 64). These behavioral responses by adults indicate the neck ligature technique is more invasive than previously believed. We documented no mortality as a result of ligature placement, but researchers should minimize the time that ligatures are in place to reduce stress to both parents and nestlings.
Evaluation of optimum dietary protein‐to‐energy ratio in juvenile olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck et Schlegel)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to estimate the optimum dietary protein to energy (P/E) ratio in juvenile olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Eight experimental diets were formulated with two energy levels and four protein levels at each energy level. Two energy levels of 12.5 and 16.7 kJ g−1 diets were included at crude protein (CP) levels of 25%, 30%, 35% and 45% with 12.5 kJ g−1, and CP levels of 35%, 45%, 50% and 60% with 16.7 kJ g−1. After 1 week of the conditioning period, fish initially averaging 8.1±0.08 g (mean±SD) were randomly distributed into the aquarium as groups of 15 fish. Each diet was fed on a dry-matter basis to fish in three randomly selected aquariums at a rate of 3–5% of total wet body weight per day for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of the feeding trial, weight gain (WG), feed efficiency ratio and specific growth rate of fish fed 45% CP with 16.7 kJ g−1 energy diet were significantly higher than those from the other dietary treatments (P<0.05). WG of fish fed 12.5 kJ g−1 energy diets increased with the increase of dietary protein levels. However, WG of fish fed 16.7 kJ g−1 energy diets increased with the increase of dietary protein levels up to 45% CP and then decreased when fish fed 50% and 60% CP diets. Both dietary protein and energy affected protein retention efficiency and energy retention efficiency. Haemoglobin (Hb) of fish fed 35% and 45% CP diets with 12.5 kJ g−1 energy were significantly high and not different from Hb of fish fed 45% and 50% CP diets with 16.7 kJ g−1 energy. Haematocrit of fish fed 45% CP diet with 16.7 kJ g−1 energy was significantly higher than those from fish fed 25% and 30% CP diets with 12.5 kJ g−1 energy (P< 0.05). Based on the results of this experiment, we concluded that the optimum dietary P/E ratio was 27.5 mg protein kJ−1 with diet containing 45% CP and 16.7 kJ g−1 energy in juvenile olive flounder.
Row Spacing Effects at Different Levels of Nitrogen Availability in Maize

No-tillage maize (Zea mays L.) grown without adequate N intercepts less than 95% of the incident radiation at flowering. Reducing the distance between rows could increase radiation interception and grain yield. A 2-yr experiment was conducted at INTA Research Station, Balcarce, Argentina (37°45' S; 58°18' W), to study the effect of row spacing and N availability on intercepted radiation, kernel number, and grain yield of no-till maize. Treatments consisted of a factorial combination of row width (0.35 and 0.70 m) and N (0 and 120 or 140 kg ha -1 each year) at a constant plant density. Low N decreased kernel number and grain yield. Narrow rows significantly increased kernel number per unit area and grain yield. Average increases in response to narrow rows were 14.5 and 20.5% for kernel number and grain yield, respectively. However, relative increases in response to narrow rows were greater at low N. A close association between kernel number and intercepted radiation during the bracketing-Bilking period was observed. With conventional row spacing, relative grain yield responses to narrower rows decreased as crop radiation intercepted at flowering increased. A decrease in row distance when N was limiting partially offset the negative effects of N deficiency on grain yield. Our results indicate that 27 to 46% increases in grain yield were obtained in response to narrow rows in N-deficient maize crops.
Health and Wages

This paper complements previous studies on the effects of health on wages by addressing the problems of unobserved heterogeneity, sample selection, and endogeneity in one comprehensive framework. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP), we find the health variable to suffer from measurement error and a number of tests provide evidence that selection corrections are necessary. Good health leads to higher wages for men, while there appears to be no significant effect for women. Contingent on the method of estimation, healthy males earn between 1.3 percent and 7.8 percent more than those in poor health.