Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How do the Botulinum Neurotoxins block neurotransmitter release: from botulism to the molecular mechanism of action

An overall picture of the botulinum toxins is provided, linking the recent developments in their molecular and cellular aspects to the physiological actions. The pathophysiological aspects of botulinum poisoning (clinical symptoms and physical findings, synaptic effects at the motor and non-motor nerve terminals) and indirect consequences (muscle atrophy, transient formation of new end-plates) are described. The role of the botulinum toxin complex constituents in dissemination, selective binding of the neurotoxins to nerve terminals and intestinal epithelial cells, endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, translocation into the cytosol, and proteolytic attack of the neurotransmitter release machinery are analysed in a molecular and cellular perspective. [Received 23 October 2007; Accepted 12 December 2007]
Costly sexual dimorphism in Cyclommatus metallifer stag beetles

In many animal species, male armature has evolved through sexual selection. This male weaponry can increase reproductive success, but only if the owner overcomes the associated costs. Male stag beetles bear one of the most extreme examples of male weaponry: their mandibles can be almost as long as their own body. We question whether the armature of male Cyclommatus metallifer negatively affects terrestrial locomotion (stability and cost). If so, we investigate whether these effects are potentially compensated by morphological and/or behavioural features, as seen in other specialized insect species. Conspecific females are used to represent the non-dimorphed condition. The presence of the huge male mandibular apparatus shifts the body centre of mass (bCOM) anteriorly. Concomitantly, the male fore limbs are 28% longer and are systematically positioned in a more anterior angular sector than in females. Thus, the rostral border of the support area of the leg tripod also moves forward. This suggests a stability enhancing mechanism. However, in contrast to load-carrying ants, the anteriorly placed bCOM still creates two pronounced statically instable periods each locomotor cycle. Due to the static instability, males must adjust their locomotor behaviour: they walk at higher cycle frequencies when compared to females of the same size, to ensure they proceed to the next stance before bumping to the ground with their heavy heads. Contrary to other specialized load-carrying insect species, the (muscle) mass specific mechanical cost of transport of males exceeds that of females by 40%. Since neither stability nor cost of transport benefit from the male forelimb size and positioning, their role in guaranteeing adequate terrestrial locomotion while carrying an enlarged mandibular apparatus seems doubtful. Instead, the long limbs are themselves functional in fights, by pitching the body upwards in order to throw opponents backwards. The oversized male stag beetle armature comes at high ecological costs: locomotion economics as well as stability clearly suffer from the large mandibles. The observed limb length dimorphism does not prevent this, but should probably be considered part of sexual selection, rather than a compensation for its consequences.
Properties of Glutamate Racemase from Bacillus subtilis IFO 3336 Producing Poly-γ-Glutamate

We found glutamate racemase activity in cell extracts of Bacillus subtilis IFO 3336, which abundantly produces poly-gamma-glutamate. The highest activity was obtained in the early stationary phase of growth. The racemase was purified to homogeneity. The enzyme was a monomer with a molecular mass of about 30 kDa and required no cofactor. It almost exclusively catalyzed the racemization of glutamate; other amino acids, including alanine and aspartate but not homocysteinesulfinate, were inactive as either substrates or inhibitors. Although the Vmax value of the enzyme for L-glutamate is 21-fold higher than that for D-glutamate, the Vmax/Km value for L-glutamate is almost equal to that for the D-enantiomer. The racemase gene, glr, was cloned into Escherichia coli cells and sequenced. The racemase was overproduced in the soluble fraction of the E. coli clone cells with the substitution of ATG for TTG, the initial codon of the glr gene. D-Amino acid aminotransferase activity was not detected in Bacillus subtilis IFO 3336 cells. B. subtilis CU741, a leuC7 derivative of B. subtilis 168, showed lower glutamate racemase activity and lower productivity of poly-gamma-glutamate than B. subtilis IFO 3336. These results suggest that the glutamate racemase is mainly concerned in D-glutamate synthesis for poly-gamma-glutamate production in B. subtilis IFO 3336.
Adaptation of alarm pheromone responses of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)

Adult and fourth-instar pea aphids from Vancouver, B.C., responded to alarm pheromone by either dropping, running, or backing up. Younger instars showed almost no response to pheromone but all instars responded to a pheromone–vibratory stimulus, usually by dropping. We suggest that younger instars respond conservatively to alarm pheromone because they are less agile on the ground and are more likely to die there before finding a suitable food plant. Adult and fourth-instar aphids from the hot, dry region of British Columbia do not respond to alarm pheromone by dropping. This is due to the high risk associated with any instar leaving the host plant where ground temperatures and evaporation rates are high.Clones of aphids contained both individuals which do and do not drop in response to pheromone stimulus. This mixture of behaviour types allows part of the group to exploit new resources while others remain on a known resource.
Associations between IL1RAP rs4624606, IL1RL1 rs1041973, IL-6 rs1800795, and HTRA1 rs11200638 gene polymorphisms and development of optic neuritis with or without multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT Background Optic neuritis (ON) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are complex diseases with multifactorial pathogenesis. The role of genetic factors in the development of these diseases is hypothesized, and specific biochemical components involved in the pathogenesis of ON and MS are yet to be determined. The aim of our study was to determine the associations between IL1RAP rs4624606, IL1RL1 rs1041973, IL-6 rs1800795, and HTRA1 rs11200638 gene polymorphisms and development of ON with or without MS. Materials and Methods The study subjects included 80 ON patients and 146 healthy controls (HCs). Genotyping of IL1RAP rs4624606, IL1RL1 rs1041973, IL-6 rs1800795, and HTRA1 rs11200638 was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results A/C genotype of IL1RL1 rs1041973 was more frequent in ON patients than in HC subjects (p = 0.026). The IL1RL1 rs1041973 A/C genotype was associated with increased odds of ON development under the overdominant (p = 0.041) model. Conclusions Our study showed that IL1RAP rs4624606, IL-6 rs1800795, and HTRA1 rs11200638 are not associated with an increased risk of developing ON. However, the IL1RL1 rs1041973 A/C genotype might be associated with an increased risk of developing ON.
Mechanisms of Suppression of α-Synuclein Neurotoxicity by Geldanamycin in Drosophila*

Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the accumulation of the protein α-synuclein into aggregates called Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Parkinson's disease can be modeled in Drosophila where directed expression of α-synuclein induces compromise of dopaminergic neurons and the formation of Lewy body-like aggregates. The molecular chaperone Hsp70 protects cells from the deleterious effects of α-synuclein, indicating a potential therapeutic approach to enhance neuron survival in Parkinson's disease. We have now investigated the molecular mechanisms by which the drug geldanamycin protects neurons against α-synuclein toxicity. Our studies show that geldanamycin sensitizes the stress response within normal physiological parameters to enhance chaperone activation, offering protection against α-synuclein neurotoxicity. Further, geldanamycin uncouples neuronal toxicity from Lewy body and Lewy neurite formation such that dopaminergic neurons are protected from the effects of α-synuclein expression despite the continued presence of (and even increase in) inclusion pathology. These studies indicate that compounds that modulate the stress response are a promising approach to treat Parkinson's disease.
Fluorinated-antioxidant derivatives with improved pharmacological activity: a theoretical study

Abstract It has become obvious that fluorinated drugs have a significant role in medicinal applications. In this study, the fluorination of ferulic acid (FA) antioxidant was investigated using density functional theory calculations. We have explored the most important chemical properties of FA that affects the pharmacological activity of antioxidant. We found that the intramolecular hydrogen bonding and charge transfers of the FA were influenced by fluorine substitution. Our results also reveal that the fluorination altered the stability, solubility and molecular polarity of the FA. Moreover, our results show that the electronic spectra of fluorinated derivatives of FA exhibit the red and blue shifts toward higher and lower wavelengths, respectively, compared to the original FA. Our calculations show that the free energy transfer of fluorinated derivatives of the FA in water was negative that it meant that the designed molecules dissolving in aqueous phase occurred simultaneously. We also found that the fluorination can increase the first hyperpolarizability of the FA. Our results present an efficient strategy to improve the nonlinear optical responses of the antioxidants. Consequently, the results of present study show that the fluorination of FA could be considered as a promising strategy to design useful drugs with better pharmacological properties. Fluorination is an effective strategy to improve pharmacological activity of frulic acid antioxidant. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Sympatric Clupeoid Fish Larvae in the Northeastern Mediterranean: Coexistence or Avoidance?

The summer (July 2002 and 2003) larval concentrations of two commercially important clupeoid species (order: Clupeiformes), the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and round sardinella (Sardinella aurita), were measured in Kavala Gulf (northern Aegean Sea), in order to examine their distribution patterns. Anchovy was generally most abundant, reaching 13 852 larvae 10 m−2 in 2003 and occurred in more stations compared to round sardinella. Despite the spawning of both species occurring across the entire gulf, the general spatial distribution of their larvae was different, with European anchovy larvae occupying the entire gulf and round sardinella larvae mainly concentrated at offshore stations. The reason proposed for the spatial segregation of their larvae is direct competition for resources. Yet, coexistence of the two species was observed in frontal areas with abundant food resources that prevent competition.
Apofrontonia dohrni sp. n. and the phylogenetic relationships within Peniculia (Protista, Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea)

Apofrontonia dohrni, a new peniculine ciliate, was discovered in a slightly brackish water sample from Mediterranean coastline puddle in Naples, Italy. Its morphology was studied in vivo, in silver‐ and Feulgen‐stained preparations, as well as at the scanning electron microscope; 18S rRNA gene sequence was also determined. The species is characterized by a medium cell size (118 × 61 µm — fixed cell) and an oval‐extended body, flattened dorsoventrally; a very long sausage‐like macronucleus rolled up into almost a ring; a comparatively large compact micronucleus; relatively small number of vestibular kineties (4) and a peculiar structure of 3 peniculi, consisting of 5‐6, 4‐5 and 3 ciliary rows, respectively. The ciliate always has about 20 contractile vacuoles distributed beneath its entire body surface. Using these features, A. dohrni, definitely, can be easily discriminated from the two other species of the genus: Apofrontonia lametschwandtneri and Apofrontonia obtusa. The general re‐analysis of morphological characters of Apofrontonia spp. allowed us to remove this genus from family Frontoniidae, where it was put in the first description (Foissner & Song 2002). We provisionally consider genus Apofrontonia as incertae sedis within the order Peniculida due to (i) the limited number of morphological characters joining Apofrontonia to already described Peniculida families and (ii) the absence of molecular data for most representatives of Peniculida families. Frontonia leucas 18S rRNA gene was also characterized to increase the balance among represented taxa. According to the present analysis, Apofrontonia so far appears more closely related to Paramecium than to Frontonia.
The cold response regulator CBF1 promotes Arabidopsis hypocotyl growth at ambient temperatures

Light and temperature are two core environmental factors that coordinately regulate plant growth and survival throughout their entire life cycle. However, the mechanisms integrating light and temperature signaling pathways in plants remain poorly understood. Here, we report that CBF1, an AP2/ERF‐family transcription factor essential for plant cold acclimation, promotes hypocotyl growth under ambient temperatures in Arabidopsis. We show that CBF1 increases the protein abundance of PIF4 and PIF5, two phytochrome‐interacting bHLH‐family transcription factors that play pivotal roles in modulating plant growth and development, by directly binding to their promoters to induce their gene expression, and by inhibiting their interaction with phyB in the light. Moreover, our data demonstrate that CBF1 promotes PIF4/PIF5 protein accumulation and hypocotyl growth at both 22°C and 17°C, but not at 4°C, with a more prominent role at 17°C than at 22°C. Together, our study reveals that CBF1 integrates light and temperature control of hypocotyl growth by promoting PIF4 and PIF5 protein abundance in the light, thus providing insights into the integration mechanisms of light and temperature signaling pathways in plants.
Purification and Properties of a Basic Endo-1,3-rβ-Glucanase from Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

: A 1,3-beta-glucanase purified from rice grain is a 33 kDa monomer with a pI of > or = 10.4. The enzyme was determined to be an endo-1,3-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) by end product analysis using Laminaria digitata laminarin as substrate. Its amino-terminal amino acid sequence revealed strong homology to an endo-1,3-beta-glucanase from barley.
TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF OSCILLATING STEADY-STATE LHC MRNA LEVELS: CHARACTERIZATION OF TWO LHCA PROMOTER FRAGMENTS IN TRANSGENIC TOBACCO PLANTS

Lhc genes from angiosperms display circadian steady-state mRNA oscillations as a result of differential transcriptional activation. We studied promoter regions of tomato Lhca genes encoding chlorophyll a/b binding proteins, which are associated with photosystem I. Promoter deletion analysis showed that a 278 basepair (bp) DNA fragment from Lhca3 (cab 8) and a 119 bp fragment from Lhca4*1 (cab 11) was sufficient to mediate circadian gene expression in transgenic plants. Further experiments using the GUS-reporter gene assay showed that an internal 110 bp DNA fragment cloned from the 278 bp region of Lhca3 (position -278 to -169), however, was not able to drive a circadian reporter gene expression, indicating that additional cis -elements located downstream or within the exons and introns of Lhca3 are necessary. In contrast, the 119 bp fragment of Lhca4*1 bears all elements sufficient for a circadian mRNA accumulation pattern. The 119 bp promoter sequence of Lhca4*1 contains imperfect repeats of the motif CA.
A Classification of Streams, Illustrated by Fish Distribution in an Eastern Kentucky Creek

Buckhorn Creek, a small tributary of the Kentucky River, occupies a basin of approximately 43.8 mi2 in the deeply dissected Cumberland Plateau of Breathitt and Knott counties in eastern Kentucky. The stream pattern is (lendritic and moderately well-developed (Figure 1). Length from source to mouth is 15 miles and average gradient is almost 26 ft/mi. Bedrock or gravel riffles alternate with shallow pools, seldom more than 3 ft deep at normal stream levels. Rocks of the region are predominantly sandstones, the more resistant layers sometimes forming bold cliffs above the narrow valleys. The relatively flat ridges range between 1200 and 1500 ft in elevation, while the mouth of the stream lies at 795 ft. The watershed is uninhabited, except for the lower portion, and is forested with 2nd growth timber, mostly hardwoods. Twenty-two widely scattered fish collections were made in Buckhorn Creek with common sense minnow seines between June 22 and July 22, 1959. This period was relatively dry and water levels remaine(1 low. During mid-July the main channel seeped through most gravel riffles, and tributaries were mostly confined to standing pools. A summer Ichthyology class collected in larger streams and I seined smaller branches alone. Lack of roads prevented complete coverage of the basin in so short a time. Collecting sites off the main trunk were reached on foot. Most collections were critically examined later by Dr. Reeve M. Bailey, University of Michigan.
Insights into the termite assemblage of a neotropical rainforest from the spatio‐temporal distribution of flying alates

Abstract. 1. During the last decade, many studies have focused on the diversity of termite species and their ecological function, but these have been mostly based on transect protocols not designed to sample canopy‐dwelling and subterranean species. Additionally, all these studies relied upon collections of foraging parties composed of workers and soldiers in the soil or in pieces of wood.
The The Effectiveness of Picture Word Inductive Model in Teaching Vocabulary to the Eight Grade Students of SMPN 2 Buntu Pepasan

The objective of the research was to find out whether or not the picture word inductive model is effective in teaching vocabulary to the eight grade students of SMPN 2 BUNTU PEPASAN. The researcher applied quantitative experimental used pre-test and post-test. The population of this research was the eighth grade students of SMPN 2 BUNTU PEPASAN academic 2018/2019. The researcher used cluster sampling in choosing class VIII A consists 19 students. The data collected through written test, and then it is analyzed in percentage in work sheet. The result of data analysis through written test showed that the mean score of pre-test was 53,73 falls into poor score, and the mean score of post-test was 75,15. It means that the mean score of post-test is higher than pre-test. The result of t-test and t-table showed that there was significant improvement of Students vocabulary after treated by picture word inductive model. It was found that the score of t-test was 12,98 and score of t-table that used in this research was 1,734 It means that the hypothesis Hi is accepted because t-test is higher than t-table (12,98≥1,734) Based on the result of data analysis, it can be concluded that used of picture word inductive model to the eighth grade students of SMPN 2 BUNTU PEPASAN is effective.
Bioactivities of the Herb Extracts Used for Gamhongroju, a Korean Liqueur

In this study, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of the herb (cinnamon, clove, glehnia root, ginger, violet-root cromwell, licorice, citrus peel and longan) extracts used for gamhongroju, one of the popular liqueurs in Korea, were investigated. Twenty grams of individual herbs were extracted in 60% purified ethanol and freeze-dried. A mixture of the individual herb extracts (HEM) was separately prepared. Cytotoxicity of the individual extracts and HEM on murine RAW264.7 macrophage cells were examined along with their recovering activity on H2O2-treated RAW264.7 cells. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extract-treated cells were determined by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. Violet-root cromwell extract showed the least cytotoxicity in terms of treated concentration. Most of the extracts, below levels of cytotoxicity, recovered the H₂O₂-treated cells. Treatment with some of the extracts increased SOD and GPx activities and TEAC levels while a majority inhibited the production of NO and PGE2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated cells.
Mycoflora associated with the leaves of Senna alata (L.) Roxb.

Fungi associated with leaves of Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Cassia alata L.) and their pathogenic potentiality have been discussed. A total of 8 species of fungi belonging to 8 genera of Deuteromycetes were found to be associated with S. alata. The fungi were Acromoniella sp. , Arthrinium saccharicola Stevenson, Aspergillus niger Van Tiegh, Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fresen.) de Vries, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. , Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedijn, Nigrospora sphaerica (Sacc.) Mason, Pestalotiopsis guepinii (Desm.) Stay and unidentified Hyphomycetes, C. gloeosporioides and P. guepinii were found to be pathogenic to S. alata. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/jbas.v37i2. 17568 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Scnces, Vol. 37, No. 2, 249-252, 2013
Subsoil constraints to grain production in the cropping soils of the north-eastern region of Australia: an overview

In dryland agricultural systems of the subtropical, semi-arid region of north-eastern Australia, water is the most limiting resource. Crop productivity depends on the efficient use of rainfall and available water stored in the soil during fallow. Agronomic management practices including a period of fallow, stubble retention, and reduced tillage enhance reserves of soil water. However, access to stored water in these soils may be restricted by the presence of growth-limiting conditions in the rooting zone of the crop. These have been termed as subsoil constraints. Subsoil constraints may include compacted or gravel layers (physical), sodicity, salinity, acidity, nutrient deficiencies, presence of toxic elements (chemical) and low microbial activity (biological). Several of these constraints may occur together in some soils. Farmers have often not been able to obtain the potential yield determined by their prevailing climatic conditions in the marginal rainfall areas of the northern grains region. In the past, the adoption of soil management practices had been largely restricted to the top 100 mm soil layer. Exploitation of the subsoil as a source of water and nutrients has largely been overlooked. The key towards realising potential yields would be to gain better understanding of subsoils and their limitations, then develop options to manage them practically and economically. Due to the complex nature of the causal factors of these constraints, efforts are required for a combination of management approaches rather than individual options, with the aim to combat these constraints for sustainable crop production, managing natural resources and avoiding environmental damage.