Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic variability and reproductive modalities in European populations of Triops cancriformis (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Notostraca)

The genetic variability of the tadpole shrimp Triops cancriformis was studied through the analysis of 12 nuclear microsatellite loci. Seven of these loci were newly obtained from an enriched genomic library using a trinucleotide biotinylated probe (CAG)11. The study was conducted on six populations that previous genetic studies demonstrated to be poorly differentiated, notwithstanding their different reproductive strategies (gonochorism, parthenogenesis, androdioecy). The newly isolated microsatellite loci showed a higher genetic variability than those previously isolated, probably in relation with their different motif structure. Different patterns of variability were scored at both locus and population levels, the latter probably being caused by the different reproductive modalities. Wright's F‐statistics, AMOVA, and ISOLDE analyses showed that populations are well structured and isolated, again as a result of different reproductive modalities, but also of geographic distances and low migration flow.
A Novel Inducible Prophage from Burkholderia vietnamiensis G4 Is Widely Distributed across the Species and Has Lytic Activity against Pathogenic Burkholderia

Burkholderia species have environmental, industrial and medical significance, and are important opportunistic pathogens in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). Using a combination of existing and newly determined genome sequences, this study investigated prophage carriage across the species B. vietnamiensis, and also isolated spontaneously inducible prophages from a reference strain, G4. Eighty-one B. vietnamiensis genomes were bioinformatically screened for prophages using PHASTER (Phage Search Tool Enhanced Release) and prophage regions were found to comprise up to 3.4% of total genetic material. Overall, 115 intact prophages were identified and there was evidence of polylysogeny in 32 strains. A novel, inducible Mu-like phage (vB_BvM-G4P1) was isolated from B. vietnamiensis G4 that had lytic activity against strains of five Burkholderia species prevalent in CF infections, including the Boston epidemic B. dolosa strain SLC6. The cognate prophage to vB_BvM-G4P1 was identified in the lysogen genome and was almost identical (>93.5% tblastx identity) to prophages found in 13 other B. vietnamiensis strains (17% of the strain collection). Phylogenomic analysis determined that the G4P1-like prophages were widely distributed across the population structure of B. vietnamiensis. This study highlights how genomic characterization of Burkholderia prophages can lead to the discovery of novel bacteriophages with potential therapeutic or biotechnological applications.
Conserved Conformational Changes in the Regulation of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis MazEF-mt1.

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, which regulate many important cellular processes, are abundantly present in prokaryotic organisms. MazEF is a common type of TA system implicated in the formation of "persisters cells" of the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which contains 10 such systems. However, the exact function and inhibition mode of each MazF protein are not quite understood. Here, we report four high-resolution crystal structures of MazF-mt1 in various forms, including one in complex with MazE-mt1. The toxin displayed two unique interlocked loops that allow the formation of a tight dimer. These loops would open upon interacting with the antitoxin MazE-mt1 mediated by the last two helices of MazE-mt1. With our structure-based design, a mutant that could bind to the antitoxin with an enhanced affinity was produced. Combined crystallographic and biochemical studies further revealed that the binding affinity of MazE-mt1 to MazF-mt1 was mainly attributed to its α3 helical region, while the terminal helix η1 contributes very little or even negatively to the association of the pair, in stark contrast to the MazEF-mt9 system. This study provides structural insight into the binding mode and the inhibition mechanism of the MazE/F-mt1 TA pair, which may reflect the functional differences between different TA systems.
Mortality estimates and biological reference points for the Natal stumpnose Rhabdosargus sarba (Pisces: Sparidae) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

A per-recruit stock assessment was undertaken for the sparid Rhabdosargus sarba, which is caught in estuarine and marine shore fisheries in KwaZulu-Natal. Input parameters used in the analyses included age and growth parameters and mortality estimates from catch curves. The mortality estimates from estuarine and coastal catch curves were very different. Total and fishing mortality from estuaries was much higher, because adult R. sarba emigrate out of estuaries and fishing pressure on juveniles in estuaries is substantial. As a consequence two separate models were run for estuarine and coastal fisheries. The results of the spawning biomass per-recruit model indicate that R. sarba is at 34% (in estuaries) to 63% (in coastal fisheries) of its unfished level. Because estuarine estimates of fishing mortality (F) include emigration, the results indicate that R. sarba in KwaZulu-Natal is not at present overexploited. These results were substantiated by analysing available trends in catch per unit effort (CPUE) for this species.
Life-history strategies in parasitoid wasps: a comparative analysis of ‘ovigeny’

1. Ecologists concerned with life-history strategies of parasitoid wasps have recently focused on interspecific variation in the fraction of the maximum potential lifetime egg complement that is mature when the female emerges into the environment. Species that have all of this complement mature upon emergence are termed 'pro-ovigenic', while those that do not are termed 'synovigenic'. We document and quantify the diversity of egg maturation patterns among 638 species of parasitoid wasps from 28 families. 2. We test a series of hypotheses concerning variation in 'ovigeny' and likely life- history correlates by devising a quantitative index - the proportion of the maximum potential lifetime complement that is mature upon female emergence. 3. Synovigeny, which we define as emerging with at least some immature eggs, was found to be by far the predominant egg maturation pattern (98.12% of species). Even allowing for some taxonomic bias in our sample of species, pro-ovigeny is rare among parasitoid wasps. 4. There is strong evidence for a predicted continuum in ovigeny index among parasitoid wasps, from pro-ovigenic (ovigeny index = 1) to extremely synovigenic species (ovigeny index = 0). 5. As predicted, synovigenic species are longer-lived than pro- ovigenic ones, and ovigeny index and life span are negatively correlated across parasitoid taxa, suggesting a life span cost of concentrating reproductive effort early in adult life. 6. There is equivocal evidence that host feeding (i.e, consumption of host haemolymph and/or tissues by adult wasps) is confined to synovigenic parasitoid wasps. It is also not certain from our analyses whether host feeding is associated with a relatively low ovigeny index. 7. As predicted, egg resorption capability is concentrated among producers of yolk-rich eggs. Also, the hypothesis that it is associated with a tendency towards a low ovigeny index is supported. Parasitoid species that produce yolk-rich eggs also exhibit a lower ovigeny index than species that produce yolk-deficient eggs. 8. Ovigeny index appears to be linked to parasitoid development mode (koinobiosis-idiobiosis). 9. We conclude that 'ovigeny' is a concept applicable to insects generally. [KEYWORDS: feeding strategies; pro-ovigeny; synovigeny; timing of reproduction Leptopilina-boulardi hymenoptera; host-feeding strategies; egg limitation; reproductive-biology; clutch size; independent contrasts; functional-response; asobara-tabida; drosophila-melanogaster; evolutionary argument]
Antilisterial effect of two bioprotective cultures in a model system of Iberian chorizo fermentation

Summary This study reports the different effects of two bioprotective cultures on the growth of different Listeria monocytogenes strains by a rapid assay simulating the first stage of Iberian chorizo fermentation. Ground pork with or without protective cultures was inoculated with L. monocytogenes and incubated under two different conditions simulating the traditional, slow fermentation temperature (7 °C, 1 day) and a high, fast fermentation temperature (20 °C, 1 day), followed in both cases by storage at 7 °C for 13 days. Both bioprotective cultures reduced the growth of L. monocytogenes by at least 2 log CFU g−1 at the end of both incubation periods compared with a noninoculated culture control lot. The best results were obtained with the strain Lactobacillus sakei CTC494, which exerted a bactericidal effect on L. monocytogenes under both conditions assayed, achieving a 5.4-log reduction after 14 days compared with the control when the initial temperature was 20 °C.
Serological characterization of potato isolates of Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica and subsp. carotovora using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies

Serological, biochemical and physiological characteristics of 81 strains of Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica (Eca) and 67 strains of subsp. carotovora (Ecc) from potato, isolated in Spain and from several international collections, have been studied. Ouchterlony double diffusion (ODD), indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were the methods used. The antibodies were polyclonals from eight antisera prepared with Eca serogroup I and Ecc serogroup III and two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), 4G4 from Spain and 4F6 from Canada, both prepared with Eca strains of serogroup I. Serogroup I for Eca and several serogroups for Ecc were the most commonly found in the collection studied. Serological relationships between Eca and Ecc independently of the serogroups were observed by IIF and ELISA using polyclonal antibodies. Common epitopes between all Eca and Ecc studied were detected. Both MAbs recognized epitopes in Eca strains of serogroups I and XXII in IIF and ELISA but they did not react with strains of other serogroups nor Ecc strains. The pattern of reaction against the strains assayed was rather similar but not identical indicating that they represent two different and well conserved epitopes. This study confirms the serological complexity of Ecc and Eca and gives information about the serological probes for detection of both subspecies.
Influence of flexible substrate in low temperature polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors: temperature dependent characteristics and low frequency noise analysis

The carrier transport of p-type low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistors (TFTs) on flexible substrate has been intensively studied and compared to that on glass substrate in order to improve device performance. To investigate the origin of carrier transport on different substrates, temperature dependent characterizations are carried out for electrical device parameters such as threshold voltage (VTH), subthreshold swing (SS), on-current (Ion) and effective carrier mobility (μeff). The poly-Si grain size Lgrain and the barrier height EB between grain boundaries are well known to be the main parameters to determine transport in polycrystalline silicon and can be extracted based on the polycrystalline mobility model. However, our systemic studies show that it is not grain size but EB that has more influence on the degradation of LTPS TFT on flexible substrates. The EB of flexible substrate is roughly 18 times higher than glass substrate whereas grain size is similar for both devices on different substrates. Compared to the LTPS TFT on glass substrate, higher EB degrades approximately 24 % of Ion, 30 % of SS and 21 % of μeff on the flexible substrate at room temperature. From low frequency noise (LFN) analysis, it is observed that the total trap density (Nt) for flexible substrate is up to four times higher than that of glass substrate, which also supports the high value of EB in the device fabricated on the flexible substrate.
The Recombinant Fragment of Human κ-Casein Induces Cell Death by Targeting the Proteins of Mitochondrial Import in Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is still one of the most common cancers for women. Specified therapeutics are indispensable for optimal treatment. In previous studies, it has been shown that RL2, the recombinant fragment of human κ-Casein, induces cell death in breast cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms of RL2-induced cell death remain largely unknown. In this study, mechanisms of RL2-induced cell death in breast cancer cells were systematically investigated. In particular, we demonstrate that RL2 induces loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular ATP loss followed by cell death in breast cancer cells. The mass spectrometry-based screen for RL2 interaction partners identified mitochondrial import protein TOM70 as a target of RL2, which was subsequently validated. Further to this, we show that RL2 is targeted to mitochondria after internalization into the cells, where it can also be found in the dimeric form. The importance of TOM70 and RL2 interaction in RL2-induced reduction in ATP levels was validated by siRNA-induced downregulation of TOM70, resulting in the partial rescue of ATP production. Taken together, this study demonstrates that RL2–TOM70 interaction plays a key role in RL2-mediated cell death and targeting this pathway may provide new therapeutic options for treating breast cancer.
Effect of camera monitoring on survival rates of High‐Arctic shorebird nests

Monitoring bird nests with cameras provides an opportunity to identify the cause of nest failure and record the behavior of individuals. However, leaving an object continuously within sight of a nest could have potential negative effects on nesting success. We compared daily survival rates of nests monitored using cameras and human visitation to nests tracked via human visitation only to test for potential additional effects of camera monitoring on predation rates. From 2006 to 2008, experiments were conducted on Bylot Island (Nunavut) using 80 artificial nests and 53 real nests of Baird's Sandpipers (Calidris bairdii) and White-rumped Sandpipers (Calidris fuscicollis). Rates of predation on real and artificial nests varied considerably among years. However, survival rates of camera-monitored nests did not differ from those of nests monitored without cameras. Predators of artificial nests included Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus), Glaucous Gulls (Larus hyperboreus), and Long-tailed Jaegers (Stercorarius longicaudus), whereas Arctic foxes were responsible for all camera-recorded predation events at real nests. Camera monitoring should be promoted as a viable method for monitoring nests of Arctic shorebirds because our results indicate that placing cameras at nests does not bias estimates of nest survival obtained via nest visits. SINOPSIS El monitoreo con camaras de los nidos de las aves provee una oportunidad para identificar la causa del fallo de los nidos y para documentar el comportamiento de los individuos. Sin embargo, dejar un objeto continuamente a la vista del nido podria tener efectos negativos sobre el exito de la nidificacion. Comparamos las tasas de supervivencia diaria de nidos monitoreados usando camaras y visitacion de personas a la de los nidos que fueron monitoreados solo mediante la visitacion de personas para determinar si existieron efectos adicionales del monitoreo con camaras a las tasas de depredacion. Desde 2006 – 2008, realizamos experimentos en la Isla de Bylot (Nunavut) usando 80 nidos artificiales y 53 nidos naturales de Calidris bairdii y de C. fuscicollis. Las tasas de depredacion de nidos naturales y artificiales variaron considerablemente entre anos. Sin embargo, las tasas de supervivencia de nidos monitoreados con camaras no tuvieron diferencias con los que fueron monitoreados sin camaras. Los depredadores de nidos artificiales incluyeron zoros (Vulpes lagopus) y aves (Larus hyperboreus y Stercorarius longicaudus). Los zoros fueron responsables para todos los eventos de depredacion de los nidos naturales grabados con las camaras. El monitoreo con camaras deberia ser promovido como un metodo viable para el monitoreo de nidos de playeros en el arctico porque nuestros resultados indican que el uso de las camaras no afecta a las estimaciones de la supervivencia de los nidos obtenidas mediante visitas a los nidos.
ATP synthesis and utilization in the early stage of seed germination in relation to seed dormancy and quality

In addition to the possible activities of the well-known biochemical cycles, the ATP-synthesizing system in dry seeds consists of a pathway which oxidizes malate and provides phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP). This system seems to be regulated primarily by the malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37) activity, which together with the PEP carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.38) provides PEP and NADH. This latter compound may play a role as the “sparker” for the whole cycle. Breaking seed dormancy does not seem to be related to the rate of ATP synthesis per se but to facilitate enzyme-substrate interaction, probably caused by intracellular compartment-fusion. The compartmentation process is probably a result of the seed ripening and maturation functions. The ATP accumulated at the early stage of seed germination is a result of ATP synthesis and ATP utilization. Thus, ATP accumulation may result from a high rate of synthesis (high quality seeds) or from a low utilization ability (low-quality seeds). Also, since 95% of the synthesized ATP is utilized concomitantly with its synthesis, the accumulated amount is relatively insignificant and does not indicate seed quality. This conclusion is also supported by many experimental results in which no such correlation was found.
Rutin-Loaded Poloxamer 407-Based Hydrogels for In Situ Administration: Stability Profiles and Rheological Properties

Rutin is a flavone glycoside contained in many plants, and exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. The main disadvantage related to the use of this molecule for pharmaceutical application is its poor bioavailability, due to its low solubility in aqueous media. Poloxamer 407-hydrogels show interesting thermo-sensitive properties that make them attractive candidates as pharmaceutical formulations. The hydrophobic domains in the chemical structure of the copolymer, a polymer made up of two or more monomer species, are useful for retaining poorly water-soluble compounds. In this investigation various poloxamer 407-based hydrogels containing rutin were developed and characterized as a function of the drug concentration. In detail, the Turbiscan stability index, the micro- and dynamic rheological profiles and in vitro drug release were investigated and discussed. Rutin (either as a free powder or solubilized in ethanol) did not modify the stability or the rheological properties of these poloxamer 407-based hydrogels. The drug leakage was constant and prolonged for up to 72 h. The formulations described are expected to represent suitable systems for the in situ application of the bioactive as a consequence of their peculiar versatility.
Deinstitutionalization and network of mental health services: a new scene in health care.

OBJECTIVE to analyze the process of deinstitutionalization resulting from a psychiatric hospital shut down, and know the fate of users after dehospitalization. METHOD a descriptive, qualitative study based on the critical-analytical perspective, which had as its setting the Hospital Colônia de Rio Bonito. Institutional documents and narratives of five managers who participated in the deinstitutionalization process were analyzed. RESULTS Hospital Colônia deinstitutionalization lasted longer than expected. For this to happen, a tripartite intervention was necessary, and especially the mobilization of networks and implementation of Psychosocial Care Networks by the cities. Regarding destination of users, most were referred to therapeutic or transinstitutionalized residences. Final considerations: Hospital Colônia deinstitutionalization led to the establishment of connections between services and people. This was a powerful device for the implementation of Psychosocial Care Networks at municipal level.
Helpful and Hurtful Empathy: How the Interplay of Empathy, Shame, and Anger Predicts Responses to Hypothetical Rape Disclosures

Responses to rape victims, although often helpful, can be hurtful and hinder victims’ health and recovery. Adopting a multidimensional approach to dispositional empathy, this research investigated how different subfacets of empathy predict responses to hypothetical rape victims. Before reading a sexual assault scenario, 282 participants completed measures of cognitive and emotional empathy. Participants’ subsequent emotional arousal was measured by self-report, as were their intentions to help, avoid, or blame the victim. A path model demonstrated that dispositional empathy predicted behavioral intentions toward hypothetical rape victims by altering their vulnerability to experience shame or anger. People who tended to feel personal distress were more likely to mirror rape victims’ assumed shame. Due to its antisocial nature, experiencing shame, in turn, led to hurtful behaviors such as blaming or distancing oneself from the victim. On the other hand, people who tended to feel empathic concern were more likely to feel anger on behalf of the victim following a rape disclosure. Anger is a motivating force for action and promotes helping behavior. A second study demonstrated that these results appear unique to rape disclosure, namely, participants reactions to nonsexual assault were unsuccessfully captured by this model. Understanding how empathetic arousal of shame can lead to hurtful intentions toward rape victims has important implications for future interventions: Programs that draw attention to the shame or humiliation experienced by rape victims may do more harm than good. For instance, some anti-rape campaigns portray pictures of women covering their faces. These campaigns, however well intentioned, may discourage people from helping victims because they may evoke feelings of shame in the perceiver. On the other hand, societal movements, such as the #Metoo movement, may be particularly effective by reducing the shame surrounding sexual assault and promote helpful behaviors.
Optical Scattering of Liquid Gallium Nanoparticles Coupled to Thin Metal Films

We investigate experimentally and numerically the scattering properties of liquid gallium nanoparticles coupled to a thin gold or silver film. The gallium nanoparticles are excited either directly by using inclined white light or indirectly by surface plasmon polaritons generated on the surface of the gold/silver film. In the former case, the scattering spectrum is always dominated by a scattering peak at ∼540 nm with a long-wavelength shoulder which is redshifted with increasing diameter of the gallium nanoparticle. Under the excitation of the surface plasmon polaritons, optical resonances with much narrower linewidths, which are dependent on the incidence angle of the white light, appear in the scattering spectra. In this case, the scattering spectrum depends weakly on the diameter of the gallium nanoparticle but the radiation pattern exhibits a strong dependence. In addition, a significant enhancement of electric field is expected in the gap region between the gallium nanoparticles and the gold film based on numerical simulation. As compared with the gallium nanoparticle coupled to the gold film which exhibit mainly yellow and orange colors, vivid scattering light spanning the visible light spectrum can be achieved in the gallium nanoparticles coupled to the silver film by simply varying the incidence angle. Gallium nanoparticles coupled to thin metal films may find potential applications in light–matter interaction and color display.