Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased resistance towards generalist herbivory in the new range of a habitat-forming seaweed

Interactions between plants and their biotic environment can drastically change during range-expansion and result in rapid adaptive evolution of plant traits. According to the influential evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis escape from specialist natural enemies will lead to a reduction in defense levels, but the way in which generalist consumers in the new ranges affect the evolution of plant defenses remains poorly understood. We conducted a four month controlled environment experiment to examine if the high densities of the generalist herbivore Idotea baltica in the Baltic Sea have selected for increased grazer-resistance in Fucus vesiculosus, a North Atlantic seaweed that has expanded into large parts of the brackish Baltic Sea. Genetic analysis using microsatellites showed that the sampled populations are genetically distinct, which strongly suggests that traits under divergent selection may readily diverge and populations evolve local adaptations. Feeding trials and measurements of defense metabolites, i.e., phlorotannins, showed that F. vesiculosus from the Baltic Sea was least preferred and contained more than 50% higher constitutive levels of phlorotannins than conspecifics in the North Sea (Skagerrak), while algae from the Oresund, one of the sounds connecting the Baltic Sea to the Skagerrak, had intermediate resistance levels both in terms of grazer preference and phlorotannin levels. These results suggest that the higher grazing pressure on F. vesiculosus expanded into the Baltic Sea has resulted in the evolution of increased resistance towards generalist grazing.
Interaction of Staphylococcus epidermidis from Infected Hip Prostheses with Neutrophil Granulocytes

This study focuses on the interaction of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from granulation tissue covering infected hip prostheses and neutrophil granulocytes. Bacterial strains isolated from normal flora were used as controls. The bacteria were well characterized with routine methods and further characterized with random amplified polymorphic DNA analyses and slime tests. Phagocytosis and chemiluminescence (CL) assays were used in the neutrophil interaction studies. The prostheses strains were ingested to a lesser extent than strains from normal flora (p
Relationships Between Fibre Digestibility and Particle Size for Lactating Dairy Cows

Economic, environmental, and social considerations encourage the use of more forage in dairy cattle rations (Martin et al., 2017). Although regional economics and forage availability determine the balance between dietary forage and non-forage sources of fibre, we appear to be at the threshold of a new era in our ability to effectively feed fibre to lactating dairy cows. Nutritionists have long realized that NDF content alone does not explain all of the observed variation in dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield as the source of forage and its concentration in the diet vary. Incorporating measures of fibre digestibility and particle size improves our ability to predict DMI and productive responses.
Guidelines for aetiological investigation into unilateral permanent childhood hearing impairment

1. To answer the questions parents may have, ‘Why is my child deaf’ and ‘Is the hearing loss likely to get worse? ’ 2. Investigation of hearing loss may uncover conditions requiring medical management, e.g. space occupying lesions, etc. 3. Identification of conditions where timely treatment will prevent progression of the hearing loss, e.g. congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), congenital cholesteatoma. Early diagnosis of congenital CMV infection means that the child will be eligible for treatment (currently recommended for infants less than 4 weeks of age) to prevent further loss of hearing. 4. To detect inner ear dysplasia in order to give appropriate advice, for example: On the risk of recurrent meningitis. On risk associated with head injury in enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA).
Physiological Functions of Enzymatic Hydrolysates of Collagen or Keratin Contained in Livestock and Fish Waste

We studied the physiological functions of enzymatic hydrolysates of collagen or keratin contained in livestock and fish waste, for the purpose of determining optimal utilization of those wastes. The enzymatic hydrolysate of meat meal, a collagen-waste, showed strong angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibiting activity (IC500.6–2.8 mg/ml). In contrast, the enzymatic hydrolysate of a mixture of horn and hoof, a keratin-waste, showed high antioxidative activity. Thus, collagen or keratin contained in livestock and fish waste may be convertible to useful products by enzymatic hydrolysis, providing new physiologically functional food materials.
Effects of dimehypo (disodium 2-methylaminotrimethylene di thiosulfonate) on growth and cocooning of the silkworm, Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera : Saturnidae)

Dimehypo (disodium 2-methylaminotrimethylene di thiosulfonate), is an insecticide used on rice and other crops in China. However, contamination of mulberry leaves with this has been implicated in a reduction of silk production. The acute and chronic toxicity of dimehypo to Bombyx mori L over the partial life cycle of the organism was determined based on survival, growth and cocooning of two strains of silkworm larvae. A change in the ultrastructure of the posterior silk gland cell was also observed in this study. The results showed that the growth and development of tested larvae was impeded and their life cycle was prolonged in both strains. It was also found that dimehypo was extremely harmful to the cocooning of B mori. Ultrastructural evidence suggests that adverse effects of dimehypo arise as a result of changes in the biosynthesis of fibroin and in the physiological activity of the posterior silk gland cell. The maximum acceptable daily dose of dimehypo based on growth and cocooning of B mori is less than 1.7 × 10−6 µg day−1 in spring-reared larvae and less than 1.7 × 10−8 µg day−1 in autumn-reared larvae. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling the Role of the Interstitial Nucleus of Cajal in Otolithic Control of Static Eye Position

Previous models of ocular counterroll assumed that static eye position was controlled by direct brainstem pathways from the vestibular nuclei via the ocular motor nuclei to the extraocular eye muscles. However, recent experimental evidence has shown that the interstitial nucleus of Cajal (INC), known as the vertical-torsional velocity-to-position integrator, plays a crucial role in torsional otolith-dependent eye position, i.e. for the modification of Listing's plane by static head tilts. To evaluate possible mechanisms by which otolithic input may influence eye position via the INC, we constructed a 3D mathematical model of saccade and nystagmus generation. The model includes the burst generators located in the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) and paramedian pontine reticular formation and the velocity-to-position integrators located in the INC and prepositus hypoglossi. The model simulations suggest that otolith pathways to the neural integrator that adjust Listing's plane may involve the cerebellum.
Depression Therapy with Injection Drug Users: Results of a Pilot Study

The purpose of this article is to report the methods, results, and conclusions of a pilot study developed to test a depression therapy component to reduce depressive symptoms in injection drug users. The pilot study was conducted to determine if the depression therapy component should be added as an adjunct to a social-network HIV risk–reduction intervention. The major conclusion from our pilot study was that depression therapy appears to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms in injection drug users and should be tested to improve treatment outcome of depressed drug users participating in HIV risk–reduction interventions.
Effects of grilling on cholesterol oxide formation and fatty acids alterations in fish

Due to the adverse effects of the cholesterol oxidation products for the human health, the search of the occurrence and the quantification of these compounds in foods are considered of great importance. In this paper the effect of grilling in hake and sardine on cholesterol oxides formation and fatty acids alterations was investigated. The main fatty acids determined in both fishes were docosahexaenoic (DHA), oleic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and palmitoleic. The total lipids, fatty acids and cholesterol contents were decreased significantly (p < 0.02) after thermal treatment, with simultaneous increase of the cholesterol oxides contents. The cholesterol oxides determined in both species in the present study were: 19-hydroxycholesterol, 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol, 22(S) hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 25(R)-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocolesterol. Besides the presence of the cholesterol oxides in raw fishes, there were a greater number of products resulting from the oxidation of cholesterol side chain, a fact rarely observed in foods.
Studies of Plough Design and Ploughing Relevant to Conditions in Northern Europe

Although the development of plough design has been on the agenda for hundreds of years, there is still room for improvements. The present study attempts to give an overview of previous work and to identify the areas having most potential for future improvement. The study is based on 165 publications from 1771 to 2001 and covers the main parameters in relation to energy requirement, wear, ploughing result and crop yield. The study concludes that the features of greatest future potential are changes of the ploughing depth and of the shape and surface characteristics of shares and other lower plough body parts. The effects of ploughing depth have been studied in numerous investigations. The results show that the depth should be chosen with regard to soil type and weed infestation. It may often be reduced to 18-20 cm or less without significant reduction of crop yields, but with a considerable reduction of energy demand. The share tips and other lower plough body parts contribute about two thirds of the total draft requirement of the plough bodies, and they may contribute to some extent to plough pan formation. Therefore, the shapes of these parts considerably influence energy requirement, wear and maintenance costs and the resistance to root penetration and water infiltration below the plough layer. Reduction of the draft force requirement by reducing the ploughing depth and improving the shape opens up possibilities for decreases in tractor power and weight, or an increase in work rate through greater working speed or width.
Planktonic Microfossils and the Recognition of Ancestors

erally be recognized. We can tell if absence of a form from an area is real or due to lack of preservation. Piston cores from the entire world ocean are available for all the water masses since the late Miocene. Their stratigraphy can be carefully worked out by at least three independent means of correlation, and in some cases these cores faithfully record events spaced only hundreds of years apart. Thus, in certain pelagic microfossils it is possible to sample all populations that have existed through millions of years, and be confident that no forms of interest remain unsampled. Therefore, the marine microfossil record can meet the criteria necessary to recognize ancestors. An example from the Radiolaria is discussed. [Biogeography; microfossils; ancestor/descendant; Radiolaria; stratigraphy; cladistics; phylogeny. ]
Daily Travel Schedules of Adult Eurasian Hobbies Falco subbuteo — Variability in Flight Hours and Migration Speed Along the Route

We analysed satellite tracking data to reveal the daily travel schedules of Hobbles Falco subbuteo migrating between northern Europe and southern Africa. By comparing movements during short-time intervals of 1–8 h at different times of the day between the three different regions Europe, Sahara Desert and tropical Africa, we found significant higher hourly speeds in the Sahara compared to the other two regions. The migration started early in the morning and continued throughout the day, resulting in daily travel time exceeding that of typical thermal soaring migrants. Due to fast hourly speeds in combination with the long travel days during Sahara crossings, the Hobbies exceeded daily travel distances recorded for soaring migrants. In Europe and tropical Africa, the speed was highly variable during the day, and lower flight speeds, especially during afternoons, suggest a fly-and-forage strategy. Our predictions about regular occurrence of nocturnal flight especially across geographical barriers as the desert were not fulfilled. In the Sahara, the Hobbies restricted their movement to diurnal migration. Nevertheless, 10% of the flight segments in tropical Africa were partly or completely during night hours and Hobbies often started their daily flight before or at sunrise. We attribute the special characteristics of the daily travel schedules of Hobbies primarily to their use of a fly-and-forage strategy, possibly in combination with preparedness for exploiting thermals during the daily thermal time window. Further studies are needed to understand why Hobbies do not increase daily travelling hours to include regular nocturnal flight in the Sahara Desert. We suggest that the daily travel schedules of the Hobby, which were distinctly different from those of other diurnal migrants like large raptors (which mainly exploit thermal soaring migration) or pipits, wagtails, finches and pigeons (which mainly travel during the morning hours) may be typical for bird species that primarily use a fly-and-forage migration strategy.
Infection of Australian and New Zealand Rubus subgenera Dalibarda and Lampohatus by the European blackberry rust fungus Phragmidium violaceum

Laboratory inoculations of native Australian and New Zealand Rubus spp. showed that R. gunnianus (subgenus Dalibarda) from Tasmania and R. schmidelioides and R. cissoides (subgenus Lampobatus) from New Zealand were moderately susceptible to the European blackberry rust fungus Phragmidium violaceum. Although the rust infected all species of subgenus Lampobatus tested. R. australis. R. parvus. R. squarrosus and R. moorei were more resistant and unlikely to be adversely affected when the rust reaches their area of distribution.
V-Track: software for analysing and visualising animal movement from acoustic telemetry detections

The tagging of aquatic and semi-aquatic animals with acoustic transmitters and their detection by passive underwater receivers has gained huge popularity over the past decade. This technology offers researchers the opportunity to monitor the finite- to broad-scale movements of multiple individuals over many years; however, the sheer scale and spatial complexity of these datasets are often beyond the capabilities of routine database and spread-sheet applications. In thepresentpaper,wedescribesoftware(V-Track)thatgreatlyfacilitatestheassimilation,analysisandsynthesisofanimal- location data collected by underwater passive acoustic receivers. The principal features within V-Track are the behavioural event qualifier (BEQ) and the receiver-distance matrix (RDM) calculator. The BEQ identifies and catalogues horizontal movements from receiver detection data, or vertical movements from transmitter sensor data (depth or temperature). The RDMis generatedfrom thegeographicallocationof the acousticreceivers andis utilisedbyV-Trackto illustrate the behavioural event information in a spatial context. V-Track is a package written within the R-programming language, and a graphical user interface is also provided. Here, we feature two case studies to demonstrate software functionality for defining and quantifying behaviour in acoustically tagged marine and freshwater vertebrates. Additional keywords: behaviour, R, tracking VEMCO, VR2W.
Breeding success of ducks in relation to different habitat factors

Breeding success of four duck species, Teal Anas crecca, Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, Wigeon Anas penelope and Goldeneye Bucephala clangula, was studied in a boreal watershed in southern Finland during 1988–1991 in relation to habitat type (based on vegetation development) and food abundance. Of the three common breeders, breeding success (broods/ pair) was highest in Teal (1.7) and lower in Mallard (1.4) and Goldeneye (1.2). Over the years, Goldeneye brood densities were less variable than were pair densities, so breeding success varied more among years that did that of Mallard or Teal. In Teal, the yearly numbers of pairs and broods fluctuated together, whereas in Mallard neither varied appreciably. Breeding success by Goldeneye was higher where nektonic invertebrates were more abundant, whereas breeding success of the dabbling ducks had very few significant correlations with environmental factors.
Neuropeptides regulating development and reproduction in insects

Abstract. This review deals with those neuropeptidic hormones that are completely known in their primary structure together with the control processes that are linked directly or indirectly to development and reproduction. Actions are assessed for neuropeptides that regulate ecdysteroid and Juvenile Hormone production; oocyte growth or yolk deposition; and ecdysis and courtship behaviour. The combined data on the primary sequence, gene expression, biosynthesis, release, interaction with the receptor and mode of action provide an accurate account of the current knowledge on how these peptides function.
1166C mutation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene is correlated with umbilical blood flow velocimetry in women with preeclampsia

Objective. To ascertain the frequency of polymorphic variants of the gene coding for angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) and its correlation with umbilical artery (UA) blood flow velocity in a group of women with preeclampsia (PE). Study design. AT1 polymorphism, pulsatility index (PI) in UA, and perinatal outcome in 47 women with PE and in 113 healthy pregnant women were investigated. Investigation of AT1 receptor genotypes was performed by PCR/RFLP assays. PI value has been measured by Doppler velocimetry technique.Results. The overrepresentation of CC? homozygotic genotype in PE group (6.4% vs. 2.7%) and the overrepresentation of mutated C allele in the PE group were observed (28.7% vs. 23.0%). Analyzing PI index we observed statistically significant differences between PE and control groups. Comparing PI values in PE group between genotypes: AA vs. AC + CC statistically significant differences (p? <? 0.05) have been observed.Conclusions. Observed overrepresentation of mutated C allele of the AT1 gene was correlated with increased blood flow in umbilical artery in women with preeclampsia. Doppler velocimetry might be a useful tool for indication in the high-risk group with overrepresentation of C alleles.
Receptor-Mediated Gene Delivery to HepG2 Cells by Ternary Assemblies Containing Cationic Liposomes and Cationized Asialoorosomucoid

Unilamellar cationic liposomes have been prepared from an equimolar mixture of 3 ̄[N 0 ,N 0 -dimethylaminopropane)-carbomoyl] cholesterol (Chol-T), a higher homologue of 3 ̄[N 0 ,N0 -dimethylaminoethane)-carbomoyl] cholesterol (DC-Chol), and dioleoylphosphatidyl-ethanolamine . The DNA binding capabilities of Chol-T and Chol-T/DOPE liposomes have been demonstrated in lipid impregnated paper-DNA binding assays and gel retardation experiments, respectively. These liposomes have been combined with pRSVL plasmid DNA and N-ethyl-N 0 -(3-trimethylpropylammonium) carbodiimide iodide modi ed asialoorosomucoid (Me CDI urea-AOM) to generate ternary electrostatic assemblies intended for selective entry into cells displaying the galactose-speci c lectin. This effect has been evaluated in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 in which high levels of luciferase activity were achieved (up to 1.84 £ 10 relative light units/mg protein) after transfection with complexes containing liposomes (1–3 1g), Me CDI urea-AOM (2 1g), and DNA (0.5 1g) in 0.5 mL culture medium. Transfections conducted in the presence of free asialoorosomucoid afforded much lower luciferase activity (up to 1.5 £ 105 relative light units/mg protein) con rming that DNA uptake was predominantly via asialoorosomucoid receptor-mediated endocytosis. We concluded therefore that modular complexes used in our study display the carbohydrate moiety of the glycoprotein component prominently, thus permitting interaction of terminal galactose units with their cognate receptors on the cell membrane.
Developmental neurotoxic effects of dioxin and dioxin‐like compounds on domestic and wild avian species

In ovo exposure to dioxin and dioxin‐like compounds has been shown to be associated with the development of grossly asymmetric avian brains. This asymmetry is primarily seen in two major brain regions, the forebrain and the tectum, and is detectable in the intact (but isolated) brain or in cross sections, as in computer tomographic (CT) images of the brain. Brain asymmetry has been observed in several wildlife species (heron, cormorant, and eagle) exposed to a mixture of contaminants in the wild, as well as in a domestic species (chicken) exposed to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) in ovo under controlled conditions. Asymmetry appears with increasing frequency and severity in embryos and hatchlings exposed to increasing doses of TCDD beginning early in embryonic development. Since asymmetry is evident in early embryos (embryonic day 9) when the braincase is just a thin covering, it is unlikely that brain asymmetry is caused by effects on the braincase rather than on the brain itself. In addition, preliminary histological evaluation of heron hatchling brains indicates that the pyriform (striate) cortex has increased cell density in contaminated versus control brains, although it is not yet clear whether this change in cell density is also manifested asymmetrically. Immunohistochemical analysis of embryonic chicken spinal cord demonstrated that TCDD exposure in ovo also induces a dysmyelination.