Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation of five species of Yasuhikotakia in Thailand using AFLP.

The genetic variation of Yasuhikotakia was assessed using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) of 5 species, including Y. sidthimunki, Y. nigrolineata, Y. morleti, Y. modesta and Y. lecontei. Four primer-pairs were screened, from which ten primer-pairs (EAAG/M-CCG, E-AGC/M-GAC, E-ATG/M-GCG and E-CAG/M-CCG) were used. A total of 228 AFLP fragments were detected, polymorphic was 74.79%, and average heterozygosity was 0.19. Nei’s unbiased genetic distance among populations ranged from 0.0409 0.4378. An unweigthed pair-group method of arithmetic average (UPGMA) constructed dendrogram based on Nei’s unbiased genetic distances indicated two clusters. The first cluster included Y. sidthimunki and Y. nigrolineata, with more closely related. In the second cluster was composed of Y. morleti, Y. modesta and Y. lecontei.
A modified preparative ultracentrifuge technique for separating human serum lipoproteins

m Preparative ultracentrifugation of human serum to separate lipoproteins into recoverable fractions which are amenable to quantitative analysis of their constituents is a valuable laboratory tool. It is desirable for laboratories using direct methods of measuring cholesterol and phospholipids to be able to quantify without having to rely on time-consuming dialysis or extraction. It is the purpose of this paper to show that sodium sulfate, rather than sodium chloride or a sodium chloride-potassium bromide mixture, should be used to adjust solvent density if a direct procedure for measuring cholesterol is to be used. The preparative ultracentrifugal procedure was comparable to that of Havel et al. (1). The Spinco Model L was used with a 40.3 rotor at 38,000 rpm for 16 hours at 2'. Two 2-ml serum samples for each subject were centrifuged simultaneously, one at a solvent density of 1.006 g/ml, the other at 1.063 g/ml. Aqueous NazS04 solutions for controlling solvent density : Concentration, Density 20"
Kint3-4 protein from human plasminogen delays Ehrlich tumor growth in mice

INTRODUCAO E OBJETIVO: A proteina Kint3-4 originou-se a partir de uma recombinacao genetica dos segmentos K1-3 e K1--4 do plasminogenio humano e e reconhecida por seu potencial anti-inflamatorio e antiangiogenico. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da proteina Kint3-4 no desenvolvimento de tumores em camundongos inoculados com celulas do tumor de Ehrlich. METODOS: O fragmento de proteina foi obtido por uma tecnica de clonagem e transformacao de Pichia pastoris. Tres diferentes protocolos foram avaliados apos a inoculacao das celulas tumorais: no inicio (0-6 dias), no pico (0-12 dias) e apos o pico (0-18 dias) de crescimento do tumor. Foram analisados o crescimento do tumor e as caracteristicas histomorfologica e imuno-histoquimica com CDC47 (marcador de proliferacao celular) e CD31 (marcador de vasos sanguineos). RESULTADOS: Os animais tratados com a proteina Kint3-4 (150 µg/kg/48 h) nos tres diferentes protocolos apresentaram menor crescimento do tumor. Areas de inflamacao e tumor tambem foram reduzidas, avaliadas por exame histologico. Alem disso, a menor taxa de proliferacao das celulas tumorais e a baixa densidade de microvasos foram observadas nos animais tratados com proteina Kint3-4 em comparacao com o grupocontrole. CONCLUSAO: A participacao da proteina recombinante Kint3-4 na angiogenese tumoral e no controle da proliferacao de celulas malignas abre perspectivas para seu uso no tratamento clinico como antiangiogenico.
Isolation of Aureobasidium pullulans from bathroom surfaces and their antifungal activity against some Aspergilli

Ten Aureobasidium isolates were collected from bathroom surfaces in Thailand. They were identified as Aureobasidium pullulans. Cell extracts from all isolates were tested for antifungal activities against four selected Aspergillus species using a paper disc diffusion and conidial germination inhibition assay. BM1, KT1, HKW1 and HKW2 extracts inhibited Aspergillus terreus, whereas KT1 and BM1 extracts also inhibited Aspergillus fumigatus. BM1 extract alone inhibited Aspergillus flavus. From TLC analysis, an antifungal compound with an identical Rf to that of aureobasidin A was found in all extracts. Antifungal tests of TLC-separated compounds supported the paper disc diffusion and conidial germination inhibition assays.
Characterization of Early Gamma Interferon (IFN-γ) Expression during Murine Listeriosis: Identification of NK1.1+ CD11c+ Cells as the Primary IFN-γ-Expressing Cells

ABSTRACT Though it is well established that gamma interferon (IFN-γ) is crucial to the early innate defense of murine listeriosis, its sources remain controversial. In this study, intracellular cytokine staining of IFN-γ-expressing splenocytes early after Listeria monocytogenes infection revealed that NK1.1+, CD11c+, CD8+ T, and CD4+ T cells expressed IFN-γ 24 h after infection. Contrary to the previous report, most IFN-γ+ dendritic cells (DC) were CD8α− DC. Unexpectedly, almost all CD11c+ IFN-γ-expressing cells also expressed NK1.1. These NK1.1+ CD11c+ cells represented primary IFN-γ-expressing cells after infection. In situ studies showed these NK1.1+ CD11c+ cells were recruited to the borders of infectious foci and expressed IFN-γ. A significant NK1.1+ CD11c+ population was found in uninfected spleen, lymph node, blood, and bone marrow cells. And its number increased significantly in spleen, lymph node, and bone marrow after L. monocytogenes infection. Using interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40−/− mice, IFN-γ expression was found to be largely IL-12 p40 dependent, and the number of IFN-γ-expressing cells was only about one-third of that of wild-type mice. Moreover, the IFN-γ expression was absolutely dependent on live L. monocytogenes infection, as no IFN-γ was detected after inoculation of heat-killed L. monocytogenes. Our findings not only provide an insight into IFN-γ expression after in vivo infection but may also change the current perceptions of DC and natural killer cells.
Collusion Defender: Preserving Subscribers’ Privacy in Publish and Subscribe Systems

The Publish and Subscribe (pub/sub) system is an established paradigm to disseminate the data from publishers to subscribers in a loosely coupled manner using a network of dedicated brokers. However, sensitive data could be exposed to malicious entities if brokers get compromised or hacked; or even worse, if brokers themselves are curious to learn about the data. A viable mechanism to protect sensitive publications and subscriptions is to encrypt the data before it is disseminated through the brokers. State-of-the-art approaches allow brokers to perform encrypted matching without revealing publications and subscriptions. However, if malicious brokers collude with malicious subscribers or publishers, they can learn the interests of innocent subscribers, even when the interests are encrypted. In this article, we present a pub/sub system that ensures confidentiality of publications and subscriptions in the presence of untrusted brokers. Furthermore, our solution resists collusion attacks between untrusted brokers and malicious subscribers (or publishers). Finally, we have implemented a prototype of our solution to show its feasibility and efficiency.
Regulation of the Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

This Dissertation-Restricted is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by ScholarWorks@UNO with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Dissertation-Restricted in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/or on the work itself.
Species-specific interactions between small planktonic ciliates (Urotricha spp.) and rotifers (Keratella spp.)

We investigated the potential impact of four isolates of small ciliates of the genus Urotricha on the common rotifer species Keratella cochlearis and Keratella quadrata in laboratory batch culture experiments. Two small Cryptomonas species served as food for the ciliates and the rotifers in the experiments. Population growth rates of the rotifers were measured when they grew alone and when they were paired with one of their potential ciliate competitors. Growth rates of K. cochlearis were enhanced and their mortality rates reduced in the presence of Urotricha furcata, most likely because the rotifers preyed upon the ciliates. The larger rotifer species, K quadrata, also feeds upon small Urotricha, yet their population growth rates were negatively affected by Urotricha. This was because the mortality rate of K. quadrata increased in the presence of all three isolates of U. furcata and the one isolate of Urotricha farcta. It needs to be investigated whether this sect is chemically mediated and ecologically relevant.
Pichia spp. yeasts from Brazilian industrial wastewaters: Physiological characterization and potential for petroleum hydrocarbon utilization and biosurfactant production

Pichia strains isolated from industrial wastewaters were physiologically characterized and tested for their potential for hydrocarbon utilization and biosurfactant production using hydrophobic and hydrophilic substrates. The emulsification index and growth curves were obtained to establish the relation between cell growth and this index. Pichia anomala CE009 grew in the range of 18 to 39°C and the optimum was 24°C. The strain was able to grow in NaCl concentrations between 2 and 15%, and pH values between 2 and 12. Pichia membranaefaciens CE015 grew at temperatures of 18 to 42°C and the optimum was 30°C. This strain grew in 2 to 10% of NaCl and pH from 2 to 12. Hexadecane, kerosene and diesel oil were used for growth but not for biosurfactant production, while glucose and glycerol were used for growth and biosurfactant production. Biosurfactant was detected during the exponential growth phase, with production peaks of 63% for P. anomala CE009 and 58% for P. membranaefaciens CE015. This study shows the potential of two Pichia strains for bioremediation exploitation under a wide range of environmental conditions. Key words: Emulsifying agents, Pichia anomala, Pichia membranaefaciens, glycerol.
Genetic diversity in some local chicken breeds using microsatellite markers

Abstract Genetic relationships among Veneto native breeds of chickens were studied on the basis of microsatellites polymorphisms. A total of 100 DNA samples from 2 local chicken breeds (45 Robusta Lionata and 43 Robusta Maculata) and a commercial broiler line (12 Golden Comet) were analyzed using 19 microsatellite markers. The average number of alleles per locus was 4.05 and the expected heterozigosity resulted lower for the local breeds than the broiler line. The Robusta Lionata breed and the broiler line showed a significant deficit and excess of heterozygotes, respectively, deviating from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Nei’s standard genetic distances corrected for bias due to sampling of individuals (Da), based on allele frequencies, were calculated among breeds. The local breeds resulted very similar confirming the same genetic origin. The results suggested that microsatellite markers are a useful tool for studying the genetic diversity among local chicken breeds.
Recovery and Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA from Ancient Bones of Common Bream, Abramis brama L.

Cyprinid remains were collected from an archaeological site at Wolin, Poland. DNA has been extracted from a 1000 years old bone of common bream, and a 172 bp fragment of the cytochrome b gene of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) successfully amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. The obtained fragment has been sequenced, and showed one point mutation (G ! A) at the position 123 of the gene.
Do Counts of Salivary Sheath Flanges Predict Food Consumption in Herbivorous Stink Bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)?

ABSTRACT Counts of salivary sheaths and salivary flanges have been widely used in studies of feeding behavior and crop damage of pestiferous stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and other sheath-feeding Hemiptera. While salivary flanges can effectively predict crop damage by stink bugs, previous studies have assumed that food consumption (e.g., ingestion) and preference can also be inferred from flange data. Yet this assumption has remained untested. We investigated the relationship between the number of stink bug salivary flanges and consumption of cotton bolls for two important agricultural pest species: Nezara viridula (L.) and Euschistus servus (Say). We inferred food consumption rates from measures of relative growth rate and excreta quantity. To measure excreta, we quantified the color intensity, or chromaticity, of excreta using digital image analysis. We found a positive relationship between growth rate and the number of flanges for fifth instars of E. servus. However, we found no relationship between growth or excretion and the number of flanges for all stages of N. viridula and for E. servus adults. Our results indicate that counts of salivary flanges should not be used to infer food consumption or preference in studies on N. viridula and E. servus adults, but can be used in studies of E. servus nymphs. Species-and stage-specific differences in the relationship between consumption and salivary flanges suggests distinct feeding strategies among species and stages; such differences may be potentially important in determining crop damage from pestiferous stink bugs.
Patterns of frequency in species-rich vegetation in pine savannas: Effects of soil moisture and scale

Abstract Our principal objective was to document dominant plant composition and the species frequency pattern in a plant community type, longleaf pine savanna, known for its extraordinary number of vascular plant species. We also tested whether an important habitat factor, soil moisture, affected the resulting patterns, and whether the patterns were scale-dependent. We began with a collection of 120 sample plots (1- × 1-m) in a wet coastal plain savanna. These plots contained 126 plant species. The 3 dominant species by cover were Rhynchospora gracilenta (15.37%), Schizachyrium tenerum (13.36%), and Scleria pauciflora (10.07%). The species frequency distribution was a skewed unimodal pattern with most species occurring infrequently, in less than 10% of the plots. There was no evidence for bimodality. To test whether soil moisture affected species frequency patterns, we sorted the plots into 2 groups: 60 representing wetter conditions and 60 representing drier conditions. Measured by percent cover, the dominants in the wetter plots were R. gracilenta, Dichanthelium scabriusculum, and S. pauciflora, whereas in the drier area they were S. tenerum, Ilex glabra, and D. dichotomum. The species frequency pattern was similar for both wet and dry plots (χ2= 8.97, P> 0.05). To explore possible effects of sample area on this pattern, we sampled a further 75 plots in a larger tract of similar habitat in De Soto National Forest, using 4 sample areas of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 m2. Again, the species frequency distributions all had a skewed unimodal pattern. These patterns are consistent with other studies of savannas but do not appear consistent with the bimodal patterns reported from some grasslands. Further studies of frequency will determine the degree of generality of such patterns and their relationship to mechanistic processes in plant communities. Nomenclature: Kartesz, 1994.
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Single-Incision Versus Conventional Multiport Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy: A Single Institution Experience

Objectives: Single-incision laparoscopic procedures have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their minimal incisional morbidity and improved cosmetic outcomes. Herein, we will compare the feasibility and outcomes of single-incision and conventional multiport laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Methods: This study involves consecutive patients who underwent either single-incision or conventional multiport laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy from March 2007 to February 2014. The patients were divided into two groups, based on the surgical approach: single-incision laparoscopic surgery (Group 1) and conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery (Group 2). The parameters evaluated included estimated blood loss, operative time, postoperative pain, duration of hospital stay, complications, conversion, and final pathology. Results: There were a total of 20 patients, 10 in each study group. Baseline characteristics were similar, and there was no mortality in either of the groups. The low-flow pancreatic fistula was the most commonly seen morbidity, but it was ceased spontaneously in each group by a ratio of 30%. The operative time was significantly shorter in Group 2, with a mean of 116 minutes versus a mean of 180 minutes for Group 1 (p<0.001). One of the procedures in Group 2 was converted to open surgery due to peroperative bleeding. The median follow-up periods of the patients were 22 months and 56 months. The spleen was preserved in only 1 patient from Group 1, whereas in Group 2, the spleen preservation was achieved in 5 patients. Conclusion: The single-incision laparoscopic technique is a safe and effective alternative to standard laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.
Descripción de los cubículos utilizados en granjas lecheras en el sur de Chile y su relación con el confort de las vacas

Cubiculos no adecuados reducen el tiempo de reposo y son un riesgo de cojeras para la vaca. En Chile existe poca informacion respecto a las dimensiones y camas de los cubiculos. El proposito del estudio fue determinar las caracteristicas de cubiculos y camas usadas en lecherias del sur de Chile. Se visitaron 50 lecherias con mas de 100 vacas en lactancia. Se registraron las dimensiones y tipo de cama de 1068 (10%) de los cubiculos disponibles. Los antecedentes fueron introducidos en una planilla EXCEL y se analizaron utilizando estadistica descriptiva; los resultados se presentan como cuadros en base a porcentajes, promedios, rangos y medianas. El 84% (42) de las lecherias evaluadas estabulaban cinco meses durante el invierno. Un 45,5% (29) tenian mas de un cubiculo/vaca y un 34% (15) menos de un cubiculo/vaca. La combinacion cubiculo/cama mas usada fue cubiculo de metal con colchon relleno con caucho/paja o cama de tierra y cubiculo de madera/cama de tierra. Mas del 70% de los cubiculos tuvo dimensiones bajo el valor referencial, para: largo del cubiculo, alto al riel del cuello, alto al riel divisorio superior y distancia del muro al riel del cuello. Un 45% tuvo valores inferiores a los recomendados para el riel divisorio inferior. La altura de la solera y del posicionador del pecho, fueron excesivas en mas de un 20 % de los cubiculos. Las lecherias utilizaban principalmente estabulacion nocturna en invierno y comienzo de primavera. Los cubiculos mas utilizados eran metalicos, modelo norteamericano. Sus dimensiones, asi como las camas, no cumplian las recomendaciones de la literatura.
Solar radiation–enhanced dissolution of particulate organic matter from coastal marine sediments

We investigated the influence of solar radiation on the transfer of organic matter from the particulate to dissolved phase during resuspension of coastal sediments collected from seven sites across Florida Bay (organic carbon values ranged from 2% to 9% by weight). Sediments were resuspended in oligotrophic seawater for 48 h in 1‐liter quartz flasks in the dark and under simulated solar radiation (SunTest XLS+) at wet weight concentrations of 100 mg L−1 and 1 g L−1 (dry weights ranged from 27 to 630 mg L−1). There were little to no dissolved organic carbon (DOC) increases in dark resuspensions, but substantial DOC increases occurred in irradiated resuspensions. DOC levels increased 4 mg C L−1 in an irradiated 1 g L−1 suspension (dry weight 400 mg L−1) of an organic‐rich (7% organic carbon) sediment. At a particle load commonly found in coastal waters (dry weight 40 mg L−1), an irradiated suspension of the same organic‐rich sediment produced 1 mg C L−1. DOC increases in irradiated resuspensions were well‐correlated with particulate organic carbon (POC) added. Photodissolution of POC ranged from 6% to 15% at high sediment levels and 10% to 33% at low sediment levels. Parallel factor analysis modeling of excitation‐emission matrix fluorescence data (EEM PARAFAC) suggested the dissolved organic matter (DOM) produced during photodissolution included primarily humic‐like components and a less important input of protein‐like components. Principal component analysis (PCA) of EEM data revealed a marked similarity in the humic character of photodissolved DOM from organic‐rich sediments and the humic character of Florida Bay waters.
Evidence for a Mitochondrial Regulatory Pathway Defined by Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator-1α, Estrogen-Related Receptor-α, and Mitofusin 2

Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) is a mitochondrial membrane protein that participates in mitochondrial fusion and regulates mitochondrial metabolism in mammalian cells. Here, we show that Mfn2 gene expression is induced in skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue by conditions associated with enhanced energy expenditure, such as cold exposure or β3-adrenergic agonist treatment. In keeping with the role of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α on energy expenditure, we demonstrate a stimulatory effect of PGC-1α on Mfn2 mRNA and protein expression in muscle cells. PGC-1α also stimulated the activity of the Mfn2 promoter, which required the integrity of estrogen-related receptor-α (ERRα)-binding elements located at −413/−398. ERRα also activated the transcriptional activity of the Mfn2 promoter, and the effects were synergic with those of PGC-1α. Mfn2 loss of function reduced the stimulatory effect of PGC-1α on mitochondrial membrane potential. Exposure to cold substantially increased Mfn2 gene expression in skeletal muscle from heterozygous Mfn2 knock-out mice, which occurred in the presence of higher levels of PGC-1α mRNA compared with control mice. Our results indicate the existence of a regulatory pathway involving PGC-1α, ERRα, and Mfn2. Alterations in this regulatory pathway may participate in the pathophysiology of insulin-resistant conditions and type 2 diabetes.