Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Achilles heel for spiny lobsters: the energetics of the non-feeding post-larval stage

Spiny lobsters are highly valuable seafood species that are captured and marketed in more than 90 countries. After more than 30 years of stable catches, spiny lobster fisheries in many parts of the world are declining due to decreased recruitment. The planktonic larvae spend up to 2 years in offshore waters, accumulating energy stores to fuel the non-feeding post-larva, or puerulus, to actively migrate onshore and settle. The total energy required by spiny lobster pueruli for cross-shelf migration has not been accurately determined. Recent advances in larval culture have provided the opportunity for the first detailed examination of the swimming performance, respiratory metabolism and nitrogen excretion of spiny lobster (Sagmariasus verreauxi) throughout the puerulus stage. The routine and active metabolic rates of pueruli were lower than for most other decapod larvae, probably to provide greater energy efficiency. However, pueruli were found to have limited time, swimming ability and fuel for active cross-shelf migration. It is estimated that S. verreauxi pueruli require at least 13.8 mg of stored lipid to provide sufficient energy (18.4% DW) to complete the puerulus stage and recruit to coastal habitats. The ability of the preceding phyllosoma larvae to accumulate these reserves, and the presence of favourable oceanographic conditions during the limited time available to the migrating puerulus, are both crucial to subsequent successful recruitment. Spiny lobster recruitment processes appear to be particularly vulnerable to changes in oceanic climate which is likely to contribute to the recent large-scale declines in recruitment to valuable fished populations.
Immunohistochemical studies of the PrPCJD deposition in Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease

The PrPCJD deposition in eight brains of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) was examined immunohistochemically using both hydrolytic autoclaving and formic acid pretreatment in order to understand the pathogenesis of CJD. Synaptic‐type PrP immunoreactivity was revealed in the gray matter in all cases and had a tendency to be weaker in devastated areas in cases with a longer duration of illness. However, in one particular case with numerous prion plaques, the degeneration was relatively mild while PrPCJD immunoreactivity was intense despite the longest duration of illness among the examined cases. Deep layer accentuation of PrPCJD immunoreactivity was observed in the cerebral cortices in most cases. This staining pattern, however, disappeared in a burnt‐out lesion exhibiting status spongiosus. The granular layer was damaged mostly in the cerebellum of the advanced cases. PrPCJD and synaptophysin immunoreactivities decreased as the tissue degeneration progressed. Interestingly, the Purkinje cells had no positivity for PrPCJD in all cases, although the neurons in relatively preserved cerebellum showed apparent positivity for synaptophysin. In the Ammon’s horn and subiculum the neurons were well preserved despite the marked immunoreactivity for PrPCJD in all cases, although some cases demonstrated severe spongiform change. Approximately half of the cases showed intracytoplasmic inclusion body‐like immunoreactivity for PrPCJD in neurons of the dentate nucleus. These findings suggest that PrPCJD deposition may be an event that precedes neuronal degeneration evolving from deeper layers of the cerebral cortex. Although the Ammon’s horn and subiculum showed striking PrPCJD deposition and spongiform change, neuronal loss did not take place, suggesting that deposited PrPCJD itself seems not to be directly harmful to the neurons. Some investigators have assumed that microglia activated by PrPCJD plays an important role in neuronal degeneration. Considering this, we speculate that microglia in the Ammon’s horn and subiculum may have a unique characteristic of not responding to PrPCJD.
Functional characterization of prohibitins by conditional inactivation in the mouse

Prohibitins comprise an evolutionary conserved and ubiquitously expressed family of membrane proteins implicated in a large variety of cellular processes. Large assemblies of PHB1 and PHB2 subunits are localized in the inner membrane of mitochondria, but various roles in other cellular compartments have also been proposed for both proteins. However, the function of prohibitins on the molecular level remains unclear. To investigate the physiological role of mammalian prohibitins, a mouse strain for the conditional, Cre/loxP-mediated inactivation of Phb2 was generated. Ubiquitous and brain-restricted deletion of Phb2 in vivo caused embryonic lethality indicating an essential role of Phb2 in mammalian development. To determine cellular functions of PHB2, a cell culture system was established allowing to define functional consequences of a Phb2 deletion. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated from Phb2fl/fl embryos were transduced with cell-permeable Cre-recombinase to inactivate Phb2. Functional interdependence of prohibitin subunits was observed in MEFs after PHB2 depletion, illustrating the physiological relevance of the assembled prohibitin complex. The absence of prohibitins in MEFs leads to impaired cell proliferation and increased sensitivity towards apoptotic stimuli. This is accompanied by fragmentation of the mitochondrial network and defective morphogenesis of mitochondrial cristae. Complementation experiments attribute these defects to the loss of mitochondria-localized prohibitins indicating an essential requirement of the mitochondrial prohibitin complex in these processes. Loss of prohibitins affects the proteolytic cleavage of OPA1, a dynamin-like GTPase in the inner membrane essential for mitochondrial fusion, leading to the selective loss of long isoforms of OPA1. The specific expression of a long OPA1 isoform in prohibitin-deficient MEFs restores cristae morphogenesis, apoptotic resistance and partially cell proliferation, identifying impaired OPA1 processing as the primary cause for the cellular defects in the absence of prohibitins. These results identify a novel roles for mitochondrial prohibitins in cell proliferation and cristae formation by the proteolytic modulation of OPA1, suggesting a molecular interplay between cell growth and organelle morphogenesis.
Response of fermented Cladophora containing diet on growth performances and feed efficiency of Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.)

Feed is still contributed the highest in the cost of aquaculture. Fermented Cladophora was applied to replace plant-based protein for tilapia. Five different diets, but all are iso-protein, were formulated, substituting 0% (as control) to 40% of plant-based protein with fermented Cladophora. The experiment was set up using 15 aquaria, each of 30 l and stocked with tilapia (initial individual size of 3.65 ± 0.26 g) at density of 1 fish l-1. All the fish was fed at 3% of body-weight day -1 and the experiment was ended at day 42 nd . The result showed that tilapia fed with 10% of fermented Cladophora reached the highest in growth rate, feed efficiency, protein digestibility, and essential amino acid index. The growth rate of this treatment was 30% higher than the control diet (non substitution with fermented Cladophora). This means that by changing ingredients in the diet, it may affect in cost reduction or gain in production biomass.
Contact activity of synthetic pyrethroids against adult grass grub, Costelytra zealandica (white)

The field life for contact activity of cypermethrin and permethrin, applied to pasture, was similar for all of five application rates between 0.25 and 1.5 kg ha−1. Laboratory bioassays with grass grub beetles, Costelytra zealandica (White), showed that the insecticides lost their activity after about 4–9 days on pasture. Microencapsulation significantly increased the active field life of permethrin.
Genetic background affects genetically modified ethylene sensing in birch-insect interaction

Several studies suggest that ethylene is involved in the responses and resistance of plants against herbivores and pathogens, but the role of ethylene seems to vary depending on the system studied. Here we extend the studies of introduced Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. ethylene receptor gene (etr1-1) to a new type of interaction: a woody plant, Betula pendula Roth (silver birch) and its herbivore, Epirrita autumnata (Borkhausen) (autumnal moth). We studied constitutive insect resistance of two wild-type birch genotypes, V and J, which were very different hosts for E. autumnata. On the J background, genetically modified ethylene insensitivity decreased the performance of E. autumnata, measured as leaf damage, larval mass, or pupal mass. However, hardly any changes were detectable in the V background, which is an inferior wild-type genotype for autumnal moth performance, except increased leaf damage caused by E. autumnata in ethylene-insensitive trees. Ethylene insensitivity caused clear side effects on b.
COMPUTER ASSISTED FRAGMENT BASED ANALYSIS OF PREGNENOLONE ANALOGUES AGAINST CYP17A1 RECEPTOR: A DOCKING APPROACH

Cortisol, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Pregnenolone are the most clinically significant adrenal hormones. Among them, Pregnenolone is a precursor for sex steroidal hormones and also acts as a neuroprotective agent. Dis-regulation of their balance is observed at the stress conditions which result in the pathological state, pregnenolone steal. In this study we have computationally investigated the key enzyme CYP17A1 interaction with pregnenolone and its structural analogues. We first explored the active sites of the enzyme (PDBid: 3RUK) using CASTp and POCKET FINDER and was found to be consistent with the interaction residues. Next, fragment based search was performed to generate pregnenolone like compounds through Enchanced NCI server. Then the most potential competitive ligands were filtered by applying PASS Prediction tool, Lipinsky rule and ADME properties. The array of ligand along with pregnenolone was docked to enzyme structure using AUTODOCK 4.0 software. The prospective ligands were ranked according to the highest binding energy as the best conformers. The compounds such as pregnenolone-3acetate, 16Dehydropregnenolone and Pregnenolone 3-methyl ether were identified as the significant ligands that can compete with pregnenolone in maintaining the balance during the stressed conditions. These compounds can be tried for such pathological states as a competitive binder for endogenous ligand, pregnenolone. However, further experimental evidence is required to support this study.
Characterization of a Bosea sp. strain SF5 (MTCC 10045) isolated from compost soil capable of producing cellulase.

A cellulase producing bacterium, designated SF5 was isolated from compost soil. The strain was identified as Bosea sp. based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and phenotypic characters including detail carbon sources utilization pattern. The effect of various carbohydrates such as Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) avicel, starch, maltose, sucrose, glucose, fructose and lactose (as carbon source) on cellulase production revealed that 0.75% CMC (with 8 days incubation) was optimum. Among the various nitrogen sources, 0.15% NH4Cl gave optimal production of cellulase. The optimal conditions for the production of cellulase by strain SF5 were determined to be at 37 oC temperature and at pH 7.0. The strain is also capable of producing xylanase and may have biotechnological potential.
REARING WOOD-BORING BEETLES (CERAMBYCIDAE) ON ARTIFICIAL DIET

Abstract Over 50 species of Cerambycidae have been reared on artificial diet, 17 of them from the egg. The method, which is described, has proved useful in reducing rearing time in the production of larvae and pupae for taxonomic purposes. It has also demonstrated the occurrence of diapause in some species of Cerambycidae. Other potentially fruitful lines of investigation, made feasible by this method, are suggested.
Calibration curves for the determination of low levels of chromium in feces

Chromic sesquioxide is an indigestible marker commonly used in grazing trials. Experiments were conducted to establish a procedure for preparing standard calibration curves for determination of low levels of chromium (Cr) in feces from animals dosed with Cr markers. The calibration curves (prepared using blank feces) were compared with feces-free standards to evaluate the effect of feces on the results. The presence of digested feces reduced the absorption of Cr by 0–5%. The slopes of the calibration curves prepared by digesting the Cr standards with feces were 79–90% of the slopes of standard curves prepared in a feces-free background. When the fecal organic matter was removed by heating with nitric acid followed by digestion with perchloric acid, then the standard Cr could be added with the perchloric acid to best simulate the effect of the acids on apparent loss of chromic oxide in the unknowns. It was essential that feces used for calibration purposes be obtained from animals grazing the same forages .
Intercropping Sunflower Varieties with Bell Pepper: Effect on Populations of Orius insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Thrips

Eight varieties (Bashful, Double Quick Orange, Pro Cut Bicolor, Pro Cut Lemon, Sundance Kid, Sunrich Lemon, Teddy Bear and Zebulon) of sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. (Asterales: Asteraceae), were evaluated for attractiveness to predators, mostly the minute pirate bug, Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). In general, sunflower varieties bearing pollen were more attractive to both pests and predators. No other plant parameter (i.e., flower diameter, center diameter and plant height) measured affected insect densities. The variety Double Quick Orange was found to harbor the highest densities of Orius , but also the highest densities of thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), mostly Frankliniella tritici (Fitch). Insect populations were monitored in bell pepper, Capsicum annuum L. (Solanales: Solanaceae) (var. Camelot) intercropped with Double Quick Orange, sunflower border and bell pepper monoculture. Densities of Orius and thrips were highest on the sunflower border, followed by the pepper monoculture and the bell pepper intercropped with sunflower. Over both seasons (2005 and 2006), the population of adult Orius sampled was comprised of 75.3% female and 24.8% male. About 55% of Orius sampled were nymphs. The thrips population was comprised of F. tritici (98.2%), with the remainder being F. occidentalis Pergande at 1.4%, and F. bispinosa (Morgan) at 0.4%. Most thrips sampled (58%) were in the immature stages. The sunflower variety most attractive to Orius was also most attractive to thrips. When intercropped with bell peppers, Orius remained in the sunflower which acted as a sink for both pests and predators. Sunflower may be more useful as a trap crop, rather than a source of predators, when used in multiple cropping systems. This article presents the results of research only. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the United States Department of Agriculture or the Agricultural Research Service of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.
Development time of planula larvae on the oral arms of the scyphomedusa Aurelia aurita

The development time from zygote to late stage of planula larvae on the oral arms of Aurelia aurita was found to be 270 and 170 h at 12 and 22° C, respectively. The mean ratio of the diameter of the long axis to the short axis in newly released planulae was 2.27.
PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTIONS IN THE ERYTHROCYTIC STAGE OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM

Increasing levels of morbidity and mortality due to malaria are being reported, fuelled by the development of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. This indicates that new compounds and drug targets are needed to strengthen the drug arsenal. Concentrating on the discovery of novel drug targets, two P. falciparum genes were selected for study, due to their putative importance in major protein-protein interaction pathways facilitating growth and survival within the erythrocytic stage of the parasite. PFB0150c codes for a putative protein kinase (PK). Biopanning a phage display library had previously shown that the PK interacted with protein 4.1 and spectrin of the host erythrocyte membrane. The catalytic domain of PFB0150c was subcloned with a GST-tag and the recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli. A kinase assay using [γ-P] ATP showed that the recombinant PK phosphorylated exogenous casein. This enzyme is hypothesised to phosphorylate host RBC membrane proteins and facilitate RBC invasion by merozoites. It may also play a role in intraerythrocytic growth and exit of the parasite. The PK may be multifunctional since the catalytic kinase domain makes up only a small portion of the protein. The additional domains could be good drug targets since they have very low sequence homology to human proteins. PFE1400c codes for a putative adaptor protein complex-1 β1 subunit presumed to be involved in protein trafficking, which is essential to the survival of malaria parasites. The N-terminal adaptin and C-terminal clathrin adaptor appendage domains were subcloned with a histidineand a GST-tag, respectively, and were expressed in E. coli. The N-terminal adaptin domain was highly conserved, but the smaller C-terminal domain had low homology with the orthologous human protein and has potential as a drug target. Targeting P. falciparum invasion proteins is difficult because they are highly redundant. By inhibiting the protein trafficking complex, transport of invasion proteins to the micronemes and rhoptries would be blocked and they would be unable to reach their final destination and carry out their function. Thus invasion of host RBC by these defective merozoites would be prevented. The current study forms the foundation for future work in characterising the structure and function of these P. falciparum proteins.
Testing of Lactobacillus plantarum Isolates Isolated from Fermented Green Olives for their Inhibitory Activity against Lactic Acid Bacteria and Characterization of a Bacteriocin-like Substance Produced by L. plantarum OT2 Isolate

A total of 37 isolates of Lactobacillus plantarum (coded OT1 to OT37) were isolated from 21 samples of fermented green olives produced in western Algeria. Of these, the isolate OT2 produced antibacterial substance against lactic acid bacteria tested. Biochemical characterization showed that the substance retained its antibacterial activity within the range of pH 3 to 8 or after heating at 121oC for 15 min. Inhibitory activity of this substance also remained unchanged after storage for 60 days at –20oC. However, antibacterial activity showed a bactericidal effect on the sensitive isolate (OL3) and it was completely lost after treatment with proteolytic enzymes (α-chymotrypsin, trypsin and protenase K) which reflect the proteinaceous nature of inhibitory agent (Bacteriocin like substance). The activity of this inhibitory agent was retained by the cellulose membranes with 10.000 KDa -molecular weight cut-off. Finally, the bacteriocin like substance produced by L. plantarum OT2 exhibited antimicrobial activity against related species (L. plantarum) and also against some isolates of Lactococcus spp. , Enterococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. isolated from different sources.
Factors affecting nitrogenase activity (C2H2 reduction) associated with sorghum and millet estimated using the soil core assay

Factors affecting nitrogenase activity associated with sorghum and millet roots have been studied. Plants grown in iron cores in the field and then assayed had significantly higher activity than plants cored at the time of assay. Mechanical disturbance during transportation of the cores reduced the activity significantly. Any delay between cutting off the plant top and injecting C2H2 gas led to a reduction in the level of nitrogenase activity determined. Diurnal variation in nitrogenase activity was noted but was not correlated with soil temperature. Most activity occurred at the end of the photoperiod. Seasonal variation in nitrogenase activity of plants was observed and was correlated with the ontogenetic development of the host plant, being most at flowering. A low but significant correlation existed between soil moisture content and nitrogenase activity associated with the plant.
Selection and genetic variability of the French Ang ora goat breed: Assessment of a 30 years breeding program

The French Angora goat breeding program was based on animals imported at the beginning of the eighties mainly from North America, South Afric a, Australia and New Zealand. The whole selection program was based on these founders’ animals and their offspring as no foreign animals were imported since then. The main selection objectives were to improve the quality and the quantity of the mohair produced. Th e genetic progress on the three traits selected by the program (fineness, fleece weight an d kemp medullation score) over the last decade were calculated. The genetic variability of the breed was also assessed by using its pedigree information, thanks to the PEDIG software (INRA). The pedigree depth can be considered to be good. Various indicators of geneti c variability were calculated, such as the effective number of founders and ancestors, average inbreeding and kinship and effective population size. The evolution of the various count ries of origin was also assessed and showed a clear selection of the North American genes. Based on the average genetic trends, the breeding program could be assessed as successfu l. One of its downside would be the rather narrow genetic basis of the breed, which cou ld also be explained by the small number of founders used at the start of the selection prog ram. In order to preserve the future of the breed, specific measures such as cryoconservation o f semen were decided.
Cell Type-specific Expression of β-Carotene 9', 10'-Monooxygenase in Human Tissues

The symmetrically cleaving β-carotene 15, 15'-monooxygenase (BCO1) catalyzes the first step in the conversion of provitamin A carotenoids to vitamin A in the mucosa of the small intestine. This enzyme is also expressed in epithelia in a variety of extraintestinal tissues. The newly discovered β-carotene 9', 10'-monooxygenase (BCO2) catalyzes asymmetric cleavage of carotenoids. To gain some insight into the physiological role of BCO2, we determined the expression pattern of BCO2 mRNA and protein in human tissues. By immunohistochemical analysis it was revealed that BCO2 was detected in cell types that are known to express BCO1, such as epithelial cells in the mucosa of small intestine and stomach, parenchymal cells in liver, Leydig and Sertoli cells in testis, kidney tubules, adrenal gland, exocrine pancreas, and retinal pigment epithelium and ciliary body pigment epithelia in the eye. BCO2 was uniquely detected in cardiac and skeletal muscle cells, prostate and endometrial connective tissue, and endocrine pancreas. The finding that the BCO2 enzyme was expressed in some tissues and cell types that are not sensitive to vitamin A deficiency and where no BCO1 has been detected suggests that BCO2 may also be involved in biological processes other than vitamin A synthesis.