Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large- and Small-Scale Environmental Factors Drive Distributions of Ant Mound Size Across a Latitudinal Gradient

Red wood ants are keystone species of forest ecosystems in Europe. Environmental factors and habitat characteristics affect the size of their nest mounds, an important trait being in concordance with a colony’s well-being and impact on its surroundings. In this study, we investigated the effect of large-scale (latitude and altitude) and small-scale environmental factors (e.g., characteristics of the forest) on the size of nest mounds of Formica polyctena in Central Europe. We predicted that the change in nest size is in accordance with Bergmann’s rule that states that the body size of endotherm animals increases with the higher latitude and/or altitude. We found that the size of nests increased along the latitudinal gradient in accordance with Bergmann’s rule. The irradiation was the most important factor responsible for the changes in nest size, but temperature and local factors, like the perimeter of the trees and their distance from the nest, were also involved. Considering our results, we can better understand the long-term effects and consequences of the fast-changing environmental factors on this ecologically important group. This knowledge can contribute to the planning of forest management tactics in concordance with the assurance of the long-term survival of red wood ants.
Opportunities and challenges in Australian grasslands: pathways to achieve future sustainability and productivity imperatives

Abstract. Grassland production systems contribute 40% to Australia’s gross agricultural production value and utilise >50% of its land area. Across this area, diverse systems exist, but these can be broadly classified into four main production systems: (i) pastoral grazing, mainly of cattle at low intensity (i.e. <0.4 dry sheep equivalents/ha) on relatively unimproved native rangelands in the arid and semi-arid regions of northern and central Australia; (ii) crop–livestock systems in the semi-arid zone where livestock graze a mixture of pastures and crops that are often integrated; (iii) high-rainfall, permanent pasture zone in the coastal hinterland and highlands; and (iv) dairy systems covering a broad range of environments and production intensities. A notable trend across these systems has been the decline in sheep numbers and the proportion of income from wool, with beef cattle or sheep meat increasingly important. Although there is evidence that most of these systems have lifted production efficiencies over the past 30 years, total factor productivity growth (i.e. change in output relative to inputs) has failed to match the decline in terms of trade. This has renewed attention on how research and development can help to increase productivity. These industries also face increasing scrutiny to improve their environmental performance and develop sustainable production practices. In order to improve the efficiency and productivity of grassland production systems, we propose and explore in detail a range of practices and innovations that will move systems to new or improved states of productivity or alter efficiency frontiers. These include: filling gaps in the array of pastures available, either through exploring new species or improving the adaptation and agronomic characteristics of species currently sown; overcoming existing and emerging constraints to pasture productivity; improving livestock forage-feed systems; and more precise and lower cost management of grasslands. There is significant scope to capture value from the ecological services that grasslands provide and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production. However, large reductions in pasture research scientist numbers (75–95%) over the past 30 years, along with funding limitations, will challenge our ability to realise these potential opportunities.
An ECF-type transporter scavenges heme to overcome iron-limitation in Staphylococcus lugdunensis

Energy-coupling factor type transporters (ECF) represent trace nutrient acquisition systems. Substrate binding components of ECF-transporters are membrane proteins with extraordinary affinity, allowing them to scavenge trace amounts of ligand. A number of molecules have been described as substrates of ECF-transporters, but an involvement in iron-acquisition is unknown. Host-induced iron limitation during infection represents an effective mechanism to limit bacterial proliferation. We identified the iron-regulated ECF-transporter Lha in the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus lugdunensis and show that the transporter is specific for heme. The recombinant substrate-specific subunit LhaS accepted heme from diverse host-derived hemoproteins. Using isogenic mutants and recombinant expression of Lha, we demonstrate that its function is independent of the canonical heme acquisition system Isd and allows proliferation on human cells as sources of nutrient iron. Our findings reveal a unique strategy of nutritional heme acquisition and provide the first example of an ECF-transporter involved in overcoming host-induced nutritional limitation.
A Protein Kinase C/Ras/ERK Signaling Pathway Activates Myeloid Fibronectin Receptors by Altering β1 Integrin Sialylation*

Here we report that myeloid cells differentiating along the monocyte/macrophage lineage down-regulate the ST6Gal-I sialyltransferase via a protein kinase C/Ras/ERK signaling cascade. In consequence, the β1 integrin subunit becomes hyposialylated, which stimulates the ligand binding activity of α5β1 fibronectin receptors. Pharmacologic inhibitors of protein kinase C, Ras, and MEK, but not phosphoinositide 3-kinase, block ST6Gal-I down-regulation, integrin hyposialylation, and fibronectin binding. In contrast, constitutively active MEK stimulates these same events, indicating that ERK is both a necessary and sufficient activator of hyposialylation-dependent integrin activation. Consistent with the enhanced activity of hyposialylated cell surface integrins, purified α5β1 receptors bind fibronectin more strongly upon enzymatic desialylation, an effect completely reversed by resialylation of these integrins with recombinant ST6Gal-I. Finally, we have mapped the N-glycosylation sites on the β1 integrin to better understand the potential effects of differential sialylation on integrin structure/function. Notably, there are three N-glycosylated sites within the β1 I-like domain, a region that plays a crucial role in ligand binding. Our collective results suggest that variant sialylation, induced by a specific signaling cascade, mediates the sustained increase in cell adhesiveness associated with monocytic differentiation.
Assessment of Eye Disease and Visual Impairment in the Nursing Home Population Using Mobile Health Technology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To characterize the burden of eye disease and the utility of teleophthalmology in nursing home patients, a population with ophthalmic needs not commensurate with care received. PATIENTS AND METHODS Informed consent was obtained from 78 California Bay Area skilled nursing facility patients. Near visual acuity (VA) and anterior/posterior segment photographs were taken with a smartphone-based VA app and ophthalmic camera system. The Nursing Home Vision-Targeted Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire was also administered. Risk factors for visual impairment were assessed. Institutional review board approval was obtained from Stanford University. RESULTS Cataracts (51%), diabetic retinopathy (DR) (12%), optic neuropathy (12%), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (10%) were common findings; 11.7% had other referral-warranted findings. AMD and DR correlated with a higher risk of poor VA, with adjusted odds ratios of 22 (P = .01) and 43 (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated a high prevalence of poor VA and ophthalmic disease in the nursing home population impacting quality of life. Smartphone-based teleophthalmology platforms have the potential to increase access to eye care for nursing home patients. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:262-270. ].
Poor stimulation of bovine dendritic cells by Mycobacterium bovis culture supernatant and surface extract is associated with decreased activation of ERK and NF-κB and higher expression of SOCS1 and 3

The cell envelope of pathogenic mycobacteria interfaces with the host. As such, the interaction of bacterial products localized at or released from the cell surface with the host’s immune system can determine the fate of the bacterium in its host. In this study, the effects of three different types of Mycobacterium bovis cell envelope fractions—purified protein derivative, total cell wall lipids and culture supernatant and surface extract—on bovine dendritic cells were assessed. We found that the culture supernatant and surface extract fraction induced little to no production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-12 in bovine dendritic cells. Moreover, this muted response was associated with poor activation of ERK and NF-κB, both of which are critical for the pro-inflammatory response. Furthermore, culture supernatant and surface extract treatment increased the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and 3, both of which are negative regulators of pro-inflammatory signaling, in bovine dendritic cells. These observations taken together suggest the M. bovis culture supernatant and surface extract fraction contain immunomodulatory molecules that may aid in M. bovis pathogenesis.
Editorial

Ce numéro spécial Acta Botanica Gallica. Botany Letters comprend en plus des résumés des actes du colloque, une sélection de sept articles issus de communications orales présentées lors des Neuvième Journées de la conférence sur l’écologie des communautés végétales, ECOVEG9. Cette conférence s’est tenue du 3 au 5 avril 2013 à Tours, et fut organisée à l’Université François Rabelais par F. Isselin-Nondedeu et le comité local d’organisation de l’UMR 7324 CITERES IPAPE (Ingénierie du Projet d’Aménagement, Paysages et Environnement). La conférence regroupa presque une centaine de participants, avec des chercheurs confirmés, des chercheurs et enseignant-chercheurs débutants, des doctorants et des étudiants, tous impliqués dans ce champ de recherche. Cette conférence offre chaque année l’opportunité d’échanger et de discuter autour de nouvelles méthodes et de nouvelles idées, et de partager les résultats les plus récents. Les thèmes abordés touchent à la fois à la recherche fondamentale et appliquée, théorique ou exploratoire en milieu naturel. La conférence était organisée en sept sessions, avec un total de 35 présentations orales et 19 posters, traitant aussi bien des milieux terrestres, forestiers, prairiaux, qu’aquatiques, étangs, rivières. Ce fut l’occasion de comparer la diversité des approches menées en écologie des communautés, de soulever de nouvelles interrogations, de reconsidérer certains des aspects des communautés végétales au niveau des échelles, du fonctionnement, de la dynamique. Cette année fut également l’occasion d’explorer les communautés végétales sous-marines. Au travers de cet éditorial, tout en introduisant des sujets traités dans les articles sélectionnés, je reviendrai sur certains points clefs de définition des communautés végétales, avant de balayer les principaux thèmes actuels en écologie des communautés qui ont été traités lors de ces journées.
Unravelling gender‐specific factors that link obesity to albuminuria

Obesity is a major public health problem, which continues to be diagnosed and classified by BMI, excluding the most elemental concepts of the precision medicine approach. Obesity does not equally affect males and females, even with the same BMI. Microalbuminuria is a risk marker of cardiovascular disease closely related to obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gender‐dependent differences in the development of early obesity‐related disease, focusing on pathologic microalbuminuria (PMA).
Inactivation of the sfgtr4 Gene of Shigella flexneri Induces Biofilm Formation and Affects Bacterial Pathogenicity

Biofilm formation is a significant cause for the environmental persistence of foodborne pathogens. This phenomenon remains misunderstood in Shigella flexneri whose pathogenicity is mainly associated with the virulence plasmid pWR100. Sequence analysis of the latter predicts a putative lipopolysaccharides (LPS) glycosyltransferase (Gtr) encoded by Sfgtr4, which is the second gene of the SfpgdA-orf186-virK-msbB2 locus. We demonstrated here that purified SfGtr4 exhibited a Gtr activity in vitro by transferring glucose to lipid A. To establish the role of SfGtr4 in virulence, we generated a Sfgtr4 mutant and assessed its phenotype in vitro. Sfgtr4 mutant significantly reduced HeLa cells invasion without impairing type III effectors secretion, increased susceptibility to lysozyme degradation, and enhanced bacterial killing by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). SfGtr4 is related to proteins required in biofilm formation. We established conditions whereby wild-type Shigella formed biofilm and revealed that its appearance was accelerated by the Sfgtr4 mutant. Additional phenotypical analysis revealed that single SfpdgA and double SfpgdA-Sfgtr4 mutants behaved similarly to Sfgtr4 mutant. Furthermore, a molecular interaction between SfGtr4 and SfPgdA was identified. In summary, the dual contribution of SfGtr4 and SfPgdA to the pathogenicity and the regulation biofilm formation by S. flexneri was demonstrated here.
Intelligent methods for root cause analysis behind the center line deviation of the steel strip

Abstract This article presents a statistical prediction model-based intelligent decision support tool for center line deviation monitoring. Data mining methods enable the data driven manufacturing. They also help to understand the manufacturing process and to test different hypotheses. In this study, the original assumption was that the shape of the strip during the hot rolling has a strong effect on the behaviour of the steel strip in Rolling, Annealing and Pickling line (RAP). Our goal is to provide information that enables to react well in advance to strips with challenging shape. In this article, we show that the most critical shape errors arising in hot rolling process will be transferred to critical errors in RAP-line process as well. In addition, our results reveal that the most critical feature characterizes the deviation better than the currently used criterion for rework. The developed model enables the user to understand better the quality of the products, how the process works, and how the quality model predicts and performs.
Molecular identification and anti-pathogenic activities of putative probiotic bacteria isolated from faeces of healthy elderly individuals

One hundred and nine lactic acid bacterial strains (56 bifidobacteria-like and 53 lactobacilli-like) were isolated from faecal samples donated by healthy elderly individuals (>65 years old). Isolates were identified to species level by phenotypic analysis (by API) and by 16S rDNA sequencing. Eleven species of Lactobacillus and six species of Bifidobacterium were identified. The most frequently isolated lactobacillus was L. fermentum and the most frequently isolated bifidobacterium was closely related to B. infantis by 16S rDNA sequence alignment. The isolates were characterized for their antimicrobial activity against Clostridium difficile, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), verocytotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) and Campylobacter jejuni. The lactobacilli displayed variations in their antimicrobial activity with few strains showing inhibitory activity against all pathogens. The bifidobacteria displayed higher levels of inhibitory activity against C. jejuni and Cl. difficile than against the E. coli strains. Keywords: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, elderly, gastrointestinal microbiota, inhibition, Clostridium difficile, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), verocytotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC), Campylobacter jejuni.
Leaf Blade Dimensions of Rice (Oryza sativa L. and Oryza glaberrima Steud.). Relationships between Tillers and the Main Stem

Abstract The effects of genotype and environment on the leaf area index of rice are well documented, but the rules governing leaf area distribution among main stem and tillers are less well understood. This study investigated the ontogenetic patterns of leaf blade area and dimensions on the main stem and tillers of three rice cultivars, IAC47, Javae ( Oryza sativa L.) and CG14 ( O. glaberrima Steud.) grown in pots without competition among plants. No differences in phyllochron were observed among culms, but leaves on tillers appeared 0.5 to 0.8 phyllochrons earlier than the genealogically corresponding leaves on the main stem (system of Katayama). Cohorts were thus not fully synchronized. All culms produced their largest leaves soon after panicle initiation (PI), despite differences in tiller age. Leaves that appeared subsequently were smaller owing to reduced length but not width, which remained constant. Three different hypothetical rules governing the behaviour of culms were tested: (1) tillers behave as clones of the main stem; (2) cohorts behave uniformly, and (3) behaviour is determined by leaf position (sum of genealogical leaf and tiller indices). The results were best explained by hypotheses (2) and (3), with leaf blade width and length showing markedly different patterns.
Interest Rate Policy and Exchange Rates Volatility Lessons from Indonesia

Abstract Whether or not inflation targeting adoption leads to increased volatility of exchange rates is controversial. The volatility increases with inflation targeting as a result of the flexible exchange rate regime. Others argue that inflation targeting delivers the best outcomes in terms of lower exchange rate volatility. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether interest rate policy in inflation targeting frameworks – that is subjected to control inflation rate – may reduce the volatility of exchange rates. To test the hypothesis, we use monthly data in the case of Indonesia over the period 2005(7)-2016(7). Several control variables are introduced in the regressions. The result of the autoregressive distributed lag model proves the interest rate policy and foreign exchange intervention fail to reduce the exchange rates volatility. It seems inflation targeting in Indonesia puts too much emphasis on stabilizing the domestic currency thus leading to benign neglect of stabilizing its external value, ultimately resulting in increased exchange rate volatility. These findings suggest that central bank credibility plays an important role in conducting inflation targeting policy which operates primarily through a signalling effect.
The avian heterophil leucocyte: a review

This review examines the avian heterophil leucocyte and provides a morphological and cytochemical profile drawn from light and electron microscopy studies of these cells and their characteristic cytoplasmic granules. Other aspects covered include relative and absolute heterophil counts in different avian species and the response of heterophils to stress and to acute inflammation. Heterophils are round cells and, with Romanowsky stains, their primary fusiform granules appear brick-red in colour. A secondary type of round granule, less dense in the electron microscope and smaller than the primary granule, can be seen in most avian species. The primary granules frequently display a ‘central body’ that may be proteinaceous in nature. Unlike mammalian neutrophils, avian heterophils are devoid of myeloperoxidase. However, their cytoplasmic granules contain several lysosomal and non-lysosomal enzymes including acid phosphatase, arylsulphatase, β-glucuronidase, phosphorylase, uridine diphosphate glucose-glucogen glycosyltrans-ferase, neutral and acid α-glucosidases, acid trimetaphosphatase and lysozyme. In the majority of birds heterophils are the second most numerous cell in circulation, the exceptions being several species of the Psittacine and Anseriformes orders, ostrich, ring-necked pheasant, pigeon and rosy flamingo. Heterophils generally outnumber lymphocytes in chicks between hatch and one week of age. Their numbers increase during mildly or moderately stressful conditions and consequently the heterophil/ymphocyte ratio can be used to detect the presence of physiological stress for most stressors. A heteropenia can occur, however, during severe stress. Heterophils respond to a stimulus (chemotactic agent) within about 30 minutes during the early inflammatory phase and they may also have sensitive and selective phagocytosing properties. By seven days heterophils become unrecognizable and, with macrophage recruitment, the characteristic heterophilic granuloma develops.
LIGHT SENSITIVE LIPOSOMES

Two phospholipids were designed and synthesized that have the property of forming liposomes which undergo a dramatic increase in permeability when irradiated with light (360 nm). Liposomes prepared from these phospholipids leak 100% of entrapped aqueous space marker, carboxyfluorescein, when irradiated for 30‐120 s (average light intensity 50 W/m2). Liposomes not irradiated showed much lower rates of temperature dependent release. Such liposomes may be useful as biochemical tools or drug delivery systems in vitro and in vivo.
The Origin of Sulfhydryl Groups in Milk Proteins and their Contributions to “Cooked” Flavor

Summary Use of an argentometric-amperometric titration procedure has revealed that the only source of -SH groups in skimmilk is the serum proteins. Casein and protein-free milk serum were found devoid of such groups. Praetionation of the serum protein material into a number of components by (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 additions and pH adjustments revealed that β -lactoglobulin can account for practically all the -SH groups present. Study of the contributions of various major serum protein fractions to heat-induced cooked flavor in skimmilk demonstrated βlacto-globulin to be responsible for the flavor. Conversion of -SH groups to H 2 S as a result of heat treatment may explain, in a general way, the mechanism whereby β -lactoglobulin gives rise to cooked flavor. The AgNO 3 titration, when conducted in aqueous medium, appears to measure the same quantity of -SH groups in heated milk as nitroprusside and thiamin disulfide. When conducted in alcoholic medium the total number of -SH groups capable of activation by heat treatment presumably can be determined in unheated skimmilk. The argentometric-amperometric method gives values for -SH content of slightly less than half of those obtained with o -iodosobenzoate for both skimmilk and β -lactoglobulin.
Measurement of arthropod body composition using quantitative magnetic resonance

Quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) is a new technology for measuring the body composition (wet lean mass, fat mass, and total body water mass) of unrestrained and unanesthetized animals. We conducted a validation study using two species of crayfish (mass range 5.5–27 g), American lobsters (680–732 g), and Madagascar hissing cockroaches (6.5–14 g) to assess the utility of QMR for quantifying the body composition of crustaceans and other large arthropods. A comparison of crayfish, lobster, and cockroach wet lean, fat, and body water masses calculated by QMR with those obtained from the traditional chemical extraction method demonstrates that QMR is a valid technology for analysis of wet lean mass and body water. Fat mass could not be accurately predicted, although this might be improved with the use of a QMR analyzer designed specifically for animals of low fat content. QMR analysis allows rapid (<4 min) and non-destructive determination of body composition in field and lab environments, enabling researchers to conduct longitudinal studies and to increase the ethicality and practicality of studying rare or threatened species.