Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Traditional Cheese

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify phenotypic characterization of isolated lactic acid bacteria from Koopeh cheese, a traditional jug cheese with unique manufacturing method, produced in West Azerbaijan province of IRAN. A total number of 24 samples of Koopeh cheese was collected randomly in ten cities of West Azerbaydjan province. After preparing of cheese samples, serial dilution and plating on MRS and M17 agar for lactobacillus and lactococci isolation, respectively were carried out. Isolated Gram positive and catalase negative colonies, based on their physicochemical properties were analyzed. A total of 501 isolates were examined. Average total bacterial count of cheese samples was 6.9 × 10 CFU/gm and the average 6
The stability of standard metabolic rate during a period of food deprivation in juvenile Atlantic salmon

Among juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar either being fed ad libitum throughout a 3 month experiment or deprived of food in the middle month, food deprivation led to a decrease in SMR, which increased again once food was supplied ad libitum again. While the rank order of SMR among fish fed throughout remained relatively stable, that within the deprived group was inconsistent, suggesting that individual fish vary in their ability to reduce metabolic costs when food availability is low.
Temperature, resources, and phytoplankton size structure in the ocean

We conducted a meta‐analysis of temperature, phytoplankton size structure, and productivity in cold, temperate, and warm waters of the world's oceans. Our data set covers all combinations of temperature and resource availability, thus allowing us to disentangle their effects. The partitioning of biomass between different size classes is independent of temperature, but depends strongly on the rate of resource use as reflected in the rate of primary production. Temperature and primary production explained 2% and 62%, respectively, of the variability in the contribution of microphytoplankton to total biomass. This contribution increases rapidly with total biomass and productivity, reaching values > 80% when chlorophyll a concentration is > 2 µg L−1 or primary production is > 100 µg C L−1 d−1, irrespective of water temperature. Conversely, picophytoplankton contribution is substantial (> 40%), at all temperatures, only when chlorophyll a concentration is < 1 µg L−1 or primary production is < 50 µg C L−1 d−1. The temperature‐size rule cannot explain these changes, which instead reflect fundamental reorganizations in the species composition of the assemblage, arising from taxon‐ and size‐dependent differences in resource acquisition and use. Given that resource availability, rather than temperature per se, is the key factor explaining the relative success of different algal size classes, there will be no single, universal effect of global warming on phytoplankton size structure.
Genetic diversity within and among vegetative compatibility groups of Stereum sanguinolentum determined by arbitrary primed PCR

Genetic variation within and among vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) of Stereum sanguinolentum isolates was investigated with various geographical distances. DNA fingerprints were made using the M13 core sequence as a primer. A total of 113 isolates from 12 plots in Sweden, Finland and Lithuania were studied. Each VCG produced a discrete group of banding patterns. Among 20 isolates from the largest VCG, G1, the incidence of identical banding patterns was 24% within a sample plot, 8% among sample plots within a country, and 0% among countries. In the other 15 VCGs that comprised two and more isolates, corresponding percentages were 42%, 30% and 0%. Average band‐sharing indices (ABSIs) within VCGs decreased with increasing geographical distance: for isolates from VCG G1, ABSI was 91.3% within sample plots, 85.4% among sample plots within a country, and 79.2% among countries. Corresponding figures for the other 15 VCGs were 97.0%, 92.7% and 80.4%, respectively. Among VCGs similarities were significantly lower (P < 0.001) and the trend of decreasing similarity with larger geographical distances was less pronounced: ABSI within sample plots was 73.7%, among sample plots within countries 73.8%, and among countries 71.1%. However, the similarity of populations as compared within and between countries differed significantly (P < 0.001), suggesting geographical differentiation between S. sanguinolentum populations separated by 400 km and the Baltic sea. Calculations of GST clearly indicated geographical population subdivision within the large VCG but not among the total sample. In summary, the results show population structure of inbred lines within VCGs containing closely related strains in local populations and more distant relationships among populations.
THE MANIPULATION OF ARTHROPOD REPRODUCTION BY WOLBACHIA ENDOSYMBIONTS

Wolbachia are intracellular bacteria that manipulate the reproduction of their arthropod hosts. The nature of the manipulation varies with Wolbachia strain, arthropod taxa, and arthropod genetic system. Nonreciprocal and reciprocal reproductive incompatibilities, sex ratio biases, and induction of thelytoky are some of the results of Wolbachia symbiosis. The Wolbachia present in the predatory mite Metasejulus occidentalis are genetically similar to those found in insects, and are correlated with nonreciprocal incompatibility in crosses between infected males and uninfected females. The incompatibility phenotype includes reduced numbers of eggs, shriveled eggs, and a male-biased sex ratio of the few resulting progeny, which may be related to the parahaploid genetic system of this phytoseiid mite.
An explicit formula for optimal portfolios in complete Wiener driven markets: a functional It\^o calculus approach

We consider a standard optimal investment problem in a complete financial market driven by a Wiener process and derive an explicit formula for the optimal portfolio process in terms of the vertical derivative from functional It^o calculus. An advantage with this approach compared to the Malliavin calculus approach is that it relies only on an integrability condition.
Modelling occurrence and abundance of species when detection is imperfect

Relationships between species abundance and occupancy are of considerable interest in metapopulation biology and in macroecology. Such relationships may be described concisely using probability models that characterize variation in abundance of a species. However, estimation of the parameters of these models in most ecological problems is impaired by imperfect detection. When organisms are detected imperfectly, observed counts are biased estimates of true abundance, and this induces bias in stated occupancy or occurrence probability. In this paper we consider a class of models that enable estimation of abundance/occupancy relationships from counts of organisms that result from surveys in which detection is imperfect. Under such models, parameter estimation and inference are based on conventional likelihood methods. We provide an application of these models to geographically extensive breeding bird survey data in which alternative models of abundance are considered that include factors that influence variation in abundance and detectability. Using these models, we produce estimates of abundance and occupancy maps that honor important sources of spatial variation in avian abundance and provide clearly interpretable characterizations of abundance and occupancy adjusted for imperfect detection.
Morphological Phylogenetic Analysis of Pandanales: Testing Contrasting Hypotheses of Floral Evolution

Abstract Recent molecular phylogenetic analyses prompted recircumscription of Pandanales into five families—Cyclanthaceae, Pandanaceae, Stemonaceae, and Velloziaceae, plus the mycoheterotrophic Triuridaceae—that were not hitherto regarded as closely related and so have not previously been compared in detail. Some species exhibit anomalous floral features, including apparently secondary apocarpy, loss of trimery, and an imprecise boundary between inflorescence and flower. Most noteworthy are the female reproductive structures of Triuridaceae, especially the “inside-out” flowers of Lacandonia. A phylogenetic cladistic analysis using 39 morphological characters of 23 genera spanning all five families of Pandanales yielded three fairly well-resolved and moderately supported most-parsimonious trees. Velloziaceae were sister to all other Pandanales. Cyclanthaceae and Pandanaceae formed a sister pair that was sister to Stemonaceae plus Triuridaceae. Triuridaceae were embedded within a paraphyletic Stemonaceae. Pentastemona was sister to all other Stemonaceae plus Triuridaceae, supporting earlier suggestions that this highly divergent genus should be recognized as a separate family, Pentastemonaceae. Kupea was robustly placed as the basally-divergent node of Triuridaceae, upholding an earlier hypothesis that the biovulate condition in Kupea could represent the ancestral condition for Triuridaceae. Contrasting models are outlined for interpretation of the unusual apocarpous female floral units of Triuridaceae, either as (1) highly reduced partial inflorescences (pseudanthia), (2) inflorescence-like flowers derived by carpel multiplication (delayed determinacy) from an ancestor with a single free carpel (with flowers similar to those of Croomia, but unisexual), or (3) flowers derived from a tricarpellate syncarpous ancestor (with flowers similar to those of Pentastemona, but unisexual) by loss of carpel fusion and carpel multiplication. The formerly unsuspected close relationship between Stemonaceae and Triuridaceae supports the second model. The indistinct inflorescence—flower boundary in Triuridaceae could be attributable to an overlap in genetic programs, resulting either from a partial loss of integrity in regulation of flower development or from extreme axial condensation associated with the mycoheterotrophic habit.
Land‐atmosphere exchange of methane from soil thawing to soil freezing in a high‐Arctic wet tundra ecosystem

The land‐atmosphere exchange of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in a high‐Arctic wet tundra ecosystem (Rylekærene) in Zackenberg, north‐eastern Greenland, was studied over the full growing season and until early winter in 2008 and from before snow melt until early winter in 2009. The eddy covariance technique was used to estimate CO2 fluxes and a combination of the gradient and eddy covariance methods was used to estimate CH4 fluxes. Small CH4 bursts were observed during spring thawing 2009, but these existed during short periods and would not have any significant effect on the annual budget. Growing season CH4 fluxes were well correlated with soil temperature, gross primary production, and active layer thickness. The CH4 fluxes remained low during the entire autumn, and until early winter. No increase in CH4 fluxes were seen as the soil started to freeze. However, in autumn 2008 there were two CH4 burst events that were highly correlated with atmospheric turbulence. They were likely associated with the release of stored CH4 from soil and vegetation cavities. Over the measurement period, 7.6 and 6.5 g C m−2 was emitted as CH4 in 2008 and in 2009, respectively. Rylekærene acted as a C source during the warmer and wetter measurement period 2008, whereas it was a C sink for the colder and drier period of 2009. Wet tundra ecosystems, such as Rylekærene may thus play a more significant role for the climate in the future, as temperature and precipitation are predicted to increase in the high‐Arctic.
Zooplankton communities in a large prealpine lake, Lake Constance: comparison between the Upper and the Lower Lake

The zooplankton communities of two basins of a large lake, Lake Constance, were compared during the years 2002 and 2003. The two basins differ in morphology, physical and chemical conditions. The Upper Lake basin has a surface area of 470 km2, a mean depth of 100 and a maximum depth of 250 m; the Lower Lake basin has a surface area of 62 km2, a mean depth of only 13 and a maximum depth of 40 m. Nutrient, chlorophyll-a concentrations and mean temperatures are somewhat higher in the Lower than in the Upper Lake. Total abundance of rotifers (number per m2 lake surface) was higher and rotifer development started earlier in the year in the Lower than in the Upper Lake. Total abundance of crustaceans was higher in the Upper Lake in the year 2002; in the year 2003 no difference in abundance could be detected between the lake basins, although in summer crustacean abundance was higher in the Lower than in the Upper Lake. Crustacean communities differed significantly between lake basins while there was no apparent difference in rotifer communities. In the Lower Lake small crustaceans, like Bosmina spp. , Ceriodaphnia pulchella and Thermocyclops oithonoides prevailed. Abundance (number per m2 lake surface) of predatory cladocerans, large daphnids and large copepods was much lower in the Lower than in the Upper Lake, in particular during the summer months. Ordination with nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) separated communities of both lakes along gradients that correlated with temperature and chlorophyll a concentration. Clutches of copepods were larger in the Lower than in the Upper Lake. No difference could be detected in clutch size of large daphnids between lake basins. Our results show that zooplankton communities in different basins of Lake Constance can be very different. They further suggest that the lack of large crustaceans in particular the lack of large predatory cladocerans in the Lower Lake can have negative effects on growth and reproduction of zooplanktivorous European whitefish, Coregonus lavaretus, which feeds highly selectively on large cladocerans and which is of great economic significance for the whole region. Another possibility could be that the lack of large Cladocera in the Lower Lake is a result of strong fish predation which could be a consequence of lake morphology.
Detection of multiple paternity in the Kemp's ridley sea turtle with limited sampling

An important question in sea turtle biology is the number of males that contribute to the fertilization of a clutch of eggs. Previous studies on other sea turtle species have indicated little to no multiple paternity. We conclude here that female Kemp's ridleys, Lepidochelys kempi, are polyandrous. DNA from 26 mother and offspring groups was analysed at three microsatellite loci to identify paternal alleles. Three paternal alleles were observed among 14 of the clutches; four paternal alleles were observed among the offspring of an additional female. A maximum likelihood analysis not only rejects the model of single paternity, but also rejects the model of equal paternal contribution to the clutch. By explicitly addressing the high mutation rate of microsatellite markers, our analysis rejected mutation as the sole cause of multiple paternal alleles.
Hepatoprotective and immune modulating effects of Grifola frondosa water extract on the CCl4‐induced liver injury in rats

The whole extract or isolated compounds of mushroom have shown biologic effects such as modulation of the immune system. The aim of the present study is to investigate hepatoprotective and immunomodulative activities of water extract from Grifola frondosa, a popular mushroom in Asia for its tasty flavor, against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver injury. Administration of CCl4 (1 ml/kg body weight for 3 days) caused liver injury revealed as increased the serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and local infiltration of inflammatory cells. CCl4 administration also induced immunosuppression as indicated by decreased expression of IL‐6 and increased expression of MCP‐1 and MMP‐2. The pre‐administration of water extract from Grifola frondosa for 14 days significantly prevented the changes in AST/ALT activity and altered expression of IL‐6, MCP‐1, and MMP‐2 in liver tissue. In addition, water extract from Grifola frondosa blocked the local infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver. These results indicate that the water extract from Grifola frondosa may have a protective role against CCl4 toxicity in the liver of rat.
Kinesin Spindle Protein Inhibition in Translational Research

The kinesin superfamily is a class of motor proteins moving along microtubule filaments and playing essential roles in mitosis of eukaryotic cells. In the cancer biology, mitotic activity is an essential factor for development and metastasis of various cancers. Therefore, the inhibition of kinesin activity is suggested as an alternative cancer therapy. Accumulated clinical evidences have proved the potency of kinesin inhibitors in cancer treatments. In this review, we provided an overview of kinesins that play a critical role in the pathophysiology of various cancers and described the beneficial vs. side effects of their inhibitors that have been tested in both basic science and clinical studies.
A behavioral mechanism for dispersal in fiddler crab larvae (genus Uca) varies with adult habitat, not phylogeny

The genus Uca (fiddler crabs) includes both estuarine and coastal species, the zoeae of which must travel varying distances to reach the sea. Rapid seaward transport following hatching may be facilitated by tidal currents through an ebb‐phased circatidal rhythm in vertical swimming by larvae. Assuming there is a cost to vertical swimming, we predicted that endogenous swimming rhythms would be stronger in zoeae of species that live far up estuaries (oligohaline and mesohaline areas) and weaker or absent in coastal species and that adult ecology, not phylogeny, would best explain interspecific variation in vertical swimming rhythms. Both predictions were confirmed. Ovigerous females of 15 Uca species in 4 subgenera were collected from 10 locations along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States and the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Panama. Swimming activity of zoeae‐1 larvae was recorded under constant conditions for 72 h. Regardless of subgenus, estuarine species exhibited ebb‐phased circatidal swimming rhythms that persisted for several cycles and matched the tidal patterns at the collection sites, while the swimming of coastal species was arrhythmic. Species‐specific differences in the proximity of adult habitats and hatching areas to the sea accounted for differences in larval behavior that promotes seaward transport. Vertical swimming rhythms of larvae may have evolved together with other traits that permit estuarine living.
Resistance to the Cry1Ac δ-Endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis in the Cotton Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract Three laboratory strains of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) were established by mating of field-collected insects with an existing insecticide-susceptible laboratory strain. These strains were cultured on artificial diet containing the Cry1Ac protoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis using three different protocols. When no response to selection was detected after 7–11 generations of selection, the three strains were combined by controlled mating to preserve genetic diversity. The composite strain (BX) was selected on the basis of growth rate on artificial diet containing Cry1Ac crystals. Resistance to Cry1Ac was first detected after 16 generations of continuous selection. The resistance ratio (RR) peaked approximately 300-fold at generation 21, after which it declined to oscillate between 57- and 111-fold. First-instar H. armigera from generation 25 (RR = 63) were able to complete their larval development on transgenic cotton expressing Cry1Ac and produce fertile adults. There appeared to be a fitness cost associated with resistance on cotton and on artificial diet. The BX strain was not resistant to the commercial Bt spray formulations DiPel and XenTari, which contain multiple insecticidal crystal proteins, but was resistant to the MVP formulation, which only contains Cry1Ac. The strain was also resistant to Cry1Ab but not to Cry2Aa or Cry2Ab. Toxin binding assays showed that the resistant insects lacked the high affinity binding site that was detected in early generations of the strain. Genetic analysis confirmed that resistance in the BX strain of H. armigera is incompletely recessive.
Effect of Fytolan on Cauda Epididymis and Accessary Sex Organs of Male Rats.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the possible effects of fytolan on cauda epididymis and accessory sex organs of male rat. The tested dose was given orally to the wister rats for 30 days at the dose level 5 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg/kg.b. wt. /day. Marked reduction in the sperm motility was observed. A significant decrease in sperm density was also observed. Biochemical assay shows significant reduction in protein and sialic acid content of epididymes and accessory sex organs. This was further confirmed by by histopathological studies. Thus, from above results it can be inferenced that fytolan act as reproductive toxicant.
Value of glucocorticoid steroids in the treatment of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia complicated with septic shock

Objective To discuss the value of glucocorticoid steroids (GCs) in the treatment of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) complicated with septic shock. Methods A prospectively controlled randomized trial was conducted. Fifty-eight SCAP patients complicated with septic shock admitted to emergency intensive care unit (ICU) of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from May 2014 to February 2016 were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into conventional treatment group (n = 29) and GCs group (n = 29). Fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, mechanical ventilation if needed, antibiotics and other general treatment including symptomatic treatment and eliminating phlegm were given to patients in both groups. Beside the treatment mentioned above, 80 mg methylprednisolone once a day for 7 days was added to patients in GCs group. The changes in oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) and C-reactive protein (CRP) at 1, 4, 8 days after treatment as well as the imaging improvement in both groups were observed. Discharge or death was set as a cut-off point, the average time of temperature controlling, duration of mechanical ventilation, time of vasopressors usage and 28-day mortality were observed. The incidence of hyperglycemia, infection and hemorrhage of digestive tract were observed. Results There were no statistically differences in gender, age and body mass between the two groups, indicating that baseline data for the two groups were balanced. PaO2/FiO2 after treatment in the two groups was gradually increased, and it was significantly higher at 8 days after treatment in GCs group than that of conventional treatment group [mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 426.46±86.97 vs. 363.00±83.96, P 0.05). 28-day mortality of the two groups was 10.3% equally (P > 0.05). No significant differences in the incidences of hyperglycemia (10.3% vs. 6.9%), infection (51.7% vs. 55.2%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (3.4% vs. 0) were found between GCs group and conventional treatment group (all P > 0.05), indicating that glucocorticoid steroids could not increase the common side effects. Conclusion GCs is an important adjuvant treatment of patients with SCAP complicated with septic shock. Key words: Glucocorticoid steroids; Methylprednisolone; Severe community-acquired pneumonia; Septic shock