Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Herbivores : between plants and predators : the 38th symposium of the British Ecological Society in cooperation with the Netherlands Ecological Society held at the Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands, 1997

What we know and do not know about coevolution: insect herbivores and plants as a test case The ecology and evolution of host plant range: butterflies as a model group Genetic variation in cytochrome P450-based resistance to plant allelochemicals and insecticides To leave or to stay, that is the question: predictions from models of patch-leaving strategies The evolution of direct and indirect plant defence against herbivorous arthropods Herbivore diversity and plant dynamics: compensatory and additive effects Insect and nematode herbivory below-ground: interactions and role in vegetation succession Competition for light, plant species replacement and herbivore abundance along productivity gradients Cyclic grazing in vertebrates and the manipulation of the food resource Herbivores, nutrients and trophic cascades in terrestrial environments Digestive and ingestive adaptations of mammalian herbivores to low quality forage Functional responses to resource complexity: an experimental analysis of foraging by beavers Scaling-up from functional response to numerical response in vertebrate herbivores Physiological flexibility and its impact on energy metabolism and foraging behaviour in birds Community dynamics of vertebrate herbivores - how can we untangle the web? Plant-carnivore interactions: evolutionary and ecological consequences for plant, herbivore and carnivore Dynamics of consumer-resource interactions: importance of individual attributes Individual-based modelling as an integrative approach in theoretical and applied population dynamics and food web studies Predator control in terrestrial ecosystems: the underground food chain of bush lupine
Expression and putative functions of Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 (Fgf10) in developing and adult skeletal muscles

Although the genetic regulation of vertebrate myogenesis during early development has been well studied, the intrinsic mechanisms controlling muscle fiber-type specification and maturation are much less understood. Fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) are potent regulators of myoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro. However, their in vivo functions in myogenesis have yet to be fully elucidated. This study was prompted by the discovery of Fgf10 expression in adult mouse skeletal muscles. Using an Fgf10-nLacZ reporter line, I set out to characterize this novel expression pattern in order to learn more about Fgf10’s putative function/s. I have shown that intriguingly Fgf10 is only expressed in a subset of adult muscles, which are predominantly fasttwitch. The expression begins during late embryonic development, but is subsequently conserved and restricted to the same muscles throughout adult life. Moreover, within each positive muscle, only a subset of myofibers expresses Fgf10. Immunolabeling with Pax7 antibodies showed that a subpopulation of Fgf10-expressing myonuclei expresses this satellite stem cell marker. To delineate the function of Fgf10, I examined the limbs of newborn Pax3- Cre::Fgf10(flox/-) double transgenic mice, and I discovered that myofiber growth was impaired in Fgf10-expressing muscles. Moreover, the distal myofiber organization was severely disorganized in certain muscles, indicating defective attachment to the bone. This suggested that Fgf10 might also be regulating tendon development. Collectively, these studies suggest that Fgf10 plays diverse roles in the developing musculoskeletal system, including the formation and maturation of fast fibers, and also in tendon development. Fgf10 may also play a role in muscle regeneration in response to injury, however this 3 remains to be tested in physiological challenge and regeneration paradigms in vivo.
Vitamin E and bone health: Not just alpha-tocopherol

Vitamin E collectively refers to eight chemically distinct isoforms: , , and δ tocopherols and tocotrienols. Because -tocopherol is the most abundant form of vitamin E in human tissues, most studies of vitamin E's antioxidant effect on bone have only investigated the effects of -tocopherol and many supplements do not contain the other isoforms. Despite this, alpha- tocopherol shows mixed results in animal and human studies of bone, with the most positive outcomes obtained under conditions of oxidative stress. Some studies even show a detrimental effect but because so few human studies measure baseline or follow-up blood levels, it is impossible to determine whether the study population were in deficiency or excess. The only human intervention study to measure blood levels showed that supplementation caused an excess, which was dose-dependently associated with suppression of vitamin K-dependent proteins, thereby increasing risk of osteoporosis. It is likely that -tocopherol will prove to have a U-shaped dose/benefit curve, as with some other fat-soluble vitamins. The remaining isoforms show greater promise than alpha-tocopherol for bone health, particularly because supplementation of -tocopherol can suppress their bioavailability. In particular, -tocopherol and - and -tocotrienol have shown improved results for bone relative to -tocopherol.
Designing a video monitoring system for AAL applications: the SPHERE case study

IT based Healthcare platforms have been widely recognized by research communities and institutions as key players in the future of home-based health monitoring and care. Features like personalised care, continuous monitoring, and reduced costs are fostering the research and use of these technologies. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of the video monitoring system of the SPHERE platform (Sensor Platform for Healthcare in a Residential Environment). SPHERE aims to develop a smart home platform based on low cost, non-medical sensors. We present a detailed description of the hardware and software infrastructure designed and tested in real life scenarios, with particular emphasis on the design considerations employed to foster collaboration, the real time and budget constraints, and mid-scale deployment plan of our case study.
Coral reef degradation: a long-term study of human and natural impacts

Long-term annual monitoring of coral reef communities on the north coast of Jamaica has revealed dramatic changes over the past two decades caused by natural and human stresses. Coral cover at replicate sites and depths has declined from 27-77% in the 1970's to less than 5% at most locations in 1990. Conversely. macroalgal cover has increased sharply from 1-3% cover before 1983 to >90% today. The species composition of coral. algal and herbivore assemblages has also changed markedly. Several major reef zones described earlier in pioneering studies by T.F. Goreau and colleagues, no longer exist (e.g. those formerly dominated by Zoanthus spp., Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis). Damage from two hurricanes (in 1980 and 1988) has been exacerbated by overfishing. which along with mass-mortalities of sea urchins (1983) has resulted in a sustained algal bloom that continues to prevent normal recovery of corals. Monitoring techniques alone were not always sufficient to uncover the mechanisms causing shifts in species composition. A parallel program of experiments, demographic analysis and life history studies has clarified why some species have declined while others have increased, and suggests some management options. The prospects for recovery of coral abundances in the short- and medium-term are poor. These results have numerous implications for the design of global reef-monitoring programs.
LONG-TERM EVOLUTION, SHORT-TERM EVOLUTION, AND POPULATION GENETIC THEORY

Abstract This paper is intended to reconcile the two most widely used approaches to quantitative evolutionary theory: exact population genetic analysis and purely phenotypic analysis commonly cast in terms of population game theory or evolutionary stable strategies (ESS). To this end, we introduce a dichotomy between long- and short-term evolution. The latter is the domain of most population genetic theory while the former provides a paradigm to connect population genetics with population game theory. Convergence to an ESS in multilocus genetic systems is discussed in terms of long-term evolution.
Dynamic protein assemblies in homologous recombination with single DNA molecules

What happens when your DNA breaks? This thesis describes experimental work on the single-molecule level focusing on the interaction between DNA and DNA-repair proteins, in particular bacterial RecA and human Rad51, involved in homologous recombination. Homologous recombination and its central event of DNA strand exchange are essential processes in all living organisms for generating genetic diversity and for repairing potentially disastrous DNA breaks. Several cancer-prone genetic diseases are associated with homologous recombination dysfunction or deficiency. With the use of single-molecule techniques like magnetic tweezers and atomic force microscopy, the complex mechanism of the DNA repair pathway of homologous recombination is slowly unraveled.
Effecten van de inzet van non-human intelligent collaborators op opleiding & training [V1719]

Het onderhavige rapport beschrijft de resultaten van een van de vier eerste deelprojecten van het onderzoeksprogramma “BIHUNT Behavioural Impact of Human and Non-human intelligent collaborator (NIC) Teaming” (V1719). Dit deelproject richt zich op de vraag: Met welke consequenties voor Opleiding en Training moet de Nederlandse Defensie rekening houden als militairen en NIC’s in teamverband gaan samenwerken? Deze vraag is beantwoord door in een literatuurstudie de huidige kennisgebieden van KI, mens-machine interactie, techniekfilosofie, cognitieve psychologie, teamsamenwerking, en onderwijskunde met elkaar te verbinden. Tevens zijn workshops en discussies hierover gevoerd, debatten gevolgd en toekomstscenario’s bestudeerd. Dit heeft geresulteerd in een beargumenteerde visie over hoe we denken dat mens-NIC teams zullen functioneren in de toekomst, wat voor algemene veranderingen in leerdoelen voor menselijke teamleden dit tot gevolg heeft en wat voor algemene leerprincipes hiervoor van belang zijn.
Interactions Between Tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) and the Root-Knot Nematodes, Meloidogyne megadora and M. javanica

Research was conducted to: 1) evaluate the host suitability of tannia to Meloidogyne megadora and M. javanica and 2) investigate the activity of corm extracts of tannia against these species. M. megadora failed to reproduce in tannia obtained either by vegetative or in vitro propagation. Tannia obtained by vegetative propagation also was a non-host for M. javanica, but plants produced through in vitro propagation allowed development and some reproduction. Few M. megadora J2 penetrated tannia roots 2 days after inoculation (DAI) and there was no further development. M. javanica J2 penetrated the roots but development was suppressed. Only one female with eggs was observed 45 and 60 DAI and adult males (3) were first observed 35 DAI. Tannia corm extract inhibited hatching and caused mortality of M. megadora dose-responsively.
Establishment of the Neural Differentiation Pattern in the Prospective Prosencephalic Ectoderm of the Chick Embryo (Gallus domesticus)

Small graft pieces (size: 0.15 × 0.2 mm to 0.1 × 0.4 mm and 0.25 × 0.25 mm) were isolated from the prospective prosencephalic ectoderm of the definitive primitive streak (st. 4) and head process (st. 5) chick blastoderms, and cultured in vivo intracoelomically. In all 1437 graft pieces isolated from 448 donor blastoderms were transplanted into the coelom of 941 host embryos; 216 hosts died before reaching 12 days. The 725 surviving hosts, which carried 1241 implants, yielded 304 analysable grafts. The very small size of the isolates affected the recovery rate. The histological analysis of the recovered grafts reveals that the frequency of neuralization was higher in the grafts isolated from the central region of the prospective prosencephalic ectoderm than in those from its peripheral region. A centrifugal extension of differentiation tendencies of prosencephalic structures was observed from st. 4 to st. 5. At st. 5 frequency of telencephalic structures was high in the grafts of the anterior region, whereas that of diencephalic structures was high in those of the more posterior region. Eye structures (retina as well as tapetum) differentiated in an area measuring ca. 0.4 × 0.1 mm extending transversely about 0.1 mm anterior to the head process at st. 5. Structural elements of the lens were not observed in any graft.
Preliminary results of a survey on the role of arthropod rearing in classical weed biological control.

The rearing of arthropods is an essential but sometimes neglected and underestimated part of a classical weed biological control programme. Success in rearing is usually a pre-requisite to conducting host-specificity tests, obtaining enough individuals for initial field release or, later, for large-scale implementation. Although most biological control researchers can list situations where agent development has been stopped or slowed due to rearing difficulties, failures seldom get reported in the literature, thus preventing us from gauging the extent and relevance of rearing issues. To rectify this, a questionnaire was developed to investigate the prevalence of rearing problems in weed biological control programmes and to classify their occurrence according to a list of variables (e.g. taxonomy, biological features, genetic issues and researcher/programme attributes). The questionnaire was sent to 80 researchers from eight countries; 65% responded, generating 79 useful responses. Results confirm that, of the challenges faced in programmes, rearing is the most prevalent (56% out of ten possible general problem categories). The most common rearing problems encountered were conditions that were not conducive to mating and/or oviposition (30% of reported arthropod cases) or development (22% of reported arthropod cases). Our results identify key areas for rearing improvement, thus contributing to increased weed biological control project successes.
Metabolic responses to glucose challenge in New Zealand and overseas Holstein-Friesian dairy cows

North American and Dutch Holstein-Friesian (HF) cattle have undergone genetic selection for increased milk production, however, at the same time, reproductive efficiency has decreased. Overseas HF also have greater propensity to mobilise body reserves during early lactation than New Zealand HF cows. It is possible that reproductive differences are a consequence of metabolic and endocrine differences between the strains. This trial was designed to investigate effects of genotype and diet on endocrine response to a challenge of intravenous glucose in HF cows. Twenty-five HF cows of New Zealand (NZ; n=13) and Overseas (OS; n=12) origin, were fed either pasture (Grass; n=12) or a total mixed ration (TMR; n=13) in a 2x2 factorial design. At two weeks postpartum, they were challenged with 300mg of glucose/kg live weight. Data were analysed for effects of genotype and diet. Following glucose challenge, the NZ TMR cows had higher plasma insulin concentrations than the NZ Grass, resulting in a significant interaction between diet and genotype in the area under the response curve; but the OS groups had similar patterns. Mean plasma leptin concentration was higher in NZ TMR than in NZ Grass, OS TMR or OS Grass. Plasma concentrations of glucose and IGF-I were not affected by genotype or feed regime. These results demonstrated metabolic differences between the strains and also diets. A better understanding of the genetic and nutritional basis of hormonal regulation of nutrient partitioning will be important to develop nutritional strategies to meet the requirements of lactating cows with different genotypes, and to find ways to improve reproductive efficiency.
A study on the changes of physiology and biochemistry during zoysiagrass seed development.

This research aimed to provide a scientific theoretical basis for zoysiagrass seed production by investigating changes of physiology and biochemistry during seed development.Every three or five days,seeds of zoysiagrass were harvested after peak anthesis at Jiaozhou in Shandong province,and the changes in seed development were studied.The seed moisture content rose first,then gradually dropped.The fresh weight and dry weight of seeds slowly increased during seed development and finally decreased a little.The soluble sugar content of seeds decreased by about 5.0%. The starch content increased sharply and then slowly decreased,but stayed about 15.0% towards the end of development.The acid phosphoesterase activity of seeds harvested at different times were significantly increased(P0.01). IAA and GA contents slowly reduced with seed development.However,the contents of ABA rose gradually and reached 72.7 μg/100 g fresh weight.In conclusion,the optimal harvest time was the 36th days after peak anthesis(about June 15) in this experiment,and when the seed vigor was better,its moisture content and 1 000-seed weight were 26%-28% and 0.89 g,respectively.
Functional activities of C-reactive protein on neutrophils

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a member of the pentraxin family which opsonises S. pneumoniae through its binding to phosphorylcholine. In addition, CRP binds to Fcγ receptors: FcγRI with high affinity and, probably, FcγRIIA with lower affinity. Binding to FcγRIIA was suggested to depend on a polymorphism at residue 131 of the receptor, HH individuals being poorer binders compared to RR. To clarify the role of CRP binding to FcγRIIA and functional activities upon interaction, neutrophils from HH and RR individuals were incubated with CRP in the presence or absence of pneumococci type 3. No difference in activation as determined by IL-8 synthesis, respiratory burst and phagocytosis were seen between HH and RR donors. Since CRP increases its serum concentration up to 1000 fold above the normal level, we also compared acute-phase concentrations of CRP with normal levels for neutrophil functions. Normal (≤10 μg/ml) and acute-phase (10 - 100 μg/ml) levels increased IL-8 production in the presence or absence of pneumococci. A similar pattern was seen for extracellular reactive oxygen. There was a five-fold increase in DHR oxidation in neutrophils when CRP at 10 μg/ml was used, although this was reduced when CRP at 50 and 100 μg/ml was used in both HH and RR donors. Recombinant CRP also gave a similar pattern in which higher MFIs for DHR oxidation were obtained for CRP at 10 μg/ml. On average a two-fold increase in phagocytosis of pneumococci serotype 3 was obtained for both type of donors for CRP at 10 μg/ml. This effect was also reduced at acute-phase levels of CRP. The down-regulatory effects of CRP are thus selective for certain responses but do not require phagocytosis since CRP at 50 - 100 μg/ml could also inhibit PMA activation. The ability of CRP to bind to Fcγ-receptors using surface plasmon resonance was evaluated, but there was no evidence of CRP binding to FcγRIIA, RIIB or RIII Serum amyloid P component showed strong binding to FcγRIII and weak binding to FcγRIIA and RIIB. A glycosylated form of the Fc receptor may be required for binding
Prevalence of Enzootic Bovine Leukosis in Bulgaria

The Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) is broadly spread on all continents. Due to the lack of specific means for prevention and treatment, it turns to be a serious health and economic issue for a number of countries with developed cattle farming. The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of EBL in Bulgaria in 2012 and the effect of the application of the State Programme for Infection Prevention and Control. Official data from the annual report of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) and serological analyses for enzootic bovine leukosis conducted with commercial ELISA kits was employed. The results were statistically analysed using the method for comparison of independent proportions. The analysis of results from serological EBL survey performed in 2012 showed a high prevalence of the infection in Bulgaria (33.38% on the average) and more than 2000 foci. In the different regions of the country, the proportion of infected animals varied from 13.05% to 63.85%. After implementation of the mandatory measures for enzootic bovine leukosis prevention and control, one region was completely freed from enzootic bovine leukosis and 78 infection foci were eradicated. The results from the serological analyses for enzootic bovine leukosis performed in 2012 showed a wide prevalence of the infection in Bulgaria. The successful eradication of cattle farms is possible with strict implementation of the State Programme for EBL Prevention and Control and co-funding by the European Community. Â
Transforming Growth Factor β Isoform-specific Differences in Interactions with Type I and II Transforming Growth Factor β Receptors

Abstract Here we describe human colon carcinoma cell clones, isolated from a transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-responsive parental cell line, which display differential sensitivities to TGF-β 1 and TGF-β 2 isoforms. In a monolayer proliferation assay, some clones were sensitive to both isoforms (IC 50 = 0.1–0.6 ng/ml; S 1 S 2 ) while others were resistant to both isoforms (IC 50 > 5 ng/ml; R 1 R 2 ). Still other clones (R 1 S 2 ) were sensitive to TGF-β 2 (IC 50 = 0.1–0.2 ng/ml), but were resistant to TGF-β 1 (IC 50 ≥ 5 ng/ml). In S 1 S 2 cells, both TGF-β isoforms resulted in a repression of c- myc mRNA expression, a concentration-dependent increase in fibronectin levels, and an enhanced production of the colon cell differentiation marker carcinoembryonic antigen. In contrast, R 1 R 2 cells did not display these responses, or did so only to a limited extent. In R 1 S 2 cells, TGF-β 2 elicited these responses, yet TGF-β 1 was essentially without effect. Receptor cross-linking experiments indicated that TGF-β resistance in this model system was not generally associated with a complete lack of expression of either type I or II receptors. Moreover, the R 1 S 2 type clones were heterogeneous, although the majority of them displayed binding to type I receptors by TGF-β 2 but not by TGF-β 1 . These data suggest that either the TGF-β 1 and TGF-β 2 isoforms differ with respect to their ability to interact with the type I and II classes of receptors, or the TGF-β 1 and TGF-β 2 isoforms can interact with distinct receptor proteins of the type I and II classes in this model system.