Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity in Canadian Hardwoods: Implications for conservation

Hardwoods are diverse, and they are important components in several forest regions of Canada. Yet low demand from the pulp and paper sector, abundant natural regeneration for several species, and high costs associated with seedling production and plantation establishment have restrained industries and governments from investing intensively into basic biological and genetic research of hardwoods. Recently, new interests have emerged for the utilization and conservation of hardwood species. To devise efficient gene conservation and breeding strategies for hardwoods, knowledge is needed about their genetic structure, genecology, and mating systems. Here we review information on the organization of genetic diversity in the few Canadian hardwood species that have been studied. Results derived from analyses of quantitative characters showed extensive genetic variation among populations and among individuals within populations in all species. Genetic variation among populations was found to be associated with en.
Applications of Bioenergetics Models to Fish Ecology and Management: Where Do We Go from Here?

Abstract Papers and panel discussions given during a 1992 symposium on bioenergetics models are summarized. Bioenergetics models have been applied to a variety of research and management questions relating to fish stocks, populations, food webs, and ecosystems. Applications include estimates of the intensity and dynamics of predator–prey interactions, nutrient cycling within aquatic food webs of varying trophic structure, and food requirements of single animals, whole populations, and communities of fishes. As tools in food web and ecosystem applications, bioenergetics models have been used to compare forage consumption by salmonid predators across the Laurentian Great Lakes for single populations and whole communities, and to estimate the growth potential of pelagic predators in Chesapeake Bay and Lake Ontario. Some critics say that bioenergetics models lack sufficient detail to produce reliable results in such field applications, whereas others say that the models are too complex to be useful tools for .
The AP2 transcription factor NtERF172 confers drought resistance by modifying NtCAT

Summary Drought stress often limits plant growth and global crop yields. Catalase (CAT)‐mediated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging plays an important role in the adaptation of plant stress responses, but the transcriptional regulation of the CAT gene in response to drought stress is not well understood. Here, we isolated an APETALA2/ETHYLENE‐RESPONSIVE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) domain‐containing transcription factor (TF), NtERF172, which was strongly induced by drought, abscisic acid (ABA) and H2O2, from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) by yeast one‐hybrid screening. NtERF172 localized to the nucleus and acted as a transcriptional activator. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, yeast one‐hybrid assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and transient expression analysis assays showed that NtERF172 directly bound to the promoter region of the NtCAT gene and positively regulated its expression. Transgenic plants overexpressing NtERF172 displayed enhanced tolerance to drought stress, whereas suppression of NtERF172 decreased drought tolerance. Under drought stress conditions, the NtERF172‐overexpressed lines showed higher catalase activity and lower accumulation of H2O2 compared with wild‐type (WT) plants, while the NtERF172‐silenced plants showed the inverse correlation. Exogenous application of amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (3‐AT), an irreversible CAT inhibitor, to the NtERF172‐overexpression lines showed decreased catalase activity and drought tolerance, and increased levels of cellular H2O2. Knockdown of NtCAT in the NtERF172‐overexpression lines displayed a more drought stress‐sensitive phenotype than NtERF172‐overexpression lines. We propose that NtERF172 acts as a positive factor in drought stress tolerance, at least in part through the regulation of CAT‐mediated H2O2 homeostasis.
Algorithm for fixing singular defects of polygon meshes based on half-edge data structure

The problem of the occurrence of singular defects in the creation of 3D models in polygonal meshes due to the peculiarities of the Half-Edge Data structure is considered. An algorithm for detecting defects in a model based on half-edge structures and mesh recovery is proposed. Software implementation of the method allows to create a model based on the source data without the formation of new defects. Appropriate tools have been developed for benchmarking, and results are presented.
Microtubule polymerization state and clathrin-dependent internalization regulate dynamics of cardiac potassium channel

Ion channel trafficking powerfully influences cardiac electrical activity as it regulates the number of available channels at the plasma membrane. Studies have largely focused on identifying the molecular determinants of the trafficking of the atria-specific KV1.5 channel, the molecular basis of the ultra-rapid delayed rectifier current IKur. Besides, regulated KV1.5 channel recycling upon changes in homeostatic state and mechanical constraints in native cardiomyocytes has been well documented. Here, using cutting-edge imaging in live myocytes, we investigated the dynamics of this channel in the plasma membrane. We demonstrate that the clathrin pathway is a major regulator of the functional expression of KV1.5 channels in atrial myocytes, with the microtubule network as the prominent organizer of KV1.5 transport within the membrane. Both clathrin blockade and microtubule disruption result in channel clusturization with reduced membrane mobility and internalization, whereas disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton does not. Mobile KV1.5 channels are associated with the microtubule plus-end tracking protein EB1 whereas static KV1.5 clusters are associated with stable acetylated microtubules. In human biopsies from patients in atrial fibrillation associated with atrial remodeling, drastic modifications in the trafficking balance occurs together with alteration in microtubule polymerization state resulting in modest reduced endocytosis and increased recycling. Consequently, hallmark of atrial KV1.5 dynamics within the membrane is clathrin- and microtubule-dependent. During atrial remodeling, predominance of anterograde trafficking activity over retrograde trafficking could result in accumulation ok KV1.5 channels in the plasma membrane.
Method of monitoring of young athletes' physical state indicators based on wearable devices usage

The task of monitoring of human physical state during sports training is considered in this paper. The possibilities of popular on the market wearable devices have been analysed for its solving. It is shown that the main restriction on the usage of the considered devices is the absence of the function of data collecting for the next processing and recommendation formation. Therefore, this work is devoted to the research and development of the method of monitoring the indicators of young athletes’ physical state based on the usage of inexpensive fitness bracelet and developed web application.
The α, but Not the β, Isoform of the Human Thromboxane A2 Receptor Is a Target for Prostacyclin-mediated Desensitization*

In this study, we examined the effects the prostacyclin receptor (IP) agonist cicaprost exhibited on U46619-mediated thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) signaling in platelets and compared it to that which occurs in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells stably overexpressing the individual TPα or TPβ isoforms. Consistent with previous studies, cicaprost abrogated U46619-mediated platelet aggregation and mobilization of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+] i ). In HEK 293 cells, signaling by TPα, but not TPβ, was subject to IP-mediated desensitization in a protein kinase A-dependent, protein kinase C-independent manner. Desensitization of TPα signaling was independent of the nature of the IP agonist used, the level of IP expression, or the subtype of Gq protein. Signaling by TPΔ 328, a truncated variant of TP devoid of the divergent residues of the TPs, or by TPαS329A, a site-directed mutant of TPα, were insensitive to IP agonist activation. Whole cell phosphorylations established that TPα, but not TPβ or TPαS329A, is subject to IP-mediated phosphorylation and that TPα phosphorylation is inhibited by H-89. Thus, we conclude that TPα, but not TPβ, is subject to cross-desensitization by IP mediated through direct protein kinase A phosphorylation at Ser329 and propose that TPα may be the isoform physiologically relevant to TP:IP-mediated vascular hemostasis.
Closed-state inactivation as a mechanism for decreased K current at low extracellular pH

Extracellular acidification regulates the biophysical properties of many voltage-gated potassium channels. Most often acidic pH reduces peak current and enhances current decay during depolarization. Here we review recent data from single channel and voltage clamp fluorimetry studies, which suggest that these two effects of protons are mediated by distinct kinetic processes. This new mechanistic insight directly demonstrates that the whilst the enhanced decay of current observed with acidic pH is due to an accelerated entry of open channels into P/C-type inactivation, the main mechanism for the reduction in peak channel conductance is a stabilization of resting channels in closed-inactivated states. Thus acidic pH acts to reduce the conductance of open channels, as well as to prevent other channels from opening at all, and in so doing, reveals that both open- and closed-state inactivation processes can co-exist in Kv channels.
The Harmful Effects of Inadvertently Conditioning a Wild Bottlenose Dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus ) to Interact with Fishing Vessels in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA

Numerous accounts of social bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) seeking human interactions have been documented. While there are several cases of dolphins seeking human interactions with no apparent benefit, dolphins may also be enticed to interact with humans through gradual habituation, usually involving a food source. Marine mammals frequently feed in association with commercial fisheries. Dolphins residing in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, USA, may become conditioned to approaching commercial blue crab boats since the fishery regularly discards old bait fish at each trap. This routine may inadvertently acclimatize wild bottlenose dolphins to approach fishing vessels to feed on this supplemental food source. From 1998 to 2001, an adult bottlenose dolphin residing in the IRL estuary system regularly associated with commercial blue crab fishing boats. Focal observations revealed that the animal has become conditioned to approaching commercial crab boats (n = 110 min, n = 6 observations), spending all of its observed time feeding on discarded bait fish, following crab boats, or begging. The dolphin is readily resighted and well-known by fishers due to its tendency to closely approach and beg at fishing boats. The habituated dolphin is site-specific, with all observations and sightings (including fisher reports) occurring within a small 12.88 km area. This unintentional food provision and habituation of wild IRL dolphins to local fisheries may negatively impact the population. On 26 May 2001, this habituated dolphin approached a commercial vessel with a recreational fishing lure lodged in its mouth. Numerous reports from recreational fishers indicate that IRL dolphins also forage in association with recreational fisheries. Feeding and close interactions between wild dolphins and humans can lead to both animal and human injuries and fatalities. This paper documents the habituation of an IRL bottlenose dolphin to fishing vessels and reports the potentially harmful consequences of these interactions.
Optimization of green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles by Dittrichia graveolens (L.) aqueous extract

In this work, we reported synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) by green procedure. A simple and effective synthesis of ZnONPs was performed by Dittrichia graveolens aqueous extract. The effect of three parameters including pH of the Zinc solution (4.0, 6.0 and 8.0), time (40, 60 and 120 min) and extract ratio (25 and 75 %) were studied and optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The ZnONPs were characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR and FESEM methods. The size of particles were around 100 nm. This new eco-friendly synthesis of ZnONPs is a convenient technique for large scale commercial manufacture of ZnONPs.
Mitogenic responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops): Apparent role of adherent cells

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) from normal vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) were examined for blastogenic responses to concanavalin A (ConA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM). The mitogen stimulated PBM in a dose‐dependent manner. Response to ConA was apparently higher than for the other two mitogens. Cell density and mitogen concentration were critical parameters for optimal lymphocyte proliferation, an observation in line with that reported for other mammalian species. Depletion of an adherent cell population probably of monocyte/macrophage lineage from vervet PBM gave higher proliferative responses to both ConA and PHA, but the response without adherent cells to ConA was greater than the response without adherent cells to PHA. This latter finding is in contrast to what has been reported in many other species.
Feeding Ecology of Green Catbirds (Ailuroedus crassirostris) in Subtropical Rainforests of South-eastern Queensland

Foraging data for green catbirds were collected over an 8-year period in lowland (dry) and upland (wet) subtropical rainforests of the Jimna and Conondale Ranges. The fruits of 104 species of trees, palms and vines comprised the bulk of the diet. Catbirds foraged the fruits of a similar number of species (56) in lowland forest as in upland forest (60). Lowland forest was distinctive, however, in that almost 77% of the food plants occurring in upland forest were rare or absent in lowland forest. Catbirds also foraged flowers, various plant material, insects and millipedes, and these were also significant components of the diet during spring and summer. Different species of asynchronous fruiting figs (Ficus spp.) occurred in lowland and upland forest, and these were the most important foods in each forest type. In lowland forest, catbirds seldom ventured beyond their home ranges (average size 1.9+/-O.2 ha) to forage, and bred from December to March when figs were the only reliable fruit that figured prominently in the diet. Insects also appeared to be an important (perhaps essential) component of the nestling diet during this period. Long-term (5-10 years) data on the fruiting phenology of 94 of the food plants enabled the relationship between the fruiting reliability of food plants and their importance in the diet to be evaluated. Availability of most (79% in lowland forest, 77% in upland forest) species of fruit was irregular and foraging by catbirds was therefore mostly opportunistic.
Evidence for the formation of functionally distinct αβγε GABAA receptors

1 We transiently introduced the human GABAA receptor ε subunit cDNA into a human embryonic kidney (HEK) cell line stably expressing α1β3γ2 receptors (WSS‐1 cells) to establish whether the subunit competes with the γ2 subunit for assembly into receptors. GABA‐evoked currents were recorded using the patch‐clamp technique from cells transfected with cDNA encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) alone or in combination with the ε subunit cDNA. 2 The ε subunit did not change the potency of GABA: the GABA EC50 was 34 ± 6 μm in control WSS‐1 cells and 37 ± 6 μm in cells expressing the ε subunit. The introduction of the ε subunit reduced the peak current amplitude activated by GABA (1 mm) from 1.8 ± 0.2 nA in control cells to 0.9 ± 0.2 nA in cells expressing the ε subunit (P < 0.05). 3 The ε subunit caused the appearance of leak currents recorded in the absence of GABA. Outside‐out patches excised from ε subunit‐containing WSS‐1 cells exhibited spontaneously opening GABAA channels not seen in patches excised from control GFP‐expressing WSS‐1 cells. Introduction of the ε subunit did not alter the GABA‐evoked single‐channel cord conductance. 4 The anaesthetic 2,6‐diisopropylphenol (propofol, 3 μm) and the benzodiazepine flunitrazepam (1 μm) potentiated GABA‐evoked currents recorded from control cells labelled with GFP. The ε subunit reduced potentiation by both agents 48–96 h after transfection. 5 The introduction of the ε subunit had no effect on the ability of propofol (3‐30 μm) relative to GABA (1 mm) to activate GABAA receptors in WSS‐1 cells. High concentrations of propofol (> 100 μm) produced a more marked desensitization of GABAA receptor activity in WSS‐1 cells transfected with cDNA for the ε subunit than in control cells. 6 There was no difference in the potency of Zn2+ as an inhibitor of currents recorded from control cells (IC50= 165 ± 34 μm) or cells expressing the ε subunit (IC50= 179 ± 11 μm). 7 GABA‐activated currents recorded both from control cells and cells expressing the ε subunit reversed in sign at the Cl− equilibrium potential and exhibited outward rectification. 8 The introduction of the ε subunit changes the functional properties of GABAA receptors in WSS‐1 cells. The resulting receptors have a unique combination of properties indicative of the co‐assembly of α, β, γ and ε subunits.
Seasonal Changes in Bacterial Flora of Fish Pond Sediments in Saudi Arabia

Abstract The goal of this study was to monitor the bacterial flora in pond sediments. Culturable bacteria were enumerated and identified from samples taken from pond sediments in Saudi Arabia at sampling times representative of the four seasons. Bacterial numbers (cfu/g) seemed to be highest in summer. Total viable counts (TVC) of bacteria in the pond sediments varied between 5.2±2.7 × 107 to 1.4±2.3 × 108cfu/g in early summer, 6.6±2.4 × 108 to 8.9±2.0 × 109 cfu/g, significantly higher (P < 0.005) in summer, 4.2±2.8 × 107 to 6.3±1.7 × 108cfu/g, significantly lower (P < 0.005) in autumn, and 7.9±1.9 × 105 to 8.6±2.1 × 106 cfu/g in winter. A total of 20 bacterial species were identified from the sediment. The bacteria were predominantly Gramnegative rods (77%). Aeromonas hydrophila was 27%, significantly higher (P < 0.005) in the population. Seasonal temperature variation could account for some of the bacterial population variation. Aeromonas hydrophila, Shewanella putrefaciens, Corynebacterium urealyticum, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp. , Vibrio choleraeand Cellulomonas sp. were the common species in all the bacterial populations of different seasons where the first four bacterial species made up most culturable assemblage (prevalence of > 10%). Flavobacterium sp. , Micrococcus sp. , Streptococcus sp. , Burkholderia glumae and Pasteurella sp. were present in some seasons of the year. Pseudomonas fluorescens and Salmonella sp. were present only in winter, where Pasteurella pneumotropica was found only in summer.
Release of Ferulic Acid from Wheat Bran by an Inducible Feruloyl Esterase from an Intestinal Bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus

In the present study, the production of a novel feruloyl esterase (FAE) from a typical human intestinal bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus using various carbon sources was investigated. The results showed that FAE activity was strongly induced by hemicellulosic substances, with the highest activity detected when de-starched wheat bran (DSWB) was used as a carbon source. Moreover, the production was stimulated by the monosaccharides xylose and arabinose, suggesting its particular secretion mechanism. With increasing levels of free ferulic acid (FA) added, the production of FAE increased, reached a peak and declined. Further, on addition of either xylanase or α-L-arabinofuranosidase, the amount of FA released from DSWB by the purified FAE from L. acidophilus increased from 0 to 12.4nmol and 3.64nmol, respectively. When the three enzymes existed together, 15.7nmol of FA was detected. These results indicated that xylanase is predominant and arabinofuranosidase subordinate in their synergistic effect on FA release by FAE.
Sequence variation in the ribosomal DNA of Pacific (Clupea pallasi) and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)

Nous avons determine au moyen d'une analyse par des enzymes de restriction et par sequencage de l'ADN, la variation observee au niveau des sequences nucleotidiques de l'ADN ribosomique (ADNr) entre le hareng du Pacifique (Clupea pallasi) et le hareng de l'Atlantique (Clupea harengus). Les cartes de restriction des segments repetes de l'ADNr sont semblables chez les deux especes, a l'exception d'un seul site dans la sequence d'espacement intragenique. Ce site de restriction est egalement polymorphique al'echelle des populations de hareng du Pacifique, mais ne revele aucune caracteristique associee a des stocks. Le degre de divergence des sequences au site de l'ITS 1 est de 1,3 % en moyenne entre le hareng du Pacifique et le hareng de l'Atlantique et de 0,34 % entre le hareng du Pacifique provenant de differentes regions le long de la cote de la Colombie-Britannique. Ces resultats paraissent indiquer que le hareng de l'Atlantique et la hareng du Pacifique se sont separes il y a 3,1 millions d'annees. Cette conclusion est conforme a la date de dispersion du hareng dans le Pacifique au milieu du pliocene.
Rethinking protected area categories and the new paradigm

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) plays a global leadership role in defining different types of protected areas, and influencing how protected area systems develop and are managed. Following the 1992 World Parks Congress, a new system of categorizing protected areas was developed. New categories were introduced, including categories that allowed resource extraction. Since that time there has been rapid growth in the global numbers and size of protected areas, with most growth being shown in the new categories. Further-more, the IUCN has heralded a ‘new paradigm’ of protected areas, which became the main focus of the 2003 World Parks Congress. The paradigm focuses on benefits to local people to alleviate poverty, re-engineering protected areas professionals, and an emphasis on the interaction between humans and nature through a focus on the new IUCN protected area categories.The purpose of this paper is to examine critically the implications of the new categories and paradigm shift in light of the main purpose of protected areas, to protect wild biodiversity. Wild biodiversity will not be well served by adoption of this new paradigm, which will devalue conservation biology, undermine the creation of more strictly protected reserves, inflate the amount of area in reserves and place people at the centre of the protected area agenda at the expense of wild biodiversity. Only IUCN categories I–IV should be recognized as protected areas. The new categories, namely culturally modified landscapes (V) and managed resource areas (VI), should be reclassified as sustainable development areas. To do so would better serve both the protection of wild biodiversity and those seeking to meet human needs on humanized landscapes where sustainable development is practised.