Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of human arylamine n-acetyltransferase 1 in tumorigenesis and cancer biology.

v List of Tables ix List of Figures x Chapter I – Introduction 1 Chapter II – Folate-Dependent Hydrolysis of Acetyl-Coenzyme A by Recombinant Human and Rodent Arylamine N-Acetyltransferases 5 Introduction 5 Materials and Methods 9 Results 13 Discussion 22 Chapter III – Congenic rats with higher arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 activity exhibit greater carcinogen-induced mammary tumor susceptibility independent of carcinogen metabolism 26 Introduction 26 Materials and Methods 35 Results 44 Discussion 56
Incorporating measurement error in testing for changes in biodiversity

The effect of measurement error on biodiversity metrics is problematic for conservation planning and testing ecological theories, but there are few methods for including it in statistical analyses. We present a framework for incorporating measurement error in testing for significant change in almost any type of biodiversity metric. We used repeat measurements of 20 × 20 m2 forest plots to quantify measurement error for species composition and mean stem diameter. With these data we illustrate generalizable methods for incorporating measurement error in testing for change in three types of metric—(1) species composition, (2) mean stem diameter, and (3) proportional richness of ungulate palatability groups—between surveys conducted 7 years apart on a national plot monitoring network. Turnover in species composition (Jaccard dissimilarity) from measurement error was considerable, with a mean of 36% (ranging from 23% to 52%), but observed turnover between surveys was significantly greater (for Jaccard and both its richness dependent and independent components) than expected from measurement error alone. Measurement error increased the standard deviation for diameter change by an average of 10%, and increased sample size needed to detect a pre‐defined change by an average of 21%, although in both cases variation across species was considerable (0%–50%, and −1%–110% respectively). The effects of measurement error on uncertainty for palatability groups were even more variable, ranging from 13% to 100% for standard deviation and from 26% to 299% for required sample size. Importantly, four of the eight species that yielded significant changes in mean diameter with observed data showed no significant shift in diameter when measurement error was included in paired t tests. Exclusion of measurement error can therefore alter conclusions drawn from monitoring networks, risking spurious claims of change. Our study demonstrates that measurement error can be incorporated in testing change for three numerically different (continuous, proportional and multivariate) classes of biodiversity metric at both the species and community level. This shows that it is possible to incorporate measurement error in assessing change for almost all biodiversity metrics.
Attracting hummingbirds to your property

The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is one of several species of hummingbird that frequent North America (Figure 1). The rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) and few other western species are casual migrants that can be seen in the western half of Missouri during late summer and fall, but the ruby-throat is the species most commonly observed across the state. Hummingbirds are neotropical migrants, which means they spend winters in Mexico and Central and South America but nest in more temperate climates. They usually arrive in Missouri to nest from early to mid-April, but that can vary considerably from year to year, depending on weather. Ruby-throated hummingbird migration in Missouri typically peaks in early May and again in midto late September. Hummingbirds migrate when certain hormones are released, a process caused by changes in the length of the day. Hummingbird enthusiasts use a variety of means to report and track their first sightings of the year, which can be found online (see the Additional information section for more information on this website). Hummingbirds are the smallest native bird in North America at only 31⁄2 inches long and a weight of less than 1⁄4 of an ounce. The rapid movement of their wings creates a humming sound, and they average 55 wing strokes per second. For their size, hummingbirds consume great amounts of high-calorie foods to sustain their high metabolism. If you want to attract ruby-throated hummingbirds to your property, it helps to understand their biology and behavior, and to implement habitat management practices, such as providing native plants and supplemental food sources. They are attracted to plants and flowers that provide nectar, as well as artificial feeders that do the same. By landscaping with recommended plants and providing supplemental food sources, hummingbird enthusiasts and birdwatchers can attract and feed hummingbirds on their property.
The role of legumes in bringing protein to the table.

18 F.L. Stoddard and C.A. Watson) Abstract This chapter examines the role of legumes in the provision of nitrogen and protein in the European food system. It follows the nitrogen cycle starting with a description of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and its role in generating reactive nitrogen that is essential to the functioning of ecosystems. From this, it describes the role of legumes in supplying protein for food and feed from this reactive nitrogen. A detailed account of sources and uses of plant protein in Europe is provided, including a consideration of the effect of diet. Grain legumes are lower yielding than cereals. Cereals, which are particularly high yielding in Europe, dominate most European cropping systems. BNF and protein formation are demanding in terms of plant energy (photosynthate) but this does not fully explain the difference in yield between cereals and legumes. The high yield of cereals has had a profound impact on European agricultural systems. Through the combination of fertilizer nitrogen, imported protein-rich crop commodities and specialization in high-yielding cereal production, Europe has achieved self-sufficiency in temperate foodstuffs, including commodities required to support high consumption of meat and dairy products. Cropping in the European Union (EU) is dominated by cereals and 57% of the cereals grown are fed to animals in the EU. The growth in the demand for plant protein by the expanding livestock sector has resulted in a 71% deficit in high-protein crop commodities, 87% of which is filled by imported soybean or soybean meal. Through the close relationship between this deficit and the production of livestock, European dietary patterns have profound implications for the global nitrogen cycle. A reduction in the production of livestock products from the current high level in Europe, in line with a reduction in consumption towards official health recommendations, has been estimated to reduce nitrogen pollution emissions from farming by about 40% and the demand for imported soy by 75%. If reducing the protein deficit is a priority, an integrated approach combining agricultural, environmental, food and trade policies is required. 2 The Role of Legumes in Bringing Protein to the Table
An accurate and robust algorithm for solvent-excluded surface computation

The solvent-excluded surface (SES1) of a molecule is an important geometrical property relevant to its solvation in aqueous solution and its interactions with other molecules. In this paper we present an accurate and robust analytic algorithm suitable for a large-scale SES analysis. The accuracy and robustness of our algorithm are made possible by an iterative strategy for the treatments of probe-probe intersections, probe-probe overlaps and limited numerical precision. The accuracy and robustness of our algorithm in turn make it possible to analyze on a large-scale the SESs for different types of proteins and various sets of ligand-protein interaction interfaces. The results illustrate the usefulness of SES and SES-defined physical and geometrical properties for the characterization of protein-solvent interaction and ligand-protein interaction where ligand could be either small molecule compound, or membrane lipid, or DNA or protein.
Efficacy of Fecal Sampling as a Gut Proxy in the Study of Chicken Gut Microbiota

Background Despite the convenience and noninvasiveness of fecal sampling, the fecal microbiota does not fully represent that of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and the efficacy of fecal sampling to accurately represent the gut microbiota in birds is poorly understood. In this study, we aim to identify the efficacy of feces as a gut proxy in birds using chickens as a model. We collected 1,026 samples from 206 chickens, including duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum and feces samples, for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analyses. Results In this study, the efficacy of feces as a gut proxy was partitioned to microbial community membership and community structure. Most taxa in the small intestine (84.11 – 87.28%) and ceca (99.39%) could be identified in feces. Microbial community membership was reflected with a gut anatomic feature, but community structure was not. Excluding shared microbes, the small intestine and ceca contributed 34.12 and 5.83% of the total fecal members, respectively. The composition of Firmicutes members in the small intestine and that of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria members in the ceca could be well mirrored by the observations in fecal samples (ρ = 0.54 – 0.71 and 0.71 – 0.78, respectively, P < 0.001). However, there were few significant correlations for each genus between feces and each of the 4 gut segments, and these correlations were not high (ρ = −0.2 – 0.4, P < 0.05) for most genera. Conclusions Our results provide evidence that the good potential of feces to identify most taxa in chicken guts, but it should be interpreted with caution by using feces as a proxy for gut in microbial structure analyses. This work provides insights and future directions regarding the usage of fecal samples in studies of the gut microbiome.
The Molecular Mechanisms of the effect of anticancer activity on lichen metabolites

The components obtained from natural products have been used in many fields such as medicine, pharmacy and biology throughout the history. Some new and important commercial drugs have been obtained by using as a natural molecule model in the cancer field. Studies for the development of cytotoxic agents were also an important step for the discovery of new anticancer drugs. Large structural diversity of natural components and their bioactivity potential may serve to improve the therapeutic potential with molecular modification. For this purpose, especially the number of studies on the anticancer activity of lichen components has increased in last few years. Lichens are symbiotic organisms compose of fungus and algae or cyanobacteria. Lichens synthesize a great variety of secondary metabolites spesifically. Lichen secondary compounds have many possible biological activities such as antiviral, antitumor, antibacterial and antiherbivore and antioxidants. In recent years, one of the most important features of lichen secondary metabolites in medical and biotechnological field is the emmergance of results that maybe candidate molecules in the treatment of cancer. Elucidation of the molecular basis of cancer related processes and especially apoptosis pathway
Functional ap.alysis of the pcrtussis toxin promoter

SUMMARY The expression of the pertussis toxin ptx oparon is positively regulated in cis by a promoter region of about 170 base pairs and in trans by the bvg locus, which codes for the transcriptional activator protein BvgA. The promoter contains two direct repeats which are essential for its activity. When the position of these direct repeats relative to the transc~ption start point was cher. ~ed, the activity of the promoter was strongly impaired. The repeated sequences t~,erefore do not represent enhancer-like elements similar to those which have been identified in other positively regulated promoters; instead, the integrity of the whole promoter region seems to be an important feature of ptx regulation, k transcription interference assay was carried out to analyse in viva binding of regulatory proteins to the ptx promoter. The results suggest that the direct repeats are the recognition sequence of a protein, which binds to them only under conditions in which the promoter is activated. In vitro DNA binding experiments with BvgA protein purified from an overproducing Esch~richia colt strain were performed. However, no binding of BvgA to the ptx promoter was observed under conditions where binding of BvgA to the fha and bvg promoters occurred. This suggests that factors in addition to the bvg system are involved in the regulation of the Bordetella virulence regulon.
Effects of electromagnetic radiations on the male reproductive system

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitting from the natural environment, as well as from the use of industrial and everyday appliances, constantly influences the body of the animal. It is expected that the interactions between electromagnetic radiation and the living organism would depend on the amount and parameters of the transmitted energy and type of tissue exposed. Electromagnetic waves exert an influence on the male reproductive system causing spermatozoa to have decreased motility, morphometric abnormalities, increased peroxidation due to oxidative stress, histological aberrations in the testes and in some cases atrophy of the testicular tissue. This review presents from literature some of effects of electromagnetic radiations on the male reproductive system. Keywords: Electromagnetic Radiations, Male Reproductive System, Animals, Humans
Optimization of the production and characterization of milk-clotting enzyme from Bacillus subtilis isolated from marine sponge

Background and objectives Milk-clotting enzyme (MCE) has important applications in the dairy industry and in the cheese-manufacturing process. Because of the increase in cheese consumption and the low supply of calf rennets, there is a need for a suitable rennet substitute from an appropriate source. The present investigation aims at microbial production of MCE and medium optimization for maximal enzyme production by the most potent strain. Partial purification and the properties of the partially purified enzyme are also studied. Materials and methods In the present study several microorganisms were tested for production of the MCE. MCE/caseinase ratio was investigated and was used as the key parameter for selection of the most potent strain and for medium optimization. Medium optimization experiments were carried out in an attempt to increase the enzyme productivity by the most potent strain. The produced enzyme was partially purified using ammonium sulfate at 50% concentration and the properties of the partially purified enzyme were investigated. Results and conclusion Among all the tested bacteria the marine sponge Pseudoceratina arabica isolated bacterium (isolate I) showed the highest milk-clotting activity. This isolate was used for MCE production throughout this study and it was identified as Bacillus subtilis KU710517. Maximum enzyme productivity (581.8 U/ml) and maximum MCE/caseinase ratio were obtained using a medium containing 50 g/l wheat bran with xylose and yeast extract as carbon and nitrogen sources. For the partially purified enzyme, the optimal temperature and pH were 85°C and 5.0, respectively. The enzyme was thermally stable at 45°C and retained 100% activity after 90 min. At 50°C for the same period of time it retained about 82% activity. However, at 60°C, the enzyme lost about 70% of its original activity after 30 min. The activation energy (Ea) of the enzyme was calculated as 6.95 kcal/mol. Km and Vmax values were 4.6 mg/ml and 2933 U/mg protein, respectively.
Preparation and evaluation of vitamin C and folic acid-coloaded antioxidant liposomes

ABSTRACT Vitamin C (VC) and folic acid (FA) are the important nutrients and antioxidants in human body. To protect them from pro-oxidant elements and reveal their co-operation effects, VC-loaded liposomes (VC-Lip), FA-loaded liposomes (FA-Lip), and their coloaded liposomes (VCFA-Lip) are prepared using the modified ethanol injection method in this study. The properties of the prepared liposomes including morphology, encapsulation efficiency, DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, and stability are determined and discussed in detail. The experimental results show that the vesicle size of the prepared liposomes are about 100–150 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of VC- and FA-coloaded liposomes is higher than that of the individual loaded ones. In vitro antioxidant activity study shows that the prepared liposomes have excellent antioxidant activity and the co-operation of VC and FA are better than the individual ones. Furthermore, the stability experiment reveals that the coloaded liposomes have a good stability in the relatively low temperature. These results indicate that VC- and FA-coloaded liposomes could be used as an effective antioxidant and it could be applied as a promising delivery system for the antioxidant defense system to food industry.
Notas sobre equinodermos fósiles de Costa Rica

Fossil echinoderms from Costa Rica: preliminary notes. A preliminary list of the echinoderms fauna of Costa Rica from the Cenozoic is presented, based on the literature and from specimens from the fossil collection of the Central American School of Geology at the University of Costa Rica, the National Museum and personal collections. The fauna is composed by the class Crinoidea with only one genera and the class Echinoidea with seven orders, 18 families, 28 genera and 45 species. The Order Spatangoida is the most diverse of the six found, with seven families, 15 genera and 26 species. The most diverse family is Brissidae (8), whereas the diverse genus is Schizaster with seven species. Most of specimens belong to the Cretaceous and Miocene in a total of 11 geologic formations throughout all the country. In addition, a review of the scientific research of this group in Costa Rica from 1880 until today is presented. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (Suppl. 1): 287-299. Epub 2006 Sept. 30.
Articles : Radical Scavenging Activities of Fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida BUNGE Major. from Korea

Screenings of potential antioxidant activities of Crataegus pinnatifida BUNGE Major. fruits extracted 80% methanol were performed using four antioxidant assays. Significant differences were observed both in total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging assay, and reducing power assay. The total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content in the extract were measured to be 224.4 ± 0.52 mg GAE/100 g and 12 ± 0.25mg QE/100 g, respectively. When the tested concentration was 500 μg/mL, DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activities of methanolic extracts were 84.15% and 88.8%, respectively. The reducing power and nitric oxide scavenging activity were increased at the manner of dose-dependently. These results suggest that methanolic extracts of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. fruits possess excellent radical scavenging activities and may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidant.
Microbial communities and pathogens in association with vegetable-processing

Contamination of produce by humanand phytopathogenic microorganisms may result in high losses during storage and poses a threat for the human health. Microbiological examination of the extent of contamination is time-consuming and therefore cannot be applied routinely during processing of fresh vegetables. In this study, the microbial diversity of a carrot-processing plant was evaluated by construction of a 16S rRNA gene clone library. Several species of pathogenic or opportunistic genera were detected. The fourth most common species belonged to Arcobacter. Arcobacter is known for causing enteritis in humans, but has not, until recently, been associated with the production of vegetables. Two genus-specific PCR-Assays were developed: One specific for Arcobacter and one for Pectobacterium. The aim was to ascertain the occurrence of Arcobacter and Pectobacterium in a spinach-processing plant. Results indicated a repeated occurrence of both pathogens in the spinach-processing line, which raised the question whether pathogenic and non-pathogenic Arcobacter spp. are a common occurrence in vegetable-processing plants. To get further information about the dispersion of the bacteria, the genetic diversity of Arcobacter in the entire process line was established by 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. The same Arcobacter species as in the carrot-processing plant were detected, as well as other unknown Arcobacter species. Additionally, several pathogenic species were identified, including A. butzleri and A. cryaerophilus. Three different methods for detection of pathogens were developed and evaluated: 1. A multiplex-PCR was designed making it possible to detect nine Arcobacter species simultaneously. 2. Two qPCR-Assay specific for Arcobacter and Pectobacterium were developed and tested to enable enumeration of the bacteria. 3. MALDI-TOF MS is a culture-dependent method to identify and enumerate species fast and accurate. The potential of this method was evaluated by establishing the microbial diversity of the spinach-processing line and by specific detection of Arcobacter.
The Identity of Sylvia ruficollis Vieillot, 1817 and Azara's No. 240 “Cola aguda cola de canela obscura” (Aves: Furnariidae)

The identity of Azara's No. 240 “Cola aguda cola de canela obscura” and the name Sylvia ruficollis Vieillot, 1817 which is based on it has been widely discussed, but never convincingly elucidated. Azara obtained the specimen from the “barbarians of Paraguay” and the distinctive tail pattern that he described narrows the identity down to three species in the Paraguayan avifauna, two in the genus Asthenes and Phacellodomus sibilatrix. Much confusion about the identity of Azara's birds has been previously caused by Vieillot's tendency to omit the morphometrics provided in the original description. In this case, it is possible to confirm the identity of Sylvia ruficollis as Phacellodomus sibilatrix. In order to maintain nomenclatural stability, it is recommended that the older name Sylvia ruficollis be suppressed.
Difference in 137Cs in needles between main and lateral shoots of Japanese fir growing in natural forests 5 years after the Fukushima accident

ABSTRACT Japanese fir (Abies firma Sieb. et Zucc.) usually shows a trifurcated branching form, differentiated into main and lateral shoots. We compared the radiocesium (137Cs) concentration in needles between the terminal main shoot and two terminal lateral shoots of Japanese fir in order to examine whether the shoot position (main or lateral) affected 137Cs concentration in needles. The 137Cs in needles of main shoot was significantly higher than that of the two lateral shoots, suggesting that differences in shoot positions are a factor affecting the 137Cs in needles. To examine the relationships between 137Cs in needles and shoot morphological traits, the dry mass of needles and branches and the length of branches were measured. The main shoots had statistically significant heavier needles and branches and longer branches than lateral shoots. However, the 137Cs in needles was not significantly correlated with the morphological traits of shoots. Our results suggest that the difference in 137Cs in needles between main and lateral shoots cannot be attributed to the difference in shoot morphology (dry weight and branch length). We recommend that when sampling needles for the evaluation of contamination of 137Cs, the shoot positions should be considered to eliminate 137Cs variation arising from these traits.