Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic resistance traits of facultative Enterobacter cloacae strain studied with the PMEU (Portable Microbe Enrichment Unit)

In recent years the number of the Gram-negative facultatively anaerobic multiresistant bacteria has increased rapidly. This is an alarming signal for the entire healthcare system. New tools are required for studying the antibiosis. PMEU cultivation system was tested with multiresistant Enterobacter cloacae strain No. 165/08 isolated from a neonatal sepsis patient. Its growth was hindered with a clinical dose of netilmicin, but not influenced by penicillin G or cefuroxime. These results were recorded simultaneously in 5-7 hours cultivation in the PMEU Spectrion ® . In the case when the cefuroxime treatment was applied in combination with other selective pressures in the Colilert TM medium, the onset of bacterial growth was delayed from 5 to 26 hours. The results from a PMEU study could be transferred via internet or mobile networks in realtime to assist the physician in deciding upon treatment. Thus the care becomes more safe, effective and economically feasible.
Effect of Two Prey Types on Life-History Characteristics and Predation Rate of Geocoris floridanus (Heteroptera: Geocoridae)

Abstract The predator Geocoris floridanus Blatchley has become more common in row crop systems in Georgia, but its ecology is unknown. We studied selected life-history characteristics of G. floridanus in the laboratory. Two prey treatments were evaluated for nymphs and adults of G. floridanus: 1) eggs of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and (2) young larvae of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner). G. floridanus nymphs were reared on the prey, and predator development and prey consumption were monitored; predation rates, longevity, and fecundity of adults were evaluated. Nymphal development times and number of prey consumed by predators fed corn earworm eggs were similar for females and males. Nymphal development of predators fed beet armyworm larvae was prolonged compared with predators reared on corn earworm eggs. Nymphal survival was unaffected by prey type. Nymphs reared on corn earworm eggs required fewer prey to complete nymphal development and produced larger adults. Females fed corn earworm eggs had shorter preoviposition periods, and greater fecundity and longevity than females fed beet armyworms. Females consumed more beet armyworms than corn earworm eggs, but produced fewer eggs per unit prey. Female predators fed beet armyworms while nymphs and switched to corn earworm eggs when adult partially recovered their fecundity, and exhibited life-history characteristics equal to those of females fed corn earworm eggs throughout their lives. Thus, G. floridanus can feed, develop, and reproduce on both prey species, and its performance increases when switched from beet armyworm larvae to corn earworm eggs.
Bacterial Responses to the Host Cell

This chapter presents the stress conditions experienced by bacteria inside host organisms and the specific bacterial stress responses, with focus on the responses on a cellular level, especially for the subset of bacterial pathogens that have developed an intracellular lifestyle within host cells. It focuses on the integrated responses of extracellular bacteria or intracellular bacteria environments within the host. A section presents the specific conditions that are acting on bacteria during colonization of a host organism or the interaction with host cells. Cathelicidins possess an amino-terminal part called cathelin that contains an SRC, homology three-domain, required as signal for the peptide to be cleaved, activated, and secreted. The antibacterial activity resides in the carboxy-terminal part which binds to polyanionic surfaces such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and teichoic acids. Biofilms are multicellular microbial communities that can form in the external environment, on abiotic surfaces, as well as on host surfaces and within host cells. Different groups of molecules secreted by host cells have antibacterial functions and are responsible for activation of bacterial responses. After phagocytosis by, or adhesion to and invasion of, host cells, bacteria must adapt to the new environments inside the host cells.
A Critical Evaluation of the Kentucky Phosphorus Index

Abstract The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) is currently revising its 590 Nutrient Management Conservation Standard. As part of this revision, USDA-NRCS is considering requiring states to test the accuracy of their phosphorus (P) indices using either measured P loss data or simulated P loss data generated from process-based models. The objective of this study was to critically evaluate the KY P index by comparing index output with simulated P loss data obtained from a validated P loss model. Furthermore, the general formulation of the index was evaluated against current research on the processes controlling P transport in the environment. Results suggested that in some areas the index does a good job in assigning P loss risk; however, this analysis also showed some important deficiencies in the index, primarily the neglect of important factors known to affect P loss (e.g., soil erosion and P application rates) and how the different factors in the index are weighted. To reduce the amount of P that is exported from agricultural fields to waterways within Kentucky, resources should be devoted to revising the KY P index to address these limitations as well as developing long-term monitoring sites where the P index and more process-based models can be evaluated against measured P loss data.
BIONOMICS OF THRIPS

Thrips are mainly phytophagous, mycophagous, or predatory insects that inhabit a wide range of habitats, generally in the tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. Their adaptive diversity has enabled successful exploitation of diverse niches, so that they have not only established themselves in a variety of plant formations, but in fungus-infested habitats such as plant litter and in bark of living and dead trees (13, 34, 82, 91). The increasing evidence of thrips infestation in various cropping systems, their ability to migrate from weed reservoirs to the crops and vice versa, and their intercrop movement and related adaptive strategies are basic aspects underlying the bionomics of thrips (12, 81). A better understanding of the chemistry of plants has clarified the role of primary and secondary metabolites in the establishment or deterrence of thrips populations. Viewed in this context, the dimensions of bionomic studies have changed over time to include aspects of biodiversity, bioecology and behavior, chemical ecology, reproductive biology, vector relationships, and natural-enemy complexes.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF CRUDE LEAF EXTRACT OF PANDANUS ODORATISSIMUS L.

Summary In the current wave of antimicrobial resistance against chemotherapeutic drugs, there is need to search for plants that could be resistance$free and affordable. The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of Petroleum ether, chloroform & hydroalcoholic extracts of Pandanus odoratissimus leaf against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli , Staphlococcus aureus and Candida albicans . In terms of antimicrobial effects, all the three extracts exhibited effective inhibition zones against Gram$positive bacteria. However, they were ineffective against Gram$negative bacteria and yeast ( Candida albicans ). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of hydro$alcoholic, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts were found to be 25, 50 and 50 mg/ml respectively against Gram$positive bacteria. Out of three extrac ts, hydro$ alcoholic extract showed good antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical study showed the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids in hydro$alcoholic extract, which might be responsible for its good antimicrobial activity.
Eukaryotic elongation factor eEF1A1 promotes and Ser300 mutants of eEF1A1 inhibit transition through the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle

The eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha (eEF1A) plays a crucial role in normal physiological processes and carcinogenic transformation. Our recent study showed that the phosphorylation of eEF1A1 at Ser300 by type I transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor inhibited the protein synthesis and cell proliferation. Inhibition of cell proliferation may occur by accumulation of cells in a specific phase of the cell cycle. We report here an exploration of the role of eEF1A1 and an impact of Ser300 in eEF1A1 on the transition through the phases of the cell cycle by human breast epithelial cells. Our results suggest that the overexpression of eEF1A1 increases proliferation of cells by promoting transition of cells through the S- and G2/M-phases in the cell cycle. Ser300 mutants of eEF1A1 with impaired ability to support protein synthesis inhibited the accumulation of cells in G0/G1 phase. Thus, we showed that eEF1A1 modulates transition of the S and G2/M phases by cells.
SAT0241 Health economic evaluation of rofecoxib versus conventional nsaids in the treatment of osteoarthritis in switzerland

Background In randomised clinical trials, patients with osteoarthritis (OA) who received rofecoxib developed fewer clinically significant gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events than those received conventional NSAIDs. Objectives We estimated the economic implications of these results in Switzerland. Methods A model-based cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted, focusing on events related to serious GI complications (perforations, ulcers or bleeds or PUBs) and minor GI problems (e.g. dyspepsia) that imply healthcare resource use. The base case analysis had a one-year horizon. GI event probabilities were obtained from a pre-specified pooled analysis of the clinical trials of rofecoxib. The NSAID comparator was an aggregate of those commonly used in Switzerland. To extrapolate trial results to clinical practice, resource utilisation profiles for inpatient and outpatient care of GI events were developed using both the literature and expert opinions in UK, the United States and Canada. Weighted average drug costs of currently reimbursed medications were derived from IMS Health data. It was assumed that 20.6% of conventional NSAID users needed gastroprotective agents (GPAs) prophylactically based on published data in the UK and other countries. Efficacy of concomitant use of GPAs in preventing NSAID-associated PUBs was inferred from the literature. A 75% reduction in prophylactic GPA prescription rates with VIOXX was assumed for the base case. Sensitivity analyses explored the effects of varying drug costs, efficacy of GPAs and rates of concomitant GPA use. Results Our base case analysis showed that in Switzerland, it would save 0.64 Swiss Francs per patient per day by switching conventional NSAIDs to rofecoxib for the treatment of OA. The iatrogenic cost factor for NSAIDs was 1.75. Results were robust over a range of model assumptions. The cost per PUB avoided ranged from an added cost of 5,951 Swiss Francs (assuming 0% of GPA use with NSAIDs) to a saving of 16,013 (assuming 50%), with a saving of 2,522 Swiss Francs at base case (20.6% GPA use with NSAIDs). Conclusion Based upon this analysis of serious and minor GI events for OA patients in Switzerland, rofecoxib represents a cost-effective therapeutic option compared to NSAIDs due to cost savings in GI problems and reduction in use of GPAs.
FISH DIVERSITY IN THE TESSO NILO AREA, RIAU WITH NOTES ON RARE, CRYPTIC SPECIES

A survey of the freshwater fishes of The Tesso Nillo area was conducted in June 2003 in conjunction of establishing this area as conservation area. In this brown water-forest streams of the upper part of Kampar catchment area, fifty fish species were found. This comprised of 31 genera, 16 familia and 4 orders. The dominant familia are Cyprinidae (18 species), Bagridae (5 species), Belontiidae (4 species) and Siluridae (4 species). Cryptic species: Breinsteinea hypselurus and Chaca bankanensis were found in the area. Keywords: Fish diversity, rare and cryptic species, Cyprinidae, Bagridae, Balontiidae, Siluridae
An evaluation of habitat selection of Asiatic black bears in a season of prevalent conflicts

Abstract Identifying the relationships between human land use and wildlife habitat use is an essential component in any attempt to mitigate human–wildlife conflict and conserve imperilled wildlife populations. We studied habitat selection by Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) by employing a resource selection function (RSF), using GPS relocation data for 9 bears in 2008 and 2009. We focused on habitat selection in summer when human–bear conflicts are most frequent in the central Japanese Alps. Logistic regression indicated that bears were positively associated with red pine (Pinus densiflora) forest and regenerating lands and negatively associated with both larch (Larix leptolepis) and coniferous plantation. Almost all bears tended to select areas with steep slopes that were close to roads and rivers. An index of human–bear encounter risk, estimated using the predicted RSF map and road density, suggested that only 5.3% of the study area was secure habitat with low human access for bears. Selection by bears for red pine woodlands is one of the reasons for the prevalence of conflicts in summer. We recommend that wildlife managers exercise caution because lethal control of bears in the most frequently selected areas may have a serious effect on the population. Our study, as well as further spatially defined habitat research, can provide information crucial to the appropriate habitat management needed to conserve bears and mitigate conflict in the long term.
Distribución espacial de los macroinvertebrados de playas arenosas de Cuba oriental/Spatial distribution of macroinvertebrates from sandy beaches of eastern Cuba

El objetivo del presente trabajo es realizar un inventario de los macroinvertebrados bentonicos y describir su estructura espacial en 15 playas de la costa oriental de Cuba. Se registro un total de 30 especies de las cuales ocho son poliquetos, ocho moluscos, 13 crustaceos y un cefalocordado. Las especies con mayor abundancia relativa fueron Donax striatus, D.denticulatus, Parhyalella nisbetae, Thalorchestia fritzi, Eurydice convexa, Emerita talpoida y Ocypode quadrata. En la zona supralitoral se encontraron solo cuatro especies. De ellas tres aparecen tambien en la zona intermareal. En la zona intermareal se presenta la mayor riqueza de especies (21); mientras en la zona sublitoral se encontraron 13 especies. Las playas protegidas con ambiente estuarino presentaron una mayor riqueza de especies que las expuestas con influencia oceanica. Esto pudiera estar dado a que las playas protegidas estuarinas reciben menor energia del oleaje y mayor aporte de nutrientes, lo que crea un ambiente mas favorable para un mayor numero de especies. La separacion de las playas en dos grupos por medio de los analisis de ordenacion y agrupamiento puede tener licaciones para el manejo en cuanto a su uso y proteccion. Palabras clave: ASW, Cuba, macroinvertebrados, playas, zonacion. ABSTRACT The main goal of the present paper is to carry out an inventory of the benthic macroinvertebrates and to describe their spatial structure in 15 sandy beaches from the eastern coast of Cuba. A total of 30 species of which eight are polychaetes, eight molluscs, 13 crustaceans and one cephalochordate were recorded. The species with highest relative abundances were Donax striatus, D. denticulatus, Parhyalella nisbetae, Thalorchestia fritzi, Eurydice convexa, Emerita talpoida and Ocypode quadrata. In the supralittoral zone only four species were found, three of them also occurs in the intertidal zone. In the intertidal zone occurs the highest species richness (21) whereas in the sublittoral zone 13 species were found. Sheltered beaches with estuarine environment present greater species richness than those exposed to oceanic influence. That could be due to a lower wave energy and higher productivity in the sheltered estuarine beaches that create a more favourable environment for a higher number of species. The segregation beaches in two types groups by both the classification and ordination analyses could have management implications regarding their use and protection. Key words: ASW, Cuba, macroinvertebrates, sandy beaches, zonation.
A correlation between intracellular calcium and incident irradiance in Nostoc 6720

SUMMARY Recent reports of Ca2+ dependency in cyanobacterial processes, which include photosystem II, nitrogenase activity, heterocyst differentiation and trichome motility, question whether Ca2+-mediated regulation is present in these phototrophic prokaryoles. Such regulation would require that the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ varies within an appropriate range. Several of these Ca2+-dependent processes respond to treatments which artificially alter the intracellular Ca21+ content, but a physiological or environmental effect has not been demonstated. The effect of changes in the incident irradiance upon the proportion of heterocysts and the intracellular content of Ca2+ in Nostoc 6720 have been investigated. Both the proportion of heterocysts (heterocyst frequency) and the cellular content of Ca2+ (assessed by 45Ca24 incorporation in long labelled cultures) were negatively correlated with incident irradiance. The efflux of Ca2+ from darkened cultures was decreased suggesting that the accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ at low incident irradiance might result from decreased efflux. Orthovanadate, a non specific inhibitor of Ca2+ in Anabaena variabilis, enhanced both the cellular content of Ca24 and heterocyst frequency which suggests that direct inhibition of Ca2+ efflux is able to mimic the effects observed on decreasing irradiance.
Computational methods for investigating cell motility withapplications to neutrophil cell migration

Cell motility is closely linked to many important physiological and pathological events such as the immune response, wound healing, tissue differentiation, embryogenesis, in ammation, tumour invasion and metastasis. Understanding the ability of cells to alter their shape, deform and migrate is of vital importance in many biological studies. The rapid development in microscopy and imaging techniques has generated a huge amount of discrete data on migrating cells in vivo and in vitro. A key challenge is the use of discrete experimental observations to develop novel methods and algorithms that track cells and construct continuous trajectories of their motion as well as characterising key geometric quantities associated with cell migration. Therefore, in this work using robust numerical tools we focus on proposing and implementing mathematical methodologies for cell movement and apply them to model neutrophil cell migration. We derive and implement a computational framework that encompasses modelling of cell motility and cell tracking based on phase field and optimal control theory. The cell membrane is represented by an evolving curve and approximated by a diffuse interface; while the motion of the cell is driven by a force balance acting normal on the cell membrane. This approach allows us to characterise the locus of the centroid cell-surface position. In addition, we describe a surface partial differential equation framework that can be coupled with the phase-field framework, thereby offering a wholistic approach for modelling biochemical processes and biomechanics properties associated with cell migration.
Regional variation in the historical components of global avian species richness

Aim Using a global data base of the distribution of extant bird species, we examine the evidence for spatial variation in the evolutionary origins of contemporary avian diversity. In particular, we assess the possible role of the timing of mountain uplift in promoting diversification in different regions. Location Global. Methods We mapped the distribution of avian richness at four taxonomic levels on an equal-area 1° grid. We examined the relationships between richness at successive taxonomic levels (e.g. species richness vs. genus richness). We mapped the residuals from linear regressions of these relationships to identify areas that are exceptional in the number of lower taxa relative to the number of higher taxa. We use generalized least squares models to test the influence of elevation range and temperature on lower-taxon richness relative to higher-taxon richness. Results Peaks of species richness in the Neotropics were congruent with patterns of generic richness, whilst peaks in Australia and the Himalayas were congruent with patterns of both genus and family richness. Hotspots in the Afrotropics did not reflect higher-taxon patterns. Regional differences in the relationship between richness at successive taxonomic levels revealed variation in patterns of taxon co-occurrence. Species and genus co-occurrence was positively associated with elevational range across much of the world. Taxon occurrence in the Neotropics was associated with a positive interaction between elevational range and temperature. Conclusions These results demonstrate that contemporary patterns of richness show different associations with higher-taxon richness in different regions, which implies that the timing of historical effects on these contemporary patterns varies across regions. We suggest that this is due to dispersal limitation and phylogenetic constraints on physiological tolerance limits promoting diversification. We speculate that diversification rates respond to long-term changes in the Earth's topography, and that the role of tropical mountain ranges is implicated as a correlate of contemporary diversity, and a source of diversification across avian evolutionary history.
Elucidating the Transcriptional Network Underlying Expression of a Neuronal Nicotinic Receptor Gene: A Dissertation

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are involved in a plethora of fundamental biological processes ranging from muscle contraction to the formation of memories. The studies described in this work focus on the transcriptional regulation of the CHRNB4 gene, which encodes the ! 4 subunit of neuronal nAChRs. We previously identified a regulatory sequence (5 – CCACCCCT –3 ), or “CA box”, critical for CHRNB4 promoter activity in vitro. Here I report transcription factor interaction at the CA box along with an in vivo analysis of CA box transcriptional activity. My data indicate that Sp1, Sp3, Sox10 and c-Jun interact with the CHRNB4 CA box in the context of native chromatin. Using an in vivo transgenic approach in mice, I demonstrated that a 2.3-kb fragment of the CHRNB4 promoter region, containing the CA box, is capable of directing cell-type specific expression of a reporter gene to many of the brain regions that endogenously express the CHRNB4 gene. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to test the hypothesis that the CA box is critical for CHRNB4 promoter activity in vivo. Transgenic animals were generated in which LacZ expression is driven by a mutant form of the CA box. Reporter gene expression was not detected in any tissue or cell type at ED18.5. Similarly, I observed dramatically reduced reporter gene expression at PD30 when compared to wild type transgenic animals, indicating that the CA box is an important regulatory feature of the CHRNB4 promoter. ChIP analysis of brain tissue from mutant transgenic animals demonstrated that CA box mutation results in decreased interaction of the transcription factor Sp1 with the CHRNB4 promoter.