Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC) by cAMP Involves Putative ERK Phosphorylation Sites in the C Termini of the Channel's β- and γ-Subunit*

The mechanisms involved in the regulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) via the cAMP pathway are not yet completely understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate cAMP-mediated ENaC regulation in Xenopus laevis oocytes heterologously expressing the three subunits (αβγ) of rat ENaC and to determine the ENaC regions important for mediating the stimulatory effect of cAMP. In oocytes treated for about 24 h with 1 mm 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and 1 μm forskolin (FSK) so as to increase intracellular cAMP, the amiloride-sensitive whole cell current (ΔIAmi) was on average 10-fold larger than ΔIAmi in matched control oocytes. This effect on ΔIAmi was paralleled by an increase in ENaC surface expression caused by a reduced rate of ENaC retrieval. In addition, IBMX/FSK also enhanced ENaC open probability from about 0.2 to 0.5. The stimulatory effect of IBMX/FSK was dependent on the presence of intact PY motifs in the C termini of the channel. Mutagenesis of putative protein kinase A and CK-2 consensus motifs in the cytosolic domains of the channel did not reveal critical sites involved in mediating the stimulatory effect of IBMX/FSK. In contrast, site-directed mutagenesis of two putative ERK-consensus motifs (T613A in βENaC and T623A in γENaC) largely reduced the stimulatory effect of IBMX/FSK. Phosphorylation of these ERK sites has previously been reported to enhance the interaction of ENaC and Nedd4 (Shi, H., Asher, C., Chigaev, A., Yung, Y., Reuveny, E., Seger, R., and Garty, H. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 13539–13547). Using co-expression experiments we demonstrated that mutating the two ERK sites attenuates the inhibitory effect of Nedd4-2 on ENaC currents. We conclude that an increase in intracellular cAMP favors the dephosphorylation of the two ERK sites, which reduces channel retrieval and increases PO by modulating ENaC/Nedd4 interaction. This defines a novel regulatory pathway likely to be relevant for cAMP-induced stimulation of ENaC in vivo.
Did they really hate trees? Attitudes of farmers, tourists and naturalists towards nature in the rainforests of Eastern Australia.

Feelings of hatred, fear and alienation towards the Australian environment have been amongst the major themes of Australian history. Farmers especially have been characterised as hating trees, particularly in the densely treed, difficult to clear rainforests of eastern Australia. In contrast, in recent years there has been consideration of nineteenth and early twentieth century tourists, naturalists and artists taking delight in these same rainforests. Generally characterised as having urban sentiments, they have been portrayed as in stark opposition to their rural counterparts. Such a clear-cut division seems too absolute. This paper presents evidence of farmers who greatly appreciated the rainforests. Attempting to preserve rainforests, they in some cases failed, but in others were successful. In some instances, farmers were keen naturalists and in others they gradually evolved into tourism operators.
Food habits of the brown ray Raja miraletus (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) from the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia)

Abstract The food habits of the brown ray Raja miraletus in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia) were investigated with respect to sex, maturity stage and season. Stomach contents of 1170 specimens ranging from 13.5 to 58 cm TL collected by commercial trawls monthly during 2007 were analysed. Of the 1170 individuals examined, 370 had empty stomachs (31.6%). Raja miraletus fed almost exclusively on crustaceans (mainly decapods, isopods and amphipods), with teleosts, molluscs and polychaetes contributing less to the diet. A three-factor MANOVA demonstrated significant differences in the diet following maturity status and seasons, although no significant differences were detected in relation to sex. Trophic level analysis revealed that Raja miraletus is a tertiary consumer throughout its life. Quantitative analysis indicated that the species is a generalist feeder.
Seasonal variation of phlorotannin in sargassacean species from the coast of the Sea of Japan

Variations in phlorotannin concentrations among the developmental stages of brown algae have been reported; however, the phlorotannin concentration plasticity associated with fluctuations in environmental factors make it difficult to determine the essential ontogenetic variation. The phlorotannin concentrations in five perennial sargassacean species where newly sprouted branches appear in summer and become fertile the following spring were examined every month during a year; and correlation with the developmental or seasonal environmental factors was determined. Although the phlorotannin fluctuated greatly throughout the year, the fluctuation patterns were relatively similar among the five species: phlorotannin showed a peak during July and August; gradually decreased in the winter; and increased in April. Performing a multiple regression analysis, the phlorotannin concentration did not correlate with thallus size in all species; and phlorotannin amounts were significantly affected by ambient abiotic factors in some species. The phlorotannin contents in newly sprouted branches were always higher than those in the long main branches during all seasons. When the phlorotannin contents were determined monthly for S. fulvellum (Turner) C. Agardh where the thalli were cultured from embryos in outdoor tanks, the phlorotannin concentrations were 3–4% of the dry matter (DM) in the juveniles and decreased to less than 1% of the DM in thalli >7.5 cm in length. However, the phlorotannin in these cultured thalli suddenly increased to 5.3% DM after being transplanted to the inshore coast; and then the concentration gradually decreased. The data show higher phlorotannin concentrations in younger sargassacean algae thalli and fluctuation of the phlorotannin amounts with extrinsic environmental factors.
Phenobarbital Effects on Brain and Liver Tissues Enzyme Activity in Balb/C Mice

Yazar, E. , O. Demir, M. Elmas, A. L. Bas, B. Tras: Phenobarbital Effects on Brain and Liver Tissues Enzyme Activity in Balb/C Mice. Acta Vet. Brno 71, 2002: 309-312. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of phenobarbital on some brain and liver tissue enzyme activities in Balb/C mice. Forty male Balb/C mice were used. Ten mice served as a control group, and thirty mice were administered with phenobarbital (80 mg·kg -1 body mass, single oral dose). Brain and liver samples were taken at 6, 12 and 24 h after drug administration. Brain and liver tissues alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase and amylase activities were measured by autoanalyzer. Phenobarbital did not affect gamma glutamyl transferase and amylase activities in the brain and liver, and alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in the liver. However, statistically significant ( p < 0.05) increases of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were observed in the brain. In general, after phenobarbital administration, serum alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activities increase and these increases are believed to be derived from the liver. These result suggest that brain may contribute to increased activities of these enzymes in serum in Balb/C mice. Phenobarbital, liver, brain, enzyme, mouse
Mathematical constraints on transition matrix elasticity analysis

It is commonly assumed in matrix models for population dynamics that demographic parameters influence the growth rate (A). Sensitivity and elasticity analyses are among the general methods for evaluating this influence (de Kroon et al. 1986; de Kroon & van Groenendael 1987; Caswell 1989). There are, however, mathematical consequences that have to be taken into account to avoid misinterpretations, and here we consider those that affect a specific (but important) class of matrix models. Recently a number of works have been published that extend the use of elasticities. For instance, Silvertown et al. (1993) proposed the use of correlation matrices between r (= ln A) and elasticities as a way of determining trade-offs among life-cycle components. However, Shea et al. (1994) pointed out a number of limitations on this conjecture and formulated artificial models for it where the conjecture fails. van Groenendael et al. (1994) also used elasticities as a way of analysing life histories, but they calculated elasticities for each life-history pathway rather than for each matrix element. Most recently, van Tienderen (1995) introduced 'integrated elasticities', in an attempt to incorporate the direct and indirect contributions of a given coefficient to A. According the Silvertown et al. (1993), the elasticity matrix can be used to ordinate plants into a triangular space representing the contribution of growth (G), survival (L) and fecundity (F) to their finite rate of increase. The elasticity matrix is divided into six regions representing the following transitions: El, recruitment of seeds to the seed pool; E2, recruitment of seedlings or juveniles from the current seed production; E3, clonal growth; E4, retrogression; E5, stasis in the same state; and E6, growth to the next state. Elasticities for each life-history process were summed into G (E3 + E6), L (E4 + E5) and F (El + E2). Although there are no significant correlations between this ordination and the C-S-R classification proposed by Grime (1977), Silvertown & Franco (1993) found similar successional trajectories in the G-L-F space to those observed in the C-S-R space. However, it is necessary to be cautious when using elasticity analysis. Enright et al. (1995) showed that the dimension of the transition matrix can be an important cause of variation in the elasticities for G, L and F. In this paper we study a class of matrices where non-zero values are seen for the El (or alternatively E2), E5 and E6 transitions. Such a pattern is common for trees and other perennial plants and applies to all age classified models.
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)- A "pathogen city" - A Surveillance Report from Locations in and around Madurai city, Tamil Nadu, India

ATM is used by millions of people in a day. It is meant to be a public utility device. Hence the microorganism’s plays a major role in accommodating the safer place, ATM. Hence to this account an elaborate survey was taken for complete assessment of microbiology in and around Madurai city. Swabs were collected from each ATM screen, buttons, floor, user’s hand, exposure of plates and also extended the work in relation with microorganisms prevalent in ladies toilet the samples collected from ATM were plated in nutrient agar plates. The results showed the presence of increased bacterial count subsequently, most pathogens on characterization extended revealed the genus of the particular organism E-coli, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aures, Klebsiella, Micrococcus, Salmonella, Serratia and fungal species included Aspergillus sp, Mucor sp and Fusarium . Antibiogram study of bacteria also provides us information about the antibiotic resistance pattern of the bacterial isolates. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:. 0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
Interleukin (IL)‐1β toxicity to islet β cells: Efaroxan exerts a complete protection

Interleukin (IL)‐1β‐treated rat islets of Langerhans were exposed in vitro either to the imidazoline compound, Efaroxan, or to the selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, 1400W, in a medium containing a high concentration of glucose (16.7 mmol/L). Our data have evidenced the following: (i) addition of Efaroxan to islet cultures inhibited IL‐1β activation of ICE (cysteine protease IL‐1β converting enzyme) while addition of 1400W did not; (ii) Efaroxan completely inhibited IL‐1β‐induced suppression of insulin secretion and induction of iNOS mRNA transcripts, and, in addition, counteracted islet β‐cell protein profile alterations, Bax‐cytochrome c translocation, caspase activation, and apoptosis; (iii) 1400W inhibited IL‐1β induction of iNOS, but failed to completely counteract the other cytotoxic effects; (iv) the two compounds, moreover, exerted different effects on manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), in fact, while Efaroxan inhibited the early stimulatory effect of IL‐1β on MnSOD, 1400W did not. Thus, Efaroxan completely protected islet β cells from damage caused by IL‐1β‐induced toxicity, while compound 1400W only inhibited NO radical production without altering the cytokine's cytotoxicity. Our observations have evidenced that suppression of ICE activation is required to counteract IL‐1β‐mediated islet β cell toxicity, and that IL‐1β‐induced apoptosis is NO‐independent and involves the cytochrome c‐mitochondrial pathway. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fluctuation of the Ca2+-sequestering activity of permeabilized sea urchin embryos during the cell cycle

Abstract We have followed the sequestration of Ca2+ by intracellular compartments in sea urchin embryos through the first cell cycles. To gain biochemical access to these compartments, the embryos were permeabilized by brief exposure to an intense electric field. Sequestration was determined as the retention of tracer, 45Ca, after filtration of aliquots on Millipore filters. The permeabilized cells sequester Ca2+ at a constant rate for at least 20 min, with the following characteristics: (i) ATP is required. (ii) Sequestration occurs at Ca2+ levels corresponding to those estimated in vivo. (iii) The Ca2+ concentration dependence of sequestration and its insensitivity to mitochondrial poisons imply that the activity derives from a single, nonmitochondrial transport system. The Ca2+-sequestering activities of embryos that are permeabiized at successive stages of the first cell cycle (one-cell stage) progressively increase to 5 times the initial level. The rate of sequestration is maximal during telophase and, in some populations of zygotes, is nearly as great throughout prophase. Over the course of the second cell cycle (two-cell stage), the activity undergoes a 2-fold oscillation that bears the same temporal relationship to mitosis as the previous fluctuation.
Diurnal activity patterns and feeding ecology of the endemic geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Diurnal activity patterns and feeding ecology of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in Chenek, Simien Mountains National Park, were studied from January 2010 to April 2010. Data were gathered for 7 days per month starting from early in the morning to dusk. The study site (1805 ha) was divided into five blocks and a total of 397 individuals were counted using simultaneous census method. One band with 21 individuals was selected as a study group and scan sampling was used to study their diurnal activity patterns and feeding ecology. Geladas dedicated significantly more time to foraging than to other diurnal activities. They spent the majority of feeding time foraging on grass, and allocated little time to feeding on leaves, shoots, and flowers. Geladas of all age classes devoted the least time to resting, and spent similar amount of time moving. The study band was observed to interact with people, and to steal food from tourists and local people. Raising local people's awareness of geladas ecology and behavior might be a necessary component in the species' successful management and conservation. Resume Entre janvier et avril 2010, nous avons etudie les schemas d'activite diurne et l'ecologie alimentaire des geladas (Theropithecus gelada) a Chenek, dans le Parc National des Simien Mountains. Les donnees etaient recoltees sept jours par mois, du debut de la matinee jusqu'au crepuscule. Le site etudie (1 805 ha) fut divise en cinq blocs et, au total, 397 individus furent denombres par la methode de recensement simultane. Une bande de 21 individus fut choisie comme groupe d'etude, et un echantillonnage instantane (scan sampling) a servi pour etudier leurs schemas d'activite diurne et l'ecologie de leur alimentation. Les geladas consacrent significativement plus de temps a se nourrir qu'a toute autre activite diurne. Ils passent la plus grande partie de leur temps a se nourrir dans l'herbe et passent peu de temps a se nourrir de feuilles, de jeunes pousses et de fleurs. Les geladas de toutes les classes d'âge accordent tres peu de temps au repos et une duree comparable a se deplacer. La bande etudiee a ete observee en train d'interagir avec des hommes et de voler de la nourriture aupres de touristes et de la population locale. Il pourrait etre necessaire de sensibiliser la population locale au sujet de l'ecologie et du comportement des geladas : ce serait une composante utile pour la reussite de la gestion et de la conservation de l'espece.
Fe‐deficiency increases Cu acquisition by wheat cropped in a Cu‐contaminated vineyard soil

Summary • This work evaluated the influence of iron deficiency and phytosiderophore exudation on the acquisition of copper by two bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes (‘Aroona’ and ‘Songlen’) grown in a calcareous vineyard soil, which had been contaminated by repeated applications of copper fungicides. • A pot experiment was designed with a cropping device that enabled an easy access to shoots, roots and rhizosphere soil. Before being placed in contact with the soil, wheat seedlings had been subjected to, or not subjected to, either zinc or iron starvation, in order to stimulate the release of phytosiderophores. • Under zinc starvation, the zinc-efficient genotype (‘Aroona’) acquired more soil copper. By contrast, iron starvation resulted in an enhanced release of phytosiderophores in both genotypes (before being grown on the soil), in elevated copper concentrations in shoots and roots and in a significantly increased acquisition of copper by wheat. • Iron deficiency thus resulted in elevated acquisition of copper from the copper-contaminated soil, possibly through enhanced phytosiderophore release. Phytotoxic concentrations were, however, not attained in wheat shoots, as a major proportion of acquired copper accumulated in the roots.
Action potentials and variation potentials in sunflower: An analysis of their relationships and distinguishing characteristics

Sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus L.) were given an electrical stimulus to the stem or a heat (flame)-wound to a single leaf or a cotyledon. The resulting electrical activity was monitored with extracellular electrodes. An electrical stimulus applied to the stem frequently evoked an action potential (AP), but never a variation potential (VP). In contrast, a heat-wound applied to a leaf virtually always elicited a VP, which was often accompanied by one or more superimposed spikes (putative APs). The kinetic parameters of the AP and the VP were investigated. The AP appears to propagate without decrement in velocity or magnitude, whereas the VP parameters decrease significantly with distance. The heat stimulus triggered rapid alterations in stem elongation/contraction, which preceded changes in electrical potential, indicating the transmission of a hydraulic signal. Light-off and light-on stimuli evoked negative- and positive-going changes in extracellular electrical potential, respectively, corresponding to de- and hyper-polarization of the plasma membrane. Membrane depolarization (extracellularly manifested as a VP) evoked by both the light-off and heat-wounding stimuli was able to trigger one or more APs. We interpret these results to suggest that APs are “genuine” electrical signals involving voltage-gated ion channels or pumps, which can be evoked directly by electrical stimulation or indirectly by changes in membrane potential occurring during the VP or after the light-off stimulus. In contrast, VPs appear to be a local (non-transmissible) electrical consequence of the passage of a rapidly transmitted hydraulic signal in the xylem, presumably acting on mechanosensitive ion channels or pumps in adjacent living cells.
Effects of pasture and high‐concentrate diets on the performance of beef cattle, carcass composition at equal growth rates, and the fatty acid composition of beef

Abstract Two experiments were carried out to examine the effects of high quality pasture and high‐concentrate diets on liveweight and carcass gain of beef cattle, carcass composition at equal carcass gain, and the fatty acid composition of beef. Heifers of late‐maturing breed type (406 kg initial liveweight; Experiment 1) and steers of late‐maturing breed type (460 kg initial liveweight; Experiment 2) were finished on a ryegrass pasture or a high‐concentrate diet at either (1) ad libitum, (2) 85% of ad libitum intake or (3) 70% of ad libitum intake. The high‐concentrate diet consisted of 95% barley‐based concentrate and 5% barley straw. Carcass gain of the animals finished at pasture (648 g day−1) was 0.78 in Experiment 1 (P < 0.001) and 0.88 in Experiment 2 (P > 0.1) of that of the animals given the high‐concentrate diet ad libitum. Gains in lean meat were similar for animals finished at pasture and those given concentrates ad libitum, whereas daily fat gains were 39% lower for the animals finished at pasture (P < 0.001). At an equal rate of carcass gain, animals finished at pasture produced carcasses with a higher lean content (P = 0.03) and a lower fat content (P = 0.03) than those produced from the high‐concentrate diet. Muscle from pasture‐finished cattle had higher concentrations of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (141 versus 49 ± 8.2 mg 100 g−1 muscle) and long‐chain omega‐3 PUFA (58 versus 27 ± 3.8 mg 100 g−1 muscle) than muscle from concentrate‐fed cattle. These results highlight the potential of high quality ryegrass pasture for finishing cattle, and meat from pasture‐finished cattle as a source of omega‐3 PUFA.