Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antagonist binding sites of voltage‐dependent calcium channels

Voltage‐dependent calcium channels are crucial targets for a wide range of clinically active small organic pharmacological agents. These agents fall into several distinct classes of blockers, each associated with a unique site on the calcium channel α1 subunit. In addition, a number of peptide toxins isolated from invertebrates specifically bind to and block certain subtypes of voltage‐dependent calcium channels. Voltage‐dependent calcium channels are comprised of multiple subtypes, and not each of those subtypes are equally sensitive to small organic compounds and peptide blockers. Here, I present an overview of the classes of calcium channel blockers and our current understanding of their sites of action on the calcium channel protein. Drug Dev. Res. 42:131–143, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NOTES ON THE DOGWOOD FRUIT FLY, A RACE OF RHAGOLETIS POMONELLA (WALSH)

In the 69th Annual Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario (1938), pages 56 and 57, the writer compares the Rhagoletis reared from dogwood (Cornus Amomum Mill.) with the morphologically similar apple maggot from apple and hawthorn.
Estudo de Infiltração para verificar a presença de Recalque através do GPR

O método geofísico Radar de Penetração em Solo (GPR) foi utilizado nesse estudo para verificar a presença de água ou cavidades no solo devido a presença de fissuras no 3o andar de um prédio de 3 andares (recalque). A área estudada localiza-se na Ilha do Fundão no Rio de Janeiro e se trata de uma sala de um prédio do Departamento de Geologia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Foram adquiridos 10 perfis paralelos como um aparelho do modelo TerraSIRch SIR System-3000, em um frequência de 200 MHz. Na sala em que o método foi utilizado foi verificado que contato aterro-solo está em torno de 2 a 3 m de profundidade. E a que a infiltração presente vai até 60 cm de profundidade em certo trecho da sala estudada. Não foi verificada a presença de estruturas que podem influenciar o recalque do prédio.
Selection of Microorganisms Producing Flavin-Adenine Dinucleotide from FMN and Adenine (AMP) and Production of Flavin-Adenine Dinucleotide by Sarcina lutea

For the purpose of the fermentative production of flavin-adenine dinucleotide (FAD), the authors attempted to select the microorganisms which could produce FAD in culture medium from flavin mononucleotide and adenylic acid for adenine, and discovered that bacteria and actinomycetales could accumulate FAD more or less, but yeasts and moulds could not. Among the microorganisms used in the experiments, the strains belonging to the genera Sarcina and Brevibacterium accumulated relatively large amounts of FAD. Especially, Sarcina lutea and Sarcina aurantiaca seemed to be the most favorable microorganisms for the fermentative production of FAD. By using Sarcina lutea the investigation of the culture conditions for the production of FAD was carried out.
Increase of circulating γ/δ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients affected by active inflammatory bowel disease

In order to study the role of γ/δ T cells in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans, we measured the percentage of these cells in the peripheral blood, assessed the ratio of the non‐disulphide‐linked (δTCS1) type of T cell receptor (TCR) in the total γ/δ T cells, studied the co‐expression of γ/δ TCR and accessory molecules CDS and CD 16, and compared these data with both the type and the activity of the disease. Percentage levels and absolute numbers of γ/δ+ T cells were higher in active patients than in controls (P < 0·05), mainly as a result of an increase of Vδ1+ (δTCS1) T cell subset (P < 0·05). This trend was strongly retained independently of disease activity and clinical picture. An increased percentage of TCRδ1+/CD16+ cells was observed in our patients compared with controls (P < 0·05). In contrast, no difference was observed as far as the TCRδ1+/CD8+ cells were concerned. These results suggest that IBD is associated with an expansion of γ/δ T cells in peripheral blood, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of these disorders.
Potassium Translocation into the Root Xylem

Abstract: Potassium is the most abundant cation in cells of higher plants and plays vital roles in plant growth and develop ment. Since the soil is the only source of potassium, plant roots are well adapted to exploit the soil for potassium and supply it to the leaves. Transport across the root can be divided into three stages: uptake into the root symplast, transport across the symplast and release into the xylem. Uptake kinetics of potassium have been studied extensively in the past and sug gested the presence of high and low affinity systems. Molecular and electrophysiological techniques have now confirmed the existence of discrete transporters encoded by a number of genes. Surprisingly, detailed characterisation of the transpor ters using reverse genetics and heterologous expression shows that a number of the transporters (AKT and AtKUP family) func tion both in the low (μM) and high (mM) K+ range. Electrophy siological studies indicate that K+ uptake by roots is coupled to H+, to drive uptake from micromolar K+. However, thus far only Na+ coupled K+ transport has been demonstrated (HKT1). Ion channels play a major role in the exchange of potassium be tween the symplast and the xylem. An outward rectifying chan nel (KORC) mediates potassium release. Cloning of the gene en coding this channel (SKOR) shows that it belongs to the Shaker super-family. Both electrophysiological and genetic studies demonstrate that K+ release through this channel is controlled by the stress hormone abscisic acid. Interestingly, xylem par enchyma cells of young barley roots also contain a number of in ward rectifying K+ channels that are controlled by G-proteins. The involvement of G-proteins emphasises once more that po tassium transport at the symplast/xylem boundary is under hor monal control. The role of the electrical potential difference across the symplastxylem boundary in controlling potassium release is discussed.
Characterization of inhibition of Rhizopus stolonifer germination and growth by Enterobacter cloacae

Interactions between Enterobacter cloacae and Rhizopus stolonifer were evaluated to determine possible mechanisms by which E. cloacae protects peach fruit from postharvest rot caused by R. stolonifer. Inhibition of Rhizopus sporangiospore germination by E. cloacae was dependent on the concentration of the antagonist. Antagonist concentration (1 × 1010 cfu ∙ mL−1) needed to completely inhibit germination was similar to that needed to prevent fruit infection. Significant inhibition of in vitro hyphal growth was achieved at 1 × 105 cfu ∙ mL−1 with simultaneous culturing of the fungus and antagonist. A reduction in inhibition occurred when addition of the antagonist was delayed. The presence of glucose in the growth medium did not prevent attachment of E. cloacae to hyphae and sporangiospores of R. stolonifer. Agglutination assays of sporangiospores by E. cloacae were positive whereas agglutination of cell-wall fragments was less distinct. Data indicate that nutrient competition, perhaps facilitated by bacter.
Expression of α-1,3-Galactose and Other Type 2 Oligosaccharide Structures in a Porcine Endothelial Cell Line Transfected with Human α-1,2-Fucosyltransferase cDNA*

The binding of xenoreactive natural antibodies to the Galα1–3Galβ1–4GlcNAc (α-galactose) oligosaccharide epitope on pig cells activates the recipient’s complement system in pig to primate xenotransplantation. Expression of human α-1,2-fucosyltransferase in pigs has been proposed as a strategy for reducing the expression level of the α-galactose epitope, thereby rendering the pig organs more suitable for transplantation into humans. The aim of this study was to examine how the cell surface expression of α-galactose, H, and related fucosylated and sialylated structures on a pig liver endothelial cell line is affected by transfection of human α-1,2-fucosyltransferase cDNA. Nontransfected and mock-transfected cells expressed α-galactose, α-2,3-sialylated, and α-2,6-sialylated epitopes strongly, with low level expression of type 2 H and LewisX. By contrast, expression of the H epitope was increased 5–8-fold in transfected cells with a 40% reduction in the expression of α-galactose epitope and a 50% decrease in sialylation, as measured by binding of Maackia amurensis and Sambuccus nigra agglutinins. LewisX expression was reduced to background levels, while the LewisY neoepitope was induced in human α-1,2-fucosyltransferase-expressing pig cells. The activities of endogenous α-1,3-galactosyltransferase, α-1,3-fucosyltransferases, and α-2,3- and α-2,6-sialyltransferases acting on lactosamine were unaffected. Our results show that a reduction in α-galactose epitope expression in porcine endothelial cells transfected with human α-1,2-fucosyltransferase cDNA may be achieved but at the expense of considerable distortion of the overall cell surface glycosylation profile, including the appearance of carbohydrate epitopes that are absent from the parent cells.
The development of plumage polymorphism in male Madagascar paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone mutata

The development of plumage polymorphism in male Madagascar paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone mutata (Linnaeus, 1766) was investigated in north-western Madagascar. Four distinct morphs were observed, namely, white-coloured with long tails (WL), rufous-coloured with long tails (RL), rufous-coloured with tails of middle length (RM), and rufous-coloured with short tails (RS). Females were rufous and had short tails. Indivudual males were marked and re-observed during 1994–98. RS males changed to RM in the following seasons. Among RM males, some individuals retained RM, others changed to RL or WL. RM males which changed to WL in the next season had possessed white patches on their belly, whereas RM males which changed to RL had not had such patches. Neither WL nor RL males changed their morphs. Nestlings were rufous regardless of their father's morph. One nestling changed to RS in the next season. From these results and the difference of body size among four morphs, it is deduced that RS males are one year old, and change to RM males in the next season. RM males change to RL or WL males after one or two years. RL and WL are two stable terminal plumages, and they may be genetically determined morphs. Resume On a etudie le developpement du polymorphisme du plumage du gobe-mouches paradis mâle de Madagascar Terpsiphone mutata (Linnaeus, 1766) au nord-ouest de Madagascar. On a observe cinq morphismes differents, a savoir : blanc avec une longue queue (WL), roux avec une longue queue (RL), roux avec une queue de longueur moyenne (RM) et roux avec une queue courte (RS). Les femelles etaient roussâtres et avaient une queue courte. On a marque des mâles que l'on a re-observes de 1994 a 1998. Les mâles RS evoluaient en RM au cours des saisons suivantes. Parmi les mâles RM, certains restaient RM, d'autres devenaient RL ou WL. Les mâles RM qui devenaient WL la saison suivante avaient deja avant des taches blanches sur le ventre alors que les RM qui devenaient RL n'avaient pas ces taches. Ni les WL ni les RL ne changeaient de morphisme. Les jeunes au nid etaient roux quel que soit le morphisme du pere. Une nichee est devenue RS la saison suivante. A partir de ces resultats et de la difference de taille corporelle entre les quatre morphismes, on deduit que les mâles RS sont,ges d'un an et deviennent RM la saison suivante. Les mâles RM deviennent RL ou WL apres un ou deux ans. RL et WL sont deux plumages terminaux stables et il se peut qu'ils soient des morphismes genetiquement determines.
The effect of long-term nitrogen additions on the bryophyte cover of upland acidic grasslands

Abstract Regular applications of NH4NO3 (3.5–14 g N m−2 yr−l) and (NH4)2SO4 (14 g N m−2 yr−l) to areas of acidic grassland in the Derbyshire Peak District over a period of six years have resulted in marked changes in the abundance of the bryophyte species present on the site. A dose-related reduction in bryophyte cover, significant at all levels of nitrogen addition, was obtained after only one year of applications and this effect has been maintained over a further five years of treatment. (NH4)2SO4 additions at the same rate as the highest NH4NO3 input (14 g N m−2 yr−1) produced greater reductions in cover with losses of 80–95% compared with 45–55% for the 14 g NH4NO3 treatment. Soil pH measurements taken from cores collected in December 1994 showed a small reduction in the pH of the (NH4)2SO4 treated plots (4.03 compared with 4.41 for the controls), whereas the NH4NO3 treatments were unaffected. The mean stem density of the dominant bryophyte species Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus was significantly reduced at the lowest level of nitrogen addition and this was associated with marked increases in the total stem nitrogen content of this species. Pleurozium schreberi, present at much lower cover values, however showed no significant change except at the highest level of application, suggesting differential effects of the treatments on these two species. These results are indicative of significant losses in the bryophyte cover of acidic grasslands at atmospheric input rates of 5 g N m−2 yr−1 or less, and suggest that these species may be particularly at risk from the high atmospheric nitrogen deposition rates that are becoming a feature of many upland areas.
Biosignatures present in a hydrothermal massive sulfide from the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge

Mid‐ocean spreading and accompanying hydrothermal activities result in huge areas with exposure of minerals rich in reduced chemicals – basaltic and peridotitic rocks as well as metal sulfide precipitates – to the oxygenated seawater. Oxidation of Fe and S present in these rocks provides an extensive long‐term source of energy to lithotrophs.
The Inhibition of Dermal Melanin in the Shanks of the Domestic Fowl

Abstract INTRODUCTION EVIDENCE has been provided in the early part of the century that a certain gene, Id, prevents the deposition of dermal melanin in domestic fowl (Davenport, 1906; Dunn, 1925). Its recessive allele, id, either in the homozygous or hemizygous condition allows the deposition of melanin in the dermis. Since then, it has been shown that these allelic genes, expressing the presence and absence of dermal melanin, behave in a sex-linked manner and their locus is on the sex chromosome. The birds which are homozygous, hemizygous or heterozygous for the dominant allele eventually have either white shanks (xanthophyll absent) or yellow shanks (xanthophyll present) provided no epidermal melanin is present in the shank skin. In the presence of the recessive allele and absence of epidermal melanin, the shanks of the birds eventually become blue (xanthophyll absent) or green (xanthophyll present). During the course of a study dealing with multiple allelism…
Effect of photoperiod and temperature on apical growth cessation in two ecotypes of Salix and Betula

Apical growth cessation as affected by photoperiod and temperature has been studied in seedlings of two latitudinal ecotypes of Salix and Betula. The critical photoperiod for apical growth cessation at constant temperatures of 15 and 21°C was about 22 h for a northern (69°C39′N) and about 15–16 h for a southern (59°C40′N) ecotype of Salix pentandra. Fluctuating day/night temperatures (21°C/9°C, 15°C/6°C) induced apical growth cessation in northern ecotypes even at 24–h photoperiod. Disagreements in critical photoperiods found in various studies are discussed.
Pivotal Points in Utilizing Cloud Services in Turkey

The term of Cloud Computing has become a buzzword that almost every single person has heard. Although, it is defined at various platforms in various ways even with exactly different sentences, the most wide-reaching definition was made by NIST as a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. As Cloud Services entered daily lives, organizations and even ordinary people started to manage their business at any time anyplace in solid and reasonable costs with the help of considerably faster, at a high performance level, flexible clouds. The datas, softwares and platforms that stored in cloud has become accessible from where you are without a need of a server center. These lead to the problem of selecting and providing appropriate cloud services for customers and providers, respectively. The relation between these two depends on a win-win relationship, and hence the pivotal points that they raise becomes crucial from business perspective. In this study we present an analysis for the IT sector in Turkey to elaborate on a possible set of pivotal points from Cloud Customer and Cloud Service Provider perspectives depending on a survey-based study.
Perceber 2 : software educacional de atividades para o desenvolvimento da percepção visual de estudantes autistas clássicos

The objective of this work is to develop a software for tablets that can contribute to the development of visual perception of students with classic autism. Educational requirements were raised along with specialized teachers forming the pedagogical basis of this software. With the data collected in the test phase in real use cases in schools, it was possible to perceive the increase in student interest and enthusiasm of teachers when using the software as a complementary resource on learning in the classroom. It is therefore concluded that the Assistive Technology is increasingly well received by schools to improve the process of digital and social inclusion of people with classic autism and can be used continuously in this area.
Competition for Mating Resources in a Territorial Damselfly (Odonata: Calopterygidae)

The factors that determine contest outcomes among territorial male animals are complex and much debated. This study investigated how breeding resource availability and body size influence territorial contests of the Neotropical damselfly Hetaerina miniata. In our marked population, some males were territory owners while others were part of a wanderer contingent. Male territoriality was not correlated with availability of oviposition substrate. We predicted that territory owners would have an advantage in disputes. Removal experiments demonstrated that owners won significantly more territorial contests than did wanderers, and whereas males were significantly larger than females, male territorial status did not depend on body size. However contest outcome was not based solely on ownership because experimentally removed individuals regained their territories from new owners (intruders). We suggest that intrinsic resource holding potential based on other morphological and physiological factors, such as energy reserves, may govern male competitive ability.
Selection for Optimal Fruit-Crop Size in Bird-Dispersed Plants

Recent investigations of plant-frugivore interactions have failed to demonstrate the expected peak in fruit-removal rates (plant fitness) at intermediate or high crop sizes. In three species of Costa Rican forest understory plants, I found that the likelihood of bird visitation increased with increasing crop size. Among those plants visited by birds, the absolute number of fruits removed increased with increasing crop size, whereas the proportion, or relative number removed, actually decreased. Thus, effects of crop size on the different components of the dispersal process (likelihood of visitation by birds, fruit removal by those that do visit, and postremoval behavior of dispersers) often conflict, such that no clear relationship between crop size and overall dispersal success is evident. Results presented here suggest selection for synchronous ripening of large seasonal fruit crops in these plants. Nevertheless, I propose that models of the relationship between crop size and reproductive success in trees (Howe and Estabrook 1977) are largely inappropriate for understory plants for two reasons. First, because of their small stature and small fruit crops, understory herbs and shrubs are often not detected by frugivores. Second, the fruit crops they produce are rarely large enough to encourage sedentary behavior in dispersers. Finally, I suggest that the best estimator of fitness differs for plants with different life history strategies. In most plants, fitness is best approximated by the absolute number of fruits removed. In highly iteroparous species, the relative number removed may be a more suitable estimator, but only if increased present reproductive effort results in decreased adult survival or future reproduction.
Breeding cycles and reproductive behaviour in the river blenny Salaria fluviatilis

Female gravidity (assessed according to the roundness of the female's abdomen) in a population of Corsican river blennies Salaria fluviatilis showed a cyclical pattern over the breeding season. Behavioural interactions between males and females matched these cycles. The rate of female visits to males' territories did not differ between periods of high and low daily average gravidity in the population. While males courted a similar proportion of females in both periods, they rejected a higher proportion of females when daily average gravidity was high. Furthermore female courtship of males was observed at this time, whereas it never occurred during low daily average gravidity periods. Thus, temporal variation in female availability for spawning caused both males and females to alter their behaviour in such a way that a sex role reversal in courtship was observed.
Getting beneath the surface of marine mammal – fisheries competition

1 In systems where marine mammals are perceived to compete with fisheries, the priorities of conservationists and wildlife managers can come into conflict. Resolution of these conflicts requires quantitative information on the intensity of competition, i.e. the expected reduction in resource acquisition by one competitor as a result of a given increase in resource acquisition by the other. 2 The intensity of competition will depend on the extent to which marine mammals and fisheries overlap in space and time with their shared resource, and the way in which individual competitors' preferences for particular prey or target species vary in response to variations in the population composition of these prey and the abundance of other components of the system. 3 We use two examples of marine mammals, Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus in Alaska and grey seals Halichoerus grypus in the UK, to illustrate these points and to challenge some intuitive notions about the nature of marine mammal–fisheries interactions. 4 We conclude that the four main sources of ecological complexity (spatial heterogeneity, individual variation, multi-species interactions and long-term dynamics) can have a substantial effect on scientific predictions of the likely outcome of different management actions. 5 We argue that a pragmatic approach, which considers the effect of ecological complexity while avoiding the indiscriminate addition of detail to mathematical models of competition, is the best way to provide scientific advice on issues that require urgent action.