Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chromium-51 (51Cr) Release Assay to Assess Human T Cells for Functional Avidity and Tumor Cell Recognition

Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells are able to specifically recognize and kill target cells through specific interaction between their T cell receptors (TCRs) and small immunogenic peptides (antigens) presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. The antigen recognition capacity and in vitro lytic activity of antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells can be assessed functionally in the so-called chromium 51 (51Cr) release assay, which was developed almost 50 years ago in our institution (Brunner et al., 1968). Radioactively-labelled cells deficient for endogenous antigen presentation [e.g., transporter for antigen presentation (TAP)-deficient T2 cells] and stably transfected with the MHC of interest (e.g., HLA-A2+) are typically used as targets during this 4h assay. Alternatively, 51Cr-labelled virus-infected or tumor cell lines presenting immunogenic antigens endogenously can serve as target cells (e.g., for the assessment of tumor recognition). In a peptide titration assay (section A), radioactively labelled target cells are pulsed with a serial dilution of the antigenic peptide and incubated at an effector (e.g., a CD8+ T cell clone) to target (51Cr -T2 cells) ratio (E:T) of 10:1 in a 96-well V-bottom plate for 4 h at 37 °C. In a tumor killing assay (section B), cytotoxic CD8+ effector cells are incubated at different ratios with the 51Cr-labelled target cell line (typically at E:T ratios of 30:1, 10:1, 3:1 and 1:1) in the presence or absence of the specific antigenic peptide (1 μM) and incubated for 4 h at 37 °C. At the end of the test, the amount of radioactivity release from the lysed target cells is determined in the supernatant using a liquid scintillation counter. The percentage of specific lysis, as well as the EC50 (i.e., 50% of maximal killing) and EMax values are then calculated, providing quantitative information about the antigen-specific functional avidity (i.e., the relative efficiency of T cell function based on antigen recognition via a defined TCR and maximal killing capacity of the analyzed T cells).
Marsupial frogs (Anura: Hylidae: Gastrotheca) of the Ecuadorian Andes: resolution of taxonomic problems and phylogenetic relationships

Analyses of data on allozymes, morphometrics, structural characters, and coloration resulted in the definition of nine species of Gastrotheca in the Andes of Ecuador and southern Colombia. Some populations that previously were referred to G. riobambae are recognized as new species: G. espeletia from the paramos of southern Colombia and northern Ecuador, G. litonedis from the Cuenca Basin in Ecuador, and G. pseustes from the Andean cordilleras south to the Loja Basin. The range of G. riobambae is restricted to elevations mostly below 3000 m from the Rio Chonta south to the Riobamba Basin. Gastrotheca marsupiata lojana Parker, 1932 is placed in the synonymy of G. monticola Barbour and Noble, 1920, and G. cavia Duellman, 1974 is placed in the synonymy of G. riobambae (Fowler, 1913). A phylogeny based on shared derived electromorphs shows G. pseustes to be grouped with G. griswoldi and marsupiata from the Andes of Peru. Among all of the other species from the Andes of Ecuador, the two species having direct development (G. orophylax and plumbea) are most closely related to G. litonedis, monticola, and psychrophila from southern Ecuador; these five species together are related to G. espeletia, riobambae, and ruizi from northern Ecuador and southern Colombia.
Is Halophila major (Zoll.) Miquel a big H. ovalis (R. Brown) J.D. Hooker? An evaluation based on age, morphology, and ITS sequence.

The common seagrass, Halophila ovalis (R. Brown) J.D. Hooker, is highly variable morphologically. It adapts well to various environmental conditions rendering the various forms unclear taxonomically. Halophila species were collected along the coast of southern Thailand. The morphology was quantified according to different parts of the leaf and the ages of leaves. Some samples had significantly different characters from H. ovalis: the lengths of their leaves ranged from 11.7-29.4 mm, and the widths from 5.6-14.8 mm; there were 9-18 cross veins. Phylogenetic analyses based on ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequences divided them into two groups: one agrees with H. ovalis and the other with H. major. We suggest that leaf size at maturity (age iii-iv) and the Ω ratio between the leaf width and the space between the intra-marginal vein and lamina margin are important characters that distinguish Halophila species.
Influence of light and temperature on seed germination and ability of the endangered plant species Sisymbrium cavanillesianum to form persistent soil seed banks1

Abstract The study of germination and soil seed bank ecology is of particular interest when dealing with threatened plant species, since it should provide essential information for designing effective conservation actions. Within this context, a comparative study on germination in response to light and temperature conditions simulating those in nature was carried out on the narrowly distributed endemic arable weed Sisymbrium cavanillesianum (Brassicaceae) and on the geographically widespread S. runcinatum. Seeds were periodically tested for germination from 0 month (freshly matured seeds) to 16 months from collection. The study was supplemented with an S. cavanillesianum seed soil-burial experiment and an assessment of the persistent soil seed bank of both Sisymbrium species in the natural habitat. Results revealed that S. cavanillesianum seeds may have physiological dormancy that markedly reduces germination of young seeds at high temperatures (32-18°C). In general, seeds of S. cavanillesianum reached higher final germination percentages than those of S. runcinatum, so seed-germination restrictions or difficulties should be rejected as a reason for explaining the rarity of S. cavanillesianum. Both the seed-burial experiment and the analysis of soil samples from the natural habitat showed that S. cavanillesianum has the capacity to form short-term persistent seed banks, which play a crucial role in the maintenance of populations of this threatened species periodically disturbed by agricultural practices.
Stable isotope analysis of consumer food webs indicates ecosystem recovery following prolonged drought in a subtropical estuarine lake

Assessing changes in food-web structure provides a useful monitoring tool for gauging the resilience of ecosystems in the face of climatic impacts. We consider the ecological resilience of a large estuarine lake (St Lucia Estuary, South Africa) in the wake of an extreme climatic event (prolonged drought). Using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes, food-web structure was assessed at five sites across the estuary during the winter and spring of 2013. Sampling occurred approximately three years after heavy rains flooded the system and returned it to a relatively diluted state following an almost decade-long drought that decimated food webs in the upper parts of the estuary due to hypersalinity effects. Comparisons of niche width and variance of consumer food webs among sites revealed a general homogenisation of food webs across the entire system, contrasting with the spatial differentiation of food webs documented during the drought phase. Our results indicate that the estuary is able to maintain ecological resilience at the whole-system level in the face of an extreme drought. This is likely facilitated by source pools of species residing in the relatively stable lower estuary, which are able to rapidly recolonise areas denuded by drought in the upper estuary.
PLS path modeling in marketing and genetic algorithm segmentation

This paper presents the PLS genetic algorithm segmentation methodology which uses directed random searches to detect an optimum solution in the complex search space that underlies data partitioning tasks in PLS path modeling. The results of a simulation study allow a primary assessment of this novel approach and reveal its capabilities and effectiveness. Furthermore, applying the approach to the American Customer Satisfaction Index model allows unobserved heterogeneity and different consumer segments to be uncovered.
COMPARISON OF POLYPHENOL CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF EXTRACTS FROM FRUITS OF TWO CRATAEGUS SPECIES

UDK: 547.56:582.711. 714(234.422 Trebević) Methanolic and acidified methanolic extracts of C. monogyna and C. rhipidophylla dried fruits were used in estimation of total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities. The extracts of fruit were examined for their antioxidant activity by DPPH method. Antioxidant activity of the extracts varied from 17.65 to 22.05 mg ascorbic acid equivalents per g-1 dry weight. Total phenols, flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins in fruits ranged from 21.53 to 34.72 mg gallic acid equivalents per g-1 dry weight, 0.75 to 1.92 mg rutin equivalents and 0.13-0.93 mg quercetin equivalents per g-1 dry weight, 0.51 to 0.82 mg cyanidin-3- glucoside equivalents per g-1 dry weight, 11.27-18.77 mg cyanidin chloride equivalents per g-1 dry weight respectively. The higher values of total flavonoids generally are obtained with 80% methanol extracts for both species. The amounts of all investigated compounds and antioxidant activity were significantly higher in C. monogyna fruits which were confirmed by one-way ANOVA analysis. Correlations between antioxidant activity and total phenols and proanthocyanidin contents were found as the main compounds influencing the antioxidant capacity of the samples. Obtained results suggest that both species represent valuable source of antioxidant compounds.
Phylogenetic analysis and barcoding of gobies in Maragondon river, Cavite, Philippines

Gobies are small fishes chiefly recognized as the fastest growing family of freshwater fishes despite being already the largest of freshwater fishes. However, no record has been published yet for Maragondon river in Cavite, Philippines. DNA extracts from muscle tissues of three goby phenotypes were amplified using primers specific for Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene; and the sequences were viewed and analysed to determine identity and phylogeny of the gobies. Software processing and analyses of the sequences using BLASTN and MEGA 5.05 revealed that COI comprises 655 bp and are putatively indentified as follows: A1-Amblygobius sphynx; B2-Glossogobius sp. and D4 forming a clade with genus Oxyurichthys opthalmonema. Estimates of evolutionary divergence and Minimum Evolution with high bootstrap values suggest that Family Gobiidae is monophyletic. However, subfamily Gobiinae where A1 and B2 belong and subfamily Gobionellinae where D4 nested are polyphyletic.
Valor ecológico ambiental y conservación de razas ovinas

An analysis of the current situation of the use of sheep is performed in the grazing programs as a tool for forest fire prevention in order to lay the foundations for the economic valuation of the conservation of local breeds endangered through the provision of this environmental service. We verified the majority share of sheep in Grazing-Firewall Network of Andalusia and no differences between the use of sheep herds and other species depending on the degree of compliance in fire prevention work. Finally, we estimate that the use of sheep breeds endangered in the provision of these environmental services through grazing could constitute a clear alternative for in situ conservation of animal genetic resources.
Using hidden semi-Markov chains to compare the shoot structure of three different Almond cultivars

Shoot structure, resulting from lateral branching and flowering patterns, determines final tree form, fruit bearing habit, and cropping potential. The genetic make-up of different cultivars controls vegetative and reproductive growth, but few structural studies have been done to systematically describe almond shoot structure. A specific class of Markovian models, referred to as hidden semi-Markov chains (HSMC), has been proposed to identify and characterize branching and flowering patterns in fruit trees. This type of model is particularly appropriate when the shoot structure is organized as a succession of homogeneous branching zones and captures the variable character of the observed patterns. This study reports the first almond HSMC analysis of shoot structure based on data collected from epicormic shoots and five length categories of proleptic shoots in three almond cultivars with distinctly different tree architecture. 'Nonpareil' is the most important cultivar grown in California and has a relatively spreading tree habit. 'Aldrich' is a newer cultivar with an upright growth habit, and 'Winters' has a spreading habit with a high tendency for sylleptic branching on proleptic shoots. Shoots of these three cultivars were analyzed to determine different zones that could be classified according to lateral bud fates and the number of flower buds at each node. This modeling technique showed that almond shoot structures are highly organized and predictable. Substantial differences were found in the structure of the proleptic shoots of similar length, among the cultivars, but fewer differences were found among epicormic shoots. For long shoots, 'Aldrich' had the highest probability of flower buds and 'Winters' had the greatest lateral branching distributed along shoots. 'Nonpareil' had similar branching probabilities as 'Aldrich' and its probability of flower buds was similar to 'Winters'. It is anticipated that these HSMC will be useful for identifying desirable shoot structures for cultivar improvement and will help to explain the differences in tree architecture and cropping potential among cultivars. (Resume d'auteur)
Seasonal abundance, arrival and emergence patterns of predaceous hister beetles (Coleoptera: Histeridae) associated with Ips engraver beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Louisiana

The most common predaceious hister beetles (Coleoptera: Histeridae) found associated with Ips engraver beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in southern Louisiana were Platysoma attenuata LeConte, P. cylindrica (Paykull), P. parallelum (Say), and Plegaderus transversus (Say). The seasonal abundance of histerids caught in flight traps coincided with Ips spp. activity in the area. Histerid adults were initially caught in sticky traps on Ips-infested loblolly pine logs 1 wk after Ips spp. attacks had begun. As a group, histerids emerged from logs in a bimodal pattern with the first peak occurring during Ips. spp. emergence and a second 4 wks later. The abundance of P. parallelum and P. transversus indicates that they likely fed on bark beetles and organisms arriving later in the colonization sequence. Visual orientation appeared to play a role in attraction of histerids to logs colonized by bark beetles. Platysoma attenuata preferred vertically-positioned logs to horizontal logs, while P. parallelum was the opposite. These results suggest that some histerids may be visually attracted to horizontal silhouettes, such as pine trees, that have been blown down or felled and often are infested by Ips spp. Other hister beetles may prefer vertical silhouettes, such as standing pines, which tend to be colonized by the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann.
'CATCH 22' FOR THE GREAT CRESTED NEWT : OBSERVATIONS ON THE BREEDING ECOLOGY OF THE GREAT CRESTED NEWT TRITURUS CRISTATUS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF THE SPECIES

The Great Crested Newt is a widespread species of amphibian in northern Europe, with England and Wales representing areas of international significance. It has experienced a rapid decline of perhaps 50% over the past forty years or so and many populations have been lost or fragmented; as a consequence it receives full legal protection under British and European legislation. However, there is evidence that it continues to decrease and reasons for this may not always be addressed by legal protection alone. For example, pond loss due to neglect and succession and also the introduction of fish into ponds require a more detailed examination as they affect the breeding ecology of many newt
The Effect of Nitrate on some Biochemical Parameters of Rabbits and Ameliorate its Effect by using Vitamin E and Rosemary ( Rosmarinus Officinalis )

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of nitrate in the feed of the rabbits on the total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglyceride and urea in serum and to study ameliorate nitrate toxicity by using vitamin E and rosemary. Twenty-eight adult New Zealand rabbits were divided randomly into four groups (7 rabbits in each group), Group 1 (G1): Fed basal ration as a control group. Group 2 (G2): Fed ration supplemented with nitrate (168 mg/kg B.W./day), Group 3 (G3): Fed ration supplemented with nitrate (168 mg/kg B.W./day) plus vitamin E (100 mg/kg B.W.). Group 4 (G4): Fed ration supplemented with nitrate (168 mg/kg B.W./day) plus rosemary (500 mg/kg B.W.). The results showed a significant (p≤0.05) decrease in total protein and globulin in the group that fed nitrate (G2) compared with the control (G1) and groups fed a mixture of vitamin E and rosemary with nitrate (G3 and G4). The cholesterol, triglyceride and blood urea concentration showed a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the group that fed nitrate (G2) compared with the control group (G1), whereas the groups that fed vitamin E and rosemary with nitrate (G3 and G4) showed a significant (p≤0.05) decreased in the parameters measured compared with the nitrate fed rabbits (G2). The results illustrated above revealed a remarkable impact of nitrate supplementation causing a significant decrement in protein concentrations along with considerable rise in the cholesterol, triglyceride and blood urea levels which was partially neutralized by vitamin E and rosemary.
A hierarchical pattern of limiting factors helps explain variation in home range size

Abstract Home range size characterizes the interplay between an organism and its environment. Determinants of home range size can be intrinsic or extrinsic to the individual but all factors relate along a hierarchical pattern according to spatial and temporal scale. Determinants of home range size at species and population levels result from relatively slow processes, such as evolutionary changes in body size or global changes in climate. Range determinants at the lower level of individuals, however, can change at a relatively fast rate as they result from more rapid processes, such as the seasonal production of food or annual changes in predation rates. Not only do higher scales constrain those below but also lower level processes combine to affect higher scales. Further, correlates of home range size can differ among scales. To incorporate the possible findings of different patterns at different temporal and spatial scales we recommend using a comparative approach to complement controlled manipulative experiments.
Utilization of Jerusalem artichoke for fuel ethanol production using free and immobilized cells

Le topinambour (Helianthus teberosus) s'avere etre une plante tres energetique, riche en glucide ― ayant alors une valeur economique tres importante pour certaines regions du globe. Du point de vue scientifique, sa composition chimique, et principalement les glucides, les techniques de purification de ces glucides, les microorganismes utilisant ces glucides comme source de carbone, mais egalement des etudes cinetiques de fermentation utilisant des cellules immobilisees, sont presentes et etudies. L'obtention d'Ethanol en fermenteur en utilisant des cellules immobilisees est decrite
Nonlinear optics on silicon-rich nitride—a high nonlinear figure of merit CMOS platform [Invited]

CMOS platforms with a high nonlinear figure of merit are highly sought after for high photonic quantum efficiencies, enabling functionalities not possible from purely linear effects and ease of integration with CMOS electronics. Silicon-based platforms have been prolific amongst the suite of advanced nonlinear optical signal processes demonstrated to date. These include crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, Hydex glass, and stoichiometric silicon nitride. Residing between stoichiometric silicon nitride and amorphous silicon in composition, silicon-rich nitride films of various formulations have emerged recently as promising nonlinear platforms for high nonlinear figure of merit nonlinear optics. Silicon-rich nitride films are compositionally engineered to create bandgaps that are sufficiently large to eliminate two-photon absorption at telecommunications wavelengths while enabling much larger nonlinear waveguide parameters (5x–500x) than those in stoichiometric silicon nitride. This paper reviews recent developments in the field of nonlinear optics using silicon-rich nitride platforms, as well as the outlook and future opportunities in this burgeoning field. © 2018 Chinese Laser Press
Stability of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) from Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) and its Antibacterial Activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984 and Propionibacterium acnes ATCC 6919

One of problem from anti acne cream formula containing Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea leaves is EGCG stability. The EGCG is unstable to heat and easily oxidated. However, EGCG is the main marker substance related to antibacterial activity. This study aimed to determine the EGCG stability and its antibacterial activity. The EGCG stability testing was obtained during extraction process by adding phosphoric acid buffer, pH 4 buffer solution and control. The stability of these groups then tested at 2, 25 and 40°C temperature. Evaluation for absorbance changing by UV-VIS spectrophotometry was obtained during 15 days. After that, EGCG concentration from the three groups were compared using HPLC. Antibacterial activity testing for acne causing bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984 was conducted from phosphoric acid and pH 4 buffer solution groups. The result showed that extreme cold temperature decreasing treatment against green tea leaves extract after infundation, pH 4 buffer solution adding and storage at temperature of 2°C produced the highest EGCG concentration namely 60.98% w/w. Besides that, antibacterial activity from the ethyl acetate fraction of green tea leaves extract by using this method produced a good inhibition against P. acnes and S. epidermidis. Moreover, the antibacterial activity against P. acnes was higher than S. epidermis. The adding of pH 4 buffer solution in extraction process produced the highest EGCG concentration than phosphoric acid adding and no buffer adding. The EGCG was stable at the storage temperature of 2°C and 6% ethyl acetate fraction of green tea leaves extract can be used as an anti acne dosage.