Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An experimental assessment of algal calcification as a potential source of atmospheric CO2

Marine vegetated ecosystems such as seagrass meadows are increasingly acknowledged as important carbon sinks based on their ability to capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation. Most studies on carbon storage in marine ecosystems have focused on organic carbon, leaving inorganic carbon processes such as calcification unaccounted for, despite of their critical role in the global carbon budget. This is probably because of uncertainties regarding the role of calcification in marine carbon budgets as either atmospheric CO2 source or sink. Here, we conducted a laboratory experiment to investigate the influence of a calcifying alga (Corallina officinalis L.) on seawater carbon content, using a non-calcifying alga (Ulva lactuca L.) as a control. In a first part, algae were incubated separately while measuring changes in seawater pH, total alkalinity (TA) and total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The amount of carbon used in photosynthetic uptake and production of CaCO3 was then calculated. In a second, directly following, part the algae were removed and DIC levels were allowed to equilibrate with air until the pH stabilized and the loss of CO2 to air was calculated as the difference in total DIC from the start of part one, to the end of the second part. The results showed that C. officinalis caused a significant and persistent reduction in total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), TA and seawater pH, while no such permanent changes were caused by U. lactuca. These findings indicate that calcification can release a significant amount of CO2 to the atmosphere and thereby possibly counteract the carbon sequestration in marine vegetated ecosystems if this CO2 is not re-fixed in the system. Our research emphasises the importance of considering algal calcification in future assessments on carbon storage in coastal areas.
Natural Products from Marine Fungi

Marine fungi have been studied since the first record of the species Sphaeria posidoniae (Halotthiaposidoniae) on the rhizome of the sea grass Posidonia oceanica by Durieu and Montagne in 1846 [1], butthey have largely been neglected, even though it is estimated that there are greater than 10,000 marinefungal species [. ].
Functional analysis of ESAT-6 and EspB, two virulence proteins secreted by the ESX-1 system in Mycobacterium marinum

Title of Document: FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF ESAT-6 AND ESPB, TWO VIRULENCE PROTEINS SECRETED BY THE ESX-1 SYSTEM IN MYCOBACTERIUM MARINUM Jennifer Ann Smith, Doctor of Philosophy, 2010 Directed By: Professor Volker Briken, PhD, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and Mycobacterium marinum (Mm) are able to persist inside host cell macrophages by modulating the phagosome environment. ESX-1 is a specialized secretion system that is required for virulence. Two of the proteins secreted by ESX-1 are ESAT-6 and EspB. They are codependent for secretion and are important virulence effectors, though their specific functions are not known. Mm is able to escape from the phagosome into the host cell cytosol where it can initiate actin-based motility. Mm escape is dependent on a functional ESX-1 system. I show that the ESAT-6 protein is able to form pores in host cell membranes which may play a role in Mm escape from the phagosome. I also dissect the Mm EspB protein and show that cleavage of EspB is required for growth inside RAW cells, virulence in zebrafish, and for modulating ESAT-6 secretion. The resulting Cterminal 11 kDa fragment is sufficient for the codependent secretion of ESAT-6; while the 50 kDa N-terminal fragment seems to be somewhat dispensable for ESAT-6 secretion but is definitely required for virulence. When EspB is expressed as a fulllength protein, the highly conserved WXG motif in the N-terminal fragment is involved in the codependent secretion of the two proteins since secretion is reduced when this motif is mutated. Interestingly, when the N-terminal fragment is expressed without the C-terminal fragment it can secrete independent of the ESX-1 system, indicating that the C-terminus confers specificity for EspB secretion through ESX-1. I show that the virulence function of the EspB N-terminal fragment is dependent on the secretion of ESAT-6, and EspB must be expressed in its full-length form in order to be fully functional. These results indicate that EspB function is dependent on a close association with ESAT-6. It is possible that the N-terminus is translocated into the host cell cytosol through the ESAT-6 formed pore. FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF ESAT-6 AND ESPB, TWO VIRULENCE PROTEINS SECRETED BY THE ESX-1 SYSTEM IN MYCOBACTERIUM MARINUM
MEMS Mirrors for LiDAR: A Review

In recent years, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has been drawing extensive attention both in academia and industry because of the increasing demand for autonomous vehicles. LiDAR is believed to be the crucial sensor for autonomous driving and flying, as it can provide high-density point clouds with accurate three-dimensional information. This review presents an extensive overview of Microelectronechanical Systems (MEMS) scanning mirrors specifically for applications in LiDAR systems. MEMS mirror-based laser scanners have unrivalled advantages in terms of size, speed and cost over other types of laser scanners, making them ideal for LiDAR in a wide range of applications. A figure of merit (FoM) is defined for MEMS mirrors in LiDAR scanners in terms of aperture size, field of view (FoV) and resonant frequency. Various MEMS mirrors based on different actuation mechanisms are compared using the FoM. Finally, a preliminary assessment of off-the-shelf MEMS scanned LiDAR systems is given.
SCD1 SNP in relation to breeding value of milk production traits in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between SCD1 polymorphism and the estimated breeding value of milk production traits (milk, fat and protein yield, kg; fat and protein content, %) in the Polish Holstein-Friesian cows’ herd. The genotype and allele frequencies for g.10329C>T SNP in exon 5 of SCD1 gene were estimated in the examined herd. Statistical analysis revealed that studied polymorphism signiﬁcantly affected the breeding value of protein content in milk (P ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that selection for the SCD1-TT individuals might contribute to increased protein content in milk in the Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. Further studies are needed to conﬁrm these results. in the present show associations between the g.10329C>T genotypes and the breeding value for protein content in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows; statistically signiﬁcant difference was observed between cows with TT and CC genotype. The TT genotype cows were characterized by a higher fat and protein but the CT individuals showed a higher breeding value for milk, fat and protein yields. This general trend observed in the present study conﬁrms by in and Alim in Holstein cows. associations between and association between daily and TT compared CC CT
Characterization of curry leaf polyphenolics and their antioxidant activity

Curry leaf is commonly used in Indian cooking as a flavoring agent whose popularity in Western countries is increasing, however little is known about its phenolic profile. This study characterized the curry leaf phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity. Curry leaves were extracted using ethanol, methanol or acetone to facilitate isolatation of phenolic compounds using liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray mass spectrometry in tandem mode (LC‐MS‐MS) with negative ion detection. Several known and unknown phenolics and flavonols were identified and quantified based available standards, retention time, mass spectra in full ion scan mode(MS) and MS‐MS modes(product ion, precursor ion and neutral loss scans). Major constituent phenolics included myricetin‐3‐galactoside, quercetin‐3‐rutinoside, quercetin‐3‐glucoside, kaempferol‐3‐O‐caffeoylate, isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐glucoside and 5‐caffeoyl quinic acids. Lag‐time and TBARS tests demonstrated that curry leaf phenolics are associated with a dose‐dependent ability to prevent cupric‐ion induced oxidation of LDL. Leaf samples extracted with 80% acetone yielded higher concentration of phenolics the best antioxidant capacity. Curry leaf is rich in phenolics that have antioxidant activity in vitro, further studies are warranted in regards to the potential health benefits and to identify its novel phenolics.
RT-PCR Survey of Emerging Paramyxoviruses in Cave-dwelling Bats

Bats are the reservoir hosts for several Paramyxoviruses including two serious zoonotic viruses, Hendra virus and Nipah virus which are responsible for fatal infections in animals and humans. These two viruses are sufficiently different from previously described Paramyxoviruses and are included in a new genus, Henipavirus. We report here a survey of cave-dwelling, insectivorous bats in Thailand for the presence of henipaviruses. Pooled urine samples were collected in nine caves inhabited by six different bat species in the northern (Chiangmai and Nakornsawan) and southern (Songkla and Satoon) provinces of Thailand. A reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay using henipavirus-specific primers derived from the conserved region of the RNA polymerase (L) gene was used to detect known and unknown viruses in this genus. Samples from seven out of nine caves surveyed tested positive by RT-PCR. Nucleotide sequences of the PCR bands revealed the presence of diverse strains (three clusters and seven divergent genotypes) of previously uncharacterised paramyxovirus(es). Phylogenetic analysis based on the deduced L protein sequence revealed close correlations between the positive samples and the recently described but unclassified paramyxoviruses: Beilong virus and J-virus. This is the first report on the prevalence of paramyxovirus variants in cave-dwelling bats and highlights the importance of further epidemiological surveillance in bats.
Achieving Cross‐Scale Collaboration for Large Scale Conservation Initiatives

Large‐scale conservation requires the involvement of numerous stakeholders to plan for and implement a range of activities across multiple scales. Establishing and sustaining the effective collaborations necessary to achieve this is a key challenge. Utilizing data from a large‐scale conservation initiative in the south west of Australia we characterize the interactions between stakeholders as a social network. We employ a novel network theoretical approach to assess the different forms of collaboration, including cross‐scale collaboration. We find that the social network predisposes cross‐scale collaboration for invasive animal control, an action where coordination of activities is necessary. We find that for revegetation activities there is little evidence of collaboration across scales, but this could be fostered by a subset of stakeholders acting in a “scale‐bridging” role. Addressing this will likely improve the effectiveness of revegetation efforts and the outcomes of the broader conservation initiative.
Renal Dopamine Receptors and Oxidative Stress: Role in Hypertension.

SIGNIFICANCE The kidney plays an important role in the long-term control of blood pressure. Oxidative stress is one of the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the development of hypertension. Dopamine, via five subtypes of receptors, plays an important role in the control of blood pressure by various mechanisms including the inhibition of oxidative stress. Recent Advances: Dopamine receptors exert their regulatory function to decrease the oxidative stress in the kidney and ultimately maintain normal sodium balance and blood pressure homeostasis. An aberration of this regulation may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. CRITICAL ISSUES Our present article reviews the important role of oxidative stress and intrarenal dopaminergic system in the regulation of blood pressure, summarizes the current knowledge on renal dopamine receptor-mediated antioxidation, including decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inhibiting pro-oxidant enzymes NADPH oxidase, and stimulating antioxidative enzymes, and also discusses its underlying mechanisms, including the increased activity of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 (GRK4) and abnormal trafficking of renal dopamine receptors in hypertensive status. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Identifying the mechanisms of renal dopamine receptors in the regulation of oxidative stress and their contribution to the pathogenesis of hypertension remains an important research focus. Increased understanding of the role of reciprocal regulation between renal dopamine receptors and oxidative stress in the regulation of blood pressure may give us novel insights into the pathogenesis of hypertension and provide a new treatment strategy for hypertension.
European Medicinal Leeches—New Roles in Modern Medicine

Before the advent of modern medicine, natural resources were widely used by indigenous populations for the prevention and treatment of diseases. The associated knowledge, collectively described as folk medicine or traditional medicine, was largely based on trial-and-error testing of plant extracts (herbal remedies) and the use of invertebrates, particularly medicinal maggots of the blowfly Lucilia sericata and blood-sucking leeches. The widespread use of traditional medicine in the West declined as scientific advances allowed reproducible testing under controlled conditions and gave rise to the modern fields of biomedical research and pharmacology. However, many drugs are still derived from natural resources, and interest in traditional medicine has been renewed by the ability of researchers to investigate the medical potential of diverse species by high-throughput screening. Likewise, researchers are starting to look again at the benefits of maggot and leech therapy, based on the hypothesis that the use of such animals in traditional medicine is likely to reflect the presence of specific bioactive molecules that can be developed as drug leads. In this review, we consider the modern medical benefits of European medicinal leeches based on the systematic screening of their salivary proteins.
Análise do polimorfismo R72P do gene TP53 em paciente com carcinoma de mama ductal invasor

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasia as well as the main cause of death from cancer among women. The TP53 gene is polymorphic in codon 72 of the protein it encodes, and may contain either arginine (CGC) or proline (CCC) in that position. Such polymorphism may be involved in the susceptibility and predisposition for cancer presenting with a widely variable ethnic and geographic distribution. The arginine homozygous genotype seems to be a significant risk factor and prognostic for breast cancer. Methods: DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of 76 patients suffering from invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) treated at the HCPA Mastology Service at any stage of the disease. Eigthy healthy controls from the Blood Bank Donors of HCPA were included randomly. Demographic data were collected as well as data from the clinic and histopathological characteristics. Amplification of exon 4 from the TP53 gene was performed through PCR, followed by digestion of the PCR product with the restriction enzyme BstUI, which recognizes the CG↓CG cleavage site, for identification of the R72P polymorphism of exon 4. The objectives were to determine the allele and genotype frequencies of R72P polymorphism in patients suffering from invasive ductal breast carcinoma, comparing with the control group and to corelate the presence of that polymorphism with clinical pathological characteristics. Results: The distribution of genotypes in codon 72 of gene TP53, both for patients and controls was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequency found for R72P polymorphism was similar between IDC patients and controls, with no significant difference being found in the genotype frequency (P = 0.707) and allele frequency (P = 0.469). Conclusions: R72P polymorphism in the TP53 gene was not associated to an increased risk of developing IDC in the population studied. This finding may be related to the great interracial and ethnic variation in our population deriving from frequent miscigenations and exposure to different environmental factors that are important in the evolution of breast cancer. There was also no association with clinical pathological characteristics.
The Ecology of Adaptive Radiation

1. The origins of ecological diversity 2. Detecting adaptive radiation 3. The progress of adaptive radiation 4. The ecological theory of adaptive radiation 5. Divergent natural selection between environments 6. Divergence and species interactions 7. Ecological opportunity speciation 8. The ecological basis of speciation 9. Divergence along genetic lines of least resistance 10. The ecology of adaptive radiation
Compositional analysis of soybean event IND-ØØ41Ø-5

ABSTRACT Soybean (Glycine max L.) is the world’s largest source of protein feed and the second largest source of vegetable oil. Water restriction is the main limiting factor to achieve maximum soybean yields. Therefore, development of varieties that maintain yield under environmental stresses is a major objective of soybean breeding programs. The HaHB4 (Helianthus annuus homeobox 4) gene from sunflower encodes for a transcription factor involved in the plant´s tolerance to environmental stress. The introduction of HaHB4 in soybean led to the development of event IND-ØØ41Ø-5 (HB4® soybean), which displayed higher yield in environments having low productivity potential, compared with the parental control variety. Compositional analyses of soybean event IND-ØØ41Ø-5 were conducted both in Argentina and the United Sates. A total of 44 components were analyzed in grain and 9 components in forage. Based on the results of these studies it was concluded that soybean event IND-ØØ41Ø-5 was compositionally equivalent to its non-transgenic parental control.
The FloR master regulator controls flotation, virulence and antibiotic production in Serratia sp. ATCC 39006.

Serratia sp. ATCC 39006 produces intracellular gas vesicles to enable upward flotation in water columns. It also uses flagellar rotation to swim through liquid and swarm across semi-solid surfaces. Flotation and motility can be co-regulated with production of a β-lactam antibiotic (carbapenem carboxylate) and a linear tripyrrole red antibiotic, prodigiosin. Production of gas vesicles, carbapenem and prodigiosin antibiotics, and motility are controlled by master transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators, including the SmaI/SmaR-based quorum sensing system and the mRNA binding protein, RsmA. Recently, the ribose operon repressor, RbsR, was also defined as a pleiotropic regulator of flotation and virulence factor elaboration in this strain. Here, we report the discovery of a new global regulator (FloR; a DeoR family transcription factor) that modulates flotation through control of gas vesicle morphogenesis. The floR mutation is highly pleiotropic, down-regulating production of gas vesicles, carbapenem and prodigiosin antibiotics, and infection in Caenorhabditis elegans, but up-regulating flagellar motility. Detailed proteomic analysis using TMT peptide labelling and LC-MS/MS revealed that FloR is a physiological master regulator that operates through subordinate pleiotropic regulators including Rap, RpoS, RsmA, PigU, PstS and PigT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Larval ecology of malaria vectors and the impact of larviciding on malaria transmission in The Gambia

The study reported in this thesis explored the ecology of aquatic stages of mosquitoes in the middle reaches of the Gambia River in order to assess the feasibility and impact of microbial larviciding on malaria transmission in large river ecosystems in sub- Saharan Africa. All accessible water bodies in four study zones covering 400 km(^2) were mapped and sampled for mosquitoes. Microbial larvicides were applied in the four zones in across-over design and the impact of larviciding on mosquito densities assessed. Anopheline and culicine mosquitoes were found in all sampled habitats, apart from those with moving water. Similarly, all habitats, except puddles and water channels, had similar larval and pupal densities. Anopheles gambiae sensu lato, the major malaria vector in Africa, exploited a wide range of habitats and despite a decrease in population density during the dry season, could be found in breeding sites throughout the year. Mosquitoes shared habitats with other invertebrates including their predators. A closer look at rice fields revealed that mosquitoes were abundant in rice fields closer to the landward edge of the floodplains where water is fresher and contains high quantifies of nutrients. Mosquitoes of The Gambia were highly susceptible to both Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and B. sphaericus microbials, however no residual activity against anopheline larvae was observed. The basic training of personnel in identification of habitats, calibration of application equipment and active larviciding proved to be successful. Routine larviciding was associated with > 91 % reducfion (p < 0.001) in anophelines late stage larval density and 72 % (p < 0.001) in culicines. Overall, larviciding was associated with a 28% (p = 0.005) reduction in the number of adult female Anopheles gambiae s.l. found indoors, although this rose to 42%, when the study zone with the greatest abundance of breeding sites was excluded from the analysis. No significant reduction in adult culicines was observed. Ground application of Bti in areas with extensive floodplains is unlikely to contribute to a substantial reduction in malaria transmission in The Gambia, therefore vector control in such areas should target adult mosquitoes.
Characteristics of a vitamin A-transporting protein complex occurring in human serum.

Abstract A retinol-transporting protein complex has been isolated in good yield from normal human serum. The protein complex consists of prealbumin and the actual vitamin carrier, the human retinol-binding protein (RBP). The interaction between prealbumin and RBP is dependent on the salt concentration. Dissociation occurred at low ionic strength, which enabled each of the two proteins to be isolated. The purified proteins appeared homogeneous by Ouchterlony immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, and ultracentrifugation. The molecular weights determined by equilibrium ultracentrifugation and from sedimentation diffusion data were for prealbumin-RBP 85,000, for prealbumin 64,000, and for RBP 21,000. The frictional ratios (f/f0) were low for all three components, indicating a close to spherical appearance also for the prealbumin-RBP complex. On polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis the prealbumin was homogeneous, whereas the RBP separated into four molecular species. Amino acid analyses of the RBP indicated the presence of 181 residues, giving a calculated molecular weight of 20,600. Both prealbumin and RBP were devoid of carbohydrate. The only species of vitamin A bound to the RBP was the alcohol form (retinol). It is proposed that 1 mole of vitamin A is transported by 1 mole of RBP.