Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ ligands inhibit nuclear but not cytosolic extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase-regulated steps in Vascular smooth muscle cell migration

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration involves adhesion, locomotion, and invasion regulated by various signaling molecules, among which the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) play a critical role. We have shown that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) ligands troglitazone and rosiglitazone inhibit VSMC migration downstream of ERK MAPK. The purpose of the current study was to more specifically determine which step(s) in VSMC migration are targeted by inhibition of the ERK MAPK pathway or activation of PPAR-gamma. VSMC adhesion was not affected by the ERK MAPK pathway inhibitor PD98059 or PPAR-gamma ligands. Phosphorylation and activation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) play important roles in cell locomotion. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced MLCK phosphorylation (1.7-fold) was completely blocked by PD98059 at 30 microM (p < 0.05), but not by troglitazone or rosiglitazone. PDGF-directed migration (5.8-fold) was inhibited by PD98059 (-88% at 30 microM) and the MLCK inhibitor ML9 (0.1-1 microM, -84% at 1 microM) (all p < 0.05). The transcription factor Ets-1 mediates matrix metalloproteinase induction required for tissue invasion by VSMC. PDGF (20 ng/ml) stimulated an Ets-1 protein expression (14-fold at 60 min) in VSMC, which was inhibited by PD98059 (-72% at 30 microM), troglitazone (-69% at 20 microM), and rosiglitazone (-54% at 10 microM) (all p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry of rat aortae 2 h after balloon injury showed a dramatic upregulation of Ets-1, which was markedly inhibited in animals that had received troglitazone treatment. In contrast, phosphorylated ERK MAPK was not affected by troglitazone. These data are consistent with PPAR-gamma ligands exerting their anti-migratory effects downstream of ERK MAPK activation by blocking nuclear events, such as Ets-1 expression, required for cell invasion in response to arterial injury.
Soluble CD30 Levels in the Sera of Patients With Psoriasis in Myanmar

Background: Although psoriasis is a Th1-dominant disease, certain investigations have also revealed the involvement of Th2 cells in the disease. Soluble CD30 (sCD30) is predominantly associated with various Th2 diseases. Therefore, the role of sCD30 in psoriasis requires further evaluation. Objectives: To evaluate the association between sCD30 and psoriasis. Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, the association between serum sCD30 levels and psoriasis was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in sera obtained from patients with psoriasis. Results: The results indicated elevated sCD30 levels in 79 patients with psoriasis, and the levels were significantly higher in those with a prolonged duration of disease (duration > 10 years). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between the duration of disease (years) and sCD30 (pg/mL) levels. These findings suggest that sCD30 is a useful marker for chronicity of psoriasis. Conclusion: Elevated sCD30 levels in psoriasis are associated with disease duration, and they may reflect the chronicity of psoriasis. Further research is required to determine the role of sCD30 in psoriasis.
Glucosinolates and disease resistance in oilseed rape (Brassica napus ssp. oleifera)

The hypothesis that enhancing the level of glucosinolates in leaves of oilseed rape would increase resistance to two fungal pathogens was tested. Thirty-three Brassica napus lines with variable leaf glucosinolate contents were assessed for susceptibility to infection by Leptosphaeria maculans and Alternaria spp. under field conditions. The data clearly showed that there was not a simple positive relation between glucosinolate content and resistance, and that the hypothesis can be refuted. The level of Alternaria infection of both leaves and pods was positively correlated with glucosinolate content, while for L. maculans there was no significant relationship between the two variables. It is suggested that these pathogens have become specialists on glucosinolate-containing taxa in an analogous way to insect herbivores.
Egg Yolk Color as Affected by Saponification of Different Natural Pigmenting Sources

SUMMARY Two experiments were conducted to study the influence of saponification of various yellow, red, or yellow and red xanthophylls from marigold flower and paprika fruit included at graded levels on egg yolk coloration in table and breaking eggs. Pigmentation was measured visually by the Roche yolk color fan, a subjective method, and by reflectance colorimetry, using a HunterLab MiniScan XE colorimeter, an objective method. Reflectance colorimetric a/b (redness to yellowness) ratio appeared to be a good variable to objectively measure egg yolk color on a practical basis. Results indicate that saponification of xanthophylls increased its pigmenting capacity in egg yolk. The effectiveness of saponification was more evident as a darker color of egg yolk was pursued. Both in table and in breaking eggs, the pigmenting capacity of saponified xanthophylls is at least 1.5-fold that of nonsaponified xanthophylls.
Numerical taxonomy of psychrotrophic bacteria isolated from raw ewes' milk

Summary A total of 204 psychrotrophic isolates from raw ewes' milk (hand and machine milked) were identified by conventional methods. In addition, a numerical taxonomic study was conducted on 180 of these isolates and 19 reference strains. Three of the isolates were yeasts. Using identification schemes, 54 isolates were assigned to genera of Gram-negative aerobic rods (Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, Moraxella and Psychrobacter), 48 were Enterobacteriaceae (Entero-bacter, Hafnia, Klebsiella, Citrobacter and Serratia) and one was identified as Aeromonas hydrophila. The 98 Gram-positive isolates were identified as Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Leuconostoc, Lactococcus, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Aureobacterium, Kurthia and Microbacterium. At the 82% similarity level (SSM), 18 clusters were formed. Cluster I included 34 strains of Lactococcus, Streptococcus and Leuconostoc. Most of the 35 strains in cluster II were Enterococcus. Clusters III and IV were identified as Kurthia and Microbacterium respectively. Cluster V was identified as Aureobacterium and cluster VI consisted of coagulase-negative staphylococci. Gram-negative isolates formed 12 clusters: Aeromonas (one cluster), Enterobacteriaceae (two clusters), Flavobacterium (two clusters), Pseudomonas and Psychrobacter immobilis (three clusters) and Acinetobacter (four clusters). Non-motile variants of Ps. fragi were found. Enterococcus and Enterobacteriaceae did not have significant spoilage properties. As expected, Gram-negative aerobic rods were proteolytic and/or lipolytic even at low temperature. Contamination with certain types of psychrotrophs (Gram-negative aerobic rods and enterococci) seemed to be associated with the milking method. The isolate of Aes. hydrophila had properties associated with virulence.
CLADID CRINOID (ECHINODERMATA) ANAL CONDITIONS: A TERMINOLOGY PROBLEM AND PROPOSED SOLUTION

Abstract: Analysis of anal plates of type species of most cladid crinoid genera (excluding codiacrinid and some gasterocomacids) recognizes four catagories of anal plating conditions designated: Parioplax, Menoplax, Mesoplax and Opioplax. These four plating conditions are subdivided into 23 anal subconditions. These various anal conditions reflect recognized general evolutionary trends within all orders of the cladids. This corrects, describes more precisely, and replaces the widely used terms ‘primitive’ and ‘advanced’ to describe anal conditions, either of which can occur in older or younger cladid crinoids. The morphological terms primanal, secundanal and tertanal should be used in place of the terms radianal, anal X and right tube plate, respectively, in most cladid and flexible crinoids. Anal X should be used only for those genera for which it has been demonstrated that the primanal was resorbed or migrated out of the cup. In most genera having cups with a single anal this rectifies the misnomer of referring to the single anal as anal X when it is actually the primanal that has migrated into the position previously occupied by the secundanal, pushing the secundanal out of the cup. The origin of cladid anals is not considered homologous to camerate anals, but the use of similar terms for descriptive purposes is given precedence over use of a misnomer. Recognition of the anal‐plate positions and clarification of anal‐plate homologies are important in cladid phylogenetic analysis. Results of this study strongly support punctuated and mosaic evolution within the anal‐plate series of cladid crinoids. Application of the new terminology further implies that the classification of some polyphyletic genera and families may be the result of convergence, wherein greater emphasis has been placed on the anal condition for genus or family assignment than has been placed on other equally significant morphological features.
Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity: Research and Public Policy

From a public health perspective, alcohol is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. This book describes recent advances in alcohol research which have direct relevance for the development of effective alcohol policies at the local, national and international levels. The central purpose of the book is to empower those responsible for public health and social welfare.
System- vs. consumer-generated recommendations: affective and social-psychological effects on purchase intention

ABSTRACT Although online product recommendation (OPR) is important in e-commerce transactions, there is a little understanding about differential impact of different recommendations. This study aims to examine the distinct effects of system-generated recommendation (SGR) and consumer-generated recommendation (CGR) on affective and social-psychological beliefs of OPR evaluation and to assess how they mediate the impact of OPR usage on purchase intentions. Results of a cross-sectional survey with 482 Amazon consumers showed that users of CGR express significantly higher trusting beliefs than users of SGR, while users of SGR elicit greater perceived enjoyment than users of CGR, resulting in mediating effect on purchase intentions. Moreover, CGRs were found to elicit greater trusting beliefs for experience products, while SGRs were found to unfold greater perceived enjoyment for search products.
Adaptable and Data-Driven Softwarized Networks: Review, Opportunities, and Challenges

Communication networks are the key enabling technology for our digital society. In order to sustain their critical services in the future, communication networks need to flexibly accommodate new requirements and changing contexts due to emerging diverse applications. In contrast to traditional networking technologies, software-oriented networking concepts, such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV), provide ample opportunities for highly flexible network operations, enabling fast and simple adaptation of network resources and flows. This paper identifies the opportunities and challenges of adaptable softwarized networks and introduces a conceptual framework for adaptations in softwarized networks. We first explain how softwarized networks contribute to network adaptability through the functional primitives observation, composition, and control. We review the wide range of options for fine-granular observations as well as fine-granular composition and control provided by SDN and NFV. The multitude of fine-granular “tuning knobs” in adaptable softwarized networks complicates the decision making, which is the main focus of this paper. We propose to enhance the functional primitives observation, composition, and control with data-driven decision making, e.g., machine learning modules, resulting in deep observation, composition, and control. The data-driven decision making modules can learn and react to changes in the environment, e.g., new flow demands, so as to support meaningful decision making for adaptation in softwarized networks. Finally, we make the case for employing the concept of empowerment to realize truly “self-driving” networks.
Molecular Cloning and Expression of a Family 6 Cellobiohydrolase Gene cbhII from Penicillium funiculosum NCL1

Aim: Lignocelluloytic enzymes are the largest class of hydrolase enzyme which utilizes the plant biomass to produce renewable sources. Hence practices for larger production of these enzymes at lower cost received much attention for industrial use. Hence this paper deals with expression and purification of cellobiohydrolase gene from Penicillium funiculosum NCL1. Methods & Results: A cellobiohydrolase gene, cbhII of Penicillium funiculosum NCL1 was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris X33. Two exons of the cbhII gene were amplified separately and fused by overlap extension PCR. The fused product was cloned in yeast expression vector pPICZαA and expressed in P. pastoris under the control of the AOX1 promoter. P. pastoris transformants expressing recombinant cellobiohydrolase were selected on CMC agar plate and their ability to produce the cellobiohydrolase was evaluated in flask cultures. P. pastoris X33 (pPICbh6) efficiently secreted the recombinant cellobiohydrolase into the medium and produced the cellobiohydrolase activity (5 U/ml) after 96 h of growth. The recombinant cellobiohydrolase produced by P. pastoris (pPICBH6) showed maximum activity at pH 4.0 and temperature 50&degC and higher specificity in hydrolysis of filter-paper.
Back‐calculation of fish length: a critical review

A review is made of the literature on the back-calculation of fish body length from marks on scales or other hard parts (otoliths, vertebrae, fin rays, etc.). Though the technique is widely used it does not appear to be well understood. Regression methods are commonly used, apparently in ignorance of the more realistic proportional methods. It is not generally recognized that there are two equally plausible back-calculation hypotheses which can lead to significantly different back-calculated lengths. The Fraser-Lee equation, the most commonly used back-calculated formula, follows neither of these hypotheses but is based on a misuse of linear regression. It is recommended that back-calculation be restricted to procedures following one of the proportional hypotheses; that the difference between lengths calculated using the two hypotheses is a useful measure of the minimum uncertainty in back-calculation lengths; and that more attention be paid to validating back-calculation hypotheses by comparing observed and back-calculated lengths for individual fish. The pattern of heteroscedasticity in body length–scale radius plots is noted as a useful diagnostic in evaluating back-calculation hypothesis.
Allometric growth in green sturgeon larvae

Summary We examined allometric growth of larval green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) reared from hatching to metamorphosis. Three different phases were detected in allometric growth in weight. From hatch to 6 dph (days post hatch) growth was negatively allometric (b = 0.76), reflecting utilization of yolk for morphogenesis, growth, and metabolic energy. The growth coefficient increased in late lecitotrophic phase (b = 2.35; 6-14 dph) and the growth was positively allometric during exogenous feeding phase (b = 3.38; 15-50 dph). The head and eye growth was isometric throughout development. Green sturgeon was similar with Siberian sturgeon in the allometric growth of mouth, pectoral fin, and tail. The differences between two species were attributed to the larval size, larval behaviour after hatching, and some heterochrony in development. The allometric growth of green sturgeon matched developmental and behavioural events observed in early ontogeny of this threatened species.
Applying Catastrophe Theory to Image Segmentation

This paper describes a study into the application of catastrophe theory to image segmentation. The theory is found to be applicable to this problem, however, extensions are required for its application to yield comparable results to the state of the art. Catastrophe theory provides several models that describe change in dynamic systems. Since image segmentation can be viewed as the segmentation of a signal generated by a dynamic process, it was hypothesized that catastrophe theory should be applicable to this problem in general. The results presented verify this hypothesis. Keywords— Catastrophe Theory; Image Segmentation, Canny, Sobel
Genitalia Fitting, Mating Behaviour and Possible Hybridization in Millipedes of the Genus Craspedosoma (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida, Craspedosomatidae)

Abstract The functional anatomy of the extremely complex copulatory organs of the millipede Craspedosoma transsilvanicum Verhoeff, 1897, was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and serial semi-thin sectioning after fixation of the animals by freezing in copula. There is no male organ for sperm transfer which inserts into the receptacula seminis. Sperm secretion is only brushed over the openings of the receptacula by cuticular projections of the anterior gonopods (‘brush’). Other parts of the gonopods (projections of the cheirites, podosternite) bring the brush and the openings of the receptacula in the proper position. Examination of the gonopods from series of Craspedosoma from locations near Vienna showed that there are intermediary specimens between the nominal species C. transsilvanicum and C. alemannicum Verhoeff, 1910. Obviously, a mechanical isolation mechanism, as supposed by Verhoeff, does not exist between these nominal species. At the beginning of a copulation, the male forces the female into the mating position. When touched by males, the females try to evade them by rolling up. The possibilities are discussed that females thereby test the actual fitness of males, and that males use their clasper-like copulatory organs to prevent females from escaping.
NaOCl produced by electrolysis of natural seawater as a potential method to control marine red-tide dinoflagellates

Abstract As part of the development of a method to control the outbreak and persistence of red tides using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), we investigated the effect of NaOCl on the survival of red-tide dinoflagellates, diatoms, heterotrophic protists, planktonic crustaceans, fin-fish, shellfish, and macroalgae. Because NaOCl introduced into natural waters would be subject to dilution, as well as breakdown in sunlight to NaCl, the survival of organisms was determined after 10 min exposure and 1 h exposure to NaOCl, and again after transfer to fresh seawater for 6 or 24 h. The lethal total residual chlorine (TRC) concentration that killed 50% of the test organisms (LC50) for the red-tide dinoflagellates Gymnodinium catenatum, Cochlodinium polykrikoides, Akashiwo sanguinea, Lingulodinium polyedrum, Prorocentrum micans, Alexandrium affine, and Gymnodinium impudicum ranged from 57 to 157 ppb for 10 min exposure and from 30 to 106 ppb for 1 h exposure. Complete mortality of all red-tide species occurred at TRC concentrations of ~ 500 ppb. The LC50 of the diatoms Skeletonema costatum and Thalassiosira rotula, 3083–3383 ppb for 10 min exposure and 3128–3433 ppb for 1 h exposure, were much higher than for red-tide dinoflagellates. But the LC50s of the heterotrophic dinoflagellates Polykrikos kofoidii and Oxyrrhis marina were similar to those of red-tide dinoflagellates. The ciliate Strombidinopsis sp. had LC50s of 306 ppb for 10 min exposure and 119 ppb for 1 h exposure, which are higher than those for dinoflagellates. The LC50s of the calanoid copepods Acarlia spp. and Pseudodiaptomus sp. were 1397–1493 ppb for 10 min exposure and 744–987 ppb for 1 h exposure, and those for larvae of the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana were 4905 ppb for 10 m exposure and 2814 ppb for 1 h exposure. The LC50s of juvenile gray mullet Mugil cephalus and juvenile black rockfish Sebastes schlegeli were 1234–1883 ppb for 10 min exposure and 1234–1440 ppb for 1 h exposure, whereas those of adult Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum and spat of the abalone Nordotis discus were> 20,000 ppb. The LC50s of the macroalgae Griffithsia japonica (Rhodophyta) and Ulva pertusa (Chlorophyta) were 1519–12,365 ppb for 10 min exposure and 1085–12,558 ppb for 1 h exposure. The present study therefore suggests that, if NaOCl is introduced into waters containing red-tide organisms at TRC concentrations of 300–500 ppb for 10 min exposure and 200–400 ppb for 1 h exposure, red tides can be effectively controlled without serious harmful effects on other marine organisms, except heterotrophic dinoflagellates.
INTRASPECIFIC SHELL-SHAPE VARIATION IN THE RAZOR CLAM ENSIS MACHA ALONG THE PATAGONIAN COAST

Ensis macha has a wide distribution along the Pacific and Atlantic southern coasts of South America. The pattern of morphological shell variation of this razor clam was analysed in 12 populations sampled along its whole Atlantic distribution, covering a latitudinal range of 3,700 km. The southernmost extant population of E. macha was recorded in the Beagle Channel. Variation in shell outline was assessed using elliptic Fourier analysis of adult individuals followed by different multivariate analyses. Significant shell-shape variation was found along the latitudinal range. Elliptical Fourier analysis revealed that trends in shell slenderness and curvature were associated mainly with salinity and water depth of the localities. Each locality presented a distinct shell shape, different from all other localities. Nevertheless, the populations could be grouped into four large assemblages between which a latitudinal gradient of shell shape was observed. Phenotypic divergence in shell shape is suggestive of population differentiation, but assessing the underlying processes is not straightforward because of the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The possible evolutionary processes that mediate the effects of environmental variables and geographical distances on the shellshape variation are discussed.
Species Diversity in Aquatic Microecosystems

Aquatic microecosystems of 3 litres were established in replicate for the 8 combinations of high or low physical heterogeneity, high or low plant nutrient levels and stable or unstable tem- perature. Plankton succession from a pond water inoculum was observed for 5 mo. Microcrustacea, periphyton and benthic organisms were sampled only at the end of the study. Final species diversity (H') was higher for low-nutrient and for most high physical-heterogeneity systems. Stability of tem- perature did not affect species diversity. Numerous interactions of the 3 variables occurred, so that the diversity of the systems could not be predicted from the combined effects of single variables. The significance of this observation for theoretical analyses of species diversity is discussed.