Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DIURNAL CHANGES IN THE ACCURACY OF THE HONEYBEE FORAGING RHYTHM

The ability of honeybees to time foraging visits to an artificial nectar source was analyzed with respect to the time of day of food source presentation. A consistent regimen of orientation and training to the food source, which was available only during a specific one-hour period of the day for each particular experiment, allowed quantitative comparisons to be made among groups of bees trained at different feeding times. Bees trained early in the day showed the most precise time-keeping ability whereas those trained to midday or late afternoon food sources were signif icantly less accurate. In all of the experiments, the bees anticipated the onset of the training period, but the duration ofthe anticipatory component ofthe response was dependent upon the training time. Similarly, other parameters (coefficients of skew ness and kurtosis and the shut-down in the number of arrivals immediately after the end of the training time) describing the distribution of foraging flights in time varied according to times in the diurnal cycle when the food source was offered. These results suggest that honeybees more efficiently exploit a daily floral nectar source if it is available early in the morning than if it is offered late in the day. Possible mechanisms underlying the observed differences in temporal orientation are discussed.
Global‐scale patterns of nutrient resorption associated with latitude, temperature and precipitation

Aim Nutrient resorption from senescing leaves is an important mechanism of nutrient conservation in plants, but the patterns of nutrient resorption at the global scale are unknown. Because soil nutrients vary along climatic gradients, we hypothesize that nutrient resorption changes with latitude, temperature and precipitation. Location Global. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis on a global data set collected from published literature on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption of woody plants. Results For all data pooled, both N resorption efficiency (NRE) and P resorption efficiency (PRE) were significantly related to latitude, mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP): NRE increased with latitude but decreased with MAT and MAP. In contrast, PRE decreased with latitude but increased with MAT and MAP. When functional groups (shrub versus tree, coniferous versus broadleaf and evergreen versus deciduous) were examined individually, the patterns of NRE and PRE in relation to latitude, MAT and MAP were generally similar. Main conclusions The relationships between N and P resorption and latitude, MAT and MAP indicate the existence of geographical patterns of plant nutrient conservation strategies in relation to temperature and precipitation at the global scale, particularly for PRE, which can be an indicator for P limitation in the tropics and selective pressure shaping the evolution of plant traits. Our results suggest that, although the magnitude of plant nutrient resorption might be regulated by local factors such as substrate, spatial patterns are also controlled by temperature or precipitation.
Characterization of Human Gut Microbiota Dynamics Using Model Communities in Gnotobiotic Mice

27 Results . 30 Human studies . 30 Studies in gnotobiotic mice . 35 Discussion . 45 Materials and methods . 49 Human studies . 49 Studies in gnotobiotic mice . 49 Acknowledgements . 50 Footnotes . 51 References . 52 Figure legends . 57 Figures.61 Supplementary material . 68 Supplementary materials and methods . 68 Supplementary results . 82 Supplementary references . 86 Supplementary figure legends . 91 Supplementary figures . 95 Supplementary table legends . 104
Imobilização de Lipase em SBA-15 por Adsorção e Ligação Covalente: Estudo Comparativo na Reação de Hidrólise do Azeite de Oliva.

RESUMO – A peneira molecular SBA-15 foi sintetizada e caracterizada por analises de Adsorcao/Dessorcao de Nitrogenio e Difracao de Raios X. A amostra de SBA-15 obtida foi empregada como suporte para a imobilizacao da lipase de Burkholderia cepacia por simples adsorcao e ligacao covalente. A reacao de hidrolise do azeite de oliva foi utilizada com o objetivo de comparar a recuperacao da atividade especifica em relacao a enzima livre e reuso do biocatalisador. Os testes demonstraram que o catalisador enzimatico preparado por adsorcao apresentou maior recuperacao percentual de atividade especifica (72,7% contra 50,67 %), porem menor estabilidade operacional (4 ciclos contra 5 ate que a atividade atingisse 50% do valor da atividade original).
Aflatoxin B1 contamination in maize related to the aridity index in North Italy

The aim of this study was to develop a prototype simple predictive system for aflatoxin B1 contamination in maize based on meteorological data. A database was developed with meteorological data and aflatoxin B1 contamination level of maize samples collected over a five-year period. All data were georeferenced. An aridity index was computed to summarise meteorological conditions and was used to estimate the probability of aflatoxin B1 contamination running a logistic regression. Relevant differences were found between years both for meteorology and aflatoxin B1 contamination. North Italy is not arid and conditions for Aspergillus flavus development and aflatoxin B1 contamination of maize do not commonly occur. Nevertheless, arid areas were found in some years, and favourable conditions for aflatoxin B1 production were confirmed by maize kernels surveys. The aridity index is a good indicator to summarise meteorological conditions being significantly correlated to maize kernels contamination at harvest. The .
cytokine signaling mechanisms

A new member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, alternatively termed CSBP, p38, or RK, has been identified independently by several laboratories recently. Activation oftbis novel protein kinase via dual phosphorylation has been observed in different cell systems upon stimulation by a wide spectrum of stimuLi, such as physicochemi- cal stress and treatment with Iipopolysaccharide or proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin- 1 and tumor necrosis factor. Furthermore, CSAIDTM cy- tokine biosynthesis inhibitors have now been deter- mined to be potent and selective inhibitors of CSBP/p38/RK kinase activity. These inhibitors will help to dissect signaling pathways involved in inflam- matory responses. In particular, for the first time a definitive signal transduction pathway can be pre- scribed to the action of lipopolysaccharide in cytok- me production in macrophages. J. Leukoc. Biol. 59: 152-157; i996.
Potassium accumulation in muscle and associated changes 1

WE are concerned here chiefly with an account of the mechanism underlying the accumulation of potassium in the excised sartorius of the frog. This accumulation may, under suitable conditions, be very great, the cation entering against a gradient, and to upwards of three times the normal content. The relations deduced predict with surprising accuracy the mean changes in potassium, in the smaller permeating anions (e.g. chloride) and in the cell volume-the latter to within a few per cent. with change in 'fibre water' up to 100 %. Such processes have, as we think, a general application to the cellular accumulation of potassium. It will, in fact, appear that with the membrane as considered, accumulation of potassium in the concentrations found should go pari passu with the normal growth of the cell, so that there is no need to make any further assumptions in the way of special processes. A necessary association appears between potassium and the phosphorylated compounds important for the carbohydrate cycle, and such a relation has been already experimentally observed [e.g. Myers & Fine, 1913; Verzar & Somogyi, 1939; Myers & Manguin, 1940]. The theoretical treatment too affords an exact quantitative interpretation of the resting potentials in muscle. It is shown that the membrane of the muscle fibre in the excised sartorius of the frog, when maintained under suitable conditions, is permeable to potassium and cations of the same or smaller diameter,
A MOLECULAR PANORAMA OF DOWN SYNDROME- À LA MODE EVIDENCE AND FUTURE IMPLICATION

Down syndrome brought on by chromosome 21 (trisomy) is the most well-known genetic reason of mental hindrance in human population. Interruption of the phenotype is assumed to be the aftereffect of gene dose unevenness. Therefore, the majority of the chromosome 21 transcripts are attuned for the gene dose impact. Overexpressed gene are most likely to be responsible for the Down syndrome phenotype. Profoundly variable genes could represent phenotypic varieties found in such patients. Down syndrome influences many infants worldwide independent of race, ethnicity, and maternal age at gestation. Much investigation has been done to focus precisely how the additional chromosome 21 leads severe fatal symptoms.
Neurogenèse dans les pathologies du système nerveux

Les cellules souches neurales (CSN) sont des cellules multipotentes, capables de s’autorenouveler et de produire differentes cellules du systeme nerveux : neurones, astrocytes et oligodendrocytes. La confirmation que la neurogenese se produit dans des regions discretes du cerveau des mammiferes adultes, l’hippocampe et la region sous-ventriculaire, et que des CSN resident dans le systeme nerveux central adulte a remis en cause le dogme selon lequel nous naissons avec un nombre limite de neurones, sans possibilite pour le cerveau de se regenerer. Des etudes recentes ont montre que la neurogenese est stimulee dans les maladies neurologiques, les accidents vasculaires cerebraux et les traumatismes crâniens, et que des cellules neuronales sont produites aux sites de lesions, ou elles remplacent en partie les neurones degeneres. Dans ces pathologies, la stimulation de la neurogenese pourrait participer a des phenomenes de neuro-adaptation, et les nouvelles cellules neuronales presentes aux sites de lesions contribueraient a des tentatives de regeneration. Cet article resume les travaux etudiant la neurogenese au cours des pathologies du systeme nerveux adulte.
Effect of ocean acidification on the early life stages of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis

Abstract. Several experiments have shown a decrease of growth and calcification of organisms at decreased pH levels. There is a growing interest to focus on early life stages that are believed to be more sensitive to environmental disturbances such as hypercapnia. Here, we present experimental data, acquired in a commercial hatchery, demonstrating that the growth of planktonic mussel (Mytilus edulis) larvae is significantly affected by a decrease of pH to a level expected for the end of the century. Even though there was no significant effect of a 0.25–0.34 pH unit decrease on hatching and mortality rates during the first 2 days of development nor during the following 13-day period prior to settlement, final shells were respectively 4.5±1.3 and 6.0±2.3% smaller at pHNBS~7.8 (pCO2~1100–1200 μatm) than at a control pHNBS of ~8.1 (pCO2~460–640 μatm). Moreover, a decrease of 12.0±5.4% of shell thickness was observed after 15d of development. More severe impacts were found with a decrease of ~0.5 pHNBS unit during the first 2 days of development which could be attributed to a decrease of calcification due to a slight undersaturation of seawater with respect to aragonite. Indeed, important effects on both hatching and D-veliger shell growth were found. Hatching rates were 24±4% lower while D-veliger shells were 12.7±0.9% smaller at pHNBS~7.6 (pCO2~1900 μatm) than at a control pHNBS of ~8.1 (pCO2~540 μatm). Although these results show that blue mussel larvae are still able to develop a shell in seawater undersaturated with respect to aragonite, the observed decreases of hatching rates and shell growth could lead to a significant decrease of the settlement success. As the environmental conditions considered in this study do not necessarily reflect the natural conditions experienced by this species at the time of spawning, future studies will need to consider the whole larval cycle (from fertilization to settlement) under environmentally relevant conditions in order to investigate the potential ecological and economical losses of a decrease of this species fitness in the field.
Clonal diversity in the rare Calamagrostis porteri ssp. insperata (Poaceae): comparative results for allozymes and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers

Four populations of the rare, highly clonal grass Calamagrostis porteri ssp. insperata were examined using allozymes and the two polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based markers, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) bands. Only one of the 15 allozyme loci was variable and two alleles were detected, both of which were found in two populations, while only one genotype was detected in the other two populations. ISSR and RAPD markers detected more genotypes within populations than did allozymes. ISSR markers detected more diversity than RAPD markers in three of the four populations examined. In one population, no RAPD diversity was found whereas eight different genotypes were found among the 10 plants with ISSR markers. This diversity is present despite rare flowering, no documented occurrence of seed set in natural populations and very low seed set with experimental pollinations, all of which suggest that sexual reproduction rarely occurs. The subspecies is self‐compatible, but seed initiation is lower in selfed ovules; also, there is high embryo abortion regardless of pollen source. Variation detected by RAPD and ISSR primers may reflect higher levels of sexual reproduction in the past, very rare sexual reproduction in extant populations, somatic mutations, or a combination of the three. Although the PCR‐based markers identify several multilocus genotypes within populations, it is not known whether these all represent distinct genets generated by sexual reproduction or result from somatic mutations in the old, perennial and highly clonal plants.
CONSTRUCTION OF RECOMBINANT BACMID DNA ENCODING INFLUENZA VIRUS A (H1N1) HEMAGGLUTININ GENE

Objective: Influenza virus A (H1N1) is an important subtype of the influenza respiratory viruses, which has important worldwide implications. Hemagglutinin (HA), an important viral antigen, is responsible for binding to human cell receptors leading to an onset of the disease process. Considering the critical role of viral attachment, this study focuses on the extraction and cloning of HA and its large subunit HA1 genes to generate recombinant baculovirus shuttle vectors (bacmid) in order to produce recombinant proteins in insect cells. Methods: Human influenza virus A/New Caledonia 99/20/(H1N1) was propagated in MDCK cell culture. Total viral RNA was extracted using easy-red solution. The fulllength HA genome and HA1 fragment were amplified by RT- PCR using specific primers, cloned into a pGEM ® -TEasy vector, and then subcloned into a pFastBac HT plasmid. Finally, recombinant bacmids that contained the genes of interest were produced in E. coli DH10Bac™ cells. Results: Expected PCR products of HA genes were evaluated through gel electrophoresis and restriction enzyme analysis. Recombinant pGEM®-TEasy vectors and pFastBac HT donor plasmids were confirmed by PCR, digestion, and sequencing. Construction of recombinant bacmid DNA was verified by using blue-white colony screening, overnight electrophoresis, and PCR analysis that used either pUC/M13 or gene-specific primers. Conclusion: In this study, we have successfully constructed recombinant Bacmid DNA that encoded the full-length HA genome and its HA1 subunit. We intend to transfect sf9 insect cells with these constructs to generate recombinant baculovirus and produce large amounts of desired proteins for future studies.
Allelopathic potentialities of azadirachta Indica A. Juss. Aqueous leaf extract on early seed growth and Biochemical parameters of Vigna Radiata (L.) Wilczek

The aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica showed both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on seed germination, root length, shoot length, vigour index, percent phytotoxicity, fresh weight, dry weight, total chlorophyll, carbohydrate, protein and phenol content in Vigna radiate (green gram) seedlings. All these parameters were found to be decreased with increasing the Azadirachta indica aqueous leaf extract concentration (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) except in 5% concentration. It was observed that aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica will show stimulatory response on all parameters in 5% concentration. In all aspects maximum value were recorded at 5% concentration and the minimum value were recorded at 20% concentration. The findings of our study showed that stimulatory and inhibitory effect of Azadirachta indica aqueous leaf extract may be due to the presence of secondary metabolites (allelochemicals) viz. tannins, terpinoids, phenols and steroids.
Benthic nitrogen fluxes along a depth gradient in a microtidal fjord: The role of denitrification and microphytobenthos

In littoral sediments, microphytobenthic (MPB) nitrogen assimilation often exceeds nitrogen removal by denitrification, partly because MPB activity suppresses denitrification. Little is known about the balance between these two processes at sublittoral depths. Benthic pigment composition, light and dark oxygen, and nutrient fluxes (NO3−, NH4+, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), PO43−, Si(OH)4), as well as denitrification were measured between 1 and 15 m in depth in Gullmar Fjord (Skagerrak) in spring and autumn. The hypothesis was that the assimilation/denitrification ratio would decrease with depth, along with decreasing MPB activity caused by light limitation. MPB photosynthesis occurred along the entire depth gradient, although sediments were net autotrophic only above 5 m. Inorganic nitrogen (DIN) (and silica) flux changed along the depth gradient, the general pattern being sediment uptake at ≤5 m and efflux at ≥10 m depth. DON flux (~50% of total dissolved nitrogen flux) showed a less clear pattern. Two trends regarding DIN fluxes and denitrification—significant light effects and negative correlations with gross primary productivity—showed that MPB activity influenced nitrogen (N) turnover. Although denitrification increased with depth, rates remained low (<0.4 mmol N m−2 d−1), and MPB assimilation (0.2–3.6 mmol N m−2 d−1) exceeded or equaled denitrification. MPB incorporated ~35% of the remineralized N along the depth gradient, whereas denitrification removed ~20%. Thus, the influence of MPB on benthic nitrogen turnover, denitrification included, extends to sublittoral depths. Further, denitrification does not necessarily remove more N in the deeper, heterotrophic part of the photic zone, compared to the littoral, autotrophic zone.
Protein security and food security in China

Food security, the need to meet nutritional requirements, and four main problems for food protein security in China are analyzed. From the perspective of residents’ nutritional requirements and balanced dietary patterns, the conclusion is that food security in China is in essence dependent on protein production and security of supply and that fat and carbohydrates supply in China can reach self-sufficiency. Considering the situation of food protein production and consumption in China, policy suggestions are made, which could ensure a balanced supply and demand for food protein and food security in China.
Synthetic riboregulators - an alternative means to control gene expression

During the last years, the important role RNA plays for regulating gene expression in all organisms has become obvious. Consequently, several recent approaches aim to utilize the outstanding chemical properties of RNA in developing artificial RNA regulators for conditional gene expression systems. Rational design, in vitro selection and in vivo screening systems have been combined to create a versatile set of RNA based molecular switches. These tools rely on diverse mechanisms and exhibit activity in several organisms. In this review, we summarize recent developments in the application of synthetic riboswitches for gene regulation in vivo.
Ethnobotanical studies of some Apiaceae plants in Kahramanmaras and a review of their phytochemical studies

Kahramanmaras is located in the South-East Anatolia Region of Turkey. It has a very rich flora, ca 2500 taxa 20% of which are endemic. This study is a master thesis which aims to identify the various folk usage of the plants in the Andirin (Kahramanmaras) district. As a result of this study, several ethnobotanical usages of 147 taxa, 10 of which are endemic, have been determined. Among them, 8 taxa (Apium nodiflorum (L.) Lag. , Bunium paucifolium DC. var. junceum (Boiss.) Hedge & Lamond, Eryngium campestre L. var. virens Link. , Ferula longipedunculata Pesmen, Ferulago cassia Boiss. , Laser trilobum (L.) Borkh. , Lecokia cretica (Lam.) DC. , Smyrnium connatum Boiss & Kotschy) belong to Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family and are being used for medicinal purpose and food. Many phytochemical and biological activity studies of some of these species are exist. In the review part of this study the results of these studies were summarized
Germination tests on thirty‐two East African weed species

Summary: The seeds of thirty-two species of common East African weeds were set to germinate in the light and in the dark. Eighteen species with more than 40% germination in the light were also germinated in leaf shade and in neutural shade of equal intensity. Germination of fifteen of these was inhibited by darkness, and of sixteen by leaf shade, with complete inhibition in six species. A high degree of dormancy was found in fourteen species. Only one species in this group responded to alternate wetting and drying of the seeds. In eight species dormancy was less in older seeds. The ecological implications of the results are briefly discussed, and comparisons made with temperate weeds. Resume: Tests de germination sur trente-deux especes de mauvaises herbes de l'Afrique orientale. Les semences de 32 especes de mauvaises herbes communes en Afrique orientale ont ete mises a germer a la lumiere et a l'obscurite. Dix-huit especes qui germaient a plus de 40%a la lumiere ont egalement germe sous l'ombrage des feuilles et sous un ombrage neutre degale intensite. La germination de 15 d'entre elles a ete inhibee par l'obscurite et, pour 16 especes, par l'ombrage des feuilles, avec une inhibition complete chez 6 d'entre elles. Un degreeleve de dormance a ete constate chez 14 especes. Une seule espece de ce groupe a reagi a des mouillages et des sechages alternes des graines. Pour 8 especes, la dormance a ete moins marquee chez les semences les plus âgees. Les implications ecologiques de ces resultats sont brievement discutees et des comparaisons sont faites avec des mauvaisess herbes des regions temperees. Zusammenfassung Keimversuche mit 32 ostafrikanischen Unkrautarten Mit Samen von 32 haufig vorkommenden ostafrikanischen Unkrautarten wurden Keimversuche durchgefuhrt, wobei die Samen unter dem Einfluss von Licht und im Dunkeln keimten. Die 18 Arten, die bei Licht eine Keimrate von mehr als 40% hatten, keimten im Laubschatten genauso gut wie im neutralen Schatten. Von den untersuchten Arten war bei 15 die Keimung im Dunkeln und bei 16 im Laubschatten gehemmt; 6 Arten keimten nicht. Bei 14 Arten war eine ausgepragte Dormanz festzustellen, und nur eine Art reagierte auf abwechselndes Befeuchten und Trocknen der Samen. Bei acht Arten war die Dormanz bei alteren Samen geringer ausgepragt. Die okologische Bedeutung der Ergebnisse wird kurz besprochen und mit Unkrautern der gemassigten Zone verglichen.