Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body condition variation of wild rabbit population in the north-east Mediterranean island of Lemnos — Greece

Abstract. European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a widely distributed species with a multiple role in both environmental sustainability and local economy. In the current study we examine the body condition of the species in relation to habitat type, age, sex and seasonality on the island of Lemnos. Body condition was assessed based on a visual estimation of the amount of abdominal fat. A high intra-annual variation in the body condition of the species has been observed, which is further affected by sex and age. The species appears to conserve and maintain high levels of energy reserves for two main reasons. The first is to ensure a better reproductive success, as expressed by the relatively high amount of stored fat reserves at the onset of breeding season, and their depletion during it. The second is to ensure survival during periods where the shortage of food creates a rather hostile environment, as expressed by the increased level of reserves during summer and their dramatic decrease from late summer until autumn. The temporal fluctuation in energy reserves differs between male and female rabbits, reflecting their temporally different energy demands. Further, differences in body conditions were observed between juvenile and adult individuals, reflecting their different needs in terms of body growth and maintenance. Our results could offer important insights for the development of a time specific management plan and measures to ensure either the control of the population or its conservation.
Carbon cycling and calcification in hypersaline microbial mats

The benthic microbial mat community of the only permanent hypersaline natural inland lake of Western Europe, ‘La Salada de Chiprana’, north-eastern Spain, was structurally and functionally analysed. The ionic composition of the lake water is characterised by high concentrations of magnesium and sulphate, which were 0.35 M and 0.5 M, respectively at the time of sampling while the total salinity was 78 g l. Community composition was analysed by microscopy, HPLC pigment analyses and by studying culturable bacteria from different functional groups. Therefore, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was applied on most-probablenumber (MPN) dilution cultures. Microscopy revealed that a thin layer of Chloroflexus-like bacteria overlaid various cyanobacteria-dominated layers each characterised by different morphotypes. DGGE analysis of MPN dilution cultures from distinct mat layers showed that various phylotypes of anoxygenic phototrophic-, aerobic heterotrophic-, colourless sulphur-, and sulphate-reducing bacteria were present. The mats were furthermore functionally studied and attention was focussed on the relationship between oxygenic primary production and the flow of carbon through the microbial community. Microsensor techniques, pore waterand sediment photopigment analysis were applied in order to estimate oxygenic photosynthetic rates, daily dynamics of (in)organic carbon pore water concentration and migration behaviour of phototrophs. Chiprana microbial mats produced dissolved organic carbon (DOC) both during the day and night. It was estimated that 14% of the mats gross photosynthetic production and 49% of the mats net photosynthetic production diffused out of the mat in the form low molecular weight fatty acids, although these compounds made up only 2% of the total DOC pool. The high flux of dissolved fatty acids from the microbial mat to the water column may explain why in this system
Vocal performance is a salient signal for male–male competition in White-crowned Sparrows

ABSTRACT Vocal communication in songbirds is important for aggressive signaling, such that an honest signal allows receivers to assess a competitor's qualities. One aspect of song that conspecifics may assess is vocal performance. An example of vocal performance is how well an individual performs the trade-off between trill rate and bandwidth in production of repeated notes. This type of vocal performance (vocal deviation) is thought to be an honest signal because a male's ability to maximize both bandwidth and trill rate is limited by motor constraints on sound modification. Further, how well a male can repeat this trade-off may provide receivers with information about the signaler, and a male's own level of vocal performance can affect the strength of response to high-performance songs. We tested whether males assess each other based on vocal performance in an important model species, the White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). We show that male White-crowned Sparrows respond more strongly to high-performance songs than to lower-performance songs in 2 different locations, supporting the hypothesis that males utilize vocal performance to assess competitors. We also provide initial evidence that vocal performance varies among males and is repeatable within individuals.
Saxitoxin Level Comparation in Bali Sardine (Sardinella Lemuru) in Bali Strait in Different Monsoons

Sardinella fish ( Sardinella lemuru ) is a species of important pelagic fish from the family of Clupeidae found in Bali Strait. The dynamic condition of Bali Strait makes it fertile which is identical with plankton blooming. The objective of this research was to understand the potential of saxitoxin in sardinella fish because of dinoflagellates consumption in Bali Strait. The research was conducted in Southeast Monsoon (June - August 2015) and Northwest Monsoon (December 2015 – February 2016). The method used was in situ plankton sampling, counting and ELISA test to determine the level of saxitoxin in the fish. Hydro-oceanographic parameters measured were temperatures, salinity, DO (dissolved oxygen), pH level, phosphate level, nitrate level and transparency. They showed average optimum value for phytoplankton growth especially during Southeast Monsoon which its temperature lower and the nutrients (phosphate nitrate) higher than the Northwest Monsoon. This condition caused high richness of phytoplankton in the water and followed with dinoflagellates richness so they accumulated in sardinella fish. It was supported by the analysis of the fish gastric which showed positive correlation between dinoflagellates richness in the water and the fish gastric. ELISA test also showed that saxitoxin level of fish caught in Southeast Monsoon was higher than the one caught in Northwest Monsoon even though the level of saxitoxin was still in the safe range (less than 80 μg STXeq. per 100 g) but the danger of saxitoxin accumulation should be watched out for.
Factors Affecting the Efficacy of Commercial Post-harvest Washing of Fresh-cut Leafy Greens and the Dynamics of Microbial Populations within a Commercial Wash Process

Factors Affecting the Efficacy of Commercial Post-harvest Washing of Fresh-cut Leafy Greens and the Dynamics of Microbial Populations within a Commercial Wash Process Hamed Zahedi Advisor: University of Guelph, 2013 Professor Keith Warriner Produce washing remains a key intervention despite only achieving a 1-2 log reduction and potential for cross-contamination. Our objectives were to establish the wash water parameters that impact on the efficacy of washing leafy greens within commercial settings. Sampling visits were performed at two commercial fresh-cut processors with the microbial loading of raw material, prewash and post-wash product being determined. At the same time water quality parameters (bacterial loading, turbidity, conductivity, and temperature) were measured. Microbial community populations were evaluated using Eco-plates TM and 16S rDNA. From the multiple parameters tested, the LCR could be correlated to turbidity and ORP. Interestingly, the LCR was independent of microbial loading of the water yet increased levels correlated with cross-contamination events as observed using microbial population profiling. Washing of leafy greens is limited and alternative treatments should focus on how to minimize cross-contamination as opposed to focusing on log
Interaction of the nucleocapsid domain of the Human lmmunodeficiency Virus type-1 with the cellular protein Unr : implication in viral IRES dependent translation

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) nucleocapsid protein (NC), as a mature protein (NCp7) or as a domain of the polyprotein Gag, plays several important roles in both the early and late phase of the infection. NC is a nucleic acid chaperone protein with two zinc fingers. We searched for new cellular protein partners of NCp7 and identified the RNA binding protein Unr, Upstream of N-ras, whose interaction with both Gag and NCp7 was confirmed. Unr interaction with Gag is RNA dependent and mediated by its NC domain. Unr is an ITAF (IRES trans-acting factor) regulating the translation driven by several IRESs. The HIV-1 genomic mRNA harbors two IRESs elements: one of them found within the HIV-1 5’-Untranslated region drives HIV-1 mRNA translation when the cap-dependent translation is diminished due to the infection-induced cell cycle arrest. Using a dual luciferase assay, Unr was shown to act as an ITAF, increasing the HIV-1 IRES dependent translation. Point mutations of the HIV-1 IRES in a consensus Unr binding motif were found to alter both the IRES activity and its activation by Unr suggesting a strong dependency of the IRES on Unr. Unr stimulation effect is furthermore counteracted by NCp7, but not by Gag overexpression, which increases the IRES activity in an additive manner to Unr suggesting a differential Unr effect on the early and late phases of the infection. Finally, knockdown of Unr in HeLa cells leads to a decline in infection by a non-replicative lentivector proving its functional implication in the early phase.
Cytogenetic effects induced by the fungicide Royal Flo to maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract The present study investigates the cytogenetic effects of the fungicide Royal Flo on mitotic cell division in maize (Zea mays L.) root cells. The maize grains were treated with various fungicide concentrations (50, 70, and 80%) for 20, 24 and 48 h exposure times. The results obtained indicate that the fungicide Royal Flo had some cytogenetic effects, by reducing the mitotic index and inducing various cytologic and chromosomal anomalies. These effects manifested differently, their intensity being proportional to the concentration and exposure time. The most frequent chromosomal anomalies were bridges, fragments and binucleated cells, but sticky chromosomes, rings chromosomes and cells with a micronucleus have also been seen. This study proves that the fungicide Royal Flo, even when administered in smaller quantities than generally recommended, reduces the germination and the mitotic index of maize cells and induces a large number of chromosomal anomalies, which suggests its toxic, mutagenic potential. Consequently, we should identify the optimal concentrations for each agricultural species, so that the efficacy of the fungicide does not diminish and, at the same time, its cyto-genotoxic potential is kept low.
A spatially explicit definition of conservation priorities according to population resistance and resilience, species importance and level of threat in a changing climate

Human‐induced climate change requires conservation strategies incorporating its potential effects on species and communities. Key components of population persistence can be attributed to resistance (the capacity to remain unaffected) or resilience (capacity to absorb and recover) to climate change. In situ climatic refugia can act as resistant distribution units, and ex situ climatic refugia and the corridors to reach them may enhance resilience. We develop a novel approach selecting conservation priorities, resistant units and resilient areas according to structural connectivity and future distribution, to identify strategies that maximize the chances of species persistence in a changing climate.
Cultivars yielding ability in different Croatian environments

Information about cultivar yielding ability and some other important agronomic traits in trials over years and locations are valuable piece in precision farming puzzle, for breeders and producers booth. Consequently, with that aim field trials with seven cultivars of winter wheat (representing about 40% of production share in Croatia) were set up as RCB design with three repetitions and two seeding rates (600 kernels/m2-usual in production and 330 kernels/m2-reduced) at four different sites with specific environmental conditions. Precision information about grain yield, test weight and thousand kernel weight were obtained. Significant differences for all traits were found among cultivars (C), years (Y), environments (E) and seeding rates (SR) (except for test weight), as well as for interactions CxY, CxE, YxE and CxYxE, while interaction YxExSR significantly influenced test and thousand kernel weight. The highest average grain yields at 600 kernels/m2 seeding rate and test weights were realized at Osijek and Tovarnik, while Nova Gradiska was environment with the highest thousand kernel weight. The same trend among environments has been reached for all traits at 330 kernels/m2 seeding rate, but at the lower grain yield and at the higher thousand kernel weight level. The best results were realized in 2006. The most yielding cultivars in both seeding rates were Alka, Srpanjka and Panonka. Cultivars Super Zitarka and Janica showed the highest test weight, while Panonka and Super Zitarka had highest thousand kernel weight.
Antibodies to a merozoite surface protein promote multiple invasion of red blood cells by malaria parasites

SUMMARY The 40‐50 kDa merozoite surface antigen (MSA2) is a candidate molecule for use in a malaria vaccine. The gene for MSA2 from the 3D7 isolate ofPlasmodium falciparum was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into the bacterial expression vector pGEX-3X to obtain a fusion protein of MSA2 with Schistosoma japonicum glutathione S-transferase. The recombinant fusion protein was used to immunize rabbits. After four injections, the sera had Western blotting and immunofluorescence titres of 10 ‐6 . Immune sera, and immunoglobulin (Ig)G, F(ab) 0 2, F(ab) prepared from the immune sera, were assessed for their effects on the growth of 3D7 parasitesin vitro by microscopy and a [ 3 H]-hypoxanthine incorporation assay. The antibodies did not significantly inhibit red blood cell invasion and parasite growth when added to cultures as 10% v/v serum or as immunoglobulin preparations at concentrations up to 200 m gm l ‐1 . However, in the presence of IgG or F(ab) 0 2, but not F(ab), antibodies to MSA2, the proportions of red blood cells invaded by more than one merozoite increased significantly. Multiple invasion is attributed to merozoites cross-linked by bivalent antibodies, attaching to and subsequently invading the same red cell. These observations have a bearing on the evasion of host immune responses by the parasite and the use of full-length recombinant MSA2 protein in a malaria vaccine.
Bio-inspired solution for optimal adhesive performance

During their operation, modern aircraft engine components are subjected to increasingly demanding operating conditions, especially the high pressure turbine (HPT) blades. Such conditions cause these parts to undergo different types of time-dependent degradation, one of which is creep. A model using the finite element method (FEM) was developed, in order to be able to predict the creep behaviour of HPT blades. Flight data records (FDR) for a specific aircraft, provided by a commercial aviation company, were used to obtain thermal and mechanical data for three different flight cycles. In order to create the 3D model needed for the FEM analysis, a HPT blade scrap was scanned, and its chemical composition and material properties were obtained. The data that was gathered was fed into the FEM model and different simulations were run, first with a simplified 3D rectangular block shape, in order to better establish the model, and then with the real 3D mesh obtained from the blade scrap. The overall expected behaviour in terms of displacement was observed, in particular at the trailing edge of the blade. Therefore such a model can be useful in the goal of predicting turbine blade life, given a set of FDR data. © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Peer-review under responsibility of the Scientific Committee of PCF 2016.
The Effect of Drying Time on Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Latex ( NRL ) Film Filled with Nanocrystal Cellulose ( NCC ) from Corn Cobs Waste Using Dispersion Agent Polyvinylpyrrolidone ( PVP )

Vulcanisation shows how much the maturity process and can also be determined by the optimal time required for product. The longer of drying times can produce NRL films with the highest quality that can be commercialised to public. The purpose of this research was to determine the best time of drying time in producing NRL films filled with NCC from corn cobs using nano-sized filler prepared by strong acid hydrolysis, which had been dispersed in NRL compound. PVP is then employed as binder characterised by water binding properties and high biocompatibility. The production of NRL film begins with pre-vulcanization process that heated at 70 C, and followed by vulcanization process at 110 C for 10 and 20 minutes. The mechanical and morphological properties of NRL films had been analysed. The results showed that longer time with the addition of PVP had better NRL film. Keywords— natural rubber latex, nanocrystal cellulose, drying time, mechanical properties, morphological properties.
Serratia marcesens as a Pathogen in a Case of Diabetic Foot: A Case Report

A 61 year old male with history of Type 2 diabetes mellitus for the past 6 years with irregular treatment was admitted with a oneweek history of worsening lower right limb pain, ulcer with discharge of pus, erythema and reduced mobility. The patient was initially stable on admission but rapidly deteriorated. He was febrile at 38 o C and blood pressure dropped to 100/50 mmHg. He was tachycardic and tachypnoeic. His right foot was ulcerated, warm and tender with significant swelling in the right leg.
GPD1L is down-regulated by a three-microRNA signature in pancreatic cancer

Background: The prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is very poor and its underlying mechanism is far from clear. Many studies show that PDAC has distinct microRNA signatures, but their target genes remain largely unknown. Methods: Reproducible candidate microRNA signature of PDAC from three highly cited studies was measured in 20 pairs of PDAC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. The target genes of candidate microRNAs were predicted by miRDB and validated by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot and 3'UTR luciferase assay. The prognostic association of target gene was analyzed using PROGgeneV2 Database. The effects of target gene on tumor phenotypes were evaluated with MTT assay, clone formation assay and Annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay. Results: Among the 5-microRNA panel, an up-regulation of 3-microRNA signature (miR155, miR181a and miR221) was validated in PDAC samples. The prediction of miRDB showed that the 3-microRNA signature shared four target genes: CREBRF, GABRA1, GPD1L and REPS2. GPD1L was down-regulated in PDAC and associated with poorer prognosis in three independent datasets (GSE21501, GSE28735 and GSE71729). In two PDAC cell lines, the 3-microRNA signature inhibited GPD1L expression through binding its 3'UTR and GPD1L reduction promoted cell proliferation and clone formation, and inhibited apoptosis. Conclusions: GPD1L as a novel target gene for a 3-microRNA signature and GPD1L might be an important therapeutic target in PDAC.
Structure and Role of Chromatin Architecture in the Inactive X Chromosome

The significant impact of three-dimensional organization of chromatin on gene regulation is well known. Silencing of the inactive X chromosome (Xi) provides a unique opportunity to explore structural components of the silent chromatin. Structure of the Xi is still unknown due to technical limitations. Therefore, I used superior imaging capabilities of electron spectroscopic imaging. I have shown that chromatin within the Xi, despite the fact that it is silenced, is not nearly as compact as constitutive heterochromatin. My data indicate a significant contribution of 10 nm fibers and ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) within the territory. I also found H3K27me3 is not uniformly distributed throughout the chromosome which is indicative of possible subdomains. These results show that silencing does not necessarily imply high levels of chromatin compaction, the generally accepted view. This knowledge will shed light on the structural requirements for the function of other facultative heterochromatin domains in
Case Report Renal angiomyolipoma with epithelial cysts: report of a rare cystic variant of angiomyolipoma and review of the literature

Angiomyolipoma with epithelial cysts (AMLEC), or cystic AML, is a recently characterized, distinctive cystic subtype of AML of the kidney. To date, less than two dozen of such case have been reported. Herein, we reported a prototypical case of AMLEC occurring in a 41-year-old female patient who presented with left low back pain for one month. Abdominal computed tomograph scan demonstrated a well-demarcated, 2.5-cm complex cystic mass in the mid-pole of left kidney which abutted renal capsule and protruded into perirenal fat. Laparoscopic tumorectomy was performed. Histologically, the tumor was composed of three components. The first component was multiple cysts lined by cuboidal to columnar epithelial cells. The second component was a compact layer of subepithelial "cambium-like" condensation composed of short-spindled to small round stromal cells. The third component was a thick exterior wall of plump smooth muscle cells that arranged in poorly formed fascicles, appearing to emanate from thick-walled, dysplastic blood vessels. Immunohistochemically, the subepithelial stromal cells showed strong and diffuse reactivity to antibodies against HMB45, melan A and CD10, and patchy reaction to antibodies against smooth muscle actin (SMA) and desmin. The exterior smooth muscle cells strongly and diffusely expressed SMA and desmin and occasionally expressed HMB45, melan-A and CD10. Both subepithelial stroma and exterior smooth muscle cells showed strong and diffuse nuclear labeling for ER and PR. The epithelium lining the cystic spaces la- beled strongly with PAX8, AE1/AE3 and CK7, but not with melanocytic markers or hormone receptors. The patient has been alive with no evidence of disease for 8 months postoperatively. We summarize the clinicopathologic fea- tures of this usual variant of AML with an emphasis on differential diagnosis based on literature review.