Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survival strategies of the human respiratory tract pathogen Haemophilus influenzae

Haemophilus influenzae is an important respiratory tract pathogen responsible for a variety of infections in humans. Encapsulated H. influenzae belongs to one of six serotypes (a-f), of which type b is the most virulent one causing serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases (e.g., epiglottitis, septicaemia and meningitis). In contrast, non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi) accounts for the majority of local and upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The pathogenesis of many microorganisms relies on the capacity of pathogens to avoid, resist or neutralise the host defence including the complement system. We demonstrate that H. influenzae interferes with both the classical/lectin and alternative pathways of the complement system. NTHi binds C4BP, the inhibitor of the classical pathway, and the majority of the H. influenzae tested bound factor H, the inhibitor of the alternative pathway. Importantly, the capacity to bind C4BP and factor H appears to render the bacteria more resistant to serum mediated killing. Furthermore, both C4BP and factor H bound to the surface of H. influenzae retains its cofactor activity as determined by analysis of C4b and/or C3b degradation. In addition to interacting with the classical/lectin and alternative pathways, we demonstrate that Haemophilus surface fibrils (Hsf), which is expressed by encapsulated H. influenzae, binds vitronectin, a regulator of the terminal pathway of the complement system. Mapping of the membrane bound Hsf with gold-labelled specific antibodies in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a double-folded 100 nm long fibrillar structure. Using a series of mutants, we showed that when the C-terminal translocator domain was inactivated, Hsf was not translocated to the bacterial surface. Interestingly, we also show that outer membrane vesicles (OMV) secreted by the bacteria carry Hsf, and that Hsf is secreted into the extracellular milieu. IgD-binding is another important feature of encapsulated H. influenzae type b. By using a series of different IgD chimeric proteins, the site on the IgD molecule responsible for the interaction with H. influenzae was characterised. The binding site was localised to the CH1 region of IgD. In summary, H. influenzae binds C4BP, factor H and vitronectin, which are regulators of the complement system. The interaction between H. influenzae and these regulators protects the bacteria and makes them more resistant to the bactericidal activity of human serum. Finally, H. influenzae type b binds human IgD. (Less)
Experimental and Numerical Study of Closed Loop Solar Chimney Assisted with PCM and CFM as Thermal Energy Storage Collector

In this work, a test room was built in Baghdad city, with selective dimensions, while the solar chimneys (SC) where designed with aspect ratio (ar) bigger than 12 and setup to the oriented wall to the south. Collector of SC consist of paraffin wax as a phase change material (PCM) and supported by copper foam matrix (CFM), to enhance the combined of thermal energy storage material box (TESMB). Double transparent acrylic sheets covered the collector from outside. TESB supported by array of evacuated tubular collector with thermosyphon to sincere heat storage in the TESB. Results of experimental work that achieved in 25 January and 26 February refer to effectiveness using TESM in closed loop SC in day time and its effect cover the night time also. The heating system of test room is arrived to the biggest room temperature after sun set, at that moment the difference between indoor and outdoor approximately 15 o C, and room temperature value still bigger after five hours from sun- set with a different in temperature by approximately 8 o C. Numerical solution done by employing CFD with solution the PDE’s that present continuity, momentum, energy equations, by using the FVM with algebraic forms of turbulent viscosity and diffusion coefficient and employing turbulent standard model. The comparison between numerical and experimental results indicated that the heat transfer inside test room is dominate by condition, also results shows acceptable convergence in velocity and temperature profile, while the experimental results for air flow inside SC gap appears the turbulent behavior in most duration time.
Componentes químicos y biomasa de Ulva fasciata (Chlorophyta) en la costa Norte de la Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el porcentaje de los componentes quimicos (proteinas, carbohidratos, fibra, lipidos, cenizas y la relacion proteina:carbohidratos) y la biomasa de Ulva fasciata Delile (Chlorophyta), en un sector de la costa Norte de la Ciudad de La Habana entre los rios Quibu y Jaimanitas. Se evaluo la variacion espacial y temporal de los componentes entre mayo de 1998 y julio de 1999 y la biomasa entre febrero de 1999 y enero del 2001. Se escogieron para realizar los muestreos tres zonas con caracteristicas distintas en cuanto a la proteccion al oleaje y el aporte de nutrientes procedentes de ambos rios, dos de ellas cercanas a la desembocadura de estos rios y otra zona intermedia. Los resultados obtenidos confirmaron los cambios en los componentes y la biomasa de Ulva fasciata en diferentes zonas y meses del ano. En general, las zonas cercanas a estos rios acumulan mas biomasa y mayor concentracion de compuestos que en la zona mas alejada. Los componentes quimicos oscilaron: Rio Quibu: proteinas: 7.81-16.64 %, carbohidratos: 7.76-13.16 %, fibra: 0.46-5.05 % y cenizas 18.02-34.29 %. Rio Jaimanitas: proteinas: 10.08-15.85 %, carbohidratos: 10.64-13.31 %, fibra: 0.75-8.87 % y cenizas 20.35-63.29 %; y la Zona Central: proteinas: 3.80-11.80 %; carbohidratos: 11.41-16.07 %, fibra: 0.39-4.50 % y cenizas: 25.59-33.12%. Cerca del rio Quibu, la biomasa oscilo entre 5.86 g.m-2 y 707.2 g.m-2; cerca del rio Jaimanitas entre 0 g.m-2- 454.02 g.m-2 y la zona central entre 0 g.m-2 y 266.56 g.m-2. Se acumulo mayor biomasa en marzo (53.44-707.20 g.m2) y septiembre fue el mes de menor cuantificacion (0-19.73 g.m2).
Detection of Egg Production of Tegal Duck by Blood Protein Polymorphism

The aim of this research was to study the effect of transfferine, albumine, and haemoglobine loci to egg production characteristic of Tegal duck. 100 lying of Tegal ducks keeping by batteray-pen were used in this study. Individual egg production was recorded until period of 120 days. Blood protein polymorphism analysed by electrophoresis method, and blood sample taken from each ducks. Egg production and transfferine albumine, and haemoglobine phenotipe on electrophoresis gel were observed in this study. Genotipe and gene frequencies and genetic variant were applied in data analysis. The result showed that (1) in the transferine locus were identified 3 aleles forming 4 genotipes (Tf AA ,Tf AB , Tf BB , and Tf BC ), (2) in albumine were identified 3 aleles forming 5 genotipes (Alb AA , Alb AB , Alb AC , Alb BB and Alb BC ) and (3) haemoglobine locus were identified 6 aleles forming 4 genotipes ((Hb AA , Hb AB , Hb AC , Hb BB , Hb BC dan Hb CC ). This study demostrated that B gene frequenci in transfferine, albumine and haemoglonine loci was highest than A and C gene frequency. Tegal Duck with AA genotipe on all loci had higher egg production than BB and CC homozigote. This research revealed that the most efective of selection method by haemoglobine protein polymorphism. (Animal Production 10(2): 122-128 (2008) Key Words : Tegal duck, egg production, selection, blood protein polymorphism
A new interpretation of the structure of the megaspore membrane in some gymnospermous ovules

SUMMARY A light and electron microscope investigation of the tapetum during stages in the ontogeny of a variety of gymnospermous ovules reveals that eventually this tissue degenerates and forms a thick acetolysis-resistant membrane (the tapetal membrane) between the embryo sac and the nucellus. This membrane is not considered part of the megaspore membrane in the sense that that term is used in free-sporing heterosporous plants. In the mature ovules of the genera investigated the true megaspore membrane is present as a thin, acetolysis-proof membrane closely associated with the peripheral prothallial cells and internal to the thicker tapetal membrane. This megaspore membrane can be related to a somewhat more elaborate structure that is present at the earlier stages of development. There is strong evidence to suggest that the events in the tapetum of the ovule are to some extent paralleled in the tapetum of the pollen sac.
Assessment of extreme productivity of microalgae cultivated in the open air around neighborhoods of Isfahan city

The widespread use of microalgae in various fields of human activity including fishery generated a need of highly productive technologies of industrial production of microalgae biomass. In present paper, extreme productivity values of microalgae culturing system were assessed around neighborhoods of the Isfahan City in theory. It will amount to 37.90 g of dry weight (g. d. w.) per 1 m 2 of the illuminated reactor surface under condition that efficiency factor of photobiosynthesis equals to 5%. When photobiosynthetic efficiency is 15%, maximum values of productivity will be 113.71 g. d. w. per 1 m 2 . Productivity of microalgae culturing system for its various orientations relative to the Sun at different photobiosynthetic efficiency was calculated on basis of simple model understandings regarding average caloric content of 1 g.d. w. of microalgae and the daily distribution of solar radiation which arrives at the surface of the Earth. If it is drown a curve of the third order (spline) through the points corresponding to days of the vernal (21 March) and autumnal (21 September) equinoxes and a summer solstice (22 June), the extreme (ideal) value of the yield will be 18.5 kg of dry biomass per square meter of illuminated surface (at photobiosynthetic efficiency of 0.15).
Light environment alters response to ozone stress in seedlings of Acer saccharum Marsh, and hybrid Populus L. II. Diagnostic gas exchange and leaf chemistry

SUMMARY Diagnostic gas exchange measurements and foliar chemical assays were conducted on hybrid poplar {Populus tristis Fisch. X P. balsamifera L. cv. Tristis) and sugar maple {Acer saccharum Marsh. ) seedlings grown under contrasting light and ozone treatments. Seedlings were grown in low irradiance {c. 25 mol m~^ d~') and six-fold greater irradiance (c. 16-6 mol m"^ d^') in combination with low (< 10 nl T') and elevated (99-115 nl T') ozone. Analysis of light response curves showed ozone-induced reductions in photosynthetic capacity and quantum yield for unshaded poplar and shaded sugar maple, but not the contrasting light treatments. Photosynthesis at saturating COj concentrations was decreased in the elevated ozone treatment in both the unshaded and shaded poplar and in shaded sugar maple. Poplar had significant reductions in chlorophyll concentration due to ozone exposure in both unshaded and shaded treatments. Older leaves of unshaded poplar plants had significantly greater reductions in chlorophyll levels due to ozone than older leaves of shaded plants. In maple, only shade-grown leaves had significant decreases in chlorophyll concentration due to ozone exposure. The diagnostic gas exchange measurements in conjunction with chlorophyll measurements indicate that in hybrid poplar, unshaded leaves may be more sensitive to ozone than shade leaves, while in sugar maple, shade leaves are more sensitive to ozone. For hybrid poplar a decrease in photosynthetic capacity, quantum yield and chlorophyll concentration in the unshaded, moderately high light environment due to elevated ozone is consistent with prior studies. The results indicating that sugar maple seedlings may be more detrimentally affected by elevated ozone in the lower light environment may have serious implications for this and other shade-adapted species with respect to their performance in an understorey environment.
Genetic diversity of nectar‐rewarding Platanthera chlorantha and nectarless Cephalanthera rubra

We examined the genetic diversity of two orchid species, the nectar-rewarding Platanthera chlorantha and the nectarless Cephalanthera rubra, in north-eastern Poland. We found lower differences in genetic diversity between the species than we expected. The level of genetic variation at species level was lower in C. rubra (PPOL = 14%, A = 1.14 and HE = 0.060) than in P. chlorantha (PPOL = 25.5%, A = 1.35 and HE = 0.078). In the majority of populations of both species a high proportion of unique genotypes was noted. The overall FST values for all populations were moderate and similar for both species (P. chlorantha: 0.251, P 0.05, Mantel test). We discuss the breeding systems, small population size and population subdivision as the most important factors affecting the genetic diversity of this species. We suggest that conservation programmes should be initiated to maintain or even increase the fitness and genetic variation of populations of both species. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 171, 751–763.
Kinetics and distribution of the β‐adrenergic agonist salbutamol in rat brain

The kinetics of the β‐adrenergic agonist salbutamol and its distribution in the central nervous system were examined in rats by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. After 10 mg kg−1 i.v. salbutamol, the decline in drug plasma concentrations was biphasic and salbutamol was cleare every rapidly with a β‐half‐life of about 37 min. Salbutamol rapidly penetrated the ‘blood‐brain barrier’ and reached brain concentrations amounting to about 5% of the plasma concentrations. In structures outside the blood‐brain barrier (pineal and pituitary glands) the drug achieved concentrations more than 100 times those in whole brain. The results support the hypothesis that stimulation of central β‐adrenergic sites is responsible for salbutamol's pharmacological and biochemical effects.
Picoplankton and Picophytoplankton in the Ligurian Sea and Straits of Messina (Mediterranean Sea)

The vertical distribution of picoplankton and of picophytoplankton in two areas of the Mediterranean Sea was studied by direct counts. Living picoplanktonic cells were counted using nalidixic acid. The epifluorescence technique was used to determine the viable picoplanktonic cells (using DAPI as fluorochrome). Viable picoplanktonic cells were present down to 1200 metres and were more concentrated in the surface layer (3.2×10 8 cell L −1 ) of the Ligurian Sea but more uniformly distributed in the more turbulent waters of the Straits of Messina. Otherwise no consistent correlation of picoplankton numbers with physical or chemical conditions was found
Establishment of plant regeneration system in Erianthus arundinaceus (Retz.) Jeswiet, a potential biomass crop.

Erianthus arundinaceus (Retz.) Jeswiet is regarded as one of the most promising biomass crops because of its high-yield biomass and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. We investigated the frequencies of callus formation from seeds and leaf sheaths of E. arundinaceus under 25 culture conditions containing various concentrations and combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzyladenine (BA). Callus formation from seeds was significantly affected by 2,4-D but not by BA. BA markedly inhibited callus formation from leaf sheaths, indicating that the pattern of the callus formation frequency in the tested media differed depending on the explant types. We showed that media containing 4.0 or 6.0 mg L−1 2,4-D effectively produced callus from both explants; medium containing 2.0 mg L−1 2,4-D was shown to be preferred for callus maintenance among the five tested subculture media. Plants were successfully regenerated on a hormone-free Murashige and Skoog medium, subsequently acclimatized and transplanted to an experimental field. To evaluate the genetic variability of the regenerated plants, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed in 31 regenerated plants with 17 primers. The result showed very few genetic changes among the regenerated plants in RAPD analysis. The present study demonstrated the establishment of the callus induction and plant regeneration system using seeds and leaf sheaths in E. arundinaceus, which contributed to the development of genetic engineering techniques for crop improvement.
Cytoplasmic male sterility in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.): female fertility of restored rapeseed with "Ogura" and cybrids cytoplasms

The study of Brassica napus L. plants carrying restorer genes introgressed from radish (Raphanus sativus L.) showed that these genes ensured restoration of male fertility in rapeseed for all the male sterility-inducing cytoplasm studied, i.e., "Ogura"-type cytoplasm and that of four cybrids obtained by protoplast fusion. Plants with high levels of restored male fertility were obtained. However, the introduction of restorer genes was accompanied by a large decrease in seed set. Observations of embryo sacs inside the ovules and correlation between number of seeds per pod and percentage of octonucleate embryo sacs indicated that low seed set could be attributed to a high rate of embryo sac abortion, mainly at the uninucleate stage. Introduction of too much radish genetic information was assumed to be the cause of this low female fertility. Female fertility must be improved before the restored material can be used for F1 hybrid rapeseed production.Key words: Brassica napus, Raphanus sativus, cytoplasmic male .
On the Homology of certain elements in the Skull of Bufo regularis Reuss (Salientia).

Summary. 1 A centre of ossification is described for the first time in the auditory region of Bufo regularis Reuss. A similar one is present in Calyptocephalus gayi (Reinbach, 1939), where it was identified as “supratemporal”. 2 This centre has been homologized here with the postfrontal bone present in Apoda and in the Miobatrachidae. 3 Since the postfrontal of one side fuses with the corresponding squamosal towards the end of metamorphosis, the name “postfronto-squamosal” is introduced. 4 The development of the so-called fronto-parietal is followed in three species of Salientia, which were not examined by Eaton. It is found that this bone develops from one centre of ossification in all cases. 5 After comparison with fossil forms it is concluded that it must be regarded as a frontal only.
Notes on Orchymontia Broun (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae)

Orchymontia calcarata Ordish (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae) from New Zealand is redescribed and compared with O. laminifera Ordish.The aedeagus, spicula and male sternite X of O. calcarata are illustrated. The female pygidial sclerites of Orchymontia are described and illustrated for the first time. Examination of the paratypes of O. calcarata revealed that one of them belongs to O. laminifera.
Foliar- and Fruit-applied Strontium as a Tracer for Calcium Transport in Apple Trees

Application of calcium (Ca) sprays is a recommended practice to reduce the inci- dence of Ca-related disorders such as bitter pit in apple (Malus ×domestica), but effectiveness of sprays to increase Ca concentrations in the fruit is not always consistent. Strontium (Sr) has been used as a Ca analog to evaluate Ca transport processes and distribution in plants. A fi eld study was conducted using foliar- and fruit-applied Sr as a tracer for Ca transport in 20-year-old 'Honeycrisp' apple trees on Malling.26 (M.26) rootstock. The objectives of this study were to 1) measure the amount of Sr translocation from leaves to fruit, 2) deter- mine the effectiveness of eight sprays applied over the growing season vs. four late-season sprays on increasing Sr concentrations in leaves and fruit, and 3) evaluate the effect of an experimental adjuvant consisting of alkyl-polysaccharides and monosaccharides on spray effi cacy. Seven treatments were tested, which included a control and six Sr treatments ap- plied in various combinations with or without an adjuvant. Trees were sprayed four or eight times during the growing season, either directly to leaves and fruit or to leaves only (fruit covered during application). Spray treatments did not signifi cantly affect total fruit fresh or dry weight. Although some discrimination between Ca and Sr was detected, the similar distribution of Ca and Sr in fruit tissue of control treatments suggested that Sr is a suitable tracer for Ca. Based on the covered vs. uncovered fruit treatments, about 11% to 17% of the Sr in the fruit came from Sr applied directly to the leaves. Eight spray applications over the growing season more than doubled both the concentration and content of fruit Sr compared with four late season sprays. The tested adjuvant doubled Sr absorption by and translocation to fruit compared with not using an adjuvant. Assuming similar transport for Ca and Sr, and adjusting for the atomic weight of Ca relative to Sr, the maximum increase in fruit Ca concentration at harvest from foliar and fruit applications (eight sprays with adjuvant and uncovered fruit) would have been as follows: core = 78 mg·kg -1 ; fl esh = 35 mg·kg -1 ; peel = 195 mg·kg -1 ; entire fruit = 67 mg·kg -1 . In addition to being an underused tool for studying Ca transport patterns, the results also suggest that use of Sr may be a novel technique for testing the effi cacy of various adjuvants used to enhance uptake and transport of Ca in leaves and fruit. Quality and storability of apple fruit are often strongly associated with levels of Ca in
Studies on the crop losses in rice caused by the white‐backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera) and the economic injury level in India

Abstract The percentage loss of paddy rice caused by artificial infestation by Sogatella furcifera (Horv.) in cages at levels between 15 and 200 insects per rice hill for different periods at different growth stages was measured. At the lowest population level of 15 insects per hill, 13–17% loss occurred after 60–120 days exposure at 15 d.a. t. , 11–12% loss after 15–45 days exposure before tillering (42 d.a.t.), 18–37% loss after 15–60 days exposure at boot stage (62 d.a.t.) and 17–19% loss after 15–45 days exposure at earhead stage (104 d.a.t.). The benefit: cost ratios were all above 1, suggesting that both the economic injury levels and economic thresholds were at or below 15 insects per hill for these exposure periods at these growth stages of rice. Therefore, insecticide should be applied before populations reach the level of 15 insects per hill at any growth stage of the crop.
Phosphinic acid analogues of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Synthesis of a new radioligand

The synthesis of a new radioligand, which binds with high selectivity and affinity (KD = 7.4 nM) to the GABA-B receptor, is described. A Wittig-Horner approach was employed to prepare an unsaturated protected intermediate (6), suitable for tritiation and deprotection.
Life cycle of the cereal aphid Sitobion avenae F.: polymorphism and comparison of life history traits associated with sexuality

1. Clones of Sitobion avenae from the west of France exhibited four types of responses in growth chambers to short days and low temperatures: in addition to permanently parthenogenetic clones (anholocyclic) and clones producing both males and parthenogenetic females (androcyclic), lineages producing both mating females and males were categorized into holocyclic and intermediate types, the latter investing into both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction.