Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High impact of low-trophic-position invaders: nonnative grazers alter the quality and quantity of basal food resources

Low-trophic-position animals, such as herbivorous and detritivorous fishes, mollusks, and crustaceans, have been introduced and become established in aquatic ecosystems throughout the globe. After introduction, they have the potential to change community structure and ecosystem processes fundamentally. Armored catfishes (Siluriformes:Loricariidae) are grazing fishes that have an extensive nonnative distribution. High population densities of nonnative loricariids have been linked to the decline of freshwater fisheries in invaded habitats, but the mechanisms underlying declines are poorly understood. We coupled the results of 2 loricariid exclosure experiments with a comparison of invaded and uninvaded sites to measure the effects of loricariids on the quantity and quality of food resources in a tropical stream. Loricariid grazing reduced the standing stock of benthic organic matter and algal biomass in experimental manipulations and in the site comparison. Moreover, grazing by loricariids significantly altered the stoichiometry and the total amount of C, N, and P stored in the epilithon. The effects on P were particularly strong. Our results indicate that high densities of low-trophic-position invaders can significantly reduce the quality and the quantity of food resources in invaded systems. In particular, our findings provide evidence that the invasion of a P-rich grazer in a P-limited system has the potential to reduce P availability for other consumers.
cDNA cloning of oyster matrix metalloproteinase and its possible involvement in hypoxic adaptation

: We have cloned a cDNA encoding the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) from oyster Crassostrea gigas. The clone contains a 1797 bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 599 amino acids. Oyster MMP (Cg-MMP) has a transmembrane domain at its C-terminal and a furin/prohormone convertase cleavage site at the end of a propeptide domain, which are commonly observed in membrane-type MMPs (MT-MMPs). This suggests that Cg-MMP is an MT-MMP. The deduced amino acid sequence of oyster MMP shares approximately 30% identity with human MT4-MMP and MMPs from fruit fly and hydra. Cg-MMP mRNA was detected in the gill, mantle and adductor muscle, and more intense signals in the northern blot analysis were recognized in the gill and adductor muscle. Similar tissue distribution was observed for tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (Cg-TIMP) in oyster. In response to hypoxic stress, the abundance of Cg-MMP mRNA was elevated in the gill, while that of Cg-TIMP mRNA remained almost constant. These findings suggest that promotion of collagen metabolism may be implicated in the hypoxic adaptation in oyster.
ABLYNX ANNOUNCES INTERIM RESULTS OF FIRST NANOBODY PHASE I STUDY OF ALX-0081 (ANTI-VWF)

About ALX-0081 Through its novel, highly selective mode of action, ALX-0081 is intended to prevent arterial thrombosis, without interfering with the desired haemostatis (wound healing) in the patient which results in less bleeding complications. Pre-clinical in vivo studies confirmed Ablynx’s belief that ALX-0081 has unique potential to set a new standard in anti-thrombotic therapy based on its immediate onset of action, its high potency and significantly improved safety compared to the currently marketed therapies in the form of significantly reduced bleeding complications. Ablynx has demonstrated a large therapeutic window for ALX-0081 based on the high efficacy and low bleeding demonstrated in primate studies, indicating a highly attractive drug profile.
Design and Delivery of Small RNAs for RNAi Technology

The vast efforts of biologists from diverse fields have contributed a wealth of information on the various aspects of small RNA-guided gene silencing mechanisms. The studies quickly begot the RNAi technology as a powerful tool to modulate gene expression in animals and plants. This has been used for affecting specific parts of complex and interactive biological pathways across species to understand gene functions as well as develop strategies for therapeutic applications and crop improvements. In this article, we mainly review the importance of design and delivery of small RNAs in the silencing technology with a focus on the principles and improvements in the field. A section briefly describing the applications of RNAi in medicine, veterinary science and agriculture follows the main section. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The dietary and therapeutic properties of Camel and human milks

Camel and human milk samples (twenty individuals’ samples each) were analysed for fat, total protein (casein, whey protein), lactose, minerals as well as vitamins; B 1 , B 2 , niacin and C. Meanwhile, amino and fatty acid compositions and, antimicrobial factors namely; lysozyme (LZ), lactoferrin (LF) and total immunoglobulins (Igs) were determined. Results indicated that camel milk contained higher fat, protein (especially casein), ash, Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Fe, and Cu but lower in whey protein, lactose and Zn than human milk. Vitamins C and niacin were higher in camel milk than human milk. Camel milk proteins contained satisfactory balance of essential amino acids. The ratio of essential to non-essential amino acids was 0.93 and 1.07 in camel and human milk proteins, respectively. Camel milk was characterized by higher ratio of Igs but lower in both LZ and LF than human milk. General pattern of camel milk fatty acids indicated that short chain fatty acids (C 4 –C 12 ) were present in very small amount, but higher than in human milk fat. On the contrary the concentration of C 14:0 , C 16:1 and C 18:0 are relatively high in camel’s milk fat as compared to human milk fat. Appreciable amounts of essential fatty acids were present in camel milk. It can be concluded that camel milk can be considered as a good food of high nutritive and therapeutic applications. Meanwhile, the high content of antimicrobial agents in camel milk may explain its potential as an antiviral activity specially against diarrhea-causing viruses.
Nutritional Challenges and Health Implications of Trans-Fat in Fast and Traditional Foods in Oman

This study was designed to evaluate the nutritional characteristics of certain fast and trans fatty acid (TFAs) content. Eleven fast foods (Fried Chicken Meal One, Fired Chicken Meal Two, Pizza meal One, Pizza Meal Two, Meat Burger Meal One, Chicken Burger Meal, Meat Burger Meal Two, Cheese Burger Meal, Meat Burger Meal Three, Meat Sandwich Meal, and Chicken Sandwich Meal) and three traditional foods (Harees, Shuwa, and Korose) were used. Five replicates from each fast foods were purchased from takeaway food suppliers, while the traditional foods provided from different Omani families. All the foods were dried separately using a thermo freeze dryer for 5 days, then grinded. The protein, fat, ash, salt contents of each sample was determined. Fatty acids were quantified according to standard methods using gas chromatography. Although, significant differences in nutritional values between the selected foods used, high fat content with fast foods ranged from 10.96 to 28.01% and those of traditional foods ranged from 8.35 to 36.23% were the most common features found. The most common SFAs was myristic acid (C14:00) with a range from 3.28 to 47.3 g/100g and from 13.7 to 43.2 g/100 g for fast and traditional food samples, respectively. TFAs constitute almost 37% to 93% and 46% to 74% of total fatty acids of fast and traditional food samples, respectively. The most common TFA in fast and traditional foods was linolenic acid (C18:3w3) followed by Oleic acid (C18:1w9). This study showed high TFAs contents in fast and traditional foods consumed and which are much higher than the recommended amounts by dietary guidelines.
The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE WINDOW LENGTH FOR ESTIMATING PHYSICAL DENSITIES

This paper focuses on the estimation of physical densities using historical returns of index prices. Specifically, we suggest using a kernel estimator for estimating the objective densities and Berkowitz test for determining the appropriate window length. We apply the proposed methodology to Romanian BET Index data. The test manages to capture the jump in the data and a recommendation is done with respect to the length of the window to be used in the estimation procedure.
Evaluation Semen Characterization of Roosters Resulted from Different Local Lines and Their Crosses with ISA Brown

This study conducted at Gardarash station, College of Agriculture in collaboration Directorate of Agricultural Research–Erbil during June and July, 2014. A total of 92 roosters were belongs to three local lines and their main and reciprocal crosses with ISA brown. The semen collected with abdominal massage technique into tube maintained at 38-39C. Volume, pH and colour score of the semen were recorded. The wave patterns, individual motility, percentages of live/dead and abnormal/normal sperms were evaluated by using Eosin/Nigrosine stains under light microscope. Length and width of wattles were measured using Digital Caliper while the colour of wattles score recorded visually. SAS program used to study the effect of genetic groups and age of roosters on studied traits. The above traits were reanalyzed to study their affects by colour of semen and by colour of wattles. Duncan Multiple Range Test conducted to diagnosing the significance differences between the means of the levels of each factor. Correlation coefficients among the studied traits were calculated. Overall mean of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, live sperms, abnormal sperms, mass motility, individual motility and pH value were 0.369 (ml), 4.47 (n*10)/ml, 91.35%, 12.01%, 68.40%, 75.60% and 7.12 respectively. There were significant differences among genetic groups in ejaculated volume, sperm concentration, abnormal sperm%, mass motility% and individual motility% only. Effect of age of roosters was significant on mass and individual motility only. Higher negative and significant correlation was between abnormal sperm with live sperm (-0.49), while the higher positive and significant correlation was between mass motility and individual motility (0.95). Overall means of wattle length and width were 55.61 and 46.46 (mm) respectively. The genetic group (local black with brown neck) excelled the other pure and crossed genetic groups significantly in their wattle length and width. Effect of age of roosters found to be not significant on both traits. The correlation between length and width of the wattles was highly significant (0.79). Roosters with creamy semen was significantly better than roosters with watery semen in ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, abnormal sperms and mass motility, while the roosters with milky semen had moderate values. The differences in all semen parameters according to the colour of wattles were not significant. Roosters having brown wattles had significantly greater length and width comparing with those having redden white wattles. Conclusion: The semen parameters must be evaluated individually. The results obtained from this study will help to do some further researches on freezing of semen roosters and artificial insemination. Key-Words: Poultry Genetic Groups, Age, Semen Parameters, Wattles Measurements.
Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Korean Rare and Endemic Species, Deutzia pdaniculata Nakai, as Revealed by ISSR Markers

Deutzia paniculata Nakai is a Korean endemic species that has a very restricted distribution in Gyeongsang-do, South Korea. The genetic diversity and structure of five populations of D. paniculata were investigated using 31 ISSR loci from six primers. The Shannon's index (0.429) and genetic diversity (0.271) were relatively higher than those of other rare plant species in Korea. The Miryang (MY) and Yangsan (YS) populations, which have higher flowering rates than the other populations, showed greater genetic diversity than the other populations. An analysis of the molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 16% of the total variation could be attributed to differences among the populations, and 84% to the differences within populations, indicating moderate gene flow among adjacent populations. The high genetic diversity and low genetic differentiation in the Deutzia paniculata populations, which have a restricted distribution, is considered to be affected by outcrossing of the mating system and abundant individuals in the populations. These results suggest that ex situ conservation strategies are needed to sustain the current genetic diversity of D. paniculata.
EFFECT OF REDUCED SEED AND APPLIED ZINC ON ZINC EFFICIENCY OF WHEAT GENOTYPES UNDER ZINC DEFICIENCY IN NUTRIENT SOLUTION CULTURE

Improving zinc efficiency of cereals especially wheat under zinc deficiency is a priority area of research to determine and manipulate the plant factors that govern zinc uptake and utilization. Experiments conducted to ascertain variability and also the contribution of seed zinc (complete seed and half seed) to zinc efficiency in diverse wheat genotypes raised on zinc sufficient and deficient nutrient solution, showed wide genetic variability and general deficiency response such as, increase in root to shoot ratio and decrease in leaf chlorophyll, superoxide dismutase activity, total plant zinc concentration, and uptake. Since difference in zinc deficiency response were more distinct at the initial growth stage, seed zinc could be crucial for determining plant establishment, vigor, and yield. A few exceptional genotypes, where cutting seed zinc supply infect triggered growth, root characteristics, zinc uptake and use efficiency were identified and their zinc uptake capacity on low zinc soil was measured. The difference in zinc efficiency was attributable to phytosiderophore release capacity of the genotypes.
Estimation of Direction of Arrival of Biological Sound using Acoustic Vector Sensor Array in Shallow Water off Chennai

ABSTRACT Mahanty, M.M. ; Latha, G. ; Sridhar, P.S. S.R. , and Raguraman, G. , 2020. Estimation of direction of arrival of biological sound using acoustic vector sensor array in shallow water off Chennai. In: Sheela Nair, L. ; Prakash, T.N. ; Padmalal, D. , and Kumar Seelam, J. (eds.), Oceanic and Coastal Processes of the Indian Seas. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 89, pp. 52-57. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The primary objective of this study is to estimate the direction of arrival (DOA) of biological sound by using an acoustic vector sensor array, deployed in the shallow waters off Chennai during the period 30th August-14th September, 2016. A vector sensor measures the scalar acoustic pressure along with acoustic particle velocity in three orthogonal directions. Based on the spectrogram analysis, Terapontidae fish chorus is identified in distinctive patterns associated with daily timing and frequency content throughout the recording. The chorus is species-specific with the spectral peak frequency extended over 0.6-1.5 kHz in each day after dusk, and indicates these sound signals are associated with spawning. The single call duration is about 0.35-0.45 s, and comprised of a series of pulses ranging from 35-40. By considering the single call as a sound source from the recorded Terapontidae fish chorus, the DOA is determined based on conventional beamforming technique with respect to dominant frequency of that particular sound source, and estimated both azimuth and elevation using vector sensor array components. The study clearly shows the application of the vector sensor array, and can be useful to estimate source localization of the biological sound and their movement in the marine environment in future work.
Timing of nest searches for upland nesting waterfowl

Searches for duck nests should maximize the probability of locating nests, while minimizing the possibility of causing nest abandonment. Thus, we collected nest attendance data for 44 mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), 13 blue-winged teal (A. discors), 12 lesser scaup (Aythya affinis), 8 northern shoveler (Anas clypeata), 6 gadwall (A. strepera), and 4 green-winged teal (A. crecca) females to determine the optimal times of day to search for active nests. Females of most species attended nests from 0800 to 1400 central standard time (CST). The overall probability of nest attendance during this time was 91.4 ± 2.6 (SE) %. Consequently, nest searches for upland nesting waterfowl should be initiated after 0800 and should be terminated by 1400 CST
Rat nicotinic ACh receptor α7 and β2 subunits co‐assemble to form functional heteromeric nicotinic receptor channels

Rat hippocampal interneurons express diverse subtypes of functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), including α7‐containing receptors that have properties unlike those expected for homomeric α7 nAChRs. We previously reported a strong correlation between expression of the α7 and of the β2 subunits in individual neurons. To explore whether co‐assembly of the α7 and β2 subunits might occur, these subunits were co‐expressed in Xenopus oocytes and the functional properties of heterologously expressed nAChRs were characterized by two‐electrode voltage clamp. Co‐expression of the β2 subunit, both wild‐type and mutant forms, with the α7 subunit significantly slowed the rate of nAChR desensitization and altered the pharmacological properties. Whereas ACh, carbachol and choline were full or near‐full agonists for homomeric α7 receptor channels, both carbachol and choline were only partial agonists in oocytes expressing both α7 and β2 subunits. In addition the EC50 values for all three agonists significantly increased when the β2 subunit was co‐expressed with the α7 subunit. Co‐expression with the β2 subunit did not result in any significant change in the current‐voltage curve. Biochemical evidence for the co‐assembly of the α7 and β2 subunits was obtained by co‐immunoprecipitation of these subunits from transiently transfected human embryonic kidney (TSA201) cells. These data provide direct biophysical and molecular evidence that the nAChR α7 and β2 subunits co‐assemble to form a functional heteromeric nAChR with functional and pharmacological properties different from those of homomeric α7 channels. This co‐assembly may help to explain nAChR channel diversity in rat hippocampal interneurons, and perhaps in other areas of the nervous system.
Molecular phylogeny of Flaveria as deduced from the analysis of nucleotide sequences encoding the H‐protein of the glycine cleavage system

Sequence comparisons have shown that nucleotide sequences of the H-protein, a component of the glycine cleavage system, are only moderately conserved and can be used as molecular markers for intrageneric phylogenetic studies. We have analysed the respective cDNA sequences from 12 species of Flaveria, and a more limited set of gdcsH upstream regions. These data are discussed with respect to a phylogenetic reconstruction of Flaveria, a small genus which includes species of different photo-synthetic types, namely C3, C3-C4, C4-like and C4. Our analysis essentially supports an earlier hypothesis, based on morphological and eco-geographical data, of the evolution of Flaveria (Powell 1978). This close agreement shows the usefulness of H-protein nucleotide sequences at a low taxonomic level. Our analysis independently confirms that C4 photosynthesis has evolved two times in different lineages of Flaveria. Most remarkably, the C4 taxa of Flaveria appear as derived relative to the C3-C4 intermediate taxa, i.e. they probably have common direct predecessors. This is the first direct evidence for a phylo-genetically intermediate position of C3-C4 intermediate photosynthesis. Our data also confirm the antiquity of C3 photosynthesis in Flaveria but suggest that the collection of F.pringlei used in our experiments, although clearly of C3 photosynthetic metabolism, possibly originated from hybridization with a more advanced taxon.
Development of an experimental stand for the prototype of the radio-over-fiber telecommunication system with generation OAM signals generation in the W-band

This paper describes the operation of the prototype of the Radio-over-Fiber telecommunication system with the generation of OAM signals in the W-band. A method for generation both a radio and an optical OAM signal in RoF is proposed, a method for useful information transmission using OFDM technology in the considered system is described, an approach to converting optical vortexes into the radio domain is proposed, and a feedback channel simulation in RoF systems using OAM signals is carried out.
Ecological Seasonal Cycles in a Colorado Mountain Pond

ABSTRACT A permanent pond at 3100 meters elevation was studied for an entire year to monitor zooplankton populations as they changed seasonally and associate those changes with biotic and abiotic factors. Conductivity, alkalinity, and dissolved solids were low during the summer but increased dramatically in the winter due to “freezing out. ” Chlorophyll measurements indicated that phytoplankton reached its population maximum during the winter. The summer zooplankton community was dominated by the cladocerans, Holopedium gibberum and Daphnia rosea; the copepod, Diaptomus leptopus; the rotifers, Keratella cochlearis, Conochilus unicornis, and Polyarthra dolichoptera; and Chaoborus larvae. D. rosea disappeared from the plankton in August, possibly due to a combination of predation and competition. All limnetic Crustacea disappeared during ice cover, leaving rotifers as the most successful winter plankters. The posterior spine of K. cochlearis was long in the summer, and short or absent in the winter. This sea.