Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dispersal of Eastern King Prawn larvae in a western boundary current: new insights from particle tracking

Patterns in larval transport of coastal species have important implications for species connectivity, conservation, and fisheries, especially in the vicinity of a strengthening boundary current. An Ocean General Circulation Model for the Earth Simulator particle tracking model was used to assess the potential dispersal of Eastern King Prawn (EKP) larvae Melicertus (Penaeus) plebejus, an important commercial and recreational species in Eastern Australia. Particles were exposed to a constant natural mortality rate, and temperature-dependent growth (degree-days) was used to determine the time of settlement. Forward and backward simulations were used to identify the extent of larval dispersal from key source locations, and to determine the putative spawning regions for four settlement sites. The mean dispersal distance for larvae was extensive (similar to 750-1,000km before settlement), yet the northern spawning locations were unlikely to contribute larvae to the most southern extent of the EKP range. There was generally great offshore dispersal of larvae, with only 2%-5% of larvae on the continental shelf at the time of settlement. Our particle tracking results were combined with existing site-specific reproductive potentials to identify the relative contributions of larvae from key source locations. Although mid-latitude sites had only moderate reproductive potential, they delivered the most particles to the southern coast and are probably the most important sources of larval EKP for the two southern estuaries. Our modelling suggests that mesoscale oceanography is a strong determinant of recruitment success of the EKP, and highlights the importance of both larval dispersal and reproductive potential for understanding connectivity across a species' range.
Generalized allometric equations of total volume generated by meta-analysis for roble, raulí and coigüe in second growth forests in Chile

A modified meta-analysis was used to develop generalized allometric equations of total individual volume underbark for second growth forests of roble, raulí and coigüe. From a set of total volume equations compiled from the literature, pseudo-data were generated to fit generalized equations for each species. The meta-analysis was supplemented with an observed database, which, besides contributing data for validation was used to fit the height– diameter relationship and to model the variance of total volume. This variance was used to simulate random pseudo-data of volume with variability similar to that of the observed data, in order to avoid residual autocorrelation problems. It was also used to define weights for the fitting of volume equations. In order to determine zonal effects, volume equations compiled from the literature were assigned to agro-climatic zones defined by ODEPA (ODEPA. 2000 Oficinas De Estudios y Políticas Agrarias. Clasificación de las explotaciones agrícolas del VI censo nacional agropecuario según tipo de productor y localización geográfica. Ministerio de Agricultura. Documento de trabajo N°5. I.S.S.N. 0717-0378. Santiago, Chile. 91 p.), according to the location of the sample. In the fitting, which included dummy variables, no significant zonal effects were detected in the regression parameters in any of the species. The generalized allometric equations of total volume showed highly precision and accuracy, i.e. FI < 0.0852m tree and E < 0.0674m tree. Thus, obtained equations are considered valid for widespread use in the study zones.
Using survival analysis to predict the harvesting of forest stands in Quebec, Canada

Survival analysis methods make better use of temporal information, accommodate multiple levels of explanatory variables, and are meant to deal with interval-censored data. In a context of harvest modeling, this approach could improve some known limitations. In this study, we used data from a network of permanent plots in the province of Quebec, Canada, as a real-world case study. We tested the potential of survival analysis to predict plot-level harvest probabilities from plot- and regional-level variables. The approach also included random effects to account for spatial correlations. The results showed the potential of survival analysis to provide annual predictions of harvest occurrence. Both regional and time-varying variables, as well as spatial patterns, had important effects on the probability of a plot to be harvested. Respectively, reductions in the annual allowable cut volumes led to a decrease in the harvest probabilities. Greater harvest probabilities were associated with the broadleaved dynami.
Búsqueda de bacterias con actividad EC 3.2.1.4 (endo-1,4- beta-glucanasa) en Eisenia foetida (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae)

espanolLa lombriz de tierra, Eisenia foetida, es hospedero de numerosos microorganismos simbiontes, muchos de los cuales han sido identificados recientemente, asi como se ha descrito su actividad enzimatica. Estos microorganismos suelen presentar actividad enzimatica de diferente tipo. Algunos podrian presentar interes industrial por sus potenciales aplicaciones. En el presente trabajo, se eligio identificar aquellos microorganismos que tienen actividad endo-β-1,4-glucanasa, y evaluar dicha actividad por el metodo de los azucares reductores de Nelson-Somogyi. Dichos azucares reductores fueron liberados despues de la incubacion de las bacterias con la solucion de carboximetilcelulosa (CMC). Las colonias aisladas de interes fueron cultivadas en Plate Count Agar, PCA (Difco), y su identificacion se llevo a cabo mediante el analisis de la region 16SDNAr. Comparando los resultados con la base de datos NCBI, se encontro que las especies productoras de la actividad endo-β-1,4-glucanasa fueron: Burkholderia fhytofirmans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, y Acidovorax delafieldii. Los aislamientos produjeron un porcentaje de degradacion interesante en relacion al control positivo empleado. Se presentan comparaciones de la degradacion causada por las diferentes colonias aisladas EnglishThe earth worm, Eisenia foetida, is host for numerous symbiotic microorganisms, many of which have been recently identified, as well as the description of their enzymatic activity. These microorganisms usually present enzymatic activity of different type, and some may present industrial interest due to their potential applications. In the present research, it was decided to identify those microorganisms that present endo-β-1,4-glucanasa activity, and to evaluate this activity by the Nelson-Somogyi method of reducing sugars. Reducing sugars were released after the incubation of the bacteria colonies with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution. The isolated colonies of interest were cultured in laboratory and their identification was made through analysis of the 16S DNAr region. By comparing the results with the NCBI database, it was found that the endo-β-1,4- glucanase activity producing species were: Burkholderia fhytofirmans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, and Acidovorax delafieldii. The isolations produced an interesting degradation percentage in relation to the positive control utilized. Comparisonsof the degradation caused by the different isolated colonies are presented.
Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Redbelly tilapia (Tilapia zillii) caught with gillnets in Asejire Lake, Oyo State, Nigeria

The present studies on the Length-weight relationship of Redbelly tilapia (Tilapia zillii) caught with gillnet was to determine the growth pattern and their well – being. The different mesh sizes of gillnet were used in this study. The total length (TL) and weight (g) of Redbelly tilapia were measured with ichthyboard and digital weighing balance respectively. Data were collected fortnightly for a period of six months. The length-weight relationship and condition factors were determined by Le Cren’s method. The data on length and weight of Tilapia zillii, varied between 11-26 cm and 28-330 g respectively. The slope (b) value of the length-weight relationship of Tilapia zillii was 2.88. The t-test showed that ‘b’ values were significantly different (p<0.5) from 3. Hence, the growth pattern of Tilapia zillii in the Lake was negative allometric. The condition factor obtained for Tilapia zillii was 2, indicating that their well-being in the Lake was normal.
Thyroid hormones affect decidualization and angiogenesis in the decidua and metrial gland of rats

Souza C.A. , Silva J.F. , Silva C.L. R. , Ocarino N.M. & Serakides R. 2017. Thyroid hormones affect decidualization and angiogenesis in the decidua and metrial gland of rats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 37(9):1002-1014. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: serakidesufmg@gmail.com This study aimed to evaluate the effects of thyroid hormone on the decidua and metrial gland of rats and to examine the expression of angiogenic factors. 72 adult, female rats were divided into hypothyroid, T4-treated, and control groups. At 10, 14 and 19 days of gestation (DG), the decidua and metrial gland were collected for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical evaluation of the expression of VEGF, Flk-1 and Tie-2. Hypothyroidism reduced the area of the decidua at 10 and 19 DG. Furthermore, VEGF was increased at 10 and 14 DG, and Flk-1 only at 14 DG, but both was reduced at 19 DG in the metrial gland without significantly changing the area occupied by blood vessels. Rats treated with T4 showed an increase in the decidua blood vessels at 10 and 19 DG. However, at 10 DG, excess T4 resulted in increased of Flk-1 in the decidua and metrial gland. Hypothyroidism increased the Tie-2 at 10 and 19 DG in the decidua and metrial gland. In conclusion, hypothyroidism reduces the area of the decidua and increases the expression of VEGF, Tie-2 and Flk-1. The excess of T4 promotes tissue angiogenesis by increasing the number of vessels in the decidua because of the increased expression of Flk-1.
Regulation and function of S100 proteins in pancreatic carcinoma

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide with the survival rate less than 5% because of late diagnosis. Development of PC is complex, it is promoted by the tumour microenvironment and often accompanied by inflammation. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an embryonic genetic program reactivated in cancer. EMT is implicated in the escape from senescence, tumour cell invasiveness, cancer metastasis, and drug resistance. EMT encompasses global reorganisation of the gene expression profiles, loss of epithelial markers and activation of mesenchymal genes. Among the genes affected during EMT are those coding for the members of the S100 protein family. Regulation and function of these genes in PC are, however, insufficiently studied. To link S100 proteins with EMT programs in PC, expression of eleven S100 proteins, a number of epithelial and mesenchymal markers, and several EMT-inducing transcription factors was analysed in a panel of the PC cell lines and clinical samples. I found that two S100 family members, namely S100A4 and S100A6 are induced during EMT in PC. In contrast, S100A14 expression was repressed by EMT-inducing transcription factors. Consistent with this observation, S100A4&A6 and S100A14 respectively activated and repressed invasion of PC cells in zebrafish xenografts. Exosomes isolated from the actively migrated MIA PaCa-2 cells contained high levels of S100A4&A6 proteins, stimulated invasion of the slowly migrating BxPC-3 cells. In a cohort of PC samples, it was observed a trend towards enhanced expression of S100A4 protein in most aggressive tumours. The mechanism of S100A4 activation was investigated in PC. Our data show that in the course of an EMT” mesenchymal” genes, S100A4 and S100A6 are induced via IL-6 and IL-11/STAT3 pathway. Treatment of cells with the STAT3 inhibitor, Stattic, inhibited expression of these genes, and blocked cell invasion in zebrafish xenografts. It has been proposed that uncoupling inflammatory IL/STAT3 signalling from the activation of S100A4 and S100A6 genes may decrease the mortality rate of PC patients.
A rare association of dengue meningitis with Plasmodium vivax malaria

Neurological manifestations in dengue are now well known. Encephalitis is the most common manifestation, but meningitis is a rare phenomenon. We described a 10-year-old child who did not have typical features of dengue and presented with meningeal signs at the end of 2nd week of fever along with raised intracranial tension. Repeat fever work up in view of persisting fever spikes was suggestive of malaria coinfection. The association of dengue and malaria is not an uncommon entity; although both diseases are transmitted by a different type of arthropod vectors.
Regular estimates of herbage mass can improve profitability of pasture-based dairy systems

Paddock selection is an important component of grazing management and is based on either an estimate of herbage mass, or the interval since last grazing for each paddock. Obtaining estimates of herbage mass to guide grazing management can be a time consuming task. A value proposition could therefore assist farmers in deciding whether to invest resources in obtaining such information. A farm-scale simulation exercise was designed to estimate the effect of three levels of knowledge of individual paddock herbage mass on profitability of two typical pasture-based dairy systems in New Zealand; a medium input system stocked at 3.2 Friesian-Jersey cross bred cows/ha with ~15% imported feed, and a high input system stocked at 4.5 Friesian cows/ha with ~40% imported feed. The three levels of knowledge were: (1) ‘perfect knowledge’, where herbage mass per paddock is known with perfect accuracy, (2) ‘imperfect knowledge’, where herbage mass per paddock is estimated with an average error of 15%, (3) ‘low knowledge’, where herbage mass is not known, and paddocks are selected based on longest time since last grazing. In both systems, grazing management based on imperfect knowledge increased farm operating profit by ~NZ$385/ha at a milk price of NZ$6.33/kg milksolids (fat + protein) compared with low knowledge. Perfect knowledge added a further NZ$155/ha to profit. The main driver of these results is the level of accuracy in daily feed allocation, which increases with improved knowledge of herbage availability. This allows feed supply and demand to be better matched, resulting in less incidence of under- and over-feeding, higher milk production, and more optimal post-grazing residual herbage mass to maximise herbage regrowth.
Sensilla on the antennae and ovipositor of the carpenterworm, Streltzoviella insularis (Staudinger, 1892) (Lepidoptera, Cossidae)

Abstract Streltzoviella insularis (Staudinger, 1892) (Lepidoptera, Cossidae) is an important boring pest that damages the broad-leaved trees and fruit trees. To provide requisite background information on further chemical ecology studies, we examined the typology, morphology and distribution of sensilla on the antennae and ovipositor of Streltzoviella insularis with scanning electron microscopy. In total, six morphological sensillar types were found on the antennae: Multiporous sensilla trichodea were the most abundant and distributed over the ﬂagellum; Uniporous sensilla chaetica, Multiporous sensilla basiconica, Multiporous sensilla coeloconica and Aporous sensilla squamiformia were present in lower numbers on the ﬂagellum; Aporous Bohm’s bristles were found only on the scape and pedicel. In addition, two types of sensilla were detected on the ovipositor, i.e. aporous sensilla trichodea, and multiporous sensilla basiconica. The identification of these sensilla types could provide morphological evidence to facilitate a better understanding of the host location, mate finding and oviposition processes of this important species.
Activity of an Amazonian aerial insectivorous bat depends more of food resources than vegetation structural complexity

1 - Muitos estudos tem mostrado que os morcegos insetivoros utilizam frequentemente zonas riparias em torno de riachos, mas nao e totalmente claro se os morcegos estao usando essas areas para alimentacao ou apenas para comutar entre ambientes usando os corredores de vegetacao sobre os riachos. Nenhum estudo de morcegos neotropicais investigou o uso relativo de zonas riparias e areas distantes dos rios para forrageio dos morcegos. 2 – Estudei quais sao os efeitos da estrutura da vegetacao e disponibilidade de alimentos sobre a atividade do morcego insetivoro aereo Pteronotus parnellii perto e longe de riachos na floresta tropical na Reserva Ducke, Manaus, Amazonia Central. 3 - Utilizei fotografias horizontais de vegetacao rasteira entre 0 e 3m de altura para quantificar o grau de obstrucao ( desordem ) provocado por folhas e ramos . A disponibilidade de alimentos foi avaliada com pequenas armadilhas luminosas projetadas para capturar insetos noturnos. A atividade dos morcegos foi monitorada com aparelhos de gravacao de sons de alta frequencia que operaram continuamente por 60 horas em cada unidade amostral. 4 - Em contraste com estudos anteriores, a maioria dos quais utilizaram redes de neblina, meus resultados sugerem que P. parnellii e mais ativo em locais com vegetacao rasteira densa, mais comum fora das zonas riparias. A disponibilidade de alimentos tambem foi maior em locais com vegetacao mais obstruida. 5 - Generalizacoes na literatura sobre a morfologia indicam que P. parnellii deve ser mais ativo em locais com pouca obstrucao da vegetacao. No entanto, encontramos maior atividade em locais altamente obstruidos, indicando que a disponibilidade de alimentos pode ser mais importante do que a complexidade da vegetacao para determinar onde os morcegos forrageiam.
Heavy metals pollution in muscle, craw, kidney, liver and plant food given to chickens in the area around Probishtip

Permanent intake of residues through meat, even if only of one of them and in small quantities, can over time cause the appearance of new chemical compounds that can cause chronic disease in humans due to cumulation and synergic action. Symptoms usually appear even when it is too late to intervene. The issue here is the fact that in this case there is no so-called alarm signal which is characteristic of infections caused by microorganisms and which would make a person feeling it seek help from a doctor. The increasingly more frequent fatigue attributed to hard work, a growing number of anxious people because of a deadly pace of life, headaches the occurrence of which is explained in different ways, heart pain etc., are probably consequences of the new nutritional era, i, e, of the effect of biological debris introduced into the human organism through meat and other products. Toxic metals get into meat through contaminated cattle feed, and partly through contaminated water or air. Of toxic metals which can be found in meat selenium should be mentioned first because it is often given to animals as prevention from certain phenomena that negatively affect the quality of the meat. As samples for proving the presence of selenium in meat, fat (the amount should be less than 1mg/kg) and muscle tissue is taken, as well as liver and kidney. It should be noted that during the inspection of meat, the largest amounts of toxic trace elements can be found in the kidney, then liver and in other organs. The paper will show the results for the content of lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury in 11 different samples of muscle, craw, kidney, liver and plant food given to poultry (chickens) in the area around Probishtip.
Biochemical and seminal parameters of lambs fed palm kernel cake under grazing system

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the effects of palm kernel cake on semen quality and biochemical parameters of Santa Ines lambs. A total of 40 animals with 24.10±2.72 kg body weight and five months old were assigned in a completely randomized design into four groups and 10 replicates. The animals were subjected to four levels of palm kernel cake (0, 15, 30, and 45%) based on dry matter. The trial lasted 90 days foregone by 15 days for adaptation. [. ]
Telomeres and Telomerase in Neuroblastoma

Telomeres are nucleoprotein structures located at the ends of linear chromosomes. In most human adult normal somatic cells, telomeres shorten after each cellular division. This shortening ultimately leads to senescence and/or apoptosis. By contrast, in most cancer cells, telomerase activation compensates this loss and confers to these cells their infinite cell proliferation potential. Neuroblastoma (NBL) is a malignant tumor of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system and the most frequent extracranial solid tumor of childhood. NBLs are remarkably heterogeneous both at the levels of biology, genetic and clinical courses. Indeed, some of NBLs can regress spontaneously or after a mild treatment, while others are in the high-risk category with poor prognosis. The molecular bases underlying this heterogeneity are poorly understood. MYCN (V-Myc Avian Myelocytomatosis Viral Oncogene Neuroblastoma-derived Homolog) amplification, recognized as strongly associated with unfavorable patient outcome, is found in only 40% of the high-risk disease, indicating the involvement of other mechanisms. Recent observations suggest that telomerase expression and telomere dysfunctions may be one critical step in NBL development. This review provides recent insights on telomeres/telomerase regulation in NBL. Because of their involvement in the tumor cell biology, telomere and telomerase are currently at the core of new drug development.
Cut adrift: the distribution and abundance of rafting algae and its associated fauna now and in a future ocean

XV ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. XVII CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL INTRODUCTION. 1 1.1. IMPORTANCE OF DISPERSAL IN MARINE ENVIRONMENTS. 2 1.1.1. Rafting as a Mode of Dispersal. 2 1.1.2. The Dispersal Capability of Rafts. 4 1.2. RAFTS AND RAFTERS. 5 1.2. 1. The Origin of Rafts. 5 1.2. 2. The Life of a Rafter. 7 1.3. KEY THEMES OF RESEARCH ON ALGAL RAFTING COMMUNITIES. 9 1.4. RAFTING IN A FUTURE OCEAN. 12 1.5. AIMS OF THE STUDY . 13 CHAPTER 2TRENDS IN RAFT ABUNDANCE, BIOMASS AND DISTRIBUTION ALONG THE SOUTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES COASTLINE. 16 2.
After the boring billion and before the freezing millions: evolutionary patterns and innovations in the Tonian Period.

The Tonian Period (ca. 1000-720 Ma) follows the 'boring billion' in the Mesoproterozoic Era and precedes 'snowball Earth' glaciations in the Cryogenian Period. It represents a critical transition in Earth history. Geochemical data indicate that the Tonian Period may have witnessed a significant increase in atmospheric pO2 levels and a major transition from predominantly sulfidic to ferruginous mid-depth seawaters. Molecular clock estimates suggest that early animals may have diverged in the Tonian Period, raising the intriguing possibility of coupled environmental changes and evolutionary innovations. The co-evolution of life and its environment during the Tonian Period can be tested against the fossil record by examining diversity trends in the Proterozoic and evolutionary innovations in the Tonian. Compilations of Proterozoic microfossils and macrofossils apparently support a Tonian increase in global taxonomic diversity and morphological range relative to the Mesoproterozoic Era, although this is not reflected in assemblage-level diversity patterns. The fossil record suggests that major eukaryote groups (including Opisthokonta, Amoebozoa, Plantae, and SAR) may have diverged and important evolutionary innovations (e.g. multicellularity and cell differentiation in several groups, eukaryovory, eukaryote biomineralization, and heterocystous cyanobacteria) may have arisen by the Tonian Period, but thus far no convincing animal fossils have been found in the Tonian. Tonian paleontology is still in its nascent stage, and it offers many opportunities to explore Earth-life evolution in this critical geological period.