Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corticosterone Metabolites can be Measured Noninvasively in Excreta of European Stonechats (Saxicola torquata rubicola)

Abstract Measurements of corticosterone levels from blood samples of birds provide accurate snapshots of systemic hormone concentrations. However, those birds must be caught and handled, which may be unfeasible especially when multiple sampling is required. Furthermore, handling causes stress and may therefore interfere with hormone measurements. Therefore a non-invasive technique was developed to measure metabolites of corticosterone in excreta of European Stonechats (Saxicola torquata rubicola) using a corticosterone enzyme-immunoassay. High-performance liquid chromatography of excreta of a female and a male stonechat injected with tritiated corticosterone showed that corticosterone is excreted in the form of numerous metabolites and that the corticosterone enzyme-immunoassay cross-reacted with most of those metabolites. Injection of adrenocorticotrophic hormone in one female and seven male stonechats led to a significant increase in the levels of excreted corticosteroid metabolites within 1 h 20 min after administration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone. These results suggest that the corticosterone enzyme-immunoassay used in this study provides a quantitative measure of excreted corticosteroid metabolite levels in European Stonechats and has the potential to replace plasma measurements of these hormones.
Genetic Mapping and Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis for Disease Resistance Using F2 and F5 Generation‐based Genetic Maps Derived from ‘Tifrunner’ × ‘GT‐C20’ in Peanut

One mapping population derived from Tifrunner × GT‐C20 has shown great potential in developing a high density genetic map and identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) for important disease resistance, tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and leaf spot (LS). Both F2 and F5 generation‐based genetic maps were previously constructed with 318 and 239 marker loci, respectively. Higher map density could be achieved with the F2 map (5.3 cM per locus) as compared to the F5 (5.7 cM per locus). Quantitative trait loci analysis using multi‐environment phenotyping data from F8 and higher generations for disease resistance identified 54 QTL in the F2 map including two QTL for thrips (12.14–19.43% phenotypic variation explained [PVE]), 15 for TSWV (4.40–34.92% PVE), and 37 for LS (6.61–27.35% PVE). Twenty‐three QTL could be identified in the F5 map including one QTL for thrips (5.86% PVE), nine for TSWV (5.20–14.14% PVE), and 13 for LS (5.95–21.45% PVE). Consistent QTL identified in each map have shown higher phenotypic variance than nonconsistent QTL. As expected, the number of QTL and their estimates of phenotypic variance were lower in the F5 map. This is the first QTL study reporting novel QTL for thrips, TSWV, and LS in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and therefore, future studies will be conducted to refine these QTL.
A New Nonmammalian Eucynodont (Synapsida: Therapsida) from the Triassic of Northern Gansu Province, China, and its Biostratigraphic and Biogeographic Implications

Abstract A new trirachodontid eucynodont, Beishanodon youngi, is named and described based on a well-preserved skull from Triassic lacustrine deposits exposed in the Beishan Hills, northern Gansu Province, China. The new discovery documents the second record of trirachodontid eucynodonts known from China, along with Sinognathus gracilis from the Middle Triassic Ermaying Formation exposed in Shanxi Province. Cladistic analysis supports the placement of the new taxon as the sister group of Sinognathus, and the two together can be classified in Sinognathinae, a new subfamily differentiated from other trirachodontids by possession of several derived character states, including extremely short snout and strongly expanded temporal region. In addition, the stratigraphic and biogeographic significance of the new discovery are discussed. Because trirachodontids have a restricted stratigraphic range in the Triassic, as best documented by the Cynognathus Assemblage Zone of South Africa, discovery of the new fossil of this group from northern Gansu Province in China provides definitive evidence for a Triassic age of the fossil-bearing beds exposed in the Beishan Hills; moreover, the fossil beds are assessed as Early Triassic in age based on the evidence from the entire vertebrate fauna.
Spawning Behavior and Habitat of the Endangered Bluemask Darter, Etheostoma (Doration) sp

Abstract The Bluemask Darter, Etheostoma (Doration) sp. , is an endangered fish endemic to the upper Caney Fork system in the Cumberland River drainage in central Tennessee. Little is known about the life history of this species, and an understanding of its reproductive ecology is necessary to implement management and recovery actions. Spawning behavior and habitat were studied from 29 May to 1 July 2002 in the Collins River. Spawning events (n = 247) averaged 7.6 ± 0.1 sec, and intervals between spawning events averaged 127.0 ± 5.0 sec. Some age 1 individuals were sexually mature, but the majority of the reproductive population was comprised of older fish. Microhabitat use differed among nonspawning females, nonspawning males, and spawning pairs. Depths and water velocities differed significantly (P < 0.05) between areas occupied by lone females (n = 37), lone males (n = 45), and spawning pairs (n = 63). Spawning transpired in runs at mean water depths of 21.4 ± 0.4 cm, bottom velocities of 18.9 ± 0.4 cm/sec, and water column velocities of 28.9 ± 0.5 cm/sec. Substrate was dominated by gravel in areas occupied by lone males and spawning pairs, whereas most lone females were found over a sand- dominant substrate. Spawning microhabitats differed from habitats used during the summer.
Hatching success and larval survival of the frogs Hyla regilla and Rana aurora under ambient and artificially enhanced solar ultraviolet radiation

The aquatic stages of amphibians may be sensitive to increased levels of solar ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B, 280–320 nm) that have been observed at higher latitudes over the past several decades, but the effects on most species are unknown. We exposed eggs and larvae of Hyla regilla and Rana aurora to three experimental treatments: (1) solar UV < 450 nm blocked (control), (2) ambient solar UV, and (3) solar UV-B enhanced 15 and 30% above ambient levels at midday to simulate conditions predicted for the next decades at midlatitudes. The rearing containers were covered with acrylic filters to provide the desired radiation regimes. Hatching success of H. regilla did not differ among the treatments and was 87.7, 71.8, and 87.1% in April 1995 and 94.0, 85.1, and 97.4% in May 1995 for the control, ambient, and enhanced UV-B treatments, respectively. In contrast, hatching success of R. aurora in the enhanced UV-B treatment (56.0%) was lower than in the ambient UV (89.8%) and control (81.0%) treatments. Larval s.
Produção de proteína microbiana e estimativas das excreções de derivados de purinas e de uréia em vacas lactantes alimentadas com rações isoprotéicas contendo diferentes níveis de compostos nitrogenados não-protéicos

The objectives of the present work were to estimate the microbial protein production using the total purine derivatives (PD) excretion, to compare the PD and the urea excretions, obtained from spot urine collection with that observed in the 24 hours collection and to evaluate the plasma and milk N-urea and urea urinary excretion. Sixteen Holstein lactating cows were assigned to four 4X4 Latin Square with 3-wk periods in accordance with the lactation period. The four experimental isoproteic diets were formulated to contain 60% of corn silage and 40% of corn meal, soybean meal, urea and mineral salt mixture as dry matter basis. Crescent levels of urea in the concentrate 0.0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1% corresponded to the crude protein of 2.22, 4.18, 5.96 and 8.09% of non protein nitrogen based compounds (NPN), respectively. The urine collection was also estimated with urine samples obtained four hours post fed (spot), by the relation of the daily mean creatinine excretion and the urine spot creatinine concentration. The urinary volume and PD excretion and urea estimated through the urine spot did not differ from that obtained from 24 h urine collection. The N-Microbial production estimated and obtained presenting maximum values of 198.05 and 196.96 g/day with the NPN levels of 5.33 and 4.44%, respectively. The milk allantoin concentration linearly decreased as the NPN increased in the diet and represented 4.5% of total PD excretion. The creatinine excretion was not influenced by the dietary NPN levels (23.41 mg/kg LW), while the estimated and obtained urea excretion, the plasma and milk urea and N-urea concentration linearly increased as the NPN increased in the diet. The plasma and milk N-urea concentration of 19-20 mg/dL and 24-25 mg/dL, respectively, represented the limit values from that would occur nitrogen compounds losses.
Approximation of the size distribution of marine particles by a sum of log‐normal functions

A simple algorithm is presented that decomposes the size distribution of marine particles into a sum of log-normal components of the 0th order. The algorithm was applied to 412 particle-size distributions in a particle-diameter range of -0.5-200 pm measured by different researchers in various water bodies. A size distribution from this population may have from 1 to 6 log-normal components. The variability of the number of components reflects the variability in the shape of the size distribution and variations in the size range in which the data are available. The full-width-at-half-maximum of a component is approximately proportional to the peak diameter of the component. The maximum value of a component is approximately proportional to the inverse of the square of the peak diameter. Two standard components of the marine particle-size distribution were identified. The peak diameter (I&J, width parameter (a), and maximum value (FYI,,,), of the first component are, respectively, 0.66 pm, 0.673, and 1.34 x lo4 pm-’ cm-3. These parameters for the second component are 10.5 pm, 0.366, and 3.3 I.cm-’ cm-3.
Factors influencing the distribution of chironomids in lakes distributed along a latitudinal gradient in northwestern Quebec, Canada

The effect of 33 environmental variables on the distribution of chironomids was studied in 60 lakes of northwestern Quebec (Canada). A detrended canonical correspondence analysis detected linearity in the chironomid assemblages, thus redundancy analysis was used to identify the variables affecting the chironomid communities. Lake depth, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), mean August air temperature, and surface water temperature were the four variables that best explained the distribution of chironomids. Partial least squares analysis was used to develop new inference models. Among models, the one for mean August air temperature had the highest coefficient of determination (r = 0.67) and the lowest root mean square error of prediction (= 1.17 °C). The results indicated that for downcore temperature reconstructions, it might be hard to dissociate the combined effects of temperature, DOC, and depth. Changes in taxa such as Heterotrissocladius brundini-type, Heterotrissocladius subpilosus-type, Heterotrissoclad.
Control of cell proliferation by endogenous inhibitors

Will reading habit influence your life? Many say yes. Reading control of cell proliferation by endogenous inhibitors is a good habit; you can develop this habit to be such interesting way. Yeah, reading habit will not only make you have any favourite activity. It will be one of guidance of your life. When reading has become a habit, you will not make it as disturbing activities or as boring activity. You can gain many benefits and importances of reading.
Salt-induced changes in antioxidative enzyme activities in root tissues do not account for the differential salt tolerance of two cowpea cultivars

The salt stress effect in root growth and antioxidative response were investigated in two cowpea cultivars which differ in salt tolerance in terms of plant growth and leaf oxidative response. Four-day-old seedlings (establishment stage) were exposed to 100 mM NaCl for two days. The roots of the two cultivars presented distinct response in terms of salt-induced changes in elongation and dry weight. Root dry weight was only decreased in Perola (sensitive) cultivar while root elongation was mainly hampered in Pitiuba (tolerant). Root relative water content remained unchanged under salinity, but root Na+ content achieved toxic levels as revealed by the K+/Na+ ratio in both cultivars. Then, root growth inhibition might be due to ionic toxicity rather than by salt-induced water deficit. Although electrolyte leakage markedly increased mainly in the Perola genotype, lipid peroxidation decreased similarly in both salt-stressed cultivars. APX and SOD activities were reduced by salinity in both cultivars reaching similar values despite the decrease in Pitiuba had been higher compared to respective controls. CAT decreased significantly in Pitiuba but did not change in Perola, while POX increased in both cultivars. The salt-induced decrease in the CAT activity of Pitiuba root is, at principle, incompatible to allow a more effective oxidative protection. Our results support the idea that the activities of SOD, APX, CAT and POX and lipid peroxidation in cowpea seedling roots were not associated with differential salt tolerance as previously characterized in terms of growth rate and oxidative response in plant leaves.
Ectomycorrhiza formation in Eucalyptus.: IV. Ectomycorrhizas in the sporocarps of the hypogeous fungi Mesophellia and Castorium in Eucalypt forests of Western Australia.

Mesophellia and Castorium are common hypogeous macrofungi in the karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor F. Muell.) and jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Sm.) forests of south-western Australia. Sporocarps of Mesophellia and Castorium develop 5-20 cm below the soil surface in close association with eucalypt roots. During differentiation of the sporocarps, eucalypt roots become trapped within the peridium where they branch profusely and form a dense ectomycorrhizal layer. Mature sporocarps of M. trabalis nom. ined. contain approximately S m of roots of 45 cm2 surface area. Anatomical studies have shown that these roots have Hartig nets penetrating to the hypodermis and are similar to the superficial eucalypt ectomycorrhizas formed in soil and litter. The association of Mesophellia and Castorium sporocarps with tree roots suggests that these are important mycorrhizal fungi in forests of southern Australia.
Effects of light and temperature on seed germination of cacti of Brazilian ecosystems

Environmental factors are used by plants as spatio-temporal indicators of favorable conditions for seed germination. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of light and temperature on seed germination of 30 taxa of Cactaceae occurring in northeastern Brazil and to evaluate whether fluctuations in temperature are capable of altering light sensitivity. The seeds were tested for germination under two light conditions (12 h photoperiod and continuous darkness) and 10 temperature treatments: eight constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45°C) and two alternating temperatures (30/20°C and 35/25°C). The species studied showed two photoblastic responses. All cacti from the Cactoideae subfamily (22 taxa) were classified as positive photoblastic (i.e., no germination in darkness), regardless of the temperature treatment used. Likewise, temperature fluctuation did not alter the seed sensitivity to light. On the other hand, the species of the Opuntioideae (five taxa) and Pereskioideae (three taxa) subfamilies are indifferent to light (i.e., germinated both in the presence and absence of light). The cacti from the areas of Caatinga and Cerrado showed an optimal germination temperature of 30°C, while the species from Atlantic Forest and Restinga areas showed an optimal germination temperature of 25°C.
Inhibitors of HSP90 and other chaperones for the treatment of cancer

Molecular chaperones are proteins that ensure the appropriate folding, stability and function of other proteins in the cell. There is increasing evidence that molecular chaperones are not only important in normal cell homeostasis and response to stresses, such as heat shock, but can also be involved in disease pathology. In particular, HSP90 has emerged as an important potential drug target in oncology. This is because it is essential for the stability of a long list of ‘client proteins’, including ErbB2/human epithelial growth factor receptor (HER)2, Raf-1, Akt/protein kinase B (PKB), Polo-1, Met, mutant p53 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), as well as the oestrogen and androgen receptor. Inhibition of HSP90 leads to depletion of these oncogenic clients by the ubiquitin proteasome pathway, thereby providing a simultaneous combinatorial attack on all of the hallmark phenotypic traits of cancer cells. Because of the rapid progress made, this review focuses on the patents dealing with the discovery and application of small molecule inhibitors of HSP90, although limited coverage of other applications in the area of HSP90 and additional chaperones is also included. Pioneering work with natural products, namely geldanamycin and related ansamycin antibiotics together with radicicol macrocycle derivatives, established the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the essential N-terminal ATPase of HSP90 by competing at the nucleotide binding site. A geldanamycin analogue, 17-(desmethoxy), 17-allylamino geldanamycin (17AAG), is completing Phase I clinical trials with promising initial results. The use of high-throughput screening and rational design based on X-ray crystal structures of HSP90 has led to the discovery of small molecule HSP90 inhibitors based on purine and pyrazole scaffolds. The continued progression of these various compound classes into clinical trials should help to establish proof of concept for inhibition of HSP90 as a viable therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer and potentially other diseases. This would in turn validate protein folding as a strategy for drug development and encourage additional chaperones to be explored as molecular targets.
Importance of Salt in Rations

Referring to the importance of salt in the ration, our eminent investigator, Professor Henry, in his book, "Feeds and Feeding," states: "Though little is known from investigations in this subject, it is evident from the extreme fondness of dairy cows for salt that this article should be regularly and abundantly supplied them. " Stockmen, dairymen, farmers recognize the importance of a salt supply; the addition of salt to the feed is a common practice. However, very few feeders give this problem its due consideration, especially as to the amounts of salt, the modifications under different circumstances, the form of supply, etc. The idea of this paper is an attempt to review the literature on this subject, to bring forth the modern views; and, if possible, to draw some practical conclusions. At first we shall look into the history of the subject; then dwell on the physiological functions produced by the intake of salt; take a glance into the experimental data available and finally draw conclusions. It is unquestionable that at the time our domesticated herbivora grazed the virgin lands in Asia and Europe, they were provided by nature with salt either in proper grasses or from salt beds. It is a known fact that wild ruminants and hoofed animals seek out salt rocks and pools, and places where salt effloresces, to lick the salt. Hunters take advantage of this in tracing their booty. Just when the domesticated animals began to receive salt as such can only be conjectured; we shall not be out of the way, if we assume that the introduction of salt to man marks also the time of its introduction to animals. The habitual use of salt by man is intimately connected with the advance from nomadic state to agricultural. The reason for this will be clear after we look into the physiological side of the question of salt consumption. The rational application of common salt to the feed of animals runs parallel to the development of rational
Fishery-induced demographic changes in the timing of spawning: consequences for reproductive success*

Demography can have a significant effect on reproductive timing and the magnitude of such an effect can be comparable to environmentally induced variability. This effect arises because the individuals of many fish species spawn progressively earlier within a season and may produce more egg batches over a longer period as they get older, thus extending their lifetime spawning duration. Inter-annual variation in spawning time is a critical factor in reproductive success because it affects the early environmental conditions experienced by progeny and the period they have to complete phases of development. By reducing the average lifetime spawning duration within a fish stock, fishing pressure could be increasing the variability in reproductive success and reducing long-term stock reproductive potential. Empirical estimates of selection on birth date, from experiments and using otolith microstructure, demonstrate that there is considerable variation in selection on birth date both within a spawning season and between years. The few multi-year studies that have linked egg production with the survival of progeny to the juvenile stage further highlight the uncertainty that adults face in timing their spawning to optimize offspring survival. The production of many small batches of eggs over a long period of time within a season and over a lifetime is therefore likely to decrease variance and increase mean progeny survival. Quantifying this effect of demography on variability in survival requires a focus on lifetime reproductive success rather than year specific relationships between recruitment and stock reproductive potential. Modelling approaches are suggested that can better quantify the likely impact of changing spawning times on year-class strength and lifetime reproductive potential. The evidence presented strengthens the need to avoid fishing severely age truncated fish stocks.
The medical aspects of dance

leg exercise. Individuals who are untrained for arm work have been shown to demonstrate a lower lactate threshold as well as an increase in rate of lactate release as compared with trained individuals for cycle ergometry (Pendergast et al, 1979). The resultant early disruption of homeostasis may be attenuated for untrained individuals performing incremental arm ergometry using an accelerated incremental protocol such as that used by Walker et al (1986). One would expect to find that the moderately aerobically trained subjects in the present study to have increased oxidative enzyme activity, higher myoglobin concentration, higher mitochondrial density (Holloszy and Booth, 1976), and increased vascular bed capillarisation (Saltin, 1977) in the exercising muscle. The result may be a lowered glycolytic flux at any given work rate and enhanced lactate clearance. Thus, the accelerated cycle ergometry protocol may not have been as advantageous to this subject pool in order to achieve a higher peak V02. The possible interaction between state of training and test protocol warrants further investigation.