Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A second species of ichthyotoxic Pfiesteria (Dinamoebales, Dinophyceae)

Abstract A second toxic species within the family Pfiesteriaceae, Pfiesteria shumwayae Glasgow & Burkholder sp. nov., is described from the New River Estuary and the Neuse Estuary of the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Ecosystem, USA. The species is polymorphic and multiphasic, with flagellated, amoeboid and cyst stages. The flagellated zoospores (diameter 8–24 μm) have permanently condensed chromosomes (mesokaryotic nucleus); a chrysophyte-like cyst (diameter 6–25 μm)with organic scales and bracts; and thin thecal plates arranged in a Kofoidian series of Po, cp, X, 4′, la, 6″, 6c, 4s, 5″′, 2″″. The benthic filopodial (filose), lobopodia1 (lobose) and rhizopodial amoeboid stages (5–250 μm) have an outer covering that ranges from rough to smooth in texture, depending on the stage of origin and the prey source. Pfiesteria shumwayae amoebae have a normal eukaryote nucleus and cysts of multiple sizes (diameter 4–25 μm) with a reticulate outer covering. Toxic strains of the two Pfiesteria species have overlapping distributions in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States and Scandinavia, with toxic P. shumwayae also having been verified from New Zealand. Pfiesteria shumwayae is similar to P. piscicida in its complex life cycle, general nutrition, attraction to live fish prey, and ichthyotoxic activity that is stimulated by the presence of live fish or their fresh tissues and excreta. However, it can be distinguished from P. piscicida morphologically by having six precingular plates and a four-sided la plate, as well as genetically, on the basis of its ISS ribosomal DNA sequence.
Continuation Method with the Trust-region Time-stepping Scheme for Linearly Constrained Optimization with Noise Data

The nonlinear optimization problem with linear constraints has many applications in engineering fields such as the visual-inertial navigation and localization of an unmanned aerial vehicle maintaining the horizontal flight. In order to solve this practical problem efficiently, this paper constructs a continuation method with the trust-region time-stepping scheme for the linearly equality-constrained optimization problem at every sampling time. For the new method solving the linearly constrained optimization problem, it only solves a system of linear equations at every iteration other than the traditional optimization method such as the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method. The SQP method needs to solve a quadratic programming subproblem at every iteration, which consumes more time than that of the new method. Numerical results show that the new method works well for this localization problem with or without the measurement errors, and its consumed time is about one-fifth of that of the SQP method (the built-in subroutine fmincon.m of the MATLAB2018a environment) or that of the traditional dynamical method (the built-in subroutine ode15s.m of the MATLAB2018a environment). Furthermore, we also give the global convergence analysis of the new method.
Spin crossovers and superdiffusion in the one-dimensional Hubbard model

Using the framework of generalized hydrodynamics for integrable systems, the authors study finite-temperature transport in the 1D Hubbard model. At strong coupling, the authors characterize transport in the spin-incoherent regime -- where spin degrees of freedom are ``hot'' while charge degrees of freedom are ``cold'' -- and its crossover to the Luttinger liquid regime. Furthermore, using a combination of analytical arguments and numerical simulations, the authors show that when the Hamiltonian features a spin or $\ensuremath{\eta}$-pairing SU(2) symmetry or both, spin or charge transport is superdiffusive with Kardar-Parisi-Zhang scaling.
The mechanics of hopping by kangaroos (Macropodidae)

Force-platform records and films of kangaroos and a wallaby hopping have been analysed to obtain data about the energetics of hopping and about the stresses which act in muscles, tendons and the tibia. The quantitative anatomical data required for the analysis have been obtained from X-radiographs and dissections. It is shown that fluctuations of potential energy and external kinetic energy account for most of the energy cost of hopping; fluctuations of internal kinetic energy are relatively unimportant. Evidence is presented that large savings of energy are effected by elastic storage of energy in the gastrocnemius and plantaris tendons. The elastic mechanism is particularly effective at high speeds and seems to account for the observation of Dawson & Taylor (1973) that oxygen consumption is more or less constant over the whole range of hopping speeds. A mathematical model of hopping is presented. The stresses which occur in hopping are discussed. Summary Force platform records and films have been made of kangaroos and a wallaby hopping. The maximum forces exerted on the ground were about six times body weight. The force exerted on the ground changes direction, throughout the period when the feet are on the ground, so that it is always more or less in line with the centre of mass. Consequently the animal decelerates a little and then accelerates again, during the contact phase. The fluctuations of potential energy which occur in each hop are slightly smaller at high speeds than at low ones. Fluctuations of external kinetic energy increase with speed and account for most of the energy cost of hopping at high speeds. Fluctuations of internal kinetic energy (due to acceleration and deceleration of the limbs) are relatively small. While the feet are on the ground the extensor muscles of the hip do positive work, those of the knee negative work and those of the ankle negative work followed by positive work. The energy cost of hopping is reduced substantially by elastic storage of energy in the Achilles tendon. In the case of a wallaby hopping at moderate speed the calculated saving was 40%. The maximum stresses developed in leg muscles, tendons and the tibia have been calculated and are discussed in relation to the known properties of muscle, tendon and bone. The trunk pitches as the animal hops because the two legs swing forwards and back simultaneously. Appropriate tail movements reduce, but do not eliminate, this effect. A mathematical theory of hopping is presented and used to investigate the merits of different hopping techniques. Dawson & Taylor's (1973) discovery that the rate of oxygen consumption of kangaroos decreases a little, as hopping speed increases, is probably to be explained by the increased role of elastic storage of energy at high speeds.
The use of the physiological energetics of Gammarus pulex to assess toxicity: A study using artificial streams

A sublethal assay based on the energy budget of the freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex has been developed. Gammarus “scope for growth” can be used both as a laboratory test and as an in situ bioassay. This paper provides a short review of the technique and investigates a way in which it may be simplified for field deployment. The usefulness of this modified technique for determining the toxicity of an organic compound and its relative sensitivity compared to other measures of toxicity was investigated by using an artificial stream system.
Previous Experiences Alter the Outcome of Aggressive Interactions Between Males in the Crayfish, Procambarus Clarkii

Various measures of size have been associated with increased likelihood of winning such agonistic encounters between decapod crustaceans. Recent social experience, in the form of 'winner' or 'loser' effects, has also been shown to alter the outcome of encounters between size-matched individuals. This study further explores the importance of social experience in crustacean agonistic encounters. Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, of different size classes were given a series of winning or losing experiences to determine whether this would affect their likelihood of success in subsequent fights. Recent wins or losses in a series of fights did alter the likelihood of an individual winning a subsequent encounter, despite an apparent disparity in size between opponents that would otherwise serve as an accurate predictor of the outcome.
270. Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 at the maternal–fetal interface in early pregnancy

Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) is a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily member, first isolated from activated macrophages and subsequently localised in the human placenta. We previously reported that decreased circulating levels in very early pregnancy are associated with subsequent miscarriage. We undertook these current in vitro studies to investigate possible roles for MIC-1 in early pregnancy: (1) regulation of placental matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and -9); (2) effect on placental apoptosis; and (3) regulation of endometrial stromal cell decidualisation. (1) First trimester placental explant cultures were treated with 100–200 ng/mL MIC-1 ± 1/1000 (v/v) anti-MIC-1 antibody. MMP-2 and -9 were measured by gelatin zymography. MMP activation via the plasminogen activation pathway was examined by measuring mRNA expression for urokinase plasminogen activator and its receptor (uPA, uPAR) and type-1 plasminogen activation inhibitor (PAI-1). (2) In first trimester trophoblast explants, apoptosis was induced in vitro with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-β (IFN-β) ± 200 ng/mL MIC-1. The pro-apoptosis factor caspase-3 was localised by immunohistochemistry. (3) Using an established model of oestrogen and progesterone induced endometrial stromal cell decidualisation, MIC-1 production was measured and correlated with morphological changes. Cultures were also treated with 20 ng/mL MIC-1. MIC-1 treatment inhibited activation of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 while treatment with anti-MIC-1 antibody blocked the inhibition. uPA, uPAR and PAI-1 mRNA did not change with either treatment. MIC-1 treatment mitigated TNF-α/IFN-β induced trophoblast apoptosis. MIC-1 production increased during induced decidualisation and MIC-1 treatment facilitates further decidualisation in this model. MIC-1 appears to have a number of potentially important functions in the human placenta and decidua consistent with physiological roles in normal placentation. Whether these functions are key to successful pregnancy remains to be studied.
Phylogenecity and sequence alignment of Fusarium mycotoxin gene (Fum 5) with other mycotoxin producing fungi

The phylogenecity of the four Fusarium mycotoxin gene (Fum 5) that has already been deposited in National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) gene bank was studied with a comparative sequence alignment with other fungi like Aspergillus sps. Cochiliobolus sps. These results clearly indicated that the Fum 5 genes of Fusarium species were originated from Aspergillues fumigates and Cochliobolus heterostrophus. Fum 5 gene closer identity was also observed clearly with other fungal Fusarium species of Aspergillus and Gibberella species.
The mammal fauna in the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota: implications for diversity and biology of Mesozoic mammals

Eleven species belonging to five major groups of mammals (multituberculates, eutriconodontans, ‘symmetrodontans’, metatherians and eutherians) have been described from the Jehol Biota, Liaoning, China. These fossils came from three horizons of the Yixian Formation: Lujiatun (lowest), Jianshangou and Dawahgzhangzi (highest) beds. Ages and correlations of these beds are still in debate, but are generally accepted as Early Cretaceous. Biostratigraphic distributions of some Jehol mammals corroborate the Early Cretaceous age of the biota. Many species are represented by skulls and articulated skeletons, although in most cases a species is known only from a single holotype that is squashed. These fossils furnish a wealth of morphological data for Mesozoic mammals, from which large character data sets have been amassed to generate competing higher‐level phylogenetic hypotheses of mammals. The Early Cretaceous divergence of eutherians is first documented as skull and skeletal fossils. The Jehol mammals indicate a diverse mammal fauna in which species range from 25 g to 14 000 g in body masses, have insectivorous, omnivorous and carnivorous diets (as reflected by their dentitions and by stomach content), and acquire scansorial, possibly arboreal and terrestrial habits (as inferred from articulated skeletons). The well‐preserved material helps to clarify some anatomical uncertainties in the study of early mammals, such as an ossified Meckel's cartilage as the occupant for the internal groove on the lower jaw of some Mesozoic species and a dental formula I3‐C1‐P3‐M4/i2‐c1‐p2‐3‐m5 for gobiconodontids as suggested by dentitions of several Jehol eutriconodontans. Evidence from cranial specimens of Jehol eutriconodontans also disfavours the brain‐expansion model for the detachment of middle ear ossicles from the dentary during evolution of mammals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Populations of Bothriocephalus claviceps (Goeze) (Cestoda) in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), in three localities in southwest England

The population biology of Bothriocephalus claviceps (Goeze) has been investigated in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), in three localities in southwest England. Monthly changes in prevalence and abundance show no statistically significant seasonality, in contrast to growth and reproduction of the cestode. The cestode reaches maximum size and becomes gravid mainly in summer. Gravid cestodes die and are lost soon after reproduction. This overlaps with recruitment of the new generation into eels, and may result in a rapid increase in infection levels and in a more over-dispersed distribution of the parasite in some localities, or in a more gradual change in infection levels and over-dispersion in others. Development and growth of the new generation may cease until the following spring, or continue at a slow rate over winter. Parasite numbers in each host decrease well before they actually reach maturity, since the majority of gravid individuals are present in those eels which harbour only one parasite. This suggests that few cestodes develop to maturity and most are lost from hosts as development proceeds.
Utilisation des photographies hémisphériques pour le calcul de la perméabilité des couverts forestiers au rayonnement solaire : II. - Étude expérimentale

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Utilisation des photographies hémisphériques pour le calcul de la perméabilité des couverts forestiers au rayonnement solaire : II. Étude expérimentale M. Ducrey
Cytokines and Endometrial Microenvironments

Human endometrium is composed of glandular structures invested with endometrial stroma. The structure of endometrium after birth is quite simple and is composed of a surface epithelium and short simple glands surrounded by stroma. The complex structure of endometrium composed of surface epithelium, simple-to-tortuous glands, and a complex stroma composed of a variety of cells of different lineages is not attained until puberty when characteristic menstrual cycle changes occur in this tissue. In addition to these cyclic changes, various microenvironments appear in this tissue. In the succeeding sections, changes that characterize these microenvironments in human endometrium are summarized. This is followed by data regarding the signals presumably involved in the induction of a polarized microenvironment.
On a social discount rate for forestry

After a review of the literature on the discount rate in economics and forestry, a methodology is proposed to arrive at an appropriate social discount rate to appraise public forestry investments. In the proposed approach, the opportunity cost of capital is considered in the establishment of a shadow price of investment. The social discount rate, which should weight the project net social benefits through time, is an unknown of the net present worth equation set equal to zero.
Conifer-seed preferences of small mammals

The preferences of the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)), southern red-backed vole (Myodes gapperi (Vigors, 1830)), heather vole (Phenacomys intermedius Merriam, 1889), long-tailed vole (Microtus longicaudus (Merriam, 1888)), and meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord, 1851)) for lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.), white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench.) Voss), and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. ) seeds were investi- gated using cafeteria-style feeding experiments. Seed selection by P. maniculatus and M. gapperi in the field was also studied. Peromyscus maniculatus, M. gapperi, M. longicaudus ,a ndM. pennsylvanicus showed a distinct preference for lodge- pole pine seeds and avoidance of subalpine fir seeds, and consumed the different species of seeds in similar relative propor- tions. Phenacomys intermedius behaved very differently from the other rodent species in that it did not show a preference among seed species, and consumed very few seeds in total. Findings from the field seed selection trials were consistent with laboratory results. We suggest that postdispersal seed predation by small mammals could limit the recruitment success of lodgepole pine and white spruce, but would not be a major problem in the regeneration of subalpine fir stands. This could provide an advantage for subalpine fir over neighbouring competitive species. Resume´ : Al'aide d'experiences d'alimentation achoix multiples, nous avons determineles preferences des souris sylvestres (Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)), des campagnols a dos roux de Gapper (Myodes gapperi (Vigors, 1830)), des cam- pagnols des bruyeres (Phenacomys intermedius Merriam, 1889), des campagnols alongue queue (Microtus longicaudus (Mer- riam, 1888)) et des campagnols de Pennsylvanie (Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord, 1851)) pour les graines de pin vrille ´ (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.), d'epinette blanche (Picea glauca (Moench.) Voss) et de sapin subalpin (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. ). Nous avons aussi etudiela selection de graines de P. maniculatus et de M. gapperi en nature. Peromyscus maniculatus, M. gapperi, M. longicaudus et M. pennsylvanicus montrent une nette preference pour les graines du pin vrilleet un evitement des graines du sapin subalpin et ils consomment les differentes especes de graines dans des proportions relatives semblables. Phenacomys intermedius se comporte de facon tresd ifferente des autres especes de rongeurs en ce qu'il ne montre pas de preference pour aucune des especes de graines et qu'il consomme au total tres peu de graines. Les resultats des essais de se ´- lection de graines en nature concordent avec les resultats du laboratoire. Nous croyons que la predation des graines apresl eur dispersion par les petits mammiferes pourrait limiter le succes du recrutement des pins vrillese t de l'epinette blanche, mais ne devrait pas poser de probleme majeur pour la regeneration des parcelles de sapins subalpins. Cela pourrait s'averer un avantage pour le sapin subalpin par rapport aux especes competitrices voisines. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Targeting of cationic liposomes to skin-associated bacteria

Cationic vesicles were produced by incorporating positively-charged stearylamine into the lipid bilayers. The addition of stearylamine has been shown to facilitate targeting of liposomes to the skin-associated bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis. The adsorption of the liposomes to films of the bacteria immobilized on a solid surface has been studied. The extent of adsorption as a function of liposomal lipid concentration could be described in terms of a Langmuir adsorption isotherm, applicable to situations in which species are adsorbed as monolayers on solid surfaces. Analysis on the basis of the Langmuir model enabled the determination of the maximum theoretical targeting to the bacteria and association/dissociation constants for the interaction. The adsorption was examined under conditions of varying ionic strength. Increasing the ionic strength had the effect of decreasing the extent of targeting and suggested that the interaction between the cationic vesicles and sites on the bacterial surface was mediated by electrical double-layer effects. It follows that electrostatic effects make a major contribution to the interaction between these vesicles and S. epidermidis. The attachment of the vesicles is reversible and ionic strength-induced removal of vesicles from the bacteria could be used as a tool to study the delivery of liposomally encapsulated bactericide to the biofilm.
Latest advances in the cannabinoids

The endocannabinoid system has received much attention in recent years as a source of therapeutic targets for a wide range of indications. This review covers advances made in the area of small molecule, non-cannabinoid modulators of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 since July 2006. Under discussion are patents published in this period that disclose new compounds acting at either of the two confirmed cannabinoid receptors as agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists. The bulk of the material covered is in the area of CB1 antagonists and inverse agonists; however, there continues to be strong interest in the area of CB2 agonists, where pain is presently the major indication. New indications for all areas have been claimed as the expression pattern of the receptors continues to be expanded. The discovery of a potential third cannabinoid receptor only increases both the complexity of the field and the potential for providing therapeutic agents.
Ion currents, action potentials, and noradrenergic responses in rat pulmonary vein and left atrial cardiomyocytes

The electrophysiological properties of pulmonary vein (PV)‐cardiomyocytes, and their responses to the sympathetic neurotransmitter, noradrenaline (NA), are thought to differ from those of the left atrium (LA) and contribute to atrial ectopy. The aim of this study was to examine rat PV cardiomyocyte electrophysiology and responses to NA in comparison with LA cells. LA and PV cardiomyocytes were isolated from adult male Wistar rat hearts, and membrane potentials and ion currents recorded at 36°C using whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques. PV and LA cardiomyocytes did not differ in size. In control, there were no differences between the two cell‐types in zero‐current potential or action potential duration (APD) at 1 Hz, although the incidence of early afterdepolarizations (EADs) was greater in PV than LA cardiomyocytes. The L‐type Ca2+ current (ICaL) was ~×1.5 smaller (p = .0029, Student's t test) and the steady‐state K+ current (IKss) was ~×1.4 larger (p = .0028, Student's t test) in PV than in LA cardiomyocytes. PV cardiomyocyte inward‐rectifier current (IK1) was slightly smaller than LA cardiomyocyte IK1. In LA cardiomyocytes, NA significantly prolonged APD30. In PV cells, APD30 responses to 1 μM NA were heterogeneous: while the mean percentage change in APD30 was not different from 0 (16.5 ± 9.7%, n cells/N animals = 12/10, p = .1177, one‐sample t test), three cells showed shortening (‐18.8 ± 6.0%) whereas nine showed prolongation (28.3 ± 10.1%, p = .008, Student's t test). NA had no effect on IK1 in either cell‐type but inhibited PV IKss by 41.9 ± 4.1% (n/N = 23/11 p < .0001), similar to LA cells. NA increased ICaL in most PV cardiomyocytes (median × 2.2‐increase, p < .0001, n/N = 32/14, Wilcoxon‐signed‐rank test), although in 7/32 PV cells ICaL was decreased following NA. PV cardiomyocytes differ from LA cells and respond heterogeneously to NA.