Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survey of Zoonotic Pathogens in White-Tailed Deer on Bald Head Island, North Carolina

Abstract Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) have become overabundant in many urban and suburban areas, which can cause concern about exposure of humans and pets to zoonotic pathogens. Bald Head Island, NC is a small barrier island that has experienced ongoing residential development since the mid-1980s and has a relatively high deer density (15–17 deer/km2). To address concerns expressed by residents, we screened ≈13% of the White-tailed Deer population for potential zoonotic pathogens. We collected blood from 8 deer in January through March 2008 and 5 deer in January 2009. We tested sera for antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and six serovars of Leptospira interrogans; and whole blood samples for Bartonella spp. and B. burgdorferi DNA. All sera were negative for antibodies to L. interrogans; two samples were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum, and one was seropositive for B. burgdorferi. Whole blood PCR results were negative for Bartonella spp. and B. burgdorferi. Continued surveillance for wildlife diseases on Bald Head Island is necessary to determine prevalence of specific pathogens, their impacts on the White-tailed Deer population, and the risk of exposure to humans and pets.
Assessing the sweetpotato virus disease and its associated vectors in northwestern Tanzania and central Uganda.

A study was conducted in sweet potato farmers’ fields in Tanzania and Uganda to determine the status of sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) incidence and its vectors. SPVD incidence was high (66 to 100%) in Tanzania but low (10 - 40%) in Uganda. SPVD symptom expression and severity were highly variable both within and between countries. Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) but not aphids were observed in all the fields and their abundance varied remarkably between locations. In Tanzania, sweetpotato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) was serologically detected in 50% of the samples and sweetpotato feathery mottle (SPFMV) in 45% often in dual infection. Sweetpotato mild mottle virus (SPMMV), sweetpotato mild speckling virus (SPMSV), sweetpotato chlorotic fleck virus (SPCFV) and sweetpotato virus G (SPVG) occurred in low frequency. However, SPCSV was detected in (100%) of the samples collected from Uganda followed by SPFMV (67%). The nature of SPVD incidence, symptom severity, whitefly, and aphid abundance observed in this study suggest the complex nature of SPVD in East Africa. Immediate prospects for controlling SPVD will depend on an enhanced understanding of disease variables and their ecological relationships. Key words: Sweetpotato, incidence, severity, whitefly, aphids.
The Effect of Wildfire on Bird Populations in a Victorian Coastal Habitat

In an area severely burned by wildfire on 16 February 1983, a study, which had begun before the fire in spring 1982, was continued to determine recolonisation by birds. The study continued until spring 1988. Bird species were affected in different ways. Three patterns were apparent: no noticeable change; an initial decline followed by recovery after one or more years; and an increase following fire with a decrease coincident with plant regeneration. Of the 73 bird species recorded, 60% were present by the end of the first spring and 86% had been recorded by two years post-fire, which included all those present in the spring before the blaze. Population numbers took longer to recover. No control areas were available. The source of recolonisation was not evident. The danger of fire is most acute for birds restricted in habitat and distribution, such as the Rufous Bristlebird Dasyornis broadbenti.
Effects of Gender on the Immune System

There is an established role for gonadal hormones with regard to the immunological diseases. This is because it is clear that gender has an effect on immune function,',2 that the cycles of the sexual phases in women have a defined effect on immune f~nc t ion ,~ -~ and lastly that the manipulation of the sex hormones alters immune functiom6 Additionally, the profound effect those sex steroids have on behavior in humans and animals makes it likely that these agents have some significant effects on the behavior of patients who have exaggerated levels of sex steroids as a result of altered metabolism and the effects of the elevated steroids on neuropotent mediators, like cytokines in the brain. ' The effects of sex hormones on cytokine function are recognized in few instances8-I0 and are profound in different organs and tissues, like the ovary and the testes. It is also clear that such cytokines affect hormone and gonadotrophin levels, so that both hormones and cytokines have effects on each other. In addition, there are a number of well-known effects that both sex steroids and cytokines have on brain function and brain development. " In almost no other disease is the effect of gender as obvious as in the disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The ratio of men to women with lupus is very small. The ratio is 1:lO to 15 and is exceeded only by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a condition that affects women 28 times as frequently as men. The effects of hormones on cytokine profiles in such patients are under investigation. The effects of cytokine changes on immune functions in this disease remain one possible factor in the pathogenesis of SLE. "
Gastridium lainzii (Romero García) Romero Zarco (Poaceae), novedad corológica para la provincia de Cádiz (España)

espanolGastridium lainzii (Romero Garcia) Romero Zarco es la especie con la distribucion mas restringida en este genero. Se cita por primera vez para la provincia de Cadiz formando parte de vegetacion parantropica, concretamente como viaria, junto con G. ventricosum (Gouan) Schinz & Thell EnglishWithin genus Gastridium, G. lainzii (Romero Garcia) Romero Zarco has the most restricted known distribuion area. This species has been recorded for the first ime in the province of Cadiz. It has been found together with G. ventricosum (Gouan) Schinz & Thell. along a roadside ditch
SnvDMiR: Associating the genomic proximity of genetic variants with deregulated miRNAs and differentially methylated regions

Although next generation sequencing of diseased traits has unraveled thousands of DNA alterations, the functional relevance of most of these mutations and how they relate to other epigenetic mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we present SnvDMiR as a freely-available R pipeline that conducts combinatorial proximity analysis between disease- associated SNVs, deregulated miRNAs, and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) to identify genomically adjacent SNV-miRNA pairs as well as SNV-DMR pairs. These variants could be further investigated as putative candidates for driving pathogenic processes in diseases. We demonstrated the usefulness of the SnvDMiR pipeline by applying it on a published set of breast cancer-related mutations, deregulated miRNAs, and DMRs. Our pipeline characterized potential driver mutations that are predicted to have damaging effects on related protein functions. Availability: http://gepard.bioinformatik. uni- saarland.de/software Keywords—Single Nucleotide Variant (SNV), somatic mutation, deregulated miRNA, differentially methylated region (DMR), genomic proximity, epigenetics, data integration, breast cancer.
Trwałość zysku spółek rentownych i jego przydatność dla prognozowania cen akcji na przykładzie GPW w Warszawie

The paper examines whether and how earnings persistence affects the use fulness of earnings for predicting future stock prices (return rates). For a large sample of non-financial firms listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange over the period 2009–2016, the study did not confirm a positive influence of earnings persistence on the tested relationship. Surprisingly, the opposite phenomenon has been observed. The usefulness of earnings for predicting stock prices was stronger in entities with low earnings persistence than in firms with high earnings persis -tence.
Bending-active dome-shaped structure

The structure, proposed in the present work, belongs to, so-called, “bendingactive” systems. It comprises high-strength low-modulus initially straight beams. The beams, arranged in the radial direction, are supported by spreaders and steel cables underneath. Tensioning of cables results in substantial shape modification of the beams and turning the structure into a convex dome. The frame of the structure is investigated by means of the special computer program EASY. Uniform and non-uniform external loads are taken into account. Influence of flexible fabric membrane, attached to the upper chord of the frame, is analyzed.
Preparation and properties of probiotic concentrated yoghurt (labneh) fortified with conjugated linoleic acid

Milk of high conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) level (1.25âg per 100âg milk fat) was produced by inclusion of fish oil and rousted soy bean in the ration of Holstein cows as compared to 0. 55âg per 100âg milk fat in the milk of animals receiving control diet. Milk of normal (control) and high CLA content (treatment) was sprayâdried. Labneh was made from 20âgâLâ1 reconstituted milk using 3âmL per 100âmL yoghurt starter and 2âmL per 100âmL of probiotic cultures of Lactobacillus casei or Lactobacillus acidophilus. The control (C) and high CLA (T) labneh were analysed chemically and microbiologically, and their viscosities were determined during cold storage for 15âdays. The fat content of labneh of high CLA was less than that of the control, but the total solids (TS) were unaffected by the CLA level. Labneh made with Lb. Â acidophilus had lower TS and higher acidity, exopolysaccharides and acetaldehyde contents and viscosity than that made with the use of Lb. Â casei. Labneh from the different treatments retained high counts of the added probiotic (>108âcfuâgâ1) throughout the storage period. The storage period had significant effects on all parameters determined.
Histone H3E73Q and H4E53A mutations cause recombinogenic DNA damage

The stability and function of eukaryotic genomes is closely linked to histones and to chromatin structure. The state of the chromatin not only affects the probability of DNA to undergo damage but also DNA repair. DNA damage can result in genetic alterations and subsequent development of cancer and other genetic diseases. Here, we identified two mutations in conserved residues of histone H3 and histone H4 (H3E73Q and H4E53A) that increase recombinogenic DNA damage. Our results suggest that the accumulation of DNA damage in these histone mutants is largely independent on transcription and might arise as a consequence of problems occurring during DNA replication. This study uncovers the relevance of H3E73 and H4E53 residues in the protection of genome integrity.
Apparent Nucleation and Freezing in Various Parts of Young Citrus Trees during Controlled Freezes

One- to 4-year-old sweet orange trees, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck CV. Val- encia on rough lemon (C. jambhiri Lush.) rootstock, were used in a series of tests on the depth and stability of supercooling in various parts of greenhouse-grown trees held in pots during controlled freezes. Thermocouples were attached to flowers, fruit, leaves, and wood. Supercooling levels were inconsistent, ranging from - 3C to - 7C. Nuclea- tion was spontaneous and well defined by sharp exotherms. Rapid progression of crys- tallization ( ≈ ≈ 60 cm·min -1 ) indicated no major obstacles to ice propagation throughout the tree above soil level. The site of initial freezing was variable, with a tendency for trees to freeze from the base of the stem toward the top. The location of tissue damage did not necessarily correspond to the location of initial freeze event. Freezing in the Trees were frozen in a walk-in, tempera- ture-controlled room without light and 50% ± 5% RH. Trees were tested in matched pairs to determine the effect of defoliation on apparent nucleation in the stem, or trees were individually tested to determine the se- quence of freezing in various parts, the rate of ice propagation, and the association of freeze kill with site of apparent nucleation. All trees were watered the night before tests and temperature was equilibrated for 2 h at 4C before the start of freezing regimes in which temperature was decreased 5C/h for varying periods. In some tests, leaves were removed from trees to eliminate leaves as a
INDUCTION OF GUINEA PIG B-CELL LYMPHOKINE SYNTHESIS BY MITOGENIC AND NONMITOGENIC SIGNALS TO Fc, Ig, AND C3 RECEPTORS

This study shows that bone marrow-derived lymphocytes of guinea pigs if appropriately activated produce a monocyte chemotactic factor (MNL CTX). Activation of B lymphocytes to produce a chemotactic lymphokine occurs subsequent to interactions with a variety of membrane-associated receptors. Polymeric B-cell mitogens with multiple binding sites, polymerized flagellin and lipopolysaccharide, initiated mediator synthesis. Furthermore, interaction of antigen-antibody complexes or aggregated gamma globulin with the Fc receptor and binding of antigen-antibody-complement complexes at the C3 receptor can effectively facilitate mediator production in the absence of a significant proliferative response. Additionally, intact anti-immunoglobulin but not its Fab fragments activated the B cells. An anti-Fab effectively converted the inactive Fab-bound B cells into producers of MNL CTX, suggesting that the basic mechanism of activation depended upon cross-linking of receptors. Thus, interaction of B-cell surface receptors such as Fc, Ig, and C3 sites with mitogenic as well as nonmitogenic molecules capable of bridging the receptors appears to trigger B-cell mediator production.
Importance of the P106S Target-Site Mutation in Conferring Resistance to Glyphosate in a Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) Population from the Philippines

Abstract Few studies on herbicide resistance report data to establish unambiguously the correlation between genotype and phenotype. Here we report on the importance of the EPSPS prolyl106 point mutation to serine (P106S) in conferring resistance to glyphosate in a goosegrass population from Davao, Mindanao Island, the Philippines (Davao). Initial rate-response studies showed clear survivors within the Davao population at glyphosate rates that completely controlled the standard sensitive goosegrass population (STD1). Assessment of potential resistance mechanisms identified the presence of P106S mutant individuals in the Davao population. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of specific alleles (PASA) analysis established that the mixed-resistant Davao population was comprised of 39.1% homozygous proline wild-type (PP106), 3.3% heterozygous serine mutant (PS106), and 57.6% homozygous serine mutant (SS106) genotypes. Further rate-response studies on plants with a predetermined genotype estimated the Davao SS106 individuals to be approximately 2-fold more resistant to glyphosate compared to Davao PP106 individuals. Extensive analysis at different goosegrass growth stages and glyphosate rates established strong correlation (P < 0.001) between presence of P106S in EPSPS and the resistant phenotype. Importantly, no differences in the pattern of absorbed or translocated 14C–glyphosate were observed between PP106 and SS106 Davao genotypes or Davao and STD1 individuals, suggesting that glyphosate resistance in the Davao population was attributable to an altered target site mechanism. This study demonstrates that whilst P106S in EPSPS confers a moderate resistance level to glyphosate, the mechanism is sufficient to endow glyphosate failure at the recommended field rates. Nomenclature: Glyphosate; goosegrass, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. ELEIN.
Contribution of Oxidative Enzymes to the Degradation of Cellulose by Filamentous Fungi

Author(s): Beeson, William Templeton | Advisor(s): Marletta, Michael A. ; Cate, Jamie H.D. | Abstract: The cost of cellulose degrading enzymes is still a major barrier to the economical production of liquid fuels from lignocellulose. Fungi play a central role in the degradation of plant biomass in terrestrial environments. They use a wide variety of secreted enzymes to break down biopolymers present in the plant cell wall. Here I report on the mechanisms of cellulose degradation used by Neurospora crassa, a model genetic organism, and Myceliopthora thermophila, a thermophilic fungus. Enzymes important for the degradation process were identified using a combination of transcriptomics, proteomics, genetics, and biochemistry. A key result from this work is that, in N. crassa and many other fungi, oxidative enzymes play a critical role in the depolymerization of cellulose. In contrast to the accepted models of oxidative cellulose degradation, via non-specific hydroxyl radical species, I found that in N. crassa, an oxidoreductase and several copper oxidases bind to cellulose and hydroxylate the substrate at specific positions leading to cleavage of the glycosidic bonds. This mode of action is orthogonal to that of traditional hydrolases and if used optimally in conjunction with other cellulases, could reduce the required enzyme loading for lignocellulose saccharification by 2-4 fold.
Morphoanatomical Symptomatology and Osmotic Behavior of Grape Berry Shrivel

Berry shrivel, a physiological disorder, adversely affects ripening of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries; however, its causes are unknown. We adopted a holisticapproach to elucidate symptomatology, morphoanatomy, and osmotic behavior of grape berry shrivel. Berries from healthy and afflicted vines were analyzed compositionally and with various techniques of microscopy. Healthy berries developed all physical and compositional attributes desirable for wine-making. Conversely, berry shrivel berries were grossly metamorphosed manifested as shriveling of the pericarp, which paralleled with loss of membrane competence in the mesocarp cells causing its collapse and a loss of brush. The most intriguing observation was the presence of non-druse crystals. These berries had high osmotic potential (cS) as a result of low accumulations of sugar and potassium. Nonetheless, the seed morphology, structure, and viability were similar to healthy seeds. Berry shrivel grotesquely modified grape berries both compositionally and structurally, which was paralleled by their inability to accumulate sugars followed by cell death in the mesocarp. Althoughthemechanisms ofberryshrivelremainuncertain,ourstudyprovidesvaluablebackgroundinformationfor generating suitable guidelines to minimize the incidences of berry shrivel and also to design future studies toward unraveling the mechanistic basis of berry shrivel.
The importance of within-system spatial variation in drivers of marine ecosystem regime shifts

Comparative analyses of the dynamics of exploited marine ecosystems have led to differing hypotheses regarding the primary causes of observed regime shifts, while many ecosystems have apparently not undergone regime shifts. These varied responses may be partly explained by the decade-old recognition that within-system spatial heterogeneity in key climate and anthropogenic drivers may be important, as recent theoretical examinations have concluded that spatial heterogeneity in environmental characteristics may diminish the tendency for regime shifts. Here, we synthesize recent, empirical within-system spatio-temporal analyses of some temperate and subarctic large marine ecosystems in which regime shifts have (and have not) occurred. Examples from the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Bengula Current, North Sea, Barents Sea and Eastern Scotian Shelf reveal the largely neglected importance of considering spatial variability in key biotic and abiotic influences and species movements in the context of evaluating and predicting regime shifts. We highlight both the importance of understanding the scale-dependent spatial dynamics of climate influences and key predator–prey interactions to unravel the dynamics of regime shifts, and the utility of spatial downscaling of proposed mechanisms (as evident in the North Sea and Barents Sea) as a means of evaluating hypotheses originally derived from among-system comparisons.
GROWTH AND TOXICITY OF PRYMNESIUM PARVUM (HAPTOPHYTA) AS A FUNCTION OF SALINITY, LIGHT, AND TEMPERATURE 1

The growth rate, stationary cell concentration, and toxicity of Prymnesium parvum N. Carter were measured using a strain isolated from Texas inland waters. We used a multifactor experimental approach with multiple regression analysis to determine the importance of environmental factors, including temperature, light, and salinity to these algal measurements. Exponential growth rate was unimodal in relation to temperature, salinity, and irradiance, with an estimated maximal growth of 0.94 d−1 occurring at 27°C, 22 practical salinity units (psu), and 275 μmol photons·m−2·s−1. Stationary cell concentrations also had unimodal responses to temperature and salinity but increased with irradiance. Maximal cell concentrations were estimated to occur at 26°C and 22 psu. Both maximum growth rate and highest stationary cell concentrations were measured at levels of each factor resembling warm, estuarine conditions that differ from the conditions under which blooms occur in inland waters in the southwestern United States. Acute toxicity to fish was highest at the lowest salinity and temperature levels, conditions not optimal for exponential growth but similar to those under which blooms occur in inland waters. Our results imply that summer blooms could occur in inland waters of the southwestern United States. Generally, they have not, suggesting that factors other than those investigated in this research influence bloom dynamics.
Competition between Spotted and Largemouth Bass in Variable Pond Ecosystems

Abstract To investigate the magnitude of competitive interactions between largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and spotted bass M. punctulatus, we stocked yearling fish at two total densities (250 and 750 fish/hectare) and several proportional combinations in Oklahoma ponds, and followed these populations for 18 months. Both species ate less, and grew more slowly, in high-density ponds whether or not the other species was present. In terms of both growth and survival, largemouth bass were more influenced by intraspecific and total fish density than spotted bass. Over all treatments, instantaneous growth rates of the two species were identical, even though largemouth bass were larger than spotted bass when stocked. The kind and amount of food available did not differ among treatments, nor did the way in which the two species utilized various kinds of available prey. Results often varied more between treatment replicates than among different treatments, and no evidence of interspecific competition could be.