Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of background colour on growth indices and stress of young sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) in a closed circulated system

In this study, the physiological response and growth performances of Acipenser ruthenus were investigated after a long-term background colour adaptation (12 weeks). Twelve groups of 10 individuals with initial mean body weight of 183 g were reared in black, dark blue, grey and white tanks (three replicates for each colour). At the end of the experiments, growth (initial body weight, final body weight, weight gain per cent, food efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio, specific growth rate), blood (cortisol, glucose, pO2, pCO2, pH, haematocrit, osmolality, triglycerides, cholesterol, total lipids) and liver (hepatosomatic index, total lipids, glycogen) parameters were analyzed. Plasma cortisol in the dark-adapted sterlet (21.95 ± 3.9 ng mL−1) was significantly lower than those in white-adapted fish (39.44 ± 6.5 ng mL−1), whereas there were no significant differences in cortisol levels between the grey-adapted fish (23.05 ± 4.1 ng mL−1) and dark blue-adapted fish (24.2 ± 3.6 ng mL−1). A remarkable increase in mean of body weight (%) was detected in dark-adapted sterlet (45.2 ± 3.2) being 27.67%, 12.1% and 11.8% higher than the white, grey and dark blue-adapted fish respectively. The obtained results verified that different background colours lead to different growth performances and physiological responses of starlet, depending on rearing conditions.
Disturbance and the species composition of rain pool microbial communities

Ephemeral rain pools contain diverse assemblages of protists and small metazoans. Rain pool organisms survive periods of desiccation as dormant cysts or resting stages, and become active shortly after the pools fill with water. Non-equilibrium mechanisms related to the frequent drying of pools could promote the observed coexistence of over 15 species of ecologically similar microorganisms. We used dormant organisms from the substrate of a well-characterized ephemeral pool to create 20 microcosms that experienced two different disturbance regimes. Undisturbed microcosms held a constant volume of medium over the entire 30-d study period. Disturbed microcosms dried periodically, at approximately five-d intervals, and were then refilled with medium to initiate new rounds of community development. Daily monitoring of the presence or absence of active organisms provided information about the number and identity of species in disturbed and undisturbed microcosms. Undisturbed microcosms contained a greater number of active species, primarily because some predatory species only became active after at least five to ten d of uninterrupted community development. Species composition diverged rapidly after the first drying episode as communities in undisturbed and disturbed microcosms developed along different successional trajectories. If non-equilibrium mechanisms contribute to diversity in this system, their contribution must occur over more episodes of disturbance than we observed.
Understanding landowner intentions to create early successional forest habitat in the northeastern United States

Early successional forest habitat (ESH) and associated wildlife species in the northeastern United States are in decline. One way to help create early successional forest conditions is engaging private forest landowners in even-aged forest management because their limited participation may have contributed to declines in ESH for wildlife species of high conservation concern. We applied the reasoned action approach from social psychology to predict intentions of landowners in the 13-county Southern Tier of New York State, USA, to conduct patch-cuts, which is a type of even-aged forest management. We tested the predictive ability of the model using data from a mail survey of landowners conducted from November 2010 to January 2011. Landowner intention to conduct patch-cuts was high (55% of respondents), with attitude being the strongest direct predictor of behavioral intention. Our results suggest that patch-cutting intentions are most likely expressed by landowners who think the behavior is good for their land and wildlife, believe in positive outcomes of land and wildlife management, belong to a game wildlife organization, and have conducted patch-cuts in the past. Strategies to engage more landowners in ESH management will have the highest likelihood of success if outreach efforts focus on influencing behavioral beliefs and subsequently attitudes, possibly working with game wildlife organizations to communicate a unified message for habitat conservation, including the importance of maintaining and creating ESH. Our results demonstrate the importance of social science research to increase the likelihood that conservation targets for declining wildlife species are met. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Biosynthetic alginate–polyester hydrogels with inherent free radical scavenging activity promote cellular response

The prevention of deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species on the cell growth by biosynthetic hydrogels based on alginate–polyester copolymer was studied using H2O2 as the model ROS molecule. Chemically cross-linked biosynthetic hydrogels of alginate-co-poly(propylene fumarate)–n-butyl methacrylate, alginate-co-poly(propylene fumarate)–methyl methacrylate, alginate-co-poly(propylene fumarate)–2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and alginate-co-poly(propylene fumarate)–N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide with different biostabilities were prepared. We found that they were able to resist reactive oxygen species penetration into the cell to a greater extent which was evident from the live/dead assay, and increased intracellular glutathione levels compared to the H2O2-treated control. The hydrogels maintained the genomic integrity which was confirmed by comet assay. The inherent protective effects of these hydrogels without any antioxidant moiety may be mediated by dual mechanism: (a) prevention of migration of H2O2 into the cells by calcium-induced conformational changes and rigidity in phospholipids present in the surface membrane of cells by the calcium generated from degradation of hydrogel and (b) by the dilution of H2O2 by the free water in the hydrogel. These hydrogels have potential as injectable hydrogels to manage myocardial infarction and ischemia.
Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizae and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on proline, membrane permeability and growth of strawberry ( Fragaria x ananassa ) under salt stress

Salinity is one of the most important factors negatively effecting the yield in crop species. In this study the effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizae on proline content, membrane permeability and growth of strawberry cv. 'San Andreas' were studied under different salt treatments (0, 30 and 60 mM/L NaCl). The leaf area was measured 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after saline solution applications on the plants. The results showed that increasing concentrations of NaCl decreased all growth parameters. Increased salt concentration led to increased proline level compared to the control. Bacterial application at 60 mM/L NaCl concentration provided the highest ameliorative effect and therefore determined the most effective protection of the plant against salt stress. It was observed that the anthocyanin content increased in line with the increasing salt concentration. In general, the salt applied on the plants causes an increase in membrane permeability and thus disrupts membrane stability and becomes a significant factor damaging the plant. Membrane permeability increased at applications with 30 mM/L and 60 mM/L NaCl. Our results revealed that bacteria application can have an ameliorative effect that helps the plant to tolerate the negative effects of salt stress by increasing proline and anthocyanin levels.
A new method for microbial cultivation and its application to bacterial community analysis in Buus Nuur, Mongolia

We performed a comparative analysis of bacterial diversity in a saline soda lake using a novel cultivation method termed the filter plate microbial trap method (FPMT), and conventional techniques together with DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis). The new method allowed for cultivation of representatives of seven bacterial taxonomic groups, including seven novel species. This compares favorably to the results from cultivation of representatives of four taxonomic groups and only one novel species using standard approaches. Neither culture collection matched the community composition revealed by DGGE but the FPMT method produced a more representative collection of strains. We conclude that FPMT is a powerful device for improving bacterial culturability and narrowing the gap between microbial diversity in nature and cultivable microorganisms.
Video Ergo Sum: Manipulating Bodily Self-Consciousness

A fraction of dynamic loci (178 loci, table S2)show species-specific differences, whereat theconserved gene pair was interrupted in the threestrains of one species by genes absent from thethree strains of the other species. These lociwould include sites whereat differences arosewhile the Escherichia and Salmonella lineageswere diverging. Other dynamic loci (e.g., thosewhere only a single strain shows a difference)would have arisen only after recombination hadeffectively ceased between the two lineages.Genes adjacent to species-specific loci are 6.2%older than genes adjacent to other dynamic loci(P <10
Restoring phylogenetic diversity through facilitation

Phylogenetic diversity enhances ecosystem functioning but restoration ecology has not taken advantage of this knowledge. We propose plant facilitation as a mechanism to promote phylogenetic diversity in restoration practices. We planted three functionally different species (Gypsophila struthium, Sedum album, and Limonium sucronicum) in a degraded gypsum ecosystem in Spain and found that after 7 years, the species with nurse traits (G. struthium) survived longer and facilitated the establishment of new species forming phylogenetically diverse neighborhoods. These facilitation‐driven phylodiverse communities may potentially produce a cascade of benefits on ecosystem functioning.
Long-Term Starvation Survival of Rod and Spherical Cells of Arthrobacter crystallopoietes

Spherical and rod-shaped cells of Arthrobacter crystallopoietes, harvested during exponential growth, were subjected to total starvation for periods of time as long as 80 days. Viability measurements were made by plate count and slide culture procedures. Both cell forms remained 100% viable for 30 days. Thereafter, viability of rods and spheres decreased equally at a slow rate. After 60 days of starvation, more than 65% of both cell forms were viable. No significant cell lysis occurred as evidenced by microscopic examination, the small amount of 260-nm absorbing material found in the starvation buffer, and stability of radioactively labeled deoxyribonucleic acid in the cells. Endogenous respiration decreased 80-fold during the first 2 days of starvation, accompanied by a 30% decrease in dry weight of the cells. Thereafter, cellular carbon was oxidized to CO2 at the constant level of 0.03%/hr over the remaining 78-day starvation period.
Technology and Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges for the New Era

Kemajuan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi telah memungkinkan pendekatan baru terhadap pengajaran, pembelajaran, dan riset ilmiah. Paper ini membahas bagaimana teknologi menimbulkan dampak pada pendidikan tinggi, dikaitkan dengan kondisi sistem pendidikan tinggi dan konteks sosial yang lebih luas. Lima hal yang penting dibahas adalah sebagai berikut: (1) pendidikan tinggi dan teknologi dalam masyarakat modern; (2) dampak historis teknologi terhadap pendidikan; (3) bidang-bidang pendidikan yang tersentuh kemajuan teknologi terkini; (4) pertimbangan kebijakan pemerintah dalam bidang teknologi; and (5) keengganan terhadap perubahan teknologis dalam pendidikan tinggi. Kemajuan teknologi telah memperluas akses dan penyesuaian pembelajaran dengan kebutuhan koginitif dan tingkat kesiapan pembelajar. Satu contoh adalah layanan perpustakaan digital, yang bukan sekadar penyimpan kumpulan pustaka, namun juga membuka akses yang lebih luas terhadap sumber-sumber informasi lain, misal lewat cyberspace
Role of 5-azacytidine in the differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyogenic cells

Introduction Increasing attention is being paid to the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treatment of human diseases such as myocardial infarction. Aim To study the differentiation of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) into cardiomyogenic cells using 5-azacytidine. Materials and Methods Forty adult male albino rats were used in this study. BM-MSCs were isolated and cultured in a complete Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 1% antibiotics and 10% fetal bovine serum (the control group). Second passaged cells were treated with 10&mgr;mol/l 5-azacytidine for 72h. Then, the medium was removed and kept in a 5-azacytidine-free medium for 4 weeks (the 5-azacytidine-treated group). The adherent cells of both groups were examined using a phase-contrast microscope and a transmission electron microscope. Expressions of cytoskeleton protein desmin and cardiac muscle-specific cardiac troponin T were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results BM-MSCs of the control group were spindle and star shaped with multiple processes and vesicular nuclei. After adding 5-azacytidine for 1 week, the cells showed multinucleation. On the second week, the cells formed stick-like structures. The cells showed extensive cytoplasmic striations in the third week. Finally, in the fourth week, the cells formed myotube-like structures. Immunohistochemical staining of cells of the 5-azacytidine-treated group revealed a positive immune reaction for desmin and cardiac troponin-T. Ultrastructural examination of the 5-azacytidine-treated group revealed that the cells were elongated with central oval large nuclei. The mitochondria were elongated with well developed cristae. There were abundant free ribosomes and extensive dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum. Myofibrils started to appear in the peripheral part of the cytoplasm and T-tubules appeared. Conclusion MSCs can be differentiated in vitro by 5-azacytidine into cardiomyogenic cells, which are important for repairing infracted myocardium.
Lipid Metabolism of Rumen Ciliates and Bacteria

The total lipid and free fatty acid contents of Isotricha intestinalis, Entodinium simplex, and the rumen bacterial flora of the respective protozoa were determined. Warburg manometric data showed that the sodium salts of tributyrin, oleic, and acetic acids stimulated gas production in I. intestinalis, whereas tributyrin was stimulatory with E. simplex and less active with oleic and acetic acids. Rumen bacteria provided fatty acids produced lower manometric gaseous increases when compared with the protozoa. Volatile fatty acids were produced by I. intestinalis and rumen bacteria with tributyrin, but not with tripalmitin. Sodium oleate gave little volatile fatty acid response with I. intestinalis or rumen bacteria. Washed suspensions of I. intestinalis and rumen bacteria concentrated C14-labeled oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids within the cells during short incubation periods. Autoradiographs demonstrated the conversion of C14-labeled oleic, palmitic, stearic, linoleic, and acetic acids in the rumen protozoa and bacterial cells.
Inheritance of Host Plant Resistance to the Sorghum Shootfly

The behaviour of shootfly resistance is examined over the F1, F2, F3 and advanced generations. The F1 is almost intermediate between two parents with an added heterotic advantage of a lower ’dead-heart’ percentage. Resistance shows partial dominance under low to moderate shootfly infestation but this relationship may shift under heavy infestation conditions.The resistance is polygenic in nature and governed by additive genes. In the absence of host immunity, gradual accumulation of favourable genes is possible by line breeding from R × I and I × I crosses by selecting 1 SD below the population mean. Selection for multiple characters limits the genetic advance for shootfly resistance—resulting in 0- 5% selection intensity and relatively less resistant but high yielding desirable progenies. Multilocation tests enable the selection of varieties stable for shootfly resistance.
The basis for calcium regulation of the cardiac sodium channel

ii Preface . iv Table of contents . v List of tables . viii List of figures . ix Abbreviations . xi Equations . xiv Acknowledgments . xvi Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Overview . 2 Early biophysical experiments on the action potential . 3 Sodium channels, the upstroke of the action potential. 7 Calmodulin and Ca signalling . 12 Ca and Ca/CaM regulation of ion channels . 16 Ca, CaM, and the voltage-gated sodium channel . 20 Secondary structure of the C-terminus – inactivation machinery . 21 A limp wristed EF-hand . 24 A revered parking spot: CaM binds the C-terminus . 27 vi Functional effects: left or right, up or down? 30 Sodium channel dysfunction: a culprit for cardiac arrhythmia . 34 Changes in the cardiac environment during heart failure . 36 Summary . 38 Materials and methods . 40 Molecular biology . 40 Vector and insert preparation . 41 Mutagensis . 43 Protein purification . 44 Crystallization, data collection, and structure solution . 47 Electrophysiology. 48 Electrophysiology data analysis . 49 Isothermal titration calorimetry . 50 ITC data analysis . 51 Measuring free [Ca] using a ion selective electrode . 54 Chapter 2: A CaM binding site in the inactivation gate is coupled to Ca regulation . 55 Introduction . 56 Experimental results . 59 Calcium dependence and contribution of CaM N and C-lobes to DIII-IV binding . 59 A role for DIII-IV aromatic residues in Ca/CaM binding . 62 A double tyrosine motif and distal DIII-IV linker aromatics . 64 Binding of the CaM C-lobe to the DIII-IV linker . 67 Impact of CaM binding to the DIII-IV linker on Ca regulation of the cardiac sodium channel . 69 Discussion . 76 vii Chapter 3: A mechanism of calcium regulation for the cardiac sodium channel . 81 Results . 83 Structure of the Ca/CaM-DIII-IV complex . 83 Energetic basis for the interaction between Ca/CaM and the DIII-IV linker . 88 The DIII-IV linker is the physiological endpoint for Ca regulation of NaV inactivation . 93 Ca dependence of CaM binding to the DIII-IV linker . 98 Ca/CaM bridges the NaV C-terminal IQ motif to the DIII-IV linker . 99 Discussion . 105 Chapter 4: Calcium dysregulation in physiological mutations in the cardiac sodium channel . 11
REPRODUCTIVE EFFORT OF TWO PERENNIAL WEED SPECIES IN DIFFERENT HABITATS

SUMMARY (1) The reproductive efforts of Rumex crispus L. and Rumex obtusifolius L. , two perennial, iteroparous weeds with delayed reproduction, were studied in different habitats. The probability of flowering in R. crispus was correlated with rosette diameter the previous autumn. (2) For both species, above ground dry weight per plant and reproductive effort differed significantly between habitats. Reproductive effort, based upon aboveground dry weight, varied between 042 and 0.61 for R. crispus, and between 0.26 and 0.59 for R. obtusifolius. (3) A simple allometric relationship between above-ground dry weight and fruit weight per plant holds for both species. (4) A large portion of the reproductive effort was devoted to ancillary reproductive
Effects of Maternal Carotenoid Deficiency on the Viability of Darter (Osteichthyes) Offspring

KINCAID, F. D. , and SCHEER, B. T. 1952. Hormonal control of metabolism in crustaceans. IV. Relations of tissue composition of Hemigrapsus nudus to intermolt cycle and sinus gland. Physiol. Zoal. , 25:372-80. KREPS, E. 1929a. Untersuchungen tiber den respiratorischen Gaswechsel bei Balanus crenatus bei verschiedenem Salzgehalt des Aussenmilieus. I. Uber den Sauerstoffverbrauch im Wassermilieu bei verschiedenem Salzgehalt. Pfliiger's Arch. ges. Physiol. , 222:215-33. 1929b. II. Uber den Einfluss von verschiedenem pH auf den 02-Verbrauch und tiber die COs-Abgabe bei verschiedenem Salzgehalt des Aussenmilieus. Ibid., pp. 234-41. ROBERTS, J. 1957a. Thermal acclimation ol metabolism in the crab Pachygrapsus crassipes Randall. I. The influence of body size, starvation, and molting. Physiol. Zobl. , 30:232-42. 1957b. Thermal acclimation of metabolism in the crab Pachygrapsus crassipes Randall. II. Mechanisms and the influence of season and latitude. Ibid., pp. 243-55. ROEDER, K. D. 1953. Insect physiology. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; London: Chapman & Hall, Ltd. SCUDAMORE, H. H. 1947. The influence of the sinus glands upon molting and associated changes in the crayfish. Physiol. Zobl. , 20:187-208. THOMAS, H. S. 1944. Tegumental glands in Cirripedia. Thoracica. Quart. Jour. Micr. Sci., 84: 257-82.
Optimal Digestive Strategies in Mammalian Herbivores

Recent applications of chemical reactor theory to animal guts can be extended to include the wide array ofdigestive systems seen in mammalian herbivores. Optimal digestive strategies of foregut fermenters and hindgut fermenters are considered in relation to body size and thus energy and nutrient requirements. Considerable emphasis isplaced on the foregut fermentation systems of the kangaroos and wallabies (family Macropodidae) and the rat-kangaroos (family Potoroidae) because of the interrelationships that have been found among body size, gut morphology, digestive strategies, and foraging strategies within this group of herbivorous marsupials. Optimal digestive strategies and optimal foraging strategies are closely linked, and both should be considered together in any analysis of the interactions between animals and their food resources.
On the non-linear stability of plane Couette flow

In the present paper the stability of plane Couette flow is studied. The stream function and distribution of vorticity and the Reynolds stresses for the linearized solution are computed. The stability effect of the non-linear terms are also discussed and it is found that for small amplitudes, the non-linear terms are destabilizing. A neutral curve determining the necessary amplitude in order to get instability, is found. The convergence of the expansion in the latter case is, however, somewhat uncertain and the result should therefore only be considered as a first, rough approximation.
Karyological studies of six taxa of the genus Allium L. (Amaryllidaceae) from Turkey

Abstract Karyotype structures in representative taxa of the genus Allium L. are compared, based on Feulgen-stained somatic metaphase chromosomes. The karyotypes of Allium arlgirdense, A. anacoleum and A. microspathum (in subg. Allium), and A. rhetoreanum and A. shirnakense (in subg. Melanocrommyum) are described for the first time. The karyological analyses indicate the relationships among the species with respect to asymmetry indices. All Allium taxa studied are diploid with 2n = 2x = 16 chromosomes. One B chromosome is detected in the chromosomes of A. microspathum. All chromosome sets of the studied taxa consist of seven median chromosomes and one submedian chromosomes and all submetacentric pairs bear a satellite on the short arms. The lengths of the chromosomes show remarkable differences particularly at the subgenus level. The three subgenus of genus Allium show a clear tendency to have karyotypes distinct on asymmetry grounds. Karyotype asymmetry relationships are discussed according to the bidimensional scatter plots of A1–A2 and CVCL–MCA.