Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative trait loci and epistatic interactions in barley conferring resistance to net type net blotch (Pyrenophora teres f. teres) isolates.

Net type net blotch (NTNB) is an important barley disease in Australia and elsewhere, with significant yield reduction. This trait is important in selection along with other traits of quality and agronomic value. Two-hundred doubled-haploid lines were generated through anther culture from a cross between 'Pompadour' and 'Stirling'. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified against five isolates of Pyrenophora teres f. teres, which represent virulences across Australia. QTL were mapped on chromosomes 3H and 6H using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The resistance locus on 6H was detected with all isolates while the 3H locus was detected with two isolates. The 6H QTL from 'Pompadour' contributed resistance to isolates 97NB1, 95NB100 and NB81, whereas 6H QTL from 'Stirling' contributed resistance to isolates NB50 and NB52B. The 3H QTL from 'Pompadour' contributed resistance to NB50 and NB52B. Significant epistatic interactions were detected between QTL on 3H and 6H. These resistance QTL are a useful resource and identifying closely linked SSR markers with allelic combinations will facilitate in marker-assisted selection to develop NTNB resistant breeding lines.
The chimeric embryo hypothesis as a mechanism of avian sex ratio manipulation? Comment on Tagirov and Rutkowska

Tagirov and Rutkowska (2013) recently published a novel idea for avian offspring sex manipulation. Briefly, their mechanism is based on the retention of polar bodies (PBs) during oogenesis (caused by maternal hormones reflecting environmental or parental quality), and then the fertilization of more than 1 pronucleus. This would result in embryos with both male and female cells (i.e., mixed-sex chimeras), which cells would be selected during proliferation by the prevailing hormonal milieu. Therefore, at egg laying, cells of one sex would predominate in the embryos determining their sex. On one hand, we were pleased to read the article because, despite the great interest in offspring sex manipulation, we still do not have exact knowledge on its proximate mechanism. On the other hand, we would like to point out several problems that make the proposed mechanism unlikely to underlie avian offspring sex manipulation.
κ-Opioid Agonists Directly Inhibit Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons

Dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) play a critical role in motivation and reinforcement of goal-directed behaviors. Furthermore, excitation of these neurons has been implicated in the addictive process initiated by drugs such as morphine that act at the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). In contrast, κ-opioid receptor (KOR) activation in the VTA produces behavioral actions opposite to those elicited by MOR activation. The mechanism underlying this functional opposition, however, is poorly understood. VTA neurons have been categorized previously as principal, secondary, or tertiary on the basis of electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics. In the present study using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we demonstrate that a selective KOR agonist (U69593, 1 μm) directly inhibits a subset of principal and tertiary but not secondary neurons in the VTA. This KOR-mediated inhibition occurs via the activation of a G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel and is blocked by the selective KOR antagonist nor-Binaltorphimine (100 nm). Significantly, regardless of cell class, KOR-mediated inhibition was found only in tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive and thus dopaminergic neurons. In addition, we found a subset of principal neurons that exhibited both disinhibition by a selective MOR agonist ([d-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly-ol5]-enkephalin) (3 μm) and direct inhibition by KOR agonists. These results provide a cellular mechanism for the opposing behavioral effects of KOR and MOR agonists and shed light on how KORs might regulate the motivational effects of both natural rewards and addictive drugs.
How serious problem is poor adherence to treatment in coronary artery disease?

Adherence k předepsané farmakoterapii představuje v posledních letech často skloňovaný termín ve většině lékařských oborů. Jmenovitě v oblasti sekundární prevence ischemické choroby srdeční a dalších vaskulárních chorob představuje adherence jeden ze zcela základních ukazatelů úspěšnosti léčby, dokonce i ve smyslu osudu pacienta. Klíčová slova: farmakoterapie, sekundární prevence, vaskulární choroby.
240 kDa immunoanalogue of vertebrate α‐spectrin occurs in Paramecium cells

Polypeptide of 240 kDa immunorelated to vertebrate α-spectrin was detected in Paramecium cells. The antigen was identified by monospecific antibody directed against α-subunit of spectrin, which was isolated from chicken erythrocytes by affinity and anion-exchange chromatography. Immunoblotting tests demonstrated that the anti-α-spectrin cross reacted with the 240 kDa polypeptide of Paramecium as well as that of various vertebrate cells. In Paramecium, the antigen was detected in cytoskeletal fraction and in contractile extract of the cells. Immuno-fluorescent and immunoelectron microscopy observations revealed cortical localization of α-spectrin immunoanalogue in Paramecium. The label was distinctly seen on the whole surface of trichocyst tips. The antigen was also distributed close to the inner alveolar membrane forming a regular, continuous, lattice-like structure. When stained with rhodamine-phalloidin, Paramecium cells displayed a similar fluorescent network, which underlay contours of cortical units. Basal bodies of cilia were labeled with phalloidin as well. Detection of α-spectrin immunoanalogue in Paramecium cortex may provide a new insight into arrangement of cortical elements in this organism. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
OCCURRENCE AND NUMBERS OF CAMPYLOBACTER SPP. ON WINGS AND DRUMSTICKS OF BROILER CHICKENS AT THE RETAIL LEVEL IN LITHUANIA

The present study was designed to investigate the occurrence and numbers of Campylobacter spp. on broiler chicken wings and drumsticks at the retails level of the three main poultry meat producers in Lithuania. Samples of chicken wings and drumsticks were collected of each poultry meat producer by visiting randomly selected retail shops once a week from March till October, in 2009. During each visit to a shop, samples of wings and drumsticks were bought without giving a warning. A total of 87 chicken wings and 87 drumsticks samples were collected and tested for Campylobacter spp. Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. were isolated by both direct inoculation on mCCDA selective medium and by selective enrichment in Bolton enrichment broth. MultiplexPCR method was used for detection and identification of thermophilic Campylobacter species. Our findings showed that overall 46.55% (81 out of 174) of the collected samples were contaminated with campylobacters. Twenty nine samples out of 81 were confirmed as positive only after enrichment procedure. C. jejuni has been found in 69.12% of the tested samples and C. coli in 13.23%, and both species together in 17.65%, respectively. The mean number of Campylobacter bacteria detected on wings at the retail was 1.99 log10 CFU/ml and on drumsticks 2.11 log10 CFU/ml. This study shows high occurrence of broiler meat contamination with Campylobacter spp. at a retail level in Lithuania. Therefore the risk for consumers should be evaluated and an improvement of control measures at poultry production and retail level should be considered to reduce the risk for consumer’s infection with Campylobacter spp.
Toxic effects of valproic acid on mouse palatal development in vitro

Valproic acid (VPA) is an anticonvulsant drug clinically used in the treatment of epilepsy. VPA is a known teratogen that can induce craniofacial defects, including a cleft palate in the newborn. To investigate direct toxic effects of VPA on the mouse developing palate, we have developed a whole mouse palatal organ culture system. The palatal organ cultures were exposed to VPA at a concentration of 12.5, 50 and 100 µg/mL for a period of 24h. Palatal development was delayed and correlated with increasing dose of VPA as measured by length of palatal shelves, which decreased from 95% to 65% (N=19-24). In addition, the palatal fusion rates were significantly decreased in VPA treated palatal cultures and correlated with increasing doses of VPA (p<0.05). In situ hybridization histochemistry and RT-PCR data showed that the expression of Hoxa2 mRNA was down regulated in the developing palate in VPA treated groups. Our data show that VPA inhibited palatal growth and induced a cleft palate in mouse palatal cultures in vitro and deceased Hoxa2 gene expression in the developing palate in a dose dependent manner.
Influence of environmental and longline fishing operational variables on the presence of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in south-western Atlantic

Killer whale (Orcinus orca) is frequently encountered in coastal and high productive pelagic waters, near the shelf break. In the south-western Atlantic Ocean, spatial and temporal occurrence patterns are poorly known. However, the monitoring of the interaction between killer whales and longline fishery suggests that the species is frequent in this region. We analysed the killer whale presence within the Uruguayan pelagic longline fishing zone. Data were collected from 1996 to 2007, during 2189 fishing events, by vessel skippers and on-board observers. We estimated the sighting rate (SR = sightings days/fishing days * 100) for different time scales and in 1 × 1 degree grids. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the effect of spatial, temporal, environmental and operational variables on the species presence. Killer whales were sighted in 100 fishing days (SR = 4.5%), this occurrence being explained by distance from shore and sea surface temperature, varying among months and fishing boats. Although sightings occurred year round, they were more frequent in autumn and winter, at 150–400 nautical miles (nm) from shore (mean = 250 nm) and in waters with temperatures ranging from 19 to 24°C (mean = 22°C). Sets took place between 19°–40°S and 21°–54°W, while killer whales occurred mostly from 34°–37°S and 48°–53°W. In this region, the high productive Brazil—Malvinas Confluence Zone is located, and concentrates fishing effort and also killer whales.
Susceptibility test of female anopheles mosquitoes to ten insecticides for indoor residual spraying (IRS) baseline data collection in Northeastern Nigeria

Malaria is a major public health problem in Nigeria, accounting for about 60% of all outpatient attendances and 30% of all hospital admissions. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) was scaled up in Nigeria to supplement long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) for malaria vector control. The success of IRS partly defends on the susceptibility of local anopheles mosquitoes to insecticides. The WHO standard insecticides-impregnated papers and tubes were used to conduct bioassay tests against local populations of Anopheles species in Misau Bauchi State Nigeria with a view of selecting the suitable insecticides for IRS. The tests papers include: Cyfluthrin (0.15%), DDT (4%), Deltamethrin (0.05%), Lambdacyhalothrin (0.05%), Malathion (5%), Permethrin (0.75%), Propoxur (0.01%), Alpha-cypermethrin (0.75%), Bendiocarb (0.1%), Bifenthrin (0.15%) and untreated (control). Twenty (20) two to three day-old, female Anopheles species, glucose fed, none blood fed, were exclusively used in the bioassay per treatments which was replicated three times. The post exposure 1 h knockdown and 24 h mortality was assessed. The results of the knockdown assessment indicate that Alphacypermethrin had the lowest KD50 (time taken to knockdown fifty percent of the exposed mosquitoes) value of 4.8 min. Relatively moderate KD50 values (minutes) were obtained with Propoxur (11.34), Deltamethrin (13.20), Malathion (15.82), Bendiocarb (17.29), Permethrin (18.43), Cyfluthrin (20.28) and Lambdacyhalothrin (23.11). Relatively higher KD50 values were obtained with Bifenthrin (27.29) and DDT (32.12) impregnated papers. The results of mortality assessment indicate that Anopheles mosquitoes were susceptible to Alphacypermethrin, Malathion and Propoxur with 100% mortality. The Anopheles species were less susceptible to Bifenthrin, Lambdacyhalothrin, Permethrin, Deltamethrin, Bendiocarb, Cyfluthrin and DDT. The Anopheles species used in the tests were morphological identified as Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles nili. The public health significance of these findings is discussed. Key words: Nigeria, Anopheles mosquitoes, resistance, Misau, Bauchi State, indoor residual spraying (IRS).
EFFECT OF SALT STRESS ON THE GROWTH AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS RATE OF BEAN PLANTS (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.) ЕФЕКТ НА СОЛЕВИЯ СТРЕС ВЪРХУ РАСТЕЖА И ФОТОСИНТЕТИЧНАТА АКТИВНОСТ ПРИ ФАСУЛА (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.)

The effect of salt stress оn some physiological parameters in young bean plants (cv. Lody) was studied under controlled conditions in a climatic room. The plants were grown in pots as hydroponic cultures in half-strength Hoagland nutrient solution. The plants were treated for 7 days with 50 and 100 mM NaCl and Na 2 SO 4 , starting at the appearance of the fi rst trifoliate leaf unfolded. The salts were added to the nutrient solution. It was established that the applied doses of both salt types caused stress on the young bean plants, which found expression in the suppression of growth, photosynthesis activity and the plastid pigment content. The amount of proline in the tissues of the salt-treated plants was increased, while the cell water potential was reduced.
PRODUKSI DAN APLIKASI PEPTON IKAN SELAR UNTUK MEDIA PERTUMBUHAN BAKTERI

Pepton adalah hidrolisat protein yang larut dalam air dan tidak menggumpal jika dipanaskan. Tujuan dari studi ini adalah untuk: 1) mengevaluasi potensi ikan selar sebagai bahan baku pepton ikan, 2) mengoptimasi penggunaan enzim terpilih, 3) mengarakterisasi pepton ikan selar, 4) membandingkan mutu pepton ikan selar dengan pepton komersial sebagai media pertumbuhan bakteri. Proses hidrolisis ikan selar fase post rigor dengan penambahan enzim papain 0,26% (b/v) selama 6 jam. Analisis proksimat pepton ikan selar, menunjukkan kadar protein yang tinggi (74,17% basis basah) dan mengandung beberapa jenis asam amino essensial, yaitu histidina, isoleusina, leusina, lisina, metionina, fenilalanina, treonina, valina, tirosina, dan arginina. Uji karakteristik pepton ikan menunjukkan bahwa kelarutan pepton ikan post rigor yaitu 96,74%, dengan total nitrogen 11,86%, α-amino nitrogen 1,07 g/100 g, α-amino nitrogen per total nitrogen 9,02; dan kadar garam 0,41%. Nilai optical density bakteri ditumbuhkan pada media yang menggunakan pepton ikan lebih tinggi dibandingkan pertumbuhan bakteri pada media yang menggunakan pepton komersial. Kata kunci: asam amino, enzim, hidrolisis, pepton, post rigor
A mechanism for the action of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin on aromatase activity in the ovarian follicle of the medaka, Oryzias latipes

Our recent studies (Sakai et al., '88) have shown that there is a progressive increase in aromatase activity, assessed indirectly by the conversion of exogenous testosterone to estradiol-17β, in medaka (Oryzias latipes) vitellogenic follicles isolated between 28 and 20 hr before spawning. The present study was designed to determine if pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS) and cAMP are able to induce aromatase activity in early vitellogenic follicles isolated at 32 hr before spawning. Both 100 IU/ml PMS and 100 ng/ml testosterone alone significantly stimulated estradiol-17β production by follicles at this stage. PMS also enhanced testosterone-induced estradiol-17β production. This enhancing effect of PMS on aromatization of exogenous testosterone to estradiol-17β was completely inhibited by 10 μg/ml actinomycin D and 10 μ/ml cycloheximide. Both 5 mM dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) and 10 μM forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, alone significantly stimulated estradiol-17β production. A 1 μg/ml dose of cyanoketone, a potent inhibitor of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, completely suppressed PMS- and forskolin-induced estradiol-17β production in the absence of testosterone, but did not influence the enhancing effect of either PMS or forskolin on the conversion of exogenous testosterone to estradiol-17β. These results indicate that PMS induces aromatase activity in medaka vitellogenic follicles via an adenylate cyclase-cAMP system, and further suggest that this action of PMS is dependent upon both transcriptional and translational processes.
Effect of Monochromatic Light on the Egg Quality of Laying Hens

SUMMARY The chicken eye can discriminate light color, and different light wavelengths affect egg quality. In this study, we used blue (B), green (G), and red (R) light produced by light-emitting diode lamps, as well as incandescent light (W) to illuminate Hy-Line Brown hens from 19 to 52 wk. All light sources were equalized to a light intensity of 15 lx and applied for 16 h daily. The results showed that egg weight in W light (61.1 g) was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than those in R light (59.2 g) throughout the experimental stage. Beginning at the age of 30 wk, egg weight in R light was consistently smaller than those in other lights. The egg length in B light was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter than those in other lights, and its width was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter than those in W light from 38 to 52 wk. The egg width in R light was significantly (P < 0.01) shorter than those in W light and to a lesser extent (P < 0.05) shorter than those in B and G lights from 19 to 52 wk. Similarly, eggshell strength in G light was significantly (P < 0.01) better than those in W and B lights, and eggshell thickness in G light was significantly (P < 0.05) better than those in other lights from 21 to 45 wk. Our results indicate that egg weight in R light was less than those in other lights, the egg length and egg width in B light became shorter, and the egg width in R light became shorter with age; the egg quality in G light was found to be the best.
Recombinant lipase from Candida rugosa for regioselective hydrolysis of peracetylated nucleosides. A comparison with commercial non-recombinant lipases

Abstract Commercial lipases from the yeast Candida rugosa have been compared with two recombinant C. rugosa lipases, rCRL1 and rCRL1lid3, with respect to their immobilization and exploitation in biotransformations aimed at the synthesis of pyrimidine nucleosides. Immobilization on octyl-agarose and decaoctyl-Sepabeads but not on Eupergit® C gave comparable results to commercial lipases for rCRL1, while only a low percentage (12%) of rCRL1lid3 was efficiently immobilized. When immobilized on decaoctyl-Sepabeads, rCRL1 showed a markedly higher stability to chemical inactivation, since it could maintain 100% activity after 180 h incubation in 30% (v/v) acetonitrile. Hydrolysis of peracylated uridine and cytidine and their fluorinated counterparts proceeded with high regioselectivity and good yield, and even improved when rCRL1 was immobilized on decaoctyl-Sepabeads.
Spatial ecology of perceived predation risk and vigilance behavior in white-faced capuchins

Although predation has likely played a central role in the evolution of primate socioecology, we currently lack a thorough understanding of how fine-scale variation in perceived predation risk affects primates’ short-term space use patterns and predator avoidance strategies. We examined the spatial and ecological characteristics of predator encounters, as well as behavioral responses to perceived predation risk, in 5 groups of wild white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) in Costa Rica over a 1.5-year period. Alarm-calling bouts directed at birds were more likely to originate in high forest strata, whereas alarm-calling bouts at snakes and terrestrial quadrupeds were more likely to originate near the ground. Relative risk maps based on the locations of predator encounters revealed that high-risk areas for birds and for all guilds combined consisted of more mature forest, whereas low-risk areas for these predators consisted of relatively younger forest. The animals were most vigilant near the ground, which may reflect greater perceived exposure to snakes and terrestrial predators in lower vertical levels. Incorporating the combined risk function into a predictive model of vigilance behavior improved prediction relative to null models of uniform risk or habitat-specific risk. Our results suggest that capuchin monkeys in this study system perceive reduced predation risk in the high and middle forest layers, and they adjust their vigilance behavior to small-scale spatial variation in perceived risk.
Emerging Leafhopper-Transmitted Phytoplasma Diseases of Potato

Abstract. In recent years, leafhopper-transmitted phytoplasma diseases of potato, Solanum tuberosum L. , have become increasingly important in many production areas worldwide. Serious epidemics of purple top disease of potato, caused by phytoplasma infections, have occurred in North and Central America and Central and Eastern Europe. Countries severely affected by phytoplasma diseases of potato include the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Russia, and Romania. These emerging potato diseases are causing significant yield losses and a reduction in tuber and seed quality. Accurate identification of phytoplasmas involved in the disease and their insect vectors, in addition to a better understanding of disease epidemiology and vector population dynamics, are essential to effective management of phytoplasma diseases in potatoes. A case study of identification, epidemiology, and management of leafhopper-transmitted phytoplasma disease of potatoes in the Pacific Northwest of the United States is presented herein.
Agarose Gel Electrophoresis—Immunofixation

In agarose gel electrophoresis [338, 3401 proteins are separated in an electric field, precipitated by picric acid, and stained by a protein stain. The technique described in this chapter is a simple, rapid and versatile analytical tool, and in addition it constitutes the basic procedure in various immunoelectrophoretic techniques described later in this handbook. In the method called itnmunofixation or immunofixation electrophoresis [9, 5551 a highly selective precipitation of proteins is obtained directly after electrophoresis by overlaying the gel surface with antiserum, which then forms immunoprecipitates with the corresponding antigen(s). After precipitation the gel is washed to remove other proteins, and the precipitates are stained.
The Biology of Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus 1758) and Other Deep‐Water Reef‐Forming Corals and Impacts from Human Activities.

Over the last twenty years, human exploitation has begun to have an impact in the deep sea, especially in the upper bathyal zone. This has mainly taken the form of deep-sea fishing but more recently oil exploration has extended beyond the continental shelf. Deep-water coral reefs occur in the upper bathyal zone throughout the world. These structures, however, are poorly studied with respect to their occurrence, biology and the diversity of the communities associated with them. In the North-East Atlantic the coral Lophelia pertusa has frequently been recorded. The present review examines the current knowledge on L. pertusa and discusses similarities between its biology and that of other deep-water, reef-forming, corals. It is concluded that L. pertusa is a reef-forming coral that has a highly diverse associated fauna. Associated diversity is compared with that of tropical shallow-water reefs. Such a highly diverse fauna may be shared with other deep-water, reef-forming, corals though as yet many of these are poorly studied. The main potential threats to L. pertusa in the North-East Atlantic are considered to be natural phenomena, such as slope failures and changes in ocean circulation and anthropogenic impacts such as deep-sea fishing and oil exploration. The existing and potential impacts of these activities on L. pertusa are discussed. Deep-sea fishing is also known to have had a significant impact on deep-water reefs in other parts of the world.