Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ion (Organic Acid and Base) Transporters and Homeostasis: A Review with Reference to its Usefulness as Biomarkers

Organisms are continuously exposed to a great variety of xenobiotics via food and environment. Evolution has equipped the body with a plethora of protecting systems to defend itself against the potentially harmful effects of these compounds. One of the important defense mechanisms include the active extrusion of xenobiotics by commonly shared transport proteins, mainly located in kidney, liver and intestine. An attempt has been made to understand the structural and functional properties of organic anion transporters (OAT1, OAT2, OAT3) and organic cation transporters (OCTN1, OCTN2, OCT1, OCT2, OCT3). These transporters share a predicted 12-transmembrane domain (TMD) structure with a large extracellular loop between TMD1 and TMD2, carrying potential N-glycosylation sites. Conserved amino acid motifs revealed a relationship to the sugar transporter family within the major facilitator superfamily. Following heterologous expression, most OATs transported the model anion p-aminohippurate (PAH). OAT1, but not OA.
Effect of Starter and Finisher Protein on Performance, Carcass Grade, and Meat Yield of Broilers

Abstract Three starter diets ranging from 205 to 242 g protein/kg with 3.30 Meal (13.8 MJ) true metabolizable energy (TME)/kg and four finisher diets ranging from 166 to 227 g protein/kg with 3.36 Meal (14.1 MJ) TME/kg were fed to broilers in a factorial experiment involving 1650 chickens. Weight gains to 4 weeks improved with increasing starter protein and the differences were maintained to 8 weeks. Feed efficiency to 4 but not 8 weeks improved with increasing starter protein. Carcass fleshing grades and breast meat yield at slaughter (6, 7, and 8 weeks) increased with higher starter protein. Weight gains from 4 to 8 weeks were not significantly affected by finisher protein levels, but feed efficiency of males was improved when the diet contained 189 g or more protein/kg. Finisher protein had little effect on carcass fat scores, but carcass skin and abdominal fat yields decreased with increasing protein. Total meat and breast meat yields increased together with the finisher protein. Increased total mortality and losses attributed to leg problems were associated with the highest starter protein level. However, total mortality decreased linearly with increasing finisher protein. Incidence of sudden death syndrome was not significantly related to diet.
Nitrogen and phosphorus in Rotorua urban streams

Abstract Nitrate concentrations in urban streams at Rotorua are much higher than those in nearby rural streams. The loads of nitrogen are consistent with the loads discharged to septic tanks in the stream catchments. Phosphorus concentrations are no higher than in rural streams, and phosphorus loads in the streams are less than 2% of the load on the septic tanks. Nitrate in the streams is slowly decreasing now that the sewerage reticulation system is almost complete.
Abstracts

Graphical displays of dairy cow productivity Hendry, M. A. W. (1999) Reproduction in Domestic Animals 34, 203 Laminectomy for 34 dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease and loss of deep pain perception Scott, H. W. & Mckee, W. M. (1999) Journal of Small Animal Practice 40, 417
Diminishing Returns of QE from Portfolio Rebalancing

The author shows in a CAPM framework that asset risk can be a serious impediment for the portfolio rebalancing channel of quantitative easing (QE). Investors are less willing to take higher risk when excess returns decline due to asset purchases by the central bank. The reduced effectiveness of QE holds in particular when credit spreads are compressed. This can explain why QE has diminishing returns.
Record of a seventeenth species of shrew (Soricomorpha: Soricidae) from the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve, Central African Republic

Ray and Hutterer (1995) recently reported 16 species of shrew from the Dzanga-Sangha Special Dense Forest Reserve (Central African Republic), the most speciose shrew community sample to date in the region. Species were identified from both a large sample of carnivore scats collected over a period of 25 months and from small mammal trapping. The authors attributed this record of unusually high species diversity to the intensive effort combined with non-traditional methods. A species accumulation curve indicated that the full complement of the shrew community was attained (as sampled by small carnivores). However, an additional species not observed in carnivore scats from the reserve is reported here for the first time. I recently sampled small mammals in the DzangaSangha Reserve using the pitfall-trapping design described and illustrated in Voss and Emmons (1996) and collected a single specimen of Crocidura crenata, the seventeenth species of shrew reported from the reserve. C. crenata is distinguished by its relatively long feet and long tail (tail 75 mm, hind foot 15 mm), specializations that aid in jumping (Brosset 1988). The unusual jumping ability of C. crenata may explain its evasion of predation by small carnivores despite the high percentage of shrews reported in the diets of certain Dzanga-Sangha carnivores (Ray and Hutterer 1995). While carnivores have ‘‘a far wider sampling area than an immobile pitfall trap, and a greater potential to sample a variety of microhabitats’’ (Ray and Hutterer 1995), they did not capture this unique member of spectacular Dzanga-Sangha shrew fauna. The record of C. crenata brings the total number of shrew species known from the reserve to 17 and underscores the necessity of employing pitfall traplines in combination with other non-traditional methods when inventorying shrew communities. Small mammals were collected for a permanent American Museum Natural History biodiversity exhibit featuring the Dzanga-Sangha forest. A list of rodent and shrew specimens collected with AMNH catalog numbers follows:
Relationships between cellular events and signaling pathways in various pesticide-affected neural cells

Various pesticides are considered hazardous to human health. Of particular concern are potential problems of neurotoxicity associated with their use. Cellular toxicity may manifest as a variety of biological events, such as carcinogenesis (mutagenesis) and/or cell death. Recent reports indicate that signaling pathways regulate these cellular events. Thus, the toxicity of pesticides in cells may involve modulation of signaling pathways. In this review, we mainly focus on relationships between cellular events and signaling pathways in various pesticide-affected neural cells. Our data and those of related studies suggest that these pesticides affect both the viability and various signaling pathways of neural cells.
Occurrence, sources, and fate of trichloroacetic acid in swiss waters

The occurrence, sources, and fate of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) has been investigated in surface waters, ground waters, drinking waters, wastewaters, and rainwater in Switzerland. The concentrations found in surface waters varied between less than 27 ng/L (limit of quantification) and 340 ng/L, whereas the concentrations in ground water were always below 27 ng/L. It was found that the main sources of TCA in surface waters were the effluents of wastewater treatment plants (average concentration, 430 ng/L : range, 40-1060 ng/L). The average TCA concentration in rainwater was 300 ng/L range, ( 230 d). A detailed mass balance in the catchment area of a small lake (Greifensee) and a very rough mass balance over Switzerland indicate that rain is the major source of TCA in Switzerland (>90%), but they also show that about 60 to 80% of the TCA deposited by rain is eliminated, most probably in the soil.
Things to look forward to in EBR

With the next issue of EBR, you will notice a few changes in the journal’s editorial team. Some of these are in essence cosmetic, bringing the organization of the Editorial Board into conformity with the Bylaws of the ISBR (see http://www.isbr.info/). The other changes, which have to do with turnover on the Editorial Board, do merit presentation. Although the journal counts enormously on the commitment of the Board members, it is also necessary and normal that there be turnover on the Editorial Board. Starting with the next issue, we will have three new Board members, Alan McHughen, Terrance M. Hurley, and William Muir. The new members will undoubtedly bring both fresh ideas and broader expertise to the Board. At the same time, Per Pinstrup-Anderson, one of the founding members of the Board, has asked to step down. On the behalf of the entire EBR editorial team, I take this opportunity to thank Per for his work on the Board, and for his solidarity with the concept of EBR from a very early stage. Overall, the initial Editorial Board has done an excellent job, and I take this opportunity to thank them, and also David Andow and Klaus Ammann, co-founding Editors-in-Chief of EBR, for their ongoing commitment.
A new trap-catch index of patchiness in animal distribution

Researchers and managers commonly use catch rates on trap-transects as an index of abundance for trappable wildlife species. We describe a method whereby the data collected from such surveys can be further analysed to obtain information on the patchiness of the trapped species' distribution on those transects. For certain applications, such as the management of wildlife disease, the index is likely to have significant advantages over traditional indices of spatial aggregation. One such situation is the management of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand to inhibit the spread of bovine tuberculosis within their populations. Trap-catch data from a possum survey are used to illustrate the proposed method, and the potential for application of such monitoring to wildlife populations is discussed.
Evidence of Declining Recruitment of Atlantic Sturgeon in the Hudson River

Abstract The Hudson River supports one of the largest remaining populations of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus; however, recent evidence of major declines in recruitment during the past decade suggests that the population may be in jeopardy. The scarcity of juveniles observed in recent years suggests that current levels of recruitment are too low to sustain the population. The primary goal of this study was to attain quantitative data on recruitment rates of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon in the Hudson River. From Jun through Oct 1995, hatchery-reared juveniles, marked and released in 1994, were collected with wild juveniles by randomized gill-net sampling distributed throughout the known distribution of age-1 juveniles. All stocked fish were double-marked with a clipped pelvic fin and an internal coded wire tag. During the sampling period we captured 15 marked and 14 unmarked age-1 Atlantic sturgeon. Using a Petersen mark–recapture population estimator, we calculated that there were 4,314 wild age-1 A.
FORAGING PATTERNS AND RESOURCE USE IN FOUR SYMPATRIC SPECIES OF ANTWRENS

Abstract The foraging behavior and resource use of four syntopic species of antwrens (Drymophila) was studied at Intervales State Park (24°17′S, 48°25′W) in the southeastern Brazilian Atlantic forest. Ochre-rumped Antbirds (D. ochropyga) foraged mainly by probing for arthropods in dead leaves. The Ferrugineous Antbird (D. ferruginea) and Bertoni's Antbird (D. rubricollis) gleaned or sallied for insects mainly on live foliage in bamboo tickets. Dusky-tailed Antbirds (D. malura) used many kinds of substrate such as live leaves, dead leaves or twigs, and tended to hang while gleaning insects from herbaceous vegetation. Foraging speed during prey search was significantly slower for D. ochropyga, whereas differences in attack rate among other species were not significant. Niche overlap was measured for 11 substrate-maneuver combinations; D. ferruginea and D. rubricollis had large overlap (82%). Sympatric and syntopic coexistence of these four antwrens may be maintained by habitat and substrate specialization through exploitation of dead leaves and bamboo thickets.
Zic3z defines the dorsal and vegetal neuroectoderm in the zebrafish embryonic development

Abstract The Zic family is a group of genes encoding zinc finger proteins that are highly expressed in the mammalian cerebellum. Zic genes are the vertebrate homologue of Drosophila pair‐rule gene, odd‐paired (opa), which plays important roles in the parasegmental subdivision as well as in the visceral mesoderm development of Drosophila embryos. Recent studies on human, mouse, frog, fish and ascidian Zic homologues support that Zic genes are involved in a variety of developmental processes, including neurogenesis, myogenesis, skeletal patterning, and left‐right axis establishment. In an effort to explore possible functions of Zic proteins during vertebrate embryogenesis, we initially examined more detailed expression pattern of zebrafish homologue of zic3 (zic3z). zic3z transcripts are detected in the neuroectoderm, neural plate, dorsal neural tube, and brain regions including eye field during early embryonic development. Marker DNA studies found that zic3z transcription is modulated by BMP, Wnt, and Nodal signals particularly in the dorsal and vegetal neuroectoderm at gastrula. Interfering with zic3z translation with zic3z‐specific morpholino causes abnormal brain formation and expansion of the optic stalk cells. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) undergo abnormal neuronal differentiation. These findings suggest that zic3z defines the dorsal and vegetal neuroectoderm to specify brain formation and retinal neurogenesis during early embryonic development.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL LOCALIZATION OF HCG AND SUBUNITS IN THE HUMAN PLACENTA AND CHORIOCARCINOMA CELL LINES-MORPHOLOGICAL APPROACH TO SECRETORY PATHWAY

The aim of this study is to examine secretory mechanisms of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) with immunocytochemical staining techniques. In 10 weeks and term placentae, HCG and its subuniuts were localized in the perinuclear space (PNS) and rough endoplasmic reticula (RER) of syncytial trophoblsts, but microvilli on the maternal cell surface were negative. In addition, 10 week old placenta demonstrated the presence of small vesicles and large lysosome-like granules in the cytoplasm facing the maternal circulations. They were stained by using anti-HCG β subunit antibody. The large lysosome-like granules were predominantly demonstrated to contain free β subunits. Term placentae did not show these large lysosome-like granules. These data supported the theory that HCG secretion mechanism is mediated by transportation via small vesicles in the first trimester. The lysosome-like granules may be the site for digestion of excess free subunit. In term placenta, HCG and its subunits were localized in PNS and RER indicating their actual production, in spite of low HCG β level in the maternal blood. These PNS and RER were more prominent in the cytoplasm facing fetal circulation and suggested the possibility of their secretion toward fetal circulation.
Yellow head‐like viruses affecting the penaeid aquaculture industry: a review

Abstract This review focuses on relevant scientific information regarding the current knowledge of the yellow head complex viruses, yellow head virus and gill‐associated virus. The yellow head complex viruses have been problematic within the aquaculture industry for over 10 years and still retain their research topicality. Presently, there are numerous research papers from different journals covering the identification, disease expression and spread, pathogenesis, detection, morphology, genomic sequence and protein profiles of the yellow head complex viruses. Indeed, there has been no extensive review to compare these studies, and as a corollary, to assess flaws in contemporary research and knowledge. Additionally, the yellow head complex viruses rank within the top four prawn viruses with respect to disease impact and economic loss. This review collectively reports on all the findings and current methods of research and aims to identify weak areas of research where conclusions have been unjustifiably drawn and furthermore to elucidate areas that have a gap of knowledge.
The photosynthetic and growth rate responses of two freshwater angiosperms in lakes of different trophic status: responses to light and dissolved inorganic carbon

SUMMARY 1. Two rooted freshwater macrophytes (Lagarosiphon major (Ridley) Moss; Myriophyllum triphyllum Orchard) were grown in two lakes of differing trophic status on sediments collected from an eutrophic lake. In the two experiments (summer and winter) in the oligotrophic lake (Lake Taupo, New Zealand), the relative growth rates of both species were approximately double those recorded in the experiments in the eutrophic take (Lake Rotorua, New Zealand). These growth responses occurred even though the light and temperature regimes were similar at the experimental sites in both lakes and the concentrations of inorganic nutrients were higher in the eutrophic lake water. 2. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) analysis of both lake waters indicated that the oligotrophic water had approximately 10-fold more DIC than the eutrophic water. This corresponded, at natural pH, to a 2-fold higher concentration of free-CO2 in the oligotrophic lake water (49 μM) than in the eutrophic lake water (23 μM). Photosynthetic experiments demonstrated that the maximum rates of photosynthesis were 2.46 and 2.25-fold higher in L. major and M. triphyllum, respectively, when the shoots were incubated in Lake Taupo water at Lake Taupo levels of free-CO2 relative to Lake Rotorua water at Lake Rotorua levels of free-CO2. 3. It is concluded that these differences in photosynthetic rates would lead approximately to a 2-fold difference in growth rate, thus explaining the growth responses observed in the field experiments.
Breeding performance and longevity of Tomicus destruens on Mediterranean and continental pine species

The pine shoot beetle Tomicus destruens (Wollaston) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is one of the main pests of Mediterranean forests, where it is oligophagous on Mediterranean pines. However, possible global warming may make the insect move to higher latitudes and altitudes, allowing it to attack new pine species. In this respect, the aim of the present article was to assess both the acceptance and performance of T. destruens offered host and non‐host pine species. A no‐choice breeding experiment was set up under laboratory conditions, using logs of three Mediterranean (Pinus pinea L., Pinus pinaster Miller, and Pinus halepensis Aiton) and two continental (Pinus nigra Arnold and Pinus sylvestris L.) pine species. Log debarking at the end of adult emergence assessed parent fecundity, egg, and larval mortality. The quality of callow adults emerging from each tested pine was evaluated on the basis of their longevity on a semiartificial diet. Tomicus destruens colonised all tested pine species, but did not reproduce in Scots pine, taking about 79 days to complete development with no differences among pines tested. The best breeding performance, evaluated as female fecundity and adult production, was observed in P. halepensis, and the lowest in P. pinaster. On average, adults emerging from P. pinea survived longer (83 days) than from other pines, and adult longevity was the lowest in males emerging from P. nigra. Austrian pine, which under natural conditions is usually not a host of T. destruens, allowed insect development and adult production similar to P. pinea and P. pinaster.
Quantitative Classification of Plant Functional Types Based on Photosynthesis

Classifying plant functional types by a general and quantitative technique is important for sustainable forest management. Here, the time series of diurnal net photosynthetic rate and other related external and internal factors of 11 tree species in a young mixed broadleaf and coniferous Korean pine forest in Northeast China were recorded during the growing season. All time series data were analyzed by a newly proposed model, by which the relative importance of external environmental factors and internal factors on leaf photosynthetic rate among tree species was evaluated. The analysis showed that this method can be useful to identify environmentally sensitive tree species and to quantitatively classify plant functional types. Photosynthetic rate in most pioneer tree species is less sensitive to variation in environmental conditions than in late successional species. The photosynthetic rate of all 11 tree species was mainly determined by their internal factors. The results may also have implications for tree species selection in forest plantations and forest restoration.
The non‐selective blocking action of γ‐aminobutyric acid on the sensory cerebral cortex of the rat

y-Aminobutyric acid can be easily extracted from various parts of the nervous system and since it has been shown to have inhibitory effects on the activity of neurones, interest has centred upon its possible role as a transmitter substance. When it is applied to the surface of the cerebral cortex there is an apparent reversal in sign of any negative electrical activity that may be present. For example, the typical configuration of the normal evoked potential in the rat consists of an initial small positive wave (of latency 7 msec) followed by a second positive wave (latency 8 msec) and lastly a larger negative wave (latency 10-13 msec). This is changed by the application of y-aminobutyric acid to either a single small positive wave or a positive wave followed by a second larger positive wave. This effect has been interpreted by other authors (e.g. Purpura, Girado & Grundfest, 1957, 1958; Grundfest, 1958, 1960) as a selective blocking of the excitatory depolarizing component of the evoked potential complex. They suppose that the positive potentials are associated with inhibitory hyperpolarization and can be recorded from the surface unobscured under these conditions. However, in the experiments quoted, the pharmacological activity of y-aminobutyric acid was confined to a thin zone at the surface of the brain. If measures are taken to ensure that the whole thickness of the grey matter is exposed to the substance, we have found that almost all electrical activity in the cortex is abolished. This suggests that y-aminobutyric acid has a non-specific blocking action on cortical neurones. If this is the case, topically applied y-aminobutyric acid simply produces an inactive surface zone in the cortex. This zone would act as a source for electronegativity taking place underneath it and become positive, thus accounting for the observed reversal at the surface. This hypothesis assumes a fairly sharp boundary between the zone affected by y-aminobutyric acid and the