Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HOST BIOLOGY INTERACTIONS OF EPILACHNA VIGINTIOCTOPUNCTATA FABR

The Studies conducted during 2008 and 2009 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Chatha, Jammu revealed that 16 cultivated and 3 wild plants growing in the vicinity of the brinjal and bitter gourd crop fields offer shelter to the pest and maintain its population throughout the year. Effect of eight major host plants on all the biological parameters of the test insect included in the study revealed that grub and pupal development, survival, longevity and fecundity of Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) adults on given host plants under laboratory conditions (29±1oC, 60-70% RH) differ significantly. In a choice test E. vigintioctopunctata females oviposited most on Solanum nigrum (286.80 ± 19.86 eggs), least on Luffa acutangula (164.90 ± 26.24 eggs). The incubation period was shortest on S. nigrum (3.25 ± 0.97 days) and longest on Datura Stromonium (5.40 ± 0.75 days) whereas per cent egg hatchability was highest on Solanum tuberosum (91.75 ± 3.73 %) and lowest on L. acutangula (82.00 ± 5.94%). E. vigintioctopunctata grubs developed differently on eight host plants, shortest on S. nigrum (13.25 ± 1.12 days) and longest on D. stromonium (21.55 ± 1.70 days) and survived best on S. nigrum and P. minima (92.00±1.22 and 91.25±0.88%) and worst on L. acutangula (45.25±2.45%). More females than males were found among emerged adults and females lived longer than males. Pupal development was shortest on S. nigrum (3.85 ± 0.67 days) and longest in M. charantia (6.10 ± 0.72 days), wherein, adult emergence rate was highest on S. nigrum (94.25±0.98%) and lowest on L. acutangula (53.25±2.18%). Further on the basis of growth index, fecundity, survival and adult emergence, S. nigrum and P. minima were recorded to be the most suitable host plants followed by S. melongena, S. tuberosum, S. esculentum, M. charantia and D. stromonium. L. acutangula was the least preferred host plant by the test insect for overall growth and development.
Urothelial Carcinogenesis in the Urinary Bladder of Male Rats Treated with Muraglitazar, a PPARα/γ Agonist: Evidence for Urolithiasis as the Inciting Event in the Mode of Action

Muraglitazar, a PPARα/γ agonist, dose-dependently increased urinary bladder tumors in male Harlan Sprague–Dawley (HSD) rats administered 5, 30, or 50 mg/kg/day for up to 2 years. To determine the mode of tumor development, male HSD rats were treated daily for up to 21 months at doses of 0, 1, or 50 mg/kg while being fed either a normal or 1% NH4Cl-acidified diet. Muraglitazar-associated, time-dependent changes in urine composition, urothelial mitogenesis and apoptosis, and urothelial morphology were assessed. In control and treated rats fed a normal diet, urine pH was generally ≥6.5, which facilitates formation of calcium- and magnesium-containing solids, particularly in the presence of other prolithogenic changes in rat urine. Urinary citrate, an inhibitor of lithogenesis, and soluble calcium concentrations were dose dependently decreased in association with increased calcium phosphate precipitate, crystals and/or microcalculi; magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals and aggregates; and calcium oxalate-containing thin, rod-like crystals. Morphologically, sustained urothelial cytotoxicity and proliferation with a ventral bladder predilection were noted in treated rats by month 1 and urinary carcinomas with a similar distribution occurred by month 9. Urothelial apoptotic rates were unaffected by muraglitazar treatment or diet. In muraglitazar-treated rats fed an acidified diet, urine pH was invariably < 6.5, which inhibited formation of calcium- and magnesium-containing solids. Moreover, dietary acidification prevented the urothelial cytotoxic, proliferative, and tumorigenic responses. Collectively, these data support an indirect pharmacologic mode of urinary bladder tumor development involving alterations in urine composition that predispose to urolithiasis and associated decreases in urine-soluble calcium concentrations.
THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE PLANT SUBSTANCES SUPPLEMENTATION ON FATTENING AND SLAUGHTER PERFORMANCE AND BLOOD SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN PIGS

The study was carried out on 70 pigs divided into two groups: control and experimental (APS), the latter receiving an addition of active plant substances: cinna- maldehyde, carvacrol and capsaicin in the amount of 80 mg per 1 kg feed. During the experiment, fattening and slaughter performance and blood serum biochemical indi- ces, including total antioxidant status (TAS), were evaluated. The application of active plant substances during the fattening period did not have any effect on the improve- ment of fattening performance and carcass slaughter value. However, a statistically significant effect of this additive on lipid metabolism was observed, which is indica- ted by a decrease in the concentration of LDL fraction (P 0.05) and an increase in that of HDL fraction (P 0.01). Capsaicin, cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol also in- duced an increase in the protein concentration (P 0.01) and total antioxidant status (P 0.05) in the blood serum of fatteners.
Thioploca spp.: filamentous sulfur bacteria with nitrate vacuoles

Thioploca spp. are multicellular, filamentous, colorless sulfur bacteria inhabiting freshwater and marine sediments. They have elemental sulfur inclusions similar to the phylogenetically closely related Beggiatoa, but in contrast to these they live in bundles surrounded by a common sheath. Vast communities of large Thioploca species live along the Pacific coast of South America and in other upwelling areas of high organic matter sedimentation with bottom waters poor in oxygen and rich in nitrate. Each cell of these thioplocas harbors a large liquid vacuole which is used as a storage for nitrate with a concentration of up to 500 mM. The nitrate is used as an electron acceptor for sulfide oxidation and the bacteria may grow autotrophically or mixotrophically using acetate or other organic molecules as carbon source. The filaments stretch up into the overlying seawater, from which they take up nitrate, and then glide down 5–15 cm deep into the sediment through their sheaths to oxidize sulfide formed by intensive sulfate reduction. New major occurrences have been found in recent years, both in lakes and in the ocean, and have stimulated the interest in these fascinating bacteria.
The effect of temperature on oviposition, fecundity and egg hatch in the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Over the temperature range 5° to 25 °C, fecundity of Panolis flammea (Denis & Schiffermuller) showed a non-linear response, the optimal temperature for fecundity being 15°C. At 6°C females laid 17 eggs each whilst at 15°C they laid 166 eggs. Pre-oviposition period showed a significantly negative response, being shortest at 25°C (2.5 days). Adult longevity was significantly affected by temperature, being 20 days at 8°C and 6.8 days at 25°C. Egg hatch and development in the laboratory was linearly and positively related to temperature over the range of 2° to 20°C, ranging from 39.9 days at 5°C to 6 days at 25°C. The lethal limit for egg viability was 25 °C. The theoretical threshold for egg development was calculated to be 2.79°C. Storage of eggs at temperatures of 2°C for periods in excess of 10 days had a significant effect on the percentage of eggs hatching. The significance of these findings in implementing control operations is discussed.
The effect of water-soluble aromatic hydrocarbons on some haematological parameters of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, during acute exposure

Rainbow trout were exposed to a model mixture of water-soluble aromatic hydrocarbons (AH) at concentrations of 0.3–15.2 ppm for periods of 1–72 h. None of the parameters monitored except RBC changed at 0.3 ppm AH, while all constituents, except blood glucose, changed at 7.2 ppm AH. At 15.2 ppm, all fish died within 1 h. Haematological changes included increased haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte counts, and blood clotting (prothrombin) times. Plasma Cl− concentration decreased significantly. Changes resembled a stress response except for the increased clotting times, which typically decrease, and lack of increase in blood glucose.
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TWO DOUBLE‐HEADED TRITICALE ISOINHIBITORS OF ENDOGENOUS ALPHA‐AMYLASE AND SUBTITLISIN

Two double-headed isoinhibitors of endogenous alpha-amylase and subtilisin have been purified from triticale by immobilized copper affinity chromatography followed by S-Sepharose Fast Flow ion exchange chromatography and preparative isoelectric focusing on a sucrose density gradient ampholyte column. The inhibitors had isoelectric points at pH 7.25 and 6.95, and were present in triticale grains in approximately equal amounts. Both proteins, designated inhibitor 7.25 and inhibitor 6.95, have been purified to homogeneity as assessed by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) at pH 8.3. They also showed approximately 90% purity as determined by size exclusion limit FPLC. Their properties were similar to the endogenous alpha-amylase/subtilisin inhibitors found in wheat and barley, since they were active against cereal alpha-amylases and subtilisin and they were inactive against salivary and bacterial alpha-amylases as well as against trypsin. Apparent MW of both inhibitors was 20 kilodaltons as estimated from sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE under reducing conditions. No carbohydrate was detected in isoinhibitor preparations. The triticale alpha-amylase-triticale inhibitor systems studied revealed a mixed type of inhibition with apparent dissociation constant (Ki) values of 6.2 and 5.8 nM for the inhibitor 7.25 and inhibitor 6.95, respectively.
Fermentation of Lignocellulosic Wastes for Volatile Fatty Acids at Different Temperatures under Alkaline Condition

In this work, the hydrolysis and acidification of lignocellulosic wastes for volatile fatty acids at different temperatures (10°C~55°C) under strong alkaline condition of pH12 in the anaerobic digestion process of wetland plant litter (WPL) were investigated. The variation of organic carbon sources, sugar and VFAs was examined and the carbon source balance was analyzed during the above process. The results showed that the hydrolysis of WPL was enhanced under strong alkaline condition of pH=12 and the hydrolysis of WPL was accelerated as the temperature increased. The SCOD concentrations in the fermentation liquid increased constantly with temperature, but the percentage of the other carbon that microbe utilized difficultly in SCOD was as high as 45%~69%. Acetic acid was the most dominant VFA. At 25°C, the accumulation of VFAs reached the maximum value of 93mgCOD/g biomass on the 20thd. Twenty-five degrees Celsius could be considered as the optimal conditions for VFAs accumulation at pH=12 in this study as both the quantity and quality of the carbon sources achieved a higher level.
Nutrient utilization in Quercus leucotrichophora and Pinus roxburghii seedlings at five soil fertility levels

Nutrient utilization and growth performance of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. and Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus, the two major forest trees of the Central Himalaya Mountains between 1000 and 2000 m elevation, were ana- lysed at different nutrient levels. The early successional P. roxburghii occurs naturally on nutrient-poor sites and the late successional Q. leucotrichophora on nutrient-rich sites. Seedlings of these two species were grown both in monocul- ture and mixed, in plastic bags containing 1 kg soil and repre- senting five levels of nutrients (NPK) in a 12 : 32 :16 ratio. The P. roxburghii seedlings showed significantly greater nutrient extraction efficiency (nutrient unit extracted by seed- lings per nutrient unit in the soil) than the Q. leucotrichophora seedlings, and this difference was increased in interspecific competition, particularly at the higher nutrient levels. In inter- specific competition the extraction efficiencies of P. roxburghii for N, P and K were distinctly higher than those of Q. leucotrichophora. This we consider to be the main reason for the replacement of Q. leucotrichophora by P. roxburghii, even on nutrient-rich soils, after disturbance and subsequent increase in light availability. In both the species, re-transloca- tion of nutrients from senescing leaves declined with increas- ing soil fertility. For example, re-translocation for P. roxburghii was 49% N, 30% P and 32% K at the lowest soil fertility, and 20% N, 8% P and 13% K at the highest soil fertility.
A Ubiquitin Ligase Complex Regulates Caspase Activation During Sperm Differentiation in Drosophila

In both insects and mammals, spermatids eliminate their bulk cytoplasm as they undergo terminal differentiation. In Drosophila, this process of dramatic cellular remodeling requires apoptotic proteins, including caspases. To gain further insight into the regulation of caspases, we screened a large collection of sterile male flies for mutants that block effector caspase activation at the onset of spermatid individualization. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a testis-specific, Cullin-3–dependent ubiquitin ligase complex that is required for caspase activation in spermatids. Mutations in either a testis-specific isoform of Cullin-3 (Cul3Testis), the small RING protein Roc1b, or a Drosophila orthologue of the mammalian BTB-Kelch protein Klhl10 all reduce or eliminate effector caspase activation in spermatids. Importantly, all three genes encode proteins that can physically interact to form a ubiquitin ligase complex. Roc1b binds to the catalytic core of Cullin-3, and Klhl10 binds specifically to a unique testis-specific N-terminal Cullin-3 (TeNC) domain of Cul3Testis that is required for activation of effector caspase in spermatids. Finally, the BIR domain region of the giant inhibitor of apoptosis–like protein dBruce is sufficient to bind to Klhl10, which is consistent with the idea that dBruce is a substrate for the Cullin-3-based E3-ligase complex. These findings reveal a novel role of Cullin-based ubiquitin ligases in caspase regulation.
A Conditional Lethal Mutant of Escherichia coli K12 Defective in the 5′ → 3′ Exonuclease Associated with DNA Polymerase I

Abstract A mutant strain of E. coli, initially identified by an abnormally high frequency of recombination, has been found to be defective in the 5′ → 3′ exonuclease associated with DNA polymerase I, but not in the polymerase activity. This defect is tolerated at 30°, but is lethal at 43°. Like other polymerase I mutants, the strain is unusually sensitive to methyl methanesulfonate and to ultraviolet irradiation; it is also unable to support the growth of phage λ defective in general recombination, and shows a reduced rate of joining of 10S “Okazaki fragments. ” These results demonstrate that a functional DNA polymerase I is essential for normal growth and viability in E. coli K12.
Orchids : A review of uses in traditional medicine, its phytochemistry and pharmacology

Many of the epiphytic orchids are used as traditional medicine. Chemical components and pharmacology have been studied in recent 15 years. Medicinal orchids, in general, are not subjected to detailed pharmacological studies. A wide range of chemical compounds are presented including alkaloids, bibenzyl derivatives, flavonoids, phenanthrenes and terpenoids which have been isolated recently from this species. Extracts and metabolites of these plants, particularly those from flowers and leaves, possess useful pharmacological activities. Particular attention has been given to diuretic, anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, hypoglycemic activities, antimicrobial, anticonvulsive, relaxation, neuroprotective, and antivirus, activities. A comprehensive account of chemical constituents and biological activities is presented and a critical appraisal of the ethnopharmacological issues is included in view of the many recent findings of importance of these orchids. A large number of orchids have been empirically used for treatment of different diseases, thus, several studies have been undertaken to provide scientific proof to justify the medicinal use of various plants in treatment of diseases. The aim of this review is to up-date and to present a comprehensive analysis of traditional and folklore uses, pharmacological reports and phyto-constituents isolated from the orchids family. Key words: Orchids, medicinal plant, traditional uses, chemical constituents, biological activities.
Platinum nanocomposites and its applications: A review

Platinum is a transition metal that is very resistant to corrosion. It is used as catalyst for converting methyl alcohol to formaldehyde, as catalytic converter in cars, for hydrocracking of heavy oils, in Fuel Cell devices etc. Moreover, Platinum compounds are important ingredient for cancer chemotherapy drugs. The nano forms of Platinum due to its unique physico-chemical properties that are not found in its bulk counterpart, has been found to be of great importance in electronics, optoelectronics, enzyme immobilization etc. The stability of Platinum nanoparticles has supported its use for the development of efficient and durable proton exchange membrane Fuel Cells. The present review concentrates on the use of Platinum conjugated with various metal or compounds, to fabricate nanocomposites, to enhance the efficiency of Platinum nanoparticles. The recent advances in the synthesis methods of different Platinum-based nanocomposites and their applications in Fuel Cell, sensors, bioimaging, light emitting diode, dye sensitized solar cell, hydrogen generation and in biosystems has also been discussed.
Causality

IT is a rather depressing task for a Catholic to write a technical philosophical essay, for it is improbable that the philosophers whom he criticises wi l l read it . F r Hawkins therefore deserves our thanks in a special w a y ; such work as this is necessary and its effects, though slow, are sure. There are a number of excellences about the book. I t reveals a wide knowledge of contem­ porary English thought on the subject ; an index would have shown many references to Mind, to the Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society and to works of modern logic (the well-arranged table of contents gives some idea of the book's scope in this respect). Recent attempts to eliminate the notion of causality are very carefully repulsed. The writing is almost invariably attractive, and there are no slips or misprints obscuring the argument, which must be something like a record for Catholic philosophical books in recent years. These last virtues unfortunately are not shared by the only review (to the writer's present knowledge) which has had anything in particular to say about F r Hawkins's book, that in the Tablet (October 23rd, 1937). I t wi l l be of advantage to consider this article, for the criticisms which it em­ bodies deserve to be made clear, and it wi l l therefore be quoted later in some detail. T h e main criticism that we have to offer here affects the policy which F r Hawkins has adopted. He has written a small book (as someone said of Kant's Critique, it would have been quicker to read had it been longer) and by far the greater part is taken up by the historical setting of the question and
A rhabdocoel turbellarian (Platyhelminthes, Typhloplanoida) in Baltic amber with a review of fossil and sub‐fossil platyhelminths

Abstract. Palaeosoma balticus n. g. , n. sp. (Rhabdocoela, Typhloplanoida), the oldest body fossil of a turbellarian and the first representative of the phylum Platyhelminthes found in fossilized resin, is described from Baltic amber 40 million years old. Characters of the fossil turbellarian are epidermal cilia, rhabdoids, a rosulate pharynx, adhesive papillae, and sensory bristles. The body cavity contains developing eggs or capsules. The fossil demonstrates that rhabdocoels had developed a terrestrial habit and were producing subitaneous eggs by the Eocene. A summary of the fossil and sub-fossil records of platyhelminths is presented.
MECANISMO DE AÇÃO DO GLUTAMATO NO SISTEMA NERVOSO CENTRAL E A RELAÇÃO COM DOENÇAS NEURODEGENERATIVAS

Glutamate is the most abundant aminoacid in the CNS acting as excitatory neurotransmitter. In addition, it operates in neural development, synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, and has a fundamental role in the mechanism of some neurodegenerative diseases. Cerebral metabolism is controlled through receptors present in pre and postsynaptic neurons and glial cells, primarily. These receptors has the function of controlling the how long that the amino acid remains in the synaptic cleft. Failures in this mechanism leads to a phenomenon called excitotoxicity and consequent neurodegeneration of specific neurons, resulting in diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease
A High‐Throughput Screening Assay for Amino Acid Decarboxylase Activity

The development of sensitive and easy-to-apply high-throughput screening methods is a common need in modern biocatalysis. With these powerful analytical tools in hands, chemists can easily assess enzyme libraries to identify either novel biocatalysts or improved mutants. Within biocatalysis, amino acid decarboxylases are gaining an increased importance, with several diverse applications ranging from the synthesis of bio-commodities to medical applications (e.g., synthesis of enzyme inhibitors at the level of L-DOPA decarboxylase). Herein, an efficient and simple analytical method for high-throughput screening of amino acid decarboxylase activity is reported. The method is valid for the discrimination of a broad range of amino acid/amine pairs such as L-tyrosine/tyramine, L-DOPA/dopamine, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan/serotonin, L-histidine/histamine, L-serine/ethanolamine, L-tryptophan/tryptamine, L-glutamic acid/GABA, and L-alanine/ethylamine. It has proven its versatility by using pure substrates, mixtures, or enzymatic reactions, both coming either from commercial enzymes or derived from cell-free (crude) extracts. The limit of detection was 13 μM for ethanolamine in the presence of 50 mM L-serine, while z′ values were in the range 0.75–0.93, indicating the suitability for high-throughput screening.
Estimation of Genetic Change in the Registered Holstein Cattle Population

Abstract We examined pedigrees of 440,702 males and 526,956 females born during 1960 through 1979 and registered in the herdbook of the Holstein Association. Annual trends in genetic merit of sires, dams, maternal grandsires, and maternal granddams were determined from their estimated transmitting abilities. Genetic merit of parents changed substantially after more accurate procedures for estimating transmitting abilities were introduced in 1968. Rates of change for genetic merit of sires were larger than corresponding changes in dams. Annual genetic change for the male and female populations was estimated by two methods. The sum of annual changes in the average estimated transmitting abilities of sires and dams yielded estimates of annual genetic change. In addition, estimates of annual genetic change were obtained by doubling trends in the animals’ average estimated transmitting abilities. Both methods yielded similar results in the female population. For 1971 to 1979, annual genetic change for females was approximately +55 kg milk, +1.5 kg milk fat, and −. 007 milk fat percentage. In the male population, estimates differed between methods. Smaller estimates of annual genetic change resulted from doubling the rate of change in the bulls’ average Predicted Differences. This method should yield more accurate estimates of genetic change when bulls with genetic evaluations are representative of the population. Estimates of annual genetic change for 1971 to 1979 from the latter method were 84 kg milk, 2.6 kg milk fat, and −. 006 milk fat percentage.