Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The alternative haem biosynthesis pathway : structure, function and properties of sirohaem decarboxylase

Haem, a cyclic tetrapyrrole, is found in organisms from all three domains of life. Haem is a prosthetic group for many proteins involved in essential biological processes such as respiration and oxygen transport. Synthesis of haem in eukaryotes and most bacteria follows a well defined route with highly conserved intermediates. However, an alternative haem biosynthesis pathway in Archaea and some bacteria was recently elucidated. This newly discovered pathway utilises sirohaem as a metabolic intermediate rather than a prosthetic group. The alternative haem biosynthesis pathway is catalysed by the Ahb enzymes A, B, C and D. Initial decarboxylation of sirohaem occurs at the two acetic acid side-chains attached to carbons C12 and C18 to give didecarboxysirohaem, a process catalysed by AhbA and AhbB. Subsequently, the radical SAM enzyme AhbC converts didecarboxysirohaem to Fe-coproporphyrin III. Finally, AhbD catalyses the conversion of Fe-coproporphyrin III into haem in another SAM dependent reaction. This study focused on the AhbA and AhbB proteins from three sources, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Desulfovibrio vulgaris and Methanosarcina barkeri. Purifications of individual recombinantly produced proteins revealed that both AhbA and AhbB are highly unstable. However, low concentrations of D. desulfuricans and D. vulgaris AhbA and AhbB proteins were isolated and were discovered to have decarboxylase activity. Simultaneous overproduction of AhbA and AhbB proteins facilitated the co-purification of stable heteromeric AhbA/B complexes from all three organisms. However, despite their sequence similarities, distinctly different properties were observed between the homologues including differences in oliogmeric state and haem/product binding capabilities. The D. desulfuricans enzyme has been crystallised and its structure has been elucidated in both apo- and product-bound forms. Mutagenesis of the D. desulfuricans complex has provided further information about active site residues and a mechanism of action has been proposed. Finally, novel functional chimeric complexes were produced using the Desulfovibrio proteins.
Evidence for assembly rules: limiting similarity within a saltmarsh

1. We sought evidence for limiting similarity, a basic aspect of community structure, in three zones of a saltmarsh. Sampling was conducted at three spatial scales (grains), from a single point up to the scale of several square metres. Twenty‐three functional traits, related to the structure of the shoot and root systems and to nutrient status, were measured on each species present, separately in each community.
Effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and quality of dwarf pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Among the various combinations of inorganic (IN) and organic nutrition (ON) to dwarf pea (Pisum sativum L.), superimposition of 50% nitrogen (equivalent to 20 kg N) through vermicompost over the recommended dose i.e 40- 17-16-20kg N-P- K-S ha-1 (100% IN + 50% ON) resulted in significantly higher values for yield, harvest index, B: C ratio, protein and nutrient content. Seed inoculation with biofertilizer (Rhizobium + PSB + PGPR) in combination with application of Zn was also conducive for these parameters. Moreover, the interaction between the 100% IN + 5O% ON fertility level with biofertilizer + Zn gave significantly higher grain yield.
Choice of predictor variables as a source of uncertainty in continental‐scale species distribution modelling under climate change

Aim: species distribution modelling is commonly used to guide future conservation policies in the light of potential climate change. However, arbitrary decisions during the model-building process can affect predictions and contribute to uncertainty about where suitable climate space will exist. For many species, the key climatic factors limiting distributions are unknown. This paper assesses the uncertainty generated by using different climate predictor variable sets for modelling the impacts of climate change. Location: Europe, 10° W to 50° E and 30° N to 60° N. Methods: using 1453 presence pixels at 30 arcsec resolution for the great bustard (Otis tarda), predictions of future distribution were made based on two emissions scenarios, three general climate models and 26 sets of predictor variables. Twenty-six current models were created, and 156 for both 2050 and 2080. Map comparison techniques were used to compare predictions in terms of the quantity and the location of presences (map comparison kappa, MCK) and using a range change index (RCI). Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to partition explained deviance in MCK and RCI among sources of uncertainty. Results: the 26 different variable sets achieved high values of AUC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) and yet introduced substantial variation into maps of current distribution. Differences between maps were even greater when distributions were projected into the future. Some 64–78% of the variation between future maps was attributable to choice of predictor variable set alone. Choice of general climate model and emissions scenario contributed a maximum of 15% variation and their order of importance differed for MCK and RCI. Main conclusions: generalized variable sets produce an unmanageable level of uncertainty in species distribution models which cannot be ignored. The use of sound ecological theory and statistical methods to check predictor variables can reduce this uncertainty, but our knowledge of species may be too limited to make more than arbitrary choices. When all sources of modelling uncertainty are considered together, it is doubtful whether ensemble methods offer an adequate solution. Future studies should explicitly acknowledge uncertainty due to arbitrary choices in the model-building process and develop ways to convey the results to decision-makers
Wzrost siewek wybranych odmian żyta ozimego (Secale cereale L.) po traktowaniu jonami glinu

W pracy badano dzialanie jonow glinu (w stezeniach: 0, 200, 400, 1000 μM) na wzrost korzeni zarodkowych i cześci nadziemnych pieciu odmian populacyjnych (Motto, Walet, Kier, Dankowskie Zlote, Dankowskie Nowe) i trzech heterozyjnych (Nawid, Luco, Klawo) zyta ozimego (Secale cereale L.). Stwierdzono istotne roznice w dlugości korzeni, w zalezności od odmiany i stezen Al. Odmiany heterozyjne Luco i Klawo charakteryzowaly sie najwiekszą wrazliwością. Tolerancja na glin byla najcześciej związana ze zdolnością do regeneracji systemu korzeniowego. W przypadku cześci nadziemnych wplyw glinu byl znacznie mniejszy. Uzyskane wyniki badan oraz sposob prowadzenia testow hydroponicznych zostaną wykorzystane jako wzorcowe do dalszych doświadczen nad testowaniem wysoce wsobnych linii zyta tolerancyjnych i wrazliwych na glin.
Differential Mechanisms of Nuclear Receptor Regulation by the Coactivator RAC3: A Dissertation

The steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily is a large class of ligand-dependent transcription factors that plays a critical role in regulating the expression of genes involved in a broad range of physiological functions, including development, homeostasis, and reproduction. In the absence of cognate hormone, several receptors are able to repress transcription below the basal level via the recruitment of the nuclear receptor corepressors SMRT and NCoR. Upon hormone binding by the receptor, the corepressor complex is dissociated and a coactivator complex is subsequently recruited. This thesis details the mechanisms by which receptor-associated coactivator 3 (RAC3) interacts with nuclear receptors, particularly the vitamin D, estrogen, and retinoid receptors, and modulates their transcriptional activity. It was discovered that these receptors interact with different α-helical LXXLL motifs of RAC3 in vitro. Mutation of specific motifs differentially impairs the ability of RAC3 to enhance transcription by the receptors in vivo. In addition, the intrinsic transcriptional activation function of RAC3 was also characterized. Here, a single LXXLL motif, NR box v, was found to be essential to activation by serving as a binding surface for the general transcriptional integrator CBP/p300. Finally, the cofactor binding pocket of retinoid receptors was characterized. It was demonstrated that, to a large extent, the coactivator pocket of RARα overlaps with the corepressor pocket, with the exception of helix 12, which is required for coactivator, but not corepressor binding. Recruitment of RAC3 or SMRT also correlates directly with the ability of RARα to activate or repress transcription, respectively. Intriguingly, it was discovered that the AF-2 domain of RXRα inhibited cofactor binding to RXRα heterodimers, for deletion of this domain dramatically enhanced RAC3 and SMRT binding. In addition, it was demonstrated that the RXRα cofactor binding pocket contributed minimally to recruitment of cofactors. Conversely, the AF-2 domain of the partnering monomer and its cofactor pocket were required for these interactions. These findings suggest that the partner of RXRα is the primary docking point for cofactors at RXRα heterodimeric complexes. Taken together, this work contributes significantly to the field of nuclear receptor function in detailing the mechanisms by which the coactivator RAC3 is recruited to nuclear receptors and regulates their transcriptional activity.
Anatomical and clinical radiology of birds of prey : including interactive advanced anatomical imaging

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Radiographic Procedures Section 1 Restraint and Positioning Section 2 Conventional Radiography Section 3 Magnification Radiography Section 4 Contrast Radiography Section 5 Radiographic Interpretation Chapter 3 Radiographic Anatomy-General Considerations Section 1 Musculoskeletal System Section 2 Gastrointestinal System Section 3 Liver Section 4 Spleen Section 5 Respiratory System Section 6 Heart and Vascular System Section 7 Urinary System Section 8 Reproductive System Section 9 Radiographic Species Catalogue Saker falcon (Falco cherrug) Gyr falcon (Falco rusticolus) Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) Palm nut vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) Eurasian honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) Red kite (Milvus milvus) Common barn owl (Tyto alba) Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) Chapter 4 Clinical and Pathological Conditions Section 1 Trauma-related Medical Conditions Section 2 Management-related Diseases Section 3 Infectious Diseases Section 4 Degenerative Diseases Section 5 Neoplastic Diseases Chapter 5 Common Diagnostic Mistakes Chapter 6 Advanced Clinical Anatomy Imaging Section 1 Ultrasonography Section 2 Computed Axial Tomography (CAT scan) Section 3 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A Serological Study of the Gonococcus Group

An analysis by agglutinin absorption methods of the serological relationships of seventy-seven gonococcus strains, isolated from cases of acute and chronic gonorrhea and its complications, indicated that they may not be distributed among a number of clear-cut immunological types. These gonococcus strains were representative of those occurring in widely separated geographical localities. Although this investigation has not demonstrated the existence of distinct immunological types to each of which a considerable number of gonococcus strains might be referred, it was found feasible to classify our strains under the three general headings of (a) regular, (b) intermediate and (c) irregular strains. Evidence is submitted which indicates the existence of a marked tendency to antigenic lability on the part of the gonococcus. We believe that instability of antigenic constitution is a general characteristic of the gonococcus group and that the strains exhibiting this tendency may not logically be segregated in one particular type, as has been suggested by Hermanies. Among our regular strains, we have found certain ones which are highly generalized from the antigenic standpoint, and which appear to be representative of a large part of the gonococcus group. Cross absorption experiments have indicated clearly that no definite serological distinction may be drawn between strains isolated from vulvovaginitis cases in children and those from gonorrheal infections in adults. A few representative strains with generalized relationships and good antigenic properties have been designated as suitable for use in a stock vaccine, and also for the preparation of a polyvalent antiserum. A marked degree of correspondence was noted between strain affinities as revealed by agglutinin absorption and complement fixation tests. Two strains of gonococcus have been selected, each of which covers a large part of the group, and which may be used to advantage in preparing an antigen for complement fixation diagnostic tests. It is also suggested that a second antigen, prepared from a number of selected irregular strains, be employed in conjunction with the one prepared from the two generalized strains. By the use of the simple sterilizable media, which have been described, these strains may be carried in laboratories with limited bactrieological facilities and the antigens prepared quickly, whenever required.
Aspects of the palaeoecology of large predators, including man, during the British Upper Pleistocene, with particular emphisis on predator-prey relationships

This thesis discusses aspects of the palaeoecology of large predators, including man, during the Upper Pleistocene in Britain, with particular emphasis on predator-prey relationships. Upper Pleistocene is here taken as the Ipswichian (last) interglacial and the Devensian (last) glaciation. In addition to man, the term large predator includes lion, hyaena, wolf, leopard, bear, lynx and wolverine. The primary aim is to predict features of past predator and prey behaviour by integrating the results of modern ethological observations on similar or analogous species with the published evidence of Upper Pleistocene environments deduced from botanical, sedimentological and geomorphological investigations, and thus to extract information on trends in predator ecology and predator-prey relationships between the Ipswichian and Devensian. The study also examines the possibility that interpretations of human activity in Upper Pleistocene Britain have been founded largely on material accumulated by hyaenas, and discusses the value of examining past human behaviour from an ecological perspective in which man is regarded as one predator among many. The predictions of past behaviour are tested on vertebrate remains recovered from Upper Pleistocene deposits and how available in numerous museum collections. Much of the material derives from hyaena-accumulated bone assemblages in caves, and holds a potential wealth of information on the behaviour of this species and its predatory and scavenging activities. It is argued that the broad scope of the enquiry overcomes the shortcomings of this material which result from inadequate standards of recovery, recording and curation. The major conclusions reached in the study are: 1. That man and large mammals were seasonal occupants of Devensian Britain, on the evidence of reindeer antler remains, bear specimens in hyaena-accumulated assemblages and an analysis of tooth wear in horses. 2. That Ipswichian hyaenas found conditions more arduous than their Devensian counterparts, and may have died out at the end of Zone II of the interglacial, on the evidence of hyaena mortalities and the extent of bone consumption in hyaena-accumulated assemblages of the period. 3. That Devensian hyaenas did not tend to kill horses but instead scavenged their remains, most probably from lion kills, in view of the evidence for sexual parity in samples of horse teeth. 4. That much of the vertebrate material associated with Upper Palaeolithic industries and taken to show evidence of human economic activities is indeed the result of hyaena bone-accumulation, on the basis of comparisons with modern hyaena behaviour, and therefore inadmissable. 5. That an integration of present results with those from Europe and other parts of the world suggests that the importance of man as a member of the Pleistocene fauna may have been overemphasised.
Honeybees Feeding from Honeydew Exudate of Diseased Gambel's Oak in Colorado

SummaryThroughout the summer of 1981 honeybees were observed feeding on honeydew exudate from swollen lesions, probably bacterially induced, on the undersides of twigs of Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii), growing near Colorado Springs, CO., USA. The honeydew appeared to be a phloem derivative, as judged by its chemical composition. Sucrose, glucose and fructose were present, as well as all 20 essential amino acids, proteins, and abundant phenols.
Partners in Peace: Discourses and Practices of Civil-Society Peacebuilding

Since the early 1990s, international development organizations and donor agencies increasingly recognize the contributions local civil society can make to peace. Despite their popularity, questions still remain on the actual nature, practices, and roles of local civil society organizations in sustaining peace. So, how do international organizations support local peace building? Do they really understand conflict? "Partners in Peace" challenges the global perception and assumptions of the role played by civil society peace building operations and offers a radically new perspective on how international organizations can support this effort. Framing the debate using case studies in Africa and Central America, Mathijs van Leeuwen examines different meanings of peace building, the practices and politics of interpreting conflict, and how planned interventions work out. In developing this argument, van Leeuwen explores: policies and practices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Cordaid, Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People's Aid; internal dynamics of Sudanese Women's Voice for Peace organization; land disputes and strengthening traditional conflict resolution in Burundi; and, peasant movements and the Catholic Church in Guatemala. Comparing this original view with contemporary perceptions of non-state actors, "Partners in Peace" includes many recommendations for NGOs involved in peace building and constructs a new understanding on how these practises relate to politics and practices on the ground.
Intereference of storage temperatures in the development of mesophilic, psychrotrophic, lipolytic and proteolytic microbiota of raw milk Interferência de temperaturas de estocagem no desenvolvimento da microbiota mesófila, psicrotrófica, lipolítica e proteolítica de leite cru

With the objective of comparing distinct storage conditions of raw milk, 20 samples of raw milk were collected, and portions of each were stored at different storage conditions (4°C for 48 h, 7°C for 48 h and 25°C for 4 h). Populations of mesophilic aerobes and psychrotrophics (total, lipolytic and proteolytic) were monitored, and the results were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA, P < 0.05). Psychrotrophics were randomly selected and identified. Mesophilic aerobes had significant development after 48 h at 7°C and 25°C. For psychrotrophics, the differences were evident in samples with high levels of initial contamination. Pseudomonas and Serratia were the main species of contamination. The storage conditions of raw milk allowed the development of spoilage psychrotrophics, which were more evident in samples with low microbiological quality.
Response of Broiler Chickens to Quantitative Feed Restriction with or without Ascorbic Acid Supplementation

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation has been documented as a useful tool to improve the performance of laying birds reared under harsh environmental conditions. However, there is limited information on the use of ascorbic acid as a means of ameliorating the stressful conditions imposed by feed restriction. To this effect a 3 × 2 factorial experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of ascorbic acid inclusion in the diet of broiler chickens under quantitative feed restriction. A total of 96 unsexed 22 days-old Marshall broiler chickens of a commercial strain were distributed to six treatments, birds on treatments 1 and 2 were fed ad libitum, and those in treatments 3 and 4 were placed on 85% ad libitum while those on treatments 5 and 6 were offered 70% ad libitum. Diets fed to birds on treatments 1, 3 and 5 were formulated without ascorbic acid while those on treatments 2, 4 and 6 had their diets supplemented with 200 mgkg-1 ascorbic acid. Blood samples were collected from one bird per replicate for haematological and serum biochemistry on the 35th and 49th days of the study. Performance indices (feed intake, weight gain and intake:gain ratio) were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by quantitative feed restriction. Feed intake (3256.93, 2799.74 and 2360.05 g/bird) and weight gain (1134.70, 1023.88 and 968.86 g/bird) had highest values recorded for the birds fed ad libitum while those on 70% ad libitum feeding recorded the best intake: gain ratio (2.87, 2.74 and 2.44). Ascorbic acid supplementation significantly (P<0.05) affected the growth performance of broilers. Birds fed diets containing ascorbic acid had relatively high values in the growth performance indices considered. Quantitative feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation did not affect the haematological and serum biochemical parameters studied. It can be concluded that quantitative feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation influenced the growth performance of broilers.