Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heme binding to Amyloid-β peptide: Mechanistic role in Alzheimer's disease

Genetic, biochemical, and immunological evidences support a mechanistic role for amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Abeta appears to trigger most of the disparate cytopathologies of AD (e.g. loss of iron homeostasis and mitochondrial complex IV), which may initiate synaptic dysfunction, hypometabolism, and memory loss. However, the molecular mechanism that links Abeta to the neurodegeneration of AD is not clear. We have provided evidence for heme's key role in the important cytopathologies of AD, hypothesizing a functional deficiency for heme in the brains of AD patients. The molecular link between beta and heme required to support this hypothesis was demonstrated by our discovery that heme binds with Abeta, forming a complex (Abeta-heme). Heme prevented the aggregation of Abeta by forming Abeta-heme, suggesting Abeta-heme may prevent Abeta aggregation in vivo. The downside, however, is that Abeta-heme is a peroxidase, which if not regulated might indiscriminately oxidize diverse biomolecules. Additionally, excessive production of Abeta in AD brain may bind to and restrict the bioavailability of regulatory heme, creating a condition of heme-deficiency. Regulatory heme regulates heme synthesis, iron homeostasis, specific signaling pathways, and intermediary metabolism. A novel model of Abeta-induced heme-deficiency leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, Abeta-heme peroxidase, and altered metabolic activity is presented. Genetic, nutritional, and toxicological factors that influence heme metabolism will be discussed in relevance to AD.
Resuspension in the shallow sublittoral zone of a macrotidal estuarine environment: Wind influence1

Several biological and physical variables were measured four times daily for 148 consecutive days at a fixed station to examine fluctuations of phytoplankton abundance in the littoral zone of the lower St. Lawrence estuary. On the seasonal scale, the pattern of variation of phytoplankton was characterized by a midsummer diatom bloom similar to that observed offshore in the pelagic zone. On the shorter time scale, chlorophyll a concentration in the littoral zone was highly variable and closely associated with variations in the wind field. No relationship, however, could be found between phytoplankton cell numbers and wind velocity. The possible influence of wind, tidalinduced upwelling, overturning eddies, and wave-induced mixing processes on resuspension was examined. The higher Chl a values observed irregularly at the sampling stations resulted from the mechanical resuspension of benthic diatoms due to wind, or wind-induced wave, mixing in the littoral zone. Wind velocities >4 m s-l were shown to cause significant resuspension of particulate organic matter (POC) in the water column. For winds >6 m s-l, there was no further increase in POC. These results suggest that the frequency of wind velocities > 4 m s- * plays a significant role on secondary production in the littoral zone by providing an increased food supply to benthic and planktonic filter feeders, especially at times when phytoplankton biomass is normally low in the water column.
An annotated checklist of the mosses of Europe and Macaronesia

Abstract The moss flora of Europe and Macaronesia comprises 278 genera, 1292 species, 46 subspecies and 118 varieties. Of the total 1292 species, 53 are confined to Macaronesia and 21 are thought to be non-native. The checklist was derived from those for the various component countries and regions. It is based on results published up to the end of 2005. Subspecies and varieties are included; hybrids are omitted. The taxonomic hierarchy is based on one published by Goffinet & Buck in 2004. While it has been strongly influenced by results of modern molecular methods, there are still many remaining uncertainties, even at family level. Because of these uncertainties, taxonomic innovation has generally been avoided. There are four new combinations and one change of status.
Modification de l'expression du métabolisme phénolique chez le Peuplier en relation avec la résistance aux agents pathogènes

Summary Flavonoids being involved in various defence mechanisms, attempts to improve resistance against pathogens have been developed in poplar (Populus tremula x P. alba) in order to increase flavonoid content through genetic engineering. The Petunia chs A gene driven by the CaMV 35S promoter with a double enhancer and the gus and npt II marker genes were constructed and used in cocultivation with excised poplar internodes. Several transgenic lines were created and analysed by northern blotting. Their developmental patterns were examined and flavonoids were localized in situ using various reagents. Only one transgenic line provided with a strong chs overexpression was characterized by flavonoids located in both cortical and peripheral tissues of the stem. Differences between controls and the other transgenic lines were quantitative and flavonoids were mainly found in superficial tissues (epidermis, subepidermis and suber) as if only these tissues were provided with adequate enzymes or substrates for the .
Aspects of selenium metabolism in higher plants

Several species of higher plants accumulate selenium. The association of accumulator species with seleniferous soils is described. The physiological differentiation within the genus Astragalus (one of the best known accumulators) is discussed. Biochemical differentiation between Astragalus species and the assimilation of selenium by other taxonomic groups are detailed and tabulated. The relationships between sulfur and selenium metabolism are also discussed, along with the possible role of selenium as a micronutrient. 84 references, 4 figures, 8 tables.
Visualizing Overtwisted Discs in Open Books

We give an alternative proof of a theorem of Honda-Kazez-Matic that every non-right-veering open book supports an overtwisted contact structure. We also study two types of examples that show how overtwisted discs are embedded relative to right-veering open books. In (15), we have introduced open book foliations and their basic machinery by using that of braid foliations (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) and showed applications of open book foliations including a self-linking number formula of general closed braids. In (16) we study the geometric structure of a 3-manifold by using open book foliations. In this note we study more applications of open book foliations. We will assume the readers are familiar with the definition and basic machinery of open book foliations in (15). One of the features of open book foliations is that one can visualize how surfaces are embedded with respect to general open books. In this paper we use this feature to illustrate overtwisted discs and give constructive methods to detect overtwisted contact structures. We first give an alternative proof of a tightness criterion theorem by Honda, Kazez and Matic (14): If an open book is not right-veering then it supports an overtwisted contact structure. The converse does not hold: In fact, Honda, Kazez and Matic (14) show that if a contact structureis supported by a non-right veering open book (S,�), by applying positive stabilizations to (S,�) one can find a right-veering open book ( b S, b �) that supports �. We
Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from Canadian animal agriculture: A review

Considerable evidence of climate change associated with emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) has resulted in international efforts to reduce GHG emissions. The agriculture sector contributes about 8% of GHG emissions in Canada mostly through methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). The objective of this paper was to compile an integrative review of CH4 and N2O emissions from livestock by taking a whole cycle approach from enteric fermentation to manure treatment and storage, and field application of manure. Basic microbial processes that result in CH4 production in the rumen and hindgut of animals were reviewed. An overview of CH4 and N2O production processes in manure, and controlling factors are presented. Most of the studies conducted in relation to enteric fermentation were in dairy and beef cattle. To date, research has focussed on GHG emissions from the stored manures of dairy, beef cattle and swine; therefore, we focus our review on these. Several methods used to measure GHG emissions from livestock a.
A review of recent freshwater dinoflagellate cysts: taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology and palaeocology

Mertens K.N. , Rengefors K. , Moestrup Ø. and Ellegaard M. 2012. A review of recent freshwater dinoflagellate cysts: taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology and palaeocology. Phycologia 51: 612–619. DOI: 10.2216/11-89.1 Resting stages (e.g. cysts) play an important role in the life history and ecology of phytoplankton, e.g. the survival, reproduction, genetic recombination, and dispersal of many species. Marine dinoflagellates cysts have been intensively studied by both geologists and biologists, but freshwater cysts have received less attention. There are approximately 350 freshwater dinoflagellate species, and resting cysts have been described for 84 species. We evaluated the descriptions, and we reproduced images for each cyst type. The review highlighted the importance of cyst characters for taxonomy and phylogeny. We suggested that shape, wall ornamentation and possibly the archeopyle and color were important morphological characteristics at the generic level and above. The ecology of freshwater dinoflagellate cysts was reviewed, and the ecological role of cysts was discussed. The potential of freshwater cysts for Quaternary palaeoecological reconstructions was highlighted, revealing that these could serve as useful indicators of temperature, pH and productivity.
Crescimento e sobrevivência do catfish de canal (Ictalurus punctatus sp) e jundiá (Rhamdia sp) no outono-inverno do Rio Grande do Sul

O catfish e um peixe de couro, com habito alimentar onivoro, nativo dos Estados Unidos, tendo despertado interesse dos produtores e industrias da regiao sul do Rio Grande do Sul, devido a qualidade da carne, crescimento e facilidade de manejo. O jundia tambem e um peixe de couro com habito alimentar onivoro, apresentando bom desenvolvimento e facil reproducao, sendo necessario avaliar seu potencial em sistemas de producao intensiva. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o desempenho e sobrevivencia do catfish, jundia cinza e albino. O experimento foi realizado na estacao de piscicultura do Chasqueiro, localizada no municipio de Arroio Grande - RS, no periodo de abril a agosto de 2001, tendo a duracao de 135 dias. Utilizaram-se 120 juvenis de catfish (91,8±25,8g), 120 de jundia albino (83,7±20,9g) e 120 de jundia cinza (80,4±12,5g), distribuidos em 3 tanques de terra retangulares, com 180m2, divididos longitudinalmente em tres parcelas, formando um total de 9 divisoes de 60m2 cada. Os peixes foram colocados em uma densidade de 0,6 peixe/m2 da area, e alimentados com racao comercial extrusada (PB 36%) na ordem de 3% da biomassa ao dia. Durante o periodo experimental avaliou-se o ganho de peso, o crescimento e a sobrevivencia dos animais. A temperatura da agua variou entre 11 e 290C, com media de 18,5°C. Os resultados indicaram um ganho de peso no periodo de 40,4; 74,1 e 109,1g e sobrevivencias de 14, 32 e 63% para o catfish, jundia albino e cinza, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o jundia cinza apresentou o melhor desempenho produtivo no periodo analisado.
Untersuchungen zur gastrointestinalen Hydrolyse von Phytat aus Weizen, Gerste und Mais bei jungen Schweinen

Zusammenfassung In zwei Versuchen mit je 18 mannlichen Kastraten der Rasse DL wurde, im Gewichtsabschnitt 20 bis 25 kg, der Abbau von Phytat aus Weizen, Gerste und Mais in den Abschnitten Magen, proximale und distale Dunndarmhalfte, Caecum und Colon mit Rectum, nach Futterung phytataquivalenter Diaten unter “steady state”-Bedingungen (omalige Futterung alle 4 h), mit Hilfe loslicher (PEG-4000) und unloslicher (Cr2O3) Leitsubstanzen gemessen. In begleitenden Untersuchungen wurde die Loslichkeit der Phytate und die Aktivitat der Phytasen der verwendeten Getreide bestimmt. Auf Grund einer schnelleren Passage von PEG im Verhaltnis zum Phytat und einer schnelleren Passage von gelostem Phytat im Verhaltnis zum Cr2O3 im Magen und der proximalen Dunndarmhalfte waren in diesen Bereichen des Verdauungstraktes die gemessenen Phytatabbauraten abhangig von der Leitsubstanz. Bei Verwendung von Cr2O3 erreichten sie im Mittel beider Abschnitte (2. Versuch) 51,1, 43,6 und 37,3% bei Weizen, Gerste und Mais. Die Unterschiede korrespondieren z.T. mit den pflanzlichen Phytaseaktivitaten, da im Mais keine Aktivitat nachweisbar war. In der distalen Dunndarmhalfte erreichte der Phytatabbau, unabhangig von der Getreideart, Werte zwischen 52,5 und 57,1%. Etwas hohere Werte (59,9 bis 67,9%) wurden im 1. Versuch gefunden. Das in den Dickdarmbereich ubertretende Phytat wurde hier, unter wesentlicher Beteiligung des Caecums, fast vollig abgebaut. Ein Einflus von Zn auf die Phytathydrolyse konnte nicht festgestellt werden.
The Arabidopsis 14-3-3 family -target protein specificity and expression of isoforms

14-3-3 proteins comprise a family of highly conserved proteins. 14-3-3 proteins have been found in all organisms examined except for members of the prokaryotic kingdom. 14-3-3s are involved in numerous processes in the cell and they typically bind to phosphorylated motifs in other proteins and regulate their activities. In plants, 14-3-3 proteins are recognized as key regulators of primary metabolism and membrane transport. In Arabidopsis, there are 15 genes coding for 14-3-3s and hence several 14-3-3 isoforms may be present simultaneously in the plant. The aim of my work has been to understand why there are so many 14-3-3 isoforms. To investigate if there is specificity in 14-3-3/target protein interaction, the H+-ATPase/14-3-3 interaction was used as a model system. The study indicated some specificity but also a wide redundancy. To further analyse the question of specificity at different levels promoter:GUS fusions were utilized. The results clearly indicate a developmental, cell-, tissue- and organ-specific expression for all of the 14-3-3 isoforms in Arabidopsis. There is not a single case where the promoter of one isoform shows an expression that is identical to the expression of another isoform. (Less)
Modelling support relations between arguments in debates

Many formal modellings of structured argumentation presuppose a knowledge base from which arguments are constructed. However, in debate contexts there usually is no global knowledge base from which the debate participants construct their arguments. The question then arises how these formalisms can be used for evaluating debates. On issue here is how support relations between arguments put forward in a debate should be modelled. This paper develops a formal approach within the ASPIC framework and compares it to approaches using bipolar abstract argumentation frameworks. It is argued that for a proper model of debate evaluation it is crucial to look at the structure of arguments, which casts doubt on the benefits of purely abstract models of debate evaluation.
Growth and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) crops in response to CO2 and temperature

SUMMARY Crops of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Hereward) were grown within temperature gradient tunnels at a range of temperatures at either c. 350 or 700 μmol mol−1 CO2 in 1991/92 and 1992/93 at Reading, UK. At terminal spikelet stage, leaf area was 45% greater at elevated CO2 in the first year due to more tillers, and was 30% greater in the second year due to larger leaf areas on the primary tillers. At harvest maturity, total crop biomass was negatively related to mean seasonal temperature within each year and CO2 treatment, due principally to shorter crop durations at the warmer temperatures. Biomass was 6–31% greater at elevated compared with normal CO2 and was also affected by a positive interaction between temperature and CO2 in the first year only. Seed yield per unit area was greater at cooler temperatures and at elevated CO2 concentrations. A 7–44% greater seed dry weight at elevated CO2 in the first year was due to more ears per unit area and heavier grains. In the following year, mean seed dry weight was increased by > 72% at elevated CO2, because grain numbers per ear did not decline with an increase in temperature at elevated CO2. Grain numbers were reduced by temperatures > 31 °C immediately before anthesis at normal atmospheric CO2 in 1992/93, and at both CO2 concentrations in 1991/92. To quantify the impact of future climates of elevated CO2 concentrations and warmer temperatures on wheat yields, consideration of both interactions between CO2 and mean seasonal temperature, and possible effects of instantaneous temperatures on yield components at different CO2 concentrations are required. Nevertheless, the results obtained suggest that the benefits to winter wheat grain yield from CO2 doubling are offset by an increase in mean seasonal temperature of only 1·0 °C to 1·8 °C in the UK.
A review of educational responses to the “post-truth” condition: Four lenses on “post-truth” problems

Abstract Educators have been increasingly concerned with what can be done about “post-truth” problems—that is, threats to people's abilities to know what is true—such as the spread of misinformation and denial of well-established scientific claims. The articles and commentaries in this special issue present diverse perspectives on how “post-truth” problems related to scientific and socio-scientific issues might be educationally addressed. The goal of this introductory article is to review and analyze the educational responses to the “post-truth” condition that are reflected in this special issue and in the literature at large. We argue that these responses have employed four lenses that focus on different underlying factors related to people's ways of knowing: not knowing how to know, fallible ways of knowing, not caring about truth (enough), and disagreeing about how to know. Each of these lenses offers different explanations of how education might aggravate or mitigate “post-truth” troubles.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Proteins in Cassava Infected with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f. sp. manihotis

Cassava anthracnose disease (CAD), caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f. sp. manihotis infection, is a major disease of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). The objective of this study was to identify proteins differentially regulated in resistant (‘Huaybong 60’) and susceptible (‘Hanatee’) cultivars in response to C. gloeosporioides f. sp. manihotis infection. Total proteins were extracted and resolved via 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Fourteen differentially expressed proteins were identified in ‘Huaybong 60’, of which eight were up-regulated and seven down-regulated. In ‘Hanatee’, seven proteins were identified, of which one was up-regulated and six were down-regulated. Proteins associated with carbohydrate metabolism were down-regulated, whereas reactive oxygen species-generating and cyanogenic pathways were up-regulated in the resistant cultivar. This study provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying pathogen resistance in cassava and suggested that pathogen resistance might arise from an integrated mechanism that arises from only a few initiating events.
ANOLIS SAGREI AND ANOLIS CRISTATELLUS IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA: A CASE STUDY IN INTERSPECIFIC COMPETITION'

This study examined the possibility of interspecific competition between Anolis sagrei and A. cristatellus, two introduced species of lizards that co-occur in the vicinity of Miami, Dade County, Florida. In an area of sympatry, structural habitat use differed significantly between the two species. Comparison of habitat use by sympatric A. sagrei and allopatric sagrei in immediately adjacent control areas revealed no significant differences. Upon removal of A. cristatellus from an area of sympatry, habitat use by A. sagrei shifted in a manner consistent with an hypothesis of interspecific competition; no such shift occurred in adjacent control populations of allopatric A. sagrei. Studies of competition that are based solely upon comparisons of resource use in sympatry and allopatry often yield spurious conclusions. On the assumption that the resource use measured in this study bears on the fitness of the two species, results of this study provide strong experimental evidence that A. sagrei and A. cristatellus are presently in competition in southern Florida.
PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITION IN MAGELLANIC PENGUINS: DOES IT MATTER IF YOU HAVE TO WALK A LONG WAY TO YOUR NEST?

Abstract Colony edges, as opposed to interiors, are often considered less advantageous nesting places in colonial species. For temperate-breeding penguins, inland colony edges should be less desirable than other edges, as there are added costs of walking farther inland, and ambient temperatures are higher. During settlement and incubation, we compared body condition and baseline and stress-induced levels of the hormone corticosterone in male Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) nesting on the sea edge of a colony with those nesting on the inland edge, >800 m from shore. Body condition in both groups was significantly lower during settlement than during incubation, but was similar in both groups within breeding stages. Corticosterone levels were similar between breeding stages and for groups within each breeding stage. While body condition can vary over time, penguins appear to be well buffered to physiological extremes, as they do not show modification of corticosterone levels with variations in nesting conditions. Condiciones Fisiológicas en el Pingüino Spheniscus magellanicus: ¿Tiene Importancia Caminar una Larga Distancia al Nido? Resumen. En especies coloniales, los bordes de la colonia son generalmente considerados como lugares menos ventajosos para el establecimiento de nidos. Para los pingüinos que crían en climas templados, los bordes de las colonias orientados tierra adentro deben ser menos deseables que otros bordes, ya que se suman los costos adicionales de caminar una distancia mayor desde la orilla y debido a que las temperaturas ambientes allí son más elevadas. Durante el establecimiento y la incubación, comparamos las condiciones corporales y los niveles de referencia e inducidos por estrés de la hormona corticosterona en los machos de Spheniscus magellanicus que anidaban en el borde de la colonia adyacente al mar con los que anidaban sobre el borde que mira hacia el interior, a más de 800 m desde la orilla. La condición corporal en los dos grupos fue significantemente menor durante el establecimiento que durante la incubación, pero fue similar en los dos grupos durante las etapas de crianza. Los niveles de corticosterona fueron similares para ambas etapas de crianza y para los dos grupos durante cada etapa de crianza. Aunque la condición corporal puede variar en el tiempo, los pingüinos parecen amortiguar bien los extremos fisiológicos, ya que no muestran modificación de los niveles de corticosterona con las variaciones en las condiciones de nidificación.