Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecological factors influencing disease risk in Eagle Owls Bubo bubo

In this study we assessed whether local habitat features and host population density influenced disease risk in Eagle Owl Bubo bubo fledglings. Measures of immune defence (concentrations of circulating white blood cells), prevalence of three parasite types (a blood parasite Leucocytozoon ziemanni , an insect Carnus haemapterus , and a tick Rhipicephalus sp.) and total number of parasite species were used to quantify disease risk. We tested the hypotheses that disease risk in fledglings was higher in nests located in areas with higher length of and proximity to watercourses (as a higher abundance and viability of parasites and vectors occur in wetter areas), higher cover of forest (as forest moistness and humidity can favour higher vector and parasite proliferation), higher habitat diversity (as environmental heterogeneity increases the pool of potential vectors and parasites) and higher local owl population density (as disease transmission might be density-dependent). The clearest relationship was with the proximity of freshwater, although the other hypotheses were also partially supported. Concentrations of white blood cells, the number of parasite species and, weakly, the prevalence of Carnus haemapterus were all higher in nests closer to watercourses. The prevalence of blood parasites increased with the cover of forested areas. Fledglings from nests located in more diverse habitats had higher white blood cell concentrations and showed higher prevalence of blood parasites. Finally, local host population density was positively correlated with the prevalence of blood parasites. The results suggest the existence of complex and interrelated links between ecological parameters and three different measures of disease risk, and highlight the importance of immunological approaches to assess disease risk at an intraspecific level.
The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Noxious Cold Detection in Drosophila melanogaster Larvae

THE CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BASIS OF NOXIOUS COLD DETECTION IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER LARVAE. Kevin Armengol, M.S. George Mason University, 2015 Thesis Director: Dr. Daniel N. Cox Nociception, the process of encoding and transmitting noxious stimuli within a nervous system, is an essential mechanism through which organisms are alerted to potentially life-threatening insults or conditions that originate externally or internally and may lead to incipient tissue damage. These insults can be classified into three broad types of stimuli: chemical, mechanical and thermal. Despite significant progress in this field of study, our understanding of the neural bases of noxious cold detection remains poorly understood. The Drosophila melanogaster larval peripheral nervous system (PNS) has emerged as an excellent model system for studying both the cellular and molecular mechanisms of nociception, particularly with regards to noxious heat and mechanical stimuli. Using this model system, we have implemented a systems neuroscience approach to dissect the underlying cellular, genetic, molecular, and behavioral bases of noxious cold detection. We have developed the first behavioral assay for investigating cold nociception in Drosophila and have identified unique noxious coldevoked behavioral responses. These cold-specific behaviors require synaptic transmission predominantly from class III dendritic arborization (da) sensory neurons. Optogenetic activation of class III neurons, independent of thermal stimulation, is sufficient to behaviorally phenocopy noxious cold-evoked behavior. Moreover, GCaMP6 functional analyses reveal specific activation of class III da neurons in response to noxious cold stimulation. At a molecular level, microarray analyses revealed these neurons are enriched with a broad spectrum of ion channels, including numerous Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels. Mutant and cell-type specific RNAi analyses reveal that select TRP channels Trpm, nompC and Pkd2 are required for normal cold-evoked behaviors and function in the transduction step of noxious cold stimulation. Collectively, our results establish a novel systems-level framework for exploring cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying thermosensory nociception.
Role of SOS response in Bacterial Drug Resistance

SOS response is a global regulatory response to protect cell from severe DNA damage. Induction of SOS response involves more than forty genes, and products of these genes maintain the integrity of cell by enhancing the adaptation through mutagenesis. Recent studies reported that certain antibiotic induces SOS response by activation of chromosomal DNA damage. In this paper we are reviewing the current information about SOS system, providing resistance to bacteria by enhancing repair and recombination.
Outcrossability of Brassica napus L. and B. rapa L. in an Experimental Field

The outcrossing rate of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) between two cultivars was assessed in an experimental field. During flowering (from the end April to the end of May), the wind from the pollen donor (_? _) to the seed parent (_? _) prevailed. The crossing rate (%) of the seed parent decreased as the distance from the pollen donor parent increased; 4.1% at 0.25 m distance, 1.4% at 1 m, 0.4% at 5 m, 0.15% at 10 m, 0.09% at 30 m, and 0.01% at 60 m. In another experiment, the hybridization rate between 55 cultivars of B. rapa (_? _) and B. napus (_? _) cultivars was assessed by placing rapa-planted pots in a napus field. The rate of 55 rapa cultivars ranged from 2% to 50% in the field, which might show the rapa cultivar-differences of crossability between the two species.
Cultivar weed-competitiveness in aerobic rice : heritability, correlated traits, and the potential for indirect selection in weed-free environments

Forty rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars and breeding lines used in the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) upland rice breeding program were evaluated in adjacent weed-free and weedy trials in aerobic soil conditions during the wet seasons of 2001, 2002, and 2003. The objectives of this study were to investigate genetic variability in weed suppression and yield and to identify traits that could be used as selection criteria for improved weed competitiveness. Correlations among and heritability (H) of agronomic traits and early vigor were estimated in weedy and weed-free trials. Regression analysis was performed to predict weedy yield and weed biomass. Cultivars differed widely in the growth of weed biomass they permitted (126? 296 g m? 2) and in yield under competition (0.5? 2.5 Mg ha? 1). Cultivar yield, duration, biomass, harvest index, height, and vegetative vigor under weed-free conditions were closely correlated with the same traits measured under weedy conditions. Weedy yield and weed biomass were both moderately heritable (H = 0.55 and 0.38 for means estimated from single-year, three replicate trial, respectively) and genetically correlated with each other (r = ? 0.84). Weed-free yield and vigor at two weeks after seeding (WAS) were moderately heritable (H = 0.68 and 0.38 for means estimated from a single-year, three replicate trial, respectively) and were highly genetically correlated with weedy yield (r = 1.00 and 0.88, respectively) and weed biomass (r = ? 0.89 and ? 0.67, respectively). Vegetative vigor at two WAS and grain yield measured under weed-free conditions explained a combined 87% of cultivar variation in weedy yield and 40% in weed biomass. Indirect selection on these two traits was predicted to be efficient for improving yield under weed competition and weed-suppressive ability of aerobic rice.
Peripheral Manipulation

found much of the present knowledge on the topics covered, including in certain cases the conflicting views. Without exception the authors have kept to the point and wasted words are few. Some of the clinical descriptions are rather formal and stereotyped and the clinical picture of the disease does not come across well. Perhaps this is due to the papers being delivered to a peer audience rather than for wider consumption, the presenters forgetting that the diseases they describe may be unfamiliar to some members of this wider audience. In addition to discussion of the principle diseases, unusual diseases and presentations are detailed and there is discussion of the attempts to define disease subgroups. The discussion following each section, although readable, would probably have been enhanced if a rapporteur system had been used. The clinical aspects have been enhanced by the inclusion of chapters on background subjects, of which one might pick out those by Omenn on genetics and histocompatibility genes, Phillips on pathogenic mechanisms of infectious agents, and amyloidosis by Schnitzer and Ansell. Interesting chapters deal with specific problems such as growth retardation and eye and cardiac involvement. There are faults. It is often not clear when authors are extrapolating from results found in adults and when they base statements solely on childhood cases. There are surprising omissions such as scant reference to tenosynovitis and the enthesopathy of ankylosing spondylitis, both of great practical importance in diagnosis and management of these cases. The psychological aspects of childhood rheumatic diseases and their management are not discussed, nor are the dental complications. Haemophilia, the hereditary disorders of connective tissue and soft tissue disorders, and the many postural and orthopaedic problems are not dealt with. It is because of the emphasis on quantitative facts over a limited range of the spectrum of disorders seen in a children's arthritis clinic and the lack of practical advice that this book cannot replace a textbook (nor was it meant to). As complementary to such a textbook it would be excellent. Unfortunately there is no textbook covering childhood arthritis at present. Perhaps the organising committee might think of inviting some of their authors to reorientate their presentations, add other chapters, and produce the prototype textbook of childhood arthritis. Until that time this book should be freely available in every hospital dealing with these diseases. The price is highly competitive by today's standards.
Influencia del hábitat en las asociaciones nictimerales de peces en una laguna costera tropical

The abundance and turnover of fish species inhabiting Celestun lagoon were evaluated according to daynight cycles, as well as habitat type. Bimonthly sampling was done at 4 sites of the lagoon, 2 at the mouth and 2 at the inner zone. The sites for each zone include bottoms with and without submerged aquatic vegetation (VAS, FSV). At each site hydrologic parameters were registered to determine their relationship with fish community structure. Fish specimens were collected using a beach seine (15 ×1.5 m, 2.5cm mesh) at day (10:00-13:00), twilight (18:00-21:00) and night (02:00-05:00). Multivariate non-parametric (NPMANOVA, NMDS, betadisper) statistics were used for the analysis. Difference in fish species were found between habitats with VAS and FSV (F=2.6108, p=0.0114). The betadisper test indicated that species rate of replacement is low between habitats and during day-night cycles. Fish assemblages between habitats are more dynamic than day-night cycles, due to seagrass meadows that host great numbers of species providing protection and food availability.
Elevational Distributions of Kangaroo Rats (Genus Dipodomys): Long-Term Trends at a Mojave Desert Site

Abstract Distributions of related species along environmental gradients provide ecologists with insights into factors that limit distributions of species. We apply this approach to two species of kangaroo rats. A survey in 1983 showed that Dipodomys merriami is replaced by D. panamintinus at the tops of elevational gradients in parts of the Mojave Desert where both species occur. Over the 17 y since the initial survey we have conducted six additional censuses along one such gradient. In years of high population densities D. merriami is more abundant at low and D. panamintinus at high elevations along this gradient. Following periods of drought, however, when population densities are reduced overall, D. merriami expands upward along the gradient, whereas D. panamintinus becomes restricted to even higher elevations. This pattern suggests that D. merriami normally is restricted to lower elevations by competition from the larger D. panamintinus, and experiences competitive release when the latter is at low density. The distribution of D. panamintinus, in contrast, responds to changes with elevation in primary productivity or in physical factors, rather than to competition from D. merriami. Because of relatively large body mass, individuals of D. panamintinus may be restricted to higher elevations, particularly in drought years, because primary productivity at these elevations suffices to support their metabolic requirements. This interpretation of limits to distribution has implications for conservation of these and similar species especially under impending climate change.
Características fisiológicas de Crambe abyssinica sob aplicação de herbicidas

The cultivation of Crambe abyssinica is relatively recent in Brazil, and crop management data aiming to high yields with minimal economic and environmental risk is scarce. We aimed with this study to evaluate the effect of herbicides at varying doses on physiological traits. The experiment was installed in completely randomized blocks design with four replications, in factorial scheme 5x4+1, being factor A the five herbicides and factor B its doses, plus a control treatment with no herbicide. The following herbicides and doses were tested: fluazifop-p-butyl 0,25; 0,75; 1,0 e 1,5 L ha -1 ; cletho
Nosocomial Candiduria - A One Year Prospective Study in Intensive Care Unit.

Materials and Methods : A prospective study was conducted on urine samples collected from the clinically suspected patients with nosocomial urinary tract infections from Intensive Care Units. Candida isolates were identified and speciated by germ tube test, chlamydospore formation in cornmeal agar, sugar assimilation and sugar fermentation using standard protocols. All isolates were tested for Antifungal Susceptibility testing. Results: A total of 91 isolates of Candida species were recovered from 305 samples. C.tropicalis (67.03%) was the most common isolated followed by C. albicans (26.37), C. krusei (4.39%) and C. glabrata (2.19). Amphotericin B (91%) showed highest sensitivity followed by ketoconazole (85.51), fluconazole (65.88%) and voriconazole(42.8%). Conclusion : Nonalbicans Candida has emerged as an important cause of nosocomial urinary tract infection. Amphotericin B is the drug of choice for systemic candidiasis. Our study equally emphasized the role of ketoconazole for localised and less severe candidiasis. Elderly patients on antibiotics administration, prolonged period of catherization and having diabetes mellitus admitted to ICU are more susceptible.
Effects of milk age and storage temperature on somatic cell count of bovine milk: a case study from Turkey.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of milk age (MA) and storage temperature (ST) on somatic cell count (SCC) of cow milk. Raw milk samples were taken from a milk cooperative in the Black Sea region of Turkey, with monthly visits throughout a year. All samples were evaluated by direct microscopy according to five different MA (1d, 2d, 5d, 8d and 15d) at refrigeration (RT) and freezing (FT) temperatures (+4 °C and -20 °C). When SCC of the samples belonging to different MA were compared by SCC of fresh milk, no statistical difference was found at RT, but SCC decreased significantly (P<0.001) at 8d and 15d post collection at FT. Highest SCC values were recorded in both RT and FT samples tested in the autumn season, and lowest SCC values were determined in the winter season, except for samples stored 2d at RT. The correlations among SCC values by MA were statistically significant (P<0.01) at both RT and FT. As the result, SCC of cow milk obtained from 15d post collection at RT and 5d post collection at FT can safely be used as the ones determined from fresh milk for assessing raw milk quality and controlling herd management programs.
The Relationship of Dietary Phosphorus and Sodium Aluminosilicate to the Performance of Commercial Leghorns

Abstract To determine the influence of sodium aluminosilicate (SA) on hens (7 mo of age) fed different levels of phosphorus, 1,920 hens were fed diets containing . 70, . 57, . 43, and . 30% total phosphorus with and without the inclusion of 1.0% SA for 6 wk. Egg production, egg weight, egg specific gravity, and feed conversion were determined weekly. Birds fed . 30% phosphorus with 1% SA had a much faster and greater decline in production than the hens fed . 30% phosphorus without SA. For hens fed diets containing more than . 43% phosphorus, egg production was not affected by level of phosphorus in the diet with or without SA. The inclusion of 1.0% SA improved egg specific gravity; also, the degree of improvement was unrelated to level of dietary phosphorus when the proportion of phosphorus was greater than . 30%. Sodium aluminosilicate significantly reduced feed consumption when the level of dietary phosphorus was . 30%. Hens fed diets containing . 30% phosphorus with or without SA had significant reductions in egg size. However, hens fed SA at phosphorus levels above . 30% had eggs that were . 5 g heavier than those from hens fed the same level of phosphorus without SA. The author concluded that SA improved egg specific gravity, but had no effect on egg production when total phosphorus intake was 668 mg/hen per day or higher. Because of the strong interaction of SA by phosphorus for egg production, the level of dietary phosphorus must be considered when using SA.
Chapter 3: The Mammals of the Mingan Mountains, Luzon: Evidence for a New Center of Mammalian Endemism

Abstract We conducted an elevational transect survey of mammals on the highest peak in the Mingan Mountains of Aurora and Nueva Ecija provinces in the central Sierra Madre Range of Luzon from May to August 2006 and documented 35 species of mammals. These included one shrew (Soricidae), six fruit bats (Pteropodidae), one ghost bat (Megadermatidae), three horseshoe bats (Rhinolophidae), three roundleaf bats (Hipposideridae), four evening bats (Vespertilionidae), one macaque (Cercopithecidae), 12 mice and rats (Muridae), two civets (Viverridae), one wild pig (Suidae), and one deer (Cervidae). Our survey of this small, poorly known mountain range included the discovery of two new species of forest mice (Apomys), a new species of shrew-mouse (Archboldomys), a probable new species of shrew-rat (Rhynchomys), and an unidentified species of tube-nosed bat (Murina). Species richness of bats decreased with increasing elevation, whereas that for native non-volant small mammals increased with increasing elevation up to 1677 m, then declined at 1681 and 1785 m. Statistically significant diel activity and bait preferences were observed among the native non-volant small mammals. Only the two species of small forest mice (Apomys microdon and A. musculus) were captured exclusively above ground; the other non-volant small mammals were nearly always captured on the ground. The Mingan Mountains, with either three or four endemic species, are clearly a significant center of mammalian endemism, deserving of conservation.
One Name and Two New Combinations in Chinese Rubus (Rosaceae)

Abstract. One new name, Rubus neofuscifolius Y. F. Deng, replacing the later homonym R. fuscifolius T. T. Yu & L. T. Lu, and two new combinations, R. eucalyptus Focke var. villosus (Cardot) Y. F. Deng and R. linearifoliolus Hayata var. yanshanensis (Z. X. Yu & W. T. Ji) Y. F. Deng, are proposed.
Extracellular purine metabolism

A variety of nucleotides and the nucleoside adenosine can act as extracellular signaling substances. Their function is terminated by extracellular degradation via surface‐located enzymes. The breakdown products may be recycled. This review discusses recent developments in the cellular and molecular biology of enzymes involved in extracellular purine metabolism, including diadenosine polyphosphate hydrolase, ATP‐diphosphohydrolase (apyrase), nucleotide pyrophosphatase, 5′‐nucleotidase, alkaline phosphatase, NAD‐glycohydrolase, and adenosine deaminase. The potential of the surface‐located enzymes for ADP‐ribosylation and phosphorylation of extracellular proteins is also briefly discussed. Drug Dev. Res. 39:337–352, 1996. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Chilean Strawberry [Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Duch.]: Genetic Diversity and Structure

The chilean strawberry displays high fruit quality and tolerance to abiotic and biotic factors. Additionally, this species has a rich cultural history going back for at least several thousand years in association with aboriginal people activities and continues at a reduced level today. After its introduction to Europe during the 18th century, it formed an interspecific hybrid to become the maternal species of the commercial strawberry, Fragaria ·ananassa Duch. The objectives of the current investigation were to determine the level and patterns of partitioning of intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) diversity. ISSR markers were used to assess the genetic diversity in 216 accessions of F. chiloensis, which represented the two botanical forms present in Chile (F. chiloensis ssp. chiloensis f. chiloensis and F. chiloensis ssp. chiloensis f. patagonica (L.) Duch. ). Our results showed high genetic diversity at the species level (polymorphic ISSR loci (P) = 89.6%, gene diversity (h) = 0.24 ± 0.17, Shannon's index (S) = 0.37 ± 0.24) and a lower genetic diversity in f. chiloensis than f. patagonica. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed a moderate genetic differentiation among accessions (fst = 14.9%). No geographic patterns for ISSR diversity were observed. AMOVA, structure, and discriminant analysis indicated that accessions tend to group by botanical form. The impact of domestication on the genetic structure of chilean strawberry and its application to breeding and conservation are discussed.
Study of GH and IGF-1 genes' polymorphism in Holstein cows in Uruguay.

Autores: Ruprechter G1*, Nicolini P1, Carriquiry M2. , Meikle A1, Armstrong E,. 1Laboratorio de Técnicas Nucleares, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1620, Montevideo, Uruguay. 2Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Uruguay. 3Área Genética, Depto. Genética y Mejora Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Uruguay. *Autor para correspondencia. Correo electrónico: gruprechter@adinet.com. uy Recibido: 21/2/2014 Aceptado: 7/4/2014
A Novel Lactic Acid Bacteria Growth-stimulating Peptide from Broad Bean (Vicia faba L.) Protein Hydrolysates

In this study, broad bean protein hydrolysates (BPH) produced by alcalase with strong-stimulating activity for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was first time reported. In order to obtain the key peptide that have growth- stimulating activity for lactic acid bacteria (LAB), gel filtration chromatography and Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) were applied to isolate and purify the peptides from BPH. Finally, F4-2 elicited the highest activity for LAB, corresponding to amino acid sequence Ser-Ala-Gln (304.10Da) was identified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS/MS). Thus, this study shows that broad bean peptide is a good source to promote the LAB growth and this function is reported for the first time.