Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential effects of the invasive 'killer shrimp' (Dikerogammarus villosus) on macroinvertebrate assemblages and biomonitoring indices

SUMMARY 1. Water quality monitoring data from 10 watercourses and laboratory mesocosm studies were used to assess the potential impacts of the crustacean amphipod invader Dikerogammarus villosus on resident macroinvertebrate assemblage structure in Central European fresh waters. 2. The presence of D. villosus was associated with a decline in the prevalence of many native species, pollution sensitive as well as pollution tolerant, and changes in biotic indices, despite the trends of improved water quality coinciding with the invasion period. A general increase in the prevalence of other invaders was also noted. The potential impacts of D. villosus were substratum dependent, differing between stone, concrete and sand-dominated sites. 3. Mean Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF) values were marginally lower when D. villosus was present (P < 0.06), as opposed to when other amphipod species or no amphipods were present, despite the improved water quality. Mesocosm studies showed that several macroinvertebrate taxa were completely eliminated in treatments with D. villosus, oligochaete worms, Caenidae mayfly, chironomids and tipulids being particularly vulnerable to D. villosus predation. Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) scores were lower in mesocosms with D. villosus as opposed to the native Gammarus pulex or no amphipods at all. 4. We predict that resident macroinvertebrate assemblages in both Central Europe and Britain will come under increasing pressure as D. villosus invasions progress. Consequently, macroinvertebrate biotic indices, such as the MMIF or BMWP, may need to be revised to account for changes in taxa sensitivities to water quality as well as increased predation and competition.
Winner and loser effects and the structure of dominance hierarchies

In the literature on dominance hierarchies, "winner" and "loser" effects usually are denned as an increased probability of winning at time T, bated on victories at time T-l, T-2, etc, and an increased probability of losing at time T, based on losing at T-l, T% etc, respectively. Despite some early theoretical work on winner and loser effects, these factors and how they affect the structure of dominance hierarchies have not been examined in detail. I developed a computer simulation to examine winner and loser effects when such effects are independent of one another (as well as when they interact) and when combatants assess each other's resourceholding power. When winner effects alone were important, a hierarchy in which all individuals held an unambiguous rank was found. When only loser effects were important, a dear alpha individual always emerged, but the rank of others in die group was often unclear because of die scarcity of aggressive interactions. Increasing winner effects for a given value of the loser effect increase the number of individuals with unambiguous positions in a hierarchy and die converse is true for increasing the value of die loser effect for a given winner effect Although winner and loser effects have been documented in a number of species, no study has documented both winner and loser effects (using some controlled, padrwise testing system) and die detailed nature of behavioral interactions when individuals are in groups. I hope die results of this model will spur such studies in die future.
Resistant Starch: Physiological Roles and Food Applications

A portion of starch and starch products that resist digestion in small intestine has been described as resistant starch. Starch may become resistant to digestion due to several reasons, as it may be physically inaccessible, retrograded, or chemically modified. Resistant starch may be categorized as a functional dietary fiber, as defined by the American Association of Cereal Chemists and Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academics. Resistant starch appears to confer considerable health benefits like reduction in risk of colon cancer, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, constipation, increased fecal bulking, modulation of blood glucose level, and blood cholesterol level as well as play a prebiotic role. Resistant starch has low water holding capacity, small particle size, and bland flavor. Incorporation of resistant starches in baked products, pasta products and beverages imparts improved textural properties and health benefits. Resistant starches are being examined for both the.
PHENOLIC RICH EXTRACTS OBTAINED FROM SMALL RED BEANS IN PREVENTING MACROPHAGE MEDIATED CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

Small red beans, commonly called Mexican beans, are a part of the legume family, the genus Phaseolus vulgaris, i.e., dry edible beans or the common bean. In addition to being a rich source of nutrients, small red beans also contain phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins that have shown a plethora of health benefits against such conditions as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. In particular, the phenolic compounds common to the red beans have been reported to protect against chronic inflammation that if left unchecked can lead to various other chronic degenerative diseases. These benefits may be attributed to the phenolic compounds acting in combination as either synergists or additives. Optimal parameters are therefore needed to characterize the type and amount of these diverse phenolic compounds in any food system or matrix, and then to correlate the results to the condition of interest, which in this study is inflammation. However, such studies are non-existent for small red beans despite the presence of chemically diverse phenols at relatively high levels, (depending on the extraction parameters). Therefore, the objective of this research was to apply response surface methods (RSM) to obtain phenolic rich extracts from two lines of small red beans (NE36 and NE40). The study was completed using three factor face centered cube design (FCCD) to investigate the effect of three independent variables, solid:solvent ratio, solvent polarity and mix time on response of total phenols (TP), total flavonoids (TF) and anti-oxidative capacity (AC). The most effective factors that resulted in overall maximum TP yields were acetone: solvent (water) composition of 50%, a solid:solvent ratio of 10% and a mix time of 60 min. For optimal TF extractions, an acetone:water composition of 75%, solid:solvent ratio of 10% and mix time of 180 min were required. Maximum AC values were achieved with an ethanol:water composition of 75%, solid:solvent ratio of 10% and a mix time of 180 min. In most cases, a second order polynomial model was developed to optimize the extractions with the exception of TP for ethanol extractions and TF for acetone extractions for NE36. Preliminary data obtained in our lab indicated that higher order models (cubic) better explained the complex interactions. The extractions that produced the highest yields of TP, TF and AC were then tested for the ability to remediate inflammation using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. As nitric oxide is an indicator …
Reproductive trait variation in the functionally dioecious and morphologically heterostylous island endemic Chassalia corallioides (Rubiaceae)

Documenting the floral biology and breeding system of species throughout the Rubiaceae family provides data on the number of times heterostyly and dioecy may have evolved in this large family. The objectives of this paper are to quantify (a) whether Chassalia corallioides, a small tree endemic to La Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, is another example of the evolution of dioecy from distyly and (b) whether reproductive traits linked to male and female function vary over the ecological distribution of this species. Quantification of pollen production and fruit set following controlled and natural pollinations demonstrate that this species is dioecious. Male flowers have longer corolla tubes than female flowers. Female flowers have long styles with stigmas placed above the anthers whereas males have short styles with stigmas placed below the anthers. Stigmas and anthers are reciprocally placed in each morph, illustrating that the species is morphologically heterostylous. Both fecundity and flower size are negatively correlated with altitude. In male plants, corollas are shorter and wider and anthers are placed closer to the mouth of the corolla tube with increasing altitude. Male plants flowered more often than female plants, the likely cause of the male biased sex ratio in each of the two years studied. The evolution of dioecy in relation to the island biogeography of the region and the diversification of the genus Chassalia is discussed.
Effect of Chromium Chelavite supplementation on the metabolism of glycogen and lipid in adult Merino sheep

This experiment investigated the effect of exercise and chromium supplementation on muscle glycogen and subcutaneous fat metabolism. The design of the experiment was a 2×2 factorial with chromium and regular exercise as the treatments. Forty-three Merino wethers (2 years old) were maintained for 10 weeks on a diet based on barley and lupin grain fed at 2·2 times maintenance. The ration was supplemented with 0 or 1 mg/kg DM of chromium, as Chromium Chelavite amino acid chelate. For regular exercise the animals were worked at approximately 60% maximum whole body oxygen consumption for 2 h, 3 times per week, which increased the estimated weekly energy demand by about 9%. Chromium increased the activity ofATP citrate lyase, a marker of the glucose-insulin axis, by 30%, but decreased the fat depth GR, the fat depth over the 12th rib, by 20%. There was no effect on the activity of acetyl CoA carboxylase, the major rate-limiting enzyme of lipogenesis. Thus the potential for glucose contribution to fat synthesis increased but the subcutaneous fat depth decreased, indicating that chromium may cause the redistribution of fat within the carcass due to changes in insulin sensitivity. The chromium treatment did not effect growth rate, carcass weight, or muscle glycogen concentration. Chromium supplementation tended to prevent a decline in the concentration of chromium in the kidney, caused by exercise. The level of exercise was only sufficient to cause a glycogen loading response in one of the muscle tissues sampled, the m. semimembranosis. Chromium Chelavite supplementation may be a useful tool for reducing the subcutaneous fat depth of mature ruminants, and may promote the redistribution of fat to other locations within the carcass.
Development of gemculocortical projections to visual cortex in rat: Evidence for early lngrowth and synaptogenesis

Anterograde movement of Dil and transneuronal transport of wheat germ aghitinin‐horseradish peroxidase (WGA‐HRP) were used to study the temporal and laminar patterns of ingrowth of the geniculocortical projection to visual cortex in fetal and postnatal rats. The development of this projection was compared to patterns of migration and settling of L HJ‐thymidine‐labeie neurons destined for cortical layer IV, and to geniculocortical synapse formation. Dil‐labeied geniculocortical axons were found in the intermediate zone beneath the lateral cerebral mantle at embryonic day (E) 17 and in the subplate layer underlying visual cortex by EIS. On E 19 they appeared to accumulate and grow radially into an expanding subplate layer and into the deep part ofdeveloping cortical layer VI. By postnatal day (P)0, Dil or WGA‐HRP‐labeled geniculocortical axons were found in developing cortical layers VI and V. By P l, they invaded the deep portion ofthe cell‐dense cortical plate, where they were in position to make initial contact with neurons that would later form layer IV. A few xons traversed the cortical plate to reach the marginal zone. Layer IV became an identifiable layer on P2, and s clear projection to layer IV was evident by P3. These results suggest that geniculocortical afferents grow continuously from the intermediate zone, initially into an expanding subplatt layer and then sequentially into each of the developing cortical layers without evidence of “waiting”. Electron microscopic data suggest that geniculocortical axons begin to form immature synapses with dendrites and neuronal perikaryas they first encounter cortical neurons, first in the subplate layer and then in developing layers VI, V and marginal zone, in addition to the primary target layer IV. The precise targetmg and overall temporal and laminar patterns of ingrowth and synaptogenesis suggest that geniculocortical axons are directed to the visual cortex by guidance cues within the internal capsule and subplate. Further, they reach the occipital pole early enough to influence the specification and histogenesis of cortical area 17, perhaps by exerting an influence on the deep‐to‐superficial “wave” of neuronal differentiation in sequentially developing subplate and cortical layers VI, V and IV. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Succinic Acid 2,2-Dimethylhydrazide on Yield and Other Characteristics of Peanut Cultivars1

Abstract Succinic acid 2,2-dimethylhydrazide (SADH) was applied at 0.95 kg/ha 60 days after planting to seven peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars in 1970 and eight cultivars in 1971 and 1972. Pod yield of all cultivars were increased by SADH in 1970 by an average of 20%. Yields of Spanish type cultivars were increased in 1971 but not in 1972, while yields of runner and Virginia cultivars were not affected in 1971 nor 1972. There was a trend for increases in the number of pods per plant in Spanish cultivars in all three years and in runner and Virginia types in 1970. Weight per 100 pods was reduced in the Spanish cultivars only in 1972. Main stem lengths were reduced by SADH treatment by an average of 32% in 1970 and 27% in 1971.
CHROMOSOME NUMBERS AND KARYOTYPES IN ASTERACEAE1

Abstract Chromosome numbers were determined from microsporocytes (meiotic counts) and root-tip cells (mitotic counts) in 201 collections of 51 genera and 119 specific and infraspecific taxa belonging to nine tribes of Asteraceae and Acicarpha spathulata R. Br. of Calyceraceae from Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and the United States. These include the first reports and new numbers for the basal members of the Barnadesieae and Mutisieae. First reports are provided for 45 taxa, including five genera, Dasyphyllum HBK (2n = 54), Dithyrostegia A. Gray (2n = 14), Epitriche Turcz. (2n = 10), Revealia R. M. King & H. Rob. (2n = 22), and Stifftia J. C. Mikan (2n = 54). In addition, new chromosome numbers are established at the generic level in the genera Barnadesia Mutis (2n = 54), Eremanthus Less. (2n = 34, 30), Macvaughiella R. M. King & H. Rob. (2n = 24), and Trichocline Cass. (2n = 38), and in 12 additional species. Remaining counts augment and agree with previously reported determinations. The base chromosome numbers of Calyceraceae and Asteraceae are discussed in published records and our original counts.
Semen evaluation of Murrah buffalo bulls using sperm functional tests

Abstract The aim of this experiment was to evaluate membrane integrity, vitality, and mitochondrial cytochemical activity, in frozen semen samples of buffalo bulls and compare those functions with the routine semen evaluation and field fertility. Twenty one frozen semen batches from 2 buffalo bulls were used for AI. For the semen evaluation, after thawing, an aliquot was evaluated for motility and vigor. An aliquot of each batch was used to evaluate the cytochemical activity using the 3-3’ diamino benzidine. Samples were scored in four classes according to the degree of midpiece staining, being class I showing midpiece totally stained, indicating full mitochondrial activity, and class IV showing no staining of the midpiece, indicating no mitochondrial activity. Two other aliquots were used for the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and the eosin nigrosin staining (VIT), to evaluate membrane integrity and vitality, respectively. Correlations were found between pregnancy rate and vitality and class II and III of the DAB staining (r=0.53, r=-0.39, and r=-0.38, respectively; p=0.05). No correlation was found for pregnancy rate and motility or vigor. Results indicate that functional tests may be an alternative to better predict the fertility of buffalo frozen semen samples.
Régulation épigénétique de la lipolyse intravasculaire des triglycérides

La Lipoproteine lipase (LPL) est une enzyme essentielle de la lipolyse intravasculaire dont la regulation est complexe. La decouverte des miRs, regulateurs de l'expression posttranscriptionnelle des genes via leurs interactions avec les regions 3' non traduite (3'UTR), apporte de nouvelles perspectives pour la comprehension de la regulation de la LPL et de ses genes regulateurs. Nous presentons a travers deux etudes, l'implication des microARNs (miRs) dans la regulation de la LPL et d'un de ses genes activateurs APOA5. Dans le premier travail, nous avons mis en evidence la creation d'un site de liaison fonctionnel du miR-485-5p par expliquons ainsi le mecanisme potentiellement implique dans l'association de ce polymorphisme aux hypertriglyceridemies severes et moderees en population generale. Dans un second travail, nous avons identifie un haplotype de la LPL, incluant la mutation p.Ser474Ter (rs328) et sept single nucleotide polymorphisme (SNPs) de la region 3'UTR, significativement associes a une diminution des triglycerides (TG) plasmatiques en population generale. Nous avons ensuite demontre la fonctionnalite des sept SNPs de la region 3'UTR par la suppression de sites de liaison de plusieurs miRs. Ainsi ces resultats suggerent que l'association du variant p.Ser474Ter (rs328) a la triglyceridemie pourrait au moins partiellement etre liee a son desequilibre de liaison avec les sept SNPs fonctionnels de la region 3'UTR. Nos travaux sont parmi les premiers a mettre en evidence l'implication des miRs dans la regulation de la LPL et de ses genes regulateurs chez l'homme. Ils permettent ainsi d'accroitre la connaissance des mecanismes impliques dans la regulation de la lipolyse intravasculaire. Enfin, ils eclairent les mecanismes fonctionnels mis en jeu par deux polymorphismes significativement associes a la triglyceridemie
STUDY ON HUMORAL AND CELL MEDIATED IMMUNE RESPONSES FOLLOWING PASTEURELLA MULTOCIDA LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDES IMMUNIZATION IN RABBITS

Pasteurella multocida infection is a major disease in most of animal species. The lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and outer membrane protein (OMP) are the main surface antigens responsible for the immunization, microbiological significance and for pathogenesis of the disease. For this reason a local strain of Pasteurella multocida was Isolated, their lipopolysaccharides LD50 was 300 /ml. Fifteen rabbits were S/C immunized with LPS 30 µ/ Kg / rabbit, 2 doses and at 2 weeks intervals . The other 15 rabbits were injected with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) as a control group. High level of antibodies were detected in immunized LPS group with the meant ± SE (140 ± 31.35) whereas, in control group (2 ± 0.063). Also the LPS group showed high level of cell mediated immune response detected by delayed type hypersensitivity skin test and high conc entration level of interferon gamma (INF - ) and tumor necrosis factor  alpha (TNF - ) comparable to the control group
Cage Housing, Beak Trimming, and Induced Molting of Layers: A Review of Welfare and Production Issues

Abstract Since the advent of the animal welfare movement in the early sixties, a considerable amount of research has been generated in an attempt to address questions surrounding cage housing, beak trimming, and induced molting practices for poultry. Although researchers have had difficulty in clearly defining and accurately measuring welfare from a scientific perspective, some interesting and useful results have nevertheless been obtained. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the more important findings regarding cage housing, beak trimming, and induced molting of layers as they relate to the future of these practices.
First Record of the Asian Citrus Psylla, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Homoptera:Psyllidae), in Texas

In September 2001, the presence of the Asian citrus psylla, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Homoptera:Psyllidae) in Texas was confirmed. It was found on nursery citrus seedlings and on an orange jessamine (Murraya spp.) hedge. Since then, the insect has been observed in other parts of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. This insect is an efficient vector of the serious bacterial disease of citrus, huanglongbing (greening disease).
Emerging tools in quantitative trait loci detection

Abstract In this work, I briefly describe some of the new tools that are emerging for quantitative trait loci (QTL) and causative mutation detection. First, I summarize what has been the current trend in QTL search. The type of DNA polymorphism and the statistical techniques used have varied over the last two decades. The initial emphasis on linkage analysis using microsatellites, random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD), or amplified random-length polymorphism (AFLPs) and standard statistical techniques has been substituted by a recent focus in massive single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association studies where coalescence theory has a preeminent role. Then, I focus on new statistical approaches that are being developed (or should be). In particular, a unified framework that combines coalescence and mixed-model theory is badly needed. I finally emphasize the relevance of modelling in emerging experiments like genetical genomics approaches.
Acoustic Waves Enhances Human Neutrophil Killing of bacteria

The formation of bacterial biofilms is the leading cause of infections on medical prosthetic devices. Despite numerous attempts to use antibiotics to eradicate the biofilms from the surfaces of infected prosthetic devices, it often becomes necessary to surgically remove these devices to clear the infection. This procedure can be extremely costly requiring prolonged hospitalization. Recent studies have shown that applying acoustic waves to prosthetic surfaces has helped the prevention or resolution of the biofilms, by a mechanism that has not yet been clarified. Here we examine, in vitro, the immunological effects of acoustic waves on the capacity of neutrophils to phagocytose and eradicate S. epidermidis bacteria in fibrin gels. We show that administering Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW) at the intensity of 0.3 mW/cm 2 significantly enhanced the capacity of human neutrophils to kill S. epidermidis in fibrin gels, a system that mimics a tissue-like environment. SAW also enhances human neutrophil killing of S. epidermidis in biofilms formed on silicone discs. We have identified two immunological effects of SAW. First, the administration of SAW significantly promotes chemotaxis through fibrin gels in response to chemoattractants such as LTB4 or to substances released by opsonized S. epidermidis. Second, the action of SAW is, in part, mediated by beta2 integrins, since murine neutrophils obtained from transgenic mice deficient in beta2 integrins did not enhance killing of S. epidermidis in fibrin gels. These results may explain why clinical administration of SAW reduces infections caused by prosthetic devices.
Status of selenium in sheep and dairy cow blood in Western Balkan countries

Abstract The main goal of the study was to assess the selenium (Se) status of sheep and cows in some of the Western Balkan countries. A total number of 105 sheep and 160 cow blood samples (from 21 and 39 farms, respectively) were collected and analyzed for Se in the whole blood (WB). Samples have been analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results showed that 85.6% of sheep and 45.6% of cows had inadequate (≤100 ng/mL) level of WB-Se concentration. The WB-Se concentration was significantly higher in both Se supplemented sheep and cows than in those without any Se supplementation. The WB-Se concentration was inadequate at all farms without Se supplementation. Therefore, Se should be supplemented to the animal feed or Se-biofortified feed used to ensure adequate level of Se in cows and sheep in all the Balkan countries.