Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does maternal environmental condition during reproductive development induce genotypic selection in Picea abies?

In forest trees, environmental conditions during reproduction can greatly influence progeny performance. This phenomenon probably results from adaptive phenotypic plasticity but also may be associated with genotypic selection. In order to determine whether selective effects during the reproduction are environment specific, single pair-crosses of Norway spruce were studied in two contrasted maternal environments (warm and cold conditions). One family expressed large and the other small phenotypic differences between these crossing environments. The inheritance of genetic polymorphism was analysed at the seed stage. Four parental genetic maps covering 66 to 78% of the genome were constructed using 190 to 200 loci. After correcting for multiple testing, there is no evidence of locus under strong and repeatable selection. The maternal environment could thus only induce limited genotypic-selection effects during reproductive steps, and performance of progenies may be mainly affected by a long-lasting epigenetic memory regulated by temperature and photoperiod prevailing during seed production. RésuméChez les arbres forestiers, les conditions environnementales durant la reproduction peuvent influencer les performances des descendants. Ce phénomène reflète probablement la plasticité phénotypique, mais également il pourrait être associé à une sélection génotypique. Afin de déterminer si des effets sélectifs durant la reproduction sont spécifiques d’un environnement donné, deux familles d’épicéa commun non apparentées ont été obtenues par croisements dirigés dans deux environnements maternels contrastés (conditions chaude et froide). La première famille exprimait de larges différences phénotypiques entre les deux environnements tandis que la seconde ne montrait pas de différence significative. La transmission des polymorphismes génétiques a été étudiée au stade de la graine. Quatre cartes génétiques parentales couvrant 66 à 78 % du génome ont été construites. Aucun effet de sélection n’a été mis en évidence aux différents locus étudiés. L’environnement maternel n’induirait donc que des effets de sélection génotypique relativement faibles durant les stades de la reproduction. Les performances des descendants seraient principalement affectées par une mémoire épigénétique durable régulée par la température et la photopériode régnant durant la production des graines.
A critical overview of bistatic scattering wave from oceans surface

This paper interests in bistatic scattering wave from oceans surface. We present different scattering method for 2D random rough surfaces in bistatic configuration. The purpose is to study their validity for a particular surface: the ocean surface. The ocean surface characteristics are given to be introducing in the scattering method. Then, the validity and robustness of each method are studied for ocean surface applications.
Simulation analysis of the Fe40Ni38B18Mo4 nano-crystalline thin films, in the 0.3–9.6 GHz domain

A simulation analysis of the nano-crystalline thin films of Fe40Ni38B18Mo4 was performed in this paper, in order to obtain the frequency evolution of the material parameters: electric permittivity, conductivity and magnetic permeability, in microwave domain. Material behaves like a soft magnetic alloy, with positive magnetostriction character. With help of the 3D Full-wave Electromagnetic Field Simulation HFSS from Ansoft the thin film structure was developed and the exposure field parameters were controlled for material parameters determination. Resonant frequency evolutions were obtained for the electric permittivity and magnetic permeability, determined by different aspects of the exposure field interacting with the internal structure (macro and micro domains). Electric conductivity presents an increasing evolution with frequency, describing the fact that currents appears easier inside the structure when frequency increases. Conclusions were polarized on frequency evolution interpretation for the material parameters and applications.
Inflammatory biomarkers, physical activity, waist circumference, and risk of future coronary heart disease in healthy men and women.

AIMS The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of physical activity and abdominal obesity to the variation in inflammatory biomarkers and incident coronary heart disease (CHD) in a European population. METHODS AND RESULTS In a prospective case-control study nested in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Norfolk cohort, we examined the associations between circulating levels or activity of C-reactive protein, myeloperoxidase (MPO), secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), fibrinogen, adiponectin, waist circumference, physical activity, and CHD risk over a 10-year period among healthy men and women (45-79 years of age). A total of 1002 cases who developed fatal or non-fatal CHD were matched to 1859 controls on the basis of age, sex, and enrolment period. Circulating levels of C-reactive protein, sPLA2 (women only), fibrinogen, and adiponectin were linearly associated with increasing waist circumference and decreasing physical activity levels. After adjusting for waist circumference, physical activity, smoking, diabetes, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and further adjusted for hormone replacement therapy in women, C-reactive protein, MPO (men only), sPLA2, fibrinogen, but not Lp-PLA2 and adiponectin were associated with an increased CHD risk. CONCLUSION Inactive participants with an elevated waist circumference were characterized by deteriorated levels of inflammatory markers. However, several inflammatory markers were associated with an increased CHD risk, independent of underlying CHD risk factors such as waist circumference and physical activity levels.
Immune function is related to adult carotenoid and bile pigment levels, but not to dietary carotenoid access during development, in female mallard ducks

SUMMARY Immune function can be modulated by multiple physiological factors, including nutrition and reproductive state. Because these factors can vary throughout an individual's lifetime as a result of environmental conditions (affecting nutrition) or life-history stage (e.g. entering the adult reproduction stage), we must carefully examine the degree to which developmental versus adult conditions shape performance of the immune system. We investigated how variation in dietary access to carotenoid pigments – a class of molecules with immunostimulatory properties that females deposit into egg yolks – during three different developmental time points affected adult immunological and reproductive traits in female mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). In males and females of other avian species, carotenoid access during development affects carotenoid assimilation ability, adult sexual ornamentation and immune function, while carotenoid access during adulthood can increase immune response and reproductive investment (e.g. egg-laying capacity, biliverdin deposition in eggshells). We failed to detect effects of developmental carotenoid supplementation on adult immune function [phytohemagglutinin-induced cutaneous immune response, antibody production in response to the novel antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), or oxidative burst, assessed by changes in circulating nitric oxide levels], carotenoid-pigmented beak coloration, ovarian development, circulating carotenoid levels or concentration of bile pigments in the gall bladder. However, we did uncover positive relationships between circulating carotenoid levels during adulthood and KLH-specific antibody production, and a negative relationship between biliverdin concentration in bile and KLH-specific antibody production. These results are consistent with the view that adult physiological parameters better predict current immune function than do developmental conditions, and highlight a possible, previously unstudied relationship between biliverdin and immune system performance.
Phosphorus Response and Fertilizer Recommendations Under Balanced Fertilizers for Wheat Grown on Nitisols in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Phosphorous response and fertilizer recommendation under balanced fertilizer study was conducted for wheat grown on nitisols in Welmera district, West Shewa, in central highlands of Ethiopia. The experiment was arranged in a complete block design with five levels of phosphorous fertilizer (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg ha) with three replications. Based on a yield difference between the phosphorus treatments and negative control treatments, Relative yield at 80% of sites responded to phosphorus fertilizer. Phosphorous fertilizer application at different rates wheat grain yield increased up to 20.6% when compared to the negative control treatment (zero p treatment). Extractable soil P concentrations (Bray II method, 020 cm depth) three weeks after planting significantly responded to P fertilizer rate. Relative yield correlated with soil phosphorous values revealed that the soil phosphorous levels greater than 14.8 mg kg (critical phosphorous concentration) was found to be optimum for production of wheat on nitisols area. Phosphorous requirement factor (Pf) average was calculated from soil phosphorous values of all treatments for the study area was 11.13. In the absence of a soil test, a recommendation of 30 kg P ha to prevent a potential loss of wheat. Further study is needed to determine interaction effect of phosphorus with other nutrient requirement of wheat involving more soil types and agro-ecological zones supported by appropriate soil and plant analysis.
Stress response to tracheal intubation: direct laryngoscopy compared with blind oral intubation

Haemodynamic and hormonal responses to tracheal intubation can be profound and associated with serious cardiovascular and cerebral side effects. The Augustine Guide, a device enabling blind oral intubation, has been introduced recently. The aim of our study was to compare the haemodynamic and hormonal stress response of this method with direct laryngoscopy. Thirty five patients (ASA 1 and 2) were randomly assigned to undergo either direct laryngoscopy (n = 17), or blind oral intubation (n = 18). Haemodynamic responses and concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline and prolactin were determined prior to induction, before intubation and 5 min after intubation. The median duration of intubation was 22 s for direct laryngoscopy vs 46 s for blind oral intubation (p < 0.05). Between the groups, no significant differences were observed for heart rate, systolic or mean arterial blood pressure. Serum levels of adrenaline decreased slightly after induction and remained unaltered after intubation in both groups. Noradrenaline (1.01 vs 0.66 nmol.l‐1) and prolactin (5.2 vs 2.9 nmol.l‐1) levels were significantly higher after direct laryngoscopy compared to blind oral intubation. Although blind oral intubation took significantly longer to perform than direct laryngoscopy, hormonal stress response was less pronounced. Blind oral intubation should therefore not be withheld from patients with impaired cardiovascular reserve.
Signet-Ring Cell Change Versus Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Analysis

Signet-ring cell change (SCC) is a nonneoplastic condition that morphologically simulates signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCA). The few case reports on SCC have focused on morphologic characteristics in distinguishing benign from malignant. In biopsy specimens, however, SCC can be easily confused with SRCA, which often demonstrates innocuous cytologic features. The object of this study is twofold: 1) to report 14 additional cases of SCC, comparing their morphologic and phenotypic features with that of SRCA; and 2) to evaluate the incidence of SCC in pseudomembranous colitis. Paraffin sections of biopsy or resection specimens containing focal or extensive SCC and 5 cases of colonic SRCA were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic-acid Schiff stain with and without diastase digestion, and by standard ABC immunoperoxidase procedure using antibodies to E-cadherin, p53, and Ki-67. Both cells in SCC and SRCA were strongly positive for neutral mucins. Cells in SCC were strongly positive for E-cadherin and negative for p53 and Ki-67. In contrast, cells in SRCA were strongly positive for p53, exhibited high proliferation, and demonstrated absent or weak positivity for E-cadherin. Although SCC is not well recognized in pseudomembranous colitis, the incidence is fairly high: 14 of 50 (28%) cases showed variable numbers of signet-ring cells. Extensive SCC, although rare, can occur in different clinical conditions and can be easily mistaken for SRCA. When in doubt, routine immunohistochemical stains such as p53, Ki-67, and E-cadherin can help to differentiate SCC from SRCA.
Diversity and Seasonal Fluctuations of Phytoplankton in Temple Pond at Thiruvottiyur , Chennai , South India

The present study was about the diversity of phytoplankton in the temple pond situated at Thiruvottiyur Thiagarajar temple, Chennai, India. The sampling was done in the first week of month and sub-surface water samples were collected from pond at four different seasons. Plankton was identified up to generic level following standard methods. Totally 5 groups of phytoplankton taxa were identified (Chlorophyceae 10, Bacilliariophyceae 11, Cyanophyceae 6, Euglenophyceae 3 and Dinophyceae 2). Among the Chlorophyceae, Volvox sp. ; among the Bacillariophyceae, Gamphonema sp. ; among the Cyanophyceae, Merismopedia sp. ; among the Euglenophyceae, Astasia sp. and among the Dinophyceae, Ceratium sp. were abundant. Seasonal variation in the abundance of phytoplankton was observed. Phytoplankton can act as a biological indicator to assess the qualities of the habitat studied.
Amniotic Fluid Prolidase Activity and Oxidative Status in Neural Tube Defects

Objective: To evaluate oxidative stress markers and prolidase activity in the amniotic fluid of fetuses with a neural tube defect (NTD) compared to the amniotic fluid of normal fetuses. Methods: Amniotic fluid samples from 36 pregnancies of fetuses with NTD were compared with the amniotic fluid from 36 pregnancies of genetically normal fetuses for analysis of oxidative status and prolidase activity. The control group consisted of fetuses from pregnancies that were diagnosed as high-risk according to a 1st or 2nd trimester aneuploidy screening, but which were later confirmed to have normal results. An automated method was used to measure oxidative status. Prolidase enzyme activity was determined using a photometric method. Results: Prolidase activity, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index of amniotic fluid from fetuses with NTD were significantly higher compared to controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively), whereas total antioxidant capacity was significantly lower (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Levels of prolidase activity and oxidative stress are increased in the amniotic fluid of fetuses with NTD. These indicators may serve as diagnostic markers in this disease.
Semangat Kapitalisme dalam Dunia Tarekat

Buku ini merupakan pengembangan dari riset disertasi terhadap organisasi tarekat Shiddiqiyah yang selama ini getol dalam mengembangkan gerakan kewirausahaan di kalangan pengikutnya. dalam hal ini, penulis ingin menggali konsep rasionalitas yang mampu menumbuhkan sekaligus menggerakkan semangat kapitalisme di kalangan para penganut tarekat Shidiqiyah sehingga menjadikannya tidak hanya sekedar organisasi sufi yang bergelut dalam dunia spiritual, namun juga sangat giat dalam mendorong kemajuan ekonomi warganya melalui gerakan wirausaha. Proposisi tersebut berdasarkan fenomena dan informasi pada kelompok yang memiliki ciri khas atau kharakteristik tersendiri yang relevan dengan permasalahan yang hendak dikaji, yaitu: memiliki komitmen yang kuat untuk mengembangkan sektor ekonomi, serta komitmen yang kuat terhadap ajaran-ajaran tarekat Shidiqiyah. Adapun komitmen yang kuat dalam mengembangkan sektor ekonomi setidaknya dapat dilihat dari banyaknya unit usaha yang mereka kembangkan. Fenomena ini menggambarkan bagaimana pengaruh ajaran tarekat Shidiqiyah terhadap semangat dan gairah ekonomi para pengikutnya, sekaligus memberikan perspektif yang berbeda terhadap makna harta yang dibangun dari nilai-nilai ajaran tarekat yang mereka yakini.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GLOBAL AND REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION DIMINISHES AMONG PHYLOGENETICALLY BASAL SPECIES

Abstract Phylogenetic legacy and phylogenetic trends affect the ecology of species—except, apparently, for the width of their distribution. As a result, “macroecological” patterns of species distributions emerge constantly in phylogenetically very distinct species assemblages. The width of the global distribution of species, for instance, constantly correlates positively to the width of their regional distribution. However, such patterns primarily reflect the phylogenetically derived species that dominate most assemblages. Basal species, in contrast, might show different macroecological patterns. We tested the hypothesis that the correlation between global and regional distributions of species diminishes among the phylogenetically basal species. We considered central European higher plants and defined global distribution as the occupancy of global floristic zones, regional distribution as the grid occupancy in Eastern Germany, and phylogenetic position as the rank distance to tree base. We also took into account a number of confounding variables. We found that, across all lineages, the global/regional correlation diminished among basal species. We then reanalyzed 19 lineages separately and always found the same pattern. The pattern reflected both increases in global distributions and decreases in regional distributions among basal species. The results indicate that many basal species face a risk of global or at least regional extinction, but have escaped the downward spiral of mutually reinforcing extinction risks at multiple scales. We suggest that many basal species had much time to expand their global ranges but are presently displaced locally by more derived species. Overall, the study shows that macroecological patterns may not be static and universal, but may undergo macroevolutionary trends. Analyses of macroecological patterns across a phylogeny may thus provide insights into macroevolutionary processes.
Psychological symptoms and blood pressure among rural-dwellers

Rural-dwelling adults face different health concerns and risks than do adults living in urban areas, with reduced assess to care. Studies examining the associations between anxiety and/or depression and blood pressure have yielded mixed results. This study addressed this by examining the association of these symptoms to blood pressure in men compared to women, and for differing racial groups in a rural population in the western United States. Analyses indicate the association between depression and blood pressure differs by race. Further, depressive symptoms were associated with higher diastolic blood pressure for participants at or above the mean of anxiety.
Identification of two HBeAg subspecificities revealed by chemical treatment and enzymatic digestion of liver-derived HBcAg.

The complete hepatitis B virus (HBV)2 is now believed to be the 43-nm Dane particle composed of a 27-nm core (HBcAg) and an antigenically different coat (HBsAg). The core particle represents the nucleocapsid of HBV and contains a double stranded circular DNA molecule and DNA polymerase. HBeAg is considered to be the third HBV-specified antigen representing a complex of soluble proteins having a common reactivity toward sera containing anti-HBe in immunodiffusion tests. The diversity of the HBeAg system has been well documented by immunodiffusion: there appear to be at least three different reactivities: HBeAg/1, HBeAg/2, and HBeAg/3. A number of studies have demonstrated that the presence of HBeAg correlates well with that of Dane particles in serum and of HBeAg in liver cell nuclei. These correlations have recently been explained by demonstrating the presence of HBeAg in a cryptic form in core particles from serum (1) and liver (2).
Protection against rotavirus disease after natural rotavirus infection. US Rotavirus Vaccine Efficacy Group.

Determination of protective efficacy after natural rotavirus infection is important as a basis for evaluating rotavirus vaccines. Therefore, placebo recipients in a large 2-year rotavirus vaccine trial conducted across the United States were followed to determine the protection afforded by natural rotavirus infection. Serotype 1 rotaviruses predominated (93% year 1, 66% year 2), but isolates of all four major human rotavirus serotypes circulated during both years. Of the 45 placebo recipients with documented rotavirus illnesses in year 1, 1 developed rotavirus disease in year 2 compared with 29 of the other 235 placebo recipients (P = .03). Serologic data were available for 171 placebo recipients, and 37 of 140 without rotavirus illnesses in year 1 had evidence of asymptomatic rotavirus infection. None of these 37 experienced rotavirus disease in year 2 compared with 22 of the remaining 103 (P < .001). Overall efficacy after natural rotavirus infection was 93% (95% confidence interval, 50%-99%).
Computational approaches to modeling the conserved structural core among distantly homologous proteins

Modem techniques in biology have produced sequence data for huge quantities of proteins, and 3-D structural information for a much smaller number of proteins. We introduce several algorithms that make use of the limited available structural information to classify and annotate proteins with structures that are unknown, but similar to solved structures. The first algorithm is actually a tool for better understanding solved structures themselves. Namely, we introduce the multiple alignment algorithm Matt (Multiple Alignment with Translations and Twists), an aligned fragment pair chaining algorithm that, in intermediate steps, allows local flexibility between fragments. Matt temporarily allows small translations and rotations to bring sets of fragments into closer alignment than physically possible under rigid body transformation. The second algorithm, BetaWrapPro, is designed to recognize sequences of unknown structure that belong to specific all-beta fold classes. BetaWrapPro employs a "wrapping" algorithm that uses long-distance pairwise residue preferences to recognize sequences belonging to the beta-helix and the beta-trefoil classes. It uses hand-curated beta-strand templates based on solved structures. Finally, SMURF (Structural Motifs Using Random Fields) combines ideas from both these algorithms into a general method to recognize beta-structural motifs using both sequence information and longdistance pairwise correlations involved in beta-sheet formation. For any beta-structural fold, SMURF uses Matt to automatically construct a template from an alignment of solved 3-D structures. From this template, SMURF constructs a Markov random field that combines a profile hidden Markov model together with pairwise residue preferences of the type introduced by BetaWrapPro. The efficacy of SMURF is demonstrated on three betapropeller fold classes. Thesis Supervisor: Bonnie Berger Title: Professor of Applied Mathematics