Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Yak (Bos Grunniens) Sperm Nuclei Morphology, Morphometry and DNA Content

The aim of this study was to describe the morphology, morphometry and determine the DNA content of yak sperm nuclei (Bos grunniens). Nuclear morphology observations were performed using light microscopy on slides stained with Feulgen reaction. Abnormalities percentages were determined: pyriform (1.2%), globose (0.2%), small (0.2%), elongated (0.1%). Morphometric measurements were made from digitized images of sperm nuclei stained with the Feulgen reaction. Mean values and standard deviations were obtained: area 21.98 ± 2.60 μm2, length 7.34 ± 0.33 μm, width 3.78 ± 0.27 μm, perimeter 88 ± 19.26 μm, roundness 1.27 ± 0.04, elongation 1.95 ± 0.11 and equivalent diameter 5.28 ± 0.27 μm. According to our knowledge this is the first time that haploid DNA content is determined. In this species 3.42 pg value that was similar to that measured in other species of the family Bovidae and other higher mammals.
Identified particle spectra and anisotropic flow in an event-by-event hybrid approach in Pb + Pb collisions at √[sNN]=2.76TeV

The first results from heavy ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider for charged-particle spectra and elliptic flow are compared to an event-by-event hybrid approach with an ideal hydrodynamic expansion. This approach has been shown to successfully describe bulk observables at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Without changing any parameters of the calculation, the same approach is applied to Pb + Pb collisions at {radical}(s{sub NN})=2.76 TeV. This is an important test if the established understanding of the dynamics of relativistic heavy ion collisions is also applicable at even higher energies. Specifically, we employ the hybrid approach with two different equations of state and the pure hadronic transport approach to indicate sensitivities to finite viscosity. The centrality dependence of the charged hadron multiplicity, p{sub T} spectra, and differential elliptic flow are shown to be in reasonable agreement with the ALICE Collaboration data. Furthermore, we make predictions for the transverse mass spectra of identified particles and triangular flow. The eccentricities and their fluctuations are found to be surprisingly similar to the ones at lower energies, and therefore, the triangular flow results are very similar. Any deviations from these predictions will indicate the need for different physics mechanisms responsible for themore » dynamics of heavy ion collisions. « less
Molecular pathway underlying bouton stabilization by Semaphorin4D during inhibitory synapse formation

Changes in inhibitory connections are essential for experience-dependent circuit adaptations, and inhibitory defects may underlie neurodevelopmental diseases such as autism. Inhibitory axons and their presynaptic boutons can undergo rapid changes, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these dynamics and their role in inhibitory synapse formation are currently unclear. By monitoring inhibitory axons over time in organotypic hippocampal slices, we show that stabilization of presynaptic boutons is the first step in inhibitory synapse formation and that this process is regulated by the guidance protein Semaphorin4D (Sema4D). Sema4D signaling induces inhibitory bouton stabilization within tens of minutes without affecting bouton disassembly. We show that this signaling pathway requires ongoing neuronal activity, and involves activation of receptor tyrosine kinase MET and actin remodeling. Our data indicate that actin plays an important role during synapse formation and demonstrate a novel link between MET, a known autism risk factor, and inhibitory presynaptic dynamics.
Inter Chromosomal Effect (ICE) Resulting in Increased Abnormal Pregnancies in an Infertile Female with a Rare Robertsonian Translocation (13;21)(p10;p10) and SRY Gene carrier with 9 Consecutive Abortions

Abstract To provide information for the first time about an infertile female with a rare 45, XX rob (13;21)(p10;p10) and translocated SRY gene on X chromosome and to make an attempt to detect any inter chromosomal effect (ICE) if any in the production of increased number of abnormal pregnancies. One infertile female proband with rob (13;21) and 9 consecutive abortions and 4 unaffected family members were taken up for the study. The hormonal levels in the proband were measured by using Radio Immuno Assay (RIA). Karyotyping of G-banded chromosomes from leukocyte cultures for all the subjects were made and analysed using IKaros software (Metasystems). The DNA isolation and PCR analysis were undertaken for identification of SRY gene. The proband exhibited a karyotype of 45, XX rob (13;21)(p10;p10), her husband, father and brother showed 46, XY and mother had normal 46, XX. All the hormonal levels in proband were with in the normal range. She was positive for SRY gene and her mother was negative, her husband, father and brother were positive. The unaccountable increased number of abortions in the proband, an infertile female with a rare 45, XX rob (13;21)(p10;p10) and with a SRY gene may be due to the inter chromosomal effect (ICE) associated with rob itself or due to the presence of SRY gene, or may be due to the combined effect of both.
Molecular and cellular dissection of zebrafish larvae tail regeneration

Regeneration is the ability of organisms to restore their structures in form and function. While it is present in the complete animal kingdom, humans retain the capacity to restore some tissues and organs, but this capacity is limited in comparison with that of other vertebrates such as the zebrafish. Further, the growth of regenerative diseases and the lack of therapies to fully restore damaged organs and limbs highlight the importance of the study of regeneration. To further the understanding of the regeneration process, this study focuses on molecular and cellular dissection of the tail regeneration of zebrafish larvae. The molecular dissection found that the molecular signalling Hedgehog regulates regeneration through the Wnt and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) developmental pathways as follows. The regeneration marker genes msxc, dlx5a and raldh2 are regulated by Hedgehog (Hh) through Wnt signalling, while cell proliferation is regulated by Hh through FGF signalling. Further, the role of Hh during regeneration is unique and different to its role during normal tail development, where it is not essential. Finally, it was found that the muscle differentiation marker myod is expressed sequentially after the regeneration marker genes raldh2 and dlx5a during the late stage of tail restoration. For the cellular dissection cell lineage tracings during regeneration were performed using several Cre expressing lines with tissue specific promoters, where Cre recombination is controlled by 4OH Tamoxifen administration. The lineage tracing analysis showed that both blood vessels and periderm cells participate during tail restoration and that both cell types remain lineage committed. Altogether the results presented in this thesis show that the zebrafish larva tail is a suitable model to study both molecular and cellular aspects of regeneration. The knowledge generated during this PhD research can contribute to set the basis for the development of clinical therapies to assist human regeneration.
Subtyping Escherichia coli Virulence Genes Isolated from Feces of Beef Cattle and Clinical Cases in Alberta.

Clinical outcomes of Shiga toxin (stx)-producing Escherichia coli infection are largely determined by virulence gene subtypes. This study used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-pyrosequencing assay to analyze single-nucleotide polymorphisms for subtyping three major virulence genes (stx1, stx2, eae) of pathogenic E. coli (O157, O26, O111, and O103) isolated from cattle over a 2-year interval (n = 465) and human clinical cases (n = 42) in western Canada. Most bovine isolates were PCR positive for at least one target virulence gene (367/465), whereas 100% of human isolates harbored eae in combination with at least one stx gene. Four Shiga toxin (1a, 2a, 2c, and 2e) and four eae (λ/γ1-eae, ɛ-eae, θ/γ2-eae, and β-eae) subtypes were identified in over 25 distinct virulence genotypes. Among cattle isolates, every serogroup, but O103, presented a dominant genotype (O157: stx1a+stx2a+λ/γ1-eae, O26: β-eae alone, and O111: stx1a+θ/γ2-eae). Similar patterns were found in human isolates, although it was not possible to establish a clear genotypic association between the two sources. Many O157 and non-O157 cattle isolates lacked stx genes; the absence was greater in non-O157 (75/258) and O157:non-H7 (19/40) than in O157:H7 strains (1/164). In addition, there was a greater diversity of virulence genotypes of E. coli isolated from cattle than those of human diseases, which could be due to sample characteristics (e.g., source and clinical condition). However, the majority of cattle strains had virulence profiles identical to those of clinical cases. Consequently, determining the presence of certain stx (stx1a and stx2a) and eae (λ/γ1-eae) subtypes known to cause human disease would be a valuable tool for risk assessment and prediction of disease outcome along the farm-to-fork continuum.
An overview on the DNA nucleotide compositions across kingdoms

The DNA nucleotide compositions vary among species. This fascinating phenomenon has been studied for decades with some interesting questions remaining unclear. Recent years, thousands of genomes have been sequenced, but general evaluations on the nucleotide compositions across different phylogenetic groups are still absent. In this letter, I analyzed 371 genomes from different kingdoms and provided an overview on DNA nucleotide compositions. A number of important topics were discussed, including GC content, DNA strand symmetricity, CDS purine content, codon usage, thermophilicity in prokaryotes and non-coding RNA genes. I also gave explanations to two long debated questions: 1) both genome GC content and CDS purine content are correlated with the thermophilicity in archaea, but not in bacteria; 2) the purine rich pattern of CDS in most species is mainly a consequence of coding requirement, but not mRNA interaction dynamics. This study provides valuable information and ideas for future investigations.
A simple way of integrating texture in virtual environments for haptic rendering

This paper describes a simple way of integrating texture in virtual environments for haptic rendering. The proposed technique consists in creating an elevation map computed thanks to the luminance coefficient of each texel (i.e. texture pixel) of the texture mapped onto the surface. This elevation map is then used to generate the 3D asperities on the explored object's surface; therefore creating peaks and valleys. It is also used to compute the corresponding tactile forces for haptic rendering. The user may either apply one of the proposed four techniques in computing elevation maps or simply prune it to keep a smooth surface
An Investigation into Communication and Information Sharing Between Classroom Teachers and Reading Recovery Teachers

1 Chapter One : Introduction . 6 Chapter Two : Theoretical Framework. 10 Chapter Three : Literature Review . 18 Chapter Four : Methodology . 38 Chapter Five : Findings . 51 Chapter Six : Conclusions/Recommendations . 78 Appendix . 103 References . 104
The food web of Potter Cove (Antarctica): complexity, structure and function

Knowledge of the food web structure and complexity are central to better understand ecosystem functioning. A food-web approach includes both species and energy flows among them, providing a natural framework for characterizing species’ ecological roles and the mechanisms through which biodiversity influences ecosystem dynamics. Here we present for the first time a high-resolution food web for a marine ecosystem at Potter Cove (northern Antarctic Peninsula). Eleven food web properties were analyzed in order to document network complexity, structure and topology. We found a low linkage density (3.4), connectance (0.04) and omnivory percentage (45), as well as a short path length (1.8) and a low clustering coefficient (0.08). Furthermore, relating the structure of the food web to its dynamics, an exponential degree distribution (in- and out-links) was found. This suggests that the Potter Cove food web may be vulnerable if the most connected species became locally extinct. For two of the three more connected functional groups, competition overlap graphs imply high trophic interaction between demersal fish and niche specialization according to feeding strategies in amphipods. On the other hand, the prey overlap graph shows also that multiple energy pathways of carbon flux exist across benthic and pelagic habitats in the Potter Cove ecosystem. Although alternative food sources might add robustness to the web, network properties (low linkage density, connectance and omnivory) suggest fragility and potential trophic cascade effects.
Grid Task Scheduling: Algorithm Review

Abstract As a new distributed heterogeneous computing platform, grid aims at achieving Internet-wide resource sharing and collaborative computing. Grid task scheduling (GTS) is the key issue of grid computing, and its algorithm has a direct effect on the performance of the whole system. In this paper, two key entities in GTS, applications and target systems, are defined first. And then two types of the most popular GTS algorithms, namely, meta-task GTS algorithm and directed acyclic graph GTS algorithm, are discussed in details in accordance with the classification of the traditional deterministic algorithm and heuristic intelligent algorithm. In addition, the comparative analysis is made among them. Finally, some main research directions of GTS are pointed out.
Effect of copper on growth and photosynthesis in marine diatoms: comparison between species from two different geographical origins

Les effets du cuivre sur la croissance, la photosynthese et l'activite anhydrase carbonique chez des especes de la cote Sud-est du Vietnam (Amphora acutiuscula et Nitzschia palea) et de la cote atlantique francaise (Amphora coffeaeformis et Entomoneis paludosa) ont ete mesures. Les diatomees ont ete cultivees en conditions controlees, dans de l'eau de mer artificielle additionnee ou non de Cu 1,5 μM ou 3.0 μM. L'ajout de Cu ne modifie pas le taux de croissance mais reduit la densite cellulaire maximale chez les quatre especes. Chez A. acutiuscula, la reduction de la photosynthese brute en fonction de l'eclairement (courbes P/E determinees par oxymetrie) et du taux relatif de transport des electrons (courbes rETR/E determinees par fluorimetrie modulee) indique que l'addition de Cu 3.0 μM affecte significativement les parametres photosynthetiques. Les parametres des courbes P/E et rETR/E montrent que les trois autres especes ont des comportements differents selon la quantite de Cu ajoute. A l'eclairement de croissance, l'activite anhydrase carbonique externe varie de facon similaire a la photosynthese brute, ce qui indique que cette enzyme joue un role majeur dans la fourniture de carbone inorganique aux carboxylases.
Contributions of local speech encoding and functional connectivity to audio-visual speech integration

Seeing a speaker’s face enhances speech intelligibility in adverse environments. We investigated the underlying network mechanisms by quantifying local speech representations and directed connectivity in MEG data obtained while human participants listened to speech of varying acoustic SNR and visual context. During high acoustic SNR speech encoding by entrained brain activity was strong in temporal and inferior frontal cortex, while during low SNR strong entrainment emerged in premotor and superior frontal cortex. These changes in local encoding were accompanied by changes in directed connectivity along the ventral stream and the auditory-premotor axis. Importantly, the behavioural benefit arising from seeing the speaker's face was not predicted by changes in local encoding but rather by enhanced functional connectivity between temporal and inferior frontal cortex. Our results demonstrate a role of auditory-motor interactions in visual speech representations and suggest that functional connectivity along the ventral pathway facilitates speech comprehension in multisensory environments.
Culture, characterization and differentiation potential of rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells

Bone marrow derived stem cells could offer significant multipotent differentiation capacity and plasticity in other species. However, in rat marrow there are few reports. This study described, simple and easy method for isolation of rat bone marrow stem cells (rBMSC) based on their density and plastic adherence properties and along with their trilineage differentiation potential. Rat bone marrow stem cells were isolated by density gradient and plastic adherence method. After isolation of stem cell they were characterized by phase contrast microscopy and flow cytometry. Moreover, differentiation into osteoblast, adipocytes and chondrocytes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on different induction medium was analyzed using RT-PCR and their respective staining methodology. The attached nucleated cells showed their spindle shaped fibroblastic like morphology. Flow cytometry results revealed that they were negative for haematopoietic markers such as CD 31 and CD 45 and positive for mesenchymal markers CD 90 and CD 29. On the other hand, they were differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic and this was confirmed by alizarin red, Oil red O and Alcian blue stain respectively. Further RT-PCR results indicated that rBMSC expressed Runx2; Ppar-γ and Aggrecan genes which showed that these cells can easily differentiate into many different lineages and this can be applicable for cell based regenerative disorders.
CYTOGENETIC STUDIES OF CARTHAMUS SPECIES (COMPOSITAE) WITH 32 PAIRS OF CHROMOSOMES

A B S T R A C T Two taxa of Carthamus, each with 32 pairs of chromosomes, merit specific status. C. baeticus (Boiss. & Reut.) Nym. is found on islands of and in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, whereas C. turkestanicus Popov extends from western Turkey to Kashmir. Compared to C. baeticus, C. turkestanicus has wider leaves, wider and less divaricate bracts, larger heads with more florets and achenes, and florets with longer lobes. Their chromosomes differ to the extent that microsporocytes of their F, hybrids had a reciprocal translocation in pachytene and a mean of over six, and up to 22, univalents at metaphase I. Pollen stainability and seed fertility were reduced in F, hybrids. THE NATURAL AREA of distribution of the genus Carthamus L. extends from central India westward to, and around, the Mediterranean Sea. A detailed review of its taxonomy has been provided by Ashri (1957) and Hanelt (1961, 1963). On the basis of morphological and cytological studies of 11 species, Ashri (1957) and Ashri and Knowles (1960) set up four sections in the genus, namely 1, 11, III and IV, having 12, 10, 22 and 32 pairs of chromosomes, respectively. Hanelt (1961, 1963), from a detailed study of herbaria specimens and limited morphological and cytological examinations of living material, grouped the species into five sections. Hanelt (1961, 1963) assigned taxa with 22 and 32 chromosomes (n) to one species which he called C. lanatus L. In other words he combined sections III and IV of Ashri and Knowles into one section. The species C. baeticus (Boiss. & Reut.) Nym. and C. turkestanicus Popov of the present study are called C. lanatus ssp. creticus (L.) Holmb. and C. lanatus ssp. turkestanicus (M. Pop.) Han. , respectively, by Hanelt. The present study has focused on relationships within and between taxa having 32 pairs of chromosomes. Relationships of these taxa to probable ancestral taxa with 10 and 22 pairs of chromosomes will be considered in another paper.
Pyrazinamide Drug Resistance in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis: A Minireview

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a nicotinamide analog that is used as a frontline drug to treat tuberculosis (TB). It has special place in modern TB therapy, as it appears to kill a population of semi dormant tubercle bacilli persisting in the body. It is important drug because of its sterilizing activity against semi dormant tubercle bacilli. Although PZA has a very high in vivo activity, it’s in vitro activity is not apparent unless an acidic environment is available, which makes PZA drug susceptibility testing (DST) more difficult by conventional methods. Being a nicotinamide analogue, PZA needs to be converted into its active bactericidal form pyrazinoic acid (POA) by the mycobacterial enzyme pyrazinamidase (PZase). PZase is encoded by pncA, and mutations in this gene have been demonstrated as the major mechanism of PZA resistance.PZA-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains are usually correlated well with defective PZase activity. The rapid detection of PZA resistance is of utmost importance for an effective treatment and also to avoid further spread of MDR strains. Analysis of the pncAgene provides rapid and useful information regarding PZA susceptibility in M. tuberculosis and may therefore contribute to early optimization of treatment. The diversity of methods currently used in clinical laboratories for the detection of PZA resistance in M. tuberculosis isolates causes inconsistent results of PZA DST and such inconsistent results of PZA DST have been reported by a number of laboratories by various methods, including the qualitative BACTEC test. Therefore, it is essential to elucidate the genetic basis of clinical resistance and to correlate phenotypic and molecular resistance data.
Advances in abscission signaling

Abscission is a process in plants for shedding unwanted organs such as leaves, flowers, fruits, or floral organs. Shedding of leaves in the fall is the most visually obvious display of abscission in nature. The very shape plants take is forged by the processes of growth and abscission. Mankind manipulates abscission in modern agriculture to do things like prevent pre-harvest fruit drop prior to mechanical harvesting in fruit orchards. Abscission occurs specifically at abscission zones that are laid down as the organ that will one day abscise is developed. A sophisticated signaling network initiates abscission when it is time to shed the unwanted organ. In this article, we review recent advances in understanding the signaling mechanisms that activate abscission. Physiological advances and roles for hormones in abscission are also addressed. Finally, we discuss current avenues for basic abscission research and potentially lucrative future directions for its application to modern agriculture.