Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Practice induces a qualitative change in the memory representation for visuomotor learning

Adaptation of our movements to changes in the environment is known to be supported by multiple learning processes which act in parallel. An implicit process recalibrates motor output to maintain alignment between intended and observed movement outcomes (“implicit recalibration”). In parallel, an explicit learning process drives more strategic adjustments of behavior, often by deliberately aiming movements away from an intended target (“deliberate re-aiming”). It has long been established that people form a memory for prior experience adapting to a perturbation through the fact that they become able to more rapidly adapt to familiar perturbations (a phenomenon known as “savings”). Repeated exposures to the same perturbation can further strengthen savings. It remains unclear, however, which underlying learning process is responsible for this practice-related improvement in savings. We measured the relative contributions of implicit recalibration and deliberate re-aiming to adaptation during multiple exposures to an alternating sequence of perturbations over two days. We found that the implicit recalibration followed an invariant learning curve despite prolonged practice, and thus exhibited no memory of prior experience. Instead, practice led to a qualitative change in re-aiming which, in addition to supporting savings, became able to be expressed rapidly and automatically. This qualitative change appeared to enable participants to form memories for two opposing perturbations, overcoming interference effects that typically prohibit savings when learning multiple, opposing perturbations. Our results are consistent with longstanding theories that frame skill learning as a transition from deliberate to automatic selection of actions.
Quantitative Assessment of the Risk Linked to the Consumption of Braised Beef Meat “Choukouya” Contaminated with Pathogenic Clostridium perfringens in Côte D’Ivoire

Inadequate handling, processing and sales of meat products have resulted in microbial contamination responsible for most infectious human food-borne illness. The study conducted a stochastic assessment of the risk of infection linked to the consumption of braised beef meat “Choukouya” contaminated by Clostridium perfringens in C? te d’Ivoire. We conducted “Choukouya” consumers (n = 900) and vendors (n = 300) survey to characterize the actors behavior. 189 samples of “Choukouya” were collected and microbiologically analyzed according to French standard protocols NF V 08-061 and XPV 08-061. A risk model was developed and the risk of infection linked to the consumption of “Choukouya” was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation procedure. The consumer’s surveys showed that the percentage of population consuming “Choukouya” was 74.4%, with an average consumption of 114.3 ± 0.5 g/person/intake. The microbiological analysis revealed the isolation of 70% of Clostridium perfringens in the vegetative form and 60.3% in sporulated form with an average loading of 3.7 ± 2.6 log10·cfu/g and 1.1 ± 1.0 log10·cfu/g respectively. The probability of ingesting a dose greater than 109 bacteria of Clostridium prefringens varied between 7.36% and 7.93%. The braised beef meat “Choukouya” sold in the streets of cities in C? te d’Ivoire represents a real risk of infection, and Clostridium perfringens is one of the causes. This risk could be mitigated by the establishment of good hygiene practices and adequate handling processes in this informal sector.
Role of zinc in insulin regulation and diabetes

Abstract Zinc (Zn) affects glucose metabolism through insulin regulation and has potential implication in diabetes. Zn deficiency has not been proven in diabetes; however, observations of hyperzincuria, hypozincemia, and Zn malabsorption in diabetes indicate additional requirements for Zn. Mutation in Zn transporter 8 – a key protein in insulin secretion – has been associated with Type 2 diabetes. Zn supplementation in prediabetics and diabetics has been supported to improve plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and lipids and potentially improve insulin sensitivity, reduce oxidative stress, and protect from renal damage.
The effect of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid application under Mn excessive nutrition on yielding of hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)Wpływ stosowania stabilizowanego choliną kwasu ortokrzemowego w warunkach nadmiernego żywienia manganem na plonowanie uprawianej hydroponicznie s

The aim of the study was the evaluation of different concentrations of silicon effect and high levels of manganese in the nutrient medium on the yielding and nutrient status of hydroponically grown lettuce cv. ‘Sunny’. Plants were grown in rockwool in closed fertigation system with nutrient solution recirculation. The following levels of silicon were studied: 0.21, 0.42 and 0.63 mg∙dm-3. The source of silicon was fertilizer contain choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) (0.6% Si). Control combination was plants without Si nutrition. Silicon nutrition significantly influenced on content of macroelements in aboveground parts of plant: decreasing of nitrogen (for 0.21 and 0.63 mg Si∙dm-3), increasing of: phosphorus (for 0.42 and 0.63 mg Si∙dm-3), potassium (for 0.21 and 0.42 mg Si∙dm-3), calcium (for all the Si-treatment) and magnesium (only for 0.21 mg Si∙dm-3) comparing with control. In case of microelements Si significantly reduced zinc content (only in case 0.63 mg Si∙dm-3) and iron (for all the Si-treatment), with lack of significantly influence in case of manganese, copper and sodium. Increasing silicon nutrition significantly and positively influenced on plant yielding.
Effects of between‐site variation in soil microbial communities and plant‐soil feedbacks on the productivity and composition of plant communities

Summary A critical challenge in the science and practice of restoration ecology is to understand the drivers of variation in restoration outcomes. Soil microbial communities may have a role in explaining this variation due to both site-to-site variation in the composition of soil microbial communities and due to variation that can arise due to plant-soil feedbacks. We tested the relative importance of between-site variation in soil microbial community composition and plant-soil feedbacks in shaping plant community composition and ecosystem function. We used a standard two-phase plant-soil feedback design. Soil inoculum was collected from four tallgrass prairie sites. Then, soils were conditioned separately with nine plant species, and conditioned soils were used to inoculate prairie community mesocosms. In a separate experiment using soil from an additional site we tested conditioned soil samples for the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rhizobia. Site of soil origin and plant-soil feedbacks both had effects on the composition and productivity of our plant communities, and the magnitudes of these effects were similar. We also found changes in the abundance of AMF and rhizobia due to plant-soil feedbacks and that AMF abundance were associated with differences in plant community composition. These results indicate that the composition of soil communities due to site-to-site variation and plant-soil feedbacks are both important determinants of plant community composition and productivity. Our results also suggest that AMF and rhizobia are key microbial functional groups underlying plant-soil feedback effects. Synthesis and applications. Site-to-site variation in soil communities can explain some variation in restoration of plant communities. Since plant-soil feedback effects of restored plant species do not overcome this variation, knowledge of soil microbial communities present at a site prior to initiation of restoration efforts may improve predictability of restoration outcomes, and reintroduction of some components of the soil community may be necessary to achieve restoration goals. Additionally, by understanding variation due to plant-soil feedbacks, restoration practitioners can choose plant species for reintroduction that will create favourable soil conditions, including promoting microbial mutualists. Plant-soil feedbacks should also make it possible to increase heterogeneity in soil microbial communities, leading to increases in beta diversity in plant communities.
Transcription factors recognize DNA shape without nucleotide recognition

We hypothesized that transcription factors (TFs) recognize DNA shape without nucleotide sequence recognition. Motivating an independent role for shape, many TF binding sites lack a sequence-motif, DNA shape adds specificity to sequence-motifs, and different sequences can encode similar shapes. We therefore asked if binding sites of a TF are enriched for specific patterns of DNA shape-features, e.g., helical twist. We developed ShapeMF, which discovers these shape-motifs de novo without taking sequence information into account. We find that most TFs assayed in ENCODE have shape-motifs and bind regulatory regions recognizing shape-motifs in the absence of sequence-motifs. When shape- and sequence-recognition co-occur, the two types of motifs can be overlapping, flanking, or separated by consistent spacing. Shape-motifs are prevalent in regions co-bound by multiple TFs. Finally, TFs with identical sequence motifs have different shape-motifs, explaining their binding at distinct locations. These results establish shape-motifs as drivers of TF-DNA recognition complementary to sequence-motifs.
CHARACTERISTIC OF APOPTOSIS AND EXPRESSION OF GENES-RELATED APOPTOSIS (c-myc, c-erb AND c-fos ONCOGENE) IN HeLa CELL LINES AFTER EXPOSURE BY NEEM (Azadirachta indica A.Juss)

ABSTRACT Azadirachta indica A. Juss is a medicinal plant commonly known as neem. The effect of neem leaves extract on cervical cancer cells, however, has never been studied. Due to the lack of information, this study was conducted to determine the effect of neem leaves extract on cervical cancer (HeLa) cell growth. In vitro cytotoxicity effect of ethanolic neem extract indicated the presence of cytotoxicity activity of the extract against HeLa cells with IC50 of 30.0 μg/mL. The morphological changes under confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) on HeLa cells were cell shrinkage and membrane blebbing. There were also cells with condensed nucleus and few cells have fragmented nucleus, and finally formed apoptotic body. Control cells showed a clear cytoplasm and centrally placed nucleus and no cells exhibited any apoptotic features. Appearance of apoptotic cells under scanning electron microscope (SEM) are indentations, blebs and hole on cell surface and disintegration of cell. The controls remained morphologically normal. Apoptotic features of the cells are widely seen with longer incubation time while 24 hours incubation time, it is scarcely seen. The RT-PCR product showed that the c-erb gene expression was expressed in both treated and untreated HeLa cells. Contrary, the the c-myc and c-fos oncogenes on HeLa cells which exposed to A. indica EtOH extract were significantly decreased. Thus, the results from this study strongly suggest that the ethanolic extract of A. indica may contain bioactive compound(s) that caused cervical cancer cells, HeLa cell death by apoptosis mechanism and lead to succession of discovering new alternative treatment for cervical cancer. Keywords : cytotoxic, apoptosis genes, oncogenes, neem
A bacterial effector directly targets Arabidopsis Argonaute 1 to suppress Pattern-triggered immunity and cause disease

Pseudomonas syringae type III effectors were previously shown to suppress the Arabidopsis microRNA (miRNA) pathway through unknown mechanisms. Here, we first show that the HopT1-1 effector promotes bacterial growth by suppressing the Arabidopsis Argonaute 1 (AGO1)-dependent miRNA pathway. We further demonstrate that HopT1-1 interacts with Arabidopsis AGO1 through conserved glycine/tryptophan (GW) motifs, and in turn suppresses miRNA function. This process is not associated with a general decrease in miRNA accumulation. Instead, HopT1-1 reduces the level of AGO1-associated miRNAs in a GW-dependent manner. Therefore, HopT1-1 alters AGO1-miRISC activity, rather than miRNA biogenesis or stability. In addition, we show that the AGO1-binding platform of HopT1-1 is essential to suppress the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and of callose deposits during Pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). These data imply that the RNA silencing suppression activity of HopT1-1 is intimately coupled with its virulence function. Overall, these findings provide sound evidence that a bacterial effector has evolved to directly target a plant AGO protein to suppress PTI and cause disease.
The Physicochemical and Structural Characteristics of Cultivated Sahlep

Sahlep is obtained from tubers of orchids which grown in Mediterranean countries, especially in Turkey. As hydrocolloid, it is used for preparing hot drink and ice cream. However, orchid plants are damaged and sold with high priced. Therefore, searching of alternative production methods of sahlep are in progress. The products of the project, growing possibilities of sahlep orchids at farm conditions (cultivation) were researched in this study. The naturally grown sahlep which belongs to Serapias vomeracea and Orchis sancta species compared with that of cultivated products. Physicochemical and structural characterization analyses were performed for the samples. The tubers were obtained from Serapias vomeracea exhibited higher similarity in physicochemical properties with naturally grown one than Orchis sancta . Samples have Newtonian flow behavior. FTIR experiments which provide knowledge about chemicals bonds in structure revealed that cultivation studies have no effect on sahlep chemical structure. Amorph structure was determined with the XRD experiment for all samples. The variation of surface morphology of sahlep was observed with the cultivation by SEM. DSC and TGA analysis exhibited that samples had similar thermal stabilities. The results obtained showed that sahlep with the same physicochemical and structural characteristics with naturally grown could be achieved by cultivation. The development and widening in this production method provides both protection of wild orchids and cheaper sahlep production.
Investigating the mechanism of glyphosate resistance in a common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) biotype from Nebraska

Abstract: Common ragweed is a weed in the midwestern United States and eastern Canada that is difficult to control due to the evolution of an important resistance to multiple herbicides including glyphosate. Recently, a common ragweed biotype with 19-fold glyphosate resistance was confirmed in Nebraska. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism of glyphosate resistance in a common ragweed biotype from Nebraska. Both target site and non-target site based mechanisms of glyphosate resistance were investigated using glyphosate-resistant (GR) and known glyphosate-susceptible (GS) common ragweed biotypes. A lower amount of shikimate was accumulated in the GR (≤65 µg mL-1) compared with the GS (≥80 µg mL-1) biotype at all glyphosate concentrations tested. Sequencing of the conserved region of the EPSPS gene revealed no mutations at the Thr102 or Pro106 residues and no variation in EPSPS copy number was detected. A higher translocation of 14C-glyphosate in the GR compared with the GS biotype was found, although there was no difference in the amount of 14C-glyphosate absorbed. Nonetheless, analysis of 14C-glyphosate absorption or translocation data using the rectangular hyperbolic model predicted a slower rate of absorption and translocation of glyphosate in the GR compared with the GS biotype, though more research is needed. These results indicate possible involvement of a non-target site mechanism bestowing resistance to glyphosate. The possibility that a slow rate of glyphosate absorption and translocation might have a role in preventing the buildup of the minimum inhibitory concentration of glyphosate required at the target site needs further research.
Factor Structure and Heritability of Obsessive-Compulsive Traits in Children and Adolescents in the General Population

Background Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heritable childhood-onset psychiatric disorder that may represent the extreme of obsessive-compulsive (OC) traits that are widespread in the general population. We studied the factor structure and heritability of the Toronto Obsessive Compulsive Scale (TOCS), a new measure designed to assess traits associated with OCD in children and adolescents. We also examined the degree to which genetic effects are unique and shared between dimensions. Methods OC traits were measured using the TOCS in 16,718 children and adolescents (6 to 18 years) at a local science museum. Factor analysis was conducted to identify OC trait dimensions. Univariate and multivariate twin modeling was performed to estimate the heritability of OC trait dimensions in a subset of twins (220 pairs). Results Six OC dimensions were identified: Cleaning/Contamination, Hoarding, Rumination, Superstition, Counting/Checking, and Symmetry/Ordering. The TOCS total score (74%) and OC trait dimensions were heritable (30-77%). Hoarding was phenotypically distinct but shared genetic effects with other OC dimensions. Most of the genetic effects were shared between dimensions while unique environment accounted for the majority of dimension-specific variance, except for hoarding which had considerable unique genetic factors. A latent trait did not account for the shared variance between dimensions. Conclusions OC traits and individual OC dimensions were heritable, although the degree of shared and dimension-specific etiological factors varied by dimension. The TOCS is useful for genetic research of OC traits and OC dimensions should be examined individually and together along with total trait scores to characterize OC genetic architecture.
Avaliação da gravidade da periodontite crônica na infecção pelo HTLV-1

Background. Viruses have been implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, as they may interfere in the proinflammatory response, potentiating periodontitis severity. Objectives. Investigate the influence of HTLV-I infection in the periodontitis severity, and evaluate an association between proviral load and cytokines expression with periodontitis severity. Methods. In this study, periodontitis severity was evaluated in 71 HTLV-I infected individuals with periodontitis and 72 patients with periodontitis without HTLV-1 determined by clinical attachment loss Spontaneous production of cytokines (TNF-α, IFN, IL-5 e IL-10) in unstimulated culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined by ELISA and pro-viral load by real time PCR. Results. The frequency of severe periodontitis in HTLV-1 infected subjects (32/71, 45%) was higher (P < 0.05) than in controls (14/72, 19.4%). No significant differences were found in the frequency of mild, moderate and severe periodontitis in HTLV-1 carriers compared to HAM/TSP patients (P=0.916). The proviral load was 109164 ± 24762 copies/10cels in severe periodontitis, 259924 ± 89492 copies/10cells in moderate periodontitis and 171662 ± 53846 copies/10cells in mild periodontitis (P=0.238). Levels of spontaneous TNF-α, IFNand IL-5 produced by PBMCs from HTLV-1 infected individuals did not revealed statistical differences between mild, moderate and severe periodontitis. A trend to diminished production of IL-10 was observed in severe periodontitis (P=0.05). Conclusions. HTLV-1 infection may influence periodontitis severity, but measurement of cytokines and proviral load in PBMC were not associated with severity of periodontitis. Key-words: 1. HTLV-1; 2. Periodontitis; 3. Periodontal disease; 4. Cytokines; 5. Proviral load
The spawning and early life-history of a New Zealand endemic amphidromous eleotrid, bluegill bully (Gobiomorphus hubbsi)

ABSTRACT The larval stage of fishes is critical in determining their dispersal, survival and recruitment, but little is known of the larval behaviours and tolerances of amphidromous fishes, particularly in New Zealand. We report the results of a series of observational and experimental studies on bluegill bully (Gobiomorphus hubbsi), including spawning sites and behaviours, larval characteristics at hatch, phototactic responses of larvae, and larval survival at different salinity levels. Spawning primarily occurred in the lower reaches of the river, and larvae from different nests exhibited marked differences in, and trade-offs between, larval characteristics at hatch, potentially affecting larval success. Larvae were positively phototactic to intense light, an unexpected result based on diel drift patterns and international research. Finally, larvae exhibited markedly higher survival rates when reared at intermediate salinities compared to freshwater or seawater, suggesting estuaries may play an important role as nursery grounds for bluegill bully and other amphidromous fish.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Graded Levels Of Chromium Picolinate on the Production Performance, Immune Competence Traits, Development of Digestive Organs and Carcass Quality Traits of Coloured Chicken

One hundred and twenty straight run, day old coloured chicken (Chabro) were distributed into four treatments: T1-basal diet, T2- T1+400ppb chromium picolinate (cp), T3- T1+800ppb cp, T4- T1+1600 ppb cp. There was no significant difference on average weekly body weight gain of coloured chicken among treatment groups except in 7 th week during which T1, T2 and T3 were significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of T4. FCR was significantly better (P<0.05) in T1, T3 and T4 than T2 at 3 rd week. Response to 1% SRBC (log 2 titre) and cell mediated immune response to PHA-P were comparatively better in T3 than other groups. There was no significant difference among treatment groups in the carcass quality traits and cut up parts. Thus, it may be inferred that supplementation of 800 ppb chromium picolinate revealed no adverse effect on body weight gain and resulted in higher humoral and cell mediated immune responses in coloured chicken.