Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A simulation study of information transmission by multi-unit microelectrode recordings

To analyse the information content of multi-unit signals, cases of two and three superimposed neural responses to a stimulus were simulated. The multi-unit Shannon information rates were compared with those of the constituent single-unit spike trains and also with those of corresponding labelled line signals. The mutual information in the multi-unit response was found to depend on the degree of similarity in the attribute-specific information of the single-unit spike trains. As long as the units were encoding similar attribute-specific information, the multi-unit signal had greater information than any of the individual units. If the units' responses were confounded by different amounts, the multi-unit response could not recover the maximal single-unit information. Labelled line and pooled responses had similar mutual information when the information in the constituent units was similar. However, the normalized gain in information of a labelled line response over a pooled response increased from 27% to 84%, relative to the maximum single-unit information rate, as the difference in constituent single-unit information increased to 100%. Information in single-unit responses is not completely lost when multiple units are superimposed. There are cases in which the union of single-unit spike trains can fully conserve single-unit information and even reduce the effect of confounding information present in the individual responses. More information is available in pairs of responses when the identities of the units are maintained. Summed responses can be used at low informational cost in redundantly encoding clusters of neurons. Higher information losses are incurred as the encoding becomes more independent.
Pests, diseases and weeds of Napier grass, Pennisetum purpureum: A review

Napier or elephant grass ( Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is an important fodder crop in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, where it is used almost exclusively for feeding dairy cattle in cut-and-carry systems. A smut pathogen ( Ustilago kamerunensis P. & H. Sydow) was recently reported as being in the country, causing serious losses in biomass. A preliminary investigation of the grass/smut pathosystem revealed very little information on worldwide pests and diseases of the host. Data were not easily accessible and there was no central reference. This review attempts to address this gap in the literature, particularly with regard to the outbreak of U. kamerunensis, which may focus attention on the pest management of a valuable but comparatively neglected crop.
Chemical Constituents, Antimicrobial Investigations, and Antioxidative Potentials of Anethum graveolens L. Essential Oil and Acetone Extract: Part 52

ABSTRACT: The antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial potentials of essential oil and acetone extract of Anethum graveolens L. were investigated in the present study. The extract has shown excellent activity for the inhibition of primary and secondary oxidation products for rapeseed oil in comparision with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which were evaluated using peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, p-anisidine, and carbonyl values. The activity of extract was further confirmed using other antioxidant properties such as ferric thiocyanate method inlinoleic acid system, which reducing power and scavenging effect (%) on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Using inverted Petri plate method, the volatile oil completely inhibited the growth of Fusarium graminearum at 6 μL dose. Moreover, using poison food technique, the essential oil was found to be highly effective for controlling the growth of Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus niger. In antibacterial investigations, using agar well diffusion method, the extract has shown better activity for Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus in comparison with commercial bactericide. However, essential oil has shown better activity for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gas chromatographic-mass spectroscopy studies on essential oil resulted in the identification of 35 components, which account for the 98.9% of the total amount. The major component was carvone (55.2%) followed bylimonene (16.6%), dillapiole (14.4%), andlinalool (3.7%). The analysis of acetone extract showed the presence of 25 components, which account for 94.5% of the total amount. The major components were dill apiole (43.2%), linoleic acid (23.1%), trans-anethole (11.0%), 2-propanone, 1-(4-methoxyphenyl) (4.6%), carvone (3.1%), p-anisaldehyde (2.7%), and myristicin (1.5%). In conclusion, the results presented here show that dill essential oil could be considered as a source for natural antimicrobial, whereas its extract could be considered as an alternative source of natural antioxidant.
Allometric changes during growth in rabbits

SUMMARY Differential growth from 1 to 20 weeks of age was studied on 320 rabbits from two lines (New Zealand White and California) and both sexes by means of the allometric equation log y = log a + b log x. Regression lines were fitted to the evolution of organs (blood, skin, thymus, heart–lungs, liver, kidneys and alimentary tract), carcass, tissues (bone, lean and fat) and anatomic components (head, breast and ribs, loin, abdominal wall, fore and hind legs) relative to empty body weight; stomach, caecum and intestines relative to alimentary tract; bone and lean groups relative to total bone and lean and fat depots relative to total fat. The convenience for a correct description of relative growth of determining both the quantitative growth, in order to apply the allometric equation only to the real growth period of each component, and the possible existence of allometric changes, is discussed. The results for each component are presented and discussed. There were no significant differences due to line, and sex had a significant influence (P < 0·001) only on the relative growths of total fat, lean content in the loin and hypodermic fat. All the components, with the exception only of thymus, presented a change in their allometric coefficients. These changes for most components, except fat depots, were concentrated in a small interval of time (4–8 weeks of age) between weaning and the inflexion point of the body weight growth curve.
THE PLACENTA IN HEMATOGENOUS INFECTIONS

Although congenital infections have been known since ancient times, at present they constitute an evolution due to the broadening of diagnostic metho00ds. Also, the histopathological examination of selected placentas has increased in perinatal pathology. All placentas should be examined grossly by the obstetrician or the neonatologist who must select the specimens to be sent for pathologic examination. The indications for selection at delivery to detect hematogenous infection are listed in Table 1. The placentas that do not meet guidelines for pathologic examination must be kept stored at 4°C for at least 72 h. This routine ensures that the placentas of asymptomatic newborns who might present early manifestations suggestive of infection would be submitted for pathologic examination.
Bowhead whales Balaena mysticetus in the Okhotsk Sea.

1 Little is known about the endangered population of bowhead whales Balaena mysticetus in the Okhotsk Sea (OS). Here, we review existing information about this stock, including much material published in Russian. 2 Whaling for OS bowheads began around 1846, was pursued intensively for two decades and continued sporadically until about 1913. Beginning in 1967, whalers from the USSR killed bowheads illegally, although the number of whales taken remains unknown. Estimates of the pre-exploitation population size have ranged from 3000 to 20000 whales, but all such estimates are based upon untested assumptions and incomplete data. 3 Information on historical and current distribution of bowheads comes from whaling records (notably Townsend 1935) and from modern (notably Russian/Soviet) marine mammal surveys. Little is known about winter distribution. During spring and summer, known bowhead concentrations occur in Shelikhov Bay and at Shantar. Although historical whaling data show bowheads in Shelikhov Bay during summer and early autumn, there have been no recent sightings later than June. However, extensive 19th century catches were made over much of the northern OS, and the present range and habitat use of the population is probably broader than existing data suggest. There is evidence for age or maturational class segregation between Shantar and Shelikhov Bay; the former hosts immature whales and lactating females, and the latter hosts adults. 4 Genetic data indicate that the OS bowhead stock is separate from the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort population, but that the two populations share a common ancestry. There is no evidence that bowheads ever leave the OS. 5 Russian observers have put the current size of the OS stock in the low hundreds, but this is not based on quantitative analysis. Overall, the OS bowhead population is very likely to be relatively small; it did not recover from the intensive whaling in the 19th century, and the illegal Soviet catches of the 1960s have further set back its recovery. Dedicated surveys and other research are required to assess the status and conservation needs of the population.
Long-term Renal and Cardiovascular Effects of Antihypertensive Treatment Regimens based upon Isradipine, Perindopril and Thiazide

The aim of this study was to describe the renal function (renal hemodynamics, water and sodium handling) and its relation to cardiovascular structural changes in a population of essential hypertensive patients before and after antihypertensive treatment. Glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow were measured by a constant infusion technique. The reference substances used were [131I]iodohippurate (Hippuran) and [125I]iothalamate. The lithium clearance method was used for measuring renal water and sodium handling. Microalbuminuria was measured. A subcutaneous gluteal biopsy was taken and the media thickness to lumen diameter ratio of small resistance vessels was determined. Left ventricular mass index was determined by echocardiography. Thirty-seven patients with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled essential hypertension were randomized to treatment with regimens based upon either isradipine, perindopril or hydrochlorothiazide-amiloride. Atenolol and hydralazine were added as secondary and tertiary drugs, respectively, when needed for normalization of diastolic blood pressure. Investigations were performed before and after 9 months of normalization of blood pressure. Renal function in untreated hypertensive patients was characterized by increased renal vascular resistance, decreased renal blood flow, normal glomerular filtration fraction and normal serum creatinine. No association was found between peripheral resistance vessel structure in subcutaneous vessels and renal hemodynamic parameters. Patients with severe left ventricular hypertrophy (left ventricular mass >360 g) had lower glomerular filtration fraction, greater renal vascular resistance, lower renal blood flow and increased microalbuminuria in comparison with patients with less pronounced cardiac changes. After 1 year of treatment, which had a profound effect on heart and vessel structure, renal hemodynamics were unchanged in patients receiving antihypertensive treatment regimens based on the ACE inhibitor perindopril or the Ca-antagonist isradipine, whereas renal plasma flow was reduced, glomerular filtration rate preserved and filtration fraction significantly increased in those treated with a regimen based on diuretics. The serum creatinine concentration was decreased in the former group, whereas it was unchanged in the latter two. Significantly detrimental effect on uric acid homeostasis was only found in patients treated with a regimen based on diuretics.
Genetic structure of cyclic parthenogenetic zooplankton populations - a conceptual framework

The genetic structure of cyclic parthenogenetic zooplankton populations is strongly determined by the consequences of combining sexual and asexual reproduction in the same life cycle. Since the pioneering population genetic studies on freshwater zooplankton in the 1970's, a distinction has been made between the genetic structure of permanent and intermittent populations. However, the results of many studies do not fit the expectations of this dichotomous model, for example when large lake populations are considered. In this paper, we present a unifying framework for understanding the genetic structure of cyclic parthenogenetic zooplankton populations, focusing on three factors that determine their degree of clonality and within-population genetic diversity as well as their among-population genetic differentiation: the size of the dormant egg bank, length of the growing season, and strength of clonal selection. We illustrate the importance of each of these factors, and show that our broader concept better explains the variation in genetic structure observed in natural populations of cyclic parthenogens than the earlier implicitly dichotomous model.
Sealed Bacterial Ghosts—Novel Targeting Vehicles for Advanced Drug Delivery of Water-soluble Substances

The purpose of the present study was to develop a drug delivery model for water soluble drug substances using the bacterial ghost platform technology. Bacterial ghosts are non-denatured bacterial cell envelopes that are produced by the plasmid encoded gene E mediated lysis. We present a novel method to fill and seal bacterial ghosts for the application as a drug delivery system for fluid, non-anchored substances. E. coli ghosts were filled with the reporter substance calcein and sealed by fusion with membrane vesicles. By flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy it was shown that bacterial ghosts can be filled with calcein, and that the bacterial ghosts can be sealed by restoring the membranes integrity. The adherence and uptake studies showed that almost all murine macrophages and a lower proportion of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells took up fluorescence labeled bacterial ghosts. Moreover, these cells also took up effectively sealed E. coli ghosts filled with calcein, which then was released within the cells. Therefore, we propose bacterial ghosts as alternative drug delivery and release vehicles for advanced cell targeting.
Effects of cotton cultivars differing in gossypol content on the quality of Aphis gossypii as prey for two species of Coccinellidae

Plants can have detrimental effects on biological control agents by affecting their prey or host quality. Thus, it is important to understand the tri-trophic interactions between plants, herbivores and natural enemies when implementing biological control programmes. Studies have shown that both morphological and chemical traits of host plants can affect the third trophic level. Cotton plants are known to produce alkaloids such as gossypol, a sesquiterpene aldehyde that can confer resistance against herbivorous arthropods. Nevertheless, little is known about the effect of gossypol on biological control agents. In this study, we investigated how three cotton cultivars (BRS Rubi, BRS Safira and BRS Verde) differing in gossypol content affect development and growth of predatory coccinellids, Eriopis connexa and Harmonia axyridis, feeding on the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii reared on those cultivars. The results show that the cultivar BRS Rubi (highest gossypol content) had a sub-lethal effect on the development and growth of both Coccinellidae species compared with the other cultivars. Overall, the cultivar BRS Rubi reduced slightly fecundity, net reproductive rate and intrinsic rate of natural increase for both Coccinellidae species. However, because aphid populations stay short periods of time in the field, and adult coccinellids may supplement its diet with alternative prey and plant material this sub-lethal indirect effect of gossypol may not have a detrimental effect on field biological control of cotton aphid by either E. connexa or H. axyridis, thus suggesting a compatibility between plant resistance and biological control agents.
Pathogenicity and control of Alternaria radicina and A. dauci in carrots

Alternaria radicina and A. dauci were shown to be virulent leaf pathogens of carrots in New Zealand. A. dauci was predominant in winter and A. radicina predominant in summer. Seed infection was controlled most effectively by a hot thiram soak Effective sprays were organo-tin compounds, especially triphenyltin hydroxide, and propineb showed promise. In field trials 50–78% of plants showed leaf blight, caused predominantly by A. dauci. The outer mature leaves were more susceptible to blight than younger inner leaves. Several alternative hosts were found: wild carrot and parsnip and a common weed, Fumaria muralis for A. dauci; celery and F. muralis for A. radicina. These are new host records for New Zealand and Fumaria is possibly a new world record. Infected debris can provide a further source of infection. Young carrot roots were not susceptible in this study despite severe foliar infection. Neither of these diseases had any effect on carrot roots in the field or in a carrot root storage trial.
Is a Dense Mammographic Parenchymal Pattern a Contraindication to Hormonal Replacement Therapy?

The aim of the study was to find out whether the effect of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is modified by the mammographic parenchymal patterns on the risk of breast cancer. Subjects were 4163 Finnish women aged 40-47 years at entry who were invited to breast cancer screening every second year from 1982 to 1990. Mammographic parenchymal patterns (Wolfe's classification) were recorded at each screening round. The information, on use of HRT, was recorded from 1984. The follow-up ended in 1993 and up until that time 68 new breast cancers were diagnosed. A Poisson regression model was used in the analysis of the data. Use of HRT was not related to the risk of breast cancer (RR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.4-1.4), whereas mammographic parenchymal pattern was statistically significantly associated with risk of breast cancer. The age-adjusted relative risk of breast cancer among women with P2 versus N1 pattern was 2.5 (95%CI 1.3-4.8) and with DY versus N1 pattern 4.9 (95%CI 1.6-15.1). Women using HRT and with DY pattern were at substantially increased risk of breast cancer (RR = 11.6, 95%CI 2.5-53.6) compared with women not using HRT and with N1 pattern. There was an increased risk of breast cancer among women with DY mammographic parenchymal pattern who used HRT, which was consistent with a synergistic joint effect.
MORE THAN A MARKER: INTERACTION BETWEEN THE CIRCADIAN REGULATION OF TEMPERATURE AND SLEEP, AGE-RELATED CHANGES, AND TREATMENT POSSIBILITIES

The neurobiological mechanisms of both sleep and circadianregulation have been unraveled partly in the last decades. A network of brainstructures, rather than a single locus, is involved in arousal state regulation,whereas the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) has been recognized as a key structurefor the regulation of circadian rhythms. Although most models of sleep regulationinclude a circadian component, the actual mechanism by which the circadiantiming system promotes—in addition to homeostatic pressure—transitionsbetween sleep and wakefulness remains to be elucidated. Little more can bestated presently than a probable involvement of neuronal projections and neurohumoralfactors originating in the SCN. This paper reviews the relation among bodytemperature, arousal state, and the circadian timing system and proposes thatthe circadian temperature rhythm provides an additional signaling pathwayfor the circadian modulation of sleep and wakefulness. A review of the literatureshows that increased brain temperature is associated with a type of neuronalactivation typical of sleep in some structures (hypothalamus, basal forebrain),but typical of wakefulness in others (midbrain reticular formation, thalamus). Not only local temperature, but also skin temperature are related to the activationtype in these structures. Warming of the skin is associated with an activationtype typical of sleep in the midbrain reticular formation, hypothalamus, andcerebral cortex (CC). The decreasing part of the circadian rhythm in coretemperature is mainly determined by heat loss from the skin of the extremities,which is associated with strongly increased skin temperature. As such, alterationsin core and skin temperature over the day could modulate the neuronal activationstate or “preparedness for sleep” in arousal-related brain structures.Body temperature may thus provide a third signaling pathway, in addition tosynaptic and neurohumoral pathways, for the circadian modulation of sleep.A proposed model for the effects of body temperature on sleep appears to fitthe available data better than previous hypotheses on the relation betweentemperature and sleep. Moreover, when the effects of age-related thermoregulatoryalterations are introduced into the model, it provides an adequate descriptionof age-related changes in sleep, including shallow sleep and awakening closerto the nocturnal core temperature minimum. Finally, the model indicates thatappropriately timed direct (passive heating) or indirect (bright light, melatonin,physical activity) manipulation of the nocturnal profile of skin and coretemperature may be beneficial to disturbed sleep in the elderly. Althoughsuch procedures could be viewed by researchers as merely masking a markerfor the endogenous rhythm, they may in fact be crucial for sleep improvementin elderly subjects. (Chronobiology International,17(3), 313–354, 2000)
Apoptosis induced in neuronal cells by C-terminal amyloid ß-fragments is correlated with their aggregation properties in phospholipid membranes

A number of findings suggest that lipophilic monomeric Ab peptides can interact with the cellular lipid membranes. These interactions can affect the membrane integrity and result in the initiation of apoptotic cell death. The secondary structure of Cterminal Ab peptides (29± 40) and the longer (29± 42) variant have been investigated in solution by circular dichroism measurements. The secondary structure of lipid bound Ab (29± 40) and (29± 42) peptides prepared at different lipid/peptide ratio’s, was investigated by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Finally, the changes in secondary structure (i.e. the transition ofa-helix to b-sheet)ofthe lipid bound peptides were correlated with the induction of neurotoxic and apoptotic effects in neuronal cells. The data suggest that the C-terminal fragments of the Ab peptide induce a significant apoptotic cell death, as demonstrated by caspase-3 measurements and DNA laddering, with consistently a stronger effectofthe longer Ab (29± 42)variant. Moreover, the induction of apoptotic death induced by these peptides can be correlated with the secondary structure of the lipid bound amyloid b peptides. Based on these observations, it is proposed that membrane bound aggregated Ab peptides (produced locally as the result of c-secretase cleavage) can accumulate and aggregate in the membrane. These membrane bound b-sheet aggregated amyloid peptides induce neuronal apoptotic cell death.