Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alterations induced by juvenile obesity on the renal tissue of nutrient restricted offspring

Human epidemiological studies have indentified obesity as an independent risk factor for renal disease. In addition, maternal nutrient restriction (MNR) during gestation results in a series of adaptations that may predispose those offspring to obesity and hypertension. Recent reports demonstrated that obese sheep exposed to MNR during early to mid gestation have a predisposition to ectopic lipid deposition in the heart and a rise in necrotic adipocytes, which are markers of severe metabolic dysfunction. Surprisingly, in this model of MNR, the renal tissue of those offspring showed an apparent reduction in cell apoptosis. However, renal diseases associated with obesity have a slow progression and their mechanisms are not completely understood. In the light of these results, the main hypothesis of my thesis is that the renal amelioration observed in those nutrient restricted (NR) obese offspring is a product of post-injury responses, inducing scarring and others adaptations to obesity. Therefore, some of the main regulatory factors in renal and perirenal adipose tissue (PAT) development were analysed in seven-day-old and one-year-old obese sheep offspring exposed to MNR (3.5 KJ/days) from 30 to 80 gestational days (term ≈ 145 days). At one week of age, the renal composition and gene expression showed small changes between NR offspring and those born to control mothers. However, in PAT of NR offspring, an increased in expression of the methyltransferase DNMT-1 and a decrease in mRNA abundance of IGF-2 were observed. At six months of age, obesity onset was accompanied by raised plasma cortisol and leptin concentration in NR offspring compared to control. By one year of age, whilst plasma leptin concentration was similar between the obese groups, in the PAT of the NR offspring there was an increase in gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors and DNMT-1, suggesting advanced adipose tissue remodelling. In kidney, regardless of in utero diet, obesity induced similar amounts of oxidative stress, activation of cellular proliferative factors and collagen deposition. Although, both obese groups had equal activation of pro-apoptotic factors (e.g p-53 and Bax), renal iron and mRNA abundance of the death receptor, Fas only increased in obese offspring born to control fed mothers. A major finding in the NR kidney was increased ectopic triglyceride deposition, indicating early onset post-injury in response to sympathetic activation and lipotoxity. The main conclusion of my thesis is that functional changes observed in the adipose tissue lead the kidney to an initial cycle of cell proliferation, apoptosis and arrest, followed by tissue remodelling, characterised by the presence of collagen. However, this adaptation to obesity is accompanied by an increase in lipid deposition in the kidney of the NR group that may be a sign of an advanced state of metabolic dysfunction.
Correlation of platelet count and platelet indices with neonatal sepsis-diagnostic and prognostic indicator

Introduction: To evaluate variations in platelet count and platelet indicesmean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in neonatal sepsis. Methodology: This study was conducted over a period of one year in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mata Chanan Devi Hospital, New Delhi. Neonates with confirmed as well as probable sepsis were included in the study. Platelet count, MPV and PDW were monitored three times: at diagnosis (1 day), 3 day and 7 day of sepsis. Results: Among 100 cases, culture proven sepsis was present in17 neonates. Fungal sepsis occurred in 2 cases (11.76%), 7 neonates (41.18%) had gram positive sepsis and 8 neonates (47.06%) had gram negative sepsis. Thrombocytopenia was present in 38% and thrombocytosis in 6% cases. Mild thrombocytopenia was noted in 55.26%, moderate thrombocytopenia in 31.58% and severe thrombocytopenia in 13.16% babies. Culture positive neonates had high prevalence of thrombocytopenia. High mortality was found in moderate to severe thrombocytopenic neonates, and these babies also had high MPV and high PDW. Conclusions: Thrombocytopenia was more common than thrombocytosis in neonatal sepsis. Prevalence of thrombocytopenia was significantly high in culture proven sepsis (64.7%). There was statistically significant difference in mean platelet count on day 1, day 3 and day 7 of sepsis among culture positive and culture negative neonatal sepsis. Neonates with culture proven sepsis had high MPV on day 7 and high PDW on day 1 of sepsis. There was high MPV and high PDW in neonates who developed thrombocytopenia and also in expired babies. Platelet count and platelet indices can be used as early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for neonatal sepsis.
Temporal variation in food habits of the American Black Bear ( Ursus americanus ) in the boreal forest of northern Ontario

We used scat analysis to investigate temporal variation in the food habits of American Black Bears ( Ursus americanus ) in the boreal forest of northern Ontario. Specifically, we examined whether there was a seasonal shift in foraging over three years (1990–1992) and which foods, if any, varied in occurrence among years. American Black Bears ate foods ranging from green vegetation in the spring to ants in mid-summer and berries and nuts in late summer and fall. Late summer berry forage, especially blueberries ( Vaccinium spp.), varied greatly among years. American Black Bears in northern Ontario consumed a variety of foods opportunistically. Understanding how American Black Bears in northern Ontario exploit food resources and how these food items vary among years can provide insights into demographic processes and help wildlife managers better anticipate changes in the structure of the harvest of American Black Bears and in human–bear conflict levels. In northern Ontario, forest management practices that increase the availability of early successional species would be beneficial to American Black Bear populations.
Usability and Design of Personal Wearable and Portable Devices for Thermal Comfort in Shared Work Environments

Personal comfort is important in the design of objects and environments. However, as comfort is a subjective experience, it is a very difficult aspect to design for. This paper presents an interrogation into the design for human thermal comfort, in particular the design of personal devices for use in shared work environments. The findings of two user studies are presented, in which wearable and portable, off-the-shelf personal heating and cooling devices were deployed in the field to explore the interaction with and use of these devices in everyday settings with the aim to uncover key aspects and requirements for the design of such devices. We found that functionality and affordances, i.e. the design for versatility, appropriation and mobility, as well as control, availability, effectiveness and efficiency of use were most important. Furthermore, individual preferences, foremost the preference for on-body versus off-body heating and cooling, and aspects related to wearable design of the devices, such as aesthetics, materiality, comfort of wear, mobility and unobtrusiveness, also need to be taken into account.
Relationship Between Dyslipidemia and Hypertension (HBP) in Male ZDSD, a New Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)

MetS is epidemic and a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. The current study addressed the hypothesis that HBP develops as a consequence of dyslipidemia in a new leptin‐intact rat model, ZDSD. Cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and BP were recorded weekly in ZDSD and CD obese controls from 6–23 weeks. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia preceded HBP while diabetes was delayed. Scatter plots and linear regression were used to identify potential correlations. Student's t‐test and ANOVA followed by Neuman‐Keul's were used to determine differences between mean values for two groups or multiple groups, respectively. CD cholesterol levels were lower than in ZDSD throughout the study. However, rate of increase with aging was ~2× greater in CD than ZDSD. ZDSD had higher TGs than CD throughout the 17 weeks. While TG levels declined in both groups as cholesterol levels rose with aging, TG rate of change was 1.3× greater for ZDSD. ZDSD BP was higher than CD BP at all life stages. ZDSD became hypertensive by 9 weeks and BP rate of change was 1.9× greater for ZDSD. Interestingly, both TG levels and BP peak at about the same time in ZDSD when rats are 12–16 weeks with rise in BP slightly lagging rise in TGs. A surprising finding is the concomitant resistance of obese CD to develop hypercholesterolemia and hypertension.
Management of soil acidity in long-term pastures of south-eastern Australia: a review.

Acidification of non arable soils under long-term pasture presents a major agricultural problem in the high rainfall areas (≥600 mm/year) of central and southern New South Wales and north-eastern Victoria. Some of these soils were already strongly acid to depth before agriculture. Evidence suggests that persistence of pasture species tolerant of acidic soils is being affected adversely on a number of severely acidic soils. Acidification processes are well understood but the capacity for grazing enterprises to pay for amendment by lime application is a major constraint in long-term pasture areas. In addition, soil acidification is likely to have substantial off-site effects on water quantity and quality and as a result, on dryland salinity. However, there is a paucity of scientific evidence to link soil acidity and dryland salinity in this way. Production from a grazing enterprise can be maintained by selecting plants for tolerance of acidity, surface application of lime or a combination of both. Responses by subterranean clover, lucerne and perennial grass (mainly phalaris and cocksfoot)-based pastures to incorporated lime are reported, but there is limited evidence of responses to surface applied lime. The movement of the lime effect into the soil from surface application is suggested as a major factor in controlling lime responses by plants. There is a need for more confidence in the benefits of topdressed lime in non arable soils before producers are likely to adopt the practice. High subsurface acidity in many soils is a major limitation to the range of species that can be grown. In the longer term, the use of lime may remove constraints on the use of productive species such as lucerne. Other options for acidic soils where slope is less than 10% are for the grazing system to be modified or intensified, or for crop or horticultural production. Costs of lime could be justified through more profitable enterprises than traditional grazing operations. Low input systems based on native grasses are intrinsically appealing, however, this is only possible where a premium is paid for such produce (such as super fine wool). Forestry is an option where suitable land and infrastructure are present and should slow soil acidification and minimise off-site impacts. Land retirement may be a useful option for some parts of the landscape that contribute disproportionately to environmental problems. Private and government funded land retirement may have a role to play.
Genetic Variability Assessment in Onion (Allium cepa L.) Genotypes

The present investigation was carried out to estimate genetic variability among thirty genotypes of onion for fourteen characters comprised of bulb yield and its contributing characters. These genotypes were planted in Complete Randomized Block Design with three replications during Rabi-2016-17, SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner. On the basis of mean performance, the genotype RO-1 was the highest yielder followed by RO-643, RO-252, and RO-647. These genotypes may further be utilized in breeding programme aimed at improving bulb yield in onion. Analysis of variance indicated presence of considerable variability for all the fourteen characters. High GCV and PCV were observed for neck thickness, dry matter content and number of fleshy scale leaves. High estimates of heritability along with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for dry matter content, pungency, TSS, bulb volume, equatorial diameter, average bulb weight and bulb yield ha. Therefore, these characters can aid in selection programme.
Are Fair Value Options Created Equal? A Study of SFAS 159 and Earnings Volatility

The fair value option (FVO) embedded in both SFAS 159 and IAS 39 was introduced to allow firms to reduce earnings volatility induced from mixed-measurement accounting. Fiechter (2011) finds a reduction in earnings volatility among IAS 39 FVO adopters. In contrast, we find that earnings volatility increased among U.S. financial institutions following SFAS 159 FVO adoption in 2008. In further analysis, we find that this result is driven by firms reporting fair value assets without reporting fair value liabilities. Our study uses a two-stage Heckman regression to control for treatment effects, and our findings are robust to difference-in-differences regressions with control samples constructed by propensity score matching. These results have implications for current debates regarding fair value accounting, accounting choice, and earnings volatility of financial institutions.
Fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaroidea excl. Sciaridae) in the Swedish boreonemoral forests

Fungus gnats in boreonemoral forests of south Sweden are studied using material collected with Malaise and window traps from 17 localities in the years 2001 and 2002. 250 species are recorded including 76 species new to Sweden. 14 of these are found in Fennoscandia for the first time: Docosia setosa Landrock, D. spec. (indet. sensu Hutson et al. 1980), Brevicornu cognatum Ostroverkhova, Mycetophila eppingensis Chandler, M. lobulata A. Zaitzev, M. pyrenaica Matile, M. subsigillata A. Zaitzev, Sceptonia cryptocauda Chandler, S. flavipuncta Edwards, S. longisetosa Sevcik, S. pilosa Bukowski, S. pughi Chandler, Sciophila interrupta (Winnertz) and S. plurisetosa Edwards. One new synonym is proposed: Dynatosoma dihaeta Polevoi, 1995 = Dynatosoma schachti Plassmann, 1999 syn. nov.
Phenotypic plasticity of sowthistle and its offspring in response to light availability

An indoor study was conducted to assess the effects of both light quantity and quality (green shade) on the development and performance of sowthistle and its offspring. The stands of sowthistle were grown at three different levels of light availability (50, 70, and 100%), and their phyllochron, height, number of branches and biomass were measured. To determine whether maternal environment influences the growth of offspring, seeds from the sowthistles grown under deep shade were planted in an optimum condition and a range of morphological characters measured. Although light availability had significant effects on the growth and development of sowthistle, there was no effect on offspring performance. Sowthistle canopy biomass was decreased by up to three and two times when the light availability was about 50 and 70%, respectively. In lower light availability (50%), the number of branches was suppressed up to nine fold. The results supported the concept that environmental light controls the growth of sowthistle and decreases the number of seeds but it does not have any effects on the quality of seeds and the performance of the next generation.
The humoral immune response to HIV-1: Consequences for vaccine design.

Some 42 million individuals worldwide are infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and no cure or vaccine is available. This thesis addresses approaches to humoral immunity to HIV-1. In primary infection, the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response is detected early and is thought to play a role in the viral decline. Neutralising antibodies (NAbs) are detected much later. However, non-neutralising anti-HIV-1 Env glycoprotein Abs (non-NAbs) are present concomitantly with the CTL response. The possible role of non-NAbs with complement was investigated using sequential sera and viruses expressing gpl20 Env (gpl20) glycoproteins amplified from blood samples from a cohort of newly HIV-1 infected patients. Autologous gpl20 sequences were cloned and expressed into a replication-competent HIV-1 backbone. The autologous Ab pattern was studied. In the presence of complement, inactivation of autologous and heterologous HIV could be detected as early as day 9 post-onset of symptoms (POS). IgG were partly responsible for triggering the classical complement cascade. In parallel, a new approach was investigated to generate a recombinant vaccine to HIV-1. Camelids synthesise IgG devoid of light chains. These IgG fragments (Vhh) share the same characteristics as classical IgG but have unusually long CDR H3 regions that can adopt more flexible conformations. The possibility of generating Vhh fragments that mimic the neutralising CD4 binding site (CD4BS) of HIV-1 was investigated. A llama was immunised with IgGl bl2 (bl2), a potent cross-neutralising human NAb overlapping the CD4BS of HIV-1. The non-classical Vhh repertoire was cloned, the resulting libraries were panned against bl2 by phage display and five specific anti-bl2 Vhh fragments were isolated. Each of the five fragments was tested in animals for the induction of an anti-HIV-1 NAb response. These studies are discussed with reference to the control of HIV-1 infection by drugs and vaccines.
Paternity in Brazilian goats through the use of DNA microsatellites

A total of 292 animals from three breeds (Alpine and Saanen dairy breeds, and the Brazilian naturalized breed Moxoto) were genotyped, comprising 276 paternity cases. Statistical analyses were carried out by using TFPGA and CERVUS programs. Heterozygosis ranged from 0.542 (ILSTS005) to 0.825 (INRA006), with an average of 0.717 for all loci. Polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.676 and 0.542, and combined exclusion probabilities (EP) were 0.999591 and 0.988375 for known and unknown maternal genotypes, respectively. The microsatellite system reveals 10% of paternity misidentification in evaluated registers.
Alteration of Lipid Metabolism by Ginseng Supplements with Different Levels of Vitamin E in High Cholesterol - Fed Rats

Ginseng may have antioxidant and pharmacologic effects similar to those of vitamin E. The interactive effect of ginseng and vitamin E was studied with respect to cholesterol metabolism and the antioxidant status. A ginseng supplement (0.1%, wt/wt) with comparable levels of vitamin E was provided with a high-cholesterol (1%, wt/wt) diet to rats for 5 weeks. The amount of vitamin E included in the ginseng-free and ginseng diets was either a low (low-E) or a normal (normal-E) level. The ginseng supplements significantly (p 0.05) different between groups regardless of the vitamin E level in the diet. The hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity was significantly (p<0.05) lowered by the ginseng supplement in both the low-vitamin E and the normal-vitamin E groups compared to the ginseng-free group. The HMG-CoA reductase activity was also significantly (p<0.05) lowered with an increase of the dietary vitamin E in the ginseng-free group. The excretion of fecal neutral sterol was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the normal-E ginseng group than the low-E ginseng-free group. Neither dietary ginseng nor vitamin E significantly changed the hepatic antioxidant enzymes activity. This data indicates that ginseng supplements lower the concentration of plasma triglyceride and hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity regardless of the dietary vitamin E level. This information may contribute to understanding the interactive effect of ginseng and vitamin E on cholesterol biosynthesis in high cholesterol-fed rats.
Flea Beetle Diversity Of The Sierra Tarahumara, Copper Canyon, Mexico (Chrysomelidae: Alticinae)

Th is study gives the results of Alticinae diversity from four expeditions to the Sierra Tarahumara (Copper Canyon or Barranca del Cobre), a section of the Sierra Madre Occidental of Chihuahua/Sonora, Mexico, at diff erent seasons based on precipitation. It reports the general species diversity as well as diversity based on seasonality and elevational parameters of the focal taxon Alticinae (Flea Beetles). A total of 2,832 specimens were collected representing 26 genera and 70 species. Of these 44 species are newly recorded from Chihuahua, nine new from Sonora, ten new to Mexico and two new to science. Th e biogeographical affi nities and host plants of the Copper Canyon Alticinae are also discussed. Resumen. Este estudio es el resultado de cuatro expediciones hacia la Sierra Tarahumara (Barranca del Cobre), una sección de Sierra Madre Occidental de Chihuahua/ Sonora, México, basado en la precipitación a diferentes estaciones. Se reporta la diversidad general de las especies, así como también la diversidad basada sobre los parámetros estacionales y altitudinales de los Alticinae (escarabajos pulgas) como taxon focal. Un total de 2,832 ejemplares fueron colectados, representados en 26 géneros y 70 especies. De esos, 44 especies son registros nuevos para Chihuahua, 9 para Sonora, 10 para Mexico y dos nuevas para la ciencia. También son discutidas las afi nidades biogeográfi cas y plantas hospederas de los Alticinae de Barranca del Cobre.
Monosaccharides (fructose, glucose) and disaccharides (sucrose, trehalose) influence the elasticity of SOPC membranes

The elasticity of SOPC lipid membranes in presence of monosaccharides (fructose, glucose) and disaccharides (sucrose, trehalose) was studied by thermally induced shape fluctuations of giant quasi-spherical vesicles. The vesicles were prepared in aqueous solutions with different sugar concentrations (0-400nM), using an electro-formation technique. Stroboscopic illumination was applied in order to remove the video camera integration time smearing. The experimental results show that all the sugars studied influence the bending elasticity k c of SOPC membranes. The strength of the effect depends on the type of the sugar and its concentration.
Analysis of Melanocortin Receptor 1 (MC1R) Genotype in Korean Brindle Cattle and Korean Cattle with Dark Muzzle

PCR-RFLP analysis was carried out to investigate the genotype of Melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R) gene in Korean Brindle Cattle and Korean Cattle with dark muzzle, which are coat color and muzzle pigmentation variants of Korean Cattle, respectively. Allelic variants of MC1R in cattle were analyzed by digestion with BsrFⅠ, AciⅠ. Among six genotypes, /e and e/e, detected in cattle, only two genotypes, /e, were observed in Korean Brindle Cattle, probably reflecting the necessary of allele for the expression of black brindle coat color. As in Korean Cattle with light muzzle, the /e and e/e genotypes were detected in Korean Cattle with dark muzzle. The and e alleles frequencies in two populations of Korean Cattle with dark muzzle and with light muzzle were 0.37, 0.63 and 0,11, 0.89, respectively. Although the frequency of allele in Korean Cattle with dark muzzle was higher than in Korean Cattle with light muzzle, the allele was not completely associated with dark muzzle pigmentation. The results of this experiment indicate that the difference of MC1R genotype and frequency may be useful for fixation of coat color in Korean Cattle as well as Korean Brindle Cattle.