Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diversity of feature selectivity in macaque visual cortex arising from limited number of broadly-tuned input channels

Spikes (action potential) responses of most primary visual cortical cells in the macaque are sharply tuned for the orientation of a line or an edge and neurons preferring similar orientations are clustered together in cortical columns. The preferred stimulus orientation of these columns span the full range of orientations, as observed in recordings of spikes, which represent the outputs of cortical neurons. However, when we imaged also the thalamic input to these cells that occur on a larger spatial scale, we found that the orientation domain map of the primary visual cortex did not show the diversity of orientations exhibited by signals representing outputs of the cells. This map was dominated by just the one orientation that is most commonly represented in subcortical responses. This supports cortical feature selectivity and columnar architecture being built upon feed-forward signals transmitted from the thalamus in a very limited number of broadly-tuned input channels.
Antibacterial Potential of Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina Extracts Against Streptococcus mutans

Background and Objectives: Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina has been utilized as a part of nourishment and medicine to enhance the human way of life. This work was directed to assess the impacts of chloroform, methanol, and acetone (in ratio of 2/1/1 respectively) extract from C. vulgaris and D. salina on in-vitro biofilms formed by Streptococcus mutans along with their antibacterial activity. Methods: The standardized combinatorial extract was primarily examined for their antimicrobial properties using disc diffusion, well diffusion, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. The crystal violet assay was used for assessing anti-biofilm activity of S. mutans. Moreover, toxicity properties of these extracts were evaluated on Brine shrimp Artemia urmiana. Results: The best observed clear zones were 13.5 ± 0.92 mm for C. vulgaris and 18.5 ± 0.97 for D. salina in disc diffusion assay as well as 19 ± 0.87 mm for C. vulgaris and 25.4 ± 0.97 mm for D. salina in well diffusion assay. In addition, significant antibiofilm activity was recorded in the concentration of 4 mg/ml for C. vulgaris and 2 mg/ml for D. salina. Findings indicated appropriate antimicrobial activity for D. salina and C. vulgaris extract. Conclusions: In addition, the biofilms of S. mutans were more effectively prohibited by D. salina extract than C. vulgaris extract. Moreover, D. salina extract showed less mortality in comparison with C. vulgaris extract in brine shrimp mortality test. The anti-adherent and antibacterial potential of both microalgae on in vitro biofilms formed by S. mutans were verified, which provides the importance of studies regarding these microalgae extracts for controlling dental plaque formation and consequent dental cavities formation.
Salt Tolerance of Six Switchgrass Cultivars

Panicum virgatum L. (switchgrass) cultivars (‘Alamo’, ‘Cimarron’, ‘Kanlow’, ‘NL 94C2-3’, ‘NSL 2009-1’, and ‘NSL 2009-2’) were evaluated for salt tolerance in two separate greenhouse experiments. In experiment (Expt.) 1, switchgrass seedlings were irrigated with a nutrient solution at an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.2 dS·m−1 (control) or a saline solution (spiked with salts) at an EC of 5.0 dS·m−1 (EC 5) or 10.0 dS·m−1 (EC 10) for four weeks, once a week. Treatment EC 10 reduced the tiller number by 32% to 37% for all switchgrass cultivars except ‘Kanlow’. All switchgrass cultivars under EC 10 had a significant reduction of 50% to 63% in dry weight. In Expt. 2, switchgrass was seeded in substrates moistened with either a nutrient solution of EC 1.2 dS·m−1 (control) or a saline solution of EC of 5.0, 10.0, or 20.0 dS·m−1 (EC 5, EC 10, or EC 20). Treatment EC 5 did not affect the seedling emergence, regardless of cultivar. Compared to the control, EC 10 reduced the seedling emergence of switchgrass ‘Alamo’, ‘Cimarron’, and ‘NL 94C2-3’ by 44%, 33%, and 82%, respectively. All switchgrass cultivars under EC 10 had a 46% to 88% reduction in the seedling emergence index except ‘NSL 2009-2’. No switchgrass seedlings emerged under EC 20. In summary, high salinity negatively affected switchgrass seedling emergence and growth. Dendrogram and cluster of six switchgrass cultivars indicated that ‘Alamo’ was the most tolerant cultivar, while ‘NSL 2009-2’ was the least tolerant cultivar at both seedling emergence and growth stages. A growth-stage dependent response to salinity was observed for the remaining switchgrass cultivars. ‘NSL 2009-1’ and ‘NL 94C2-3’ were more tolerant to salinity than ‘Cimarron’ and ‘Kanlow’ at the seedling emergence stage; however, ‘Kanlow’ and ‘Cimarron’ were more tolerant to salinity than ‘NSL 2009-1’ and ‘NL 94C2-3’ at the seedling growth stage.
Toxicological evaluation and effects of oganophosphate compounds on hematological profile of juvenile common carps (Cyprinus carpio var. Communis)

Present study was carried out to investigate the alterations in the haematological profile of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. communis) against acute toxicity of organophosphorous compounds, dimethoate and chlorpyrifos. The fish were divided into 5 different experimental groups for range finding tests on the basis of which the doses for definitive tests were selected. The acute bioassay toxicity tests were carried out in triplicates for 96 hours with a control group run parallel to the experiment. Data obtained was analyzed as per Finney’s probit to determine LC50 values. The mean lethal concentration was found 1.1ppm and 3.8ppb respectively for dimethoate and chlorpyrifos. The samples investigated for various haematological parameters such as haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Red blood cell (TEC) and White blood cell (TLC and DLC) counts the heamatocrit (Ht) level, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). Packed cell volume (PCV) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) showed a negative impact of pesticide treated fishes when compared with control. Hb, TEC and Ht were found lower while as ESR and TLC were recorded higher than the control specimens. MCV and MCH showed statistically insignificant differences when compared with control. In DLC, monocyte lymphocyte, neutrophil and basophils were found increased while as eosinophil count was found unaffected than the normal. Studies suggested that the pesticides are potential toxicants for common carps among which chlorpyrifos was found to elicit profound changes intense than dimethoate.
Sex- and Context-dependent Effects of Oxytocin on Social Reward Processing

We interact socially and form bonds with others because such experiences are rewarding. However, an insecure attachment style or social anxiety can reduce these rewarding effects. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) may facilitate social interactions either by increasing their rewarding experience or by attenuating anxiety, although effects can be sex- and attachment-style dependent. In this study, 64 pairs of same-sex friends completed a social sharing paradigm in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-subject design with one friend inside an MRI scanner and the other in a remote behavioral testing room. In this way we could examine whether intranasal-OXT differentially modulated the emotional impact of social sharing and associated neural processing. Additionally, we investigated if OXT effects were modulated by sex and attachment style. Results showed that in women, but not men, OXT increased ratings for sharing stimuli with their friend but not with a stranger, particularly in the friend in the scanner. Corresponding neuroimaging results showed that OXT decreased both amygdala and insula activity as well as their functional connectivity in women when they shared with friends but had the opposite effect in men. On the other hand, OXT did not enhance responses in brain reward circuitry. In the PLC treated group amygdala responses in women when they shared pictures with their friend were positively associated with attachment anxiety and OXT uncoupled this. Our findings demonstrate that OXT facilitates the impact of sharing positive experiences with others in women, but not men, and that this is associated with differential effects on the amygdala and insula and their functional connections. Furthermore, OXT particularly reduced increased amygdala responses during sharing in individuals with higher attachment anxiety. Thus, OXT effects in this context may be due more to reduced anxiety when sharing with a friend than to enhanced social reward.
Rolled Winter Rye-Hairy Vetch Cover Crops for Weed Control in No-Till Pumpkin

Abstract Weed control is a challenging aspect of pumpkin production. Winter rye mulches may offer growers a means to manage weeds in pumpkin; however, rye degradation leads to an immobilization of soil nitrogen. Combining winter rye with a nitrogen fixing legume such as hairy vetch is an interesting option that may solve this problem. Twelve combinations including three hairy vetch seeding rates, two termination dates and the use or not of glyphosate before rolling cover crops were studied during the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons at the Laval University Agronomic Station in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Quebec, Canada to evaluate weed control and effects on pumpkin production. Adding hairy vetch to winter rye provided no benefits because of severe winterkill of the legume. Using glyphosate was necessary to prevent rye regrowth. Pumpkin growth was better and yields were higher than in the plots were no glyphosate was used. Mulches established at flowering (Zadoks 69) provided about 2,000 kg ha-1 more aboveground dry biomass than at early heading (Zadoks 51). This high biomass was essential in glyphosate treated plots in order to maintain excellent weed control throughout the growing season. When compared with the no-mulch weed-free control, yield in Zadoks 69 + glyphosate treatment was lower in 2013 but comparable in 2014. Nomenclature: Glyphosate; winter rye, Secale cereale L. ; hairy vetch, Vicia villosa Roth; pumpkin, Cucurbita pepo L.
Cities favour the recent establishment and current spread of the Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky, 1838) in Dominican Republic

The Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto ( Frivaldszky, 1838 ) spread over the world in the last century. Its presence in America started in the Caribbean islands in the 1970s due to an accidental escape, but the establishment of this non-native species in Dominican Republic (La Hispaniola Island) remains unclear despite of the existence of recent records and its presence in nearby countries since decades ago. We combined citizen science data (compiled in eBird) together with a large-scale survey conducted in 2017 (travelling approximately 2,150 kilometers across the main habitats of the island) to ascertain the current invasion status of the species in Dominican Republic. Our results indicate that the species probably colonized -or was introduced into-the island in 2002, being now well established in cities distant up to 270 km far from the city where it was firstly recorded. The current spatial distribution and recent exponential increase in the number of individuals recorded suggest that the spread to more cities and even natural habitats is likely to occur in the near future. Further research is needed to assess its possible impacts on native biodiversity.
Ground-truthing environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for ecological hypothesis testing at the pondscape

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is revolutionising biodiversity monitoring but has unrealised potential for ecological hypothesis testing. Here, we ground-truth eDNA metabarcoding for describing vertebrate communities from 532 UK ponds, examine associations between great crested newts ( Triturus cristatus , GCN) and other vertebrates, and investigate factors determining GCN occurrence and vertebrate species richness at the pondscape. GCN occurrence was positively correlated with amphibian and waterfowl species richness, where GCN had strong associations with smooth newt ( Lissotriton vulgaris ) and common toad ( Bufo bufo ), but negatively correlated to fish species richness, specifically stickleback presence. Both GCN occupancy and species richness correlated with the GCN Habitat Suitability Index score, supporting its application to GCN survey. We reaffirm reported associations (e.g. GCN preference for deeper ponds) but also provide novel insights, including a negative effect of pond outflow on GCN. Our findings demonstrate the prospects of eDNA metabarcoding for hypothesis testing at unprecedented scales.
Physical Properties, Carotenoids and Antioxidant Capacity of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Peel as Influenced by Different Drying Treatments

Abstract Carrot peel generated from the juice factories is considered as waste and it can be potential for further recovery of carotenoids. Drying treatment is essential to minimise degradation of carotenoids and ease transportation as well as storage of the peel for further processing. This study aimed to determine the impact of different drying conditions on its physicochemical and antioxidant properties to propose the most suitable conditions for drying carrot peel for further recovery of carotenoids. Drying conditions were found to significantly affect retention of total carotenoids, β-carotene, lutein and lycopene as well as antioxidant capacity in carrot peel. Optimal conditions for hot-air drying were at 40 °C for 3.5 h; vacuum drying were at 60 °C, −60 kPa for 4 h; dehumidification drying was at 50 °C for 2.5 h with relative humidity (RH) of 16–21 %; and microwave drying was at 600 W for 7 min. In comparison with freeze drying (control) and other three different drying methods at each optimal conditions, dehumidification drying at 50 °C with RH of 16–21 % was the most effective method as it retained high levels of total carotenoids (2.75 mg/g DW), β-carotene (1.57 mg/g DW), lutein (0.17 mg/g DW) and lycopene (0.78 mg/g DW). Dried carrot peel also had potent antioxidant properties (ABTS: 4.71 and CUPRAC: 19 mM TE/g DW). Therefore, these conditions are recommended for drying carrot peel for further recovery of carotenoids.
Ontogenetic Patterning of Human Subchondral Bone Microarchitecture in the Proximal Tibia

Simple Summary The objective of this study is to explain the subchondral trabecular and the cortical ontogenetic changes that occur in the proximal tibia in both the medial and lateral condylar regions due to differential loadings associated with changing knee joint kinetics and body mass. The differential response of subchondral bone to changing mechanical loads during growth and development serves as a powerful tool to evaluate the significance of mechanical loading on subchondral bone morphology and joint development, and can offer insight into adult morphological variation for joint health. Abstract High-resolution computed tomography images were acquired for 31 proximal human tibiae, age 8 to 37.5 years, from Norris Farms #36 cemetery site (A.D. 1300). Morphometric analysis of subchondral cortical and trabecular bone architecture was performed between and within the tibial condyles. Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine the association between region, age, body mass, and each morphometric parameter. The findings indicate that age-related changes in mechanical loading have varied effects on subchondral bone morphology. With age, trabecular microstructure increased in bone volume fraction (p = 0.033) and degree of anisotropy (p = 0.012), and decreased in connectivity density (p = 0.001). In the subchondral cortical plate, there was an increase in thickness (p < 0.001). When comparing condylar regions, only degree of anisotropy differed (p = 0.004) between the medial and lateral condyles. Trabeculae in the medial condyle were more anisotropic than in the lateral region. This research represents an innovative approach to quantifying both cortical and trabecular subchondral bone microarchitecture in archaeological remains.
In vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pistacia lentiscus, Phyllanthus anderssonii and Cinnamomum verum crude extracts and fractions

In this study, phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic (80%) extracts from leaf and stem of Pistacia lentiscus and Phyllanthus anderssonii and leaf of Cinnamomum verum and their fractions were evaluated. Antimicrobial activity was performed by disc diffusion method. The antioxidant activity was determined by stable 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical method. Fractionation improved the antimicrobial activity of P. lentiscus and C. verum. The ethyl acetate fraction of P. lentiscus leaf showed higher activity against Bacillus subtilis (19 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (18 mm), Escherichia coli (20 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22 mm) than that obtained from the crude ethanolic extract and the aqueous fraction displayed the highest activity against S. aureus (21 mm). Fractionation also improved the antimicrobial activity of the stem against B. subtilis (19 mm from ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions), P. aeruginosa (18 mm from ethyl acetate fraction) and Candida albicans (20 mm from ethyl acetate fraction). Although crude ethanolic leaf extract of C. verum did not show antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, however, upon fractionation, the ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions displayed high antifungal activity (20 and 19 mm, respectively); it also improved its activity against C. albicans (21 mm) and B. subtilis (20 mm) from the ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions, respectively. Fractionation of P. anderssonii stem ameliorated only the antibacterial activity against S. aureus (20 mm) and E. coli (21 mm) where the aqueous fraction exhibited the highest activity. Results of antioxidant activity showed that leaf of P. lentiscus (95%) and stem of P. anderssonii (93%) displayed the highest DPPH scavenging activity. Fractionation improved mainly the antioxidant potentiality of C. verum leaf where the ethyl acetate (78%) showed the highest activity. The different polarities of solvents yielded different fractions with different chemical composition and thus displayed different levels of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Key words: Pistacia lentiscus, Phyllanthus anderssonii, Cinnamomum verum, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity.
Swiss Cheese, Drosophila Ortholog of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Gene NTE, Maintains Neuromuscular Junction Development and Microtubule Network

Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) is a molecular target for the organophosphorus com- pound-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) and also one of the genetic factors respon-sible for the development of the hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), characterized by axon degeneration of motoneurons causing progressive lower-limb spastic paralysis. Both HSP and OPIDN are characterized by the distal axonopathy. The molecular mecha- nisms underlying the axonopathy involved in HSP and OPIDN are poorly understood. In order to have a better understanding of the mechanisms that NTE is involved in, we used one of the homologs, human NTE. Swiss cheese ( sws ) is a Drosophila melanogaster ortholog of NTE with 39% homology. Mutations in sws as it was shown before lead to age-dependent neurodegeneration, structure alteration of glia cells, and reduced insect life span. To study SWS functions, we used the system of the third-instar larval neuro- muscular junctions of D. melanogaster . In this study, we show that mutations in sws ( sws 1 and sws 76−1 ) and SWS knockdown alter neuromuscular junction’s morphology and synaptic microtubules organization. a new allele in sws using genome screening. We also carried out functional studies of sws in vivo , using larval neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of D. melanogaster as a good system of HSP modeling. We showed that sws is widely expressed in the larval nervous system, especially in glial cells. We also established that mutations in the sws gene alter NMJ morphology, the distribution of synaptic markers, microtubule (MT) network, and synaptic microtubules organization.
Effects of Endurance Exercise Training on Kinesin - 5 and Dynein Motor Proteins in Sciatic Nerves of Male Wistar Rats with Diabetic Neuropathy

Objectives: Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve disorders caused by diabetes which leads to disruptions of axonal transports and exercise can result in its improvement. However, mechanisms and the impact of exercise in these disruptions are not fully understood. So, the purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of endurance exercise on contents of Kinesin - 5 and Dynein motor proteins in sciatic nerves of male Wistar rats with diabetic neuropathy. Methods: A number of Twenty - four male Wistar rats were randomly placed in four groups of six each: diabetes control, diabetes exercise, healthy control, and healthy exercise. Intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/Kg) was used for induction of diabetes. Moderate - endurance exercise protocol was performed for 6 weeks, two weeks after injection of STZ and diabetic neuropathy was proven by mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia tests. 24 hours after the last training session, the rats were dissected and their sciatic nerves were extracted. The contents of Kinesin - 5 and Dynein motor proteins were examined with enzymatic method (ELISA). Results: Moderate - endurance exercise significantly improves mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in rats. A significant correlation was observed between mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia with resting levels of blood glucose (r = 0.68, p = 0.001, r = 0.82, p = 0.001, respectively). A significant increase was observed in contents of Kinesin - 5 and Dynein motor proteins in diabetes control compared with healthy control and diabetes exercise groups (p < 0.05). A significant increase was obtained in contents of Kinesin - 5 and Dynein motor proteins in healthy exercise group compared to healthy control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results demonstrate that one of the possible factors involved in axonal transport dysfunction in diabetic neuropathy can be STZ induced upregulation of Kinesin - 5 and Dynein motor proteins in diabetic rats. Endurance exercise as a non - medication strategy can moderate the increase.