Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Therapeutic Concentrations of Tubulin-binding Drugs on Microtubule Dynamics.

E↵ects of Therapeutic Concentrations of Tubulin-binding Drugs on Microtubule Dynamics by Seth McCubbin Chair: David Sept Microtubules are dynamic structures that are formed by the polymerization of ↵ tubulin heterodimers into long, hollow tubes. They mediate a number of critical processes, including mitosis, intracellular transport, and cell migration. During mitosis, microtubules form into a complex structure known as the spindle apparatus, which orchestrates the segregation of chromosomes into daughter cells. This process depends on an intrinsic feature of microtubules called dynamic instability, where microtubules abruptly switch between phases of sustained growth and rapid shortening. This allows microtubules to quickly probe the intracellular volume to locate and couple to chromosomes before synchronous division. Any aberrant function of this delicate process, if not detected and resolved by a mitotic spindle checkpoint, can lead to aneuploidy and tumorigenesis. Microtubule-targeting drugs are commonly used as chemotherapeutic agents, given their ability to disrupt native microtubule dynamics, which prevents cell division. These drugs have been used to successfully treat a range of cancers; however, their use is associated with a number of debilitating side e↵ects, and in some cases, acquired x drug resistance. The detailed mechanisms of action of microtubule-binding drugs are not well understood, and therefore, the development of e cacious drugs with lower collateral toxicity is slow. In this work I investigated the e↵ects of four microtubule-binding drugs, which each target distinct sites on the tubulin subunit. First, I adapted previously established methods to determine how the kinetic rates of tubulin exchange from microtubules are a↵ected by microtubule-binding drugs. I found that the drugs colchicine and vinblastine potently suppress the kinetic rates, while paclitaxel and peloruside A have little e↵ect, even though they are able to completely suppress dynamic instability. Futhermore, I related these e↵ects to changes in the microtubule tip structure and explored methods for measuring changes in microtubule rigidity. Finally, experimental data and modeling show that the fluorescent paclitaxel-site probe Flutax-2 undergoes surface interactions, which can lead to non-monotonic self-quenching effects. Moreover, Flutax-2 aggregates in solution, leading to a substantial reduction in the monomeric, microtubule-binding form.
A 37‐year experimental study of the effects of structural alterations on a shrub community in the Mojave Desert, California

In 1977 an experiment was initiated in the Mojave Desert to investigate the relationship between shrub interactions and structure in a community dominated by Ambrosia dumosa and Larrea tridentata. Here, as in much of the Mojave, Larrea were regularly distributed, Ambrosia occurred in aggregations, and the two were randomly distributed relative to each other. Pre‐dawn xylem pressure potentials (PDXPPs) of single Ambrosia or Larrea in centres of 100 m2 circular plots were monitored to assess effects of intraspecific, interspecific and total removals of neighbouring shrubs. Contrary with theory, results over the next 2 years indicated that interspecific interference was more intense than intraspecific interference in both species. These plots were maintained through 2014. Measurements of seedling recruitment from 1980 to 2014, and of PDXPP, above‐ground biomass, and canopy senescence from 2003 to 2014 were conducted. Recruitment of both species was substantial immediately after the removals, but declined to very low levels after 1983. Ambrosia recruited into all Ambrosia and Total‐removal plots, but Larrea recruited only into plots that contained mature Ambrosia. Pre‐dawn xylem pressure potentials of monitored shrubs continued to be enhanced in removal plots for at least 27 years, but this changed from most being due to interspecific removals in both species to intraspecific removals causing most enhancement in Ambrosia and inter‐ and intraspecific removals causing nearly equal enhancements in Larrea. Above‐ground biomasses of monitored Ambrosia and Larrea were 2.1× and 2.8× larger in Total‐removal plots, 1.6× and 1.7× larger in intraspecific removal plots, respectively, and 1.1× larger in interspecific removal plots for both species than those in Control plots, indicating the absence of intraspecific interference had the dominant long‐term effect. Canopy senescence differed between Ambrosia and Larrea in extent, timing and effect of specific removal treatments; it was greatest for both species in Controls, averaging 75% and 34%, respectively. Synthesis. Shrub interactions and their relations to community structure are mechanistically and spatially complex. Differences between short‐term and long‐term responses to removals reveal multi‐tiered, temporally dynamic feedback loops between shrub interactions and community structure driven by demographics, species‐specific root growth, resource competition, communications and territoriality.
Early-life social environment alters juvenile behavior and neuroendocrine function in a highly social cichlid fish

Early-life experiences can shape adult behavior, with consequences for fitness and health, yet fundamental questions remain unanswered about how early-life social experiences are translated into variation in brain and behavior. The African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni, a model system in social neuroscience, is well known for its highly plastic social phenotypes in adulthood. Here, we rear juveniles in either social groups or pairs to investigate the effects of early-life social environments on behavior and neuroendocrine gene expression. We find that both juvenile behavior and neuroendocrine function are sensitive to early-life effects. Behavior robustly co-varies across multiple contexts (open field, social cue investigation, and dominance behavior assays) to form a behavioral syndrome, with pair-reared juveniles towards the end of syndrome that is less active and socially interactive. Pair-reared juveniles also submit more readily as subordinates. In a separate cohort, we measured whole brain expression of stress and sex hormone genes. Expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) 1a was elevated in group-reared juveniles, supporting a highly-conserved role for the stress axis mediating early-life effects. The effect of rearing environment on androgen receptor (AR) α and estrogen receptor (ER) α expression was mediated by treatment duration (1 vs. 5 weeks). Finally, expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and GR2 decreased significantly over time. Rearing environment also caused striking differences in gene co-expression, such that expression was tightly integrated in pair-reared juveniles, but not group-reared or isolates. Together, this research demonstrates the important developmental origins of behavioral phenotypes and identifies potential behavioral and neuroendocrine mechanisms.
Influence of Inorganic Salts and Imazapyr on Control of Pitted Morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa) with Imazaquin and Imazethapyr

Effects of 0.1 M ammonium sulfate, 0.1 M potassium phosphate, and 7 g/ha of the isopropylamine salt of imazapyr {(+)-2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid} were evaluated on the phytotoxicity of the ammonium salt of imazaquin {2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid} and the ammonium salt of imazethapyr {(+)-2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-5-ethyl-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid} applied postemergence to pitted morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa L. #3 IPOLA). While each of these salts and imazapyr applied alone had no effect, combining them with imazaquin or imazethapyr significantly increased control of pitted morningglory.
Disruption of the Pp1-87B Gene Stimulates Tumor Formation in the Eye of Drosophila

Protein phosphatases are a set of enzymes in charge of the a tumorigenic activity or not, a set of somatic clonal analysis in the whole body or in eye system was used. Thus, the lethal mutations were screened in some mosaic assays using clonal analysis systems. Our results showed that the studied gene may have a significant role in eye development, cell proliferation and could be involved in photoreceptor cell patterning, as well as in ommatidial differentiation and apoptosis. This gene which was determined in the present study could have a real impact on cancer development.
Tethyan closure drove tropical marine biodiversity: Vicariant diversification of intertidal crustaceans

The mid‐Miocene closure of the Tethys (Terminal Tethyan Event, TTE) induced by the collision of the African–Arabian plate with the Eurasian plate is considered to be a major driver of tropical marine biodiversity. We used intertidal talitrids of Talorchestia sensu lato to test the hypothesis that the TTE can best explain the current disjunct distribution of this genus along Mediterranean‐East Atlantic and Indo‐West Pacific coastlines.
Natural plant volatiles as an alternative approach to control stem‐end rot in avocado cultivars

Stem‐end rot is a postharvest disease associated with multiple important fungal pathogens including Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The incidence of stem‐end rot in avocado during postharvest storage affects the shelf life, quality and marketability of the fruit. This study is aimed at the investigation of the antifungal activities of selected natural plant volatiles (vapour phase): citral, octanal, hexanal and thymol against L. theobromae (causal pathogen of stem‐end rot) in vitro and in vivo in “Hass” and “Fuerte” avocados. Hexanal showed a lower inhibitory effect on the radial mycelial growth of L. theobromae in vitro. However, citral at a minimum concentration of 4 μl/L revealed fungicidal activity and completely inhibited the spore germination of L. theobromae. Artificially inoculated “Hass” and “Fuerte” avocados with L. theobromae were exposed to citral (768 μl) and commercial fungicide prochloraz and stored for 6 days at 20°C and 14 days at 10°C separately and thereafter held at 20°C for 3 days to simulate the retail shelf conditions. Although citral in a volatile phase effectively reduced the development of stem‐end rot in both cultivars, its effect was significant in “Fuerte” with 75% reduction in the incidence of stem‐end rot. The biochemical analysis demonstrated an increase in total phenol contents, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, chitinase and β‐1, 3 glucanase activity in fruit exposed to citral when compared to the reference treatment prochloraz and the untreated control for both cultivars. Furthermore, fruits exposed to citral retained the ready‐to‐eat firmness and therefore could be considered a potential alternative treatment to control stem‐end rot at the postharvest stage.
Effect of Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Dietary Supplementation in Broiler Chickens Concerning immunity, Antioxidant Status, and Performance

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of rosemary leaves on the growth performance, blood parameters, and immune response of broiler chickens by determination of the serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG), interferon-γ (INF-γ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Also, malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (T.SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reduced (GSH) levels in the thigh and breast muscles were determined to evaluate the effect of rosemary in the broiler chickenâ€™s muscles. To achieve this aim, 120 Cobb of one-day-old chicks were allocated into four equal groups as a control group that supplemented by the basal diet, while the other three groups were fed basal diet supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of rosemary. The data of growth performance indicated that supplementation of broiler with rosemary had no growth-promoting effects. Feeding diet with rosemary leaves meal significantly increased the serum total protein and globulin, while significantly decreased total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Rosemary significantly increased the IgG, IgM, INF-γ, IL-10, and muscle GSH levels and T. SOD and GST activities. Whereas, muscle MDA levels were significantly decreased, so rosemary could be considered as a natural antioxidant in broiler diet. Concomitantly, provide a healthy broilerâ€™s meat with less MDA that favorable to human consumption.
Changes of Enzymatic Antioxidants and Minerals Content of Broad Bean ( Vicia faba L.) Plants in Response to Chilling Stress and Reacclimation

CHILLING stress induced a significant increase of electrolyte leakage (E.L.%) of broad bean leaves (Vicia faba cv. Nobaria, 1) and that was associated with a significant decrease of normalized concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe ions and N (as NO-3) and increase of Cu and Zn in leaves and roots. There was a significant accumulation of H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents accompanied with a significant increase of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, APx, GR and PPO) activities. During the 6 h reacclimation period, the CAT, APx, GR and PPO activities were significantly increased compared to those of chill-stressed plants, whereas SOD significantly decreased. There are several polypeptides bands were markedly appeared in leaves and roots during the exposure to low temperature and 6 h reacclimation period. The results revealed that chilling temperature had an inhibitory effect on the plasma membrane integrity due to enhancement of ROS generation and that might associate with an increase of enzymatic antioxidants activities and appearance of several stress proteins during chilling and reacclimation periods.
Relationship between milk production and metabolic adaptation in dairy cows during heat stress

The aim of this study is to determine correlation between change in milk production and metabolic adaptation of cows during heat-stress. Experiment included 30 Holstein-Frisian cows. Cows exposed to heat-stress, which is expressed in high THI index, have lower milk production, higher concentration of insulin and lover concentrations of glucose and NEFA. Indexes of insulin resistance-RQUICKI, insulin: glucose and insulin: NEFA relations are higher in cows under heat stress. Grouping cows in accordance to reduced milk yield have showed that trend of reduction of glucose and NEFA levels, followed by increased insulin level, higher RQUICKI, greater insulin: glucose and insulin: NEFA ratios, started and increased during the reduction in milk production. Among this, significant correlation was founded between these parameters and milk yield. Significant correlation was also noted between those parameters. Change in metabolic value is of great importance for prediction of cows that would have decreased milk yield (above 18%). With almost 90% certainty cows with great reduction in milk yield can be detected. These cows have had following relative changes in values of metabolic parameters during heat-stress compared to thermo-neutral period: insulin increased for ≥12.5%, reduction in NEFA values for ≤14.1%, reduction in glucose for 21.5%, RQUICKI index increased for ≥9.6%, insulin: NEFA ratio increased for ≥20.1% and insulin: glucose for ≥20.3%. Dynamical changes in metabolites and insulin resistance values have great influence on milk yield in cows under heat stress. Decreasing in glucoses followed by increased insulin level and increased insulin sensitivity indicate that glucose is transferred from udder to other tissues which can cause decreased milk production.
MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF TILAPIA AND WATER IN AQUACULTURE FARMS FROM SINALOA

Tilapia is the most cultivated fish around the world. The fish’s environment can harbor bacteria, especially coliforms, which are not normal biota of fish. These microorganisms are contamination indicator groups (IGs) reflecting the possible presence of pathogens, which can compromise the safety of fishery products. The IGs prevalence was estimated in tilapia and water from 29 aquaculture farms. Total and fecal coliforms (TC, FC), mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB), S. aureus, E. coli, Salmonella sp. , and Streptococcus sp. , were investigated. In tilapia, TC and FC were detected in 64% and 48% of the samples, ranging from 4.0 x 101 to 9.8 x 105, and from 1.0 x 101 to 6.4 x 103 CFU/g, respectively; MAB were detected in 90% of the samples. In water, TC and FC were detected in 57% and 35% of the samples, oscillating from 1.0 x 101 to 2.28 x104, and from 1.0 x 101 to 1.2 x 103 CFU/mL, respectively. MAB were detected in 89% of the water samples. Mostly E. coli and Enterobacter agglomerans were detected. Generally, IGs concentrations meet the Mexican regulations; however, the tilapia’s microbiological quality must be continuously monitored.
Are cheese-making properties of dual purpose cattle impaired by highland grazing? A case study using Aosta Red Pied cows

Abstract Summer transhumance is often practiced in mountainous farming systems. It includes moving dairy cows from lowland (LO) to highland (HI) pastures during summer. It is known that high genetic merit cows are susceptible to the HI conditions, but it is unclear if this also applies to more adapted, regional cow types. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of HI sojourn on cheese-making properties of Aosta Red Pied cows, a dual purpose cattle type. Milk coagulation properties were measured in the milk of 47 cows before and after transhumance. Sources of variation were investigated using linear mixed models, including parity, site, milking time, the interaction parity × site, milking time × site and milking time × parity. Cow was nested within site, and used as subject for repetition, and sampling date was included as repeated factor. Curd-firming time and curd firmness did not vary between LO and HI, whereas rennet coagulation time was prolonged in HI compared to LO in both primiparous (16.4 vs. 18.5 min) and multiparous cows (17.5 vs. 21.1 min, respectively). The percentage of non-coagulating samples was greater in HI (15.0%) compared to LO (8.5%). The lower milk reactivity to rennet addition in HI seems to be mostly related to the simultaneously increasing somatic cell score. Morning and evening milk were similar in coagulation properties. In conclusion, even indigenous dual purpose cows were affected by HI conditions and the experience the multiparous cows had with the transhumance was not helpful either.
PENGARUH KANDUNGAN ANTOSIANIN DAN ANTIOKSIDAN PADA PROSES PENGOLAHAN UBI JALAR UNGU

Ubi jalar yang berwarna ungu merupakan sumber antosianin yang berfungsi sebagai antioksidan yaitu dapat menangkap radikal bebas, sehingga berperan untuk mencegah terjadinya penuaan, kanker, dan penyakit degeneratif. Pergeseran pola hidup masyarakat dari makanan tradisional menjadi makanan instan dan cepat saji dapat memicu atau menyebabkan terbentuknya radikal bebas, begitu juga peningkatan jumlah kendaraan yang dapat menyebabkan polusi udara rentan teroksidasi menjadi radikal bebas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat pengaruh pengurangan antioksidan dan antosianin pada pengolahan ubi jalar ungu ( tepung, sirup dan selai dari ubi kukus dan rebus). Ubi jalar yang digunakan adalah ubi jalar ungu lokal. Untuk penentuan uji antosianin digunakan metoda Spektrofotometri dan uji antioksidan dengan metoda DPPH dengan menentukan nilai Ic50. Proses pengolahan ubi ungu menurunkan kadar antioksidan dengan didapatkannya nilai IC50 yaitu ekstrak mentah sangat kuat (5,00 mg/L) dibandingkan kukus (47,82 mg/L) dan rebus (86,22 mg/L). Kadar antosianin ekstrak mentah lebih tinggi dari kukus dan rebus, proses pengolahan pembuatan sirup kukus kadar antosianin lebih tinggi dari selai dan tepung. Penurunan aktivitas antioksidan berbanding lurus dengan penurunan kadar total fenolik dan antosianin serta proses produk olahan dengan urutan mentah, kukus dan rebus
ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES AND MINERALS STATUS OF DIABETIC SUBJECTS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ANTIOXIDANT RICH SUPPLEMENT (Alphabetic).

The manuscript reported the effects of antioxidant rich supplement (Alphabetic) on antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, Superoxidedismutase and Glutathione peroxidase) and minerals (Selenium, Copper, Zinc, Manganase and Chromium) status of one hundred (100) diabetic subjects attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) for at least one year and the results were compared with those of fifty (50) diabetes mellitus non-supplemented and fifty (50) apparently healthy non-diabetic subjects.
Taxonomic and geographic novelties in the genus Plantago (Plantaginaceae) in Chile, including the description of a new species

We present taxonomic and geographic novelties in the genus Plantago from Chile. More specifically, we describe P. nebularis , a new species endemic to Cerro Moreno, Antofagasta region, and propose P. zoellneriana , a new name for P. sericea subsp. araucana . We also lectotypify the name P. sericea , expand the recorded distribution of P. lanceolata and P. pachyneura to the Tarapaca region, and argue that the narrowly endemic species P. johnstonii , known only from the type which was collected in Taltal, Antofagasta region, is likely extinct.
Effects of organic fertilizer and plant spacing on early-medium maturity soybean

Efforts to increase soybean productivity must be synergy with the improvement of soil fertility through fertilizer, especially organic fertilizer. Population density of a crop determines to a greater extent its performance in terms of soybean yield. Based on the two cultivation techniques mention above, that is expected to increase soybean productivity. The objective of this research was to obtain organic fertilizer and plant spacing that can support the development of early-medium maturity soybean (Lokal Jateng soybean lines/Sinabung-1036) to achieve 3 ton dry seed per hectare. The research was conducted at Alfisol soil Muneng Station Research, Probolinggo and at Entisol soil Genteng Station Research, Banyuwangi on dry season (DS) 2012. The experiment used split plot design with three replications. As the main plot was plant spacing, namely: 1) 40 cm x 10 cm, 2 plants/hole, 2) 40 cm x 15 cm, 2 plants/hole, 3) 40 cm x 20 cm, 1 plant/hole, and 4) 40 cm x 20 cm, 2 plants/hole. As the sub plot were four doses and types of organic fertilizer, namely: 1) without organic fertilizer, 2) 2.5 t manure/ha, 3) 5 t manure/ha, and 4) 2 t Santap NM-2/ha. The result showed that the potential yield of 3 t/ha for large, early-medium maturity soybean could not be achieved at Alfisol soil Probolinggo and at Entisol soil Banyuwangi by planting soybean of Lokal Jateng soybean lines/Sinabung-1036 with plant spacing 40 cm x 10-20 cm, 1-2 plants/hole and application of 2.5-5 t manure/ha or 2 t Santap NM-2/ha
Reproductive biology of the black-striped pipefish Syngnathus abaster Risso, 1827 (Pisces: Syngnathidae) in the Aegean Sea of Turkey

Abstract The paper presents the results of research on the reproductive biology of Syngnathus abaster – a species distributed in Çandarli Bay. For this purpose, seine nets were collected from a depth of 0.5–2 m in 15 minute periods between April 2013 and March 2014, and a total of 185 individuals were sampled. It has been determined that 94 individuals (50.81%) were females, 79 were males (42.70%) and 12 were immature (6.49%). The sex ratio was 1:0.84. The average length values in female, male and immature individuals were 111.5 ± 7.35, 109.9 ± 11.08 and 79.8 ± 5.30 mm, respectively. The maximum mean surface water temperature is in spring and summer seasons. When Gonadosomatic Index (GSI%) values were examined, the spawning period of the species was indicated as spring and summer. Three groups of species were identified as maturing (diameter: 0.61–1.20 mm), mature (diameter: 1.21–1.70 mm) and hydrated oocytes (diameter: 1.71–2.10 mm) in ovaries of female individuals. The number of eggs in the brood pouch of pregnant male fishes was on average 48 (mean ± SD = 48 ± 14.09 eggs, range: 23–78 eggs). The hydrated oocyte/total length relationship was: y = 0.8651x – 84.332 (n = 14, r2 = 0.64) and the number of eggs/total length relationship in the brood pouch of pregnant males was: y = 1.0168x – 67.715 (n = 33, r2=0.58).