Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of φ12, a Bacteriophage Related to φ6: Nucleotide Sequence of the Large Double-Stranded RNA

Abstract The isolation of additional bacteriophages besides φ6 containing segmented double-stranded RNA genomes (dsRNA) has expanded the Cystoviridae family to nine members. Comparing the genomic sequences of these viruses has allowed evaluation of important genetic as well as structural motifs. These comparative studies are resulting in greater understanding of viral evolution and the role played by genetic and structural variation in the assembly mechanisms of the cystoviruses. In this regard, the large double-stranded RNA genomic segment of bacteriophage φ12 was copied as cDNA and its nucleotide sequence determined. This genome's organization is similar to that of the large segment of bacteriophages φ6, φ8, and φ13. In the amino acid sequence of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (P2), similarity was found to the comparable proteins of φ6, φ8, and φ13. Amino acid sequence similarity was also noted in the nucleotide triphosphate phosphorylase (P4) to the comparable proteins of φ8 and φ13.
Extraction and Characterization of Lipids from the Kernels, Leaves, and Stalks of Nine Grain Sorghum Parent Lines

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to identify and quantify lipid classes extracted from the stalk, leaves, and the whole kernels of nine different sorghum parent lines. All extractions were performed with a Soxtec using n-hexane as the extraction solvent. Analytical methods including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) were used to identify and quantify the extracted lipid classes: triacylglycerides (TAG), diglycerides (DG), policosanols (PA), free sterols (FS), phytosterols (PS), free fatty acids (FFA), tocopherols (T), and fatty aldehydes. Overall, extracts from the leaves had higher amounts of soluble matter. Extracts from leaves contained more alcohols and sterols, whereas extracts from the stalks and the whole kernels contained the greatest amount of free fatty acids and fatty aldehydes, respectively. Trace amounts of tocopherol were detected by HPLC in all 27 samples. The lipid profiles of extracts from the whole kernel.
Characterization of Wheat Germ Oil in Terms of Volatile Compounds, Lipid Composition, Thermal Behavior, and Structure

In this study, the volatile compounds, lipid composition, thermal behavior, and structure of wheat germ oil were analyzed. Forty-four volatile compounds, mainly alcohols, esters, alkenes, and aldehydes, were isolated by headspace solid phase micro extraction. The major constituents were found to be hexanal (15.97%), 2-methyl-2-butene (10.43%), 2,4-heptadienal (8.53%), and limonene (6.83%). The oil was rich in unsaturated fatty acid (83.45%), especially in linoleic acid (64.82%), and there were 75.49% unsaturated fatty acid distributed in Sn-2 position. The main content of unsaponifiable matters was sterol, especially β-sitosterol (64.64%). The thermogravimetric analysis results showed one major regime of weight loss over a temperature range of 280–500°C and an exothermic behavior was observed by the differential scanning calorimetry data.
Impact of COVID-19 on Canadian Radiology Residency Training Programs

Purpose: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has swept the globe, with a domino effect on medical education and training. In this study, we surveyed Canadian radiology residents to understand the impact of the pandemic on their residency training, strategies utilized by the residency programs in mitigating those impacts, and factors important to residents in the selection of educational resources on COVID-19. Methods: A 10-item questionnaire was distributed to 460 resident members of the Canadian Association of Radiologists. The survey was open for 2 weeks, with a reminder sent at half-way mark. Results: We received 96 responses (response rate: 20.9%). The 4 highest affected domains of training were daytime case volumes (92.4%), daytime schedules (87.4%), internal and external assessments (86.5%), and vacation/travel (83.3%). Virtual teaching rounds (91.7%), change in schedules to allow staying home (78.1%), and virtual/phone readouts (72.9%) were the most utilized strategies by the Canadian radiology residency programs. Overall stress of exposure to the disease was moderate to low (86.5%). A minority of the residents were redeployed (6.2%), although most (68.8%) were on standby for redeployment. Residents preferred published society guidelines (92.3%), review papers (79.3%), video lectures (79.3%), and web tools (76.9%) for learning about COVID-19 imaging manifestations. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various domains of the Canadian radiology residency programs, which has been mitigated by several strategies employed by the training programs.
A comparison of distance sampling methods in Saxaul (Halloxylon ammodendron (C.A. Mey Bunge) shrub-lands

The primarily goal of plot-less sampling methods is to reduce costs and rapid survey of plant communities. First full inventory was conducted in two 30-ha sites of Saxaul populations geo-morphologically different. In first site (site I), population had random pattern while in second site (site II) clumped pattern was observed. Crown diameters and spatial situation of all trees were recorded using distance and azimuth. Data were transferred to computer and stem map was generated with ArcGIS Software. Distance sampling methods include point-centred quarter method (PCQ), joint-point method (JP), Random pairs method (RP), T-Square method (T-Sq) and Quartered neighbour methods beside fixed area plot (FAP), n-tree and variable area transect (VAT) methods were conducted on generated stem maps. A time study was done aiding indices determined in field works. In site I, point centred quarter estimator with measurements to the second closest individual in each quadrant had the lowest relative bias (RBIAS) in estimating density followed by 3-tree and closest individual methods. In clumped pattern (site II), variable area transect method with measurements to the 4th and 5th closest individuals in each transect brought the best results. The most time consuming methods after fixed area plot, were point centred quarter estimators while methods considering measurement to the closest individual were rapid. Considering RBIAS and Time together, VAT method was the best sampling method in clumped pattern followed by point centred quarter estimator with measurements to the second closest individual in each quadrant and closest individual estimators. In random pattern, point centred quarter estimator with measurements to the second closest individual in each quadrant was the best method followed by 3-tree and closest individual estimators. But for estimating cover per unit area N-tree methods performed well. As in this site, VAT method located in 4th grade, and due to simplicity of field works related to this method, in the case that the investigator would not be able to clearly define spatial pattern of the population, this method can be recommended as well.
Mechanical Behavior of Melt-Mixed 3D Hierarchical Graphene/Polypropylene Nanocomposites

The mechanical properties of novel low percolation melt-mixed 3D hierarchical graphene/polypropylene nanocomposites are analyzed in this study. The analysis spans a broad range of techniques and time scales, from impact to tensile, dynamic mechanical behavior, and creep. The applicability of the time–temperature superposition principle and its limitations in the construction of the master curve for the isotactic polypropylene (iPP)-based graphene nanocomposites has been verified and presented. The Williams–Landel–Ferry method has been used to evaluate the dynamics and also Cole–Cole curves were presented to verify the thermorheological character of the nanocomposites. Short term (quasi-static) tensile tests, creep, and impact strength measurements were used to evaluate the load transfer efficiency. A significant increase of Young’s modulus with increasing filler content indicates reasonably good dispersion and adhesion between the iPP and the filler. The Young’s modulus results were compared with predicted modulus values using Halpin–Tsai model. An increase in brittleness resulting in lower impact strength values has also been recorded.
Song Variation In Buff-Breasted Flycatchers (Empidonax fulvifrons)

Abstract I examined song variation within and among 23 individual Buff-breasted Flycatchers (Empidonax fulvifrons) recorded in the Chiricahua and Huachuca mountains of Arizona in 1999. I recorded two distinct song types from each individual during intense pre-dawn singing. I used both spectrographic cross correlation (SPCC) of entire songs and discriminant function analysis (DFA) of temporal and frequency measurements to examine whether songs were individually distinctive, and whether songs differed between the two localities. Similarity values of pairs of songs from SPCC were significantly greater for within-male than for between-male comparisons for both song types. Mean similarity values for the two song types did not overlap between these comparison categories. Similarity values between songs of pairs of males from the same mountain range were not greater than for comparisons between pairs of males from different ranges. All temporal and frequency measures for both song types varied significantly more among than within individuals. DFA of principal component scores derived from these measures assigned 85% of Type 1 and 86% of Type 2 songs to the correct individual. Only three frequency variables measured from Type 1 songs differed significantly between birds from the two mountain ranges. DFA assigned only 61% of songs of either type to the correct mountain range, not significantly greater than expected by chance. Thus, both techniques demonstrate significant individual distinctiveness in songs of this species, and neither suggests any geographic structuring of song variation between the two mountain ranges. However, SPCC is considerably more efficient and has greater potential to assign unknown recordings to known individuals correctly, and to detect recordings of “new” individuals not included in the reference sample.
A Population-Specific Optimized GeneXpert Pooling Algorithm for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae To Reduce Cost of Molecular Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening in Resource-Limited Settings

The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (NG) are often asymptomatic in women and undetected by syndromic management, leading to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Molecular testing, such as the GeneXpert CT/NG assay, is highly sensitive, but cost restraints preclude implementation of these technologies in resource-limited settings. Pooled testing is one strategy to reduce the cost per sample, but the extent of savings depends on disease prevalence. ABSTRACT The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (NG) are often asymptomatic in women and undetected by syndromic management, leading to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Molecular testing, such as the GeneXpert CT/NG assay, is highly sensitive, but cost restraints preclude implementation of these technologies in resource-limited settings. Pooled testing is one strategy to reduce the cost per sample, but the extent of savings depends on disease prevalence. The current study describes a pooling strategy based on identification of sociodemographic and laboratory factors associated with CT/NG prevalence in a high-risk cohort of Zambian female sex workers and single mothers conducted from 2016 to 2019. Factors associated with testing positive for CT/NG via logistic regression modeling included city, younger age, lower education, long-acting reversible contraception usage, Trichomonas vaginalis infection, bacterial vaginosis, and incident syphilis infection. Based on these factors, the study population was stratified into high-, intermediate-, and low-prevalence subgroups and tested accordingly—individually, pools of 3, or pools of 4, respectively. The cost per sample was reduced from $18 to as low as $9.43 in the low-prevalence subgroup. The checklist tool and pooling approach described can be used in a variety of treatment algorithms to lower the cost per sample and increase access to molecular STI screening. This is particularly valuable in resource-limited settings to detect and treat asymptomatic CT/NG infections missed by traditional syndromic management.
Effect of dietary gossypol supplement on fermentation characteristics and bacterial diversity in the rumen of sheep

The tolerance of ruminants to gossypol, a natural phenolic compound derived from the cotton plant, is greater than that of monogastric animals, partially because of the gossypol-degrading bacteria in the rumen of the ruminants. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of gossypol supplementation on fermentation characteristics, bacterial α-diversity and community structure in the rumen fluid of sheep to analyse the change of bacterial in response to gossypol. 8 sheep with permanent fistula were randomly divided into 2 groups, a control and gossypol acetate supplementation groups. Sheep in the latter group were supplemented with gossypol acetate at the levels of 600 mg and 1,200 mg/animal per day during the first (S1, days 1 to 27) and subsequent (S2, days 28 to 47) stages. Gossypol supplementation significantly increased the molar proportion of acetate, and decreased the molar proportion of isobutyric acid, butyric acid, and isovaleric acid in the rumen fluid. Gossypol supplementation have no significant effect on bacterial diversity in the rumen fluid. At the phylum level, gossypol had no effect on bacterial community. At the genus level, gossypol supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Treponema_2. However, there were no significant differences in the relative abundance of dominant bacterial genera. In conclusion, gossypol supplementation had an effect on molar proportion of acetate, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, and isovaleric acid, but had no significant effect on the bacterial diversity and relative abundance of dominant bacteria in rumen fluid of sheep.
Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Promotes Age-Related Vascular Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction in Mice and Healthy Humans

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Age-related vascular endothelial dysfunction is a major antecedent to cardiovascular diseases. We investigated whether increased circulating levels of the gut microbiome-generated metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide induces endothelial dysfunction with aging. In healthy humans, plasma trimethylamine-N-oxide was higher in middle-aged/older (64±7 years) versus young (22±2 years) adults (6.5±0.7 versus 1.6±0.2 µmol/L) and inversely related to brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (r2=0.29, P<0.00001). In young mice, 6 months of dietary supplementation with trimethylamine-N-oxide induced an aging-like impairment in carotid artery endothelium-dependent dilation to acetylcholine versus control feeding (peak dilation: 79±3% versus 95±3%, P<0.01). This impairment was accompanied by increased vascular nitrotyrosine, a marker of oxidative stress, and reversed by the superoxide dismutase mimetic 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl. Trimethylamine-N-oxide supplementation also reduced activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and impaired nitric oxide-mediated dilation, as assessed with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester). Acute incubation of carotid arteries with trimethylamine-N-oxide recapitulated these events. Next, treatment with 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol for 8 to 10 weeks to suppress trimethylamine-N-oxide selectively improved endothelium-dependent dilation in old mice to young levels (peak: 90±2%) by normalizing vascular superoxide production, restoring nitric oxide-mediated dilation, and ameliorating superoxide-related suppression of endothelium-dependent dilation. Lastly, among healthy middle-aged/older adults, higher plasma trimethylamine-N-oxide was associated with greater nitrotyrosine abundance in biopsied endothelial cells, and infusion of the antioxidant ascorbic acid restored flow-mediated dilation to young levels, indicating tonic oxidative stress-related suppression of endothelial function with higher circulating trimethylamine-N-oxide. Using multiple experimental approaches in mice and humans, we demonstrate a clear role of trimethylamine-N-oxide in promoting age-related endothelial dysfunction via oxidative stress, which may have implications for prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
UV-B Radiation Suppresses the Growth and Antioxidant Systems of Two Marine Microalgae, Platymonas subcordiformis (Wille) Hazen andNitzschia closterium (Ehrenb.) W. Sm

: This study investigated whether increased solar UV-B radiation (280–315 nm) could suppress the growth of marine microalgae through effects on their antioxidant systems. Two marine microalgae species, Platymonas subcordiformis (Wille) Hazen and Nitzschia closterium(Ehrenb.) W. Sm, were exposed to a range of UV-B radiation and both showed reductions in their growth rates, and the chlorophyll a (Chl a) and carotenoid (Car) contents when UV-B radiation dose increased. Superoxide anion radical (O2-.) production and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malodiadehyde (MDA) also increased with the increasing of UV-B radiation. Antioxidant systems, non-enzymic components (Car and glutathione content) and enzymic components (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity), decreased as a result of enhanced UV-B radiation. When the exogenous glutathione (GSH) was added, the effects of UV-B radiation on the growth of the two species were alleviated. These results suggest that enhanced UV-B radiation suppressed the antioxidant systems and caused some active oxygen species to accumulate, which in turns retarded the development of the marine microalgae. (Managing editor: Ya-Qin HAN)
Etiology and severity of Fusarium root rot of lentil in Alberta.

Au debut de juin 1991, un foyer de pourridie fusarien s'est declare dans plusieurs champs de lentilles dans le nord-est de l'Alberta. Des etudes ont ete realisees pour: identifier les especes de Fusarium associees aux plantes symptomatiques, determiner l'effet de la profondeur des semis, de la temperature du sol et de la densite de l'inoculum sur le developpement de la maladie et en evaluer les repercussions sur la nodulation selon sa gravite. Les symptomes causes par F. avenaceum au cours des essais menes en chambre de croissance ressemblaient a ceux observes sur les plantes malades au champ. La racine principale montrait un etranglement, la plante etait rabougrie et la partie aerienne presentait un affaissement semblable a la fletrissure. A mesure qu'augmentait la densite de l'inoculum, la survie des semis ainsi que le poids sec de la partie aerienne et celui des racines diminuaient, tandis que l'indice d'infection, lui, croissait. Une reduction du pourcentage de survie des semis ainsi que des poids secs de la partie aerienne et des racines a ete constatee a des concentrations de 2 X 10 4 et de 1 X 10 4 unites formant colonies par gramme de sol pour les cultivars Eston et Laird. En sol infeste, la levee des semis et leur survie en pourcentage etaient, a une profondeur d'ensemencement de 2 cm, superieures a celles observees a 5 cm, mais ni l'indice d'infection ni les poids secs de la partie aerienne et des racines ne presentaient de difference. Les regimes thermiques passant de 1/12°C (nuit/jour) a 8/21°C, la moyenne des poids secs de la partie aerienne et des racines a augmente tant pour Eston que pour Laird en sol infeste. Des tendances similaires ont ete notees en sol non infeste. Dans les sols infestes, l'indice d'infection etait plus grand a 3/17°C qu'a 1/12°C ou qu'a 8/21°C. Comparativement a des racines saines, on a constate une diminution du nombre des nodules et de leur poids frais pour Eston et pour Laird lorsque la gravite du pourridie etait superieure a 1 et a 2, respectivement.
Resistance Training and Milk-Substitution Enhance Body Composition and Bone Health in Adolescent Girls

Abstract Background: Increased soft-drink consumption has contributed to poor calcium intake with 90% of adolescent girls consuming less than the RDA for calcium. Purpose/objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the independent and additive effects of two interventions (milk and resistance training) on nutrient adequacy, body composition, and bone health in adolescent girls. Methods: The experimental design consisted of four experimental groups of adolescent girls 14–17 years of age: (1) Milk + resistance training [MRT]; n = 15; (2) Resistance training only [RT]; n = 15; (3) Milk only [M] n = 20; (4) Control [C] n = 16. A few significant differences were observed at baseline between the groups for subject characteristics. Testing was performed pre and post-12 week training period for all groups. Milk was provided (3, 8 oz servings) for both the MRT and the M groups. The MRT group and the RT groups performed a supervised periodized resistance training program consisting of supervised one-hour exercise sessions 3 d/wk (M, W, F) for 12 wk. Baseline dietary data was collected utilizing the NUT-P-FFQ and/or a 120 item FFQ developed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Seattle, Washington). Body composition was measured in the morning after an overnight fast using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with a total body scanner (ProdigyTM, Lunar Corporation, Madison, WI). A whole body scan for bone density and lumbar spine scans were performed on all subjects. Maximal strength of the upper and lower body was assessed via a one-repetition maximum (1-RM) squat and bench press exercise protocols. Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Significant differences in nutrient intakes between groups generally reflected the nutrient composition of milk with greater intakes of protein and improved nutrient adequacy for several B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Mean calcium intake was 758 and 1581 mg/d, in the non-milk and milk groups, respectively, with 100% of girls in the milk groups consuming > RDA of 1300 mg/d. There were no effects of milk on body composition or muscle performance, but resistance training had a main effect and significantly increased body mass, lean body mass, muscle strength, and muscle endurance. There was a main effect of milk and resistance training on several measures of bone mineral density (BMD). Changes in whole body BMD in the M, RT, MRT, and CON were 0.45, 0.52, 1.32, and −0.19%, respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Over the course of 12 weeks the effects of 1300 mg/d of calcium in the form of fluid milk combined with a heavy resistance training program resulted in the additive effects of greater nutrient adequacy and BMD in adolescent girls. While further studies are needed, combining increased milk consumption with resistance training appears to optimize bone health in adolescent girls.