Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ANGIOTENSIN II ON HYPOTHALAMIC PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS NEURONS OF THE RAT

i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii TABLE OF CONTENTS v LIST OF FIGURES vii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS viii Chapter 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS 3 AFFERENT PROJECTIONS 3 EFFERENT PROJECTIONS 4 NEURONAL SUBTYPES: Magnocellular Neurons 5 NEURONAL SUBTYPES: Parvocellular Neurons 5 NEURONAL SUBTYPES: Interneurons 6 PVN ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY 8 INFORMATION INTEGRATION IN PVN: Intranuclear Circuitry 11 EXCITATORY NEUROTRANSMISSION IN PVN 11 INHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMISSION IN PVN 17 ANGIOTENSIN II 23 PHARMACOLOGY 23 ANGIOTENSINERGIC PATHWAYS IN THE CNS 25 ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTORS 27 CELLULAR ACTIONS 28 SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION PATHWAYS 29 EFFECTS ON ION CHANNELS 30 EFFECTS ON NEUROTRANSMISSION 33 DENDRTIC ACTIONS 35 SOMATIC ACTIONS 35 TERMINAL ACTIONS 37 STATEMENT of PROBLEM 38 Chapter 2: ANGIOTENSIN II ACTIVATES A NITRIC OXIDE DRIVEN INHIBITORY FEEDBACK IN THE RAT PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS 39 ABSTRACT 40 INTRODUCTION 41 METHODS AND MATERIALS 43 RESULTS 45 DISCUSSION 57
Immunopathology and immunotherapeutic strategies in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has become a major concern globally. As of 14 April 2020, more than 1.9 million COVID‐19 cases have been reported in 185 countries. Some patients with COVID‐19 develop severe clinical manifestations, while others show mild symptoms, suggesting that dysregulation of the host immune response contributes to disease progression and severity. In this review, we have summarized and discussed recent immunological studies focusing on the response of the host immune system and the immunopathology of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection as well as immunotherapeutic strategies for COVID‐19. Immune evasion by SARS‐CoV‐2, functional exhaustion of lymphocytes, and cytokine storm have been discussed as part of immunopathology mechanisms in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Some potential immunotherapeutic strategies to control the progression of COVID‐19, such as passive antibody therapy and use of interferon αβ and IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) inhibitor, have also been discussed. This may help us to understand the immune status of patients with COVID‐19, particularly those with severe clinical presentation, and form a basis for further immunotherapeutic investigations.
Mean Platelet Volume, Red Cell Distribution Width, and Complete Blood Cell Count Indices in Retinal Vein Occlusions

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the role of some complete blood cell count (CBC)-derived measures in retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods This was a retrospective case-control study, including 127 newly diagnosed RVO patients and 127 sex- and age-matched subjects without RVO. A blood sample was obtained and a complete blood cell count was performed. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR [dNLR = neutrophils/(white blood cells‒neutrophils)], and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated. We also performed a meta-analysis of the available data, ours included, on the correlation between mean platelet volume (MPV) and RVO. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to build forest plots and assess differences in MPV values between RVO patients and controls. Results Median MPV and red cell distribution width (RDW) were 8.7 fL (IQR = 7.8–9.5) and 13.2% (IQR = 12.4–14.2) in RVO patients and 7.8 fL (IQR = 7.1–8.5) and 13% (IQR = 12–14) in controls. RVO patients had significantly higher values of MPV (P < .0001) and RDW (P = .005). There were no significant differences between the values of white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, NLR, dNLR, and PLR. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between increased MPV and RVO (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.38–2.2, P < .0001). 519 RVO patients and 414 controls from 6 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled results disclosed that MPV values were significantly higher in RVO patients (SMD = 0.41 fL, 95% CI = 0.04–0.79, P = .032), but extreme heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 86.1%, P < .001). Conclusion Results suggest lack of association between CBC-derived inflammatory indices and RVO. Conversely, MPV and, to a lesser extent, RDW may be disease biomarkers in RVO.
Chill injury in the eggs of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae): the time‐temperature relationship with high‐temperature interruption

Abstract Mortality of the overwintering egg of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria L. , was attributed to chill injury because of its occurrence well above the egg's super cooling point. In this study, two parameters, upper limit of chill injury zone (ULCIZ) and sum of the injurious temperature (SIT), were used to examine the locust egg's cold hardiness. The value of ULCIZ for the locust egg is 1.06 ± 0.54°C, and the SIT is ‐329.7 (hour · degree). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities changed dramatically after cold stress, indicating that oxygen and hydroxide free radicals are probably efficiently detoxified at low temperatures. It was suggested that the nature of chill injury in locust egg might be a complex of metabolic disorder and a non‐proportional decrease in enzymatic reaction and transports, because the LDH activity at low temperature increased significantly and the ATPase activity decreased with prolonged duration of exposure to low temperatures. The results from high temperature interruption revealed that the high temperature intervals significantly increased the survival of locust eggs.
Effect of Formic Acid and Plant Extracts on Growth, Nutrient Digestibility, Intestine Mucosa Morphology, and Meat Yield of Broilers

Abstract The effect of formic acid and 2 plant extracts on performance traits, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), intestine mucosa morphology, and meat yield of broilers was studied in a 49-d experiment. There were 6 treatments: a negative control diet without additives (control); 10 ppm of avilamycin; 5,000 of formic acid; 10,000 ppm of formic acid; 200 ppm of plant extract based on a blend of oregano, cinnamon, and pepper essential oil; and 5,000 ppm of hydroalcoholic plant extract from sage, thyme, and rosemary leaves. A total of 312 Ross chicks were distributed into 24 groups of 13 in each, comprising 4 replicates per treatment. The performance data revealed significantly better FCR in all the supplemented diets except for the 5,000 ppm of hydroalcoholic plant extract diet. All additives improved AID of nutrients. Both acidifier inclusion levels improved villus height, and the group fed the 10,000 ppm of formic acid diet also had the greatest crypt depth; however, villus surface area was not influenced. Meat yield was not affected. It was concluded that the diets with 5,000 and 10,000 ppm of formic acid, and with 200 ppm of plant extract based on a blend of oregano, cinnamon, and pepper essential oils were similar to avilamycin and were beneficial for improving growth traits and nutrient AID. Furthermore, a positive effect of formic acid on intestine mucosa was observed. This experiment involved a small sample, so the additives that showed beneficial effects should be further studied in commercial farms.
Evaluation of Photoperiod and Thermosensitive Genic Male Sterile Lines For Hybrid Rice Seeds Production in Kenya

Photo–thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (P(T)GMS) rice is a new hybrid rice technology that uses prolonged light length and high temperatures to induce sterility. This technology is being introduced in Kenya but such growth conditions are lacking in the tropics. To overcome this, we grew P(T)GMS under greenhouse conditions where day light length was prolonged to 14 hrs using solar illumination and day and night temperatures were maintained above 36Co and 24oC respectively. Sterility of P(T)GMS was determined by the level of abortive pollen and seed set rates. Hybrid seeds were produced by crossing three P(T)GMS lines (V1PGM, V2TGM and V3PGM) as female lines with Basmati 370 and Basmati 217 varieties as pollen donors. Under long and normal day lengths and high temperatures, pollen sterility ranged from 99-100% but no seeds were set in PGMS lines. However, TGMS recorded 3% and 2% seed set under similar conditions. Under natural conditions both PGMS and TGMS reverted to fertility. Agronomic evaluation showed outstanding (P<0.01) performance of hybrids over parents in flag leaf length (V2370; 35.8 cm), panicle exsertion (V2217; 8cm) and shorter flowering time (V3217; 85 days) under greenhouse conditions while flag leaf width (V1370; 1.48 cm) and tillering (100) performed better under natural conditions. Percentage seed set positively correlated with flag leaf related traits and flowering days but negatively correlated with panicle length, panicle exsertion and tillering. We conclude that the P(T)GMS lines are adaptable for hybrid rice seed production in Kenya but there is need to review the P(T)GMS lines’ background so as to minimize incompatibility in hybrids.
Biochemical and Histo-Anatomical Responses of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. to Spruce and Beech Bark Extracts Application

This paper aims to assess the biological responses of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. to beech and spruce bark crude extract application. Thus, the biological activity of bark extracts was assessed by determining the germination capacity, biomass production, histo-anatomical aspects and photo-assimilatory pigment accumulation, and by quantitative and qualitative volatile compounds analysis. The application of spruce bark extract (500 mg dry bark/100 mL solvent) resulted in a better development of the leaf tissue and an increase in foliar biomass. We observed the stimulating effect of photo-assimilating pigments accumulation, for all experimental variants, compared to the control. Also, the amount of volatile oil was significantly higher in the treated plants with spruce bark extract (500 mg dry bark/100 mL solvent). Some volatile compounds (cyclen, borneol, cryptone, santalen, and caryophyllene oxide β—farnesene) were identified only in the experimental variants. Also, in the experimental variants, an increase in the quantity of limonene, linalyl acetate and lavandulol was observed. These preliminary results showed that the beech and spruce bark extracts can have biological activities and influence the production of volatile oil in Lavandula angustifolia, causing significant changes in the phytochemical profile of the essential oil. Thus, forest waste bark extracts could be recommended as natural bioregulators in lavender crops.
Adaptation of plasticity to projected maximum temperatures and across climatically defined bioregions

Significance Adaptation to climate change is expected to be influenced by thermal conditions experienced by species during their evolutionary history. We studied plastic capacity as a target of climatic selection, hypothesizing that populations that evolved under warmer climates have greater plastic adaptive resilience to climate change. This was tested experimentally by comparing upper thermal tolerance and gene expression in fish populations from desert, temperate, and subtropical regions of Australia. Divergent adaptive plastic responses to future climates were found across different bioregions, including in key heat stress genes. The greatest adaptive resilience was shown by the subtropical ecotype, followed by the desert and temperate ecotypes. These results have implications for large-scale assessments of climate impacts and for predictions of species distribution changes. Resilience to environmental stressors due to climate warming is influenced by local adaptations, including plastic responses. The recent literature has focused on genomic signatures of climatic adaptation, but little is known about how plastic capacity may be influenced by biogeographic and evolutionary processes. We investigate phenotypic plasticity as a target of climatic selection, hypothesizing that lineages that evolved in warmer climates will exhibit greater plastic adaptive resilience to upper thermal stress. This was experimentally tested by comparing transcriptomic responses within and among temperate, subtropical, and desert ecotypes of Australian rainbowfish subjected to contemporary and projected summer temperatures. Critical thermal maxima were estimated, and ecological niches delineated using bioclimatic modeling. A comparative phylogenetic expression variance and evolution model was used to assess plastic and evolved changes in gene expression. Although 82% of all expressed genes were found in the three ecotypes, they shared expression patterns in only 5 out of 236 genes that responded to the climate change experiment. A total of 532 genes showed signals of adaptive (i.e., genetic-based) plasticity due to ecotype-specific directional selection, and 23 of those responded to projected summer temperatures. Network analyses demonstrated centrality of these genes in thermal response pathways. The greatest adaptive resilience to upper thermal stress was shown by the subtropical ecotype, followed by the desert and temperate ecotypes. Our findings indicate that vulnerability to climate change will be highly influenced by biogeographic factors, emphasizing the value of integrative assessments of climatic adaptive traits for accurate estimation of population and ecosystem responses.
Implications of plant cover in the structure of a clayey oxisol under no-tillage

Knowledge of indicators of soil physical quality is of paramount importance for better understanding of soil-plant relationships. These indicators include the bulk density and soil resistance to penetration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of four cover crop species in the process of reducing the soil density and its resistance to penetration in areas managed under no-tillage system. The species denominated “revitalizers” of the soil structure were considered as treatments: Dolichos lab lab , Mucuna aterrimum, Sorghum bicolor and Mucuna aterrima , in addition to the witness (without cultivation). Soil samples were taken from the bulk density 0.0 to 0.1, 0.1 to 0.2, and of 0.2 to 0.3 m depth under two collection conditions, row and inter-row. Soil resistance to penetration was determined by penetrometer, with electronic data storage. We considered two experimental designs 5 × 3 × 2 and 5 × 4 × 2 factorial with five treatments (four species of area coverage and fallow); three depths of soil bulk density and four depths for penetration resistance, two conditions of collection. The statistical data provided was based on the analysis of variance and the treatment means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% significance. The evaluated species, specially the S. bicolor, the D. lab lab and the M. aterrima , presented a promissory effect for the improvement of the structural state of the soil in comparison to the area without cultivation. Keywords : Compaction, soil resistance, bulk density African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(24), pp. 3807-3810
Roles of Arabidopsis PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR (PRR) genes in the opposite controls of flowering time and organ elongation under long-day and continuous light conditions

The circadian clock regulates a wide variety of processes including the control of photoperiodic flowering and organ elongation in higher plants. Arabidopsis is a facultative long-day (LD) plant and flowers much earlier under LD and continuous light (LL) than short-day (SD) conditions. Although many of the genes required for the control of photoperiodic flowering have been identified, the precise mechanisms underlying the recognition of critical day or night lengths required for photoperiodic responses have not been fully clarified. To address this issue, we investigated circadian outputs in the loss- of-function of PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR (PRR) genes, which are believed to be clock components, under LD and LL. Here we report that prr9 flowered earlier under LL but later under LD compared to wild-type plants, which showed an opposite control of flowering response under these conditions. Although flowering times under LD and LL were similar, prr9;prr7;prr5 mutant plants showed an opposite control of petiole elongation under LD and LL. Under LL, the prr9;prr7;prr5 mutant plants had shorter petioles but longer hypocotyls than those of wild-type plants. Based on our results, we propose some models to explain the organ-specific effect caused by mutations in Arabidopsis clock genes.
A Survey of the Unionid Mussels in Six Tributaries of the Lower Neosho River (Kansas)

Abstract Most unionid mussel surveys in the Neosho River watershed have been conducted in the river and not its tributaries. In the spring and fall of 1996, unionid mussels were surveyed in six tributaries of the lower Neosho River in southeastern Kansas. The streams were: Canville, Hickory, Flatrock, Cherry, Lightning, and Labette creeks. A 100-m baseline was established along the stream bank with 11 perpendicular transacts at 10-m intervals. Live mussels were collected from consecutive square meter quadrats along each transect. Fifteen species were present from 28 of the 40 sites that had live mussels. Pyganodon grandis (giant floater) was the most abundant species, comprising 33% of the total collection, occurring in all six streams and at half the sites. Lasmigona complanata (white heelsplitter) and Ligumia subrostrata (common pond mussel) were second most abundant, each comprising 11.4% of the collection. Lampsilis teres (yellow sandshell) is a species in need of conservation (SINC) in Kansas, occurs at eight sites in five streams and comprised 7.4% of the collection. Cherry Creek had the highest density of mussels (0.185/m2) and P. grandis had the highest density of all species (0.073/m2). Cherry and Labette creeks had the greatest number of species (12 and nine, respectively), whereas Hickory Creek had the fewest (three species). General observations at the streams are consistent with a role for both habitat and water quality in controlling the distribution and abundance of mussels in these tributaries.
A REVIEW OF THE USE OF MATING DISRUPTION TO MANAGE GYPSY MOTH, LYMANTRIA DISPAR (L.)

or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. T he Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team (FHTET) was created in 1995 by the Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry, USDA, Forest Service, to develop and deliver technologies to protect and improve the health of American forests. This book was published by FHTET as part of the technology transfer series. Department of Agriculture, nor does it imply that all uses discussed have been registered. Use of most pesticides is regulated by State and Federal law. Applicable regulations must be obtained from appropriate regulatory agencies. CAUTION: Pesticides can be injurious to humans, domestic animals, desirable plants, and fish or other wildlife if not handled or applied properly. Use all pesticides selectively and carefully. Follow recommended practices given on the label for use and disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication is for information only and does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cover photos, clockwise from top left: aircraft-mounted pod for dispensing Disrupt II flakes, tethered gypsy moth female, scanning electron micrograph of 3M MEC-GM microcapsule formulation, male gypsy moth, Disrupt II flakes, removing gypsy moth egg mass from modified delta trap mating station. Sellers for their assistance during numerous field trials, and Tim Roland and Bruce Radsick, APHIS pilots. Thanks also to USDA APHIS personnel responsible for rearing the gypsy moths used in this project through the years, including and many others. We also thank field personnel from various agencies and locations including Chemical), Al's Aerial Spraying, Dave Devilbiss for analysis of disparlure samples, and Alexei Sharov for various scientific input. Finally, thanks to Mark Riffe for editing and layout. PREFACE This review is published as part of a joint USDA program conducted by three of its agencies —Forest Service (FS), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)—to develop specific methods for managing sparse-density populations of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.). The program is supported through the efforts of these agencies and private industry. Field and laboratory studies are conducted to solve problems associated with the use …
Soil quality under forest compared to other landuses in acid soil of North Western Himalaya, India

A study was conducted to examine the impact of land? use on soil fertility in an Alfisol, at Dharamshala district of north western Himalayan region, India. Soil samples were collected from 0-15, 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 cm soil depths of five land-uses viz. natural forest of Pinus roxburghii , grassland, horticulture, agriculture and wasteland. Soil was examined for pH, organic carbon (OC), electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), exchangeable calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), aluminium (Al), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP), acid phosphatase activity (APHA) and dehydrogenase activity (DHA). Soil pH varied from 5.22 in forest and 5.72 in grassland. OC content was higher in forest (3.01%), followed by grassland (2.16%) and was least (0.36%) in deeper layers of agriculture. Highest N content was found under forest (699, 654, 623 and 597 kg/ha, at 0-15, 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 cm depth, respectively), followed by grassland, horticulture and agriculture and least in wasteland. Exchangeable Ca and Mg were higher in grassland (0.801 c mol kg-1 and 0.402 c mol kg-1, respectively). Exchangeable K and Al were higher under forest (0.231 c mol kg-1 and 1.89 c mol kg-1, respectively) least in wasteland. Soil biological properties were highest under surface soil of forest (576 mg kg-1, 31.24 mg kg-1, 6.55 mg kg-1, 29.6 mg PNP g-1h-1 and 35.65 ľg TPF 24 h-1 g-1 dry soil, respectively for MBC, MBN, MBP, APHA and DHA) and least in 45-60 cm layer, under wasteland. The forest had a higher fertility index and soil evaluation factor followed by grassland, horticulture, agriculture as compared to wasteland.
Serving Size and Gender Effects on Product (Lemonade) Acceptance and Just-Right Attribute Ratings

The serving size and gender effects on product acceptance and ideal attribute (lemonade flavor, sourness and sweetness) ratings of lemonade were investigated using a 15-point hedonic scale and a 5-point just-right scale, respectively. Females (67) and males (68) consumed a 4 oz (118 ml) sample ad libitum, or a full 8 oz (236 ml) serving. Ad libitum male consumption was not different (p>0.05) from female consumption. A low correlation (R 2 =0.011) was observed between the amount of lemonade consumed and product acceptability or just-right attribute ratings. Neither serving size nor gender had an effect on the overall acceptability (p>0.05). However, the interaction of gender and serving size affected the overall acceptability (p≤0.05) and sweetness (p≤0.10). Male acceptability scores were lower (p≤0.05) than female scores under ad libitum conditions. Male acceptability scores increased (p≤0.05) with increased sample size. There was no significant difference observed for lemonade flavor, sourness or sweetness just-right ideal scores as the sample size increased (p>0.05). A higher proportion of males rated the sweetness just-about- right as compared to females (p≤0.05). This study showed that consumption of a standard serving size did not result in sensory specific satiety, but several interesting gender effects were found.