Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Boosting Slow Oscillations during Sleep to Improve Memory Function in Elderly People: A Review of the Literature

Sleep represents a crucial time window for the consolidation of memory traces. In this view, some brain rhythms play a pivotal role, first of all the sleep slow waves. In particular, the neocortical slow oscillations (SOs), in coordination with the hippocampal ripples and the thalamocortical spindles, support the long-term storage of the declarative memories. The aging brain is characterized by a disruption of this complex system with outcomes on the related cognitive functions. In recent years, the advancement of the comprehension of the sleep-dependent memory consolidation mechanisms has encouraged the development of techniques of SO enhancement during sleep to induce cognitive benefits. In this review, we focused on the studies reporting on the application of acoustic or electric stimulation procedures in order to improve sleep-dependent memory consolidation in older subjects. Although the current literature is limited and presents inconsistencies, there is promising evidence supporting the perspective to non-invasively manipulate the sleeping brain electrophysiology to improve cognition in the elderly, also shedding light on the mechanisms underlying the sleep-memory relations during healthy and pathological aging.
Differential Effects of Litter Size and Within-Litter Birthweight on Postnatal Traits of Fatty Pigs

Simple Summary The current work evaluated the relative effects of the number of piglets in the litter of origin (high vs. low litter size) and the birthweight (low (LBW) vs. normal (NBW) in large litters) on postnatal performance and quality of carcasses and meat in purebred Iberian pigs. The results indicated that NBW piglets born in large litters had disparities in developmental patterns in weight and size, back-fat deposition, and fatty acid composition of viscerae compared to NBW piglets from small litters, which again were different from those found in LBW piglets when compared to their NBW counterparts. However, both growth patterns were altered and might indicate previous phases of metabolic disorders. Abstract Fatty pigs are characterized by a thrifty genotype, adapted to harsh environments based on changes in metabolism and energy saving. Thus, we hypothesized that feto-maternal energy partitioning in large litters might have postnatal effects that might be independent of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) processes. Hence, the current work reported the influence of two effects on postnatal performance and carcass and meat quality of purebred Iberian pigs: (a) the effects of the number of piglets in the litter (high vs. low litter size), and (b) the effects of birthweight (low (LBW) vs. normal (NBW)) in large litters. The results confirmed that NBW piglets born in large litters had differences in developmental patterns of weight, back-fat deposition, and fatty acid (FA) composition when compared to NBW piglets from small litters. These results were different from those found in LBW piglets when compared to their NBW counterparts, which showed an initial asymmetrical growth and altered muscle FA composition at slaughtering. The assessment of FA composition indicated better metabolic status in NBW piglets from large litters than in LBW piglets. These data support the concept that the prenatal environment, even when the individual may cope with it, inescapably affects postnatal life.
DISTRIBUTION OF FODRIN AND α-ACTININ IN THE RAT RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM IN VIVO

Localization of fodrin and α-actinin in the rat retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in vivo was examined by immunolabeling of frozen sections as well as en face preparations. Fodrin was found densely in the apical cytoplasm and in the basal infolding; it was sparse in the lateral cell membrane and hardly present in the microvillus. On the other hand, α-actinin was concentrated in the dense material underlying the zonula adherens. Notably the protein was also seen along the microfilament bundle arising from the junction; it was present continuously in the vicinity of the junction, but localized only in electron-dense bodies deep in the cytoplasm. Fodrin was seen on both sides of the bundle but not in the bundle itself.The present results showed that the distribution of fodrin and α-actinin in RPE is distinctive among simple epithe1ia; fodrin is more concentrated in the basal cell membrane than in the lateral cell membrane; α-actinin is present in the actin filament bundle running through the apical cytoplasm and not in the terminal web. These differences are likely to be related to the specialized function and location of RPE.
Wheat spike fertility: inheritance and relationship with spike yield components in early generations

In wheat, grain number is considered as the product of spike dry weight (SDW) and the number of grains per unit of SDW, that is an indicator of spike fertility (SF). The aim of this study was to determine the heritability of SF and the effect of early selection for high SF on its relationship with other spike yield components. Two field experiments were conducted in the south-eastern Pampas (Argentina) with 400 F2 and F2:3 families obtained from two crosses between varieties with contrasting SF (PIG/SSN and B10/KCJ). Heritability estimates in PIG/SSN and B10/KCJ were, respectively, 0.60 and 0.51 by variance component analysis, 0.43 and 0.43 by F2 : F3 parent–offspring regression and 0.30 and 0.28 by realized heritability analysis. The existence of transgressive segregation (i.e. the occurrence of families with SF values that were more extreme than those of the parents) was observed. The top 25% F3 families with the highest SF had 12% more grains per spike, despite a 13% and 5% decrease in SDW per spike and weight per grain, respectively, than the remaining families. These results give support to the application of early selection for high SF.
Effects of Management Type and Timing on Weed Suppression in Soybean No-Till Planted into Rolled-Crimped Cereal Rye

Abstract Knowledge of weed emergence periodicity can inform the timing and choice of weed management tactics. We tested the effects of weed management system (conventional [CNV] and herbicide-free [HF]), timing of rye sowing (two dates), timing of soybean planting (5 planting dates, 3 in each system), and supplemental control (with and without) on weed suppression and weed community composition in soybean no-till planted into a cereal rye cover crop. Cereal rye was terminated with a roller-crimper and herbicide (CNV) or with a roller-crimper alone (HF), and supplemental weed control was achieved with a postemergence glyphosate application (CNV) or with interrow high-residue cultivation (HF). Supplemental control with glyphosate in CNV was more effective than high-residue cultivation in HF. When soybean was planted on the same date, CNV resulted in less weed biomass and a more even community composition, whereas HF resulted in greater weed biomass, dominated by common ragweed. When we controlled for cereal rye biomass and compared the effects of cereal rye sowing and termination timing within each system, earlier management reduced weed biomass in HF, but tended to increase weed biomass in CNV. Our results suggest the ability to control emerged weeds prior to soybean planting is an important factor that influences the optimal cereal rye cover crop management timing for weed suppression. Nomenclature: Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. ; cereal rye, Secale cereale L. ‘Aroostook’; soybean, Glycine max (L). Merr.
Effect of hepato-toxins in the acceleration of hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis B mice

Chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection and liver fibrosis have been a major health problem worldwide. However, less research has been conducted owing to the lack of animal models. The key purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different hepatotoxins in HBV-affected liver. In this study, we successfully generated a combined liver fibrosis model by administering HBV 1.2 plasmid and thioacetamide/ethanol (TAA/EtOH). To our knowledge, this is the first study in which an increase in the liver fibrosis level is observed by the intraperitoneal administration of TAA and EtOH in drinking water after the hydrodynamic transfection of the HBV 1.2 plasmid in C3H/HeN mice. The HBV+TAA/EtOH group exhibited higher level of hepatic fibrosis than that of the control groups. The hepatic stellate cell activation in the TAA- and EtOH-administered groups was demonstrated by the elevation in the level of fibrotic markers. In addition, high levels of collagen content and histopathological results were also used to confirm the prominent fibrotic levels. We established a novel HBV mice model by hydrodynamic injection-based HBV transfection in C3H/HeN mice. C3H/HeN mice were reported to have a higher HBV persistence level than that of the C57BL/6 mouse model. All the results showed an increased fibrosis level in the HBV mice treated with TAA and EtOH; hence, this model would be useful to understand the effect of hepatotoxins on the high risk of fibrosis after HBV infection. The acceleration of liver fibrosis can occur with prolonged administration as well as the high dosage of hepatotoxins in mice.
Genetics of Progression from MDS to Secondary Leukemia.

Our understanding of the genetics of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) development from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has advanced significantly due to next-generation sequencing technology. While differences in cell biology and maturation exist between MDS and AML secondary to MDS, these two diseases are genetically related. MDS and secondary AML cells harbor mutations in many of the same genes and functional categories, including chromatin modification, DNA methylation, RNA splicing, cohesin complex, transcription factors, cell signaling, and DNA damage, confirming they are a disease continuum. Differences in the frequency of mutated genes in MDS and secondary AML indicate that the order of mutation acquisition is not random during progression. In almost every case, disease progression is associated with clonal evolution, typically defined by the expansion or emergence of a subclone with a unique set of mutations. Monitoring tumor burden and clonal evolution using sequencing provides advantages over using the blast count, which underestimates tumor burden, and could allow for early detection of disease progression prior to clinical deterioration. In this review, we outline advances in the study of MDS to secondary AML progression, with a focus on the genetics of progression, and discuss the advantages of incorporating molecular genetic data in the diagnosis, classification, and monitoring of MDS to secondary AML progression. As sequencing is becoming routine in the clinic, ongoing research is needed to define the optimal assay to use in different clinical situations and how the data can be used to improve outcomes for patients with MDS and secondary AML.
Esterase variation and insecticide resistance in Japanese Aphis gossypii

Nine clones of Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae) collected from five localities in Japan were tested for esterase activity and resistance to two insecticides. These clones were classified into six types according to esterase pattern and activity detected by electrophoresis. Three clones with very high esterase activity (Type‐1) were moderately resistant to malathion and very highly so to pirimicarb. Of six clones with moderate esterase activity one clone (T‐4a) was susceptible to malathion but highly resistant to pirimicarb, whereas five clones (T‐2, 3a, 3b and 4b) were susceptible to both insecticides. Thus malathion resistance is positively correlated with high esterase activity, whereas pirimicarb resistance is not necessarily so. It is suggested that high esterase activity plays an important role in resistance to these insecticides but that another mechanism is also responsible for resistance to pirimicarb.
Demographics and Chronology of a Spawning Aggregation of Blue Sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) in the Grand River, Missouri, USA

ABSTRACT The blue sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) was sampled as individuals arrived, spawned, and departed from a spawning rime in the Grand River of northcentral Missouri, USA. The Grand River basin was not known to support blue sucker reproduction with few individuals ever recorded. The spawning site is unique in character for the lower river. Individuals began arriving in early April when water temperatures reached 10–12 °C. Females with freely-flowing roe were sampled in late April after a large rise in river stage and concurrent lowering of the water temperature 4–5 degrees to 16.5 °C. The spawning aggregation had a mean age of 15 y and ranged from 9 to 22 y based on scales that probably underestimated true ages. Males outnumbered females 5.5:1. Mean length was 659 mm for males and 721 mm for females. Females were longer at age than males and no significant age-length relationship was evident.
Influence of propagation temperature, photosynthetic photon flux density, auxin treatment and cutting position on root formation, axillary bud growth and shoot development in Schlumbergera ‘Russian Dancer’

Summary The effects of propagation soil temperature and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentration, and cutting position on root formation, axillary bud growth, and further growth were investigated in Schlumbergera ‘Russian Dancer’. Temperatures between 21. 3ºC and 24. 7ºC were optimal for root formation, whereas increasing temperature promoted axillary bud growth (onset of new phylloclade growth). At temperatures below 24. 7ºC, root formation and axillary bud growth occurred more or less simultaneously, whereas at higher temperatures axillary bud growth occurred before roots were visible. Temperature also affected the number of phylloclades on the second and third levels of stem segments produced after propagation. On increasing PPFD from 46 to 72 µmol m–2 s–1 during propagation, time to axillary bud growth was reduced by 15%, and more phylloclades were produced at high PPFD combined with high temperature. Rooting ability and axillary bud growth were affected by cutting position on the stock plants, indicating the presence of topophysis in Schlumbergera. Time to visible roots and number of new phylloclades decreased basipetally with the original position of the cutting by approximately 25%, whereas time to axillary bud growth increased basipetally by 30%. Survival of cuttings receiving IBA at 10–5–10–3 M was superior. IBA at 10–3 M resulted in the shortest time to visible rooting. At increasing IBA concentration, time to axillary bud growth gradually increased and fewer phylloclades were produced. Concentrations of 10–2 and 10–1 M IBA had negative effects on all measured characters. The results are discussed in relation to possible roles of auxins and cytokinins.
Visibility of bronchial arteries using virtual and advanced virtual monoenergetic imaging

Background The utility of virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) for fine arteries has not been well clarified. Purpose To assess bronchial artery visualization using VMI and noise-optimized advanced VMI (VMI+). Material and Methods Eighty-seven patients with esophageal cancer underwent computed tomography (CT) using a third-generation dual-source system before surgery. Tube voltages were set to 90 kVp and 150 kVp, respectively. Images were reconstructed using VMI and VMI+ with energy levels of 40–120 keV (in 10-keV increments); composite images equivalent to CT images at 105 kVp were also generated. The CT attenuation value and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of bronchial arteries using VMI and VMI+ were compared with those obtained using composite imaging. Two radiologists subjectively analyzed bronchial artery visualization with reference to the composite image. Results CT attenuation values for bronchial arteries using VMI at 40–60 keV and VMI+ at 40 keV and 50 keV were significantly higher than those obtained using composite imaging (P < 0.05). CNR using VMI at 40–60 keV was significantly higher than that obtained using composite imaging (P < 0.05), whereas no differences were noted for values obtained using composite imaging between VMI+ at 40 keV and 50 keV. In the subjective analysis, VMI at 40 keV and 50 keV yielded significantly better visibility of bronchial arteries than VMI+ (P < 0.05). Conclusion VMI and VMI+ at low voltages (40–50 keV) may be useful for bronchial artery visualization. VMI+ may be less effective for fine vessels as bronchial artery visualization.
Cross-species amplification of microsatellite loci in some European zygopteran species (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

Abstract Microsatellites have been infrequently used for genetic analysis of odonate species. Here, we report four microsatellite loci that are polymorphic in Coenagrion mercuriale. Furthermore, we examine the success of cross-species amplification of a panel of 19 microsatellite loci that were developed from C. mercuriale in seven other European odonate species. PCR with microsatellite primers is more likely to be achieved in species that are closely related to the species used for marker isolation. Overall, 10 microsatellite loci amplified interpretable PCR products (seven loci were variable) in both C. puella and C. pulchellum, whilst two loci were variable in Ischnura elegans. These markers should facilitate genetic research into these zygopteran species.
Coda communication by sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) off the Galápagos Islands

To gain insight into the function of sperm whale vocalizations known as codas (short, patterned series of clicks), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) were tracked continuously for periods of days totalling months off the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, and vocalizations were tape recorded systematically. In total, 1333 codas were classified according to their temporal pattern and the number of clicks they contained. Codas were found to be temporally very clustered, and could be categorized into 23 fairly discrete types. Sequential analysis of codas revealed that they overlapped one another according to type in a nonrandom way, and that type 5 tended to initiate coda exchanges. "Regular" coda types (with evenly spaced clicks) tended to occur with other regular coda types and "irregular" coda types (with one or two delayed final clicks) were heard with other irregular coda types. Codas may function principally as a means of communication, to maintain social cohesion within stable groups of females following .
Metal content of body tissues, diet items, and dung of ruffed grouse near the copper–nickel smelters at Sudbury, Ont.

Copper, nickel, and iron levels in the crop items and dung of ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) collected near the copper–nickel smelters at Sudbury, Ontario, during May and September were up to 50-fold higher than those of grouse from an uncontaminated area. Major crop items varied seasonally but did not differ between birds from the two sites. Levels of copper and iron in several body tissues did not differ between birds from the two areas. Mean copper levels in the kidneys, livers, and breast muscle ranged from 11.7 to 24.6, 12.6 to 16.3, and 1.5 to 2.3 μg∙g−1 of ovendried weight, respectively; mean iron levels in these tissues ranged from 254 to 395, 1899 to 3905, and 11 to 20 μg∙g−1, respectively. Nickel levels, however, were elevated in the kidneys and livers of Sudbury area birds; mean nickel levels in these tissues were 2.5 and 2.3 μg∙g−1, respectively, at the Sudbury site, compared with 0.9 and 0.8 μg∙g−1, respectively, at the uncontaminated site. Nickel levels in the breast muscle of birds from th.
New Australian butterfly genus Jameela gen. nov. (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae: Polyommatini) revealed by morphological, ecological and molecular data

This paper proposes to split the Australian Polyommatini genus Erysichton Fruhstorfer, 1916 into two genera on the basis of molecular, morphological and early stage behavioral attributes. The utility of reflective eye pattern as a taxonomic character is discussed and a neotype of Lycaena lineata Murray, 1874 is designated.
Complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Sinocyclocheilus microphthalmus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)

Abstract Sinocyclocheilus microphthalmus is endemic to Youjiang River and Hongshuihe River systems in Guangxi, Southwestern China. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of S. microphthalmus was sequenced. It was determined to be 16,589 bases. The overall base composition was 31.87% A, 24.96% T, 27.19% C, 15.99% G with 43.17% GC content. The nucleotide sequence data of 12 heavy-strand protein-coding genes of S. microphthalmus and other 13 Sinocyclocheilus species were used for phylogenetic analyses. Trees constructed using Bayesian inference showed a topology demonstrating that Sinocyclocheilus species clustered as one monophyletic clade with strong supports.
Effects of Road Management on Movement and Survival of Roosevelt Elk

Road closures frequently are used to manage for Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni), but no studies have evaluated the effects of limited vehicle access on movements and survival of Roosevelt elk (C. elaphus roosevelti). We studied movements and survival of female Roosevelt elk before Road Management Areas (RMA) were designated, and during limited vehicular access from 1991 to 1995. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) instituted a limited-vehicle access program on 35% of the study area in 1992. We found a reduction in core area size (P = 0.002) and home range size (P = 0.077) during limited vehicle access. There was also a reduction in daily movement of elk (P = 0.0001), and there was a negative correlation between daily movements and percent association of elk home ranges with RMA. There was an increase in survival rate (P = 0.03) during the limited-vehicular access period compared to the pre-RMA period, and survival rate declined following the removal of the gates (P = 0.05). Our data suggest that limited-vehicular access reduces human disturbance that results in reduced movements and poaching (increased survival) of Roosevelt elk. Such methods should be considered for other elk populations.
Differences in Gene Expression Profiles of Seven Target Proteins in Third-Stage Larvae of Anisakis simplex (Sensu Stricto) by Sites of Infection in Blue Whiting (Micromesistius poutassou)

The third-stage larvae of the parasitic nematode genus Anisakis tend to encapsulate in different tissues including the musculature of fish. Host tissue penetration and degradation involve both mechanic processes and the production of proteins encoded by an array of genes. Investigating larval gene profiles during the fish infection has relevance in understanding biological traits in the parasite’s adaptive ability to cope with the fish hosts’ defense responses. The present study aimed to investigate the gene expression levels of some proteins in L3 of A. simplex (s.s.) infecting different tissues of blue whiting Micromesistius poutassou, a common fish host of the parasite in the NE Atlantic. The following genes encoding for Anisakis spp. proteins were studied: Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor (TI), hemoglobin (hb), glycoprotein (GP), trehalase (treh), zinc metallopeptidase 13 (nas 13), ubiquitin-protein ligase (hyd) and sideroflexin 2 (sfxn 2). Significant differences in gene transcripts (by quantitative real-time PCR, qPCR) were observed in larvae located in various tissues of the fish host, with respect to the control. ANOVA analysis showed that relative gene expression levels of the seven target genes in the larvae are linked to the infection site in the fish host. Genes encoding some of the target proteins seem to be involved in the host tissue migration and survival of the parasite in the hostile target tissues of the fish host.