Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ATP elicits electrophysiological and migratory responses in cells of the spinal cord stem cell niche

There are multiple similarities between the central canal region of the spinal cord and the adult neurogenic niches in the mammalian brain. The central canal region displays increased proliferation after injury with migration of the newly-proliferated cells to the site of injury and differentiation into astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. This study will look at the role of purinergic signalling in the ependymal cells and CSF-contacting cells (CSFcCs) as the CSFcCs present in this area express P2X receptors containing the P2X2 subunit. Local application of ATP elicited fast depolarisations via activation of suramin-sensitive channels in a subgroup of CSFcCs comprising both spiking and non-spiking subtypes of CSFcC (types 1, 2 and 3). The P2X2/3,3-specific antagonist A-317491 had no effect in the majority of CSFcCs but produced a reduction in depolarisation in a subgroup of CSFcCs predominantly located ventral to the central canal, with the ventral expression of the P2X3 subunit supported by immunohistochemistry. Ependymal cells and the remainder of CSFcCs produced a suramin-insensitive hyperpolarisation to the application of ATP or UTP, while producing a small depolarisation to the dinucleotide polyphosphate Ap4A. Modulation of purinergic signalling had no effect on proliferation rate in spinal cord slices over a 4 hour time period, nor did it affect the survival rate of the newly-proliferated cells over 5 days in organotypic slice cultures. In this model, inhibition of purinergic signalling with suramin reduced the migration of newly-proliferated ependymal cells away from the central canal, while inhibition of the breakdown of ATP by ARL 67156 facilitated this migration. The presence of fast acute responses to ATP including spatial variation in receptor subtypes indicates the importance of purinergic signalling in this area and the release of ATP known to be triggered by spinal cord injury could now have a role in the necessary migration of newly-proliferated ependymal cells.
Bacteriological study of raw meat of Calabar Abattoir with public health and veterinary importance

Ten samples of fresh meat were randomly collected from Anantigha and Ikot Eneobong abattoirs in Calabar. Samples were collected and subjected to microbial analysis using standard microbiological techniques. The results showed that the bacteria population in meat from Anantigha abattoir was significantly (p 0.05) between the two abattoirs. The presence of pathogenic bacteria in meat should receive particular attention, because their presence indicates public health hazard and give warning signal for the possible occurrence of food borne intoxication. Key words: Raw Meat, Bacteriological, Abattoir, Public health
Pummelo (Citrus maxima Merill) Seedlings Growth as Influenced by Plant Growth Regulators and Macronutrients

The growth of pummelo seedlings is slow and the growers have to wait for one year to take up budding or grafting operation to market them or plant them. Chemical growth regulators like GA3 (Gibberellic acid) and NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) perform an important role in growth and development of plants by increase in cell enlargement and division, increase in cellular spaces in the mesocarpic cells and higher translocation of photosynthates and mineral nutrients in plants (Krishnamoorthy, 1993)
The Effect of Supplemental Irrigation on Canopy Temperature Depression, Chlorophyll Content, and Water Use Efficiency in Three Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. and T. durum Desf.) Varieties Grown in Dry Regions of Jordan

One critical challenge facing the world is the need to satisfy the food requirements of the dramatically growing population. Drought stress is one of the main limiting factors in the wheat-producing regions; therefore, wheat yield stability is a major objective of wheat-breeding programs in Jordan, which experience fluctuating climatic conditions in the context of global climate change. In the current study, a two-year field experiment was conducted for exploring the effect of four different water regimes on the yield, yield components, and stability of three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; T. durum Desf.) Jordanian cultivars as related to Canopy Temperature Depression (CTD), and Chlorophyll Content (measured by Soil-Plant Analysis Development, SPAD). A split plot design was used in this experiment with four replicates. Water treatment was applied as the main factor: with and without supplemental irrigation; 0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of field capacity were applied. Two durum wheat cultivars and one bread wheat cultivar were split over irrigation treatments as a sub factor. In both growing seasons, supplemental irrigation showed a significant increase in grain yield compared to the rain-fed conditions. This increase in grain yield was due to the significantly positive effect of water availability on yield components. Values of CTD, SPAD, harvest index, and water use efficiency (WUE) were increased significantly with an increase in soil moisture and highly correlated with grain yield. Ammon variety produced the highest grain yield across the four water regimes used in this study. This variety was characterized by the least thermal time to maturity and the highest values of CTD and SPAD. It was concluded that Ammon had the highest stability among the cultivars tested. Furthermore, CTD and SPAD can be used as important selection parameters in breeding programs in Jordan to assist in developing high-yielding genotypes under drought and heat stress conditions.
AMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF SNAKEHEAD FISH (CHANNA STRIATUS) OF VARIOUS SIZES OBTAINED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE YEAR

Snakehead fish (Channa striatus ) or Haruan is one of the favourite fresh water fish in the AsiaPacific countries. The fish has been traditionally used to heal wounds. The amino acid composition of wild type Haruan was analyzed in this study. The most abundant amino acid in Haruan was glutamic acid, followed by aspartic acid, lysine, arginine, leucine, alanine, valine, threonine and glycine, in a decreasing order. The Haruan caught during rainy season was found to contain higher amount of total amino acids. The essential amino acids made up 56% of its total amino acids content. Furthermore, each of the essential amino acids (except lysine) was found in higher quantity compared to other types of fishes. Haruan was found significantly rich in arginine, an important constituent in the process of wound healing. The amino acid composition of Haruan indicates that the fish is an excellent source of dietary protein for human.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the freshwater prawn Palaemon capensis (Crustacea: Palaemonidae)

Abstract The complete mitogenome of Palaemon capensis is presented here. The mitogenome is 15,925 bp in length and comprises 13 protein coding genes, 2 ribosomal subunit genes, 22 transfer RNAs, and a non-coding AT-rich region. The PCGs were used to perform a phylogenetic analysis together with other Caridea representatives with mitogenome data from GenBank, placing P. capensis sister to a clade comprising P. serenus, P. gravieri, and P. carinicauda in the family Palaemonidae.
ContacToxicity of Six Plant Extracts to Different Larval Stages of Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata SAY (Col: Chrysomelidae))

Discovery of new eco-friendly methods for insect pest management is very important in integrated pest management program. Contact toxicity of six plant extracts i.e. Acanthus dioscoridis L. (Acanthaceae), Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae), Bifora radians Bieb. (Apiaceae), Heracleum platytaenium Boiss (Apiaceae), Humulus lupulus L. (Cannabaceae) and Phlomoides tuberosa (L.) Moench (Lamiaceae), were tested on the 1st to 4th instar larvae of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)). The H. platytaenium and H. lupulus extracts were the most effective among the tested extracts, so dose-response bioassay was carried out only with H. lupulus and H. platytaenium against larval stages of Colorado potato beetle. The H. platytaenium extract was the most effective extract with calculated LD50 values 0.126, 0.204, 0.206 and 0.458 μL insect-1, LD90 values were calculated as 0.345, 0.342, 0.402, 0.566 μL insect-1 for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars larvae respectively. These results indicate that H. platytaenium and H. lupulus extracts have great potentials as insecticides in the management of larvae of L. decemlineata.
Microclimate modification through shading and watering frequency treatments as efforts for ex situ conservation of pule pandak (Rauvolfia serpentina)

Samanhudi, Purwanto E, Sulandjari, Setiyaningsih A. 2017. Microclimate modification through shading and watering frequency treatments as efforts for ex situ conservation of pule pandak (Rauvolfia serpentina). Asian J Agric 1: 35-39. Pule pandak (Rauvolfia serpentina Benth) is one of the rare medicinal plants. Exploration of nature continues to be done to meet the needs of the drug. That is why proper cultivation technique for pule pandak is required, by giving appropriate shading level and watering frequency to the growth and yield of pule pandak. The research aimed to examine the effect of shading and watering frequency on the growth and yield of pule pandak. The study was conducted from February to July 2009 in BBP Mondromino, Pokoh Village, Wonogiri at 141 meters above sea level. The experimental Design used in this research was a Split Plot Design consisted two factors and three repetitions. The first factor (main plot) was shading level consisted of three levels: 55%, 65%, and 75%. The second factor (sub plot) was watering frequency consisted of three levels: once three days, once five days and once seven days. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, followed by post hoc test of Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level. The reserpine content was analyzed descriptively. The results showed that no interaction between shading level and watering frequency on all variables. The shading level caused no significant effect on growth and yield of pule pandak except the leaf area. Watering frequency caused no significant effect on growth and yield of pule pandak except the chlorophyll content. The results showed that plants treated with watering frequency of five-day interval produced the highest chlorophyll content. Plants treated with shading level of 65% and watering frequency once five days produced the highest reserpine content.
Feedlot performance, feeding behavior and rumen morphometrics of Nellore cattle submitted to different feeding frequencies

Owing to the lack of information in the literature about the ideal feeding frequency adopted by feedlot systems, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of different feeding frequencies on performance, carcass traits, feeding behavior and rumen morphometrics of Nellore cattle. Forty-eight yearling bulls were housed in individual pens with an average initial body weight of 358.2 kg. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized block and the treatments were the feeding of cattle one, two, three, or four times daily (n = 12 per treatment). Orthogonal contrasts were used to assess linear, quadratic and cubic relationship between feeding frequency and the dependent variable. As feeding frequency increased, final body weight (p = 0.03) and average daily gain (p = 0.01; one: 0.98 kg d–1; two: 0.96 kg d–1; three: 1.18 kg d–1; four: 1.14 kg d–1) increased linearly and the feed:gain ratio decreased (p = 0.02). Also, as feeding frequency increased, hot carcass weight was affected cubically (p = 0.01; one: 246.9 kg; two: 243.0 kg; three: 263.1 kg; four: 258.1 kg). During the adaptation period dry matter intake variation was affected cubically (p ≤ 0.05; one: 16 %; two: 23 %; three: 14 %; four: 16 %). Increases in feeding frequency affected papillae height (p < 0.01) and papillae surface area (p < 0.01) cubically, as well as producing increases in the mitotic index (p = 0.05; one: 9 %; two: 11 %; three: 13 %; four: 13 %) and cells in proliferation (p = 0.05) linearly. Thus, Nellore yearling bulls should be fed three times daily in feedlot operations.
Synergistic effects of climate and land use on avian beta‐diversity

Gradients in climate and land use occur simultaneously in many of the Earth's ecosystems and thus collectively impact most ecological communities. Albeit climate and land use have potentially interacting effects on ecological communities that may exacerbate or ameliorate their individual effects, little is known about the effect of the climate–land use interaction on community composition. A better understanding of the interaction between climate and land use is essential to predict the impacts of environmental change on ecological communities.
PENGARUH PENYUPLEMENAN Spirulina DALAM PAKAN TERHADAP HEMATOLOGIS IKAN NILEM (Osteochilus hasselti C.V.) EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTED Spirulina IN DIET ON NILEM FISH (Osteochilus hasselti C.V.) HAEMATOLOGYS

The aim of this research was to know the effect of supplemented Spirulina in diet on nilem fish haematologys and to obtain the best dose. Pre-treated fishes were acclimated to the laboratory environment for 10 days then allocated randomly into 4 treatment groups. Each group consisted of three aquaria containing 100 L of water equipped with recirculatory system, 12 fishes were allocated into each aquarium. Fish in group A served as control given pellet without Spirulina. Fishes in groups B, C, and D were given pellet supplemented with 2, 4, and 6 g.kg-1 Spirulina, respectively, given daily at 07.30 and 16.00 at 5% of body weight. The results showed that haematologys profile on the nilem fish was affected by Spirulina. This was indicated by increasing erythrocyte counts, total leucocyte, and haemoglobin level as well as haematocrite value. Supplement with 4 g.kg-1 Spirulina was the best dose.
System drift and speciation

Even if a species’ phenotype does not change over evolutionary time, the underlying mechanism may change, as distinct molecular pathways can realize identical phenotypes. Here we use linear system theory to explore the consequences of this idea, describing how a gene network underlying a conserved phenotype evolves, as the genetic drift of small changes to these molecular pathways cause a population to explore the set of mechanisms with identical phenotypes. To do this, we model an organism’s internal state as a linear system of differential equations for which the environment provides input and the phenotype is the output, in which context there exists an exact characterization of the set of all mechanisms that give the same input–output relationship. This characterization implies that selectively neutral directions in genotype space should be common and that the evolutionary exploration of these distinct but equivalent mechanisms can lead to the reproductive incompatibility of independently evolving populations. This evolutionary exploration, or system drift, is expected to proceed at a rate proportional to the amount of intrapopulation genetic variation divided by the effective population size (Ne). At biologically reasonable parameter values this could lead to substantial interpopulation incompatibility, and thus speciation, on a time scale of Ne generations. This model also naturally predicts Haldane’s rule, thus providing a concrete explanation of why heterogametic hybrids tend to be disrupted more often than homogametes during the early stages of speciation.
Evolutionary ecology of Rainbow Bee-eaters (Merops ornatus)

At Cooloola National Park, Queensland, rainbow bee-eaters (Merops omatus) breed both cooperatively and colonially. Here I document differences in the morphology and plumage between female, breeding-male and helper rainbow bee-eaters, the sexes of which were determined using a PCR-based DNA test. Cooperative groups are always composed of a breeding pair plus a single helper, which is usually (n=48/52) a male. Rainbow bee-eaters are sexually size dimorphic with alpha-males being 3% larger than females. Females, alphamales and helpers all possess sexually selected elongated central tail feathers. Although the tail ornaments are considerably longer in alpha-males, the female tail ornaments are nonetheless much longer than was previously recognised. The tail ornaments of alpha-males (and helpers) exhibit an unusual, bimodal distribution such that shorter-tailed males possess a 'female-like ' ornament. However, it is unlikely that this represents an example of female mimicry since other aspects of these short-tailed birds are characteristically male. The area of the black gorget (throat badge) is also dimorphic. In contrast, the height of the azure cheek stripe is thicker in females. Alpha-male testosterone levels declined steadily after mating. Helper males had very low circulating testosterone at all stages of nesting, which suggests that they are incapable of reproduction. The helpers exhibited an unusual mosaic of masculine and feminine features, which probably serves to honestly signal their lower status during territorial interactions.
Fine Mapping of Shoot Fly Resistance and Stay-Green QTLS on Sorghum Chromosome SBI-10

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, 2n = 2x = 20] is the fifth most important cereal crop globally, and is grown primarily in arid and semi-arid conditions. Major biotic and abiotic constraints hampering sorghum production include shoot fly infestation during early stages of crop development (seedling establishment and early growth stages; but only present in the eastern hemisphere) and terminal drought stress during post-flowering growth stages. These two stresses can devastate the crop. Hence developing sorghum varieties with resistance for these two stresses is critical. In order to understand the genetic basis of sensitivity to these two stresses and to genetically dissect host plant resistance to shoot fly and tolerance to terminal drought stress, the following objectives were proposed for the present study:  to develop an introgression-line cross-based fine-mapping population for morphological components of shoot fly resistance and for the stay-green mechanism of terminal drought tolerance previously mapped to sorghum chromosome SBI-10L;  to fine-map the target traits by combining genotyping and phenotyping datasets of a selected recombinant sub-set of the fine-mapping population;  to annotate functionally and characterize candidate genes identified in the target region; and  to identify recombinant progenies with pyramided traits of interest.
Antibody-mediated Clearance of Bordetella Species

This doctoral dissertation work focused on examining the contribution of mucosal and serum antibodies to sterilizing immunity against the respiratory pathogens, B. bronchiseptica and B. pertussis. During the course of the investigation, we discovered that the mechanism of antibody-mediated clearance of these closely related subspecies of Bordetella differ significantly. Adoptively transferred serum antibodies cleared the animal pathogen B. bronchiseptica within three days of infection. Antibodies, however, had a minimal effect on human adapted B. pertussis until after the generation of a Th1 response. Comparative immunobiology of these two subspecies in a mouse model revealed that B. pertussis is initially able to resist antibody-mediated clearance via the expression of pertussis toxin, which modulates the critical immune responses required for this rapid bacterial elimination. This suggests a model in which B. pertussis is able to transiently infect immune individuals and persist in vaccinated populations. This model is supported by epidemiological data indicating frequent epidemics of whooping coughs in highly vaccinated populations. Additionally, this study revealed distinct yet overlapping immune surveillance mechanisms in different areas of the respiratory tract. Together, this study provides important insights into the evolution, adaptation, and epidemiology of B. pertussis. It also aids in developing novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for whooping cough. Above all, it makes substantial contributions to the respiratory immunology.
Repellency evaluation of selected indigenous medicinal plant materials against Rhyzopertha dominica (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Extract of five indigenous plants viz. Mentha longifolia (Mint), Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd), Luffa aegyptiaca (Sponge Gourd), Carum copticum (Ajwain) and Curcuma longa (Turmeric) were tested at different concentrations of 25, 50 and 75% to check their repellency effect against Rhyzopertha dominica during 10 days of exposure. Complete repellency was exhibited by Mentha longifolia followed by Momordica charantia (90%), Luffa aegyptiaca (80%), Carum copticum (76.67%) and Curcuma longa (66.67%) at 75% dose rate. Thus, it can be inferred that the natural plant extracts can prove the best alternatives to chemical repellents.
Tenascin-C induces expression of the Notch ligand Jagged1 to promote glioma growth

Tenascin-C is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein with a dynamic and restricted distribution during organ development and in disease. Tenascin-C is up-regulated in response to several pathological conditions, including cancer, and a number of studies have implicated it in the regulation of glioma cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis. In a recent article published in the journal Cancer Research , Sarkar and colleagues present evidence indicating that Tenascin-C can also sustain proliferation of brain tumor initiating cells by promoting expression of the Notch ligand Jagged1 (1).
Cytological Studies in Some Central and Eastern Himalayan Grasses:II. The Paniceae

Data are tabulated on the chromosome numbers of 35 species collected from the hills of Darjeeling and Nainital. Species of Brachiaria, Digitaria, Echinochloa, Panicum, Paspalum, Pennisetum, Setaria and Urochloa were among the plants studied. The chromosome numbers of Panicum khasianum (n = 18) and S. forbesiana (n = 18) are reported for the first time and new chromosome numbers are reported for ten species, including D. ciliaris (n = 9), D. cruciata (n = 36), D. ternata (n = 18), D. violascens (n = 9), Paspalum scrobiculatum (n = 40), Pennisetum orientale (2n = 45), Pennisetum triflorum (n = 9) and S. paniculifera (n = 27). A basic chromosome number of x = 9 is suggested for the tribe Paniceae
Effects of current and future coastal upwelling conditions on the fertilization success of the red abalone (Haliotis rufescens): Towards a Broader Perspective on Ocean Acidification Research Part 2 A special issue of the ICES Journal of Marine Science

&NA; Acidification, deoxygenation, and warming are escalating changes in coastal waters throughout the world ocean, with potentially severe consequences for marine life and ocean‐based economies. To examine the influence of these oceanographic changes on a key biological process, we measured the effects of current and expected future conditions in the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem on the fertilization success of the red abalone (Haliotis rufescens). Laboratory experiments were used to assess abalone fertilization success during simultaneous exposure to various levels of seawater pH (gradient from 7.95 to 7.2), dissolved oxygen (DO) (˜60 and 180 &mgr;m.kg SW) and temperature (9, 13, and 18 °C). Fertilization success declined continuously with decreasing pH but dropped precipitously below a threshold near pH 7.55 in cool (9 °C—upwelling) to average (13 °C) seawater temperatures. Variation in DO had a negligible effect on fertilization. In contrast, warmer waters (18 °C) often associated with El Niño Southern Oscillation conditions in central California acted antagonistically with decreasing pH, largely reducing the strong negative influence below the pH threshold. Experimental approaches that examine the interactive effects of multiple environmental drivers and also strive to characterize the functional response of organisms along gradients in environmental change are becoming increasingly important in advancing our understanding of the real‐world consequences of changing ocean conditions.