Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetics and history of sub‐Saharan Africa

This paper aims to review the contribution of genetic data to the prehistory and history of sub·Saharan African peoples. The authors review briefly paleontologic data, which give limited information about modern Homo sapiens sapiens origins and isolation of present African gene pools. Most linguistic and archaeological theories about African peoples'prehistory are then confronted with the most informative genetic data available. Rhesus, Gm, HLA, and DNA data are analyzed. Their frequent haplotypes are compared between populations by means of genetic distances and average linkage clustering. Despite heterogeneities between the quality and the quantity of data provided by different genetic systems, some clear conclusions can be drawn. Genetic differentiation clearly paranels the clustering of major linguistic families. These families of populations seem genetically homogeneous, suggesting either relatively recent origins or long-term important and continuous intragroup migrations. The well-known divergence between the historical theories suggested by immunological and DNA data about the relationship between Africa and other gene pools is discussed. Decisive conclusions about African origins of modern humans either from fossil or from DNA data seem very premature. An alternative hypothesis issued from overall genetic variation is proposed.
Effect of tumor necrosis factor‐α on the reciprocal G‐protein‐induced regulation of norepinephrine release by the α2‐adrenergic receptor

α2‐Adrenergic receptors control norepinephrine (NE) release and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF) production from neurons. TNF regulates NE release, depending on α2‐adrenergic receptor functioning. The relationship between TNF production in the brain and α2‐adrenergic receptor activation could have profound control over NE release. TNF and α2‐adrenergic regulation of NE release was investigated in rat hippocampal slices incubated with pertussis toxin (PTX). The α2‐adrenergic receptor couples to Gαi/o‐proteins to inhibit NE release; however, in slices preexposed to PTX, α2‐adrenergic receptor activation facilitates NE release. TNF exposure subsequent to PTX restores α2‐adrenergic inhibition of NE release. PTX exposure of hippocampal slices prevents agonist‐induced increases in Gαi/o labeling with a GTP analog; after subsequent TNF exposure, agonist‐induced increases in Gαi/o labeling are restored. TNF regulation of NE release transforms from inhibition to facilitation depending on α2‐adrenergic receptor activation following PTX exposure. Therefore, TNF directs the coupling of the α2‐adrenergic receptor, ultimately affecting NE release. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Weed management in lowland rice

Lowland rice ecosystem in India is infested with complex weed flora including semi-aquatic and aquatic weeds. Recently weeds having mimics with rice, perennial and other weeds which propagate by vegetative means are emerging as major threat. Weeds cause yield losses from 15 to 76% in rice crop. Besides, weeds remove about 21–42 kg N, 10–13.5 kg P and 17–27 kg K/ha in transplanted rice. Research on weed management in lowland rice in India has been reviewed in this paper with respect to weed flora and their impact, biology and ecology of weeds, weed management methods and future thrust areas of research and management. The weed flora in lowland rice is very much diverse and dynamic over times and places. Very limited information is available on biology and ecology of major weeds. Studies have been carried out on cultural, manual, mechanical, chemical means of weed management. Shortage of labours, lack of suitable weed control implements and problem of specific weeds have compelled the farmers to think for alternative strategies and herbicides have been the obvious choice to the farmers. Many herbicides either alone or in combinations as ready or tank mixed have been recommended in India. Studies on integrated weed management have also been undertaken. But majority of researches focused on herbicide based IWM. Future research and weed management in lowland rice should be focused on ecophysiology and biology of major weeds, HR genetically modified rice, integrated weed management, exploring biocontrol agents and screening and use of allelopathic and weed competitive rice cultivars.
Flavonoids in seeds and grains: physiological function, agronomic importance and the genetics of biosynthesis

Abstract Flavonoids are secondary metabolites that are present at high levels in most plant seeds and grains. These compounds appear to play vital roles in defence against pathogens and predators and contribute to physiological functions such as seed maturation and dormancy. At the same time, particular subclasses of flavonoids, such as the proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins), negatively impact the use of seeds and grains in animal feed and can add undesirable qualities to food products for human consumption. This article presents an overview of investigations into the physiological and agronomic aspects of seed and grain flavonoids as well as a review of molecular genetic studies, particularly in maize, Arabidopsis and soybean, where mutants deficient in flavonoid biosynthesis provide useful tools for stydying the metabolic machinery underlying the accumulation of these compounds in reproductive structures.
Response of Seedling Roughstalk Bluegrass and Creeping Bentgrass to Bispyribac–sodium or Sulfosulfuron

Controlling mature roughstalk bluegrass (Poa trivialis L.; RSBG) using bispyribac-sodium (BYS) or sulfosulfuron (SUL) often yields inconsistent results. Attempting to control RSBG shortly after emergence may eliminate or reduce it with fewer inputs and less noticeable creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.; CBG) phytotoxicity than if treated at maturity. The objective of these studies was to determine whether BYS or SUL controls seedling RSBG with only minimal seedling CBG cover reduction. Four separate studies on either CBG or RSBG were conducted in spring or fall of 2007 and repeated in 2008 to simulate spring or fall fairway establishment. Studies were arranged as split plots with application timing (7, 14, 21, or 28 days after CBG emergence) as main plots and subplots were herbicide treatments in a 2 · 5 factorial with BYS or SUL applied once at five uniformly increasing rates of 0, 18, 37, 55, and 74 gha -1 a.i. and 0, 6, 13, 19, and 26 gha -1 a.i., respectively. Plots were maintained at 1.3 cm and emergence was defined as '50% of the study area being populated with one- to two-leaf CBG seedlings. Spring-seeded stands of CBG were safely treated with BYS 14 or more days after emergence (DAE) at 55 gha -1 a.i. or less, whereas SUL was not safe by 28 DAE at any tested rate. Fall-seeded CBG was generally less sensitive to BYS and SUL. Sulfosulfuron resulted in excessive damage if applied to seedling CBG before 14 DAE at rates greater than 6 gha -1 a.i. and if applied before 21 DAE at rates greater than 26 gha -1 . Bispyribac- sodium was safely applied as soon as 7 DAE at rates of 74 gha -1 a.i. or less. Chemical names used: {2,6-bis((4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)oxy) benzoic acid} (bispyribac- sodium); {1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-(2-ethanesulfonyl-imidazo(1,2-a)pyridine- 3-yl) sulfonyl)urea} (sulfosulfuron).
The carotid artery calcification in type II diabetic patients on panoramic radiographs: An important marker for vascular risk

The risk of stroke in diabetic patients is higher than other people. The most important cause of stroke is atherosclerotic plaque formation and detection of this defect is possible in panoramic radiography. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency of carotid artery calcifications (CACs) in type II diabetic patients and healthy individuals based on panoramic radiographs (PRs). We evaluated 458 PRs taken from 158 diabetic patients and 300 healthy subjects who served as the control group. Data were obtained using ‘chi-square’ test for comparing the CACs frequency between ‘type II diabetic patients’ and control group on PRs. Significance level was considered at P-value < 0.05. A significant difference was seen in the frequency of calcification between diabetic patients and healthy individuals (p<0.001). Also, compared to the bilateral involvement, the unilateral prevalence of calcification was significantly higher; no significant differences were found between diabetic patients with or without calcification in terms of sex, duration of diabetes, mean FBS (fasting blood sugar), high serum lipids, high blood pressure, history of infarcts and daily smoking. The CACs on PRs of diabetic patients are more prevalent than normal individuals. In comparison with other normal individuals, the chance of discovering any CACs is higher on PRs taken from diabetic patients.
THE WATER RELATIONS AND IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS OF MACADAMIA (MACADAMIA SPP.): A REVIEW

SUMMARY The macadamia nut is the only commercial food crop indigenous to Australia. It originated along the fringes of rainforests, only becoming an important internationally traded crop in the late 20th century. Australia is now the main centre of production, following a lead set by Hawai'i. The crop is also important in Central America and southern Africa. The majority of recent research reported in the literature on the physiology and water relations of macadamia has been undertaken in Australia. Macadamia is a tall evergreen tree in which vegetative growth occurs in a series of flushes. Mild water stress suppresses growth, but compensatory growth occurs on re-watering. Flowers form on hardened wood within the leaf canopy. Floral initiation occurs in late autumn, with flowering in the following spring. Flowering is profuse but only 5–10% of the flowers set fruit and less than 1% of the flowers reach maturity as fruits due largely to premature abscission. High temperatures (>30 °C) can contribute to the shedding of fruit. It takes about 12 months from floral initiation to the completion of harvest. Macadamia root systems are described as relatively shallow and spreading. The taproot can extend to depths of >1.2 m, with a dense matt of fibrous roots in the top 0.4 m. Proteoid rootlets are also present. Stomata are only found on the abaxial surface of the leaf. Macadamia has several attributes that help to explain its apparent tolerance to periodic dry conditions as found in its native habitat. These include leaves with xeromorphic adaptations, stomatal closure without concurrent changes in leaf water potential and an efficient water transport system. There has only been one serious attempt to measure the actual water use of macadamia. Most irrigation experiments have been poorly planned and/or the outcomes were inconclusive. Nut yields are cyclical and highly variable, making it difficult to establish cause and effect. It is not yet possible to say with evidence where and when irrigation is worthwhile.
EFFECTS OF FOOD AVAILABILITY AND PREDATION ON PRAIRIE VOLE DEMOGRAPHY: A FIELD EXPERIMENT'

Nutrition, spacing behavior, and predation have been proposed as major factors limiting the population density of microtine rodents (lemmings and voles). How- ever, there is no general agreement as to the relative importance of these factors, nor have their interactions been carefully examined. This paper reports on a factorial experiment designed to test the general hypothesis that predation and the availability of high-quality food act simultaneously and additively to limit densities of microtine rodent populations. Our results showed that supplemental high-quality food significantly increased body growth rates, proportion of adults in the population, adult male body size, reproductive activity, recruitment, and density of prairie vole populations. Food availability had no effect on survival nor on sex ratio in any of the 3 yr of this study. Protection from predation significantly increased adult survival (somewhat sporadically), recruitment, and density, but it did not directly affect growth, population structure, or reproduction. Improved survival of young animals could not be detected, but increased recruitment suggested that it may have occurred, perhaps before the young reached trappable size. Food supplemen- tation and protection from predation generally had additive and equal effects on density. The only significant food-predator interactions were for body growth rates and adult body size. The presence of predators appeared to inhibit the growth response to supplemental food, possibly because of more restricted movement and, therefore, less access to food.
Heterosis and inbreeding depression for fruit characters in cucumber

Fifteen parental lines and their 36 hybrids were evaluated for heterosis and inbreeding depression of fruit characters, viz. fruit length, weight per fruit, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant. The positive heterosis desirable for length of fruit, weight per fruit, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant was common in most of the crosses. Most of the crosses showed positive and significant heterosis over standard variety and better parent. The cross combination BSC-1 × BSC-2, BSC-1 × CHC-1, VRC-11-2 × CC-5 and CC-7 × CHC-1 showed highly positive and significant heterosis over standard variety and better parent and can be utilized in heterosis breeding programme for the improvement of yield in cucumber. In general, crosses showed significant heterosis in F1 and also revealed inbreeding depression in F2 population.
Trophic Niche Variation and Individual Specialization in Hypsiboas pulchellus (Duméril and Bibron, 1841) (Anura, Hylidae) from Uruguay

ABSTRACT. Intrapopulation variation includes age and sexual variation, but also individual niche specialization. Individual specialization has important effects on dynamics at population or community levels. Environmental variation and intraspecific interactions are factors that can promote or enhance this kind of variation. Despite its relevance, knowledge about individual specialization in amphibians is still scarce, especially in species from temperate regions. In this study we analyzed the intrapopulational variation of the trophic niche in Hypsiboas pulchellus from a population in southern Uruguay. Particularly, we analyzed ontogenetic and sexual variation and individual specialization of the diet. We found ontogenetic variation in diet as a result of a shift from flies to beetles with increasing body size of frogs, but there were no differences in diet between males and females. We also found evidence of individual specialization, which varied seasonally together with population trophic niche width; during the warm season (October–March), individual specialization and population TNW both increased.
Effect of Feeding Expander Extruder Processed Complete Diet Containing Maize Cobs on Production Performance of Buffaloes

An extruded complete ration (pellets) consisting maize cobs as basal ingredient at 28.5% was compared with a conventional feeding system based on concentrate mixture plus chopped sorghum straw ad lib. and limited quantity of green lucerne (10 kg/animal/day). These feeds were evaluated in 12 lactating graded Murrah buffaloes (6 in each group) for 180 days. A digestion trial was conducted in mid of the experiment. Daily DM and water intakes were 2.96 & 2.86kg/100kg B.W and 3.87 and 4.05 kg/kg DMI on conventional and complete diet, respectively. Buffaloes consumed more roughage (54% Vs 28.5%) on conventional feeding. The digestibilities of CP and NFE were higher (P<0.01) on complete diet. The DCP content was 7.56 and 8.06% while the TDN content was 56.04 and 56.93% on conventional and complete diets, respectively. The milk yield, 4% FCM yield and fat % were comparable in both the groups. DMI/kg 4% FCM production (P<0.05) and cost of feed/kg 4% FCM production (P<0.01) were lower on complete ration compared to conventional ration. These results indicate that incorporation of maize cobs in the complete rations of lactating animals as sole source of roughage was economical to meet a part of energy requirements.
The Importance of Genetic Considerations for Planning Translocations of the Rare Coastal Heath Species Boronia rivularis (Rutaceae) in Queensland

The Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, is facing increasing pressure from rapid urban expansion. Because of the area’s high biodiversity, developers are facing pressure to translocate rare, endangered, and vulnerable plants to more protected areas. Translocation of turves, comprising sections of soil and intact aboveground vegetation, has been used as a strategy for reintroducing understory species where establishment from seed is difficult. Moving populations spatially can change levels and direction of gene flow. In what appears to be one of the largest reported translocations of a rare species, this study uses allozymes, which are variant forms of enzymes, to investigate the genetics of a population of the rare heath species Boronia rivularis, which is to be translocated to compensate for an urban development. The population on the development site was found to be significant due to its large size and high genetic diversity and distinctiveness. Diversity and inbreeding levels were not evenly distributed across the development site; inbreeding was highest where density was highest. It was found that retention of a significant portion of the population on the development site reduced the potential loss of connectivity. However, we found that ecological assessments based on density could have led to the loss of the most genetically diverse and least inbred parts of the population.
Study of the minute virus of mice cell entry

ii Preface . iv Table of Contents . vi List of Tables . ix List of Figures . x List of Abbreviations . xii Acknowledgements . xvi Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1 The MVMp infection cycle . 1 1.1.1 Structure and composition of the MVMp . 1 1.1.2 MVMp early infection steps . 3 1.1.3 MVMp replication and cellular egress . 7 1.2 Overview of viral oncotropism . 9 1.2.1 Definition of oncotropic/oncolytic viruses . 9 1.2.2 Oncolytic virotherapy . 10 1.2.3 Parameters involved in viral oncotropism . 11 1.2. 4 What makes a good oncotropic/oncolytic virus . 12 1.2. 5 Parvoviral oncotropism . 14 1.2. 6 Determinants of parvoviral oncotropism . 16 1.3 Overview of the mechanism of cell migration . 20 1.3. 1 The basis of cell migration . 20 1.3. 2 Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix . 21 1.3. 3 Galectins . 23 1.3. 4 Signaling pathways involved in cell migration . 24 1.3. 5 Plasma membrane and focal adhesion turnover during cell migration . 27 1.4 Cell migration during tumorigenesis . 30 1.4. 1 Epithelial-­‐mesenchymal transition . 33 1.4. 2 Different types of cancer cell migration . 34 1.5 Research objectives . 36 1.5. 1 Aim 1: To assess the involvement of Gal-­‐3 and Mgat5 in the MVMp early infection . 37 1.5. 2 Aim 2: To screen various cancer cells for permissivity to MVMp infection . 38 1.5. 3 Aim 3: To determine whether or not cell migration plays a role in MVMp infection . 38 1.5. 4 Aim 4: To identify the MVMp endocytosis pathways . 39 Chapter 2: Materials and Methods . 40 2.1 Antibodies, reagents and cell lines . 40 2.2 Cell culture and virus purification . 41 2.2.1 Cell culture . 41 2.2.2. MVMp purification . 41 2.3 Fluorescence microscopy . 43
Survey of Container Breeding Mosquito Larvae in Jalna City (M.S.) India

A survey on container breeding sites of mosquito larvae was conducted in the Jalna city . S u r v e y w a s c a r r i e d o u t d u r i n g r a i n y s e a s o n i n J u n e 2 0 1 2 t o D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2 . Sampling was carried out by dipping using pipette or dipper depending on container types. All breeding sources of mosquito larvae were examined different container types: i n d o o r a n d o u t d o o r i . e . plastic container, earthen pot, natural container, tiers, coconut shell, vase, can and concrete tank. Containers w e r e identified as potential breeding sites. Survey was carried out in outdoors and indoors were found containing larvae. Among all types of containers of total surveyed c o n t a i n e r s were positive with mosquito larvae, followed by plastic containers, concrete tanks, vases, bottles, cans and earthen pots. A total of 1893 mosquito larvae were collected of which morphological identification of the larvae by use of microscopy yielded, we identified four species those of Aedes aegypti n = 1514 (79.98%), Aedes albopictus n = 9(1%), Culex quinquefasciatus n = 265(14%), Culex vishnui n = 95(5.02%). This study indicated that Aedes and Culex was capable of breeding in a wide range of container types. To control these mosquitoes, the elimination of artificial and natural containers or alteration of breeding sites in c it y should be taken into consideration.
Physicochemical properties of mushrooms as affected by modified atmosphere packaging and CaCl 2 dipping

Accepted 10 October, 2011 The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination with CaCl 2 dipping on the shelf-life of common mushrooms ( Agaricus bisporus ). Mushrooms were packaged under MAP and air atmosphere with and without CaCl 2 dipping; then all the samples were stored at 4, 10 and 18°C and their physicochemical properties (weight loss, color and glucose contents) were analyzed. The results showed that mushrooms packaged under MAP had the lowest weight loss and L value (brightness), highest degree of overall color change ( ∆E) and glucose contents. Overall, low storage temperature and CaCl2 dipping significantly affected the quality of packaged mushrooms (P<0.01). Results from the present work suggest that MAP of 5% CO 2 : 10% O 2 (P 2G2) with CaCl 2 dipping (0.3% for 5 min) and storage at 4°C can be used successfully for extending the shelf-life of the mushrooms for more than 11 days.
The intraluminal pressure patterns in diverticulosis of the colon1

Prostigmine (neostigmine methylsulphate) was introduced in 1931 as a gastrointestinal stimulant. Its parasympatheticomimetic' actions are due to its ability to inhibit cholinesterase, but it may have a direct effect on the autonomic ganglia. It has less effect on gastric motility after vagal section, and it is believed that an intact nerve supply to the gut is necessary for it to exert its full effect, which is greatest on the colon (Goodman and Gilman, 1955). Prostigmine may be considered to be a 'physiological' type of stimulus in so far as it possibly enhances the effects of any impulses that activate the colon, and in this manner it may accentuate the motor activity induced by naturally occurring stimuli. Its effect on the intrasigmoid pressures was studied to see whether it produced an exaggerated response of the diverticula-bearing segments of the sigmoid colon similar to that which we observed after morphine (Painter and Truelove, 1964).
Program SimAssem: software for simulating species assemblages and estimating species richness

Species richness, the number of species in a defined area, is the most frequently used biodiversity measure. Despite its intuitive appeal and conceptual simplicity, species richness is often difficult to quantify, even in well‐surveyed areas, because of sampling limitations such as survey effort and species detection probability. Nonparametric estimators have generally performed better than other options, but no particular estimator has consistently performed best across variation in assemblage and survey parameters. In order to evaluate estimator performances, we developed the program SimAssem. SimAssem can: (i) simulate assemblages and surveys with user‐specified parameters, (ii) process existing species encounter history files, (iii) generate species richness estimates not available in other programs and (iv) format encounter history data for several other programs. SimAssem can help elucidate relationships between assemblage and survey parameters and the performance of species richness estimators, thereby increasing our understanding of estimator sensitivity, improving estimator development and defining the bounds for appropriate application.