Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemogenetic Regulation of CX3CR1-Expressing Microglia Using Gi-DREADD Exerts Sex-Dependent Anti-Allodynic Effects in Mouse Models of Neuropathic Pain

Despite growing evidence suggesting that spinal microglia play an important role in the molecular mechanism underlying experimental neuropathic pain (NP) in male rodents, evidence regarding the sex-dependent role of these microglia in NP is insufficient. In this study, we evaluated the effects of microglial regulation on NP using Gi-designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (Gi-DREADD) driven by the microglia-specific Cx3cr1 promoter. For the Cre-dependent expression of human Gi-coupled M4 muscarinic receptors (hM4Di) in CX3C chemokine receptor 1-expressing (CX3CR1+) cells, R26-LSL-hM4Di-DREADD mice were crossed with CX3CR1-Cre mice. Mouse models of NP were generated by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL) and treatment with anti-cancer agent paclitaxel (PTX) or oxaliplatin (OXA), and mechanical allodynia was evaluated using the von Frey test. Immunohistochemistry revealed that hM4Di was specifically expressed on Iba1+ microglia, but not on astrocytes or neurons in the spinal dorsal horn of CX3CR1-hM4Di mice. PSL-induced mechanical allodynia was significantly attenuated by systemic (intraperitoneal, i.p.) administration of 10 mg/kg of clozapine N-oxide (CNO), a hM4Di-selective ligand, in male CX3CR1-hM4Di mice. The mechanical threshold in naive CX3CR1-hM4Di mice was not altered by i.p. administration of CNO. Consistently, local (intrathecal, i.t.) administration of CNO (20 nmol) significantly relieved PSL-induced mechanical allodynia in male CX3CR1-hM4Di mice. However, neither i.p. nor i.t. administration of CNO affected PSL-induced mechanical allodynia in female CX3CR1-hM4Di mice. Both i.p. and i.t. administration of CNO relieved PTX-induced mechanical allodynia in male CX3CR1-hM4Di mice, and a limited effect of i.p. CNO was observed in female CX3CR1-hM4Di mice. Unlike PTX-induced allodynia, OXA-induced mechanical allodynia was slightly improved, but not significantly relieved, by i.p. administration of CNO in both male and female CX3CR1-hM4Di mice. These results suggest that spinal microglia can be regulated by Gi-DREADD and support the notion that CX3CR1+ spinal microglia play sex-dependent roles in nerve injury-induced NP; however, their roles may vary among different models of NP.
Fabrication of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Single Cell Using NiO-YSZ/YSZ/LSM-YSZ via Drop-Coating Method

Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is a highly efficient and environmentally friendly technology for future hydrogen generation. In this study, electrolyte-supported SOEC single cell was fabricated via a simple and facile drop-coating technique. Thin film electrodes of nickel oxide/yttria stabilized zirconia (NiO-YSZ) cathode and strontium-doped lanthanum manganite/ytrria-stabilized zirconia (LSM-YSZ) anode were deposited onto yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) solid electrolyte substrate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive analysis (EDS) was used to study the microstructural properties of the heat-treated samples and revealed a successful thin film deposition of porous electrodes onto the dense YSZ substrate. XRD patterns showed the desired crystal structure of the deposited electrode thin films. Distinct phases of cubic YSZ and monoclinic LSM were observed for the LSM-YSZ anode while cubic NiO and YSZ phases were observed for the deposited cathode. Electrochemical conductivity of the cell was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis (EIS) which revealed a total conductivity of about 2.0 mS/cm at 700 °C.
Programming van der Waals interactions with complex symmetries into microparticles using liquid crystallinity

Using liquid crystals to program van der Waals interactions for bottom-up assembly. Asymmetric interactions such as entropic (e.g., encoded by nonspherical shapes) or surface forces (e.g., encoded by patterned surface chemistry or DNA hybridization) provide access to functional states of colloidal matter, but versatile approaches for engineering asymmetric van der Waals interactions have the potential to expand further the palette of materials that can be assembled through such bottom-up processes. We show that polymerization of liquid crystal (LC) emulsions leads to compositionally homogeneous and spherical microparticles that encode van der Waals interactions with complex symmetries (e.g., quadrupolar and dipolar) that reflect the internal organization of the LC. Experiments performed using kinetically controlled probe colloid adsorption and complementary calculations support our conclusion that LC ordering can program van der Waals interactions by ~20 kBT across the surfaces of microparticles. Because diverse LC configurations can be engineered by confinement, these results provide fresh ideas for programming van der Waals interactions for assembly of soft matter.
Ten years of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide alters soil nitrogen transformations in a sheep‐grazed pasture

The increasing concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is expected to lead to enhanced competition between plants and microorganisms for the available nitrogen (N) in soil. Here, we present novel results from a 15N tracing study conducted with a sheep‐grazed pasture soil that had been under 10 years of CO2 enrichment. Our study aimed to investigate changes in process‐specific gross N transformations in a soil previously exposed to an elevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) concentration and to examine indicators for the occurrence of progressive nitrogen limitation (PNL). Our results show that the mineralization–immobilization turnover (MIT) was enhanced under eCO2, which was driven by the mineralization of recalcitrant organic N. The retention of N in the grassland was enhanced by increased dissimilatory NO3− reduction to NH4+ (DNRA) and decreased NH4+ oxidation. Our results indicate that heterotrophic processes become more important under eCO2. We conclude that higher MIT of recalcitrant organic N and enhanced N retention are mechanisms that may alleviate PNL in grazed temperate grassland.
Nuclear softening expedites interstitial cell migration in fibrous networks and dense connective tissues

Decreasing physical impediments to migration through nuclear softening can improve dense connective tissue repair. Dense matrices impede interstitial cell migration and subsequent repair. We hypothesized that nuclear stiffness is a limiting factor in migration and posited that repair could be expedited by transiently decreasing nuclear stiffness. To test this, we interrogated the interstitial migratory capacity of adult meniscal cells through dense fibrous networks and adult tissue before and after nuclear softening via the application of a histone deacetylase inhibitor, Trichostatin A (TSA) or knockdown of the filamentous nuclear protein Lamin A/C. Our results show that transient softening of the nucleus improves migration through microporous membranes, electrospun fibrous matrices, and tissue sections and that nuclear properties and cell function recover after treatment. We also showed that biomaterial delivery of TSA promoted in vivo cellularization of scaffolds by endogenous cells. By addressing the inherent limitations to repair imposed by nuclear stiffness, this work defines a new strategy to promote the repair of damaged dense connective tissues.
Plant traits and functional types in response to reduced disturbance in a semi-natural grassland

Abstract Question: How do functional types respond to contrasting levels of herbage use in temperate and fertile grasslands? Location: Central France (3°1′ E, 45°43′ N), 870 m a.s. l. Methods: Community structure and the traits of dominant plant species were evaluated after 12 years of contrasted grazing and mowing regimes in a grazing trial, comparing three levels of herbage use (high, medium and low). Results and Conclusions: Of 22 measured traits (including leaf traits, shoot morphology and composition, phenology), seven were significantly affected by the herbage use treatment. A decline in herbage use reduced individual leaf mass, specific leaf area and shoot digestibility, but increased leaf C and dry matter contents. Plants were taller, produced larger seeds and flowered later under low than high herbage use. Nine plant functional response types were identified by multivariate optimization analysis; they were based on four optimal traits: leaf dry matter content, individual leaf area, mature plant height and time of flowering. In the high-use plots, two short and early flowering types were co-dominant, one competitive, grazing-tolerant and moderately grazing-avoiding, and one grazing-avoiding but not -tolerant. Low-use plots were dominated by one type, neither hardly grazing-avoiding nor grazing-tolerant, but strongly competitive for light. Nomenclature: Tutin et al. (1993). Abbreviations: BE = Beginning of flowering period; DI = Digestibility; IT = Height at top of inflorescence; LA = Individual leaf area; LCC = Leaf carbon concentration; LDM = Leaf dry mass; LDMC = Leaf dry matter content; LFM = Leaf lamina fresh mass; LNC = Leaf nitrogen concentration; ME = Flowering plant height, highest leaf elongated; MH = Flowering plant height, highest leaf not elongated; NG = Number of growing green leaves; NM = Number of mature green leaves; PRT = Plant functional response type; RA = Leaf:Shoot dry matter ratio; SLAF = Specific leaf area (fresh mass based); SLAD = Specific leaf area (dry mass based); SM = Seed mass.
Field evaluation of plant extracts and certain insecticides against Bemesia tabaci (Gennadius) on tomato plants and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on pepper plants

Four insecticides and two commercial plant extracts were evaluated for their efficiency for the control of Bemesia tabaci on tomato plants and three insecticides with the same commercial plant extracts for control Myzus persicae on pepper plants. Results showed significant differences on the mean number of B. tabaci and M. persicae recorded from different treatments under field conditions. The results also showed a good efficacy of plant extracts against B. tabaci and M. persicae. Thiacloprid gave highly reduction in the mean number of B. tabaci (1.33 nymph/leaf ) than Thiamethoxam(1.82 nymph/ leaf) and Dinotefuran was more effect than Thiacloprid in reduction of the mean number of M. persicae (1.3 and 1.85/leaf, respectively) due to the dose of treatment. Imidacloprid gave a good reduction in the mean number of B. tabaci and M. persicae (0.97 and 1.22, respectively).
Notes on the genus Viscum (Viscaceae) in Iran: A new combination based on morphological evidence

The genus Viscum L. (Viscaceae) with 150 species in the world was known in Iran only by V. album L. subsp. album. The plants of Viscum are hemiparasites growing on various host trees such as Crataegus sp. , Parrotia persica and Pyrus sp. To investigate the range of morphological variation in different populations of these subspecies authors conducted detailed morphological and micromorphology studies. Furthermore, anatomical features of stem, leaf, petiole and fruit were investigated in different populations of this taxon. The presence of calcium oxalate crystals and platelet ornamentation of wax crystalloid structures on leaf surfaces were interesting features that could aid separating one population distributed in Golestan forest (NE, Iran) from others. The ornamentations of seed and fruit surface provide further evidence in recognizing this population as a separate taxon. The seed surface in V. album subsp. album is smooth while wrinkled in the population from Golestan forest. Furthermore, the fruit surfaces are smooth in the former, but furnished with platelet crystalloid ornamentations in the latter. These micromorphological differences were associated with important evidence from gross-morphology: the prophylls are two at the axils of each leave in V. album subsp. album, but four in the population from Golestan forest. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest recognizing the population distributed in Golestan forest as a separate taxon rather at subspecific level. A new subspecies is described for this new taxon: V. album subsp. golestanicum Saeidi, Shahi and Golmohammadi.
The interacting effects of genetic variation, habitat quality and population size on performance of Succisa pratensis

1 We studied the performance of 17 Dutch populations of the perennial Succisa pratensis, in relation to population size, genetic variation and habitat quality. We used a path‐analytical model to analyse the possible relationships between these variables and performance. 2 Plants in smaller populations produced fewer seeds per flower head. Their seeds had lower germination rates and higher seedling mortality, and more seeds were dormant or non‐viable. 3 Population size was also correlated with genetic measures. Small populations had higher inbreeding coefficients than large populations and observed heterozygosity was positively correlated with population size. The mean genetic diversity (expected heterozygosity) was relatively high (Hexp = 0.42), but not correlated with population size. 4 Less eutrophic habitats appeared to support larger populations. High concentrations of NH4 and NO3 in the soil were significantly negatively correlated with population size. 5 Path‐analysis showed that Succisa pratensis is vulnerable to habitat deterioration (eutrophication). Population size was strongly influenced by habitat quality. Reduced performance, however, was better explained by direct genetic effects and by habitat deterioration rather than by effects of population size per se. Both habitat quality and genetic effects are thus important for population persistence, even in the short term. The results suggest that there will be a continuing decline of the small populations, due to deteriorating habitat conditions, decreased genetic variation and a reduced reproductive capacity.
Effects of Metabolizable Energy and Amino Acid Levels on Turkey Performance from Hatch to Marketing

SUMMARY Two experiments were conducted with growing turkeys from hatch to market examining the performance at various dietary energy and amino acid (AA) levels as well as the relationship between energy and essential amino acids at these energy levels. The results of the first experiment indicated that increasing ME alone improved feed efficiency (FE); however, it did not affect BW in either toms or hens. In addition, increasing ME alone resulted in better regulation of caloric intake (CI) in toms than in hens. The caloric efficiency (CE) (BW/CI) improved with the higherenergy diets. In a second experiment both AA and ME levels were changed. Using 95% of NRC amino acid levels depressed performance, whereas turkeys receiving 105 and 110% of the recommended AA levels had improved BW and FE until 6 wk. From 7 to 19 wk, increasing dietary AA levels decreased feed intake (FI). Increasing both AA and ME together did not, in all cases, produce the same effect as altering their levels independently.
Parasitism rate, host stage preference and functional response of Tamarixia radiata on Diaphorina citri

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a serious pest and main threat to citrus production worldwide. The present study was carried out to assess the performance of T. radiata, as biological control agent of D. citri , under insectary condition. The result shows T. radiata , to preferred late (4 th and 5 th ) instar nymphs than early (1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd ) instar nymphs of D. citri , with mean parasitism rate of 0%, 0%, 43.3%, 76.9% and 86.0% for 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th instar nymphs respectively. The binomial logistic regression analysis of D. citri nymphs attacked by T. radiata, as a function of host ( D. citri nymphs) density offered, shows T. radiata, to display a functional response type II with attack rate of 39.99 and 34.04, and handling time of 0.60 and 0.71 for 4 th and 5 th instar nymphs of D. citri respectively. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers
Six new species of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Nepal

Ten new species of black flies are described based on larval, pupal and reared adult specimens collected at various localities in Nepal. All new species are assigned to the genus Simulium Latreille and further classified into five subgenera: one (S. suchitrae sp. nov.) in Asiosimulium Takaoka & Choochote, one (S. jomsomense sp. nov.) in Eusimulium Roubaud, three (S. baglungense sp. nov., S. butwalense sp. nov., S. nuwakotense sp. nov.) in Gomphostilbia Enderlein, two (S. lekhaniense sp. nov., S. letense sp. nov.) in Nevermannia Enderlein, and three (S. titarense sp. nov., S. tamorense sp. nov., S. tulshii sp. nov.) in Simulium Latreille s. str. Among these, the first two new species also represnt new records from Nepal of two subgenera, Asiosimulium and Eusimulium, respectively, both of which occur very rarely in the Oriental Region. The previous record from Nepal of S. (G.) gombakense Takaoka & Davies is corrected to that of S. (G.) sachini Takaoka & Henry, recently described from India. The male and mature larva of S. (G.) sachini are also described for the first time. The taxonomic affinities with related known species, if any, are noted for each new species. The keys to all 32 Nepalese species of black flies are provided.
Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) Control in Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and Clover (Trifolium sp.) Pastures with Mixtures of 2,4-D and Picloram1

Herbicide treatments (4:1 ratio of 2,4-D amine:picloram) at 0.7 and 1.4 kg ae/ha at early postemergence (10- to 15-cm horsenettle height), midpostemergence (early flower), and late postemergence (fruit initiation) applied both early and late in the growing season provided >80% horsenettle control. Horsenettle density at season's end in all treated plots was less than 0.25 stems/m2, whereas untreated plots contained about 5 stems/m2. Horsenettle control the next spring was between 47 and 66% for all rates and application timings, and horsenettle density in treated plots was less than 3 stems/m2 as opposed to about 6 stems/m2 in the untreated plots. Clover drilled into the treated area the year after herbicide application was injured, indicating clover establishment the season after application of this package mixture would be difficult. Nomenclature: 2,4-D; picloram; clover sp. , Trifolium sp. ; horsenettle, Solanum carolinense L. #3 SOLCA. Additional index words: Crop tolerance. Abbreviations: EPOST, early postemergence; LPOST, late postemergence; MPOST, midpostemergence.
Risk-based surveillance of avian influenza in Australia's wild birds

Context. The epidemiology of avian influenza and the ecology of wild birds are inextricably linked. An understanding of both is essential in assessing and managing the risks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Aims. This project investigates the abundance, movements and breeding ecology of Australia’s Anseriformes in relation to the prevalence of low-pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) and provides risk profiles to improve the efficiency and relevance of wild-bird surveillance. Methods. Generalised linear models and analysis of variance were used to examine the determinants of Anseriformes abundance and movements in Australia, and the observed prevalence of LPAI in Australia (n = 33 139) and overseas (n = 93 344). Risk profiles were developed using poultry density, estimated LPAI prevalence, the abundance of Anseriformes, and the probability of Anseriformes moving from areas of HPAI epizootics. Key results. Analysis of Australian wild-bird surveillance data strongly supports other studies that have found the prevalence of LPAI in wild birds to be much lower (1%) in Australia than that in other countries (4.7%). LPAI prevalence was highly variable among sampling periods and locations and significantly higher in dabbling ducks than in other functional groups. Trends in Anseriformes movements, abundance and breeding are also variable, and correlated with rainfall, which could explain low prevalence and the failure to detect seasonal differences in LPAI in wild birds. Virus prevalence of faecal samples was significantly lower, whereas collecting faecal samples was 3–5 times less expensive and logistically simpler, than that of cloacal samples. Overall priority areas for on-going surveillance are provided for Australia. Conclusions. Previous surveillance has occurred in high-priority areas, with the exception of Mareeba (North Queensland), Brisbane and Darwin, and has provided valuable information on the role of wild birds in maintaining avian influenza viruses. However, several practical considerations need to be addressed for future surveillance. Implications. Long-term surveillance studies in wild birds in priority areas are required, which incorporate information on bird abundance, age, behaviour, breeding and movements, particularly for dabbling ducks. This is important to validate trends of LPAI prevalence, in understanding the main determinants for virus spread and persistence, and in predicting and managing future epizootics of HPAI in Australia.
Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) Control with Glyphosate in Soybean and Cotton1

Studies were conducted at the University of Florida, West Florida Research and Education Center to determine the effect of glyphosate on purple nutsedge control and nutsedge tuber production when glyphosate was applied to the same plots over 3 y in glyphosate-resistant soybean and cotton. Greater than 90% control of purple nutsedge foliage was achieved with a single POST application of glyphosate at 0.9 kg ai/ha in soybean or a sequential glyphosate application of 1.1 kg/ha POST followed by 0.6 kg/ha POST-directed in cotton. By the end of the third year of the study, these same treatments reduced purple nutsedge tuber density to less than 0.2% of the nontreated. In cotton, cultivation alone reduced tuber numbers by greater than 90%. Viability of tubers was also reduced by 80% in soybean and by 65% in cotton in the glyphosate-treated plots. Comparison treatments of imazaquin PRE followed by imazaquin POST in soybean or norflurazon PRE followed by cyanazine plus MSMA POST-directed in cotton also reduced purple nutsedge tuber density by ≥85% after three consecutive years of treatment. Nomenclature: Cyanazine; glyphosate; fluometuron; imazaquin; MSMA; norflurazon; pendimethalin; purple nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus L. , #3 CYPRO; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Delta Pine 5415 RR’; soybean, Glycine max L. ‘Hartz 7555RR’. Additional index words: CYPRO, transgenic cotton, cultivation, purple nutsedge population dynamics. Abbreviations: DAP, days after planting; POST-directed, postemergence directed; Early-POST, early postemergence.