Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competition of artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus) with native and exotic grassland species

Abstract Determining the nature of root and shoot competition can elucidate the competitive ability of an invasive species and direct management strategies. In a set of competition experiments, artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus), an exotic invasive perennial forb, was subjected to full or shoot competition with four species: black mustard (Brassica nigra), an exotic annual forb; ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus), an exotic annual grass; purple needle-grass (Nassella pulchra), a native perennial grass; and itself. For shoot competition, a smaller pot nested in a larger experimental pot sequestered the target plant root system. A bare ground invasion experiment, in which all plants were transplanted on the same date, and a community invasion experiment, in which competitor species were planted 1 mo before targets, were conducted. In the bare ground invasion experiment, target plant size was reduced (P ≤ 0.05) when exposed to full competition with the exotic species, but not purple needle-grass. Effects on target plants included reductions in height, number of leaves, rosette diameter, and shoot and leaf dry weight. In the community invasion experiment, full competition with all species reduced target plant growth (P ≤ 0.05). Shoot competition was more important when all species were planted synchronously, whereas root competition was more important when target plant establishment was delayed. In a separate experiment, artichoke thistle was grown under four light levels simulating field conditions under canopies of the same competitors. Midday carbon assimilation decreased linearly with increased shade, indicating the likely effects of shoot competition on artichoke thistle. Results indicated that exotic species are more competitive than native purple needle-grass against artichoke thistle and that restoration directly to native grassland after artichoke thistle removal might be difficult. However, artichoke thistle seedling growth is reduced by root competition from grasses that emerge earlier, indicating that early season management of grasslands to delay artichoke thistle establishment might provide effective control. Nomenclature: Artichoke thistle, Cynara cardunculus L. CYNCA; black mustard, Brassica nigra (L.) Kock BRANI; purple needle-grass, Nassella pulchra (A. Hitchc.) Barkworth NASPU; ripgut grass, Bromus diandrus Roth BRODI.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF PROTEIN IN THE OVARY OF FISH CHANNA GACHUA

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The present study was carried out in the breeding seasons from 2004 to 2006. The ovary of fresh water fish Channa gachua was analyzed for its protein content during period of four different phases of reproductive cycle, in Channa gachua i.e. preparatory, pre-spawning, and post-spawning. Protein content found in preparatory phase was non significant, and significantly increased from pre-spawning to spawning and declined in post-spawning (mg/g wet weight of ovary).
New combinations in Asiatic Oxybasis (Amaranthaceae s.l.): evidence from morphological, carpological and molecular data

4 Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. *author for correspondence Abstract Two new combinations are proposed in Oxybasis (Chenopodioideae, Chenopodiaceae or Amaranthaceae s.l.). Chenopodium micranthum, described from Russia in the 1860s and known as C. urbicum subsp. sinicum in China, is assigned specific rank in Oxybasis. It appears to be widespread in China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Asiatic Russia. The Siberian-Mongolian C. gubanovii, recently described as a new species in Chenopodium sect. Pseudoblitum, is also assigned to Oxybasis. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum parsimony (MP) methods confirmed the placement of C. micranthum and C. gubanovii in the genus Oxybasis. Distribution maps of O. micrantha and O. gubanovii are provided, the latter species being reported for the first time in the Chinese part of the Altai Mountains. A lectotype for C. micranthum (= O. micrantha) is designated.
A transgenic lettuce line with resistance to both lettuce big-vein associated virus and mirafiori lettuce virus

The coat protein (CP) gene of lettuce big-vein associated virus (LBVaV) in sense or antisense orientation in a binary vector pBI121 was transformed via Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Smith and Towns.) Conn. mediated transfor- mation into lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to generate LBVaV-resistant lettuce. Nineteen T1 lines were produced; fi ve to 10 plants of each T1 line were inoculated with LBVaV using Olpidium brassicae (Wor.) Dang. ; and LBVaV was not detected in eight plants derived from six lines. T2 seedlings from the eight plants were tested for LBVaV resistance, and one line (line A-2) with the CP gene in antisense orientation was resistant to LBVaV while the other lines were susceptible. The transgenic line A-2 was also resistant to mirafi ori lettuce virus (MiLV) and big-vein expressions regardless of the presence or absence of LBVaV.
Binding hot spots in the HA1 protein in complex with the 2D1 antibody: A mutation view from 1918H1N1 to 2009H1N1

Motivation: The 2009 H1N1 influenza A attacked worldwide population and caused substantial mortality. The epitope conservation in the HA1 protein allows antibodies to cross-neutralize the 1918 and 2009 H1N1 viruses. However, few works have thoroughly studied the binding hot spots in the two antigen-antibody interfaces which are responsible for the antibody cross neutralization. Results: We apply predictive methods to identify binding hot spots at the epitope sites of the HA1 proteins and at the paratope sites of the 2D1 antibody. We find that the six mutations at the HA1’s epitopes from 1918 to 2009 do not contribute greatly to the 2D1 antibody binding. However, the change of binding free energy on the whole exhibits an increased tendency after these mutations, making the binding stronger. This is consistent with the observation that the 1918 H1N1 neutralizing antibody can cross-react to 2009 H1N1. We have identified five distinguished hot spot residues, including Lys 166 , which are common between the two epitopes. These common hot spots again can be used to explain why the 2D1 antibody can cross-react. We believe that these hot spot residues are mutation candidates which may help H1N1 viruses evade the immune system. We have also identified seven residues at the paratope site of the 2D1 antibody, four from the heavy chain and three from the light chain. All of them are predicted to be energetically important in HA1 recognition. The identification of these hot spot residues and their structural analysis are potentially beneficial to future drug design against H1N1 viruses.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS ON GENETIC DIVERSITY IN EGYPTIAN CATTLE USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS

SUMMARY To study the genetic diversity of the Egyptian native cattle, a total of 67 cattle representing five populations were genotyped for 4 microsatellite markers (ETH225, ETH152, HEL09 and INRA05). The numbers of observed alleles all over the populations studied were: 12, 8, 12 and 4 respectively. Heterozygosity and Wrights F-statistics (FIS, FST, and FIT) were calculated to determine the genetic variation in these populations. High values of observed heterozygosities were noticed in all the populations, it were in the range of 0.719 (Beni Souif) for the marker INRA05 to 0.933 (Beni Souif) for the marker ETH 225. All the FIS values were below the zero, meaning the absence of inbreeding within the populations under study. Depending on the genetic distances a dendrogram showing the genetic relationship among the different populations was prepared. High values of the average gene diversity were noticed, for all the markers and all the populations, it ranged from 0.765 to 0.866 with an overall mean 0.833. Values of gene flow or migration between populations were high meaning that migration and admixture could have taken place between these populations. The study proved that Egyptian cattle are only one breed with different populations.
A NEW FOSSIL PHYLLOTINE (RODENTIA: MURIDAE) FROM NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA AND RELATIONSHIPS OF THE REITHRODON GROUP

Abstract We describe an extinct murid, assigned to the tribe Phyllotini, from the late Pleistocene (Tafí del Valle Formation) of La Angostura (26°55′30″S, 65°41′50″W; 1,900 m elevation) in northwestern Tucumán Province, Argentina. The new genus is characterized by very hypsodont molars with flat crowns and simplified occlusal structure, upper incisors with a mediolateral groove, a straight premaxillary–maxillary suture, and high zygomatic plate with a small spine on its anterodorsal edge. Phylogenetic analyses including fossil and living members of the Reithrodon group show that the new genus is the sister taxon to the Reithrodon–Neotomys–Euneomys clade. The paleoenvironmental and paleogeographic significance of the new genus is discussed within the context of the climatic changes that occurred during the late Pleistocene in southern South America. The new phyllotine would have lived in high-elevation grasslands, which today occur >1,000 m higher under cold and dry climatic conditions than those of the last glacial maximum.
The Collection of Spermatozoa from the Domestic Fowl and Turkey

Abstract A NUMBER of methods for obtaining semen from the fowl have been described. Because of the peculiar genital anatomy of birds, the process of obtaining semen from them presents a somewhat different problem than that encountered in the mammal. Ivanov (1913) obtained spermatozoa for experimented purposes by killing cocks, opening the abdomen and squeezing the semen from the vas deferens. Payne (1914), Craft, McElroy and Penquite (1926) and Jull and Quinn (1931) obtained spermatozoa by mating a cock to a hen and immediately securing the fluid from the cloaca of the hen; Payne, and Craft and his coworkers using a spoon and Jull and Quinn, a pipette. Amantea (1922) and Dunn (1927) placed a dish between “the two correspondents. ” Ishsikawa (1930) used an artificial cloaca consisting of an animal membrane bag on a wire frame. The artificial cloaca was attached to the hen and received the semen from the cock .
Family and Family-Like Relations for Transnational Migrants: Ideals of Care Informed by Kin, Non-Family, and Religion

Studies of transnational family formation and care relationships suggest that, while family forms and care values are idealized, they are also negotiated, enacted, and fluid constructs. Strategies of resilience and mechanisms of flexible care achieved by transnational families are fine-tuned under multiple influences. Among these influences are well-known sources such as social networks, as well as less well-understood sources such as religious teachings. We report findings of a 4-month, ethnographic study among Latinx immigrants to the U.S. whose (n = 14) narratives of family “care” reflect their ideals and simultaneously work to linguistically produce role continuity. Thematic results address three key strategies for achieving this continuity: (1) valuations of flexibility; (2) family-like care by non-family and church members; and (3) commitments to and reliance on new networks, particularly through church relations. We conclude by suggesting how family-like care, such as that from church relations, informs the flexible relational obligations, resources, resiliencies, and values of transnational migrants.
Comparison between ectodomain and G2 region of G glycoprotein for genotyping of HRSV

The Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV), isolated in 1955, is the main cause of hospitalization of babies and infants with respiratory illness. Several studies have been conducted worldwide aiming the development of a safe and effective vaccine against HRSV. The G2 region of glycoprotein G is used as genotyping default. In the present study, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of G protein and a comparative study between G2 region and ectodomain of attachment glycoprotein. Fifty-three nasal swab samples from children less than 5 years old and presenting symptoms of acute respiratory illness, assisted at the University Hospital (UH) of University of Sao Paulo (USP) in 2004, were submitted to sequencing by PCR and compared with GenBank sequences. We concluded that the G2 region is adequate for HRSV genotyping.
Effect of Long-Term Estrogen Deprivation on Apoptotic Responses of Breast Cancer Cells to 17β-Estradiol

Background: High doses of estrogen can promote tumor regression in postmenopausal women with hormone-dependent breast cancer, but the mechanism is unknown. We investigated the molecular basis of this process by using LTED cells, which were derived by growing MCF-7 breast cancer cells under long-term (6–24 months) estrogen-deprived conditions. Methods: We treated LTED and MCF-7 cells with various concentrations of 17-estradiol (estradiol) and assayed their growth by counting the cells and measured apoptosis by annexin V staining and DNA fragmentation. Using western blot analysis, we also examined the expression of the apoptosis-inducing system of the Fas death receptor protein and its ligand, FasL, in these cells. To assess the involvement of Fas and FasL in the induction of apoptosis in LTED cells, we used activating anti-Fas antibodies and the universal caspase inhibitor Z-VAD. Finally, we examined the expression of Fas protein in E8CASS and BSK3 cells, two other cell lines derived by depriving MCF-7 cells of estrogen long term, and the responses of these cells to high-dose estradiol. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: High concentrations of estradiol (0.1 nM) resulted in a statistically significant, 60% reduction in the growth of LTED cells (P<.001) and in a sevenfold increase in apoptosis (P<.001) as compared with levels in vehicle-treated cells. Both LTED and MCF-7 cells expressed FasL, but only LTED cells expressed Fas. Treatment of LTED cells with 0.1 nM estradiol increased the expression of FasL. Activating anti-Fas antibodies increased apoptosis of LTED cells, which was further stimulated by estradiol. Z-VAD blocked estradiol-induced apoptosis. E8CASS cells, which express Fas protein, but not BSK3 cells, which do not, also responded to 0.1 nM estradiol by increasing apoptosis. Conclusion: Tumor regression induced by high-dose estrogen therapy in postmenopausal woman may result from estrogen activation of Fas-mediated apoptosis. [J Natl Cancer Inst 2001;93:1714–23]
Color as a Signal: The Relationship between Coloration and Morphology in Male Eastern Fence Lizards, Sceloporus undulatus

Abstract Color is used in social signaling by many species. Male Eastern Fence Lizards, Sceloporus undulatus, possess sex-specific dorsal and ventral coloration, including vivid blue badges on their throat and abdomen, which they behaviorally display to conspecifics. The presence of abdominal badges serves as a signal of an individual's sex, but the significance of badge and integument coloration for signaling fitness traits is unknown. We tested for associations between coloration (color of the dorsal surface, chest, and abdominal and throat badges, as well as relative badge size) and a range of fitness-relevant morphological traits (body size and condition, tail and hind-limb length, and head size) in male Eastern Fence Lizards from two sites. Larger males have darker colored abdominal badges and relatively larger abdominal and throat badges. Males with longer tails and wider heads have darker dorsal coloration, and there is a correlation between head length and the color of the black abdominal badges, but this is not consistent between sites. Adults also have darker chest and dorsal coloration than do juveniles. These relationships suggest that S. undulatus color may signal competitive ability to male opponents. However, if this were the case, we would expect body condition and limb length, morphological measures that are tightly correlated with these fitness traits, to also correlate with coloration. This was not evident from our data. Therefore, despite significant variation in coloration of male S. undulatus, it is unlikely to reflect fitness associated with the traits measured in this study.
Alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities and increased oxidative stress in cyclophosphamide- induced hemorrhagic cystitis in the rat

Summary The mechanism of cyclophosphamide (CP) induced hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is not clear although the production of acrolein is suggested to be involved. It has been demonstrated that detoxifying acrolein does not prevent HC symptoms completely. This suggests that acrolein production may not be the sole cause of HC; other mechanisms may be involved. It is important to verify the mechanism of cyclophosphamide induced bladder damage in order to perform cancer chemotherapy effectively by minimising the side effect. Our aim is to verify whether there is any alteration in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress in cyclophosphamide induced HC, using a rat model. Adult male rats were administered a single injection of CP at the dose of 150/ kg body wt intraperitoneally and sacrificed 6 hours or 16 hours after the dose of CP. Vehicle treated rats served as control. The bladder was used for light microscopic studies and biochemical studies. Myeloperoxidase activity, a marker of neutrophil infiltration was measured in bladder homogenates. The markers of oxidative damage including protein carbonyl content, protein thiol, malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes were assayed in the homogenates. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase and glutathione S transferase were assayed in the bladder . Six-hour after treatment with CP the mucosa became edematous and the cells of the urothelium were not compact. Cellular exudates were observed in the lumen. The condition became worse in sixteen hours, wherein edema of lamina propria with epithelial and sub-epithelial hemorrhage was seen. Myeloperoxidase activity was increased significantly 6 hours after treatment with CP and increased further at 16 hours. All the parameters of oxidative stress that were studied were significantly elevated. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes were significantly lowered. The results of the present study suggest that alteration in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress is responsible, at least in part, for CP induced bladder damage. It is suggested that CP treatment of rats induces oxidative stress in the urinary bladder, depletion of antioxidant enzymes, and the oxidative stress contributes to neutrophil infiltration into bladder and hence inflammation.
Hoya corymbosa (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), A New Unusual Species from Sabah, Borneo, and Its Systematic Position Based on Phylogenetic Analysis

Abstract A new species, Hoya corymbosa, from Sabah (Borneo), is described and illustrated. It is a horizontally growing epiphytic shrub with diminutive flowers. Its minute staminal corona lobes lacking revolute outer margins and broad, flat caudicles of the pollinarium (resembling those of Dischidia) are quite peculiar within the genus, which is otherwise characterized by corona lobes with revolute margins and generally round to oval caudicles. Its position in Hoya has been confirmed by phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosomal ITS region, the matK gene and psbA-trnH intergenic spacer.
Down-regulation of calcineurin-like phosphoesterase domain containing 1 (CPPED1) expression improves glucose metabolism in vitro in adipocytes Short title: CPPED1 is involved in glucose metabolism

We have earlier demonstrated that the expression of calcineurin-like phosphoesterase domain containing 1 ( CPPED1) decreases in adipose tissue (AT) after weight reduction. However, the function of CPPED1 in AT is unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether the change in CPPED1 expression is connected to changes in adipocyte glucose metabolism. First, we confirmed that the expression of CPPED1 decreased after weight loss in subcutaneous AT. Secondly, the expression of CPPED1 did not change during adipocyte differentiation. Thirdly, CPPED1 knock-down with siRNA increased expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism ( ADIPOQ , ADIPOR1 , GLUT4 ), and improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. To conclude, CPPED1 is a novel molecule involved in AT biology, and that CPPED1 is involved in glucose uptake in adipocytes.
ACHYRANTHES ASPERA HAVE THE POTENTIAL ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTY IN SCAVENGING FREE RADICALS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS INDUCED BY ARSENIC.

The current investigation was undertaken to evaluate antioxidant potential role of Achyranthus aspera in arsenic induced oxidative stress in swiss albino mice. In this study, impact of two different plant part (root and leaves) of Achyranthes aspera on adult female mice which were treated with various plant extracts following exposure to arsenic was investigated. 48 Swiss albino mice weighing 20-30g were obtained from Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, India and were divided into 6 groups each containing 8 mice and received various doses of leaf and root extracts following sodium arsenate treatment. Liver was obtained from the mice and tissue homogenates were used for the estimation of SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx, GST and LPO. Arsenic exposure led to significant rise TBARS (0.313± .002 nmols TBARS/h/g), fall in SOD (0.190± .003 U/mg protein/h), decrease in CAT activity (0.329 ± .001 nmol H2O2 consumed/min/mg protein), rise in GSH (0.072± .005 nmol GSH / g tissue) and significant decrease in GST activity (2.81 ± .14 nmols CDNB conjugates formed/min/mg protein) as compared to control group. From the above findings, it can be concluded that, Achyranthes aspera have the anti-oxidant potential in scavenging free radical produced as a result of oxidative stress induced by arsenic.
Guest Editor’s Introduction

This special issue was inspired by conversations with feminist scholars and antiviolence activists about how to expand justice for women. During the past 35 years, feminists have made significant accomplishments in creating community resources for victims of violence against women, especially victims of battering, rape, and child sexual abuse. There are feminist models of coordinated community responses to domestic violence (Shepard & Pence, 1999), woman-defined advocacy (Davies, Lyon, & MontiCatania, 1998), and recovery from physical and sexual violence (Herman, 1992; Koss & Harvey, 1991). There are feminist models of education groups for men who batter (Aldarondo & Mederos, 2002; Pence & Paymar, 1993) and research that indicates such programs are effective in reducing violence (Dobash, Dobash, Cavanagh, & Lewis, 2000; Gondolf, 2002; Massachusetts Office of the Commissioner of Probation, 2004). Model domestic violence interventions have been developed for the courts and for health care professionals (Battered Women’s Justice Project, 2004; Family Violence Prevention Fund, 2004). There are feminist initiatives addressing violence against immigrant women (National Network to End Violence Against Immigrant Women, 2004), and there is new feminist organizing around violence across communities of color (Incite! Women of Color Against Violence, 2004). However, despite all of this impressive work, activists know well that justice for most women who are abused remains elusive, especially if what we mean by justice includes social recognition of the violence, safety, accountability, and healing (Herman, 1992). Moreover, recent feminist organizing has highlighted the ways the state itself commits acts of violence against women, in the form of abuse in jails and prisons, and at the hands of the police, the Border Patrol, and immigration officials (Bhattacharjee, 2001). The limitations of police and court responses remain so profound that many feminists have abandoned the term criminal justice system and speak instead of the criminal legal system (Dasgupta, 2003).