Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Water Extract of Rhei Rhizoma Prevent Production of Reactive Oxygen Species and Loss of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in a Hypoxia Model of Cultured Neurons

Rhei Rhizoma (RR; 大黃) consists of the underground parts (rhizome and root) of Rheum officinale Baill. and Rheum palmatum L. (Polygonaceae), and is widely used in Southeast Asian folk medicine to alleviate liver and kidney damages. In this study, we investigated into the efficacy and mechanism of RR water extract in supporting neuronal survival in a hypoxia model of cultured rat hippocampal neurons. RR exhibited no cytotoxicity up to 10 ㎍/㎖ and exhibited neurosupportive effects at 2.5 ㎍/㎖ in normoxia. When RR was added to the culture media on 10 days in vitro (DIV10) and given a hypoxic shock (2% O₂/5% CO₂, 3 hr, 37℃) on DIV13, RR exhibited neuroprotective effects on 5 days post-shock. H₂DCF stainings indicated that RR effectively prevents ROS production in both normoxia and hypoxia. JC-1 stainings showed that RR prevents dissipation of MMP in hypoxia. These results indicate that RR protects neurons by suppressing ROS production and MMP loss.
hybridlab (version 1.0): a program for generating simulated hybrids from population samples

We present the computer program HYBRIDLAB 1.0 for simulating intraspecific hybrids from population samples of nuclear genetic markers such as microsatellites, allozymes or SNPs ( single nucleotide polymorphisms). The program generates a user-specified number of multilocus F1 hybrid genotypes between any pair of potentially hybridizing populations included in a standard input-file of multilocus genotypes for population genetic analysis. This simple, user-friendly program has a wide range of applications for studying natural and artificial hybridization; in particular, for evaluating the statistical power for individual assignment of parental and hybrid individuals. An example of application for Atlantic cod populations is given.
Snail and millipede complementarity in decomposing Mediterranean forest leaf litter mixtures

Summary 1. The projected increase in loss of biodiversity worldwide has prompted the need to understand the role that diversity plays in key ecosystem functions such as litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. Here we asked how two contrasting species of saprophagous macrofauna and four Mediterranean forest leaf litter species interactively affect decomposition in a 6-week microcosm study. 2. Litter mass loss and macrofauna relative consumption rates (RCR) were measured on treatments with freshly fallen or partially decomposed leaf litter of Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus angustifolia, Pistacia terebinthus and Quercus ilex as single-species or mixtures in absence and presence of the gastropod, Pomatias elegans, the diplopod, Glomeris marginata, or both macrofauna species. 3. Macrofauna consumed all litter substrates except freshly fallen P. terebinthus as a single-species litter that was fatal to both animals, although its presence in litter mixtures increased overall RCR. Consumption was higher in partially decomposed than freshly fallen litter, and higher in litter mixtures than in single-species litter. Both litter state and mixing interacted significantly with macrofauna treatment where generally, RCR by P. elegans alone was inferior to that of G. marginata alone or in combination with P. elegans. 4. An overall positive complementarity effect on litter RCR between G. marginata and P. elegans was observed in freshly fallen litter. Particularly strong complementarity was observed in two mixtures of freshly fallen litter and also in one mixture of partially decomposed litter. 5. There were no non-additive effects of litter mixing on litter mass loss in the absence of animals, indicating no interactions among litter substrates during decomposition. However, in the presence of either G. marginata and/or P. elegans, positive and negative interactions among litter substrates occurred and were enhanced or reversed by the addition of the second macrofauna species. 6. We conclude that saprophagous macrofauna play a critical role in the decomposition dynamics of Mediterranean forest litter by interacting with each other and by driving interactions among litter substrates.
POTENTIAL OF BREAD FRUIT- AN ECOLOGICALLY FOREST BASED FEED RESOURCE IN RABBIT NUTRITION

Productive response of rabbits fed with diets containing graded levels of sun dried breadfruit (SBFM) meal were studied using 80 unsexed weaner rabbits. Four dietary treatments were formulated such that SBFM replaced maize weight for weight at 0%, 22.2%, 44.4% and 66.6% levels respectively. Rabbits were randomly allotted to the dietary treatments such that there were 20 rabbits per treatment. Growth response, nutrient utilization, haematological indices, serum biochemistry, carcass yield and meat composition were evaluated. Rabbits fed with 22.2% maize replaced with SBFM recorded the highest (P
Structure of the Cochliobolus sativus population variability

The genetic diversity of several local populations of the fungal pathogen Cochliobolus sativus, collected over 3 years from different regions of the Czech Republic, was examined using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). A high level of variability was found even among isolates from one lesion. Measures of multilocus linkage disequilibrium suggested that recombination has a minor impact on the genetic structure of populations. Cochliobolus sativus forms genetically divergent populations (FST = 0·33), indicating a low level of geneflow between populations. This was supported by a significant correlation between genetic diversity and geographical distances up to 80–100 km. The most likely explanation for the genetic variability is that the fungus forms conidia with highly variable chromosomal rearrangements. The differentiation observed among local populations implies that genetic drift, including a founder effect, combined with restricted migration generates the structure of C. sativus populations.
Changes to fish assemblages visiting estuarine wetlands following the closure of commercial fishing in Botany Bay, Australia

A Before-After, Control-Impact sampling design was used to measure changes in fish assemblages in intertidal mangroves and saltmarsh prior to and following the closure of commercial fishing in the Botany Bay estuary, New South Wales, Australia. Of commercial species found as juveniles in the wetlands, there was a consistent pattern of decrease in numbers compared to the pre-closure surveys. Other small wetland fish (such as the Gobiidae) were also found to have decreased in numbers, with the exception of the Common Toadfish (Tetractenos hamiltoni Gray and Richardson, 1843) and the Glassfish (Ambassis jacksoniensis Macleay, 1881). Results suggest that the immediate response of an estuarine fishery to commercial fishing closure may be a predator-mediated decline in juvenile fish of both prey and predator species.
PHOTORECEPTOR CELL RESPONSE AND FLICKER FUSION FREQUENCY IN THE COMPOUND EYE OF THE FLY, LUCILIA SERICATA (MEIGEN)

1. That part of the ERG which orginates in the retinula cells of the compound eye in Lucilia sericata was isolated without interfering with components originating in the optic ganglion. The retinula cell response is predominantly a sustained, cornea-negative wave, but in half the cases studied a brief, cornea-positive wave at "on" was also present.2. Electrical events which originate in the optic ganglion produce negligible potential difference between the cornea and the basement membrane of the ommatidial layer. Therefore, an electrical effect, per se, of an optic ganglion process on the retinula cells is very improbable.3. The electrical response of the retinula cells, uninfluenced by electrical fields produced by the optic ganglion, can resolve flicker stimuli of 200/sec. or higher.
On the position of Uruguay in the South American biogeographical puzzle: insights from Ephemeroptera (Insecta)

To study the relationships between Uruguay and neighbouring geographical areas based on distributions of Ephemeroptera species (mayflies: an ancient order of aquatic insects). We wanted to evaluate whether Uruguay more closely represents (1) the southern limit of the tropical (Paranense and Amazonian) fauna or (2) the northern limit of the temperate (Pampean‐Bonaerense) fauna.
Dynamic matching of forager size to resources in the continuously polymorphic leaf‐cutter ant, Atta colombica (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Abstract 1. Ergonomic optimisation theory proposes that by increasing variation in worker morphology, social insect colonies may increase their dietary breadth; however, little is known about how this relationship operates at the colony level. This study examines the colony‐level pattern of forager size allocation to resource sites in a natural setting.
Analysis of the L-Arginine / Nitric Oxide Pathway: The Unique Role of Mass Spectrometry

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous radical molecule. In human organism NO is produced in various cells from L- arginine by the catalytical action of NO synthases (NOS). The L-arginine/NO pathway powerfully contributes to maintain multiple physiological functions, including vascular tone, platelet function and neurotransmission. The metabolic fate of NO is very complex due to the participation of numerous compounds resulting from the ability of NO to react practically with any biomolecule to produce biologically active metabolites (e.g. S-nitrosothiols) and biologically inactive metabolites (e.g. nitrate). The concentration in biological fluids and tissues of members of the L-arginine/NO family is of particular interest, as it may characterize the status of this pathway in health and disease as well as to monitor the progress of pharmacological interventions. Thus, measurement of the NO metabolites nitrate and nitrite is suitable to assess NO synthesis in vivo . On the other hand, measurement of the circulating NOS inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) was found to reliably identify pathological conditions associated with NO-related endothelial dysfunction. Among the various analytical methods currently available for the analysis of the L-arginine/NO family, mass spectrometry (MS)-based approaches such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (e.g. GC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (e.g. LC-MS/MS) emerged indispensable analytical tools for the reliable quantitative analysis of the whole NO family. The present article discusses the currently available analytical methods especially emphasizing the importance of the MS technology to the NO field of research.
Why are Twins so Rare in Homo sapiens?

Most theories of the evolution of reproductive rates suppose that natural selection maximizes the number of surviving offspring produced per lifetime. Assuming a hereditary component in the determination of brood size, the optimal number of offspring produced per delivery is predicted to produce the highest number of survivors (Lack 1947, 1948). In iteroparous species, the putative increase in mortality of the parent with increasing brood size may lead to a lower than optimal number of offspring produced per delivery (Williams 1966; Charnov and Krebs 1974). Testing the relative productivity of different brood sizes is easy in principle but laborious in practice because of many potentially important factors that should be measured from known individuals under natural conditions. We present an analysis of demographic factors assumed to determine brood size. Homo sapiens is the species from which such data are easiest to collect, and we compare the profitabilities of deliveries producing the usual number, one, with those producing two. The incidence of twin deliveries in human populations varies from 0.6% to 4.5% (Vogel and Motulsky 1986). Differences among populations result from the variable frequencies of dizygotic twins (which develop from two fertilized ova); the frequency of monozygotic twins (from a single fertilized ovum and thus of one sex) is fairly constant (0.4%). Dizygotic twins aggregate in certain families, indicating a hereditary basis. The probability of dizygotic twins increases with maternal age. Variation in gonadotropin levels may explain this trend and may also represent the genetically determined mechanism for the heredity of twinning (Vogel and Motulsky 1986). Unlike dizygotic twinning, monozygotic twinning is neither genetically determined nor dependent on maternal age. Because evolution by natural selection presumes a hereditary component of the trait, only the success of dizygotic twins is relevant to discussions of the evolution of brood size. In modern societies, doubling the number of infants from one to two more than compensates for the slightly higher mortality rate of twins (Bulmer 1970). However, the number of children per delivery evolved under circumstances when twinning may not have been as profitable, presumably during the hunter-gatherer era. Although relevant information on birth and survival rates from prehistoric times is unlikely to be forthcoming, it is possible to elucidate the situation at the earliest time for which representative data are available. We are not familiar with any well-controlled comparison of the productivities of twin and single deliveries
Protection Effects of Allylmercaptan, Metabolite of Garlic on Endothelial Cell Injury Induced by Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been recognized as an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. In this study, effects of allylmercaptan, a major metabolite compound of garlic, was studied on endothelial cell injury induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). The antioxidative activity of allylmercaptan was investigated by monitoring a thiobarbituric acid substance (TBARS). Allylmercaptan inhibited LDL oxidation induced by Cu 2+ at concentrations of 0.1, 1 and 10 mM in a dose dependent manner. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, as an index of cell injury, and intracellular glutathione levels were determined. Pulmonary artery endothelial cells were preincubated with allylmercaptan at 37oC and 5% CO₂ for 24 hr, washed, and then exposed to 0.1 ㎎/ml oxidized LDL for 24 hr. Preincubation of endothelial cells with allylmercaptan significantly prevented the LDH release and depletion of GSH. Peroxides were measured directly in 24 well plates using a fluorometric assay. Allylmercaptan inhibited release of peroxides induced by ox-LDL in pulmonary artery endothelial cells. In a free system, allylmercaptan was shown to scavenge hydrogen peroxide. The data indicate that allylmercaptan can protect pulmonary artery endothelial cells from injury caused by oxidized LDL, and suggest that allylmercaptan may be useful for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Airway Dynamics and the Role of Zyxin

Morbidity and mortality attributable to asthma arise mainly from contraction of airway smooth muscle (ASM) and resulting bronchospasm. Bronchospasm that is induced in the laboratory is easily reversed by a spontaneous deep inspiration (DI) whereas bronchospasm that occurs spontaneously in asthma is not. In response to a spontaneous DI, contracted ASM fluidizes rapidly and then resolidifies slowly, but molecular mechanisms accounting for these salutary bronchodilatory responses –and their dramatic breakdown in asthma– are unknown. Using a multi-scale approach, I show here that both the baseline contractile force and the fluidization response of ASM are independent of the cytoskeletal protein zyxin, whereas the resolidification response is zyxin-dependent. At the levels of the stress fiber, the isolated cell, and the integrated airway, zyxin acts to stabilize the contractile apparatus and promote the resolidification response. More than just the motor of contraction, ASM is thus viewed in the broader context of a self-healing active material wherein resolidification and its molecular determinants contribute to the biology of bronchospasm.
Development of a SCAR marker linked with a MYMV resistance gene in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) caused by mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) is the most important disease of mungbean, causing great yield loss. The present investigation was carried out to study the inheritance and identify molecular markers linked with MYMV resistance gene by using F1, F2 and 167 F2 : 8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from the cross ‘TM-99-37’ (resistant) × Mulmarada (susceptible). The F1 was susceptible, F2 segregated in 3S:1R phenotypic ratio and RILs segregated in 1S:1R ratio in the field screening indicating that the MYMV resistance gene is governed by a single recessive gene. Of the 140 RAPD primers, 45 primers showing polymorphism in parents were screened using bulked segregant analysis. Three primers amplified specific polymorphic fragments viz. OPB-07600, OPC-061750 and OPB-12820. The marker OPB-07600 was more closely linked (6.8 cM) with a MYMV resistance gene as compared to OPC-061750 (22.8 cM) and OPB-12820 (25.2 cM). The resistance-specific fragment OPB-07600 was cloned, sequenced and converted into a sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker and validated in twenty genotypes with different genetic backgrounds.
Phase Diagram of Binary Mixture E7:TM74A Liquid Crystals

Although there are many liquid crystalline materials, difficulty is often experienced in obtaining LCs that are stable and has a wide mesophase range. In this study, mixtures of two different LCs were used to formulate a technologically viable LC operating at room temperature. Nematic E7(BDH) and cholesteric TM74A were mixed at different weight ratios at 10% increments. Transition temperatures were determined via Differential Scanning Calorimetry and phase identification was done using Optical Polarizing Microscopy. The phase diagram showed the existence of three different phases for the temperature range of 10-80°C. Mixtures with 0-20% E7 exhibit only the cholesteric-nematic mesophase, which could be due to the mixture's being largely TM74A and its behavior in the temperature range considered is similar to the behavior of pure TM74A. With an increase in the concentration of E7, the smectic phase of the pure cholesteric was enhanced, as seen from the increased transition to the cholesteric-nematic phase and a broader smectic range. The cholesteric-nematic to isotropic transition increased as the nematic concentration increases, following the behavior expected from LC mixtures. For mixtures that are largely nematic (more than 50% E7), the smectic phase has vanished and the cholesteric-nematic phase dominated from 30-60°C.
Does restoration of a habitat‐forming seaweed restore associated faunal diversity?

Declines of habitat‐forming organisms in terrestrial and marine systems can lead to changes in community‐wide biodiversity. The dominant habitat‐forming macroalga Phyllospora comosa (Fucales) went locally extinct along the metropolitan coastline of Sydney in the 1980s. However, the consequences of that disappearance to the associated faunal diversity in these habitats, and whether Phyllospora is ecologically redundant with respect to the biodiversity it supports, are not known. Efforts are underway to restore Phyllospora, and the capacity to enhance local biodiversity is an important component of the rationale for restoration. We compared epifaunal diversity (abundances and composition) between Phyllospora and two other co‐occurring habitat‐forming algae, the kelp Ecklonia radiata and the fucoid Sargassum vestitum, and determined whether Phyllospora transplanted to Sydney developed different epifaunal communities than undisturbed thalli and controls. Where the 3 species naturally co‐occurred, Phyllospora supported different abundances of taxa than Ecklonia and Sargassum, as well as different composition at finer scales, which suggests that this species is not completely redundant and that its disappearance may have affected local biodiversity. Similarly, assemblages on transplanted Phyllospora differed from those on Ecklonia and Sargassum at restored sites, but did not always resemble assemblages from extant natural Phyllospora populations, even 18 months after transplantation. These experiments indicate that restoration of key habitat‐forming seaweeds not only recovers the algal species but also reduces risks of losing habitat diversity for epifauna and their consumers. However, restoration of all the original biodiversity associated with these seaweeds can be a difficult, complex, and long‐term process.
Effects of the Renin-Angiotensin Blockade on Renal Functions, Renal Norepinephrine Contents and Oxidative Stress in Cyclosporine Induced Nephrosis Rats

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of renin-angiotensin blockade on renal function, renal norepinephrine (NE) contents and renal oxidative stress in Cyclosporine A (CsA) induced renal impairment in rats. Rats were assigned into three groups; group 1 (control group), receiving vehicle (propylene glycol) 1 ml/kg. /day, subcutaneously (s/c). for 28 days; group 2 (CsA group), receiving CsA 15 mg/kg/day, s/c for 28 days; group 3 (CsA and losartan (LST) group), receiving CsA 15 mg/kg. /day, s/c with the administration of LST 10 mg/k.g. /day orally for 28 days. The results showed that CsA administration alone elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP), reduced renal function, as assessed by increased plasma urea nitrogen and decreased glomerular filtration rate. CsA stimulated renal sympathetic activity as assessed by increased renal NE content and induced oxidative stress, as indicated by increased renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased concentrations of renal reduced glutathione (GSH). Losartan, the angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist markedly decreased MAP, improved renal function, reduced renal NE content and reduced renal MDA. It is concluded that enhanced renal sympathetic activity and oxidative stress by CsA were mediated by angiotensin II. Blocking the renin-angiotensin system can ameliorate the renal impairment caused by CsA.
Competition of Scleroconidioma sphagnicola with fungi decomposing spruce litter needles

This study addressed competition of Scleroconidioma sphagnicola Tsuneda, Currah & Thormann with saprotrophic ascomycetes and basidiomycetes. We isolated this fungus, previously considered as a preferentially necrotrophic parasite of moss, from spruce needle litter. Competition of Scleroconidioma sphagnicola was simulated with strains of the autochthonous litter colonizers Ceuthospora pinastri (Fr.) Hohn. , Chalara longipes (Preus) Cooke, Setulipes androsaceus (L.) Antonin (Marasmius androsaceus (L.) Fr. ), and Mollisia minutella (Sacc.) Rehm and the wood-decaying fungus Hypholoma fasciculare (Huds.) Quel. Pairings were performed on agar plates with two types of low-nutrient medium made from spruce litter needles. Reisolation on nutritionally rich agar medium following the competition revealed that Sleroconidioma sphagnicola was mostly successfully reisolated even though apparently being replaced by the mycelium of other fungi. It formed strongly melanised mycelium and microsclerotia that seem to be responsi.