Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of epididymal sperm from Spix's yellow‐toothed cavies (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831) recovered by different methods

The aim of the present study was to characterize the epididymal sperm of Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii) through two different recovery methods. Nine sexually mature males were euthanized and the complexes, testes–epididymis, were dissected. For each animal, one epididymis was processed by flotation method and the other was processed by retrograde flushing method, both using a TES-based buffered media. After recovery, we evaluated the sperm for motility, vigour, viability, functional membrane integrity and morphology. Morphometric data from the different sperm regions were evaluated by using an appropriate software. After recovery, both methods provide similar values for all the sperm parameters, aiming the recovery of more than 300 × 106 sperm, presenting >50% motile sperm, with normal morphology and functional membrane. The total sperm length in this sperm was 48.87 ± 0.1, and the sperm head presented 9.4%, on average. A notable characteristic was the prominent acrosome found in the G. spixii sperm. In conclusion, we demonstrate that either flotation or retrograde flushing methods are suitable for the recovery of sperm from cauda epididymis of Spix's yellow-toothed cavies.
Serum apolipoprotein B100 concentrations in obese Holstein heifers

Les objectifs de cette etude etaient d'evaluer les modifications des concentrations seriques en apolipoproteine B100 (apoB100) ainsi que la presence d'une steatose hepatique chez des genisses Holstein obeses. Dix femelles cliniquement en bonne sante, dont les scores d'etat d'engraissement (BCS) etaient compris entre 2.75 et 3.50 et 10 femelles obeses avec des BCS de 5 ont ete utilisees dans cette etude. Les concentrations seriques en apo B100 ont ete mesurees par une methode d'immunodiffusion radiale simple et le degre d'infiltration graisseuse des biopsies hepatiques obtenues apres ponction transcutanee sous anesthesie locale a ete determine par histologie. Nos resultats montrent que les concentrations seriques en apo B 100 n'ont pas ete significativement diminuees chez les genisses obeses (P = 0.39) et que le degre d'infiltration graisseuse du foie a ete identique a celui des controles. En conclusion, d'une part, il n'y a pas eu de surcharge lipidique chez les genisses obeses et d'autre part, il convient d'interpreter conjointement les variations des concentrations seriques en apo B100 et les resultats des biopsies hepatiques.
A SURVEY ON MECHANISMS FOR DETECTING SINKHOLE ATTACK ON 6LOWPAN IN IOT

-IPv6 over low power wireless personal area network (6LoWPAN) is used in wireless sensor network as it has ability to transmit IPv6 packet with low bandwidth and limited resources. Routing protocol for low power and lossy network (RPL) is routing protocol which is used by 6LoWPAN network. RPL can be exposed to various routing attacks that can damage the network. A sinkhole attack being most destructive routing attack that could affect the network by preventing communication across network devices. This paper aims to survey the existing mechanisms for detection of sinkhole attack on RPL based 6LoWPAN network
Abstract of "Analysis of Gene Regulation Networks Using Finite-Field Models"

1 Summary Microarrays allow researchers to simultaneously measure the expression of thousands of genes. They give invaluable insight into the transcriptional state of biological systems, and can be important in understanding physiological as well as diseased conditions. However, the analysis of data from many thousands of genes, from only a few replications is very dicult. The major goal of this proposal is to further develop information theoretic techniques for microarray analysis, and specifically, to develop procedures to cluster gene expression values and determine gene regulatory interactions. We will use a data set from learning and memory processes in rats to test our procedures.
Growth, Nutrient Status, and Yield of Celery Seedlings in Response to Urea Fertilization

Celery seedlings (Apium graveolens L. cv. Florida 683) were seeded in multicell styrofoam trays containing a commercial peat mix. They were fertilized with nutrient solutions at two nitrogen fertilizations (150 or 350 mg N/liter), two NO3:NH4 ratios (2:1 or 3:1), and two urea-N levels (0% or 50%) in factorial combinations to determine main and interactive effects of urea on seedling growth, nutrient status, and crop yield. Urea used in combination with low N improved the percentage of shoot dry matter and increased leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, and root: shoot ratio of the seedlings. Urea proved beneficial in improving transplant yield potential under high-N fertilization.
Life on the edge: Coral reef fishes exhibit strong responses to a habitat boundary

Habitat edges commonly support discrete communities compared to adjoining habitats in response to unique boundary conditions. Coral reefs are often adjacent to other habitats, e.g. sand or seagrass meadows, but little is known about how reef-associated organisms respond to the presence of edges. Here, we examined fish communities and benthic assemblages at varying distance from a coral reef-sand edge. At 25 sites, 30 m transects were placed at 5 locations: 1 along the edge and at 5 m and 10 m away from the edge into reef and sand habitats. Counts were made of 51 fish species and benthic composition surveyed. The fish community along the edge was substantially different to communities only 5 m into the sand and reef habitats. Overall, 61% of the 51 fish species appeared to respond to the edge, with 43% significantly higher or lower in abundance along the edge compared to other locations. Twelve species showed positive edge responses, including the wrasse Thalassoma lunare, which was 30 times more abundant along the edge compared to 10 m into the reef. Ten species exhibited negative edge responses, including the damselfish Pomacentrus moluccensis, which was 7 times more abundant 10 m into the reef compared to the edge. Feeding ecology appears to influence edge-related distribution patterns, with carnivores and omnivores dominating the edges and planktivores more abundant into the reef. These findings suggest that habitat edges may play an important role in structuring coral reef fish communities. Future research should focus on experimental approaches to identify the underlying mechanisms driving edge responses.
The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of white perch Morone americana (Perciformes, Moronidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of the white perch Morone americana is described in this study. The total length of M. americana mitogenome is 17,966 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, two ribosomal RNA genes and a noncoding control region. As with several other species in Moronidae, the ND6 gene in M. americana is found within the control region rather than at the canonical position between the ND5 and CYTB genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on CYTB gene places M. americana within Moronidae and confirms its close relationship with yellow perch (M. mississippiensis). This study provides a basic resource for further research on genetic structure and demographic history of M. americana.
Hard white spring wheat line WS175 with a high level of resistance to Fusarium head blight

Abstract: WS175 is a hard white spring wheat line with the parentage Snowbird/Sumai3 with a high level of resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) that was developed using marker-assisted selection. WS175 contains haplotypes similar to Sumai3 at the loci previously associated with FHB resistance, located on chromosomes 3B, 5A, and 6B. WS175 has similar maturity and protein content, but has lower grain yield, compared to Snowbird. The combination of white seed coat colour and very high level of FHB resistance will make WS175 a valuable parent for the improvement of FHB resistance in white spring wheat breeding programs.
Jatamansi:A Source against Lung and Colon Cancer Cells

In vitro assay for cytotoxic activity of Nardostachys jatamansi has been carried out against eight human cancer cell lines from six different tissues via 95 per cent methanolic and aqueous extract at the concentration of 100 μg/ml using Sulphorhodamine blue (SRB) assay. Results revealed that methanolic extract from the stem leaves of N. jatamansi showed highest in vitro cytotoxic effect against four human cancer cell lines (A-549, COLO-205, SW-620, NCI-H322) from lung and colon origin. Based on in vitro data, it is suggested that further in vivo studies as well as identification of effective components from methanolic extract and their exact mechanism of action could be useful in designing new anticancer therapeutic agents.
Growth and nutritional qualities of three ocimum species as affected by methods of propagation

ABSTRACT Ocimum species are well known for their medicinal values and this has increased demand from individuals and the pharmaceutical industry. In order to meet the demand for this plant species three different Ocimum species (Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum americanum) were propagated by two methods (stem cutting and seed) and their morphometric characteristics were evaluated after six and eight weeks. The chlorophyll content, proximate composition and phytochemical content of the plants were determined. The results obtained showed that the stem cutting propagated Ocimum species performed better than the seed propagated species. The results also revealed that there was a strong correlation between plant height and other morphometric characters. Also, it was discovered that the Ocimum species propagated by seed contained more phytochemicals than those propagated by stem cutting. However, gratissimum species propagated by stem cutting appeared to perform better than two other Ocimum species in terms of plant height, leaf number, stem girth and number of branches.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the smallest known free-living insect Scydosella musawasensis

Abstract The mitochondrial genome of the smallest known free-living insect Scydosella musawasensis (Polilov, 2015) is published in this paper. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is 14 719 base pairs (bp) in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes and 21 tRNA genes. The overall base composition of the genome in descending order was 40.59% – A, 13.85% – C, 36.82% – T and 8.73% – G, with a significant AT bias of 77.41%.
Evaluation of user experience of a computer vision-based stabilometry system in Multiple Sclerosis

Computarized posturography is a set of methods and techniques intended to provide objective measures of the balance function of a subject with postural control system alterations, in order to support diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Modern computerized posturography systems yield accurate and reliable representations of the patient performance, such as force platform-based stabilograms (an account of the center of pressure trajectory along a balance test). However, such tests are quite expensive and usually imply uncomfortable displacements and procedures, such as marker placement protocols. As an alternative, recent developments on video-based stabilometry systems offer portable, low-cost computarized posturography solutions. This work presents an exploratory study on the user experience of the application of such systems in balance function assessment tests for both patients with diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and clinical personnel. The reception reported by the survey is highly positive, yet it points out that some improvements in the preparation of clinical staff to interpert stabilometry results are required, and summarized balance function descriptors could be necessary.
Factors Affecting the Presence and the Diversity of Bryophytes in the Petrifying Sources Habitat (7220) in Wallonia and the Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium

Bryological composition, water chemistry, and environmental factors were characterized on 67 Belgian travertines. We explore the relationship between these environmental factors and the community composition, species richness, or presence of individual species using Redundancy Analysis with Hellinger’s transformation (tb-RDA) or Generalized Linear Models (GLMs). The best variables explaining the community composition are slope, NO3, NH4, and PO4. The species richness is negatively related to canopy cover and PO4. Palustriella commutata tends to be more frequent when the slope is steeper and to a lesser degree when the canopy cover is lower. Eucladium verticillatum tends to be slightly more frequent when canopy cover and NH4 concentrations are lower. Cratoneuron filicinum is more frequent at higher Mg concentrations and Pellia endiviifolia is more frequent at lower PO4 concentrations and higher NO3 concentrations. Brachythecium rivulare showed wide ecological amplitude and almost none of the tested environmental factors seem to be related to its presence. The study identifies eutrophication as the main factor responsible for habitat deterioration. Practical indications on the best ways to maintain or to enhance the quality of these petrifying sources are given.
Stress-induced expression in Arabidopsis with a Dehydrin LEA protein from Cleistogenes songorica, a xerophytic desert grass

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins were confirmed to be involved in the acquisition of tolerance to drought, cold and high salinity in many different organisms. In this paper, we report on the isolation and characterization of the cDNA clone for a LEA protein (CsLEA) and its putative promoter sequence from 'Cleistogenes songorica', a xerophytic desert grass. CsLEA was predicted as a hydrophilic LEA protein. In addition, semi-quantitative RT-PCR and relative quantitative RT-PCR assays showed that CsLEA was only expressed in dehydrated roots samples, while absolute quantitative RT-PCR showed that accumulation of CsLEA transcripts was constitutively increased both in leaves and roots during the time-course of drought stress. Transgenic plants of Arabidopsis with stress inducible expression of rd29A::CsLEA were generated and used to study the role of this LEA protein in stress tolerance. Transgenic plants exhibited higher viability than that of WT plants on MS media supplemented with 300mMsorbitol or 50mM NaCl. Significant differences for CO2 assimilation rate (P<0.05) and proline concentration (P < 0.01) were shown between rd29A::CsLEA transgenics and WT during dehydration and rehydration of the plants. Data presented here suggest that CsLEA expression is modulated by drought stress and therefore affects osmotic regulation during water deficit.
Chironomus usenicus (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Bulgaria: External morphology and karyotype

The morphology and karyotype of Chironomus usenicus LOGINOVA, BELJANINA, 1994 for Bulgaria have been described. Some new data of the external morphology of larva, pupa and imago (male) are presented. The ultrastructure ofventromental plates of submentum of C. usenicis and C. bonus SHILOVA, DYVARSHESHVILI, 1974 shows specific characters. Cytogenetically the species belongs to thummi complex with chromosome arm combinations: AB CD EF and G. Arms A, F are similar to those of C. agilis SHOBANOV, DJEMIN, 1988, arm B - as C. entis SHOBANOV, 1989 arms C, E, G - as C. plumosus LINNAEUS, 1758, arm D- as C. plumosus L. type, 4/4. Chromosome and genome polymorphism is analysed. The genome polymorphism is expressed by an additional "B" chromosome, which occurs in 32 %. The species is included in plumosus group and its relationship to the species of this group is discussed.
Microbially induced calcite precipitation in culture experiments : Possible origin for stalactites in Sahastradhara caves, Dehradun, India

Laboratory experiments involving calcium carbonate precipitation by bacteria isolated from stalactites sampled from three caves in Sahastradhara, Dehradun, India were conducted to determine whether geomicrobiological processes might be involved in stalactite formation. Dominant bacteria inhabiting the Sahastradhara caves, confirmed by PCR amplification of 16S rRNA genes (16S rDNA), were Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus pumilis. Culture experiments confirmed their role in mineral precipitation. The ability of these bacteria to form CaCO 3 crystals at different incubation temperatures (5, 15, 25, 32°C) indicated that 25°C was optimum for calcite precipitation. The microbial community detected by DAPI staining showed a significant number of cells (9 x 10 5 cells, g sed -1 ). Application of fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques, based on the presence of rRNA, shows a large number of active microbial cells (around 55% of the total cell number). The microbial community is dominated by Eubacteria, mainly sulphate-reducing bacteria (representing 10% of the total microbial community), but Archaea were also present. Thin section petrography reveals that the stalactites consist of microcrystalline calcite, which occurs in chains probably attributed to bacterial precipitation. Thus, microbial activity and optimum temperature appear to be key factors promoting calcite precipitation and ultimately stalactite formation.
Association of the DNASE1L3 rs35677470 polymorphism with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis: Structural biological insights

Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of autoimmune disease-associated loci, much of the genetics underlying these diseases remains unknown. In an attempt to identify potential causal variants, previous studies have determined that the rs35677470 missense variant of the Deoxyribonuclease I-like 3 (DNASE1L3) gene was associated with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). DNase1L3 is a member of the human DNase I family, representing a nuclease that cleaves double-stranded DNA during apoptosis and serving a role in the development of autoimmune diseases. The present study aimed to determine the role of the rs35677470 variant at the DNASE1L3 gene leading to the R206C mutation in SLE, RA and SSc. The underlying mechanism potentially affecting protein structure loss of function was also assessed. DNASE1L3 evolution was investigated to define conservation elements in the protein sequence. Additionally, 3D homology modeling and in silico mutagenesis was performed to localize the polymorphism under investigation. Evolutionary analysis revealed heavily conserved sequence elements among species, indicating structural/functional importance. In silico mutagenesis and 3D protein structural analysis also demonstrated the potentially varied impact of the DNASE1L3 (rs35677470) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), providing an explanation for its effect on the R206C variant. Structural analysis demonstrated that the rs35677470 SNP encodes a non-conservative amino acid variation, R206C, which disrupted the conserved electrostatic network holding secondary protein structure elements in position. Specifically, the R206 to E170 interaction forming part of a salt bridge network stabilizing two α-helices was interrupted, thereby affecting the molecular architecture. Previous studies on the effect of this SNP in Caucasian populations demonstrated lower DNAse1L3 activity levels, which is consistent with the current results. The present study comprehensively evaluated the shared autoimmune locus of DNASE1L3 (rs35677470), which produced an inactive form of DNaseIL3. Furthermore, structural analysis explained the potential role of the produced mutation by modifying the placement of structural elements and consequently introducing disorder in protein folding, affecting biological function.
Is assessment of oviposition sites using conspecific larval cues a general mechanism in aphidophagous ladybirds (Coccinellidae)?

Aphidophagous ladybirds of the Coccinellinae subfamily are deterred from oviposition in the presence of chemical cues deposited by conspecific larvae, therefore avoiding the detrimental effects of competition and cannibalism to their offspring. However, it is still unknown whether aphidophagous species from other Coccinellidae subfamilies similarly behave. Here, we investigate this question for species of the Scymninae subfamily. A GC‐MS analysis of Scymnus interruptus (Goeze) larval tracks shows that larvae deposit a cocktail of hydrocarbons containing at least five branched‐chain alkanes. Furthermore, our experiments on the oviposition behaviour of S. interruptus and S. nubilus (Mulsant) in the presence of conspecific larval tracks and of conspecific larval wax covering Scymninae larvae show that females do not refrain from ovipositing in the presence of these larval cues. We recommend that more attention is paid to the role of Scymnus spp. in the regulation of aphids because their oviposition strategy might strengthen aphid suppression in agrosystems.
Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Coagulase Positive Staphylococcal infection in Dairy Buffaloe

For isolation and identification of the antibiotic resistance profile of Staphylococcal infection derived from buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk, a total of 100 milk samples have been collected from different villages in Qena governorate, Egypt, these animals were owned by small scale breeding farmers. S. aureus formed 23%, 58% other Staphylococci and other pathogens contained19% of the total number of samples. The S. aureus isolates have been tested for antibiotic susceptibility against 14 different widely used antibiotics, all S. aureus strains were resistant to Nalidixic acid by 100% and the lower percentage of resistance was to Ampicillin by 4.8%. The Multiple antibiotic resistances have been calculated for all S. aureus strains, the highest value was 1 and the least one was 0.143. The Buffaloe is considered one of the most important dairy animals in Egypt especially in the small scale breeding and the presence of S. aureus and other Staphylococci causing a great risk on the productive level of these animals due to mastitis as well as for the human beings, from here comes the importance of the detection of the antibiotic resistance profile.
Infection by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in the yellow belly frog (Elachistocleis bicolor) from Argentina

Infection by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis was detected in a dead adult of the yellow belly frog (Elachistocleis bicolor) in Misiones province, Argentina. The analysis of the skin through standard histological procedures revealed the presence of chytrid sporangia in different stages. This is the first report of B. dendrobatidis occurring in hot and humid lowlands in northeastern Argentinian Atlantic forest, and the first case of infection for the frog genus Elachistocleis. The importance of this finding is discussed in light of the particular conservation importance of the eco-region involved, and the coinciding emergence of locally introduced American bullfrogs.