Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Cigarette Smoke Deposition Within an In Vitro Exposure System for Simulating Exposure in the Human Respiratory Tract

Summary For the risk assessment of airborne chemicals, a variety of in vitro direct exposure systems have been developed to replicate airborne chemical exposure in vivo. Since cells at the air-liquid interface are exposed to cigarette smoke as an aerosol in direct exposure systems, it is possible to reproduce the situation of cigarette smoke exposure in the human respiratory system using this device. However it is difficult to know whether the exposed cigarette smoke in this system is consistent with the smoke retained in the human respiratory tract. The purpose of this study is to clarify this point using the CULTEX® RFS module which is a recently developed direct exposure system. For this purpose, solanesol and acetaldehyde were respectively chosen as the particulate and gas/vapor phase representatives of smoke constituents, and their deposition and balance per unit area of cell culture surface of the RFS module were measured (dosimetry). We also conducted human retention studies to compare with the dosimetry data. By comparing inhaled smoke and exhaled smoke under three inhalation conditions, we estimated the regional retention and balance of each representative per unit surface area of the respiratory tract (mouth, bronchi, and alveoli separately). The deposition of solanesol and acetaldehyde per unit area of cell culture surface in the RFS module decreased dependent on the dilution flow rate and ranged from 0.26-0.0076%/cm2 in our experimental conditions. The ratio of deposited acetaldehyde to deposited solanesol ranged from 0.96-1.96 in the RFS module. The retention of solanesol and acetaldehyde per unit surface area in the mouth and the bronchi ranged from 0.095-0.0083%/cm2 in this study. The retention per unit surface area of alveoli was far lower than in the other two regions (0.0000063%/cm2). The ratio of retained acetaldehyde to retained solanesol ranged from 0.54-1.97. From these results, we concluded that the CULTEX® RFS module can simulate in vivo cigarette smoke exposure in terms of the exposed particulate and gas/vapor phase chemical balance. We also found that the exposure in this module could replicate the retention in the mouth and the bronchi.
Thyroid hormone induction of rat myocardial Na+-K+-ATPase : α1-, α2-, and β1-mRNA and -protein levels at steady state

In this study, we measured the time courses of change in Na + -K + -ATPase α 1 -, α 2 -, and β 1 -subunit mRNA and protein abundance in cardiac myocytes isolated from euthyroid, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid (hypothyroids injected daily with 1 μg T 3 /g body wt) rats. In hypothyroids,α 1 -, α 2 -, and β 1 ,-protein levels were decreased to 0.55, 0.42 and 0.57 of euthyroids, predicting the decrease in Na + -K + -ATPase activity to 0.53 of control
Complete sequence and characterization of the paradise fish Macropodus erythropterus (Perciformes: Macropodusinae) mitochondrial genome

Abstract Macropodus erythropterus is a small well-known aquarium fish. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences of M. erythropterus were first determined. The mtDNA of M. erythropterus (GenBank accession no. KU215670) was a circular molecule of 16 495 bp in length with two ribosome RNA (rRNA) genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, an L-strand replication origin and a control region (CR). The entire mitogenome nucleotide acid was 15.71% for G, 29.66% for A, 28.37% for T and 26.26% for C with an A + T content of 58.03%. And the A + T contents of 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and CR were 55.63%, 57.66% and 66.79%, respectively. This study provides basic molecular data for studying the conservation biology, phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis of Macropodusinae fishes.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Ruta graveolens and Artemisia judaica Extracts against Intoxication Liver in Rats

One of the most common international public health disease and pharmaceutical field problem is a hepatic disease. Various toxic chemicals are caused Hepatic-cell injury, the carbon tetrachloride (CCl ) is the 4 commonly administered toxic liver injury in animals Lab which caused hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Ruta graveolens and Artemisia judaica aqueous extracts against intoxication liver in rat induced with Ccl . The liver injury was measured by determined 4 the activities of liver enzymes, Lipid profile and histopathological examination before and after treatments. Results show an increase in the levels of liver enzymes including aspartate transaminase (AST, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the lipid profile including total cholesterol (TC, triglycerides (TAG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL). A. judaica aqueous extracts (400 mg/kg) showed a greater reduction in all treatment groups. The results of histopathological examination section in livers were supported the biochemical test result via hepatocytes recovery with inhibition of necrosis and no inflammatory appearance. The treatments with different concentration of Ruta graveolens and Artemisia judaica aqueous extracts were improvement of liver functions and serum biomarkers, add to ameliorated liver injury caused by CCl induced. 4
Role of Professionalism in the Policy Response to COVID-19: Does a Public Health or Medical Background Help?

Less than 5 percent of Chinese cities had top-ranked officials with public health or medical backgrounds (PHMBGs). Does professionalism improve their response to a public crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic? Collecting resumes of government and Party officials in almost all prefectural Chinese cities, and matching with other data sources, including weather conditions, city characteristics, COVID-19-related policies, and health outcomes, we demonstrate that cities 15 whose top officials had PHMBGs witnessed significantly lower infection rates, and often lower death rates, than cities whose top officials lacked such backgrounds. Mechanism testing suggests that the effects were at least partially explained by more rapid lockdown or community closure. Our findings offer insights into better preparation for future epidemics via improving leadership team composition, particularly recruiting major officials with PHMBGs.
Isolation and characterisation of three microsatellite loci from the Chilean scallop Argopecten purpuratus

PCR primers were developed for three microsatellite loci successfully isolated from the Chilean scallop Argopecten purpuratus. One locus was highly variable and therefore suitable for phylogenetic analysis. Heterozygositywas tested in four populations within the natural Chile distribution of the species. This locus will be useful for population genetic analysis if further polymorphic loci are isolated.
DIVERSIDADE GENÉTICA ENTRE GENÓTIPOS DE Bertholletia excelsa POR MEIO DE MARCADORES MOLECULARES ISSR

A castanha-do-brasil pertence a familia Lecythidaceae e e uma especie nativa da Floresta Amazonica com elevado potencial economico. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a diversidade genetica de genotipos de Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl. com ocorrencia natural no norte do estado de Mato Grosso, com marcador molecular ISSR. Para tanto foram caracterizados 37 genotipos provenientes do municipio de Alta Floresta, MT, com oito primers com total de 52 locos amplificados em todos os genotipos, sendo 46 polimorficos. O numero de fragmentos amplificados por primer variou de 5 [Di(AG) 8 C] a 8 [Di(GA) 8 YT] e [Di(CT) 8 RC], com media de 6 fragmentos por primer revelando um percentual medio de 88,6% de polimorfismo. O Conteudo de Informacao Polimorfica (PIC) para cada marcador apresentou variacao de 0,22 [Di(GA) 8 YG] a 0,66 [Di(AG) 8 T], com media de 0,46. O metodo de agrupamento de Tocher e o dendrograma (UPGMA), obtido a partir das 52 bandas ISSR amplificadas, revelaram seis grupos bem definidos, confirmando uma significativa diferenciacao genetica entre os genotipos avaliados. Os individuos mais similares foram 3 e 4. Os individuos 12, 29 e 37 foram os mais divergentes podendo ser usados como genitores para formacao de hibridos em programas de melhoramento da especie. Recomenda-se a conservacao in situ dos genotipos analisados.
Cophecheilus bamen, a new genus and species of labeonine fishes (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from South China

A new garrain genus and species are described from a tributary of the Zuo-River of the Pearl River drainage in Guangxi Province, South China. Cophecheilus, new genus, is separated from all other Asian garrains by its uniquely modified oromandibular morphology; i.e., rostral cap with a shallow, arched, subdistal depression extending almost the full length of its ventral margin; upper lip greatly reduced to a thin membranous fold medially adnate to the upper jaw, but reflected slightly from its distal margin, and laterally produced into a frenum connecting the upper jaw with the lower lip. The new species, Cophecheilus bamen, has an inconspicuous longitudinal black stripe extending along each side of the body.
Growth Performance and Serum Lipids Profile of Clarias gariepinus Catfish Following Experimental Dietary Exposure to Fumonisin B1

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is produced by fungus of the genus Fusarium (Fusarium verticiloides and F. proliferatum), and occurs predominantly in maize. The consumption of feed contaminated with FB1 has been reported to cause deleterious effects in some fish species. This study was designed to determine the effects of dietary FB1 on growth and lipids profile of Clarias gariepinus. 450 juvenile catfish were stocked into 5 groups of tanks consisting of 3 tanks per group and fed one of five diets amended with FB1 (0.0 mg; 10.0 mg; 20.0 mg; 40.0 mg and 80.0 mg FB1/kg) for 56 days. At time point’s day 7, 14, 28 and 56, five fish were sampled from each tank weighted, length measured and bled for of lipids profile determinations. Results show that there was a significant reduction (P 1 compared with those fed control diet; also, there was a significant reduction (P 1 compared with the control. The specific growth rate and the feed conversion ratio at 56 days shows fish fed 0.0 mg FB1/kg had the highest specific growth rate (0.39 ± 0.14%/day) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (0.59 ± 0.01) whereas, fish fed 80.0 mg FB1/kg had the least specific growth rate (0.07% ± 0.01%/day) and the highest feed conversion ratio (1.95 ± 0.11). Dietary FB1 caused significant increases (P 1 at an inclusion rate ≥ 20 mg FB1/kg of diet produced significant reduction in weight gain and hyperlipidemia marked by hypercholesterolemia, increased blood high-density lipid cholesterol, increased blood low-density lipid cholesterol, elevated blood triglycerides and elevated sphinganine-sphingosine ratio.
Fabrication of a 50 MHz annular array transducer for opthtalmology and development of its driving electronics

Modern ophthalmologic transducers consist in one channel pre-focused transducers operating at frequencies ranging from 25 to 50 MHz. This notably reduces the degree of freedom of physicians to accurately observed various regions of the ocular cavity. We develop then an annular array operating at 50 MHz for high resolution dynamic and its driving electronics. At first, we present the technological fabrication of a 6 channel annular array built on a piezopelectric ceramic to address that demand. The devices are batch-processed on a 2 wafer in order to obtain several probes on a single substrate. The rings are connected by means of electroformed pads and each channel is separated using a femto-laser ablation process. This innovative approach allows for an efficient addressing of each channel considering requirements concerning the final packaging of the probe. Several probes have been fabricated and tested. Although this approach is not completely new, we show that very thin kerfs can be achieved, compatible with the fabrication of the whole probe. A dedicated electronics has been developed to control the probes. The basic principle of the electronics consists in using a micro-controler ADuC7026 which mainly sequences the whole system operation. It drives first a Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS AD9954) circuit to create a high frequency clock. An Erasable Programmable Logic Device (EPLD) is then cadenced using this clock to build the transducer driving signal, consisting in a simple period voltage alternation. Once this signal generated, it enters the amplifier stage consisting in generating high voltage signal (80 Vp-p) in order to control each annular ring (6 channels). A switch is used to isolate the emitting and the receiving parts of the system. The devices and the driving electronics have been successfully fabricated and tested. As expected, their operating frequency of the probe is 50 MHz. We have also used a axi-symmetric finite element analysis to simulate the implemented devices and a comparison between the theoretical and experimental admittance measurements are used to optimize the probe shape.
THE EFFECTS OF SOIL TEMPERATURE ON

The effects of soil temperatures between 15 and 30 ? C on plant growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation in seedlings of Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq. inoculated with Frankia from two different sources were examined. The optimum soil temperature for the growth of plants dependent on symbiotic nitrogen fixation was 25 'C. Decreasing the soil temperature below 25 'C markedly decreased plant growth that was reliant on symbiotically fixed nitrogen; effects on the growth of plants supplied with mineral nitrogen were much smaller. At 15 'C there was no response in plant growth to inoculation after 148 d, whereas plants supplied with nitrogenous fertilizer were 10 times the weight of uninoculated plants. Nodulation was delayed at 15 and 20 'C with nodules formed at 15 'C fixing no nitrogen in these studies. The production of fewer nodules at 20 'C than at 25 'C was partly compensated by the production of larger nodules. Nodule growth at 20 to 30 'C was a prime determinant of nitrogen fixed, with the exception of one Frankia at 20 'C. The amount of nitrogen-fixed g-' nodule was the same for the two Frankia sources at 25 and 30 'C, differences in effectiveness being due to nodule development. However, differences in the effectiveness of the two Frankia sources at 20 'C were related to differences both in nodule development and in nitrogen-fixing ability. The absence of nitrogen fixation at 15 'C would be expected to limit the natural distribution of Casuarina species reliant on symbiotically fixed nitrogen to areas where soil temperatures exceed 15 'C for a major part of the potential growing season.
Quantifying seed dispersal by birds and possums in a lowland New Zealand forest

Declines in native birds in New Zealand have raised questions about whether seed dispersal limits plant regeneration and whether introduced mammals such as brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) can replace absent native birds. We determined the relative contribution to seed dispersal by birds and possums in native secondary forest at Kowhai Bush, Kaikoura. The number of seeds dispersed per hectare per day by each animal species was determined based on the number of seeds per faecal pellet, the number of faecal pellets per animal per day, and the density of animals per hectare. Five dispersers had many seeds in their faecal samples: bellbirds (Anthornis melanura, mean 11.5 seeds per sample), silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis, 7.0), song thrushes (Turdus philomelos, 8.3), blackbirds (Turdus merula, 15.1) and possums (8.4). However, possums produced half as many faeces per day as birds and were present at lower densities than birds (1 possum, 3 bellbirds, 2.7 silvereyes, 6.4 song thrushes, and 3.2 blackbirds per ha). Consequently, on a per hectare basis, possums dispersed <3% of the total seeds, much less than bellbirds (22%), silvereyes (12%), song thrushes (33%) and blackbirds (30%). Possums also destroyed approximately 15% of seeds found in faeces, reduced the germination of gutpassed Coprosma robusta seed to half of that from bird faeces, and did not swallow fruit any larger (max 7 mm diameter) than those moved by birds. Consequently, possums provided little benefit from seed dispersal.
USING THERMAL IMAGERY IN THE AERIAL SURVEY OF ANIMALS

We investigated the use of aerial thermal imagery to survey animals in southwest Florida. Thermal signatures, in the 3to 5-micron spectral range, of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were recorded on video tape during flights along transects flown at 180-200 m altitude and at 74-93 km per hour. Our thermal imagery survey counted 42% more deer when compared with standard visual aerial survey methods. Using thermal imagery we successfully located radiocollared panthers (Puma concolor coryi). Previous studies using imagery in the 8to 14-micron spectral range experienced difficulties differentiating objects of small thermal contrast. We found the detectability of thermal contrast (At) between biological objects and their background was sufficient to permit species identification. These findings suggest that the use of 3to 5-micron thermal imagery can be employed successfully to locate and count animals.
Influence of Date Syrup as a Carbon Source on Bacterial Cellulose Production by Acetobacter xylinum 0416

To improve bacterial cellulose (BC) applications, researchers have expanded their efforts with BC productivity and its properties. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the possibility and efficacy of using extracted date syrup as a carbon source for Acetobacter xylinum 0416 in BC production in a static culture. The sugar content of extracted date syrup was identified by HPLC. Different concentrations of dates and different culturing times were tested. The produced BCs were characterized and their respective properties were compared with a BC produced from Hestrin and Schramm (HS) medium. The most effective BC amount was attained with 3% (w/v) date in the medium on day 8. The modified HS medium (DHS) increased production by 68% (P < 0.05). Morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed more disorganized arrangements in BC fiber obtained from DHS medium (BC-DHS) than that from HS medium (BC-HS). Thermogravimetric analysis revealed no significant changes in BC-DHS thermostability compared to BC-HS. However, the crystallinity of BC-DHS improved (P < 0.05). The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the carbonyl group in BC-DHS is more active than that of BC-HS. Furthermore, the properties of BC-DHS showed excellent potential for use in many applications.
BSMI AND TAQI POLYMORPHISMS IN VITAMIN D RECEPTOR GENE OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS FROM NORTH INDIA

ABSTRACT Objective: Polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor (VDR) genes are known to be linked with different metabolic diseases including Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) also. However, the association of these polymorphisms is not much explored for the Indian population. To determine the prevalence of BsmI and TaqI polymorphism in VDR gene of T2DM patients from North India. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 100 well-characterized T2DM patients and 100 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples and using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism based method, the presence of these polymorphisms was investigated in these samples. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software. Results: For TaqI polymorphism, both the wild type (TT) and heterozygous (TC) genotype showed a significant difference between patients and controls (p=0.023 and p<0.001, respectively). Whereas, the frequency of CC genotype was not significantly different among these groups (p=0.506). For BsmI polymorphism also, the frequency of wild type (GG) and heterozygous (GA) genotype was significantly different in patients and controls (p=0.027 and p=0.001), respectively. However, the frequency of AA genotype was not of statistical significance in patients (p=0.071). Conclusions: The mutant alleles of TaqI and BsmI polymorphisms are known to be associated with different metabolic diseases, including diabetes too. In our study also, there is a significant difference between the frequency of wild type and heterozygous genotype for these polymorphisms. This suggests that BsmI and TaqI polymorphisms may be associated with T2DM patients. Keywords : Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Polymorphism, Vitamin D receptor, Patient, Control, Restriction fragment length polymorphism.
Lampocteis cruentiventer gen. nov, sp. nov. : A new mesopelagic lobate ctenophore, representing the type of a new family (class Tentaculata, order Lobata, family Lampoctenidae, fam. nov)

This paper describes a new genus and species of mesopelagic ctenophore in the Order Lobata, Lampocteis cruentiventer, which was first collected in 1979 off southern California and later collected and studied in detail from 1991 to 1999 in Monterey Bay. This ctenophore differs from all previously described lobate ctenophores in two major ways: (1) all of the meridional canals have blind aboral endings, and (2) the body is penetrated by a deep notch located between the adjacent subtentacular comb rows at the level of the infundibulum. Because of these distinctive features, we feel justified in erecting a new family, the Lampoctenidae, for this species. Several other features (the large pigmented stomodaeum, the large diverticulate paragastric canals and the well-developed, strongly iridescent comb plates) distinguish this species. Based on the discovery of L. cruentiventer, we have tentatively revised the diagnoses of the famil ies Bolinopsidae and Eurhamphaeidae to take into account the spatial relationships of the adradial and meridional canals. We provisionally recognize the following families in the Order Lobata as valid: Bathocyroidae, Bolinopsidae, Eurhamphaeidae, Lampoctenidae, Leucotheidae, and Ocyropsidae.
Impact of Vegetative Filter Strips on Herbicide Loss in Runoff from Soybean (Glycine max)

Metolachlor and metribuzin loss in runoff was determined in three soybean tillage systems with and without a 4 by 2 m tall fescue vegetative filter strip. Soil erosion plots were 4 by 22 m with 3% slope. Regression analysis was used to describe herbicide concentration in runoff, and to determine if vegetative filter strips reduced herbicide concentration. Analysis of covariance indicated no difference in concentration of metolachlor or metribuzin in runoff from the three tillage systems within any vegetative filter strip treatment. Metolachlor loss in 1991 was highest from the no-till monocrop without a vegetative filter strip, and it was 65g ha−1 or approximately 2% of the amount applied. In 1992 and 1993, the no-till doublecrop had a total loss of 120 and 147 g ha−1, respectively, approximately 4% of the amount applied. Similar results were noted with metribuzin, but total loss was as high as 46 g ha−1 or 11 % of the amount applied in 1993 from a no-till doublecrop system without a vegetative filter strip. When a vegetative filter strip was present, losses of metribuzin and metolachlor were reduced over 85% in 1993, and totaled 1.2 and 0.5%, respectively, of the amount applied. The vegetative filter strip reduced herbicide and suspended solids from runoff produced by a conventional-till production system to levels equal to or lower than a no-till doublecrop system.