Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative T1ρ and Magnetization Transfer Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Acute Cerebral Ischemia in the Rat

It has been previously shown that T1 in the rotating frame (T1ρ) is a very sensitive and early marker of cerebral ischemia and that, interestingly, it can provide prognostic information about the degree of subsequent neuronal damage. In the present study the authors have quantified T1ρ together with the rate and other variables of magnetization transfer (MT) associated with spin interactions between the bulk and semisolid macromolecular pools by means of Z spectroscopy, to examine the possible overlap of mechanisms affecting these magnetic resonance imaging contrasts. Substantial prolongation of cerebral T1ρ was observed minutes after induction of ischemia, this change progressing in a time-dependent manner. Difference Z spectra (contralateral nonischemic minus ischemic brain tissue) showed a significant positive reminder in the time points from 0.5 to 3 hours after induction of ischemia, the polarity of this change reversing by 24 hours. Detailed analysis of the MT variables showed that the initial Z spectral changes were due to concerted increase in the maximal MT (+3%) and amount of MT (+4%). Interestingly, the MT rates derived either from the entire frequency range of Z spectra or the time constant for the first-order forward exchange (ksat) were unchanged at this time, these variables reducing only one day after induction of ischemia. The authors conclude that T1ρ changes in the acute phase of ischemia coincide with both elevated maximal MT and amount of MT. These changes occur independent of the overall MT rate and in the absence of net water gain to the tissue, whereas in the consolidating infarction the decrease in the rate and amount of MT, as well as the extensive prolongation of T1ρ, are associated with water accumulation.
Acrylamide Neuropathy – I. Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Nerve Cell Damage in Rat Cerebellum

Based on evidence from morphometric studies of PNS, we suggested that acrylamide (ACR)-induced distal axon degeneration was a secondary effect related to duration of exposure (Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 151 [1998] 211). To test this hypothesis in CNS, the cupric-silver stain method of de Olmos was used to define spatiotemporal characteristics of nerve somal, dendritic, axonal and terminal degeneration in rat cerebellum. Rats were exposed to ACR at either 50 mg/kg per day (i.p.) or 21 mg/kg per day (p.o.) and at selected times (i.p. = 5, 8 and 11 days; p.o. = 7, 14, 21, 28 and 38 days) brains were removed and processed for silver staining. Results demonstrate that intoxication at the higher ACR dose-rate produced early (day 5) and progressive degeneration of Purkinje cell dendrites in cerebellar cortex. Nerve terminal degeneration occurred concurrently with somatodendritic argyrophilia in cerebellar and brainstent nuclei that receive afferent input from Purkinje neurons. Relatively delayed (day 8), abundant axon degeneration was present in cerebellar white matter but not in cortical layers or in tracts carrying afferent fibers (cerebellar peduncles) from other brain nuclei. Axon argyrophilia coincided with the appearance of perikaryal degeneration, which was selective for Purkinje cells since silver impregnation of other cerebellar neurons was not evident in the different cortical layers or cerebellar nuclei. Intoxication at the lower ACR dose-rate produced simultaneous (day 14) dendrite, axon and nerve terminal argyrophilia and no somatic Purkinje cell degeneration. The spatiotemporal pattern of dendrite, axon and nerve terminal loss induced by both ACR dose-rates is consistent with Purkinje cell injury. Injured neurons are likely to be incapable of maintaining, distal processes and, therefore, axon degeneration in the cerebellum is a component of a “dying-back” process of neuronal injury. Because cerebellar coordination of somatomotor activity is mediated solely through efferent projections of the Purkinje cell, injury to this neuron might contribute significantly to gait abnormalities that characterize ACR neurotoxicity.
A Model For Predicting Common Cocklebur (Xanthium Strumarium) Emergence in Soybean

Abstract The objective of this research was to develop a model to predict common cocklebur seedling emergence in spring tillage and no-spring-tillage systems in the presence and absence of a soybean canopy. A Weibull function was used to accumulate heat units (i.e., growing degree days) at a 2.5 cm soil depth on days when mean soil temperature, soil water potential, and soil thermal fluctuation were above established thresholds. The base temperature, soil water potential, and soil thermal fluctuation thresholds used for model development were 17 C, −100 kPa, and 7.5 C, respectively. A single function adequately described common cocklebur seedling emergence in the presence and absence of drill-seeded soybean from data combined over an artificial (2004) and natural seedbank (2005) (R2 = 0.986). Model parameterization differed between the artificial and natural seedbank in the absence of spring tillage, but emergence was adequately described, regardless of soybean presence. Separate parameter estimates for the artificial and natural seedbanks were needed to adequately describe emergence in the system without spring tillage (R2 = 0.975 to 0.984). The ability of the model to account for reduced emergence when soil moisture is limited or when daily thermal fluctuation requirements are not met could assist practitioners with assessments associated with field scouting for weeds as well as other management decisions. Nomenclature: Common cocklebur, Xanthium strumarium L. XANST, soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr
Testing the Ecological and Physiological Factors Influencing Reproductive Success in Mosses

Sexual reproduction in mosses requires that sperm be released freely into the environment before finding and fertilizing a receptive female. After release from the male plant, moss sperm may experience a range of abiotic stresses; however, little data are available examining stress tolerance of moss sperm and whether there is genetic variation for stress tolerance in this important life stage. Here, we investigated the effects of environmental desiccation and recovery on the sperm cells of three moss species (Bryum argenteum, Campylopus introflexus, and Ceratodon purpureus). We found that a fraction of sperm cells were tolerant to environmental desiccation for extended periods (days) and that tolerance did not vary among species. We found that this tolerance occurs irrespective of ambient dehydration conditions, and that the addition of sucrose during dry-down improved cell recovery. Although we observed no interspecific variation, significant variation among individuals within species in sperm cell tolerance to environmental desiccation was observed, suggesting selection could potentially act on this basic reproductive trait. The observation of desiccation tolerant sperm in multiple moss species has important implications for understanding bryophyte reproduction, suggesting the presence of a
The Effect of the School Principal in Creating an Inclusive School Culture during Times of Change and Challenge.

the different ways This study expands our understanding of how principals negotiate the political dynamics within their schools, and vary leadership styles to encourage and sustain an inclusive school culture. The study pointed to the importance of building strong and positive relationships within the school community, because that informed the work of the selected principals. The principals recognized the need to nurture people, to inspire people, to pay attention to people’s concerns, and to build relationships of open-mindedness and care.
A multivariate model to relate hydrological, chemical and biological parameters to salmonid biomass in Italian Alpine rivers

A multivariate statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationships between a series of river habitat parameters and the variation in salmonid biomass in 13 stations in Italian Alpine salmonid rivers. Various river data were collected and principal component analysis was used to identify the relevant parameters. The best regression model was calculated using two statistics: Mallows’Cp and R2 adjusted for degrees of freedom. The best model only uses six parameters and explained 89% of variation in fish biomass. Various statistical indices were calculated to evaluate model quality and robustness. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine how the model slope would change due to independent measurement errors in the parameters. These effects were mostly negligible. This demonstrated that it is possible to simplify habitat quality evaluation using a subset of environmental parameters which should be useful for river management.
Foliage area-sapwood area relationships of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees in different climates

Foliage mass and wood cross-sectional area were measured at different points of branches and stems within the living crown of Scots pine (Pinussylvestris L.) trees from sample plots, representing wide geographical variation. The measurements were taken during the period of annual minimum foliage mass. The needle mass: branch cross-sectional area ratio, measured below the lowest living whorl of sub-branches, differed among measured points and was normally lower for the uppermost branches, but also decreased in the lower canopy. The decrease at the lower canopy was hypothesized to reflect an excess water transport capacity resulting from the senesced needles. The lower ratio in the uppermost branches might be explained by M.H. Zimmermann's hypothesis that the water supply of foliage close to the stem is preferred. A similar trend in the branch area: stem area ratio was observed along the stem. There seemed to be strong geographic variation in the ratio between the total cross-sectional area of branches of t.
Nitrogen Metabolism in the Height Forms of Spartina Alterniflora in North Carolina

Selected aspects of the nitrogen nutrition of salt marsh cordgrass, Spartina alterni- flora, were investigated in Oak Island Marsh, North Carolina, USA. Nitrate was of minor importance as a nitrogen source for Spartina in this marsh as indicated by low soil interstitial water nitrate concentrations and low plant tissue nitrate concentrations and nitrate reductase activities. However, Spartina did have the capability of assimilating nitrate nitrogen when available. Interstitial water and plant tissue ammonium concentrations were 1-2 orders of magnitude > that for nitrate which strongly indicated that ammonium was the dominant inorganic nitrogen source. Leaf and root nitrogen con- stituents (total nitrogen, soluble nitrogen, ammonium, and nitrate) and nitrogen metabolism measured via glutamate dehydrogenase activity indicated that the nitrogen status of the short height form of Spartina was deficient relative to that of the tall form.
Responses of Contemporary and Historical Waterhemp (Amaranthus Tuberculatus) Accessions to Glyphosate

Abstract Anecdotal reports suggest waterhemp is becoming more difficult to control with glyphosate. Waterhemp accessions collected primarily in Illinois before 1996, in 1998 to 1999, and in 2003, were evaluated for differential responses to glyphosate treatment. The pre-1996 group consisted of 10 accessions, whereas the 1998 to 1999 and 2003 groups consisted of 45 accessions each. Plants 10 to 12 cm in height from each waterhemp accession were treated with 0 or 220 g ae ha−1 glyphosate. Although shoot dry biomass 14 d after treatment, expressed as a percentage of the untreated, varied within and among accessions, the mean responses of the three groups were similar. However, when glyphosate responses were divided into 10 arbitrary classes (0 to 10, 11 to 20, …, and 81 to 90; > 91% of untreated), the number of plants within each class differed among groups. Most notably, the proportion of plants in the range of 0 to 30% of the untreated control decreased with time when progressing from the pre-1996 to the 2003 accessions. The relative frequency of waterhemp plants that were ≥ 100% of the untreated plants (i.e., uninjured by glyphosate) in the pre-1996, 1998 to 1999, and 2003 groups were 5, 6, and 5%, respectively. In a separate trial, waterhemp populations that exhibited the least sensitivity to glyphosate at 220 g ha−1 were controlled by 870 g ha−1 glyphosate. These results suggest that waterhemp, as a whole, within Illinois has not become less sensitive to glyphosate over the past few years. However, the proportion of plants that are most sensitive to glyphosate may be decreasing within populations. Nomenclature: Glyphosate, common waterhemp, Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer var. rudis (Sauer) Costea & Tardif AMATA, tall waterhemp, Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer var. tuberculatus (Sauer) Costea & Tardif AMATU
Indigenous Yeasts Associated with Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) Grapes and Musts

Indigenous yeast flora of intact Vitis rotundifolia grape berries and corresponding musts, representing four eastern North Carolina vineyards, were qualitatively surveyed. Grape samples were obtained from two commercial and two North Carolina State Agricultural Research Service vineyards. Total microbial populations on whole berries were estimated at 10 4 CFU/cm 2 of berry surface area. Yeasts represented approximately 60% of the total populations. Eighty-two yeast isolates representing 12 species were recovered from all treatments. Nine yeast species were isolated from whole berries, including Candida spp. , Hanseniaspora osmophilia, Pichia membranaefaciens, Rhodotorula spp. , and Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Examination of musts and carbonic maceration of intact grapes yielded numerous isolates of H. osmophilia, P. membranaefaciens , and S. cerevisiae .
DNA glycosylases as modulators of chemotherapeutic response

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Median survival is less than two years due to several factors, including challenges in surgical removal and chemotherapy resistance, underlining the need for more effective therapeutic options. To identify genes that contribute to chemotherapy resistance, we conducted a synthetic lethal screen in a chemotherapy-resistant GBM derived cell line (T98G) with the clinical alkylator temozolomide (TMZ) and an siRNA library tailored towards “druggable” targets. This screen for TMZ-sensitizing genes indicated that a subset of genes that were over-expressed in GBM cells increased the cell’s sensitivity to TMZ when knocked down. An ubiquitin ligase, UBE3B, and a DNA glycosylase, UNG, were among the TMZ-sensitizing genes identified using the siRNA library. We demonstrate that UBE3B and UNG are sensitizing genes in the screen validation studies using unique siRNA and shRNA sequences. Although UNG is one of four human DNA glycosylases that remove uracil lesions, UNG was the only uracil removing glycosylase to sensitize GBM cells in the validation studies. Notably, analysis of archived transcription datasets revealed that over-expression of UNG was correlated with poor outcomes in glioma patients. In order to uncover functional groupings of TMZ-sensitizing proteins, we conducted in situ pathway analysis of gene candidates for synthetic lethal functions from our screen. This analysis discovered statistically significant enrichment of ontogeny clusters related to base excision repair (BER), response to DNA damage, cellular proliferation and protein modification. Interestingly, this pathway topography overlapped with TMZ-sensitizing genes identified from similar experiments in yeast and bacteria. In order to facilitate rapid in vitro identification of lesion-specific repair activity in cancer cells, we developed a novel fluorescent assay that extends the state of the art. The molecular beacon assay measures real-time DNA repair rates of specific DNA lesions by defined DNA repair proteins. These studies reveal that GBM up-regulates several TMZ-sensitizing genes that correlate with poor patient survival and inhibiting these genes may increase TMZ cytotoxicity in a tumor specific manner. These TMZ-sensitizing genes are not only potential targets for adjuvant therapy, but also represent potential biomarkers to predict TMZ response.
Effects of different organic carbon sources on a freshwater plankton community

We examined effects of terrestrial and aquatic detritus on optical, chemical, and biological properties of a planktonic food web in mesotrophic Calder Lake, New York. The 5400-L mesocosms received detritus from terrestrial leaves or aquatic macrophytes (added 1-2 mg dissolved organic C/L). Terrestrial detritus had significant effects on UV-B absorbance (OD250 twofold greater), but humic substances (OD440) remained low. Both C sources resulted in 40% declines in oxygen saturation and two- to threefold increases in dissolved inorganic and total P but no effects on NH4+ or NO3-. Bacterial growth was stimulated by 20% in systems receiving macrophyte C but declined by 50% in systems with terrestrial C. Initially, controls had >60% greater chlorophyll a concentrations than C-amended systems, but mesocosms with macrophyte C exhibited the greatest chlorophyll a concentrations after day 10. Autotrophic nanoflagellates <20 µm (Chrysochromulina parva, Ochromonas) increased in controls but were inhibited in C-amended.
BROILER CHARACTERISTICS OF JAPANESE QUAILS (COTURNIX COTURNIX JAPONICA) AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DIET SUBSTITUTION WITH AZOLLA PINNATA

The shrinking resources of world grain production and its escalating cost has triggered search for cheap unconventional feeds for poultry production. The present study aims to explore Azolla pinnata, a water fern, abundantly available in stagnant water in tropic and sub-tropic regions in world, but has been sparsely studied, as a potential feed resource in quails. This experiment was conducted for six weeks (42 days) on 192 day-old Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) randomly allotted to four treatments, with different levels of Azolla pinnata (A) in the diet, viz., T 1 (0% A), T 2 (2.5% A), T 3 (5% A), and T 4 (7.5% A) with four replicates of twelve chicks in each group to evaluate its effect on important broiler characteristics like growth, feed utilization, and cost efficiency. The chicks were fed on isonitrogenous and isocaloric starter-cum-grower rations with 26% crude protein (CP) and 2700 Kcal/kg metabolic energy (ME). The study revealed that the broiler characteristics of T 3 chicks (5% A) with respect to body weight (g) at 6 th week (169.81 ± 2.27), cumulative gain in body weight (g) in 6 weeks (162.40 ± 2.05), cumulative feed conversion efficiency (g) in 6 weeks (4.58 ± 0.05) were significantly (P0.05) superior to T 4 (7.5% A), but did not differ (P0.05) from T 1 (control) and T 2 (0.25% A) chicks, and was more economical owing to less expenditure on feed per chick ( 8.13) than T 1 ( 8.27), T 2 ( 8.18), and T 4 ( 8.16) chicks in six weeks, resulting in higher savings (1.69%) over the control (T 1 ), compared to T 2 (1.08%) and T 4 (1.33%) chicks. The livability in Azolla fed groups (T 2 , T 3 , T 4 ) was very high (99.3%) indicating the potential of Azolla pinnata as a cheap, safe and high density nutrient-rich feed resource for quails. The displacement level of 5% Azolla in diet was considered optimum in quails, as there was depression in broiler characteristics beyond this level.
THE USE OF RADIOACTIVE LABELLING TO DEMONSTRATE THE PRODUCTION OF DIMETHYL SULPHIDE FROM DIMETHYL SULPHOXIDE DURING FERMENTATION OF WORT

During fermentation, yeast reduced [14C] dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) to yield radioactive dimethyl sulphide (DMS) even under conditions in which no net formation of DMS could be demonstrated by GLC analysis. It was confirmed that most DMS is produced during fermentation of lager worts at 8°C.
Regulation of the kinase MARK from Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769): activation by MARKK and inhibition by PAK5

MARK/Par1, a kinase involved in establishing cell polarity, phosphorylates microtubule-associated protein (tau/MAP2/MAP4) at KXGS motifs, and causes their detachment from microtubules. This leads to the destabilization of the microtubules, the tracks of axonal transport. The phosphorylation of the target sites on tau by MARK occurs at an early stage of Alzheimer neurodegeneration. This study addresses the regulation of MARK. It is activated by phosphorylation of an upstream kinase MARKK. It is inhibited by binding of PAK5, a kinase which normally regulates the actin cytoskeleton. The upstream kinase, MARKK, is a member of the Ste20 kinase family. It phosphorylates MARK within the activation loop (T208 in MARK2). In cells the activity of MARKK enhances the dynamics of the microtubule network through the activation of MARK and leads to the phosphorylation and detachment of tau or equivalent MAPs from microtubules. Overexpression of MARKK eventually leads to microtubule breakdown and cell death, but in neuronal cells the primary effect of endogenous MARKK is to allow the development of neurites during differentiation. A brain specific kinase PAK5, a member of the p21-activated kinase family, is found to inhibit MARK activity by direct binding, not by phosphorylation. The binding occurs through the catalytic domains of the two kinases. In cells this leads to the protection of the microtubule network. However, PAK5 itself destabilizes the F-actin network so that stress fibers and focal adhesions disappear and cells develop filopodia. In transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells both PAK5 and MARK show a vesicular distribution. Vesicles of inactive PAK5 are also transported to the microtubule organizing center. Yeast two hybrid data also reveal the interaction between PAK5 and MARKK. This interaction occurs through the binding of the non-catalytic domains of the two kinases. In CHO cells overexpression of PAK5 inhibits the destructive effect of MARKK on the microtubule network.
Modulation of Aplysia Californica Siphon Sensory Neurons by Conopressin G

Summary Conopressin G, a molluscan vasopressin-like peptide, when superfused over the abdominal ganglion suppressed gill withdrawal reflex behavior patterns. The effects of conopressin G on Aplysia californica central sensory neurons and on the sensory neuron to motor neuron synapse were inconsistent with its behavioral effects. That is, superfusion of the peptide facilitated synaptic transmission at this synapse and reversed low-frequency homosynaptic depression. Further, conopressin G potentiated frequency-dependent spike broadening, reduced spike threshold and reduced accommodation. A voltage-dependent outward K + current was suppressed by the peptide. This current was also suppressed by Co 2+ and Ba 2+ and was relatively resistant to tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine. The effects produced by conopressin G on the sensory neurons were not observed when Ca 2+ was removed from the saline, when a low-Ca 2+ , high-Mg 2+ saline was used or when other procedures that impair synaptic transmission were used. These results suggest that the effects of conopressin G were mediated by a polysynaptic pathway acting on the sensory neurons.