Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effect of Melissa officinalis in an amyloid-β rat model of Alzheimer’s disease

Introduction: Medicinal herbs have several components with different pharmacological effects. It has been described that Melissa officinalis is able to improve memory in different models of learning. Nevertheless, its influence has not been studied in animal models of AD. Here, we studied the potential therapeutic effect of M. officinalis in intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) amyloid-β (Aβ) model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Male Wistar rats weighing 260-330 g received the hydro-alcoholic extract of M. officinalis (50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg; P.O), chronically for 30 consecutive days. The control group received solvent of the drug. Memory retrieval was assessed, using the passive avoidance task. Three groups of the rats received Aβ (1-42; 10 μg/rat bilaterally; i.c.v). One group received DMSO 1% (2 μL/rat; i.c.v). Twenty days later memory retrieval was assessed. The Aβ-treated rats, received M. officinalis (50, 100 mg/kg; P.O) or saline (1 mL/kg; P.O), chronically for 30 consecutive days. The DMSO 1%-treated rats received saline (1 mL/kg; P.O). Results: The hydro-alcoholic extract of M. officinalis (50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg; P.O) did not have a significant effect on step-through latency (STL). Aβ impaired memory retrieval by decreasing STL and increasing the time spent in the dark compartment (TDC). M. officinalis (50, 100 mg/kg; P.O) improved memory retrieval in AD rats by increasing STL and decreasing TDC, significantly.Conclusion: The outcomes of the study show that M. officinalis has a therapeutic effect in the Aβ model of AD. It seems that the extracts of M. officinalis can be suggested as a powerful therapeutic herb for AD patients.
SYSTEMATICS OF THE ACALYPHA CALIFORNICA COMPLEX (EUPHORBIACEAE)

The Acalypha californica complex (Euphorbiaceae) of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico has been treated as up to three species, A. californica Benth. , A. pringlei S. Watson, and A. stokesiae Pax & K. Hoffm. Most recent authors, however, have recognized only two or one species, without offering supporting evidence. Study of herbarium specimens and population samples from throughout the range of the complex shows that most characters used to segregate the species cannot be used taxonomically because they vary either within individuals or within populations with no geographic pattern. In contrast, the frequency of plants with two distinct lengths of eglandular stem trichomes varies clinally. A different and weaker cline is followed by the number of teeth on the bracts subtending the carpellate flowers. Though in both clines the geographic extremes are different, no gaps in the clines are statistically recognizable. Only a single variable species, A. californica, should be recognized.
Sea lettuce systematics: lumping or splitting?

Phylogenetic relationships within sea lettuce species belonging to the genus Ulva is a daunting challenge given the scarcity of diagnostic morphological features and the pervasive phenotypic plasticity. With more than 100 species described on a morphological basis, an accurate evaluation of its diversity is still missing. Here we analysed 277 chloroplast-encoded gene sequences (43 from this study), representing 35 nominal species of Ulva from the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Atlantic (with a particular emphasis on the Brazilian coast) in an attempt to solve the complex phylogenetic relationships within this widespread genus. Maximum likelihood, Bayesian analyses and species delimitation tests support the existence of 22 evolutionary significant units (ESUs), lumping the currently recognized number of species. All individuals sampled throughout an extensive area of the Brazilian coast were included within two distinct ESUs. Most of the clades retrieved in the phylogenetic analyses do not correspond to a single nominal species. Geographic range evolution indicated that the ancestor of Ulva had a distribution restricted to the temperate North Pacific. The dating analysis estimated its origin during the Upper Cretaceous at 75.8 million years (myr) ago but most of the cladogenetic events within the genus occurred in the last ten myr. Pervasive human-mediated gene flow through ballast water and widespread morphologic plasticity are the most likely explanations for the difficulty in establishing a reliable phylogenetic framework for this conspicuous, widespred and many times abundant green algae morphotype.
Within-ring variability of wood structure and its relationship to drought sensitivity in Norway spruce trunks

Relationships between hydraulic vulnerability expressed as P50 (the air pressure causing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity) and within-ring differences in wood density (WD) and anatomical features were investigated with the aim to find efficient proxies for P50 relating to functional aspects. WD and tracheid dimensions were measured with SilviScan on Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst. ) trunk wood.P50 was strongly related to mean WD (r = -0.64) and conduit wall reinforcement ((t/b)2), the square of the ratio between the tracheid double wall thickness (t) and the lumen width (b), where use of tangential lumen width ((t/bt)2) gave better results (r = -0.54) than radial lumen width (r = -0.31). The correlations of P50 with earlywood (EW), transition wood (TW) and latewood (LW) traits were lower than with the specimen averages, both for WD (r = -0.60 for WDEW, r = -0.56 for WDTW, r = -0.23 for WDLW) and all anatomical traits. The loss of hydraulic conductivity was addressed as a dynamic process and was simulated by defining consecutive phases of 5% theoretical conductivity loss. WD and tracheid traits were calculated and correlated with P50 values of each specimen. Tightest correlations were found for (t/bt)2, at relative cumulated theoretical conductivities until 45 to 50% (r = -0.75). We conclude that WD is one of the best available proxies for P50, but does not necessarily reflect the mechanism behind resistance to cavitation. The new trait, based on estimation of conductivity loss as a dynamic process, provided even stronger correlations.
iScore: a novel graph kernel-based function for scoring protein–protein docking models

Protein complexes play a central role in many aspects of biological function. Knowledge of the three-dimensional (3D) structures of protein complexes is critical for gaining insights into the structural basis of interactions and their roles in the biomolecular pathways that orchestrate key cellular processes. Because of the expense and effort associated with experimental determination of 3D structures of protein complexes, computational docking has evolved as a valuable tool to predict the 3D structures of biomolecular complexes. Despite recent progress, reliably distinguishing near-native docking conformations from a large number of candidate conformations, the so-called scoring problem, remains a major challenge. Here we present iScore, a novel approach to scoring docked conformations that combines HADDOCK energy terms with a score obtained using a graph representation of the protein-protein interfaces and a measure of evolutionary conservation. It achieves a scoring performance competitive with, or superior to that of the state-of-the-art scoring functions on independent data sets consisting docking software-specific data sets and the CAPRI score set built from a wide variety of docking approaches. iScore ranks among the top scoring approaches on the CAPRI score set (13 targets) when compared with the 37 scoring groups in CAPRI. The results demonstrate the utility of combining evolutionary and topological, and physicochemical information for scoring docked conformations. This work represents the first successful demonstration of graph kernel to protein interfaces for effective discrimination of near-native and non-native conformations of protein complexes. It paves the way for the further development of computational methods for predicting the structure of protein complexes.
Isolation and sequence analysis of reassortant low pathogenic avian influenza virus H4N6 from duck and chicken in live bird markets from Pakistan.

Received: Revised: Accepted: Online available: March 21, 2015 January 08, 2016 February 07, 2016 June 29, 2016 The Live bird Markets (LBM) can serve as a paramount source of AIV infections. During routine Avian Influenza surveillance in Pakistan, low-pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H4N6 was isolated first time from Khaki Campbell duck (Anas platyrhynchos) during 2010 and from broiler chicken during 2011 in the live bird markets (LBMs) from the port city of Karachi in Sindh province. Whole genome sequencing revealed introduction of a new reassortant Eurasian avian virus strain. Phylogenetically HA, NA, M, NP and PB2 genes clustered mostly with Russian strains of influenza viruses and PA gene with AI isolates from Netherlands, whereas NS and PB1 genes clustered with a Pakistani isolate of H3N1. Sequence analysis revealed a LP amino acid motif (PEKASR), avian-like receptors, conservation of amino acids at the receptor binding sites and the amino acids known to be associated with sensitivities to antiviral drugs, loss of glycosylation site in NA gene and attainment of unique PDZ domain motif (ESEI) at the C terminal of NS gene. The seroconversion against H4N6 subtype was observed mostly in the bird populations of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa provinces. The isolation divulged the role of LBM where mingling of different bird species provides an excellent environment for dissemination and potential reassortment of AIV. Moreover, various point mutations in these H4N6 isolates and close relationship with Pakistani H3N1 and other Eurasian strains also reflect prevailing diversity among AIVs circulating in the local LBMs. ©2016 PVJ. All rights reserved
Acoustic profiling of Orthoptera: present state and future needs

Bioacoustic monitoring and classification of animal communication signals has developed into a powerful tool for measuring and monitoring species diversity within complex communities and habitats. The high number of stridulating species among Orthoptera allows their detection and classification in a non-invasive and economic way, particularly in habitats where visual observations are difficult or even impossible, such as tropical rainforests. Major sound archives were queried for Orthoptera songs, with special emphasis on usability as reference training libraries for computer algorithms. Orthoptera songs are highly stereotyped, reliable taxonomic features. However, exploitation of songs for acoustic profiling is limited by the small number of reference recordings: existing song libraries represent only about 1000 species, mainly from Europe and North America, covering less than 10% of extant stridulating Orthoptera species. Available databases are fragmented and lack tools for song annotation and efficient feature-based searching. Results from recent bioacoustic surveys illustrate the potential of the method, but also the challenges and bottlenecks impeding further progress. A major problem is time-consuming data analysis of recordings. Computer-aided identification software exists for classification and identification of cricket and grasshopper songs, but these tools are still far from practical for field application.A framework for acoustic profiling of Orthoptera should consist of the following components: (1) Protocols for standardized acoustic sampling, at species and community levels, using acoustic data loggers for autonomous long-term recordings; (2) Open access to and efficient management of song data and voucher specimens, involving the Orthoptera Species File (OSF) and Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF); (3) An infrastructure for automatized analysis and song classification; and (4) Complementation and improvement of Orthoptera sound libraries using OSF as the taxonomic backbone and repository for representative song recordings. Taxonomists should be encouraged, or even obliged, to deposit original recordings, particularly if they form part of species descriptions or revisions.
Multiple Human Tracking with Alternately Updating Trajectories and Multi-Frame Action Features

In this paper, we propose a multiple human tracking method with alternately updating trajectories and multi-frame action features (MHT-MAF). Even though occlusion or motion blur occurs due to the sudden movement of the drone, ID switches are prevented by the stable MAF. In the experiments, we veriﬁed the eﬀectiveness of the proposed method using the Okutama-Action dataset. Our code is available online ( https://github.com/hitottiez/mht-paf ).
Literature Data Mining and Enrichment Analysis on Top 235 Genes for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Background:Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder of the neuro-developmental type, marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity, which interferes with functioning or development. The disorder affects approximately 5-7 % children and 2-5 % of adults worldwide. Numerous studies have indicated that genetic factors predominate the causes for ADHD. Nevertheless, no systematic study has summarized these findings and provided an objective and complete list of genes with a reported association to ADHD. Methods:Literature and enrichment metrics analyses were used to discover genes of specific significance associated with ADHD. We conducted a literature data mining (LDM) of over 2,410 articles covering publications from Jan. 1988 to Apr. 2016, where 235 genes were reported to be associated with the disease. Then we performed a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and a sub-network enrichment analysis (SNEA) to study the functional profile and pathogenic significance of these genes associated with ADHD. Lastly, we performed a network connectivity analysis (NCA) to study the associations between the reported genes. Results:181/235 genes enriched 100 pathways (p<1.1e-007), demonstrating multiple associations with ADHD. Twelve genes were discovered to be associated with ADHD, in terms of both functional diversity and replication frequency, including SLC6A3, DRD4, BDNF, DRD2, HTR2A, DBH, HTR1B, DRD5, GRM7, DRD3, TH and GRIN2A. In addition, one novel gene, SHANK2, was suggested worthy of further study. Moreover, SNEA and NCA results indicated that many of these genes form a functional network, playing roles in the pathogenesis of other ADHD related disorders. Conclusion:Our results suggest that the genetic causes of ADHD are linked to a genetic and functional network composed of a large group of genes. The gene lists, together with the literature and enrichment metrics provided in this study, could serve as groundwork for further biological/genetic studies in the field
Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies for Yield and Yield Contributing Characters in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed crop of tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is the World’s thirteenth most important food crop, the fourth most important source of edible oil and the third most important source of vegetable protein (Encyclopedia of Agricultural Science 1994). It is a primary source of edible oil and has high oil content (44 -50 per cent) and protein content (25 per cent). Groundnut oil contains 46 and 32 percent of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), respectively. India is the largest grower and second producer after China, the average area (4.19 million ha), production (5.62 million ton.) and productivity (1341 kg/ha) (Annual Reports of Groundnut Research Institute, Junagarh 2011-12). Variability in genotypes for yield and contributing traits form the basic factor while making selection. The presence and magnitude of genetic variability in a gene pool is the prerequisite of breeding programmes (Tiwari et al., 2011). Heritability of a trait is important in determining its response to selection. It was found out earlier that genetic improvement of plants for quantitative traits requires reliable estimate of heritability in order to plan an efficient breeding programme. Selection of International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 08 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Melatonin supplementation ameliorates oxidative stress, antioxidant status and physical performances recovery during a soccer training camp

ABSTRACT It is well established that intensive physical training induces oxidative stress and muscle damage that can contribute to fatigue and injuries. Melatonin (MEL) has been used as an ergogenic aid (i.e. antioxidant, chronobiotic, and anti-inflammatory) which could help athletes during an intensive training period. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of MEL supplementation on the recovery of physical performance, muscle pain and biochemical responses after an intensive training camp (TC). Twenty soccer players, volunteered to participate in this study, performed a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test before and after an intensive six-days TC with a daily ingestion of MEL or placebo. Resting and post RSA test blood samples were taken before and after the TC. MEL intake decreased resting oxidative stress marker (i.e. MDA) (p < 0.05), and biomarkers of muscle damage (i.e. CK, LDH) (p < 0.05). It increased the activity of the main antioxidant enzyme (i.e. SOD) (p < 0.05). MEL also helped to reduce the drop in performance observed after the TC (p < 0.05) and decreased muscle pain (p < 0.05). In conclusion, MEL supplementation during an intensive TC alleviates oxidative stress and muscle damage and improved the recovery of physical performance in soccer players.
Novel Phase-Shift Method for Fast Power Reversal With Transient Zero Voltage Switching in a Bidirectional Dual Active Bridge DC–DC Converter

The transient performance during power reversal in a bidirectional dual active bridge (DAB) dc–dc converter usually suffers from the issues of current deviation, hard switching, and other induced problems. In this article, a novel phase-shift method for fast power reversal in a DAB converter is proposed, which can achieve transient zero voltage switching (ZVS) without dc current bias, and therefore, shows advanced transient performance. The detailed algorithms and the effective phase-shift ranges based on different voltage conversion ratios are elaborated. An error analysis of the performance of dc bias elimination is provided to evaluate probable errors within allowed tolerances. Extensive and comparative experimental results are provided to support the validity of the proposed phase-shift method. It is shown that smooth, fast, and reliable power reversal can be effectively achieved with the novel method, and there is no need to add snubbers into the circuit by virtue of transient ZVS.
Cross-decoding reveals shared brain activity patterns between saccadic eye-movements and semantic processing of implicitly spatial words

Processing words with referents that are typically observed up or down in space (up/down words) influences the subsequent identification of visual targets in congruent locations. Eye-tracking studies have shown that up/down word comprehension shortens launch times of subsequent saccades to congruent locations and modulates concurrent saccade trajectories. This can be explained by a task-dependent interaction of semantic processing and oculomotor programs or by a direct recruitment of direction-specific processes in oculomotor and spatial systems as part of semantic processing. To test the latter possibility, we conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment and used multi-voxel pattern analysis to assess 1) whether the typical location of word referents can be decoded from the fronto-parietal spatial network and 2) whether activity patterns are shared between up/down words and up/down saccadic eye movements. In line with these hypotheses, significant decoding of up vs. down words and cross-decoding between up/down saccades and up/down words were observed in the frontal eye field region in the superior frontal sulcus and the inferior parietal lobule. Beyond these spatial attention areas, typical location of word referents could be decoded from a set of occipital, temporal, and frontal areas, indicating that interactions between high-level regions typically implicated with lexical-semantic processing and spatial/oculomotor regions constitute the neural basis for access to spatial aspects of word meanings.
Aspects physio-pathologiques de la thiamine (vitamine B1) chez les ruminants

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Aspects physio-pathologiques de la thiamine (vitamine B1) chez les ruminants C. Jean-Blain, Laurent Alvès de Oliveira
Polychaete diversity patterns along an environmental gradient in Términos Lagoon, a tropical lagoon-estuarine system in the southern Gulf of Mexico

In this study we analyze the faunal changes along 2 transects (5 stations each) across Terminos Lagoon. We also examined the role of the environmental gradients in controlling the number and composition of the polychaete species, and evaluated the spatial changes of beta-diversity. In total, 299 individuals from 51 species and 24 families were identified. Salinity was the most important factor to define the environmental gradients ( r2 > 0.83), but the variations in the number of species did not follow this spatial trend. The highest species richness was found in the eastern transect (mean: 12 spp./station, 78.0 ind./0.1 m2), while the western transect harbored a less diverse (mean: 6 spp./station) and less abundant fauna (mean: 21.67 ind./0.1 m2). A high similarity value (0.70) was found between the transects, but the distribution of each species was very irregular, which in turn caused a decrease in the similarity among stations at each transect (< 0.54). Except among the middle stations of the western transect, where the nestedness component represented all the beta-diversity value (βnes: 0.80 to 0.88), the species turnover (βsim: 0.38-1.0) was the dominant factor of the total dissimilarity among the polychaetes inhabiting Terminos Lagoon.