Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL ONCOGENE AND TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR INHIBITORS USING IN-SILICO METHODS

Identification of oncogenes and transcription factors causing Head and Neck Cancer is an important strategy for anticancer therapy. Evolutionary relationship between the members of the two families was established. Inhibitors regulate the digestive and respiratory systems, and hence, the inhibition of oncogenes and transcription factors (protein molecules) has emerged as one of the most promising strategies for the treatment of the disease. Virtual screening was performed to identify new inhibitors. A dataset of 44 potential inhibitors from 32 natural compounds having anti-cancer properties was prepared. Docking studies was carried out on the protein molecules against the inhibitors. A good number of interactions with important residues at the binding sites were found in 21 docking cases, of which, 5 inhibitors were from organic products. Drug-like properties were found for the set of inhibitors from Phytocompounds and a reduced set of ligands were obtained that adhered to the Lipinski’s “Rule of Five”. It was concluded that the ligands: Quinic acid, Ellagic acid, Bilobalide, Lentinan and Glycoprotein, showed activity with the protein molecules and hence, can be used as inhibitors, post successful clinical trials. Further, tunnels and pores were computed in the protein molecules. Their physicochemical properties, i.e., hydropathy, hydrophobicity, polarity, charge, and mutability, which provide useful information about potential biological functions, were predicted.
On “Hyla” Chlorostea Reynolds and Foster, 1992, a Hylid of Uncertain Relationships, with Some Comments on Hyloscirtus (Anura: Hylidae)

Abstract We present morphological evidence that supports the placement of “Hyla” chlorostea Reynolds and Foster, 1992 (previously of uncertain affinities) in the Hyloscirtus armatus group. Also we continue to recognize it as a valid species, pending a revision of populations currently associated with the name Hyloscirtus armatus. Furthermore, we report the presence of a mental gland in adult males of the H. armatus group. Given that the presence of a mental gland is the only putative synapomorphy for the Hyloscirtus bogotensis group, its presence in the H. armatus group raises concerns about the monophyly of the former group.
Scaring seals by sound

In 1974 and 1975 a series of trials were made to investigate the effectiveness of sound as a deterrent to marauding seals at salmon netting stations. A feasibility trial was followed by experimental work on a captive juvenile Common seal. A wide variety of sounds including pure tones, Killer whale calls and recorded loud noises were transmitted and responses were recorded on videotape. While one sound appeared to elicit an alarm reaction, habituation was rapid. Field trials were carried out at netting stations at the mouth of the River Tweed which frequently suffer damage from Grey seals. Although the frequencies used spanned the entire hearing range of seals, no sound was consistently effective in scaring seals from the nets. It is concluded that the prospect of an acoustic deterrent is remote.
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis Using Random Chromosomal Gene Probes for Epidemiological Analysis ofCampylobacter jejuni Infections

ABSTRACT We have evaluated the ability of a new genotyping method forCampylobacter jejuni based on restriction fragment length polymorphisms using random chromosomal gene probes. DNAs from C. jejuni strains digested with each of three restriction enzymes,HhaI, HaeIII, and HpaII, were analyzed by Southern hybridization using each of two unrelated cosmid clones, P14 and P15 (respectively containing 30- and 35-kb genomic DNA fragments of C. jejuni strain OH4384). The method reported provides a stable and discriminating means for identifying C. jejuni strains and should be useful for epidemiological analyses.
Morphometrics and the Identification of Braunia andrieuxii and B. secunda (Hedwigiaceae, Bryopsida)

Abstract Although previous cladistic analyses revealed Braunia secunda and B. andrieuxii as two lineages and valid species, they have been considered synonyms due to morphological similarities and sympatric distribution. This study was undertaken to evaluate which morphological characters best distinguish these two species. A total of 180 specimens of B. andrieuxii and 112 of B. secunda from the U.S. and Mexico were examined for morphometric analyses. Digital images of capsules, leaves, and groups of leaf cells were used to extract 31 linear measurements. Specimens were subdivided into seven geographic groups to compare levels of variation within and between species with univariate and multivariate analyses. Most characters are similar among groups within species, except the length of the revolute leaf margin and apical and upper leaf cells, which are significantly different between species (ANOVA and MRT). Partitioned Canonical Variates Analyses on eight variables of leaf cells and seven variables of vegetative leaves identified significant Mahalanobis distances between the two species. These methods also revealed that the revolute leaf margin and upper leaf cells contribute most to the distinction between species.
Effect of preplanting drought on survival, growth and xylem water potential of actively growing Picea abies container seedlings

The effect of preplanting drying of root plugs on survival, height growth and root egress of actively growing 12-month-old Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst. ] seedlings was examined in dry and wet soil between 5 July and 17 August 2000. In addition, the response of seedling xylem water potential and survival to the decreasing water content of the root plug (v/v) was examined in the greenhouse. Most seedlings were dead when the water content of the root plug decreased to <7% and xylem water potential to <−2.8 MPa. The higher the water content of the root plug at planting, the greater the height growth in both dry and wet soil. However, root growth was promoted by the increase in the water content of the root plug only up to approximately 30%. In wet soil height growth was greater but root growth poorer than in dry soil. All measured variables were strongly affected when the water content of the root plug decreased to <20% at the time of planting.
Hydrophobic α-Helices 1 and 2 of Herpes Simplex Virus gH Interact with Lipids, and Their Mimetic Peptides Enhance Virus Infection and Fusion

ABSTRACT Entry of herpes simplex virus into cells occurs by fusion and requires four glycoproteins. gD serves as the receptor binding glycoprotein. Of the remaining glycoproteins, gH carries structural and functional elements typical of class 1 fusion glycoproteins, in particular α-helix 1 (α-H1), with properties of a candidate fusion peptide, and two heptad repeats. Here, we characterized α-H2 and compared it to α-H1. α-H2 (amino acids 513 to 531) is of lower hydrophobicity than α-H1. Its deletion or mutation decreased virus infection and cell fusion. Its replacement with heterologous fusion peptides did not rescue infection and cell fusion beyond the levels exhibited by the α-H2-deleted gH. This contrasts with α-H1, which cannot be deleted and can be functionally replaced with heterologous fusion peptides (T. Gianni et al., J. Virol. 79:2931-2940, 2005). Synthetic peptides mimicking α-H1 and α-H2 induced fusion of nude lipid vesicles. Importantly, they increased infection of herpes simplex virus, pseudorabies virus, bovine herpesvirus 1, and vesicular stomatitis virus. The α-H1 mimetic peptide was more effective than the α-H2 peptide. Consistent with the findings that gH carries membrane-interacting segments, a soluble form of gH, but not of gD or gB, partitioned with lipid vesicles. Current findings highlight that α-H2 is an important albeit nonessential region for virus entry and fusion. α-H1 and α-H2 share the ability to target the membrane lipids; they contribute to virus entry and fusion, possibly by destabilizing the membranes. However, α-H2 differs from α-H1 in that it is of lower hydrophobicity and cannot be replaced with heterologous fusion peptides.
Selection of RNA aptamers that inhibit mutant 3 HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the most widespread diseases on the planet, and the need for new forms of treatment has become paramount. Even though there are treatments against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus mutates readily and becomes resistant to these drugs. A mutation is a slight change in the virus that allows it to evade the action of the medication. Because resistance to anti-viral drugs is pervasive, it is imperative to find new ways to treat such mutant viruses. A promising field for the treatment of HIV is the application of aptamers. Aptamers are nucleic acids that form tertiary structures, which can bind to proteins tightly and selectively. If an aptamer bound and inhibited a key enzyme in the virus, it could help prevent the spread of HIV in the human body. An important target for therapeutics has been reverse transcriptase, which is vital for viral reproduction. Although aptamers that inhibit reverse transcriptase (RT) activity have already been isolated, these are against wild type HIV, or most common form of the virus. Thus, it is important to select for alternative aptamers that will inhibit other drug resistant forms of the virus. The Stanford University HIV drug resistant database lists twelve common drug resistant HIV variants with mutant forms of RT. The object of this study was to select a few aptamers that inhibited the activity of mutant clone 3 RT from the aforementioned database. Aptamers were found not only to prevent enzymatic action of RT, but also bound to other regions of the protein itself. This led to the testing of innovative techniques within the realm of aptamers by creating complexes that link two aptamers together, which can bind more tightly to the enzyme because there are more contact points between the aptamers and protein target. These findings also open the door to improving current aptamer microarray assay technology. Microarrays utilize aptamers that are placed on slides to detect the presence of a certain protein. The improvement comes from using aptamers, instead of antibodies (another molecule that binds to proteins) as the signal molecule for the test. Thus, aptamers can be used for both therapeutic and detection means against HIV.
New morphological characters for classifying Phoridae (Diptera) from the structure of the thorax

Forty-six characters, mostly of the thoracic pleuron, are proposed for the reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationships among the major groups of the family Phoridae. Analysis of these characters, in conjunction with the pre-existing suite of morphological characters from other body parts, provides a basis for a strongly supported new classification of the Phoridae, in which Sciadocerinae is the sister group of ((Chonocephalus Wandolleck & Cyphocephalus Borgmeier) + (Termitoxeniinae + (Metopininae + Phorinae s.l.))). A new subfamily, Chonocephalinae subfamily nov., is proposed for Chonocephalus and Cyphocephalus, and a new genus, Hirotophora gen. nov., is proposed for Chaetopleurophora multiseriata (Aldrich) (comb. nov.). © 2015 The Linnean Society of London
Gadoid dynamics: differing perceptions when contrasting stock vs. population trends and its implications to management

Recent research suggests that ICES stock de nitions for cod, haddock, and whiting of `west of Scotland' and `North Sea', do not re ect underlying population structures. As population responses to di erent vital rates and local pressures would be expected to lead to asynchrony in dynamics, we examined trends in local spawning-stock biomass (SSB) among putative subpopulations of the three species. Delineation of subpopulation boundaries around spawning time was made based on genetic, tagging, and otolith microchemistry studies together with density distributions of species based on research vessel survey data. Subpopulation speci c indices of SSB were derived using numbers-at-age and maturity observations from the same research vessel data and asynchrony was assessed by tting a smoother to log SSB for each subpopulation and testing whether the smooths were parallel. Results for cod support the hypothesis of distinct inshore and larger o shore subpopulations and for whiting for northern and southern North Sea subpopulations with a boundary associated with the 50 m depth contour. In haddock, no di erence in SSB trends between the North Sea and west of Scotland was found. For cod and whiting, subpopulation SSB trends di ered substantially within current stock assessment units, implying reported stock-based SSB time-series have masked underlying subpopulation trends.
EVALUATION OF PEAK-TO-AVERAGE POWER RATIO REDUCTION TECHNIQUES IN 4G CELLULAR NETWORKS

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a popular modulation/multiplexing scheme offers high data rates It is considered as multicarrier transmission scheme supports future generation wireless as well as wire line communication systems. OFDM frequently suffers from high Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) which eventually increases the Analogue to Digital and Digital to Analogue convertors complexity levels and reduces HPA (RF) efficiency. Both selected mapping (SLM) and partial transmit sequence (PTS) recognize as efficient PAPR reduction algorithms over traditional algorithms. A relative comparison between them is performed to understand the both algorithms reliability in PAPR reduction and both these algorithms belongs to distortion less PAPR reduction algorithms. In this work a comparison is carried out between SLM and PTS based on complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) and simulation results are defined based on probability. Simulation results show PTS system acts better in increasing probability scenario while SLM system gets impaired in same scenario.
Changes in the distribution of native fishes in response to introduced species and other anthropogenic effects

Aim Globally, one of the major threats to the integrity of native faunas is the loss of biodiversity that can result from the introduction of exotics. Here we document recent changes in the distribution of five common fish species that are linked to introductions in Chile. Location Chile from 28° S to 54° S. Methods We assess the extent of changes in distribution of galaxiid species by comparing their historical and current distributions based on the results of the most extensive survey of freshwater fishes in Chile to date, a range that encompasses the full latitudinal and elevational range of the Galaxiidae in Chile. We test for relationships of the distributions and abundances of native fishes with the incidence of introduced species. Results The latitudinal range of Galaxias maculatus has declined by 26%, and most of this reduction has occurred in the northern part of its range. Aplochiton taeniatus and Brachygalaxias bullocki have experienced reductions (8–17% loss) in total drainage area occupied, and they have disappeared from, or are now extremely difficult to find, in latitudes 36° to 41° S, coincidently with areas of urban growth and intense economic activities. The distribution of Galaxias platei has, instead, increased considerably. In northern basins, G. maculatus has apparently been replaced by an introduced poeciliid Gambusia sp. High-elevation systems remain dominated by native Galaxias platei, whereas systems at intermediate elevations, especially rivers, are now dominated by introduced salmonids. Within drainages, native galaxiids remain abundant where exotic salmonid abundance is low. Main conclusions We suggest that negative interactions between introduced and native fish are responsible for some of the range reductions among Galaxiidae in Chile. The severity of the impacts varies with latitude and altitude and is probably related to temperature. The effects of Gambusia are restricted to warmer systems. Native fish also appear to have found temperature refugia from salmonids; impacts are low in the warmer northern and coastal systems, as well as in high-altitude relatively cold systems. Native fish also appear less vulnerable to salmonids in lakes than in rivers. This study identifies watersheds critical for the conservation of biodiversity within the Galaxiidae.
Hardening of root cell walls: a growth inhibitory response to salinity stress

Primary roots of intact maize plants (Zea mays L.) grown for several days in nutrient solutions containing 100 mol m−3 NaCl and additional calcium, had relatively inhibited rates of elongation. Possible physical restraints underlying this salt induced inhibition were investigated. The inhibition did not involve reductions in osmotic potential gradients and turgor in the tip tissues responsible for root elongation growth. The apparent yield threshold pressure, which is related to capacity of cell walls to undergo loosening by stress relaxation, was estimated psychrometrically in excised root tips. Salinity increased yield threshold values. Comparative root extensibility values were obtained for intact plants by determining the initial (1 min) increase in root elongation rate induced by an 0.1 MPa osmotic jump. Comparative extensibility was significantly reduced in the salinized root tips. Salinity did not reduce capacities for water efflux and associated elastic contraction in root tip tissues of intact plants exposed to hypertonic mannitol. We conclude that cell wall hardening in the elongating root tips is an important component of root growth inhibition induced by long-term salinization.
Response of Skunks to a Simulated Increase in Coyote Activity

Abstract An implicit assumption of the mesopredator release hypothesis (MRH) is that competition is occurring between the larger and smaller predator. When significant competition exists, the MRH predicts that larger species should affect population size, through direct predation or the elicitation of avoidance behavior, of smaller predators. However, there have been few manipulations designed to test these predictions, particularly regarding avoidance. To test whether striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) avoid coyotes (Canis latrans), we intensively monitored 21 radiocollared skunks in a natural area in northeastern Illinois. We identified 2 spatially distinct groups and recorded 1,943 locations from September to November 2003. For each group, testing periods consisted of 4 weeks (2 weeks pretreatment, 1 week treatment, and 1 week posttreatment). We simulated coyote activity during the treatment week by playing taped recordings of coyote howls at 1-h intervals at 5 locations. Additionally, we liberally applied coyote urine to several areas within 20 randomly selected 100 × 100-m grid cells, and used the grid to classify cells as urine-treated, howling-treated, or control. We determined changes in home-range size and location, and intensity of cell use in response to treatment. We found no differences in home-range size related to treatment (P ≥ 0.248). Although weekly differences in home-range drift approached significance when individuals from both tests were pooled (P = 0.071), drift was highly correlated with mean weekly low temperatures (P = 0.004). Use of howling- and urine-treated cells did not vary among weeks (P ≥ 0.307), nor did proportions of locations within howling circles with assumed effective broadcast radii of 50–200 m (P ≥ 0.851). Examination of our data did not support the prediction that skunks avoid areas of coyote activity on our study site.
CORRELATIONS BETWEEN SEMEN PARAMETERS AND CONCEPTION RATE IN BUFFALOES

The aim of the present study was to detect the sperm characteristics variations among different buffalo bulls in each stage of cryopreservation and study the correlation between those parameters and the conception rate. This study was carried out on four healthy buffalo bulls. Semen was collected weekly and tris-based extender was used for dilution of semen. Semen was subjected to freezing and evaluated for visual motility, plasma membrane integrity, live sperm and morphology, acrosomal integrity, assessment of capacitation and DNA fragmentation. Results revealed loss of a percentage of semen quality due to freezing-thawing process. Also, the present study revealed a significant variation in semen of bulls after freezing thawing process. In addition, non significant correlations between semen parameters and conception rate were recorded.
Effects of aqueous Cucurbita pepo Linn seed extract on some haematological parameters and serum electrolytes of lactating albino rats

Thepresent study investigated the effects of aqueous Cucurbita pepo Linn seedextract on some haematological parameters and serum electrolyte concentrationof lactating albino rats. A total of twenty five (25) female healthy wistaralbino rats were used for the study. They were assigned into the followinggroups, Group 1, Served as control group and received 1ml of distilled water,Group 2, Received metoclopramide 5mg/kg body weight, Group 3, Received 250mg/kg b w of C. pepo L,. Group 4, Received 500 mg/kg b w of C. pepo L. andGroup 5, Received 1000 mg/kg b w of C. pepo L. All regimen was given orallyonce daily for a period of eight (8) days, starting from day 3 to day 11 oflactation. The acute toxicity and phytochemical screening were carried out. Theresult of acute toxicity studies showed that the aqueous Cucurbita pepo Linnseed extract was safe up to 5000 mg/kg b w. Phytochemical screening of theextract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, cardiac glycosides,saponins, tannins, flavanoids and alkaloids. The result obtained from thisstudy showed that the extract significantly decreased (p<0.05) the level ofred cell count in the group treated with 1000 mg/kg b w when compared with thecontrol group. However, total white blood cell count and neutophil counts werestatistically significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the groups treated with1000 and 250 mg/kg b w respectively when compared to the control group.However, there was a significantly decreased (p<0.05) serum sodium ion andpotassium ion level in the groups administered with 500 and 250 mg/kg b wrespectively when compared to the control group. It can be concluded that theplant extract did not produce a significant change on haematological parametersand serum electrolyte profile. However, the red cell count and serum sodium andpotassium ions were significantly altered when compared to the control group.
The X-chromosome RBMX Gene is Expressed in Mammary Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND A gene located on the q11.23 region of the male chromosome, RBMY, which plays a role in spermatogenesis, is down-regulated in testicular cancer. RBMY is a diverged X-Y shared gene. The corresponding X chromosome gene, RBMX, is located on Xq26. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied fresh tissues from 122 infiltrating breast cancers (99 ductal infiltrating, 19 lobular infiltrating and 4 tubular carcinomas) for the expression of RBMX by means of differential RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction), using beta-actin as an internal control and normalization standard. The obtained results were compared with all available clinical and molecular data of the studied tumors (estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER & PR), c-erb-B2, p53, Ki67, DNA-ploidy, Bcl-2, VEGF, CD105 (endoglin), histologic variety, histologic and nuclear grade and axillary node invasion). RESULTS RBMX RT-PCR was successful in 120/122 instances. All 120 cases expressed RBMX. The only significant correlation found between RBMX expression and all the variables tested was an inverse one with CD105 (endoglin) mRNA-expression (r=-3063; p=0.0007). CONCLUSION The X-chromosome RBMX gene is expressed in all breast cancers. The expression is inversely correlated with the expression of the angiogenesis-associated CD105 (endoglin) gene. The precise meaning of this association has still to be elucidated.