Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuropeptide gene therapy for epilepsy: viral vectors, stem cells and neurogenesis

Gene therapy for epilepsy is a relatively novel concept compared with previous approaches, which have relied on primary embryonic cells to deliver gene products of interest into localized brain regions. In vivo and ex vivo gene transfer offer promising, but yet insufficiently explored, possibilities to inhibit seizures, either by genetically modifying postmitotic neurons of the brain using viral vectors, or by transplanting genetically modified and in vitro tested cell lines, particularly stem cell lines, to produce and release gene products of interest. In this regard, neuropeptides are discussed as emerging candidates for such gene therapy approaches. Selective modification of newly generated neurons in the dentate gyrus by retroviral vector-based gene delivery opens novel possibilities in gene therapy for epilepsy. However, the limited number of new neurons targeted remains a main obstacle. Despite its early stage, gene therapy for epilepsy might not be a remote prospect for clinical trials, particular.
Small‐Scale Wetland Restoration in the High Arctic: A Long‐Term Perspective

Results are presented using vegetative shoots and bryophyte sods to restore floristically impoverished high arctic wet sedge-moss meadows that had suffered intense damage from vehicle activity during the period 1960–1967. Clonal transplants of Carex aquatilis var. stans, a native sedge, were planted with and without bryophyte sods in vehicle ruts in 1972. After nearly two decades, there was less Carex cover in the planted ruts with flowing water than in the contiguous controls. This pattern was slightly reversed in planted plots with standing water. Reinvasion of Eriophorum angustifolium occurred in treated ruts, but cover was less in both treatments than in controls in 1990. The unexpected recruitment of Eriophorum scheuchzeri from the seed bank in moss-sodded plots is discussed in terms of its local and regional importance. Total plant cover in restored ruts was nearly equal to that of controls, but biomass was somewhat less than that in control plots. Plots with bryophytes were environmentally distinct, due primarily to increases in organic mat depth relative to controls. After 18 years, restoration efforts resulted in increased plant cover in treated ruts compared to naturally recovering ruts.
The effects of chronic nitrate supplementation on erythrocytic methaemoglobin reduction in cattle

Calcium nitrate and urea were fed as a supplement on an isonitrogenous basis to Angus steers and their erythrocytic methaemoglobin concentrations and NADH- and NADPH-methaemoglobin reductase levels were measured over a 54-day period. Methaemoglobin concentrations remained elevated despite increases in NADH-methaemoglobin reductase activity. In a second experiment, Brahman cross steers were fed either calcium nitrate or urea supplements for 111 days. Blood cells were then taken, washed and exposed to sodium nitrite to convert all haemoglobin to methaemoglobin. The rates of glycolysis and methaemoglobin reduction were measured following incubation of these cells in buffers containing 1, 5 or 10 mM inorganic phosphate. Glucose consumption and methaemoglobin reduction were increased by inorganic phosphate and were more rapid in those animals supplemented with nitrate. Lactate production of erythrocytes was reduced in those animals fed nitrate. It is concluded that adaptation to chronic nitrite exposure occurs in the erythron, resulting in greater methaemoglobin reduction potential and that there is competition between NADH-methaemoglobin reductase and lactate dehydrogenase for NADH.
Cyclitols. XXVIII. Methyl esters of inositol phosphates. The structure of phytic acid

Methylation of phytic acid with diazomethane gives a crystalline dodecamethyl ester; a similar crystalline ester was also obtained from scyllo-inositol hexaphosphate. The methyl esters of many myo-inositol polyphosphates can be separated from each other by thin-layer or column chromatography. Phosphate migration occurs when the hydroxyl groups of partially phosphorylated inositols are methylated.
Produtividade e desenvolvimento de cultivares de repolho em função de doses de boro

ABSTRACT Yield of cabbage cultivars depending on levels of boron The cabbage crop is cultivated in small areas and requires much labor, this crop being mostly driven by family farmers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of boron levels in different cultivars of cabbage in western Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. The experiment was carried out at the Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Unidade Universitaria de Aquidauana. The experimental design was randomized blocks in factorial scheme 2 x 5, two cultivars and five doses of boron, with four replications. We evaluated the following features: boron foliar plant area, plant height, number of outer leaves, fresh weight of outer leaves, leaf content of boron, plant area, plant height, number of outer leaves, fresh weight of outer leaves, dry weight of outer leaves, classification according to head weight, compactness and yield per hectare. The cultivar 60 Dias showed higher values for yield components and consequently greater productivity. The application of boron influences linearly in the boron content of leaves, head diameter and number of inner leaves. The boron levels interfered the yield of cabbage, the maximum dose for ’60 Dias’ being 7.2 kg ha
Susceptibilities of different‐sized ciliates to direct suppression by small and large cladocerans

SUMMARY 1 Laboratory experiments compared the susceptibilities of six ciliates and the rotifer Keratella cochlearis to predation and interference from Daphnia pulex and Bosmina longirostris. 2 Susceptibilities of the ciliates to D. pulex were similar to or less than that of the rotifer, and decreased with increasing ciliate size. Most ciliates were just as susceptible to B. longirostris as to the much larger D. pulex. The jumping response of the oligotrich Strobilidium gyrans appeared to be an effective defence against B. longirostris. 3 Clearance rates of B. longirostris and D. pulex on different ciliate species at a density of 1,3 ciliates ml−1 ranged from 1–30 to 5–24ml ind. −1 day−1, respectively. In natural plankton communities, cladocerans could impose high mortality rates on ciliates and shift the size structure of ciliate assemblages towards larger and less susceptible species.
Response of hepatic metabolizing enzymes and oxidative stress in orally administrated zerumbone against MIA-induced osteoarthritis in rats.

The main objective of this study was to elucidate the extent of hepatic oxidative stress following oral administration of zerumbone against monosodium iodoacetate induced Osteoarthritis (OA) in rats by monitoring microsomal cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase enzymes as well as determination of oxidative stress biomarkers i.e., glutathione and malondialdehyde. Forty rats were randomly assigned into five groups. Rats in the first and second groups were treated with two different doses of zerumbone. Rats in the third group (positive control) were given celecoxib whereas the fourth group (negative control) was given corn oil. Rats of the fifth group were untreated not induced with OA and were used as a basal group. Results showed significant induction of cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase and insignificant changes in both glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels in zerumbone treated groups compared to corn oil and basal groups. Levels of ALT and AST in zerumbone treated groups were comparable to the level in the basal group indicating absence of liver damage. Prostaglandin E2 level significantly reduced following zerumbone administration. Safety profile of zerumbone in this study, attract new investigation to explore its advantageous effect on using higher dosage regimen and/or longer duration against OA or other disease.
Combining DAPI and SYBR Green II for the Enumeration of Total Bacterial Numbers in Aquatic Sediments

An improved assessment for the enumeration of aquatic sediment bacteria is introduced. Sediment samples were stained with DAPI and counterstained with SYBR Green II. This, for the first time, allows the researcher to clearly distinguish between bacteria and nonspecifically stained bacteria-like particles. A strong linear correlation was observed between total number of attached bacteria and sediment grain size in sandy fractions of lotic, lentic and subsurface environments. This trend did not continue into the silt and clay fraction. Ratios of attached to free-living bacteria in our studies spanned three orders of magnitude and varied with sediment type. Sediment habitats which were exposed to anthropogenic disturbance and/or contamination always had lower biofilm-porewater ratios than obviously undisturbed sites. Biofilm-porewater ratios are therefore suggested as valuable indicators for the characterization of sediment systems.
Prévision de l'énergie du lait de brebis à partir de différents résultats d'analyses : proposition de lait standard pour les brebis laitières

Résumé &mdash; L’objectif de ce travail était de fournir des équations de prévision de l’énergie du lait de brebis à partir des résultats d’analyses et de proposer également une procédure de standardisation du lait de brebis. Des échantillons (365) de lait de brebis Lacaune ont été prélevés à plusieurs stades de lactation : 276 provenaient de brebis adultes à 6 stades différents entre 41 et 118 j après la mise bas, et 89 échantillons provenaient de brebis primipares, à 79 et 99 j après la mise bas. Ces échantillons ont été analysés par des méthodes classiques (taux butyreux : Gerber, taux protéique : noir-amido, énergie : calorimétrie) et par spectrophotométrie infrarouge, adaptées au lait de brebis. Les résultats obtenus par infrarouge pour les taux butyreux et protéique ont été comparés à ceux obtenus par les méthodes de référence. Les méthodes infrarouge se sont avérées fiables pour déterminer la composition chimique du lait de brebis. Plusieurs équations de prédiction de la valeur énergétique du lait de brebis sont présentées, selon les résultats analytiques disponibles, ou selon les méthodes utilisées. Les équations disponibles dans la bibliographie pour différentes espèces de ruminants laitiers (brebis et vache) ont été testées avec nos résultats analytiques. En terme de précision, ces équations sont souvent proches des nôtres (1,8 à 3,0%). Cependant, des biais importants (max: 19%) sont observés avec certaines équations établies pour le lait de vache. Avec les équations de prédiction de l’énergie du lait présentées dans cet article, nous proposons une démarche pour calculer la production laitière standard des brebis en utilisant une valeur énergétique standard de 5,0 MJA.
Evolução da maturação da uva 'BRS Clara' sob cultivo protegido durante a safra fora de época

The production of table grapes has been facing some challenges that require changes in production technologies, primarily due to the intense need to control fungal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ripening of 'BRS Clara' grapevines grafted on IAC 766 'Campinas' rootstock, under protected cultivation grown out of season. The experiments were performed at Urai and Marialva, Parana State, Brazil. The chemical characteristics of the berries such as soluble solids, titratable acidity, maturation index and pH were evaluated weekly from early ripening to harvesting, in two protected cultivation systems: under plastic cover and under plastic screen. The randomized design was used as a statistical model, in both experiments, with seven replications. The berry ripening evolution was compared by means of regression analysis. In both experimental areas, the plastic cover enabled earlier grape harvest (in six days) as compared to the plastic screen, being the harvest based on the soluble solids content. The plastic cover did not modify the maturation index of the berries of 'BRS Clara'.
Grain Yield Variation in Malting Barley Cultivars in Uruguay and Its Consequences for the Design of a Trials Network

The efficiency of cultivar trial networks is an important subject in official cultivar testing. We investigated this efficiency for malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Uruguay, using data on 213 cultivars tested across an eight-year period at six locations. The variance-components approach was used to quantify the effects of years, locations, sowing dates and replicates on the precision of cultivar mean comparisons. The relationships among testing environments and genotypic adaptation patterns were explored via biplots. Factorial regression was used to model genotype x environment interaction (GEI) directly in relation to measured environmental variables. Variance components indicated that both the number of locations and sowing dates could be reduced. Biplot analysis identified some repeatable GEI patterns. Factorial regression showed that mean daily temperature during the emergence-heading period and daily minimum temperature at heading explained 20% of GEI. Still, the majority of the GEI appeared to be highly nonrepeatable. A future network should focus on wide adaptation while enhancing the chances to exploit specific adaptation to the prevalent temperature conditions by sampling contrasting sowing dates at different locations.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Dioscorea tokoro Makino, a Dioecious Climber

Dioscorea tokoro Makino is a herbaceous climber species widespread in East Asia. Genetic structure of a natural population of D. tokoro was examined employing starch gel electrophoresis of allozymes. Genotypes of seven loci were studied for 1,128 individuals. Twenty-six populations located mainly in the Kinki district of Japan were subgrouped into four large clusters by the geographical distribution of alleles. The D. tokoro population was revealed to contain greater total genetic diversity (HT=0.282) and higher intrapopulational genetic diversity (HS=0.258) than other outcrossing species for which data are available. On the other hand, interpopulational differentiation (GST=0.096) was smaller than in other outcrossers. For the heterozygosity deficiency observed (FIT=0.125), population subdivision (FST=0.096) and inbreeding within the population (FIS=0.067) were revealed to contribute to the same extent. From these F-statistics, the migration rate among subpopulations and the rate of between-relative matings were estimated. Overall results on the genetic structure of the D. tokoro population indicated a high gene flow among its subpopulations, and this may be the consequence of its life form as a climber and its habitat in a disturbed environment. During the study, the geographical cline of Pgi allele frequencies was observed. This finding was supposed to be the result of the selection imposed on Pgi by the temperature differences between localities.
Fourteen Year Performance of Eucalyptus Species/Provenances, Casuarina equisetifolia, Leucaena leucocephala and Senna siamea at Michafutene, Mozambique

SYNOPSIS Variation in performance of several Eucalyptus species/provenances/land races, Casuarina equisetifolia, Leucaena leucocephala and Senna siamea was evaluated in two 14—year old trials planted at Michafutene, Mozambique. At the age of 6, 10, and 14 years, data were collected of survival, breast height diameter, height and stem form. Wood basic density was only measured at the final assessment occasion. Significant differences between species, provenances and land races were found in survival, growth and stem form. Wood basic density was not significantly different between species, provenances and land races. Overall, growth of Eucalyptus species/provenances from the natural range (Queensland, Australia) was found to be superior to that of sources (land races) form Brazil, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The performanance of C. equisetifolia, L. leucocephala and S. siamea land races was also poor. The following outstanding species and provenances are recommended for planting at Michafutene and similar site.
Molecular systematics of fishes

C. Stepien, R.H. Rosenblatt and T.D. Kocher, Overview of the Classification and Phylogeny of Fishes: Morphology Versus Molecules. T.D. Kocher and K.L. Carleton, Evolution of Molecules in Fishes: Characters and Clocks. I. Kornfield and A. Parker, Molecular Systematics of a Rapidly Evolving Species Flock: The Mbuna of Lake Malawi and the Search for Phylogenetic Signal. H. Sultmann and W.E. Mayer, Reconstruction of Cichlid Fish Phylogeny Using Nuclear Dna Markers. J.L. Nielsen, M.C. Fountain, And J.M. Wright, Biogeographic Analysis of Pacific Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) in California and Mexico Based on Mtdna and Nuclear Microsatellites. E.O. Wiley and R.H. Hagen, Mitochondrial Dna Sequence Variation Among the Sand Darters (Percidae: Teleostei). C. Stumbauer, E. Verheyen, L. Ruber, And A. Meyer, Phylogeographic Patterns in Populations of Cichlid Fishes from Rocky Habitats in Lake Tanganyika. E. Bermingham, S.S. Mccafferty, And A.P. Martin, Fish Biogeography and Molecular Clocks: Perspectives from the Panamanian Isthmus. J.E. Faber and C.A. Stepien, The Utility of Mitochondrial Dna Control Region Sequences for Analyzing Phylogenetic Relationships Among Populations, Species, And Genera of the Percidae. R.B. Phillips and T.H. Oakley, Phylogenetic Relationships Among the Salmoninae Based on Nuclear and Mitochondrial Dna Sequences. A. Parker, Combining Molecular and Morphological Data in Fish Systematics: Examples from the Cyprindodontiformes. G. Bernardi, Molecular Phylogeny of the Fundilidae (Teleotei, Cyprinodontiformes) Based on the Cytochrome B Gene. G.J.P. Naylor, A.P. Martin, E. Matisson, And W.M. Brown, The Inter-Relationship of Lamniform Sharks: Testing Phylogenetic Hypotheses with Sequence Data. G. Orti, The Radiation of Characiform Fishes: Evidence from Mitochondrial and Nuclear Dna Sequences. C.A. Stepien, Relationships Among Families, Tribes, And Genera in the Suborder Blennioidei, Based on Mt 12s Rna Sequences. J. Klein, D. Klein, F. Figueroa, And C. O'huigin, Major Histocompatibility Complex Genes in the Study of Fish Phylogeny. C. Lydeard and K.J. Roe, The Phylogenetic Utility of the Mitochondrial Cytochome B Gene for Inferring Relationships Among Actinopterygian Fishes.
Delimitation of Tuber pseudohimalayense and T. pseudoexcavatum Based on Morphological and Molecular Data

Abstract The taxonomic relationship between Tuber pseudohimalayense and other Chinese black truffles including T. indicum, T. himalayense, T. sinense, T. pseudoexcavatum has been controversial. Several studies have treated T. pseudohimalayense as a synonym of T. indicum. Morphological and molecular analyses of the isotype of T. pseudohimalayense in this study suggest that T. pseudohimalayense and T. pseudoexcavatum are a single species, distinct from T. indicum. Although the name T. pseudoexcavatum is much more widely used in the recent truffle literature than T. pseudohimalayense, the latter has priority over T. pseudoexcavatum based on the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN). This study documents additional morphological variation among individuals of T. pseudohimalayense, a commercial truffle species and endemic to the Himalayan region based on a large number of Chinese materials.
Structure and composition of a Mediterranean grassland community grown under Free-Air CO 2 Enrichment (MiniFACE)

Amongst all terrestrial ecosystems, the productivity of Mediterranean-type ecosystems has been suggested to be one of the most responsive to increasing atmospheric CO 2 . The extent to which this prediction holds will depend in part on plant responses to elevated CO 2 under the highly variable conditions characteristic of semiarid regions. Structure and composition responses of a semi-natural grassland community to a step-increase in atmospheric CO 2 (to about 580 μmol mol −1 ) were examined in the field using Free-Air CO 2 Enrichment (FACE) under seasonally varying moisture conditions. The limited production response to elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO 2 of this grassland community was counterbalanced by the effect on the phenology of many species. These findings suggest that predictions regarding Mediterranean plant responses to elevated CO 2 should account for seasonal patterns of production regulatory responses, which may vary across species and plant functional types.
Leaf spot disease of coconut seedling and its eco-friendly management

The effect of weather on prevalence of seedling diseases of coconut during 2010-11 and 2011-12 in different areas of Bangladesh was studied to develop an environment friendly disease management practice. Pestalotia palmarum was isolated and identified from leaf having spot. Incidence and severity of grey leaf spot at seedling stage were determined and significant variations were observed depending on weather factors as well as locations. Occurrence of seedling disease was significantly influenced by temperature, rainfall and relative humidity. Comparative effectiveness of BAU-Biofungicide either alone or in combination with two fungicides viz. Bavistin or Dithane M-45 was evaluated on coconut seedling in the nursery. Among the treatments applied, Trichoderma harzianum based BAU-Biofungicide either alone or in combination with Bavistin (0.2%) as an excellent biocontrol means in controlling leaf spot disease of coconut.
Perspective on crop modelling in the management of intercropping systems

The risk to food security is particularly dire in rural sub-Saharan Africa, where a third of the world’s undernourished people reside. Intercropping has the potential to improve rural livelihoods through better resource utilization and improved resilience to current and future challenges. This paper reviewed the concepts in intercropping and outlined how resources are captured and utilized within the system. Crop simulation models (CSMs) as decision support tools for intercrop/multicrop systems and future directions for modelling multicrop systems are the focus of the review. Through increased crop biodiversity, intercropping improves resilience, food security and nutrition. This is achieved through improved resource capture and utilization due to differences in spatial and temporal distribution of component crops. For farmers to maximize on these advantages, they need to have a thorough knowledge of species combination, arrangements and proportions. A major drawback to intercrop systems is that most of the existing agronomic recommendations are tailored on monoculture practices. This is also evident in the structure of most CSMs that cannot account for heterogeneous crop stands. In conclusion, there is a need to enhance agricultural research on intercrop systems, combining conventional and modern research approaches. Moreover, CSMs should be multidimensional in order to simulate system diversity accurately.
Selection of lake habitats by waterbirds in the boreal transition zone of northeastern Alberta

We examined habitat characteristics associated with presence or absence of 16 waterbird species on 113 lakes during 2001–2006. We found that piscivorous species such as pelicans, loons, and mergansers were found on fish-bearing lakes, while birds that typically nest in emergent vegetation (e.g., coots, grebes) strongly preferred water bodies with moderate to high levels of emergent macrophytes. The presence of a riparian buffer was important for loons and several species of waterbird that nest on the backshore. Moderate to deep lake depth and high water clarity also were important for some species and likely associated with hunting habits and (or) fish availability. Breeding-occurrence models were developed for a few conspicuous species that could be sampled using aerial surveys. Surprisingly, changes in water levels were not important predictors for most species, and associations between waterbirds and high levels of recreational activity were unexpected. Common Loon (Gavia immer (Brunnich, 1764)) and Gr.