Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Purple Loosestrife Provides Long-Distance Pollinator Attraction to a Coflowering Native Species

Premise of research. The ecological impacts of invasive species on native ecosystems is a topic of intense debate. Recent reviews and meta-analyses have cast doubt on the long-held idea that the impacts of invasive species are universally negative. This may be particularly true in the case of plant-pollinator interactions. Here we describe a field experiment designed to assess the impact of an invasive species, Lythrum salicaria, on pollinator visitation to a commonly co-occurring native, Decodon verticillatus. Methodology. While controlling for total inflorescence density, we manipulated the presence of an invasive species, L. salicaria, at paired quadrats across several sites using a randomized block design. Data on the number, behavior, and taxon of pollinators visiting the quadrats were recorded during a series of observations spanning several days. Using linear models and paired t-tests, we analyzed the impact of the presence of the invasive species on the number of pollinators visiting D. verticillatus along with their visitation behavior in the quadrats. Pivotal results. The presence of L. salicaria was associated with significantly more pollinator visitors to a quadrat, both total visitors, and visitors to the native D. verticillatus. Conclusions. Our findings support the hypothesis that L. salicaria operates as a pollinator magnet and may in fact facilitate the long-distance attraction of pollinators to D. verticillatus in invaded communities. While this increase in visitation most likely has a positive impact on pollination of D. verticillatus, we note that the change in visitation may have negative implications for other animal-pollinated species in the vicinity. Our findings highlight the complexity and unpredictability of interactions among invasive and native species and help improve our understanding of how invasive species alter the short- and long-term dynamics of native plant and pollinator communities.
Dissecting aneurysms of the posterior cerebral artery – A retrospective review of imaging, angiographic characteristics, endovascular management and outcome

Purpose To review management, clinical and imaging outcomes of dissecting posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms with emphasis on endovascular management in the form of parent vessel occlusion (PVO) at a tertiary care center. Methods Thirty-six dissecting PCA aneurysms (19 ruptured) encountered at our center between January 2013 and November 2019 were reviewed for aneurysm location/size/presence of fetal PCA/management. Postprocedural imaging of patients who underwent endovascular intervention was reviewed for PCA territory infarcts and clinical records assessed for presence of neuro-deficits and outcome. None of the patients underwent a balloon test occlusion (BTO) prior to PVO. Results The location of the aneurysms was as follows-P1 = 8/P1-P2 = 11/P2 = 5/P2-P3 = 10/P3 = 2. The mean size was 11.7x6. 8 mm. Endovascular intervention was carried out in 20 patients in the form of PVO with coiling in 16 patients, coiling alone in 3 patients, and reconstruction of the left PCA with flow diverter deployment in one patient. Postprocedural PCA territory infarct was seen in 5 cases of PVO out of which 4 had a good functional recovery. Overall, 15/16 patients (93.7%) who underwent PVO had mRS ≤ 2 on follow-up. The single case with flow diverter also developed an infarct and had adverse outcome on follow up. Conclusion Among the various management strategies for dissecting PCA aneurysms, PVO is feasible and relatively safe even in absence of BTO in scenarios like critically ill patients with ruptured aneurysms, difficult access and financial constraints. Thromboembolic complications and antiplatelet therapy is a concern in reconstructive strategies.
Current perceptive on canine cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra syndrome-A review

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex (CEH/P) is a life-threatening challenge in canine reproduction. Hormonal imbalances result in environmental and histological changes in the uterus leading to a predisposition to bacterial growth. Haematological analysis shows the total number of leucocytes is frequently elevated in cases of pyometra, although the degree is much less marked in cases of open cervix pyometra compared with closed cervix pyometra. Ovariohysterectomy is the treatment of choice for closed cervix or open cervix pyometra. If the condition is not life-threatening and the animal is enrolled in breeding programmed or particularly valuable or when the clinical situation precludes surgery, medical treatment may be considered.
Acute toxicity analysis of effluent from tannery industry in Kano metropolis

The acute toxicity of tannery effluents collected from Challawa industrial estate Kano, Nigeria was assessed using Artemia salina and Clarias gariepinus. The test was done after the evaluation of range finding test before a definitive test with 3 replication of each treatment. The varying concentrations were prepared by diluting crude effluent with borehole water on V/V% in a completely randomized design. The experiment showed C. gariepinus fingerling to exhibit abnormal behavior such as initial erratic movement, skin discolouration and loss of reflex. Recorded mortality and behavioral abnormalities in both species observed were dose-time-dependent. The 96 hours LC50 estimated for C. gariepinus was 9.95% while that of A. salina after 24 hours and 48 hours were 4.63%, 0.73% respectively. Thus, the information from the study demonstrates the toxic effect of tannery effluent which requires proper management before its discharge into environment. Keywords: Acute toxicity, Artemia salina, Clarias gariepinus, Effluent, Tannery
The Relationship between Stretching Intensity and Changes in Passive Properties of Gastrocnemius Muscle-Tendon Unit after Static Stretching

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between relative or absolute intensity and changes in range of motion and passive stiffness after static stretching. A total of 65 healthy young adults voluntarily participated in this study and performed static stretching of the plantar flexor-muscle for 120 s. Dorsiflexion range of motion and passive torque during passive dorsiflexion before and after stretching were assessed. We measured the passive torque at a given angle when the minimum angle was recorded before and after stretching. The angle during stretching was defined as the absolute intensity. Dorsiflexion range of motion before stretching was defined as 100%, and the ratio (%) of the angle during stretching was defined as the relative intensity. A significant correlation was found between absolute intensity and change in passive torque at a given angle (r = −0.342), but relative intensity and range of motion (r = 0.444) and passive torque at dorsiflexion range of motion (r = 0.259). A higher absolute intensity of stretching might be effective in changing the passive properties of the muscle-tendon unit. In contrast, a higher relative intensity might be effective in changing the range of motion, which could be contributed by stretch tolerance.
Mitochondrial and repetitive DNA defining the sheep genome landscape

Repetitive DNA sequences (tandemly repeated and dispersed elements) vary in abundance, composition and organization between individuals, breeds, and related species. Here, we aimed to define the repetitive DNA landscape in sheep (Ovis aries). Whole genome sequence reads (38Gbp; 10x genome coverage) from five Kurdistani sheep individuals were investigated by graph-based read clustering (RepeatExplorer), frequency analysis of short motifs (k-mers), alignment to reference genome assemblies, de novo assembly and fluorescent in situ hybridization. To show genes in the sequences, the scrapie locus was identified and found to be associated with intermediate susceptibility. Mitochondrial genomes of breeds Hamdani and Karadi were assembled and grouped with known sheep haplogroups. Notably, abundant nuclear mitochondrial DNA segments (numts) were found at centromeres of chromosomes, and included mitochondrial sequences from ancestral species. The tandemly repeated DNA satellite I sequence represented 6% of the genome and satellite II was 2%. Meiotic analysis showed a loose chromatin loop organization of satellite I, while satellite II sequences were tightly organized and attached to the synaptonemal complex along with telomere repeats. Novel species-specific tandem sequences (1% of the genome) were also found. Non-LTR retrotransposons including LINEs and derived SINEs represented more than 20% of the genome, while DNA transposons comprise a lower proportion (<0.05%). Complete genomes of endogenous beta-retroviruses (enJSRV) plus three classes of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) were identified. In total, repetitive sequences covered 30% of the genome, with tandemly repeated sequences at centromeres, and non-LTR retroelements families showing a centromeric to dispersed distribution with some being amplified on sex or submetacentric chromosomes. ERVs showed centromeric to dispersed distribution. Our results provide informative DNA markers within Bovidae lineages. Rapidly evolving repetitive sequences allow us to study processes of chromosome or genome evolution, homogenization or diversification in sheep, and more broadly across the Bovidae.
Effectiveness and Accuracy of Track Tubes for Detecting Small-Mammal Species Occupancy in Southeastern Herbaceous Wetlands and Meadows

Abstract As a non-invasive approach for sampling small mammals, track tubes may be especially useful in species occupancy studies that do not require marking of individuals. However, such studies may involve significant uncertainty in identifying many tracks to species. Using 37 study sites in eastern Alabama and Tennessee, we compared relative differences in detection probabilities with track tubes vs. live traps for Peromyscus (deermice), Oryzomys palustris (Marsh Rice Rat), and Sigmodon hispidus (Hispid Cotton Rat). In analyses that ignored identification uncertainty or that used false-positive occupancy models to address this uncertainty, track tubes and live traps had similar detection probabilities. When uncertain detections were omitted from analysis, effective detectability was lower with track tubes. False-positive occupancy modeling indicated that track-identification uncertainty could not be ignored, as there was a non-zero probability of false-positive detections. False-positive occupancy designs have high relevance to track-tube studies; in addition, such studies should ensure that track identification is done under the oversight of an experienced tracker.
Action perception recruits the cerebellum and is impaired in spinocerebellar ataxia patients

Our cerebellum has been proposed to generate prediction signals that may help us plan and execute our motor programs. However, to what extent our cerebellum is also actively involved in perceiving the action of others remains to be elucidated. Using fMRI, we show here that observing goal-directed hand actions of others bilaterally recruits cerebellar Lobules VI, VIIb and VIIIa. Moreover, whereas healthy subjects (n=31) were found to be able to discriminate subtle differences in the kinematics of observed limb movements of others, patients suffering from spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6; n=21) were severely impaired in performing such tasks. Our data suggest that the human cerebellum is actively involved in perceiving the kinematics of the hand actions of others and that SCA6 patients’ deficits include a difficulty in perceiving the actions of other individuals. This finding alerts us to the fact that cerebellar disorders can alter social cognition. Given that impairments in social cognition have been reported to be one of the most debilitating consequences of neurological disorders, this finding may be relevant to improving the quality of life of patients and their families.
Endo-β-mannanase enzyme activity in the structures of Coffea arabica L. seeds under different types of processing and drying

ABSTRACT: Enzymes play a fundamental role in degradation of molecules during seed germination, development, and deterioration. Endo-β-mannanase is one of the main enzymes responsible for hydrolysis of mannans in the endosperm during germination of coffee seeds through its action in hydrolytic degradation of cell walls and in weakening the structures of the endosperm that surround the embryo, allowing radicle emergence. The aim of this study was to determine the activity of the endo-β-mannanase enzyme in the structures of coffee seeds for the purpose of assessing the relationship between this activity and the physiological quality of the seeds under different processing and drying methods. Coffea arabica L. fruit in the cherry maturity stage was subjected to three different types of processing: natural (seeds maintained in the fruit itself), fully washed (fruit pulped mechanically and the seeds demucilaged by fermentation in water), and semi-washed or demucilaged (both fruit pulp and mucilage removed mechanically); and two methods of drying: slow drying (suspended screen) in the shade, and rapid drying in mechanical dryer at 35°C to a moisture content of 11±1%. After processing and drying, the physiological quality of the seeds was evaluated through the germination test, and endo-β-mannanase enzyme activity was quantified. Coffee seeds submitted to natural processing have lower physiological performance, as well as greater deterioration and greater activity of the endo-ß-mannanase enzyme. Removal of mucilage during fully washed and semi-washed processing of coffee seeds reduces the activity of the endo-ß-mannanase enzyme and lowers deterioration, especially after faster drying. The enzyme endo-ß-mannanase is efficient in studying of the effects of processing and drying on coffee seeds, and can be evaluated in whole seeds, endosperms or embryos.
Population genomics and transcriptomics in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera

Helicoverpa armigera is an agricultural pest that causes billions of dollars’ worth of damage each year. As H. armigera has evolved resistance to insecticides, an understanding of resistance genes will provide useful insights into managing this pest. One approach to identify candidate genes is to scan the genome for signs of strong and recent selective sweeps. This extends the search beyond typical candidate genes (detoxifying enzymes and molecular targets), although a limitation of the approach is that the selective agent causing a sweep may not be an insecticide. Another approach is to use transcriptomics to identify differentially expressed genes between laboratory-selected and unselected cohorts, and between treatments (exposure to an insecticide). Genes that are differentially expressed are good candidates for further investigation. This thesis begins by estimating some baseline parameters such as nucleotide diversity and the extent of linkage disequilibrium to lay a foundation for detecting selective sweeps in H. armigera. In order to detect deviations from the neutral hypothesis, it is necessary to ask ’What does neutral look like in H. armigera? ’ first. Using molecular markers designed to span introns, I survey nine Z-linked loci in females from three Australian populations of H. armigera. The choice of Z-linked markers is motivated by the ability to overcome the problem of gametic phase afforded by hemizygosity – sequencing the Z chromosome in the hemizygous sex allows empirical estimates of linkage disequilibrium to be obtained without relying on imputation. I find that H. armigera exhibits high levels of nucleotide diversity and rapid decay of linkage disequilibrium. I also uncover a cytochrome P450 gene, Cyp303a1 that exhibits the hallmarks of strong and recent selection. Next, I extend the research to non-Australian populations of H. armigera and include more Z-linked loci in the experimental design. As Australia is postulated to be the centre of origin for the Helicoverpa lineage, it is not clear if the findings of the previous study could be considered ’typical’ of H. armigera more generally. My assessment of Chinese H. armigera populations finds that they too exhibit high levels of diversity and rapid
Cdc14 phosphatase ensures resolution of aberrant meiotic recombination outcomes partly through activating Yen1/GEN1

Abstract Meiotic defects derived from incorrect DNA repair during gametogenesis can lead to mutations, aneuploidies and infertility. Effective and coordinated resolution of meiotic recombination intermediates is necessary to accomplish both rounds of successful chromosome segregation. Cdc14 is an evolutionarily conserved dual-specificity phosphatase required for mitotic exit and meiotic progression. Mutations that inactivate the phosphatase lead to meiotic failure. Here, we have identified previously unseen roles of Cdc14 in ensuring correct meiotic recombination. We found that aberrant recombination intermediates accumulate during prophase I when Cdc14 protein levels are drastically reduced. Furthermore, Cdc14 plays a role in suppressing the formation of non-allelic (ectopic) recombination products. We also demonstrate that Cdc14 is required for correct sister chromatid disjunction during the second meiotic divisions. Finally, Cdc14 is required in meiosis for the timely activation of the conserved Holliday Junction resolvase, Yen1/GEN1 in anaphase II. Based on these new findings we propose an early function for Cdc14 in meiotic recombination independent of its later roles during anaphase I/II. Author Summary Meiotic recombination is fundamental for sexual reproduction, effective and coordinated resolution of recombination intermediates is critical for correct chromosome segregation. Homologous recombination is initiated by the introduction of programmed DSBs followed by the formation of complex branched DNA intermediates, including double Holliday Junctions (dHJs). These recombination intermediates are eventually repaired into crossover or non-crossover products. In some cases, unresolved recombination intermediates, or toxic repair products, might persist until the metaphase to anaphase transition, requiring of a subset of late-acting repairing enzymes to process them. Unrestrained activity of these enzymes might equally put at risk the genome integrity, thus, several layers of regulation tightly control them. For example, in budding yeast meiosis, Yen1/GEN1 is only activated during the second meiotic division, although how it is activated is unknown. Here, we have identified the requirement of the Cdc14 phosphatase for the timely activation of Yen1 during the second division in meiotic cells. Additionally, we have been able to identify a previously undescribed role of Cdc14 in meiotic recombination. Strikingly, we found that levels of aberrant recombination intermediates accumulate during prophase I in cdc14 meiotic deficient cells. Furthermore, in the absence of Cdc14 activity, there is an increase of ectopic recombination products, indicating that Cdc14 plays a direct role in monitoring meiotic DSB repair, possibly in a way independent of Yen1. Such accumulation of persistent recombination intermediates is not sensed by the checkpoint machinery at the end of prophase I, and their abnormal accumulation in cdc14 meiotic cells likely contribute to the missegregation problems observed during the second meiotic division.
Implementation of Problem Based Learning to Train Physics Students’ Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills (PSS) are the skills needed to face the challenges of the industrial revolution 4.0, which need to be developed through the learning process, and are still a challenge for teachers today. This study aims to determine the effect of the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) in practicing students’ problem solving abilities on material momentum and impulses. The research utilised a pre-experimental design with one-group pretest-posttest paradigm. The sample in this study consisted of 3 groups: one experimental group and two replication groups. The results showed that the implementation of PBL affected the problem solving abilities of students in the experimental and replication groups. The three groups experienced a different increase of PSS due to several factors, namely the implementation of learning, the existence of different student intelligence and student activities during learning.
Potential Regulatory Effects of miR-182-3p in Osteosarcoma via Targeting EBF2

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common primary malignant bone tumors in adolescents with a high mortality rate. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a kind of noncoding RNAs and has been proved to participate in many physiological processes. Many miRNAs have been reported to act as function regulators in OS. In our study, the miRNA and gene expression profiles of OS were downloaded from GEO Datasets and the differential expression analysis was performed using GEO2R. 58 up- and 126 downregulated miRNAs were found. In the three OS gene profiles, 125 up- and 27 downregulated genes were found to be differentially expressed in at least two profiles. The miRNA-mRNA networks were constructed to predict the potential target genes of 10 most up- and downregulated miRNA. Venn analysis was used to detect the coexpressed differentially expressed genes (DEGs). EBF2, one of the upregulated DEGs, was also a potential target gene of miR-182-3p. Knockdown and overexpression of miR-182-3p resulted in overexpression and downexpression of EBF2 separately. Luciferase reporter gene experiment further verified the binding site of miR-182-3p and EBF2. CCK8 assay showed that miR-182-3p knockdown can further enhance the proliferation activity of OS cells, while overexpressing miR-182-3p can inhibit the proliferation activity of OS cells. Our research indicated that downexpression of miR-182-3p in OS cells results in overexpression of EBF2 and promotes the progression of OS.