Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population variation of the red stripe weevils, Rhynchophorus vulneratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) isolated by geographical limit

Morphological variation of the red stripe weevils, Rhynchophorus vulneratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was investigated using three different populations from Kota Samarahan (Sarawak), Mukah (Sarawak), and central of Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 145 individuals were morphologically examined in which 23 morphological characters of head, body and legs were linearly measured. All data were analysed using Principal Component Analysis in Minitab Version 17.1. The first three principal components explained 82.5% of variance with eigenvalues greater than 1.0 and the principal component plot of PC1 against PC2 showed the clustering of the three populations, in which Mukah population forms its own cluster whereas Kota Samarahan and Peninsular Malaysia populations show overlapping clusters. The morphometric findings indicated that the pronotum and elytra were the most diagnostic characters for discriminating the three examined populations. This suggests that the populations of R. vulneratus might have undergone adaptive changes on its morphological characters possibly due to different environmental factors including the availability of food resources, habitat types,and human activities and this requires further testing.
Effect of Some Antibiotic Alternatives on Experimentally Escherichia Coli Infected Broiler Chicks

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of antibiotics alternatives as prebiotic, organic acid and antibiotic supplementation to the broiler chicks on their protective effect against artificial infection with ciprofloxacin marked E.coli O25, growth performance, survival rate, immunity, serum biochemistry and response to NDV. Three-hundred and fifty-day-old broiler chicks were divided into 7 equal groups, 50 chicks each, group 1 was kept as control. Chicks of group 2 was infected orally with 0.2ml of E.coli O25 containing 1x108 viable organism /ml in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and kept as infected control group. Chicks of group 3 was received organic acid (butyric) in water (2ml/liter). Chicks of group 4 was received prebiotic (Hydrostar) in water (1ml/2liter). Chicks of group 5 was received antibiotic (neomycin) in water (1gm/liter) for 5 successive days. Chicks of group 6 was received prebiotic (Hydrostar) and antibiotic (neomycin). Chicks of group 7 was received organic acid (butyric) and antibiotic (neomycin). At 15 days of age chickens of groups 3- 4-5-6 and 7 were orally inoculated with o.2 ml of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) containing 1 x 108 viable organism /ml of E coli O25 by the same does of group 2. Our results showed that the birds received organic acid (butyric acid) (G3) and prebiotic (Hydrostar) (G4) showed more favorable clinical signs, mortality rate, P.M. lesions, recovery rate, bacterial re-isolation results, growth performance and improved immune response to NDV. A decrease in the mean values of serum ALT and AST and creatinine levels and increase in mean values of albumin, globulin and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) were recorded that may provide evidence for the hepato and renoprotective effects of organic acid (butyric acid) and prebiotic (Hydrostar). It could be concluded that prebiotic (Hydrostar) and organic acid (butyric acid) can be used as antibiotics alternatives due to their high efficacy in (growth performance, antibacterial and positive impact on both liver, kidney functions and antioxidant enzymes). This study highly recommends the use of Hydrostar and butyric acid as a prophylactic agents in dealing with E. coli infection in chicken however, its concurrent administration with neomycin in treatment of such case revealed the most favorable outcomes.
Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Hemsleya zhejiangensis (cucurbitaceae), a rare and endangered wild plant species in Zhejiang province, China

Abstract Hemsleya zhejiangensis is a rare and endangered plant species which is listed as a key protected wild plant in Zhejiang province, China. In our present study, we assembled the complete chloroplast (CP) genome of H. zhejiangensis using high-throughput sequencing data. The whole genome sequence of H. zhejiangensis is 157,289 bp in size, with a GC content of 37.1%. Sequencing analyses reveal that the CP genome encodes 133 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, 37 tRNA genes, and four pseudogenes. Phylogenetic analysis results indicate that H. zhejiangensis is clustered with H. lijiangensis, with a support value of 100%, and they are sister to the three Gynostemma species.
Urochloa decumbens Has Higher Mycorrhizal Colonization in Degraded than in Pristine Areas in the Brazilian Cerrado

Brazil has extensive degraded areas, where vegetation fails to establish due to harsh soil conditions. However, some invasive species such as Urochloa decumbens are successful pioneers in such areas, but the reasons deserve investigation. Mycorrhizal fungi are abundant in Cerrado soils, and their association with plants are beneficial for their establishment in natural and degraded areas. This study investigated whether arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of native and exotic plants in the Cerrado differs between pristine and degraded areas. We collected 135 plants from four functional groups in 68 areas and determined the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization. The invasive grass Urochloa decumbens had significantly higher colonization rates in degraded than in native areas, and higher colonization than the native species. These results are important for soil management since Urochloa decumbens is widely used in early soil restoration efforts, and for nature conservation concerning the management of invasive plants in restoration areas.
The Practice of Marketing Public Relations In Multinational Companies in Indonesia

The growth of public relations and its acceptance as a valuable, sometimes essential, marketing practice is practically universal . This study aims to find out the marketing communication models applied in Multinational companies in Indonesia. The study provides an analysis of the role of marketing public relations in Multinational companies and this study also explores the role of marketing public relations in the multinational or global companies in Indonesia, to establish whether it is considered to be an important function for a multinational company. The data was gathered through in-depth interview and telephone interview technique involving six multinational companies in Indonesia. The result of this study shows that Marketing public relations officers in multinational companies in Indonesia do apply a mixed model of communications in their operations. This mixed model is a mixture of the press agentry and a two-way asymmetrical model. These two models seem to be the models which are applied in most multinational companies in Indonesia, even though they still use external agencies (consultancies) for handling certain issues.
Seed Aging, Storage and Deterioration: An Irresistible Physiological Phenomenon

The need for increased seed quality has become a priority necessary to face the current demand for high standards in the agricultural market. The various factors which contribute to the loss in seed quality, viability and vigour which can be either physical or physiological. Seed deterioration and ageing are considered as a force to reckon the depletion in food reserve, increased fat acidity, increased enzyme activity and membrane permeability. Quality and viability of seed during storage processes chiefly depends upon the initial status of the seed health and the manner in which it is stored. Achieving appropriate techniques can help to curtail the current agricultural crisis leading to expose of healthy plantlets in farming sector. This research review attempts to summarize and enlighten the various aspects of seed related features such as viability, ageing and deterioration.
Exposure to nicotine vapor causes short-term increases in impulsive choice in rats

Background Previous studies have shown that exposure to nicotine smoke increases impulsivity. Surprisingly, research investigating the effects of electronic cigarette nicotine vapor exposure on impulsivity has not been conducted. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of nicotine vapor exposure on impulsive choice. Methods Twenty-four adult male rats were trained in the delay discounting task to choose between small immediate food rewards or larger food rewards with delayed deliveries. After 24 days of training in the delay discounting task, rats were passively exposed to vapor containing either 0, 12, or 24 mg/mL of nicotine for 10 days. To monitor exposure to nicotine, serum cotinine levels were assessed on exposure days 1, 5, and 10 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Following vapor exposure, rats were retrained in the delay discounting task until stable performance was achieved, and the effects of nicotine vapor exposure on choice preference were assessed. Results Rats that were exposed to 12 and 24 mg/mL nicotine vapor displayed higher serum cotinine levels, relative to those exposed to 0 mg/mL nicotine vapor. There were no differences in impulsive choice between any of the vapor groups when tested 15-21 days after exposure. However, increases in impulsive choice were observed when testing immediately following exposure to 24 mg/mL nicotine vapor, relative to immediately following exposure to 0 mg/mL nicotine vapor. Conclusions Findings suggest that while exposure to nicotine vapor may not cause long-term changes in decision making, it can cause short-term increases in impulsive choice, an effect that can have negative social and health consequences.
When to vaccinate a fluctuating wildlife population: Is timing everything?

Abstract Wildlife vaccination is an important tool for managing the burden of infectious disease in human populations, domesticated livestock and various iconic wildlife. Although substantial progress has been made in the field of vaccine designs for wildlife, there is a gap in our understanding of how to time wildlife vaccination, relative to host demography, to best protect a population. We use a mathematical model and computer simulations to assess the outcomes of vaccination campaigns that deploy vaccines once per annual population cycle. Optimal timing of vaccination is an important consideration in animals with short to intermediate life spans and a short birthing season. Vaccines that are deployed shortly after the birthing season best protect the host population. The importance of timing is greater in wildlife pathogens that have a high rate of transmission and a short recovery period. Vaccinating at the end of the birthing season best reduces the mean abundance of pathogen‐infected hosts. Delaying vaccination until later in the year can facilitate pathogen elimination. Policy Implications. Tuning wildlife vaccination campaigns to host demography and pathogen traits can substantially increase the effectiveness of a campaign. Our results suggest that, for a fluctuating population, vaccinating at, or shortly after, the end of the birthing season, best protects the population against an invading pathogen. If the pathogen is already endemic, delaying vaccination until after the birthing season is over can help facilitate pathogen elimination. Our results highlight the need to better understand and predict host demography in wildlife populations that are targeted for vaccination.
Antagonistic activity of Lactobacillus reuteri strains isolated from different niches against food bacteria and its biopreservative application along with nisin in milk system

The objective of the present study was to isolate a potential reuterin producing L. reuteri strain and check its biopreservation efficacy along with nisin in milk system. A total of 35 lactobacilli isolates were obtained from 12 different sources which included faecal samples from infants, adult humans as well as rats and also human milk. Finally, 13 isolates could be confirmed as Lactobacillus reuteri on the basis of PCR. The 13 L. reuteri isolates were then screened for their antimicrobial activity in MRS media with or without glycerol supplementation. It was observed that the supernatant obtained from secondary fermentation from eight L. reuteri isolates in glycerolsupplemented media significantly inhibited the growth of majority of bacterial indicators, which was pH independent. Furthermore the supernatant from the same 8 isolates also exhibited significant antifungal activity against the tested fungal indicators. Based on the RAPD strain profile and reuterin based antimicrobial activity, L. reuteri strain 47 was selected as the most potent isolate for further study. The active units of reuterin in the supernatant of L. reuteri 47 were calculated to be 1600 AU/ml. In the milk system, the reuterin system significantly inhibited E. coli, but not P. acidilactici, nisin on the other hand had significant activity against P. acidilactici but not E. coli. The combination of reuterin and nisin had synergistic effect against L. monocytogenes. Hence, the combination of reuterin and nisin can be utilized to target specific pathogens as well as to improve the overall safety of milk and milk products.
The number of k-mer matches between two DNA sequences as a function of k and applications to estimate phylogenetic distances

We study the number Nk of length-k word matches between pairs of evolutionarily related DNA sequences, as a function of k. We show that the Jukes-Cantor distance between two genome sequences – i.e. the number of substitutions per site that occurred since they evolved from their last common ancestor – can be estimated from the slope of a function F that depends on Nk and that is affine-linear within a certain range of k. Integers kmin and kmax can be calculated depending on the length of the input sequences, such that the slope of F in the relevant range can be estimated from the values F (kmin) and F (kmax). This approach can be generalized to so-called spaced-word matches, where mismatches are allowed at positions specified by a user-defined binary pattern. Based on these theoretical results, we implemented a software program for alignment-free sequence comparison called Slope-SpaM. Test runs on real and simulated sequence data show that Slope-SpaM can accurately estimate phylogenetic distances for distances up to around 0.5 substitutions per position. The statistical stability of our results is improved if spaced words are used instead of contiguous words. Unlike previous alignment-free methods that are based on the number of (spaced) word matches, Slope-SpaM produces accurate results, even if sequences share only local homologies.
Prefrontal cortex exhibits multi-dimensional dynamic encoding during decision-making

Recent work has suggested that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a key role in context-dependent perceptual decision-making. In this study, we addressed that role using a new method for identifying task-relevant dimensions of neural population activity. Specifically, we show that the PFC has a multidimensional code for context, decisions and both relevant and irrelevant sensory information. Moreover, these representations evolve in time, with an early linear accumulation phase followed by a phase with rotational dynamics. We identify the dimensions of neural activity associated with these phases and show that they do not arise from distinct populations but from a single population with broad tuning characteristics. Finally, we use model-based decoding to show that the transition from linear to rotational dynamics coincides with a plateau in decoding accuracy, revealing that rotational dynamics in the PFC preserve sensory choice information for the duration of the stimulus integration period. Aoi et al. used a new dimensionality-reduction method to disentangle the contributions of different task variables to neural population activity, which revealed rotational dynamics in monkey PFC during context-dependent decision-making.
Evolutionary repair: Changes in multiple functional modules allow meiotic cohesin to support mitosis

Different members of the same protein family often perform distinct cellular functions. How much are these differing functions due to changes in a protein’s biochemical activity versus changes in other proteins? We asked how the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, evolves when forced to use the meiosis-specific kleisin, Rec8, instead of the mitotic kleisin, Scc1, during the mitotic cell cycle. This perturbation impairs sister chromosome linkage and reduces reproductive fitness by 45%. We evolved 15 populations for 1750 generations, substantially increasing their fitness, and analyzed their genotypes and phenotypes. We found no mutations in Rec8, but many populations had mutations in the transcriptional mediator complex, cohesin-related genes, and cell cycle regulators that induce S phase. These mutations improve sister chromosome cohesion and slow genome replication in Rec8-expressing cells. We conclude that changes in known and novel partners allow proteins to improve their ability to perform new functions.
Genetic interaction between two unlinked loci underlies the loss of self-incompatibility in Arabidopsis lyrata

As the first step towards the evolution of selfing from obligate outcrossing, identifying the key mutations underlying the loss of self-incompatibility is of particular interest. However, our current knowledge is primarily based on sequence-based comparisons between selfing species and their self-incompatible relatives, which makes it hard to distinguish causal from secondary mutations. To by-pass this problem, we inferred the genetic basis of the loss of self-incompatibility by intercrossing plants from twelve geographically interspersed outcrossing and selfing populations of North-American Arabidopsis lyrata and determining the breeding system of 1,580 progeny. Self-incompatibility was not restored after crosses between different self-compatible populations. Equal frequencies of self-compatible and self-incompatible progeny emerged from crosses between parents with different breeding systems. We propose a two-locus genetic model for the loss of self-incompatibility in which specific S-locus haplotypes (S1 and S19) are associated with loss of self-incompatibility through their interaction with an unlinked modifier.
Molecular Characterization of Irish Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhimurium: Detection of Class I Integrons and Assessment of Genetic Relationships by DNA Amplification Fingerprinting

M. DALY, J. BUCKLEY, E. POWER, C. O’HARE, M. CORMICAN, B. CRYAN, P. G. WALL, AND S. FANNING* Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Veterinary Department, County Hall, Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Agriculture and Food, and Department of Medical Microbiology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Department of Bacteriology, National University of Ireland, Galway, and Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Dublin 1, Ireland
GLP-1R is downregulated in beta cells of NOD mice and T1D patients

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is produced by L cells in the small intestine in response to ingested glucose and increases insulin release from pancreatic beta cells by activation of its cognate receptor (GLP-1R). Stimulation of this receptor also contributes to increased beta cell survival and regeneration. We have found that pancreatic beta cells from Non Obese Diabetic (NOD) mice express significantly lower levels of GLP-1R than C57BL/6 mice, leaving the NOD beta cells with an impaired response to GLP-1 stimulation. The lower expression appears to be caused by accelerated degradation of GLP-1R in the beta cells, a process that can be reversed by inhibiting trafficking to the lysosome. Importantly, our results appear to translate to the human disease since we also observed significantly lower expression of the GLP-1R in pancreatic islets from donors with type 1 diabetes. These results suggest that beta cell physiology may play a role in susceptibility to autoimmune inflammation.
The Dynamic Nature of the POMC Neuron Landscape, and the Impact of POMC Peptides and Body Composition States in Motivated Feeding

Hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency leads to obesity and metabolic deficiencies, largely due to the loss of melanocortin peptides. However, POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) are comprised of glutamatergic and GABAergic subpopulations. The developmental program, relative proportion and function of these two subpopulations are unresolved. To test whether glutamatergic POMC neurons serve a distinct role in maintaining energy homeostasis, we activated Pomc expression Cre-dependently in Vglut2-expressing neurons of mice with conditionally silenced Pomc alleles. The Vglut2-Pomc Restored mice had normal ARC Pomc mRNA levels, POMC immunoreactivity, as well as body weight and body composition at age 12 weeks. Unexpectedly, the cumulative total of glutamatergicand GABAergic-Pomc neurons exceeded 100% in both Vglut2Pomc Restored and Control mice, indicating that a subpopulation of Pomc neurons must express both neuronal markers. 1 This work is published and performed in collaboration with the Lechan Lab at Tufts University. Gábor Wittmann performed the ISH, Eva Yokosawa measured weekly body weights and conducted genomic DNA PCR. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1523/ENEURO.0400-18.2019
Phytogenic compounds do not interfere physiological parameters and growth performances on two Indonesian local breeds of ducks

Aim: The present study was to investigate the interaction between duck’s breed and phytogenic compounds as feed additives in the diet on blood lipid and hematological profile, welfare, and growth performance. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 male day-old local breed ducks (Tegal and Muscovy ducks) were used in this experiment. The first factor was duck breed and the second factor was different phytogenic compounds supplementation in the diet: Garlic, turmeric, ginger, and kencur, at 3% each. The observed variables were the blood lipid profiles comprise high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol total, triglyceride, blood parameters, welfare (heterophil/lymphocyte [H/L] ratio), and growth performances (feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and carcass percentage). Results: The interaction between breed of ducks and phytogenic compounds had a significant effect on blood triglyceride, but no significant effect on the blood lipid profile, hematological parameters, and growth performances. While, phytogenic compounds in the diet had significant effects on the blood lipid profile, heterophil (H), lymphocyte (L), and H/L ratio of ducks. The breed factors affected HDL and growth performances. Muscovy duck had a higher HDL and growth performance compare to Tegal duck. Among those, garlic most effectively reduced triglyceride level in Tegal duck. Conclusion: Phytogenic compounds 3% do not have a negative effect on the physiological parameters of ducks increase ducks welfare (H/L ratio), so it does not affect the growth performances of ducks. Muscovy duck had higher growth performances than Tegal ducks.
Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of sunflower family species Aster Flaccidus (Compositae)

Abstract Aster flaccidus is a perennial medicinal plant belong the sunflower family Compositae, which is widely distributed in China and some other Asian countries. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of A. flaccidus was sequenced using the Illumina Hiseq 4000 platform. The size of the A. flaccidus chloroplast genome is 151,329 bp, with an average GC content of 37.5%. This circular molecule has a typical quadripartite structure containing a large single copy (LSC) region of 83,480 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,149 bp, and two inverted (IRs) repeat regions of 24,850 bp. A total of 132 genes were successfully annotated containing 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes. A maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree supported that the chloroplast genome of A. flaccidus is closely related to that of Aster indicus.