Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age Advantages in Emotional Experience Persist Even Under Threat From the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating unprecedented, sustained, and unavoidable stress for the entire population, and older people are facing particularly heightened risk of contracting the virus and suffering severe complications, including death. The present study was conducted when the pandemic was spreading exponentially in the United States. To address important theoretical questions about age differences in emotional experience in times of crisis, we surveyed a representative sample of 945 Americans between the ages of 18 and 76 years and assessed the frequency and intensity of a range of positive and negative emotions. We also assessed perceived risk of contagion and complications from the virus, as well as personality, health, and demographic characteristics. Age was associated with relatively greater emotional well-being both when analyses did and did not control for perceived risk and other covariates. The present findings extend previous research about age and emotion by demonstrating that older adults’ relatively better emotional well-being persists even in the face of prolonged stress.
Soil nematodes in alpine meadows of the Tatra National Park (Slovak Republic)

Summary The assemblages of soil nematodes were studied at five alpine meadow sites, 1763-2200 m. a. s. I. , in the Tatra National Park in the Slovak Republic. A total of 110 species were distinguished, 19 species were recorded in the Slovak Republic for the first time. The interesting new records are the occurrence of Sphaeronema alni at the elevation of 2003 m a . s. I. and the populations of Coomansus menzeli at four sites. The total numbers of species at individual sites varied from 45 to 72. The most abundant nematode genera were Aglenchus, Plectus. Acrobeloides, Paratylenchus, Eudorylaimus, Helicotylechus, and Aphelenchoides. The total mean abundance ranged from 704 to 2054 × 103ind.m-2 and the total mean biomass from 442 to 1531 mg.m-2. The lowest values of the Maturity Indices (ΣMI, Ml) were found at the highest elevation. The significantly highest values of the Plant Parasite Index were at the lowest elevation. The mean values of the of the Enrichment Index varied from 16.3 to 38.4, the mean values of the Structure Index from 64.1 to 85.4. The Structure metabolic footprints were significantly greater at the lowest elevation than at the highest elevation. Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis performed on species presence and absence, genera abundance and genera metabolic footprints showed nematode assemblages at sites of higher elevations different from those at sites of lower elevations.
Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products on the lactational performance of mid-lactation dairy cows1

Abstract This study was to evaluate 1 current and 2 newly developed Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP, Diamond V Original XPC and 2 test products) on the production efficiency of mid-lactation dairy cows. Eighty mid-lactation (164.5 ± 67.5 d in milk: DIM) Holstein cows (56 multiparous and 24 primiparous) were blocked by parity, DIM, and milk production, and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. Treatments consisted of: 1) Control (CON): corn silage and haylage based ration; 2) XPC: CON ration with Original XPC added at 14 g/d; 3) Product 1 (P1): CON ration with Product 1 added at 5 g/d; and 4) Product 2 (P2): CON ration with Product 2 added at 19 g/d. Treatments were blended with dried distillers grains and then mixed into a total mixed ration at 454 g/d. The first 14 d of the study (d–14 to 0) was for training cows to use the Calan door feeding system and cows were fed the CON ration during this period followed by an 8 wk continuous experimental period. Dry matter intakes were similar (P > 0.10) when cows were fed all treatments (25.7, 26.1, 25.1, and 26.2 kg/d for CON, XPC, P1, and P2, respectively). Milk production (33.3, 34.4, 35.5, and 36.8 kg/d) was improved (P < 0.05) for cows fed P2 compared to cows fed CON, with cows fed other treatments being intermediate and similar (P > 0.10). Feed efficiency (milk yield/dry matter intake) was improved (P < 0.05) for cows fed P1 and P2, compared to cows fed CON and XPC (1.30, 1.34, 1.49 and 1.41 kg/kg). Milk fat content was reduced (P < 0.05) for cows fed P2 (4.17, 3.93, 4.08, and 3.85%) compared to cows fed CON, with cows fed other treatments being intermediate (P > 0.10). Milk protein and lactose percentages were similar (P > 0.10) among treatments. Cows fed P2 had reduced (P < 0.05) molar proportion of ruminal acetate (63.8, 64.0, 63.1, and 62.3%) and greater (P < 0.05) propionate (18.9, 19.3, 19.7, and 20.6%) than cows fed other treatments. Supplementing a dairy ration with SCFP, such as P2, can improve milk production and feed efficiency of mid-lactation cows.
Conservação ex situ e on farm de recursos genéticos: desafios para promover sinergias e complementaridades

Historicamente, o Brasil priorizou o modelo da conservacao ex situ, realizada em câmaras frias, em meio de cultura in vitro e em colecoes vivas no campo. Esse tipo de conservacao capta o momento evolutivo em que a coleta foi realizada, mas as plantas assim conservadas nao continuam a evoluir. Tal caracteristica revela parte das limitacoes desse tipo de conservacao para oferecer respostas mais rapidas em um momento de crise relacionado a mudancas ambientais, por exemplo. Atualmente, a Organizacao das Nacoes Unidas para a Alimentacao e a Agricultura (FAO) reconhece que a diversidade genetica deve ser mantida nao so nos bancos de germoplasma, como tambem nos sistemas agricolas locais, onde a participacao dos agricultores e fundamental. O Tratado Internacional sobre Recursos Fitogeneticos para a Alimentacao e a Agricultura (TIRFAA), instrumento vinculante assinado pelo Brasil em 2001, torna obrigatoria essa linha de acao e de pesquisa para o pais. Mas com implementa-la? Neste artigo, apresentaremos uma reflexao sobre as complementaridades entre os modelos de conservacao ex situ e on farm, tomando a proposta de gestao compartilhada das colecoes ex situ como exemplo do incipiente processo de construcao, no campo cientifico e institucional, de caminhos que possibilitem novas maneiras de interacao entre os agricultores tradicionais e as instituicoes de pesquisa agricola, com o objetivo de conservar nao apenas o germoplasma, mas tambem processos que geram a agrobiodiversidade.
Behavioral compensation buffers body temperatures of two Liolaemus lizards under contrasting environments from the temperate Pampas: a Bogert effect?

Postural adjustments and microhabitat selection are two behavioral mechanisms that lizards extensively use to regulate their body temperatures. The Bogert effect occurs when behavioral thermoregulation buffers potential changes in body temperatures of congeneric organisms due to environmental variation, in turn precluding physiological evolution. We compared field body temperatures (Tb) and behavioral thermoregulation traits between two Liolaemus lizards: the saxicolous Liolaemus tandiliensis and the arenicolous Liolaemus wiegmannii. These species are spatially segregated in two thermally contrasting environments from the SE of the temperate Pampas of Argentina. During summer, the mean operative temperature (Te) of the coastal sand dunes occupied by L. wiegmannii was 9 ºC higher than that of the Tandilia mountains inhabited by L. tandiliensis. Despite the contrasting thermal conditions of both habitats, the mean Tb of L. tandiliensis (34.72 °C) was similar to that of L. wiegmannii (35.01 °C). The behavioral thermoregulation mechanisms varied considerably between both species. Liolaemus tandiliensis combined static body posture with displacements towards sunlit areas. In contrast, L. wiegmannii combined elevated and prostrated body postures with movements towards full and filtered sun patches. Environmental gradients offer diverse challenges impelling lizards to find different behavioral thermoregulation adaptations in order to partially cope with environmental constraints. This occurs in many species of Liolaemus that are thermoregulatory efficient despite of the climatic adversities. In this study, two species of Liolaemus used different postural and microhabitat path-selection strategies according to climate, allowing them to buffer changes in Tb, thus suggesting that the Bogert effect may be occurring in these two species.
Germination strategies of two dominant Carex species in a swamp alder forest: implications for restoration

Abstract Germination strategy is an essential mechanism that determines plant survival in previously established populations or newly colonised sites. Carex is a group of species that has shown difficulties to germinate experimentally and also many of them failed in order to use in restoration projects. Our aim was to determine whether Carex elata and C. elongata that dominate in vegetation of Central European swamps differ in their germination strategy. We conducted germination experiments with stratified and unstratified seeds of both species to determine: 1) if they are able to germinate fresh, 2) if they exhibit a cyclic dormancy pattern, and 3) if they will germinate from a seed bank. We demonstrate fresh seed germination and no evidence of cyclic dormancy in either species. Stratification did not enhance final germination but it did accelerate germination. Seed bank seeds of both species germinate sparsely. We demonstrate that these coexisting Carex species differ with respect to final germination. The higher germination percentages of the fresh seeds compared to buried and seed bank seeds of both species probably reflect adaptation to fluctuating water-level conditions. In summary, these findings support a strategy of fresh germination in a highly-variable environment. Our study indicates that both C. elata and C. elongata are suitable for restoration projects. Successful establishment and revegetation with C. elongata may result simply from sowing fresh seeds. In contrast, seed sowing, combined with vegetatively produced seedling transplants is essential for the successful restoration of C. elata.
Assessment of nutritive and antioxidant properties of some indigenous pigmented hill rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars of Assam

Fourteen pigmented hill rice cultivars along with a non-pigmented one were studied for ascertaining the extent of their nutritional and genetic diversity. Moisture contents of the fourteen pigmented hill rice cultivars ranged from 7.49 to 10.10 % along w.ith the contents (% dry weight) of nutrients viz., crude fat (4.37 – 5.27) and crude protein (9.27 - 11.42). The corresponding range of values for the contents (mg/100g dry weight) of microminerals Zn and Fe were form 3.42 to 4.28 and from 3.21 to 4.18 respectively. The pigmented germplasm had anthocyanin content (mg cyanidine 3-O glucoside /100g) ranging from 3.58 to 7.86, total phenolic content (mg GAE/100 g)from 67.89 to 89.43, flavonoid content (mg QE/100g)from 57.75 to 78.74 and antioxidant activity from 19.56 to 29.29 %. Analysis of variance indicated that the varietal effect on each of the parameters studied was highly significant. There was significant correlation amongst the different parameters of the rice genotypes analysed. Results of the biochemical screening of these cultivars may lead to selection of promising candidates that can be used for developing improved lines in future breeding programmes.
Effect of a prebiotic, probiotic and symbiotic on performance of broilers under Clostridium Perfringens challenge

The risk of developing antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria is a major concern in poultry production. The aim of this paper was to evaluate a number of commercially available products as alternatives to antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) in broiler’s feed. Six experimental treatments [T1 = unmediated feed (negative control, NC); T2 = unmediated feed plus bacterial challenge (positive control, PC); T3 = feed plus antibiotic (NEOX); T4 = feed plus probiotic (GALI); T5 = feed plus prebiotic (TECHNO); and T6 = feed plus probiotic and prebiotic (SYM)] were used in this study. A total of 240 one-day-old chicks were utilized in the growth trial for 42 days. The birds in T2 to T6 were challenged with an oral dose of Clostridium perfringens. Data demonstrated that poor performance was found in the broilers infected with C. perfringens that did not receive any types of medication (negative control). In conclusion, the antibiotic (NEOX), probiotic (GALI) and prebiotic (TECHNO) were able to eradicate the negative impacts of bacterial stress. In addition, the birds receiving GALI and TECHNO had similar performance to those receiving NEOX.
The Cornerstone for in Vitro Propagation and Ploidy Stability of Myrsine (Primulaceae) Species

1 Laboratório de Citogenética e Cultura de Tecidos Vegetais, Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Engenharias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Alegre – ES, Brazil 2 Laboratório de Botânica, Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Engenharias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Alegre – ES, Brazil 3 Laboratório de Citogenética e Citometria, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, CEP: 36.570-000, Viçosa – MG, Brazil
ER-to-cell surface signalling: calreticulin and cell adhesion

Summary Cell shape, adhesion, and motility are affected by Ca -regulated pathways, which depend on Ca-binding proteins. One such protein is calreticulin, a ubiquitous and major Ca-binding protein, resident in the ER of eukaryotic cells. In the lumen of the ER, calreticulin is a lectin-like chaperone, sharing this function with an ER-membrane protein, calnexin. Calreticulin also functions as an ER-lumenal Ca store and plays a central role in intracellular Ca homeostasis, including the regulation of store-operated Ca influx via plasma membrane and ER Ca channels. Calreticulin also affects processes outside of the ER; most notably, it modulates expression of several genes, some of them adhesion related, such as vinculin and fibronectin. Curiously, changes in the expression level of calreticulin strongly affect tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins, which is known to affect many adhesion-related functions. Consequently, calreticulin affects cell adhesion via the regulation of expression of proteins important in adhesion, as well as via its effects on intracellular signalling pathways. One of the proteins differentially phosphorylated in a calreticulin-dependent manner is b-catenin, a structural component of cadherin-mediated adhesion complexes and a part of the Wnt signalling pathway. We suggest that the observed changes in cell adhesiveness may be due to calreticulin' s influence on a signalling pathway from the ER, which includes the bcatenin/vinculin protein system. Differential expression of calreticulin may affect the phosphorylation status of b-catenin by either inhibition of specific phosphotyrosine kinase(s) or activation of phosphotyrosi ne phosphatase(s ). This is likely to affect the balance between complexed and free b-catenin and impinge further down on the Wnt signalling. At present, the mechanism by which calreticulin affects gene expression can only be speculated upon, but our data indicate that calreticulin, via its effects on Ca release from the ER, may indirectly control the expression of several genes by interfering with calcineurin activity and the ability of the transcription factor, NFAT-3, to translocate to the nucleus. The activation of calcineurin depends on the sustained release of Ca from ER stores, which is dependent on calreticulin. In summary, we propose that calreticulin may be a centrally located connector molecule in a signalling network in the lumen of the ER. Calreticulin is uniquely endowed for such regulation because it is a multifunctiona l protein that interacts with several other ER proteins in a Ca-dependent manner, suggesting that it may function as a signalling “toggle switch”. We therefore hypothesize that calreticulin regulates gene expression by participating in an “ER -tonucleus” signalling pathway, which parallels an “ER -to-cell surface” pathway based upon posttranslational events.
The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of spinach, Spinacia oleracea L

Abstract Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is an economically important vegetable crop. Here we describe the complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of spinach, which has a length of 329,613 bp and a GC content of 43.4%. It is separated by a pair of directly repeated elements of 7286 bp, to form a large single copy region of 229,375 bp and a small single copy region of 85,666 bp. The genome contains 29 protein-coding genes, 4 pseudogenes, 24 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that spinach was closely related to Beta vulgaris (sugar beet), both belonging to the Amaranthaceae family.
Potential predation of the exotic Amblyseius swirskii on Euseius concordis (Acari: Phytoseiidae), a predatory mite commonly found in Brazil

ABSTRACT Intra/interspecific predation by A. swirskii. Both Benin and Netherlands populations of Amblyseius swirskii engaged in cannibalism, and in predation on Euseius concordis larvae. Provision of pollen decreased cannibalism considerably, but had a smaller effect on predation on E. concordis. Potential effect of the eventual introduction of A. swirskii for control of Bemisia tabaci in Brazil is discussed.
Effect of Axial Load Variation on the Retrofit of Exterior Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Joints

Exterior beam-column joints in existing reinforced concrete structures built prior to the introduction of modern detailing practices have arguably been observed to constitute the weakest link under strong earthquakes. In this paper, the results of an experimental and analytical investigation of four 2/3-scale exterior beam-column joint subassemblies including one as-built and three retrofitted configurations are presented. All specimens were designed and constructed according to pre-1970s construction practice. Beam-column joints were retrofitted using glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets. Main aim was to examine the possible effects of axial load variation on the column due to the frame lateral sway on the performance of retrofitted beam-column joints. Comparison with the experimental results are performed in order to validate the assessment methodology proposed recently by the authors and also to emphasize the unconservative assumptions made by retrofit design assuming constant axial load.
Polymorphisms of TLR4 Gene and Its Association With Genetic Resistance to Salmonella Enteritidis Infection in Fayoumi Breed and Hy-line Strain in Egypt -

The aim of this study is to screen for genetic resistance to different doses of salmonella infection and its possible association with polymorphisms in exon 1 and 2 of TLR4 in Fayoumi breed and Hy-line strain of chickens. Two experiments was done, first one for measuring the variation of TLR4 -exon 1 and exon 2 of different genotypes of chicken under study and resistance to salmonella enteritidis. This study include 100 birds of each breeds, were infected orally with LD50 (108 cfu) salmonella enteritidis at age of two weeks and was divided into two groups (susceptible and resistance). TLR4 gene was genotyped with PCR-RFLP, The genotyping results on exon 1 (596 bp) by Taq1 restriction enzyme showed that the BB genotypes is more resistance to infection in the Fayoumi breed and also the AB genotypes is more resistance to infection in the Hy-line strain. Also The genotyping result on exon 2 (793 bp) by EcoR1 restriction enzyme showed only one genotype BB in Fayoumi breed and The frequency of AB genotypes is more resistant to infection than BB genotypes in Hy-line strain. The second experiment to evaluate the variation in immune response to the different genotypes of TLR4 -exon 1 and exon 2 this study include 100 birds of each breeds were infected with (5× 107 cfu) salmonella enteritidis and according to Elisa results the chickens devided into two groups (high and low immune response). The genotyping result on exon 1 (596 bp) by Taq1 restriction enzyme showed that the AB genotypes produce high immune response in both Fayoumi breed and Hy-line strain so can be used as a genetic marker for increase the immune response in chicks under study. Also The genotyping result on exon 2 (793 bp) by EcoR1 restriction enzyme showed only one genotype BB genotypes in Fayoumi breed and Hy-line strain.
Phosphoregulation of Sfi1 is Required for Yeast Centrosome Duplication and Separation

Avena, Jennifer Susan (Ph.D., Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology) Phosphoregulation of Sfi1 is Required for Yeast Centrosome Duplication and Separation Thesis directed by Professor Mark Winey Centrosomes serve as the main microtubule-organizing centers in many eukaryotic cells. Duplication of centrosomes once per cell cycle is essential for bipolar spindle formation and genome maintenance and requires control by protein kinases, including cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). However, an understanding of the mechanisms by which centrosome duplication is regulated and, in particular, restricted to once per cell cycle is still lacking. Sfi1, a conserved component of centrosomes, is a phospho-protein that is a key candidate for establishing the site of new centrosome assembly in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, likely via domainspecific functions. I have examined the role of phosphorylation of the Sfi1 amino (N) and carboxy (C) termini at the spindle pole body (SPB), the budding yeast centrosome. I have established that a nonphosphorylatable sfi1 N-terminal allele shows genetic interactions with protein-encoding genes of the new SPB precursor. This suggests that these proteins are promising candidates as physical interactors of the Sfi1 N terminus and may be recruited by the Sfi1 N terminus for assembly of the new SPB during duplication. I additionally propose that this step of new SPB assembly requires the protein kinase Mps1. Importantly, I also have identified Sfi1 as the first Cdk substrate required to restrict centrosome duplication to once per cell cycle. I found that reducing Cdk1 phosphorylation by changing Sfi1 C-terminal phosphorylation sites to nonphosphorylatable residues leads to defects in separation of duplicated SPBs and to inappropriate SPB reduplication during mitosis. These cells also display defects in bipolar
Skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in endurance athletes measured with near infrared spectroscopy

The purpose of this experiment was to determine if near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurements of muscle oxidative capacity could detect the known differences between endurance trained athletes (N=6) and inactive subjects (N=7). Muscle oxygen consumption (mVO2) was measured during brief arterial occlusions. The recovery of mVO2 after electrical stimulation was fit to an exponential curve, with the time constant (Tc) used as an index of mitochondrial capacity. Tc values for endurance trained were 18.3 ± 2.3 and 19.2 ± 1.6 seconds, whereas inactive controls were 31.6 ± 5.1 and 33.1 ± 3.5 seconds, for the shallow and deep channels respectively (p < 0.001 for comparison between groups). The magnitude of the differences in muscle oxidative capacity between endurance trained and inactive subjects matched literature values, supporting the use of the NIRS method to measure muscle oxidative capacity. INDEX WORDS: NIRS, mitochondrial capacity, electrical stimulation, oxidative metabolism, endurance training, maximal oxygen uptake, competitive cyclists SKELETAL MUSCLE MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION IN ENDURANCE ATHLETES MEASURED WITH NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY