Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
I Elements in Drosophila melanogaster

At the beginning of the 1970s Picard and L’Heritier reported that crosses between particular strains of Drosophila melanogaster produce progeny exhibiting genetic abnormalities. In 1976 Picard reported that the factor responsible for IR hybrid dysgenesis is a transposable element, the first discovered in Drosophila, and named it the I factor. The determination of its sequence showed that it belongs to the class of non-long terminal repeat retrotransposons (NLRs) also known as long interspersed nucleotidic elements (LINEs). The I factor is one of the models used to study the mechanism of transposition of NLRs because it can be mobilized at high frequency by dysgenic crosses, giving the opportunity to study the molecular mechanism of transposition in vivo. The D. melanogaster species can be divided into two classes of strains according to the IR system of hybrid dysgenesis, inducer (or I) and reactive (or R). I strains contain several complete and functional I factors, R strains do not. The mechanism of transposition of the I factor is thought to be related to target-primed reverse transcription (TPRT) requiring a full-length RNA intermediate. The study of deletion derivatives indicates that the sequences comprised between nucleotides 41 and 100 might be involved in the inhibition of somatic expression. The study of deletion derivatives showed that more than one region of the protein is involved in DNA binding and that the cysteine-rich motifs are not essential for this, but are required for the formation of the high molecular weight structures.
A commentary on canopy tree mortality in Westland rata-kamahi protection forests.

ABSTRACT The apparently excessive canopy tree mortality in the rata-kamahi forests of Westland has resulted in the widespread belief that persistence of the forest cover in this area may be endangered. Browsing by the Australian brush-tailed possum (Trichosurus , vulpecula) is commonly believed to be the cause of the widespread mortality. Consequently', research has been directed towards studies of possum diet and vegetation condition under varying possum densities. However, browsing by possums does not appear to be the sole cause of the tree mortality. Natural stand dynamic processes appear to contribute importantly to the observed mortality patterns. The development of even-aged stands following massive disturbances such as mass movements and windthrow and, thus, the presence of groups of senescent trees appears to be an important contributory factor. Possum browsing (as well as other lethal influences) may be affecting stands already susceptible as a result of natural stand dynamic processes. INTRODUCTION Grey crowns of dead or apparently dying trees are often conspicuous in the highland hardwood-softwood forests of the North and South Islands of New Zealand. They are especially common in rata-kamahi forests in Westland, on the South Island, where in many areas they give a white tint to the landscape. Since the 1940s this mortality has caused concern as these rata-kamahi forests are considered vital to the protection of agricultural and forestry production in the adjacent lowlands.
Prediction of Depression Severity Based on Transformer Encoder and CNN Model

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders and can lead to suicide in extreme cases. It is crucial to develop and design an automatic depression detection(ADD) model that is objective, effective, and robust. Many works have been done to develop automatic depression detection systems using speech data due to its easy accessibility and privacy. Although most current methods use RNN, it is difficult to capture the long-term dependence of depressed audio due to the gradient explosion/vanish. In this paper, a novel model combining Transformer Encoder and CNN is proposed to address this problem. Experiments on the DAIC-WOZ dataset show that the performance of the algorithm has improved considerably, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 4.48 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.37.
Blended Learning in Physiotherapy Education:Magic Mix That Improves Quality of StudentLearning

Background. Teaching face to face and partly online is called blended teaching. In practical oriented subjects like physiotherapy more hands on training is required. Hence online teaching may not help to meet the learning outcomes. But a combination of face to face and online may be very effective in delivering the course contents. In this paper the effect of blended teaching on students learning is discussed. Aim. The aim of this paper is to discuss the efficacy of blended learning to improve the quality of student learning in physiotherapy education. Materials and methods. At INTI International University, we delivered physiotherapy selected courses in blended mode using various tools in the Blackboard platform. We also used zoom and skype to deliver in-classroom lectures with international expert from overseas. The efficacy of this method was evaluated through student’s feedback and performance in the formative and summative assessments Results. The students participated in these courses perceived blended teaching strategies very effective and convenient. Blended learning encouraged more collaboration between students which was evident based on their summative exam scores. Conclusion. Blended teaching strategies may be effective in physiotherapy education to improve the quality of students learning. A higher quality studies will provide more evidence.
Dynamic response and stochastic resonance of a tri-stable system

Stochastic resonance (SR) describes a nonlinear phenomenon in nature, of which the essential ingredients are a nonlinear system, a weak signal, and a source of noise. Using the nonlinear system, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the output signal of the system will peak at a certain value of noise intensity under a synergistic action of input signal and noise. Besides the traditional Langevin equation, the new SR models such as monostable oscillators, chaotic systems, time-delay systems and bistable Duffing systems, can also produce SR phenomena. In this paper, a normalized symmetrical tri-stable potential function is constructed by using equilibrium parameters p and q, and a tri-stable system model simultaneously driven by weak signal and noise is further proposed. The tri-stable system model can be understood through a cantilever beam structure with three magnets, and deduced from the Brownian motion equation. We study in-depth and summarize the influences of parameters p and q on the potential barrier heights ΔU1, ΔU2 and their difference value. By analyzing the steady-state solution of the tri-stable system under invariable input, the concept of system steady-state solution curve (SSS curve) is proposed, and is used to further study the system dynamic response under low-frequency harmonic signal input. In these situations, the system response can be obtained by combining the steady-state solutions of the system following time t under a group of tempolabile inputs. Moreover, with the noise injection, the tri-stable system can realize SR under appropriate parameter condition, which can be demonstrated by the output amplitude curve and also the output SNR curve of the system against noise intensity. The mechanism of noise-induced SR of tri-stable system can be analyzed from the perspective of SSS curve. Finally, we further study the influence of tri-stable SR against system parameters. The value of damping ratio k affects the value of damping force acting on the Brownian particle, thus the tri-stable system needs noise with larger intensity to produce SR under a larger k. The values of equilibrium parameters p and q both affect the shape of the SSS curve, a larger p or a smaller q may result in larger-intensity noise for the system to produce SR.
The Impact of Trade Openness on Economic Growth in the Case of Turkey

International development scholars have advanced contrasting theoretical and empirical explanations for the relationship between trade and economic growth in the last fifty years. Turkey has great resource potential that may not be available in other countries . Turkey is one of the areas that have diversity in terms of trade components. Due to this condition, in 2014, Turkey was among the best countries in producing and exporting goods and services as well as in Trade Openness. This helped increasing the gross domestic product (GDP) . This study is analyzing the impact of trade openness on economic growth in the case of Turkey. We have applied the ARDL model to examine for a short and long run relationship between trade openness and economic growth over the sample period 1960 - 2014. Our results confirm co-integration among the series. Moreover, in the short run, trade openness promotes economic growth; while in the long run this relationship does not exist. Furthermore the results refer that in the long run this relationship is positive and statistically insignificant. Keywords: Trade Openness, Economic Growth, ARDL Applications - Turkey
Polymorphism of the Sphaerium corneum (Bivalvia, Veneroida, Sphaeriidae) revealed by cytogenetic and sequence comparison: POLYMORPHIC S. CORNEUM

Two populations of Sphaerium corneum were sampled from River Vilnelė and small pond in Vilnius, Lithuania. The chromosomes were studied using conventional Giemsa staining and karyometric analysis. Inter- and intra-individual variation in the diploid chromosome numbers was revealed and two different sources of chromosome variability were identified: B chromosomes and the structural changes of chromosomes of the basic (A) set. The chromosome set of the more common karyotypic form, 2n = 30, found in both populations, consists of all biarmed metacentric and meta-submetacentric chromosomes of gradually decreasing size. Small, biarmed, mitotically unstable B chromosomes were found in the cells of this karyotypic form. Specimens with 2n = 36 were found only in pond. No B chromosomes were detected in their cells. The karyotype is characterized by presence of two pairs of medium telocentrics and four pairs of small subtelocentrics. The remaining chromosomes are biarmed. Robertsonian fusions appear to be involved in formation of two karyotypic forms of S. corneum. DNA sequence analyses showed that ITS1 is identical in both karyotypic forms. On the other hand, differences in 16S sequence were revealed and two haplotypes, corresponding to two karyotypic forms, were identified. The present study opens new perspectives in establishing species-specific characters for confident identification of Sphaerium species and provides insights to the genetic intraspecific variability and possible mechanisms of speciation. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 89, 53–64.
Energy Metabolism: Tissue Determinants and Cellular Corollaries

This volume explores the relationship of energy metabolism to clinical nutrition and presents insights on energy stores, energy balance and regulation of energy metabolism during the altered metabolic condition of patients in intensive care. Investigators in diverse fields discuss their findings on indirect calorimetry, energy requirements and storage, neurohormonal and muscle tissue influences on thermogenesis, and cellular energy expenditure. Emphasis is placed on linking concepts of nutritional support, nitrogen balance, and weight loss with current knoweldge of cellular energetics and energy balance. The book provides a scientific foundation for major advances in the therapeutic use of clinical nutrition based on application of appropriate fuel mixes and substrates to sustain metabolism and cellular function.
Exercise training modifies gut bacterial composition in normal and diabetic mice (LB434)

Background: Intestinal microbiota are increasingly recognized as potential modifiers of whole‐body energy metabolism. Previous research has described changes in bacterial composition in diabetes; this study examines whether these differences can be altered with lifestyle treatment. Methods: Six‐week‐old diabetic (db/db) and control littermates (db+) were randomized into sedentary or exercise training groups for 6 weeks (n=9‐10/treatment). All animals consumed an identical, chow‐based diet. Exercise consisted of low‐intensity treadmill running (5d/week), and was ceased 48h prior to sacrifice. Cecal matter was collected from individual mice at sacrifice. Total bacterial DNA was extracted and quantified, and bacterial species were detected and profiled using qPCR and group specific primers. Genomic data is reported as the log transformed 16S rRNA copy number normalized for the amount of cecal matter analyzed. Results: Compared to db+ mice, db/db had higher Clostridium Difficile and lower Clostridium Perfringens (P蠄0.05). However, exercise training increased Clos. Perfringens levels in both db+ and db/db (P<0.001); in this way, exercise mitigated the diabetes‐induced reduction in Clos. Perfringens such that exercised db/db mice had levels (5.30 ± 0.09) similar to sedentary db+ (5.19 ± 0.06; P=0.30) and approached that of exercised db+ mice (5.49 ± 0.05; P=0.094). Exercise training independently reduced Bacteroidetes (P=0.009) and increased Clostridium Leptum (P蠄0.05) levels in both db+ and db/db animals. Finally, exercise training increased Bifidobacterium in db+ animals but not db/db mice (P<0.001 for interaction). Conclusion: Diabetes is associated with alterations in the gut bacteria profile, particularly in the Firmicutes species. Exercise training exerts independent effects on bacterial composition in both diabetic and non‐diabetic animals, and may rescue some diabetes‐associated alterations.
Computational analysis of alternative spliced genes on maize chromosome 1

Alternative splicing is an important part of mRNA processing which results in protein diversity in all eukaryotes. In plants, this process is still poorly understood, however recent computational analysis has shown that alternative splicing is far more prevalent than previously thought. For better characterization of alternative splicing in maize, one of the most important crop species, we used AUGUSTUS (web-application deployed on local or remote host) to predict multiple transcripts and alternative splicing events from maize chromosome 1 sequence. From over 300 million bp of chromosome 1, AUGUSTUS software predicted ab initio 46 400 genes and 20% of the estimated genes have at least two transcripts. For 412 genes with three transcripts we performed additional analysis including EST's alignment, protein identification and comparative evaluation with genes predicted using F genesh and Gramene software. In consequence we have identified alternative splicing events for 42 genes from maize chromosome 1.
Free Radicals and Diseases: Gene Expression, Cellular Metabolism and Pathophysiology

This publication contains an extensive overview of free radicals and diseases, including both basic science approaches and clinical applications. The research of the last decades has contributed substantially to the understanding role and function of these metabolites. It is the aim of the editors to include a large variety of biological models ranging from yeast over mitochondria, isolated cells and cell culture models to animals and humans. The topics discussed focus on the function and integrity of mitochondria under oxidative conditions, the role of protein oxidation and proteolysis in the cellular stress response. Also the new aspects in the fields of antioxidant treatment are dealt with intensively. Some chapters are introducing more methodological approaches and their application in the investigation of oxidative stress and diseases related to this condition.
Prostate Cancer Progression to Androgen Independent Disease: The Role of the PI3K/AKT Pathway

The development and progression of prostate cancer (CaP) is largely dependent on the dysregulation of the androgen/androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway; though, the mechanism of CaP progression remains elusive. Initial treatments for CaP included prosta‐ tectomy or radiation to destroy cancerous cells [1]. However, these treatments were not curative and more often than not there were recurrences and metastases of the cancer. Mainstay treatments that target the androgen/AR pathway through anti-androgen and androgen ablation therapies have been promising; yet again, these therapies seem to fail as the tumor progresses. This suggests that the androgen/AR dependence of CaP cells vary over time such that alterations in androgen availability, AR sensitivity and receptor promiscuity fuel a more aggressive CaP.
Antidepressant Effects in Hybrid Striped Bass: Moving from External Exposures to Internal Doses

Over 47 percent of Americans take at least one prescription drug per month and of these pharmaceuticals, antidepressants are the third most prescribed drug. Their widespread and prolonged use coupled with incomplete removal during wastewater treatment processes has made them one of the most commonly detected pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment. Antidepressants are intended to modify human behavior by altering brain chemistry and the neurotransmitter receptor targets of these chemicals are highly conserved in many vertebrate species; thus, aquatic organisms may be at risk. Previous research in our lab has shown that exposure of hybrid striped bass (HSB) (Morone saxatilis x. M. chrysops) to serotonin targeting antidepressants causes decreased in brain serotonin concentrations that correlate with significant changes in time to capture prey. The goal of this dissertation was to gain a better understanding of how antidepressants alter brain chemistry and predatory behavior in the hybrid striped bass, and to utilize the information to develop a preliminary model to predict the effects of antidepressants on fish brain chemistry and behavior. Hybrid striped bass were exposed to bupropion, a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, to understand if alteration of the dopaminergic neurotransmitter concentrations in the HSB would alter a predator’s ability to capture prey. HSB were exposed to bupropion in a static system for 6 days, followed by a 6 day recovery period. Bupropion altered the concentration of dopamine and many of the dopaminergic neurotransmitter metabolite concentrations in the HSB brains on day 3 of
Marked Hyperfructosemia without Fructose‐Induced Hyperglycemia and Diabetes in Fructokinase‐deficient Mice

Management of fructose (F)‐linked metabolic disorders requires an understanding of F homeostasis, yet the important roles of dietary F, of the F transporter GLUT5, and of fructokinase (FK) in simultaneously regulating serum levels of F have not been studied. Wildtype (WT) and FK‐/‐ mice were fed for 7 d isocaloric 0% or 20% F diets, fasted overnight, then killed 0 to 7.5 h after initial feeding at the onset of the dark phase when feeding activity was greatest. Analysis by HPLC showed portal and systemic F levels in WT mice fed 0% F to be < 0.1 mM, similar to those of GLUT5‐/‐ mice naively fed F, and independent of time after feeding. WT mice consuming 20% F had fasting serum F levels similar to, and postprandial levels 3‐fold greater than, those eating 0% F. Deletion of FK resulted in ~80‐fold greater serum F levels (~4 mM) than those in WT and GLUT5‐/‐ mice. In FK‐/‐ mice fed 20% F, systemic was paradoxically ~2‐fold greater than portal serum F, suggesting that F accumulated in the systemic circulation. Significant F‐induced hyperglycemia in WT mice was prevented by FK deletion. Systemic serum F levels remained low (< 0.05 mM) in WT after chronic consumption ad libitum of 0 or 20 % F for 12 wk, but increased to > 1 mM in phenotypically normal FK‐/‐ mice. The chronic F‐induced hyperglycemia in WT, but not the chronic hyperfructosemia in FK‐/‐ mice, increased in HbA1c levels. Finally, in WT, GLUT5‐/‐ and FK‐/‐ mice fed 0% F, there seems to be a FK‐ and GLUT5‐independent, significant endogenous synthesis of F. FK is required to prevent hyperfructosemia as well as F‐induced hyperglycemia and diabetes (NSF1121049).
Effects of lipid levels on sensorial characteristics of duck breast meat.

Introduction Intramuscular fat (IMF) is involved in determining meat quality, particularly nutritional and sensory characteristics and conservation ability (Rabot, 1998). As lipid levels in poultry meat are low (about 1 to 2% in breast meat of turkey and chicken, Rabot, 1998), the relationship between lipid levels and sensory characteristics has received little attention. However, lipid levels are higher in duck meat than in chicken and turkey meat (Baeza et al., 2002). Different genotypes of ducks are used to produce meat around the world, including common ducks such as Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) and crossbred ducks such as mule ducks (crossbreed between a common female and a Muscovy male, hinny ducks being the reverse crossbreed). Overfeeding significantly increases lipid levels in duck meat (Auvergne, 1992). Using different duck genotypes (Muscovy, Pekin, mule and hinny) combined with two feeding levels (ad libitum vs overfeeding) Chartrin et al. (2006) were able to obtain a wide range of lipid levels in breast muscle (from 2.26 to 7.57%). In the present study, this same model was used to analyze the influence of IMF levels on the sensory attributes of duck breast meat: flavour, juiciness and tenderness evaluated by sensory analysis and objective measurement of shear force values, cooking loss and colour.