Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of some oxidative stress parameters in the serum and cerebellum of ovariectomized rats

There is growing evidence that oxidative stress and estrogen deprivation after menopause or ovariectomy represent two main risk factors closely related to the development of Alzheimer’s disease . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ovariectomy on some oxidative stress markers and pathological lesions in the cerebellum of adult rats. Twenty rats were randomly divided into two groups (10/group) control(C) and overctomized group (OVX). After three months estimated levels of Malondialdehyde( MDA), Nitroxide (NO) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the serum and cerebellum and sections of the cerebellum was removed histopathologial study . The results Showed a significant increase (P<0.05)in the ( MDA), (NO) and (GPX) levels and significant decrease(P<0.05) in (GSH) level and(CAT) activity in the serum and cerebellum tissue of the overctomized group compare with that in the control group . The microscopical examination was shown in the cerebellum tissue in the overctomized group characterized by decrease in the purikinje and granular cells in the gray matter . Vacuoles were present in the white matter with microglial cells infiltration in the pia mater . For conclusion The overctomy in adult rats an showed increase in the oxidative stress markers and pathological lesions in the gray and white matters in the cerebellum .
Vertebrate prey in the diet of Flammulated Owls in northern Utah

Flammulated Owls (Otus flammeolus) are slnall, migratory owls which breed in montane forests of western North America (McCallurn 1994). They are predominately insectivorous and prey mainly on lepidopterans and coleopterans (Goggans 1986, Oleyar 2000, Reynolds and Linkhart 1987). However, Holt et al. (1987) reported two cases of Flammulated Owls taking or pursuing vertebrate prey in Montana. The first was of an owl with a vole (Microtus sp.) in its talons, and the second was of an owl pursuing songbirds at a feeder. McCallurn (1994) found these reports suspect, questioned the accuracy of owl identification, and provided several alternative explanations. In Colorado, Linkhart and Reynolds (1994) found a Peromyscus sp. carcass in the nest of a Flammulated Owl and also offered alternative explanations for the carcass other than it being killed by the owl. One alternative was that a different species of owl delivered the food in response to begging calls. Holt (1996) provided examples of vertebrates in the diet of these owls (including stomach contents and nest remains) dating back to 1891. McCallurn (1996) was reluctant to assign more ecological flexibility to the species than warranted because it was receiving much attention by land management agencies as a sensitive species (Verner 1994) with a possible preference for older forests (Reynolds and Linkhart 1992). He stressed that no one had actually witnessed a Flammulated Owl kill vertebrates, which leaves open the possibility that these events were owls scavenging rather than killing vertebrates.
Detection of West Nile virus activity in male and female mosquitoes, and evaluation of host-utilization patterns of mosquitoes, in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

ix INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER 1. LITERATURE REVIEW 3 1.1 WNV Virology and Taxonomy 3 1.2 Origin, Introduction and Establishment of WNV in the New World 5 1.3 WNV Activity in Louisiana 9 1.4 WNV Pathology and Epidemiology in North America 12 1.5 WNV Infection in Mosquitoes 13 1.6 Vector Incrimination and Vector Competence 15 1.7 Methodology for WNV Detection in Arthropod Vectors 18 1.8 Mosquitoes Vectors of WNV in North America and Louisiana 23 1.9 Vertebrate Hosts of WNV in North America and Louisiana 25 1.10 Mosquito Host Seeking Behavior, Blood Feeding and Oviposition 29 1.11 Host Defensive Behavior, Blood Feeding Success and Multiple Blood Feeding . 35 1.12 Mosquito Host Preference and Methods Used to Assess Host Range 37 1.13 Host Blood Meal Identification Methods 39 1.14 Host Range of Important Culex Species in Louisiana 44 1.15 Seasonal Host Utilization 48 1.16 Vertical and Venereal Transmission of WNV 52 1.17 Study Objectives 54 CHAPTER 2. WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTION IN MOSQUITOES IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM NOVEMBER, 2002, TO OCTOBER, 2004. 56 2.
Alternate foraging strategies and population structure of adult female Australian sea lions.

XVI CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION.1 IMPORTANCE OF ECOLOGY AND GENETICS IN DEFINING POPULATIONS.2 INDIVIDUAL SPECIALISATION IN FORAGING BEHAVIOUR AND POPULATION STRUCTURE.4 THE OTARIIDAE.6 AUSTRALIAN SEA LIONS.7 NEED FOR RESEARCH.8 THESIS AIMS.10 CHAPTER 2. DETECTION OF ALTERNATE FORAGING STRATEGIES IN AUSTRALIAN SEA LION (NEOPHOCA CINEREA) BREEDING COLONIES USING STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSIS.11 ABSTRACT.12. 12 INTRODUCTION.13 MATERIALS AND METHODS.17
Correlation between dsRNA-induced PTEN gene activation and CpG island methylation in the promoter region

Objective To evaluate the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) gene activation induced by double-standed RNA (dsRNA) in lung cancer cell line and its correlation with CpG island methylation in the promoter region. Methods Specific dsRNA complementary to the non-CpG island sequence in the promoter of PTEN gene was designed and transfected into H292 and A549 cell lines, and the expression of PTEN mRNA was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The methylation status of the CpG island in the promoter region was tested by DNA sequencing on the bisulfate modified DNA. Results By testing several dsRNA sequences targeting promoter region of PTEN, a dsRNA named PTEN2-2 (target on -57 to -38 of the PTEN) was identified, which could upregulate the PTEN expression by 5.1 times at most (P 0.05), as the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor did (5±3 vs 10±4, 6±3 vs 9±3, both P<0.05). Conclusion The expression of PTEN mRNA could be enhanced by inducing the dsRNA into the cells, but no evidence was found that dsRNA could affect the methylation status of the CpG island in the promoter region of this gene. Key words: dsRNA; RNAa; PTEN; DNA methylation
Influence of different Carbon and Nitrogen sources on growth and CO2fixation of microalgae

Carbon dioxide sequestration by microalgae is receiving increased attention in alternative the impact of increasing CO2 in the atmosphere. Two microalgae viz., Scenedesmus and Chlorococcum were selected for this study. Nitrogen sources (Urea and ammonium nitrate) and carbon source (glucose and mannose) in different concentrations (0.02, 0.04, and 0.06%) were supplemented to Bristol medium and parameters such as Chlorophyll, Nitrogen, Carbon, and CO2 fixation were determined. Chlorococcum treated with different nitrogen sources showed a maximum amount of chlorophyll in 0.02% of urea. Maximum growth was also observed in 0.02% urea in Scenedesmus and Chlorococcum. In case of treatment with carbon sources maximum growth rate of Scenedesmus was recorded in 0.02% mannose whereas in Chlorococcum it was at 0.06% ammonium nitrate. Maximum nitrogen content obtained in Chlorococcum with 0.04% of mannose and Scenedesmus at 0.04% of glucose. The maximum amount of CO2 fixation rate was recorded in Scenedesmus and Chlorococcum at 0.2% urea concentration. Finally the result indicated that Scenedesmus sp. could be used for CO2 mitigation. Further urea and glucose in the media positively influence growth and CO2 fixation rate of micro algae.
Regulation of Id-1 Gene Expression in Aggressive Breast Cancer and Glioblastoma Cells Using Cannabinoid Compounds

We investigated Id-1 gene expression in aggressive breast cancer cells and glioblastoma cells, and compared Id1 expression in control cells with cells treated with one of the cannabinoid compounds, cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The tumor cells were treated with CBD or THC, and the control group was treated with ethanol. After 2-3 days of treatment, cells were harvested and proteins extracted from them. Following protein electrophoresis, Western blot technique was used to analyse the expression of Id-1 protein derived from the samples. Using a rabbit monoclonal anti-human Id-1 antibody, and a goat anti-rabbit HRP as a secondary antibody, the intensities of the bands produced following film exposure were used to compare drug-treated cells with controls. Id-1 gene expression was decreased in tumor cells treated with cannabinoid compounds. We also aimed to visualize tumor cell migration through a living tissue and to determine the possible inhibition of migration upon treatment with CBD. Tumor cell migration through a living tissue was studied by placing GFPlabelled glioblastoma cells on top of Sprague-Dawley rat brain slices. Migration was studied using the Carl-Zeis cell monitor. Glioblastoma cells placed on brain slices of Sprague-Dawley rats were found to migrate through the tissue to the other side of the slice. The morphology of glioblastoma cells was also found to be modified upon treatment (changes in cell-to-cell contacts). This study shows that Id-1 downregulation strongly correlates with a reduced tumor aggressiveness and that Id-1 might represent a potent therapeutic target for breast cancer and glioblastoma.
Elephant population growth in Kruger National Park, South Africa, under a landscape management approach

South African National Parks (SANParks) manage landscapes rather than numbers of elephants ( Loxodonta africana ) to mitigate the effects that elephants may have on biodiversity, tourism and stakeholder conservation values associated with protected areas. This management philosophy imposes spatial variability of critical resources on elephants. Restoration of such ecological processes through less intensive management predicts a reduction in population growth rates from the eras of intensive management. We collated aerial survey data since 1995 and conducted an aerial total count using a helicopter observation platform during 2015. A minimum of 17 086 elephants were resident in the Kruger National Park (KNP) in 2015, growing at 4.2% per annum over the last generation of elephants (i.e. 12 years), compared to 6.5% annual population growth noted during the intensive management era ending in 1994. This may come from responses of elephants to density and environmental factors manifested through reduced birth rates and increased mortality rates. Authorities should continue to evaluate the demographic responses of elephants to landscape scale interventions directed at restoring the limitation of spatial variance in resource distribution on elephant spatiotemporal dynamics and the consequences that may have for other conservation values. Conservation implications: Conservation managers should continue with surveying elephants in a way that allows the extraction of key variables. Such variables should focus on measures that reflect on how theory predicts elephants should respond to management interventions.
Uterine Stem Cells and Cardiac Regeneration

The uterus is a unique organ equipped with unique cells that allow the tissue to undergo cyclical regeneration of decidua during the menstrual cycle and pregnancies. The regeneration of epithelial and stromal tissue is accompanied by angiogenesis. The remarkable regenerative potential of the cells that populate this tissue was studied on the postulate that cells from this milieu can perform reparative functions when transplanted to sites of injury. Uterine cells were isolated, studied and transplanted into a rodent model of myocardial infarction. Results demonstrated uterine cell transplantation leads to detectable improvement in heart function. Additionally, during the course of identifying uterine cell candidates for transplantation, unique cells were identified, including endometrial telocytes, Canopy 2 detectable cells and rounding macrophages.
Soft-Release, but Not Cool Winter Temperatures, Reduces Post-Translocation Dispersal of Jewelled Geckos

Abstract Translocations are an important conservation tool, but many are unsuccessful. Soft-release translocations involve holding animals on site for a period prior to release, whereas hard-release translocations involve immediate release of animals into a new environment. Evaluating the relative impacts of hard and soft release on site fidelity of released individuals can be informative, especially when comparing between translocated and resident animals. We monitored the movement, dispersal, and home range of both translocated (hard and soft released) and resident Jewelled Geckos (Naultinus gemmeus) for three weeks during winter using radiotelemetry. We also monitored a hard-released group during summer and incorporated data from a previously published soft- versus hard-release translocation of Jewelled Geckos undertaken in spring. In winter, soft-released geckos dispersed less than hard-released geckos and both soft-released and resident geckos had significantly smaller home ranges than those hard released. Further, area occupied by soft-released geckos remained constant during the tracking period but increased 20-fold for hard-released geckos. Mean dispersal distances were not influenced by season or the amount of time in an enclosure prior to soft release (i.e., four months yielded similar results to nine months). Translocations employing a soft-release strategy may have value for a wide range of lizard species and could contribute to translocation success.
Novel ssIIa alleles produce specific seed amylose levels in hexaploid wheat.

Novel starch synthase II (ssIIa) alleles were created in a soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) via ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis and combined by crossing to create four unique ssIIa triple mutant haplotypes. A range of starch amylose content was obtained from the ssIIa triple mutant lines (35.6–46.8%), with moderate increases in amylose content found in lines carrying two ssIIa null alleles and one partially functional ssIIa allele. Seeds from all ssIIa triple mutants had significantly higher amylose and protein contents but also lower starch content, kernel weight, and flour swelling power compared with their wild-type sister lines. Seed starch amylose content was negatively correlated with individual kernel weight (r = –0.54), starch content (r = –0.85), and flour swelling power (r = –0.91) but positively correlated with grain protein (r = 0.78), demonstrating that unique ssIIa triple mutant null combinations confer defined levels of seed starch amylose, protein content, and kernel size. The ssIIa mu.
Arcotheres borradailei (Nobili, 1906) and Pinnotheres ridgewayi Southwell, 1911: a reassessment of characters and generic assignment of species to Arcotheres Manning, 1993 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Pinnotheridae)

The identity of the pea crab, Arcotheres borradailei (Nobili, 1906) is clarified. The holotype female is re-diagnosed, figured and its recent generic assignment to Arcotheres Manning, 1993, is discussed. A second poorly known species from India and Sri Lanka that resembles A. borradailei , Pinnotheres ridgewayi Southwell, 1911, is redescribed and assigned to Arcotheres . In addition, Pinnotheres sinensis atrinae Sakai, 1939, and Pinnotheres cyclinus Shen, 1932, from East Asia are re-examined and also referred to Arcotheres .
A checklist of endemic plants on the Korean Peninsula

: In order to organize a new checklist for endemic vascular plants of the Korean Peninsula, 358 taxa of the Korea Forest Service and 375 taxa of the National Institute of Biological Resources were reviewed. In addition, the names of previously published endemic plants above the rank of variety were checked up to 2016. From the two lists, a total of 444 taxa were identified. Among them, 289 taxa were common on the two lists, but 69 and 86 taxa were listed only by the Korea Forest Service and by the National Institute of Biological Resources, respectively. Taxonomic documents including journal papers and dissertations were examined with regard to the 444 taxa. In some cases, opinions of Korean experts in this field were also reflected. From the results, 312 taxa in total were recognized as plants endemic to the Korean Peninsula, while 132 taxa could not be included on the endemic list. On the other hand, 48 taxa, none of which existed on the two lists, were newly listed. In conclusion, the new checklist of vascular plants endemic to Korea was confirmed, with a total of 360 taxa consisting of 64 families, 172 genera, 297 species, 4 subspecies, 51 varieties and 8 hybrids. The new common name Halla-seol-aeng-cho is given to Primula farinosa L. subsp. modesta (Bisset & S. Moore) Pax var. hannasanensis (T. Yamaz.) T. Yamaz. Sillaphyton Pimenov (Deok-u-gi-reum-na-mul-sok) is newly identified as a genus endemic to Korea. However, Pentactina Nakai could not be included on the list of Korean vascular endemic genera.
The ancient DNA revolution: the latest era in unearthing New Zealand’s faunal history

ABSTRACT In the 25 years since the first DNA sequences were obtained from the extinct moa, ancient DNA analyses have significantly advanced our understanding of New Zealand's unique fauna. Here, we review how DNA extracted from ancient faunal remains has provided new insights into the evolutionary histories and phylogenetic relationships of New Zealand animals, and the impacts of human activities upon their populations. Moreover, we review how ancient DNA has played a key role in improving our ability to taxonomically identify fragmentary animal remains, determine biological function within extinct species, reconstruct past faunas and communities based on DNA preserved in sediments, resolve aspects of the ecology of extinct animals and characterising prehistoric parasite faunas. As ancient DNA analyses continue to become increasingly applied, and sequencing technologies continue to improve, the next 25 years promises to provide many more exciting new insights and discoveries about New Zealand's unique fauna.
Regulation of the signal transduction pathways of the unfolded protein response during chronic and physiological ER stresses

10 Introduction . 10 Materials and Methods . 12 Results . 13 Atf6α-/mice are histologically normal . 13 Embryonic lethality upon deletion of ATF6α and p58 . 14 Discussion . 16 CHAPTER III: EXPERIMENTAL RECONSTITUTION OF CHRONIC ER STRESS IN VIVO REVEALS MULTIPLE PATHWAYS OF UPR SUPPRESSION DURING RECOVERY FROM STRESS . 24 Abstract . 24. 24
Use of sodium butyrate in performance of pigs

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of pigs in growing and finishing submitted to supplementation with sodium butyrate, an organic acid coated with plant extracts, which does not suffer gastric digestion and has effective action from the small intestine by maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and may still have bactericidal action. It will be used 12 pigs, males and females, crossbred breeds Landrace x Large white, divided into two treatments, one treatment (T1) the control and treatment two (T2) with supplementation of organic acid (Sodium Butyrate). The design was completely randomized with three replicates per treatment, with two animals each repetition. The parameters evaluated were weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion (FC), stool consistency (CF) and feed cost per kg of produced pig (CP). Performance data were submitted to analysis of variance (ASSISTAT 7.5, 2008), and the difference between the means verified by the F test. The average between treatments were not significantly different (P> 0.05) and the results obtained of 1.01 and 1.05 for average daily gain (WG), 2.49 and 2.52 for daily feed intake (CR), 2.45 and 2.40 for feed conversion (FC) for T1 and T2 respectively. Stool consistency (CF) was observed and assigned score 2 or predominantly normal during the trial period does not indicate occurrence of diarrhea. The cost of feed per kg of produced pig (CP) was R $ 1.71 for T1 and £ 1.80 for T2. The inclusion of this acid in the diet of pigs in growing and finishing not demonstrated effectiveness in improving animal performance.
On the Speed of Neuronal Populations

This thesis presents novel results in the areas of closed loop electrophysiology and neuronal population coding. This work begins by presenting the first known attempt to control the spike rate of a neuron or neurons using a feedback controller that drives a stochastic photostimulus. Using this controller, in vitro experiments were performed that look into the response of a population of cortical neurons to subtle changes in the mean of a correlated, stochastic photostimulus. This work then presents a numerical examination of how stimuli targeting specific elements of a neuron's structure, referred to as "subcellular targeting," affect the response speed of the population, the action potential onset of its constituent neurons and their effective passive bandwidth. The results presented here demonstrate that it is indeed possible to regulate the spike rate of a neuron or neurons using a feedback controller that scales the mean and variance of a correlated, stochastic photostimulus. Furthermore, using this controller, trial-based experiments were implemented in the laboratory. These demonstrate that an in vitro population of cortical neurons can provide robust albeit slow responses to subtle changes in the mean of a correlated, stochastic photostimulus. Finally, in numerical experiments, mean modulated, correlated, stochastic photostimuli were applied to either the entire cell, the soma or the basal dendrites of a morphologically realistic constituent neuron. The results show that this subcellular targeting of constituents produces a faster population response when the soma is targeted, followed by the basal dendritic then the global target. Although a strong statistical argument is difficult to make, the results do suggest congruent increases in the response speed of a neuronal population under subcellular targeting, the onset rapidness of its constituent neurons and their passive bandwidths.
Evidence of the eff ects of fi re on branching and leaf development in cerrado trees

We discuss evidence of eff ects of an accidental fi re on shoot growth and leaf development in six cerrado tree species with distinct leaf phenologies. Buds of all six species were marked before shoot and leaf emergence in the dry season. After fi re, leaf and shoot growth were monitored weekly and specifi c leaf area (SLA) was determined. Shoot order was determined in the growing season. Evergreens and semideciduous woody species had rapid leaf and shoot growth and decreased leaf life span (LLS) after fi re compared with published data for evergreens in cerrado areas without fi re. On the other hand, Kielmeyera variabilis, a deciduous species, showed intense branching and produced two orders of shoots in one growing season. Fires promote rapid leaf and shoot growth in evergreens owing to reserve accumulations that allow survivorship after disturbances. However, the leaves produced by evergreens after fi re had high SLAs and were discarded before the next rainy season (short LLS). Th is leaf cohort was produced with less carbon per leaf, and the decreased LLS prevented herbivory and water loss during the dry season. Fire is an important factor of cerrado environments, infl uencing leaf production and shoot architecture in cerrado trees.