Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MECHANISMS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCELERATED AGING PHENOTYPE IN HUTCHINSON-GILFORD PROGERIA SYNDROME

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by de novo mutations in the gene (LMNA) encoding lamin A that results in "premature aging" and early death. HGPS belongs to a group of disorders collectively referred to as, segmental progeroid syndromes, because multiple organs and tissues exhibit premature degenerative phenotypes consistent with physiological aging. The results presented here indicate that HGPS cells exhibit an elevated steady-state level of DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) and impaired repair of ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DSBs, both of which correlate strongly with the nuclear structural irregularities observed in a fraction of HGPS cells. These DNA damage-associated defects are due to the presence of Progerin in a dominant gain of function manner. Accordingly, reduction of Progerin levels by treatment with a farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI) improves repair of IR-induced DSBs. Interestingly, MRN (MRE11/Rad50/Nbs1) repair complex factors, involved in DSB repair, exhibit delayed localization to IR-induced DSBs, which may contribute to the repair defect. Furthermore, many segmental progeroid syndromes including HGPS exhibit phenotypes consistent with pre-natal developmental defects. These developmental defects are significant in their own right, but also because they may contribute to the post-natal progressive degeneration observed in HGPS. To begin investigating whether the HGPS mutation has adverse effects during pre-natal development, the expression of nuclear lamins was characterized in mouse (mESCs) and human (hESCs) embryonic stem cells which have been shown to be representative of pluripotent inner mass cells of blastocyst-stage embryos. This study shows that lamin A is not expressed in undifferentiated mESCs and hESCs, but becomes expressed quickly during in vitro hESC differentiation. Theses results suggest that Progerin is absent during early pre-natal development, but becomes expressed at later stages when the LMNA gene is activated, perhaps adversely affecting the developmental process. Altogether, theses studies identify impaired DNA DSB repair as a molecular mechanism that may contribute to the progressive degeneration phenotype and suggest that at least some of the pathophysiology may begin before birth.
Crude glycerin as a replacement for corn in starter feed: performance and metabolism of pre-weaned dairy calves

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of corn in the starter feed with crude glycerin on performance and energy metabolism of liquid-fed dairy calves. Twenty-four newborn individually housed Holstein calves were blocked according to weight and date of birth and randomly assigned to different starter feed treatments during 8 weeks: no crude glycerin; 5% crude glycerin; 10% crude glycerin on dry matter basis. All calves were individually fed daily 4 L of a commercial milk replacer (22.3% crude protein and 19.3% fat). Calves had individual access to starter diet and ad libitum access to water daily. Individual feed intake and faecal scores were recorded daily. Bodyweight and corporal measurements (heart girth, hip width, and withers height) were weekly recorded. From the second week of age, blood samples were collected weekly, 2 h after morning feeding, for determination of plasma glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Ruminal fluid was collected at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age for determination of pH and short-chain fatty acids. At the end of the eighth week, animals were harvested to evaluate development of the proximal digestive tract. Feed intake, average daily gain, bodyweight or body measurements were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of crude glycerin in the starter feed. Faecal scores indicated that most of the calves had mild diarrhoea, with no treatment effect. Total short-chain fatty acids and the concentration of individual acids, as well as blood parameters, were not affected (P > 0.05) by the feed treatments. The total forestomach weight, the average weight of each compartment, the maximum capacity of reticulum-rumen, and papillae number, height and width were not affected (P > 0.05). In conclusion, crude glycerin can be used as an alternative energy source, replacing corn up to 10% in the starter feed for liquid-fed dairy calves without affecting growth, rumen development or metabolism.
Effect of Soybean Row Width and Population on Weeds, Crop Yield, and Economic Return

Field studies were conducted in 2004 and 2005 to determine the effect of soybean row width and population on weeds, canopy closure, crop yield, and economic return in glyphosate-resistant soybean. Soybean leaf area index (LAI) was greater in 19- and 38-cm, compared with 76-cm rows from 8 to 12 wk after planting in the low, moderate, and high soybean populations. Canopy closure was delayed by 2 wk in the moderate population in 76-cm rows compared with the high population in 19-cm rows. Fewer weeds emerged in 19-cm, compared with 76-cm rows following glyphosate application, and increasing the soybean population within a row width did not influence late-season weed emergence. Weed biomass in the weedy control was greater in the very low soybean population compared with the high soybean population within each row width; however, weed biomass in the weedy control was similar in the high and moderate soybean populations. Soybean yield in the weed-free and 10-cm glyphosate treatment did not differ, and yield was greater in 19-cm rows planted at moderate or high, compared with low populations. There was no difference in weed-free soybean yield at low, moderate, and high populations within 38- and 76-cm rows. Gross margins were usually greater in 19- and 38-cm, compared with 76-cm rows. The gross margin for soybean planted in 19-cm rows was usually greater at moderate or high soybean populations compared with lower populations. In 76-cm rows, the gross margin was greatest at the low and moderate soybean populations. When rainfall or other factors limited soybean yield, increasing the soybean population from approximately 300,000 plants/ha to 445,000 plants/ha in 19-, 38-, and 76-cm rows did not result in quicker canopy closure, reduced weed emergence, or greater soybean yield and gross margins. Nomenclature: Glyphosate potassium salt, glyphosate-resistant soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. , ‘AG2701’
Against the tide: Recent diversity increase enhances resource use in a coastal ecosystem

Biodiversity losses in marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems have raised concerns about the maintenance of sustainable ecosystem functions and services (“biodiversity crisis”). A positive diversity—productivity relationship has previously been supported by theoretical models, and by laboratory and field experiments in a variety of ecosystems including unicellular microbial communities. Here we show an increasing biomass yield of aquatic primary producers at the ecosystem scale, paralleled by a long‐term positive biodiversity change, which contrasts with the trend of global biodiversity loss. The implied direct long‐term biodiversity effect on ecosystem functioning was an increase of phytoplankton biomass per unit limiting nutrient by a factor of 1.2 to 1.4. Changes in diversity of microorganisms may have immediate implications for essential ecosystem processes like productivity and biomass yield. Diversity‐driven enhancement of resource use in primary production can lead to increased food web yields, but they also can cause a stoichiometric mismatch between autotrophs and primary consumers. Unveiling the functional roles of planktonic biodiversity therefore has essential implications both for global change and for harvestable marine resources.
THE ADAPTOGENIC SPECIES: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL IMPORTANCE. A REVIEW.

Rediscovered at the middle of the last century, the adaptogens are a miraculous plant group. They permit the optimal- maximal expression of the physical and mental capacities of man, being used for the same purpose at some animals (thoroughbred horses). A summary insight in the past indicates they were known and used in different civilizations and philosophical theories. The actual characterization of the adaptogens is found in Ibn Sina's (Avicenna's) concepts. On the basis of recent information, the concept of adaptogen, hypotheses regarding the realization of the non-specific resistance character, the features of the three classes of adaptogens admitted at present: primary, secondary and associated adaptogens, the content of bioactive substances, and others, were defined. The analysis of the relation between the centres of origin of the species and the concomitant presence of several prehuman genotypes in these areas suggest the prehuman population's implication in the selection of species with adaptogenic features. Some commercial products with adaptogenic features are also presented.
Evolution of the Madrean–Tethyan disjunctions and the North and South American amphitropical disjunctions in plants

Abstract The present paper reviews advances in the study of two major intercontinental disjunct biogeographic patterns: (i) between Eurasian and western North American deserts with the Mediterranean climate (the Madrean–Tethyan disjunctions); and (ii) between the temperate regions of North and South America (the amphitropical disjunctions). Both disjunct patterns have multiple times of origin. The amphitropical disjunctions have largely resulted from long‐distance dispersal, primarily from the Miocene to the Holocene, with available data indicating that most lineages dispersed from North to South America. Results of recent studies on the Mediterranean disjuncts between the deserts of Eurasia and western North America support the multiple modes of origin and are mostly consistent with hypotheses of long‐distance dispersal and the North Atlantic migration. Axelrod's Madrean–Tethyan hypothesis, which implies vicariance between the two regions in the early Tertiary, has been favored by a few studies. The Beringian migration corridor for semiarid taxa is also supported in some cases.
Impact of drained and un-drained soil conditions on water table depths, soil salinity and crop yields

The purpose of this study was to determine the comparison of salt accumulation in soil profile and crop yields under drained and un-drained conditions. Current field conditions were used to represent poorly drained conditions where drainage system was not installed yet. Simulations were performed to illustrate well drained condition using the water management simulation model while controlling soil salinity in root zone. To put forward drainage system impacts; soil salinity and relative crop yields for well drained conditions were compared to poorly drained conditions. Soil, crop and site parameters were obtained from coordinated 40 soil sampling locations where dry bean, winter wheat and fallow crop rotations were applied. Results of the study showed that water table decreased rapidly after installing proper drainage system. Percentage of salt decreases in soil profile occurred by 24.1, 37.9 and 14.4% for wheat, bean and fallow locations respectively with adequate drainage conditions. On the drained soils, the relative yield of the winter wheat was higher by 11.2%, on the average, whereas that of bean was higher by 24.7%. Overall the net impact of yield enhancement due to drainage was about 36%. This shows the positive impact of drainage system on crop yields in this area.
The influence of soil type and moisture on pupal survival of Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Larvae of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, pupate in the soil, but the influence of soil variables on B. tryoni pupal mortality is not known. For other tropical tephritid species, soil moisture has been identified as a major pupal mortality factor. In the laboratory, we tested the effects of soil moisture and soil type on pupal survival through a factorial experiment which used three soil types (loamy sand, loam, sandy clay) and seven soil moisture levels (0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90% and 100%). Minor, but significant, differences in pupal mortality were observed between the soil types, but the most significant factor affecting pupae was extremes of soil moisture. Eighty-five percent pupal mortality occurred at 0% soil moisture and 30% mortality at 100% soil moisture: very low levels of mortality occurred at all intermediate levels. We detected a significant interaction between soil type and moisture level but cannot explain it. In a follow-up experiment, we demonstrated that prepupal wandering larvae of B. tryoni could discriminate between different moisture levels, with significantly greater pupation in loam soil at 75% soil moisture than at either 0% or 100% soil moisture. Results are used to modify a pupal mortality/soil moisture equation used in a recently published DYMEX model of B. tryoni population dynamics.
Sperm function in cattle and pigs: morphological and functional aspects

Summary The ejaculate in bulls and boars is heterogeneous in nature, with not all spermatozoa having all attributes needed for fertilization (morphology, motility, membrane integrity, etc) or the ability to undergo capacitation and capacitation-primed modifications, required for fertilization and triggering of early embryo development. Among spermatozoa in the female sperm reservoir, being an aliquot of the ejaculate, such heterogeneity also exists, although at a lesser magnitude and mainly related to the latter abilities. A multitude of methods have been designed during the last decades to measure, and even predict, male fertility in the laboratory, aiming to cut down on the costs and time needed for achieving fertility through the AI of hundreds or thousands of females. When measuring single sperm or semen attributes, those parameters found as most relevant (and related to some extent to fertility) are the patterns of sperm motility, the composition ofthe seminal plasma (SP), membrane and acrosome integrity, the grade of chromatin stability and the frequency of non-capacitat ed spermatozoa present. Functional assays yield the most promising results for their relation to semen or male fertility, as the ability of spermatozoa to bind the ZP, to undergo ZP-penetration and to fertilize in vitro (IVF). However, given the complex character of male fertility, it seems imperative to first screen AI sires for fertility markers (as fertilityassociated SP-proteins) followed by testing most sperm attributes relevant for fertilization and embryo development not only in individual spermatozoa but within a large cell population, perhaps separated from the sample - a task yet proven rather difficult, yet challenging.
Analysis of the role of fimbriae in the virulence of Salmonella enterica in poultry

Salmonella is a Gram-negative bacterium that consists of two species; S. enterica and S. bongori. The species S. enterica can be further divided into 6 subspecies and subspecies I is predominantly associated with disease in warm blooded animals and contains over 2,500 antigenically distinct serovars. Each serovar is >90% identical at the DNA level but can infect a different range of hosts and cause different diseases. Poultry are an important reservoir of entry of Salmonella into the human food chain owing to the contamination of their eggs and meat. The molecular mechanisms underlying colonisation of food producing animals with Salmonella are unknown. Fimbrial genes encode proteinaceous surface exposed appendages which have been shown to mediate adhesion of bacterial cells but the precise role for fimbriae in the carriage and virulence of Salmonella is poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to annotate and characterise the fimbrial genes of the poultry-associated S. enterica serovars Enteritidis and Gallinarum and relate this role to host-specificity. The availability of the genome sequences of several strains of S. enterica allowed a comparison of the sequence, location and repertoire of fimbrial genes and although no unique fimbrial genes were identified all serovars possessed a unique repertoire. The host-specific serovars contain a higher number of pseudogenes within fimbrial operons than the ubiquitous serovars and the rate of attrition of fimbrial genes was 3-4 fold higher than the genomic mean. Such gene decay may partially explain the narrowing of host-range of the host-restricted and host-specific serovars. Polymorphisms that may alter transcription were identified along with targets that may be associated with phase variation of the fimbrial genes. Lambda red-mediated homologous recombination was used to construct a panel of S. Enteritidis P125109 and S. Gallinarum 287/91 strains lacking major fimbrial subunit genes which were examined in vitro and in vivo. Several fimbrial subunits played a role in the adherence to and invasion of different cell lines in different growth conditions and the role appeared to be serovar-specific. A mutation in the steA gene impaired interactions with different cell lines in vitro but this phenotype was found to be due to a polar effect on genes downstream of steA. The majority of fimbrial subunits played no significant role in the colonisation of the alimentary tract in an established chicken model. Mutation of the stcA gene resulted in the greatest degree of attenuation in vivo of all of the fimbrial mutants examined. This phenotype was trans-complemented and was not the result of a polar or second-site defect thereby fulfilling molecular Koch’s postulates. The stcA genes therefore play a significant role in the colonisation of the chicken caeca.
Bioefficacy of Bacillus sphaericus R3 Against Spilarctia obliqua wlk (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

Bihar hairy caterpillar Spilarctia (Spilosoma) obliqua wlk (syn., Diacrisia obliqua walker), is a polyphagous insect pest of several crops causing economic losses by means of defoliation. Bacillus sphaericus R3 showed considerably high larvicidal activity (81.75% mortality) after treatment (1 -7 days) over control (7.0%) against Spilarctia obliqua wlk. Dose mortality suggested that feeding of Spilarctia obliqua wlk on treated leaves with variable spore population (10 6 - 10 11 CFU mL -1 ) of Bacillus sphaericus R3 was more effective after 7 days. The toxicity in terms of lethal spore population per ml (LC 50) of Bacillus sphaericus R3 was found to be 5.72 x 10 4 & 3.10 x 10 6 spores mL -1 , respectively after 3 and 7 days of feeding. Based on the LC 50 (spores mL -1 ) values for the strain it is concluded that Bacillus sphaericusR3 has potential to be used as an effective biocontrol agent (biological component of IPM) against Spilarctia obliqua wlk. (Singh SK, Mishra PK, Tandon SM. Bioefficacy of Bacillus sphaericus R3 Against Spilarctia obliqua wlk (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). Nat Sci 2015;13(3):58-62). (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub. net/nature. 10
Kinesiology of the Human Body

between observation and hypothesis it is well worth reading. Some of the theories advanced I regard as highbrow science fiction, I particularly dislike his interpretation of the spreading of Proteus vulgaris. It must be admitted, however, that there is nothing so far published that effectively disposes of them and this edition when compared with the earlier one shows the author to be adaptable enough to adjust to future discoveries as they are made. The book is notably well produced and the photographs are as good as in the original papers quoted. W.H. H.
The genetic structure of the steppe plant Iris aphylla L. at the northern limit of its geographical range

Genetic diversity of Iris aphylla was examined in seven Polish populations located at the northern limit of the geographical range of the species. Using RAPD analysis, 491 DNA fragments were amplified, all of which were polymorphic. The peripheral populations were characterized by a low number of unique bands (one to three per population) and moderate values of genetic diversity parameters (percent of polymorphic loci = 30.6%, Shannon’s index = 0.149 and Nei’s gene diversity = 0.097, on average), which can be explained as being due to the recent expansion of the European biota and the extremely low frequency or absence of seed set and of juveniles, as well as limited pollen and seed dispersal. There was also no significant correlation between ecological properties (population size; number of flowering ramets and fruits) and genetic diversity parameters. Despite this fact, more fixed loci were noted in the smallest populations than were in the largest ones. All populations were significantly differentiated and geographically structured. Analysis of molecular variance between regions showed a low and nonsignificant value, but relatively high molecular variation was partitioned among and within populations. Only one group of south-eastern populations was structured according to isolation by distance pattern and neighbour-joining cluster analysis. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 152, 245–255.
Carbon footprint in life cycle of marine fisheries at major fishing harbours of Andhra Pradesh, India

Contribution of marine fisheries at all stages of its life cycle, to climate change during 2012-2013 was studied by determining their carbon footprint at four major fishing harbours/fish landing centres in Andhra Pradesh viz., Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Nizamapatnam and Machilipatnam . Functional unit was 1 kg of marine fish to the consumer. Fuel and electricity consumption per kg of marine fish was on an average 0.43 l and 0.24 kWh at Visakhapatnam, 0.41 l and 0.15 kWh at Kakinada, 0.52 l and 0.26 kWh at Nizamapatnam and 0.48 l and 0.21 kWh at Machilipatnam. Mechanised catches contributed 80-85% of the total fuel burnt and 79-90% of the total electricity consumed. The harvest phase (88-93%) burnt the most fuel, while the post-harvest phase (51-62%) contributed the most to the electricity consumption. Emission intensity per kg of marine fish was 0.34 kg C and 1.26 kg CO2 in Visakhapatnam, 0.31 kg C and 1.16 kg CO2 in Kakinada, 0.41 kg C and 1.50 kg CO2 at Nizamapatnam and 0.37 kg C and 1.37 kg CO2 at Machilipatnam. Fuel and electricity consumption and emission intensity was high for mechanised landings and low for motorised landings. The highest emissions were recorded in the harvest phase at all the places. Energy consumption and subsequent emissions can be reduced by making suitable modifications to the diesel engines, speed of operation and to the craft and propeller designs.
ISLAND ECOLOGY ON MAINLANDS: SPATIALLY REALISTIC THEORY OF METAPOPULATION ECOLOGY

The metapopulation theory reviewed in this chapter is based on a family of stochastic and deterministic models allowing a rigorous mathematical analysis and making the theory directly comparable to the classical models of the dynamic theory of island biogeography (MacArthur & Wilson 1967) and the classic metapopulation theory (Levins 1969). I start with a historical review of the shifts of the dominant ecological paradigms in conservation biology, explaining later how the two models can be integrated, in order to determine model assumptions and predictions. The system can be applied to islands as well as fragmented landscapes in order to study concepts such as area and connectivity effects, threshold conditions for persistence, habitat loss and metapopulation persistence, time delays in metapopulation response and patterns in the distribution of species. I conclude that the spatially realistic metapopulation theory here described has substantial promise for the study and modelling of metapopulation dynamics in species living in highly fragmented landscapes.