Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional responses of Brassica nigra to feeding by specialist insects of different feeding guilds

Abstract Plants show phenotypic changes when challenged with herbivorous insects. The mechanisms underlying these changes include the activation of transcriptional responses, which are dependent on the attacking insect. Most transcriptomic studies on crucifer–insect interactions have focused on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, a species that faces low herbivore pressure in nature. Here, we study the transcriptional responses of plants from a wild black mustard (Brassica nigra) population to herbivores of different feeding guilds using an A. thaliana‐based whole‐genome microarray that has previously been shown to be suitable for transcriptomic analyses in Brassica. Transcriptional responses of B. nigra after infestation with either Pieris rapae caterpillars or Brevicoryne brassicae aphids are analyzed and compared. Additionally, the insect‐induced expression changes of some individual genes are analyzed through quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The results show that feeding by both insect species results in the accumulation of transcripts encoding proteins involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, defensive proteins and glucosinolates and this is correlated with experimental evidence in the literature on such biochemical effects. Although genes encoding proteins involved in similar processes are regulated by both insects, there was little overlap in the induction or repression of individual genes. Furthermore, P. rapae and B. brassicae seem to affect different phytohormone signaling pathways. In conclusion, our results indicate that B. nigra activates several defense‐related genes in response to P. rapae or B. brassicae feeding, but that the response is dependent on the attacking insect species.
Contamination of poultry flocks by the human pathogen Campylobacter spp. and strategies to reduce its prevalence at the farm level

Contamination des elevages de volailles par l'agent pathogene humain Campylobacter spp. et les strategies pour reduire sa prevalence au niveau des elevages. Campylobacter spp. est une bacterie enterique pathogene pour l'homme qui contamine frequemment les elevages de volailles. La consommation de produits d'origine aviaire peut ainsi entrainer une gastro-enterite bacterienne aigue appelee campylobacteriose, dont la prevalence augmente depuis une dizaine d'annees en Europe. Cette synthese bibliographique resume les donnees epidemiologiques sur Campylobacter, les facteurs de risque de contamination dans les elevages de volailles et les strategies envisagees pour lutter contre ce pathogene.
PHARMACOKINETIC PROFILE OF WHEAT BRAN ON HYPERLIPIDEMIC WISTAR STRAIN RATS

The milling by product of wheat is bran its constituents are cellulose, pectin, polysaccharides and proteins the oral ingestion of bran the undigested portion of the bran interact with the bile acids and excretes, this effect enhance cholesterol degradation in the liver. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), phospholipids, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), in normal and wheat bran treated rats were evaluated. When comparing the values of the wheat bran treated group with those of the control diabetic group, we found that the wheat bran significantly decreased the elevated blood cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, LDL, VLDL. It showed a significant increase in liver glycogen and HDL level. These results clearly indicated that wheat bran shows anti-hyperlipidemic activity in rats, on the basis of this activity anti hyperlipidamics (synthetic drugs) are replaced with bran in case of hyperlipidamic patients with hypertension to avoid the drug - drug interaction.
ENSO, rainfall and temperature influences on extreme population declines among African savanna ungulates

Climatic variation associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has a widespread influence on the population dynamics of many organisms worldwide. While previous analyses have related the dynamics of northern ungulates to the NAO, there has been no comparable assessment for the species rich assemblages of tropical and subtropical Africa. Census records for 11 ungulate species in South Africa's Kruger National Park over 1977–96 reveal severe population declines by seven species, which were inadequately explained by indices of ENSO or its effects on annual rainfall totals. An additional influence was an extreme reduction in dry season rainfall, concurrent with and perhaps related to a regional temperature rise, possibly a signal of global warming. Boundary fencing now restricts range shifts by such large mammals in response to climatic variation. Our models project near extirpation of three ungulate species from the park's fauna should these climatic conditions recur.
Predaceous ant fauna in new sugarcane fields in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Predaceous ant fauna present in natural sugarcane field plantations in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was evaluated by using sardine baits sampling technique. Three-month-old sugarcane plants were used for ant fauna estimation in two sugarcane mills, Sao Joao and Barra Mill. Twelve 30m X 30 m (900 m²) plots were previously delimited in each sugarcane mill for ant sampling. Ants were sampled in each plot by placing nine sardine baits in 12 mm X 75 mm plastic tubes. In the Sao Joao Mill, the predominant ant species observed was Solenopsis saevissima, followed by Dorymyrmex sp. 1, Pheidole sp. 2, and Crematogaster sp. 1. Considering only ant genus, Solenopsis, Pheidole, Dorymyrmex, and Crematogaster, were predominant. In the Barra Mill, the predominant ant genus sampled was Solenopsis, followed by Pheidole, Crematogaster, and Dorymyrmex. As generalist predatory ants could be one of the reasons for the naturally low levels of D. saccharalis infestation on sugarcane in the state of Sao Paulo, this study could be helpful for the researchers to gain knowledge about the fauna of predaceous ants which acted as predators of eggs and early larval stages of D. saccharalis in Brazil.
Isolation, identification and screening of xylanase and glucanase-producing microfungi from degrading wood in Nigeria

The objective of this present study was to isolate, identify and screen for potential fungal isolates from local degrading wood chips with respect to glucanase and xylanase production. The fungal strains were isolated from degrading wood chips over a period of six months. Five hundred and twenty six isolates were obtained from the different degrading wood chips with different frequencies of occurrence. Using cultural and morphological observations, the isolates were identified and grouped into thirteen fungal species. All the fungal strains were screened for their ability to produce both glucanase and xylanase by plate screening method using Congo red as indicator. Twenty isolates were further selected among them and screened for the production of the enzymes in liquid medium. Among the twenty isolates, Trichoderma reesei TRAR had the highest glucanase activity of 10.18 U/ml while Fusarium compactum FCGA had the highest xylanase activity of 9.33 U/ml. Key words: Xylanase, glucanase, microfungi, degrading wood, screening.
New perspectives on the growth and longevity of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus)

The natural rate of lipofuscin accumulation in an eyestalk ganglion was determined from microtagged European lobsters, Homarus gammarus, of known age, recaptured from the Yorkshire fishery (United Kingdom). This calibration, in combination with supporting data from shorter-lived astacideans (freshwater crayfish), was used to age wild lobsters from the fishery. A unique perspective of age-at-size in a clawed-lobster population was obtained, which circumvented some difficulties associated with conventional methods for estimating generalized growth and natural mortality. The exceptional ages attained by some of the largest lobsters (males: average 31 years, maximum 42 ± 5 years; females: average 54 years, maximum 72 ± 9 years) are explained by ageing theory, indicate natural mortality rates, M, of 0.15 and 0.08 for males and females, respectively, and point to the existence of an offshore refuge. Age-at-size is highly variable: at least seven year-classes enter the fishery at 85 mm carapace length. This limi.
Nonlinear spectroscopy of random quantum magnets

We study nonlinear response in quantum systems near strong-randomness critical points. Nonlinear dynamical probes, such as 2D coherent spectroscopy, can diagnose the nearly localized character of excitations in such systems. We focus on the random transverse-field Ising model and derive exact results for nonlinear response, from which we extract information about critical behavior that is absent in linear response. Our analysis incorporates realistic channels for dissipation in random magnets; we present exact scaling forms for the resulting distribution functions of relaxation times.
The effects of underfeeding during pregnancy and lactation on structure and chemistry of bovine liver and muscle

Summary An experiment was carried out to study the effects of underfeeding during late pregnancy and early lactation on the structure and chemistry of liver and muscle of dairy cows. Two groups of cattle were fed at 60 and 40% of estimated requirements for maintenance and pregnancy or lactation for 13 weeks before and 13 weeks after calving, and one group was fed at maintenance level only for the same period. A control group was fed at 100% of estimated requirements for the same period. All groups were subsequently fed at the control level for a further 24 weeks. Underfeeding resulted in significant changes in muscle and liver of dairy cows. In particular, there was a decrease in liver cell volume in the underfed groups and a persistence of post-parturient fat in the moderately underfed cows. Muscle fibre diameter was reduced and there was a loss of fast twitch oxidative glycolytic fibres in the underfed cows.
Cultural Cartography with Word Embeddings

Using the frequency of keywords is a classic approach in the formal analysis of text, but has the drawback of glossing over the relationality of word meanings. Word embedding models overcome this problem by constructing a standardized and continuous “meaning-space” where words are assigned a location based on relations of similarity to other words based on how they are used in natural language samples. We show how word embeddings are commensurate with prevailing theories of meaning in sociology and can be put to the task of interpretation via two kinds of navigation. First, one can hold terms constant and measure how the embedding space moves around them—much like astronomers measured the changing of celestial bodies with the seasons. Second, one can also hold the embedding space constant and see how documents or authors move relative to it—just as ships use the stars on a given night to determine their location. Using the empirical case of immigration discourse in the United States, we demonstrate the merits of these two broad strategies for advancing important topics in cultural theory, including social marking, media fields, echo chambers, and cultural diffusion and change more broadly.
Feeding Preferences of Weed Seed Predators and Effect on Weed Emergence

Abstract We determined feeding preferences of invertebrate seed predators and the effect of seed predation on weed emergence. Feeding choice studies were completed with three species of common ground beetles: (Amara aenea DeGeer, Anisodactylus sanctaecrucis F., and Harpalus pensylvanicus DeGeer) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and the northern field cricket (Gryllus pennsylvanicus DeGeer) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae). Anisodactylus sanctaecrucis, H. pensylvanicus, and the female and male G. pennsylvanicus consumed more redroot pigweed seeds compared with giant foxtail seeds; A. aenea seed consumption did not differ between these two weed species. All invertebrates consumed fewer velvetleaf seeds compared with redroot pigweed and giant foxtail seeds; however, when seed biomass was compared, A. aenea consumed similar biomass of velvetleaf, giant foxtail, and redroot pigweed, whereas A. sanctaecrucis and H. pensylvanicus consumed greater biomass of velvetleaf compared with giant foxtail seed. Seed burial depths of 0.5 or 1.0 cm reduced redroot pigweed and giant foxtail seed consumption by A. aenea and A. sanctaecrucis but not by the larger carabid beetle, H. pensylvanicus. In a greenhouse study, A. sanctaecrucis decreased total weed emergence by 15%, and G. pennsylvanicus females and males decreased weed emergence by 16 and 5%, respectively. Emergence of redroot pigweed, but not velvetleaf or giant foxtail, decreased when A. sanctaecrucis and the male G. pennsylvanicus were present, whereas the emergence of all three weed species decreased in the presence of the female G. pennsylvanicus. In field experiments, vertebrate access to velvetleaf seeds reduced emergence from 4 to 9% across field sites; invertebrate access reduced emergence 4 to 6%. Vertebrate access to giant foxtail seeds reduced emergence 3 to 7%, and invertebrate access reduced emergence 4 to 13%. These results suggest that predation of weed seeds by both vertebrates and invertebrates may reduce weed emergence and influence the weed community. Nomenclature: Giant foxtail, Setaria faberi Herrm. SETFA; redroot pigweed, Amaranthus retroflexus L. AMARE; velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti Medic. ABUTH
Genetics of the Streptococci, Enterococci, and Lactococci.

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Measurement of inclusive 
J/ψ
 polarization in 
p+p
 collisions at 
s=200  GeV
 by the STAR experiment

We report on new measurements of inclusive J/$\psi$ polarization at mid-rapidity in p+p collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The polarization parameters, $\lambda_\theta$, $\lambda_\phi$, and $\lambda_{\theta\phi}$, are measured as a function of transverse momentum ($p_T$) in both the Helicity and Collins-Soper (CS) reference frames within $p_T< 10$ GeV/$C$. Except for $\lambda_\theta$ in the CS frame at the highest measured $p_T$, all three polarization parameters are consistent with 0 in both reference frames without any strong $p_T$ dependence. Several model calculations are compared with data, and the one using the Color Glass Condensate effective field theory coupled with non-relativistic QCD gives the best overall description of the experimental results, even though other models cannot be ruled out due to experimental uncertainties.
Inflammation in the immature brain: The role of Toll like receptors

Infection/inflammation and/or hypoxia-ischemia (HI) are major causes of perinatal brain injury. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), important components of innate immunity, have been shown to be involved in brain injury, both after infectious and endogenous, non-infectious, stimuli. The overall aim of this thesis was to study the expression of TLRs in the immature brain, choroid plexus and endothelial cells after inflammatory stimuli and/or HI, and to investigate the role of TLRs, their adaptor proteins MyD88 and TRIF in brain damaging processes after HI. TLR stimuli, HI or a combination of them both was performed on mice at postnatal day 9. Brain injury and inflammatory responses were evaluated with immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and cytokine analyses. All investigated TLRs were expressed under basal conditions in the neonatal brain and several of the receptors were regulated in the brain, choroid plexus and blood brain barrier after inflammatory stimuli and/or HI. Additionally, systemic stimulation of TLR 1/2 and TLR 4 decreased the expression of occludin, a tight junction protein, in the choroid plexus. TLR 2 was constitutively expressed in astrocytes in white matter and in neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and contributed to brain damage following HI. In contrast, MyD88 and TRIF did not appear to play a role in the injury process after HI alone. Both lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR 4 ligand, and Poly I:C, a TLR 3 ligand, sensitized the brain to HI in wild type mice. This effect was blocked in MyD88 and TRIF deficient mice. Both Poly I:C and LPS increased the proinflammatory cytokine levels in the brain and this increase was blocked/reduced in the TRIF and MyD88 deficient animals. To conclude, TLRs are expressed under basal conditions and regulated during inflammation in the brain as well as in choroid plexus and blood brain barrier. In particular, we found that TLR 2 contributes to injury following HI, indicating that it has a function in sterile inflammation in the neonatal brain. Further, both MyD88 and TRIF play essential roles in LPS/Poly I:C-sensitized HI neonatal brain injury. These findings suggest that TLRs are important in both physiological and pathological processes in the immature brain and may provide novel targets for neuroprotective therapies in the future.
Optimization by moving ridge functions: derivative-free optimization for computationally intensive functions

A novel derivative-free algorithm, called optimization by moving ridge functions (OMoRF), for unconstrained and bound-constrained optimization is presented. This algorithm couples trust region methodologies with output-based dimension reduction to accelerate convergence of model-based optimization strategies. The dimension-reducing subspace is updated as the trust region moves through the function domain, allowing OMoRF to be applied to functions with no known global low-dimensional structure. Furthermore, its low computational requirement allows it to make rapid progress when optimizing high-dimensional functions. Its performance is examined on a set of test problems of moderate to high dimension and a high-dimensional design optimization problem. The results show that OMoRF compares favourably with other common derivative-free optimization methods, even for functions in which no underlying global low-dimensional structure is known.
Noninvasive Physiological Measures of Disturbance in the Northern Spotted Owl

The Northern Spotted Owl ( Strix occidentalis caurina ) continues to decline across its entire range at a rate exceeding 4% per year, with a 1% annual acceleration (Burnham et al. 1994). One possible factor impeding its recovery is the lack of adequate measures that reflect the impact of habitat disturbance on this species (Hanson et al. 1993). Measures of reproductive success between individual owl sites and areas are critical to evaluating long-term effects of management in species such as the Northern Spotted Owl. The considerable time-span from nesting to fledging, however, makes it difficult to pinpoint individual factors associated with nest failure among the myriad sources of disturbance over the course of the breeding season. At the least, large numbers of breeding pairs and considerable time are required to use reproductive success to index such disturbance impacts. More immediate measures of disturbance could complement measures of reproductive success, providing a proactive tool to guide adaptive management in a manner that does not compromise owl survivorship and reproduction. We demonstrate that noninvasive hormone measurements of physiological stress in feces could provide an objective, readily accessible and cost effective means of quantifying impacts of disturbance in Northern Spotted Owls that can directly address pivotal conservation questions surrounding this and other listed species. It is well-documented that physiological stress occurs in response to environmental pressure and affects resistance to disease, survival, and reproduction negatively in a variety of species (Moberg 1985; Munck et al. 1984; Wingfield & Farner 1993). Until recently, however, the application of physiological stress measures to free-ranging threatened or endangered species has been severely limited by the invasiveness of sample collection procedures such as repeated capture and blood withdrawal. Fecal steroid measures provide an ideal alternative to serum measures because they are relatively easy to collect longitudinally, without disturbing study subjects. Results illustrate that fecal stress hormone disturbance measures can be used as a proactive management tool, enabling the industry and wildlife managers to optimize the tradeoffs between resource utilization and proliferation of species at risk.
Development, Characterization, and Immunotherapeutic Use of Peptide Mimics of the Thomsen-Friedenreich

AbstractThe tumor-associated carbohydrate Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (TF-Ag; Galβ1-3GalNAcα-O-Ser/Thr) is overexpressed on the cellsurface of several types of tumor cells, contributing to cancer cell adhesion and metastasis to sites containing TF-Ag–binding lectins.A highly specific immunoglobulin G 3 monoclonal antibody (Ab) developed to TF-Ag (JAA-F11) impedes TF-Ag binding to vascular en-dothelium, blocking a primary metastatic step and providing a survival advantage. In addition, in patients, even low levels of antibodiesto TF-Ag seem to improve prognosis; thus, it is expected that vaccines generating antibodies toward TF-Ag would be clinically valuable.Unfortunately, vaccinations with protein conjugates of carbohydrate tumor-associated Ags have induced clinically inadequate immuneresponses. However, immunization using peptides that mimic carbohydrate Ags such as Lewis has resulted in both Ab and T-cellresponses. Here, we tested the hypothesis that vaccinations with unique TF-Ag peptide mimics may generate immune responsesto TF-Ag epitopes on tumor cells, useful for active immunotherapy against relevant cancers. Peptide mimics of TF-Ag were selectedby phage display biopanning using JAA-F11 and rabbit anti–TF-Ag Ab and were analyzed in vitro to confirm TF-Ag peptide mimicry.In vitro, TF-Ag peptide mimics bound to TF-Ag–specific peanut agglutinin and blocked TF-Ag–mediated rolling and stable adhesionof cancer cells to vascular endothelium. In vivo, the immunization with TF-Ag–mimicking multiple antigenic peptides induced TF-Ag–reactive Ab production. We propose that this novel active immunotherapy approach could decrease tumor burden in cancer pa-tients by specifically targeting TF-Ag–positive cancer cells and blocking metastasis.Neoplasia (2009) 11, 780