Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis thaliana's wild relatives : an updated overview on systematics, taxonomy and evolution

Since the introduction of Arabidopsis thaliana, the Thale Cress, to a broader scientific community in 1965, nearly 40 years passed until the phylogenetic position of this species was resolved and its closest relatives were characterized. More and more molecular data is available for Arabidopsis thaliana and it has become the most important model system among dicotyledonous plants. However, Arabidopsis thaliana provides only a limited set of traits and characters. We are now in the position that scientists move into the more diverse relatives of Arabidopsis, transferring knowledge from the model plant to these species. Hereby past taxonomy and phylogenetic concepts may lead to misunderstanding and confusion. Consequently there is much need to provide a comprehensive overview on current knowledge of systematics, evolution and diversity of Arabidopsis and its relatives, despite the several actual reviews focusing on various aspects of its taxonomy, ecology, and importance as model system considering also the closest wild relatives. Herein, we aim to critically discuss the most recent taxonomic and systematic conclusions in the light of a worldwide screening of genetic diversity within the genus Arabidopsis. We also define gaps of knowledge to focus and stimulate future research activities.
Symbiosis, size and celerity

Description of the way in which metabolic and growth rates scale with the size of organisms, and the search for mechanisms which determine these relationships, is an important aspect of the growing field of macroecology. Symbiosis is not specifically addressed in most of the published investigations of these allometric relationships, despite the near ubiquity of symbioses and the possibility that studies of allometry can give insights into nature of symbioses and vice versa. Using chemo-organotrophic organisms in symbiosis with microscopic photobionts as an example, the literature was analyzed for data sets that could be used in allometric analyses. Few such data sets were found. It is argued that further such data sets, perhaps obtained as part of research programmes whose primary aim is not to investigate allometry, would be helpful in determining if symbioses follow similar allometric relations to the (putatively) non-symbiotic organism for which data are available, and would illuminate discussions on the applicability of optimality principle to symbioses.
Adaption of Behaviour by Two Bird Species as a Result of Habituation to Humans

Over a number of years it has been noticed that two bird species, Carnaby's Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris and the Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor, have begun to repopulate areas from which they had fled with the advent of European settlement. The flight-initiation distance (FID) of these species in these areas was compared with that from areas with a minimal human presence. The median FID was significantly less for birds from 'urban' areas compared with birds from 'rural' areas. Both species learn habituation to humans. It is likely in the Grey Currawong that this behaviour is either learned from adults by the young individuals that establish new territories in areas closer to human habitation, or is the result of a process of selection favouring individuals which ignore human disturbance and therefore have more time to care for offspring. In Carnaby's Cockatoo the habituation that is apparent in urban areas is modified by a return to increased wariness in areas where breeding occurs . This may be related to cockatoos being more cautious when caring for young than they would be when lacking this responsibility in urban areas.
Factors affecting lactation length and effect of current lactation length on the subsequent production and reproduction in Iranian Holsteins

Abstract. Calving records of Holstein cows from January 1983 to December 2006 comprising 1,190 herds with 385,102 calving events were used to evaluate factors affecting the length of lactation and effect of current lactation length on the next productive and reproductive performances of Iranian Holsteins. Statistical analyses of productive and reproductive traits in this study were performed as linear mixed models. Lactation length (LL) of cows was grouped into 10 classes from P P P
Ovicidal properties of plant extracts against the eggs of teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera Cramer.

Ovicidal effect of 14 plant extracts were evaluated against the eggs of H. puera revealed that the Azadirachta . indica kernel extract was found effective in causing high rate of egg mortality followed by leaf extract of Melia azadirachta and A. indica. Among the different economic parts of plant species evaluated, A. indica kernel extract was superior over leaf extract in registering high rate of egg mortality.
Bryophyte vegetation patterns along environmental gradients in continental bogs

Abstract:Regional analysis of bryophyte vegetation in 65 ombrogenous peatlands from across northern Alberta, are classified into eight vegetation groups based mainly on the dominance pattern of several Sphagnum species and on the occurrence of lichens. Using canonical correspondence analysis, bryophyte vegetation patterns are related to shade and dryness gradients. Surface water chemistry gradients are of less importance. Four ombrogenous landforms, two associated with present-day permafrost and two with areas not having present-day permafrost, are recognized; these are related to allogenic (climatic) factors. The landforms are influential in determining the shade and dryness of individual peatlands, and these two correlated autogenic factors largely control the bryophyte vegetation patterns. Surface water chemistry is less variable in continental bogs than in fens, and is less of a factor than in other wetlands.
Estudio etnobotánico del "mingari": Tristerix longebracteatus (Desr.) Barlow & Wiens

En el ano 2004 se iniciaron estudios de etnobotanica en los bosques de Paquiestancia y Chalpar, donde se procedio a realizar inventarios de flora. Una de las especies que resalto fue una planta parasita, conocida en la zona como mingari [Tristerix longebracteatus (Desr.) Barlow & Wiens, Loranthaceae] que es muy utilizada por las comunidades para el tratamiento de diferentes afecciones. El objetivo de esta investigacion de mingari fue determinar los usos dados por las comunidades, porque no se encontro informacion tanto de su uso popular como de su composicion quimica.El resultado del estudio etnobotanico del uso de hojas, tallos y frutos de mingari demostro que tiene potencial efectivo contra procesos inflamatorios y traumatismos producto de golpes, fracturas o lesiones musculares; por lo tanto, se sugiere desarrollar un producto fitofarmaceutico.
HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CINNAMON ON CHOLESTEROL INDUCED FATTY CHANGES IN ALBINO RATS

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of cinnamon powder in albino rats after inducing hyperlipidemia STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study PLACE AND DURATION: Department of Pharmacology, Al-Nafees Medical College, Islamabad and National Institute of Health (NIH), th th Islamabad, Pakistan, from 15 October 2012 to 15 March 2013. METHODOLOGY: For this study 90 adult albino rats of either sex with average weight of 210 Â± 11 grams were divided into three groups i.e. A (Untreated Control), B (Treated Control), C (Treated Group). Hyperlipidemia was induced in rats with cholesterol (400mg/Kg body weight of rat) mixed with the routine rat feed. All the groups received atherogenic feed for 0-15 days except group A, which was kept on atherogenic feed for the whole duration of the study. Cinnamon bark powder equivalent to 6gm/kg was administered to the rats of group C for 15-60 days. Simvastatin was administered to group B at the dose rate 0.6mg/Kg body weight for 15-60 days as a treatment control. Blood samples and liver tissue specimen were collected at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. Serum was separated and analyzed for lipid profile parameters using reagent kits. Histopathology of the liver specimen was done to observe the protective effect on liver tissue. RESULTS: After the induction of hyperlipidemia, histological findings of the liver tissue showed hepatocyte fatty degeneration around central vein. Also intralobular vein congestion and accumulation of hepatic lipid droplets was seen with the use of atherogenic diet in group A. These fatty changes were significantly reversed by the Cinnamon treatment in Group C. The standard drug showed no effect on fatty changes in liver in group B. Commensurate to these histological findings, Cinnamon powder also improved the serum lipid profile in albino rats by reducing Total Lipids, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol levels in group C. CONCLUSION: Cinnamon powder has curative effect against hepatic fatty changes. Also it is very useful to treat hyperlipidemia.
A preliminary check list of macromycetes in northern Tunisia

Abstract Within the last decade, checklists of fungi of several countries have been published or updated. Nevertheless, no checklists of macromycetes have hitherto been published for Tunisia (North Africa) apart from a mycocoenological study reporting 34 listed species. This work presents a list of macromycetes collected from January 2014 to March 2015 in six governorates of northern Tunisia. One hundred and twenty-three species (117 basidiomycetes and six ascomycetes) belonging to 78 genera and 46 families were recorded.
b Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): update

New Information and Highlights • As of April 30, 2014, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported 424 cases of MERS-CoV globally, including 131 deaths. All cases have either occurred in the Middle East or have direct links to a primary case infected in the Middle East. • No cases have been reported in the US or TN. (82%) were reported by Saudi Arabia, 32 cases (15%) by the United Arab Emirates, 2 cases were reported by Jordan and one case each by Egypt, Greece, Malaysia and Philippines. • The number of reported cases increased markedly in April 2014 with 217 cases and 38 deaths. Between March 2013 and March 2014 the monthly average number of reported cases was 15. • Healthcare workers have been more frequently reported during the month of April 2014 than previously. Since April 2012, 95 cases have been healthcare workers, of whom 62 (65%) were reported in April 2014. Seventy (74%) of the healthcare workers were reported from Saudi Arabia, twenty-three (24%) from the United Arab Emirates, and one each from Philippines and Jordan. • To date, all cases have been linked to a case to the Middle East or a history of travel to the Middle East. Human-to-human transmission has occurred to close contacts and healthcare workers, but no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission has been documented. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 75% of cases are due to secondary transmission. • More cases are expected; with such an increase in cases, it is much more likely that the US will see travelers who have been exposed and infected with MERS Co-V. So far, no cases have been confirmed in the US or TN. • Recent developments highlight the need to be vigilant and continue to screen patients for risk factors. Healthcare providers should be alert to patients who develop severe acute lower respiratory illness within 14 days after traveling from countries in the Arabian Peninsula, or neighboring countries. This includes screening of patients for risk factors; airborne and contact precautions should be added standard and droplet precautions for patients with symptoms of acute respiratory infection if MERS Co-V is being considered. • Infection control measures for suspect and patients under investigation found at: • Clinicians and healthcare providers should immediately report patients under investigation (PUI) and unusual causes of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) to the TN Department of …
Specific Effect of Corticoids Receptor Expression in Rat Cell Cultures on Acetylcholine Skeletal Muscle

The potential effect of different classes of steroids on the expression of acetylcholine receptors (AChR) was studied in different primary cultures of newborn-rat skeletal muscle cells. Comparison among three tech- niques for preparing newborn skeletal muscle cells showed that these systems were equivalent to study AChR expression. Only corticoids stimulated myo- genesis as a twofold increase in AChR expression in- dicated. Among the corticoids, the glucocorticoids were the more potent, whereas the mineralocorticoid aldosterone had less marked effect. The sex hormones progesterone and testosterone partially blocked these effects, without inducing any significant effect when given alone. The steroids tested differed in efficacy in correlation with their different chemical structures. Among the glucocorticoids a clear structure-activity relationship could be established. These results em- phasize the specificity of corticoid action on muscle cells and suggest an explanation for the effects in- duced by glucocorticoids used in treating human muscular or neuromuscular diseases. Key words: steroids; glucocorticoids; myogenesis; nicotinic cholinergic receptors, expression
Use of SCRI Renaissance 2200 (SR2200) as a Versatile Dye for Imaging of Developing Embryos, Whole Ovules, Pollen Tubes and Roots

[Abstract] Confocal laser scanning microscopy in combination with fluorescent proteins is a powerful tool for the study of sexual reproduction and other developmental processes in plants. In order to understand the origin and localization of fluorescent signals in a complex tissue, staining of cell outlines is often mandatory. Cell wall staining with SCRI Renaissance 2200 (SR2200) has recently been described as a method of choice to study plant reproductive processes (Musielak et al., 2015). In this protocol, we present detailed instructions on the use of SR2200 to stain cell walls in different Arabidopsis tissues.
FACTORS CONTROLLING EMERGENCE OF PINK SHRIMP (PENAEUS DUORARUM) FROM THE SUBSTRATE

1. A close relationship exists between the day-night cycle and the times of activity of pink shrimp. The shrimp bury beneath the substrate during the day but emerge at the time of sunset and are active at night.2. Emergence from the substrate is markedly synchronized in all members of the population. This study elucidates the mechanisms whereby this synchrony is maintained.3. The persistence of the pattern of nocturnal activity for several days under conditions of constant low light intensity confirmed that emergence and subsequent activity were under rhythmic control.4. Resynchronization of the phase of the rhythm controlling emergence to a shift in the light-dark cycle indicated that the light-dark cycle itself, or some component of it, is responsible for maintaining the relationship between emergence and the day-night regime.5. The close association between emergence and the time of light-dark transition indicated the possibility that the latter was the important component of the Zeitgeber responsible .
Evolutionarily conserved phosphorylation and palmitoylation-dependent regulation of dopamine D1-like receptors in vertebrates

In the vertebrate central nervous system, dopamine is a neurotransmitter, acting as a modulator of variety of neuronal functions, including cognition, emotion, locomotor activity, hunger and satiety, and endocrine system regulation. Dopamine receptors are composed of D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 and D 5 receptors, which are classified into two major subtypes, D 1 -like (D 1 and D 5 ) and D 2 -like (D 2 , D 3 and D 4 ) dopamine receptors. D 1 -like receptors stimulate adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity, whereas D 2 -like receptors inhibit AC activity and these receptors modulate many signaling pathways in dopaminergic synapses. Previous studies showed that post-translational protein phosphorylation and palmitoylation of mammalian D 1 receptors regulate functional properties, stability, cellular localization and membrane trafficking of the receptors. Here, I further focus on conservation of phosphorylation and palmitoylation sites found in vertebrate and invertebrate D 1 -like receptor homologs. Analysis of databases provides evidence to suggest that PKA- and GRKs-catalyzed phosphorylation sites of D 1 -like receptors have been completely conserved in the vertebrate lineage, in spite of the divergence of D 1 -like receptors full-length amino acid sequences during molecular evolution. These intracellular phosphorylated serine and threonine residues of D 1 -like receptors are evolutionarily conserved against mutation pressure throughout vertebrate species with a couple of exceptions. Furthermore, a PKC-mediated phosphorylation site of D 1 -like receptors is conserved in gnathostomes (jawed vertebrates) and not exist in agnathans (jawless vertebrates). Another phosphorylation site for PKC has been additionally acquired only in mammalian D 1 receptor orthologs. These findings suggest that the multiple kinases-dependent regulation of dopaminergic synapses by phosphorylation is so critical for complex vertebrate higher brain function. Namely, dynamic regulation of dopaminergic synapses made possible by reversible phosphorylation of D1-like receptors may ensure the specific refined functions of vertebrate nervous systems. In contrast, broadly conserved palmitoylation sites in both vertebrate and invertebrate D 1 -like receptor homologs indicate that palmitoylated cysteines play crucial roles for sustaining the structural and functional regulations of D 1 -like receptors.
A comparative analysis of the potential protein value of some agro-industrial by-products for ruminant animals

This study evaluated the chemical composition, buffer N solubility and in vitro ruminal N degradability of three agro-industrial by-products; coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) seed meal (CSM), poultry by-product meal (PBPM), and moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) seed meal (MSM). Soybean meal (SBM) was included for comparative purposes. Poultry by-product meal had the highest N (85.0g/kg DM) content while CSM had the least (39.9 g/kg DM). Calcium (0.87 g/kg DM) was highest in PBPM while P content did not differ among by-product feedstuffs. Soybean meal was the richest by-product in terms of both K and Mg. The highest concentration of lipids was observed in PBPM. Moringa seed meal had the highest N solubility index (49.7%) while SBM had the least solubility index (14.8%). In vitro ruminal N degradability revealed that MSM had the most degradable N (983.9 g/kg DM) after 36 hours of incubation followed by CSM (812.0 g/kg DM). Soybean meal had the highest soluble N fraction (a) and the lowest insoluble N fraction (b) whereas CSM had the lowest (496.1 g/kg DM) soluble N fraction (a) and the highest insoluble N fraction (b). The rate of degradation of the insoluble N fraction (b) was highest in MSM (16.5%/hour) followed by SBM (13.3%/hour), PBPM (7.3%/hour), and CSM with the lowest rate (4.9%/hour). It was concluded that CSM can be used as a source of rumen by-pass protein while MSM has the potential to support rumen microbial activity due to its rapidly degradable N in the rumen.
The Landing Periodicity of Stomoxys calcitrans in rations, supplemented with citronella and papain on broiler health.

The quality of broiler rations really affect the nutrient intake to be digested and metabolized in the animal body, but the presence of Stomoxys calcitrans potentially could disturb the health of many livestock. Interest of flies on the rations material is to be used as a food source and location for oviposition. The use of bio-repellent citronella and papain in this research aims to reduce the number of flies that do Landing Periodicity on a scale of morning-noon period-afternoon to avoid the risk of microbe pathogenic transmission by this flies.The results showed a trend in the level of citronella and papain c2p2 taken a role in suppressing the landing of the flies. Moreover during the study, we did not find any disease in chicken therefore the mortality rate was 0%.
Interplay between the transmembrane nucleoporin Pom121 and the Ran GTPase system

Ran GTPase has a well characterized role in interphase and metaphase. Due to high levels of RanGTP in proximity to chromatin, import receptors are dissociated from nuclear localization signal (NLS) bearing proteins in interphase and mitosis, thus facilitating both nuclear import and mitotic spindle assembly. In this thesis we investigated if Ran GTPase regulates the nucleoporin Pom121 through a similar mechanism during post-mitotic nuclear reassembly. We found that importin ! /" interacts with both of the two predicted NLS sites of Xenopus Pom121 and is released by RanGTP. Importin ! /" binding is completely abolished upon mutation of NLS sites, which also affected binding of a group of nucleoporins to Pom121. The NLS sites and transmembrane domain of Xenopus Pom121 are required for correct nuclear envelope (NE) localization of Pom121 in human U2OS cell lines. In these cells, RNAi depletion of human Pom121 greatly reduced cell viability and diminished the levels of a subset of nucleoporins detected by the monoclonal antibody 414 (mAb414). The signal was present, however, if the human Pom121 was knocked down in a cell line stably expressing wild-type Xenopus Pom121, while cell viability remained low. Furthermore, in the absence of human Pom121, stable expression of an NLS mutant form of Xenopus Pom121 decreased cell viability even more than U2OS cells depleted of endogenous Pom121. In cells depleted of human Pom121, expression of NLS mutant Xenopus Pom121 restored mAb414 levels as wildtype Xenopus Pom121 expressing cells. However, these NLS mutant Xenopus Pom121 expressing cells displayed decreased nuclear import kinetics compared to the cells expressing wildtype Xenopus Pom121. Electron microscopy analysis showed that wild-type Xenopus Pom121 localized at the NPCs in U2OS cells. In contrast, the NLS mutant Xenopus Pom121 localized in cytoplasmic membrane stacks interestingly together with other NPC components. Despite the presence of NPC components, these membrane stacks lacked NPC-like structures. Taken together, this data shows that the importin ! /" binding sites on Pom121 are important for the NE localization of the protein and its interaction with other nucleoporins. A Pom121 mutant defective in importin binding results in nuclear transport defective pores and induces the formation of cytoplasmic membrane stacks which lack NPC-like structures. We propose that the importin ! /"-Pom121 interaction is important for the formation of proper NPC function and structure at the NE and in cytoplasmic membrane stacks.
Application of Plackett-Burman design in screening freeze drying cryoprotectants for Lactobacillus bulgaricus.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus is the bacteria commonly used in probiotic dairy product, including yogurt and cheese. The bacteria may be stored for long periods of time if it is freeze-dried. The cryoprotectant mixture for L. bulgaricus was optimized during the process of freeze-drying using a Plackett-Burman design and the steepest ascent test. In our initial tests, the cell survival rate and the number of viable cells were associated with the type of cyroprotectant used. Therefore, our optimization protocol focused on increasing survival rate. Substances that previously had a protective effect during freeze-drying were investigated, for example: sucrose, lactose, skim milk powder, sodium bicarbonate, sodium glutamate, magnesium sulfate, sodium ascorbate, yeast extract, vitamin B2, and phosphate buffer. We determined that the optimum cryoprotectant composition for L. bulgaricus consists of 28.0 g/100 mL skim milk powder, 24.0 g/100 mL lactose and 4.8 g/100 mL sodium ascorbate. The optimized cryoprotectant provides a 63.25% cell survival rate.