Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exercise and PGC-1α in inflammation and chronic disease

A sedentary lifestyle is a strong and independent risk factor for many chronic diseases. In most cases, inadequate levels of physical activity are linked to a persistent, sterile inflammation, both locally in various organs as well as systemically. Inversely, exercise is an efficient intervention for the prevention and treatment of various pathologies. Despite this obvious importance, the molecular mechanisms that underlie exercise‐induced health benefits remain largely unclear. In recent years, the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) has emerged as a regulatory nexus of muscle adaptation to endurance exercise. Muscle PGC‐1α not only promotes an oxidative, slow‐twitch muscle fiber type, but also modulates the phenotype of non‐muscle cells. For example, activation of epithelial cells contributes to PGC‐1α‐controlled muscle vascularization. Similarly, a muscle PGC‐1α‐dependent signaling results in a remodeling of the active zone of motor neurons at the neuromuscular junction. Intriguingly, PGC‐1α also reduces pro‐inflammatory gene expression in muscle and most likely other cell types. Thus, a bidirectional negative regulation of PGC‐1α and the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) might provide the molecular basis for the mutual antagonism between oxidative metabolism and inflammation in muscle. In this review, we summarize the regulation and function of these transcriptional regulators with a particular focus on exercise and inflammation in skeletal muscle.
Variation of the advertisement call of Physalaemus centralis Bokermann, 1962 (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in the Cerrado of central Brazil

ABSTRACT Acoustic signals are employed to support the correct designation of species and enables the discrimination between individuals. We analyzed both intra and interindividual variability of the advertisement call of Physalaemus centralis on the basis of specimens recorded in eight localities of the Cerrado in central Brazil. Within-individual variation, most of the call parameters were static properties. Both spectral and temporal call properties were dynamic between individuals. All call proprieties varied more between individuals than within an individual. Our study adds important data for future studies on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the P. cuvieri clade.
Models for predicting effects of management factors on per-cow and per-hectare pasture intake by grazing dairy cows

The Lifecorder+® is a uniaxial neck-mounted activitymeter. It was tested to assess grazing time in two French experimental automatic milking system farms (20 cows equipped on the Derval farm, 14 cows equipped on the Trevarez farm). The Lifecorder+ raw signal (from 0 to 9) was converted into a grazing yes/no information over a certain threshold. The data from the sensors were compared with visual observations as reference: trained observers recorded activity with a scanning every 10 minutes in the pastures. The recorded activities were as follows: grazing/ruminating and standing/lying/walking. Observation sessions were performed on the Derval and Trevarez farms. Finally, 20 recordings were available for the Derval farm (121 h of cumulated observation time in pasture) and 91 for the Trevarez farm (336 h of cumulated observation time in pasture). The results show a high correlation of grazing time between the visual observations of activity and the information from the sensor (R2=0.93 on the Derval farm and 0.82 on the Trevarez farm) with a mean prediction error of 18 min (9%) for the Derval farm and 29 min (20%) for the Trevarez farm. Some slight biases related to the recording of walking in the pathways were noticed. Lifecorder+ appears to be a possible cheap, easy and precise tool to record grazing time at pasture.
Statistical Evaluation Of The Larvicidal Effect Of Diflubenzuron On Culex Pipiens Larval Stages

Abstract Diflubezuron is increasingly used in areas where mosquito larvae developed resistance to other insecticides. In our community diflubenzuron is not used to control mosquito larvae. Two formulations of 1% diflubenzuron (on corn-cob EF-1, and zeolite EF-2) were tested on Culex pipiens L (larvae) on one canal in the Belgrade suburb area. The effect was followed for seven weeks after application of the formulations. Formulation EF1 achieved a reduction in mosquito L1L2 larvae between 23.9% and 89.4%. The change was statistically significant the 21st and 28th day (p<0.001), 35th and 42nd day (p<0.01) and 49th day (p<0.05). The maximal reduction obtained by formulation EF2 was 69.1%. The accomplished reduction was significant on the 28th and 42nd day (p<0.001), 35th day (p<0.01) and 21st (p<0.05). Both formulations have maintained a good residual effect on the lower developmental larval stages. Maximum reduction achieved by EF1 on L3L4 larvae was 97.4%. Reduction of larvae was high between the 7th and 42nd day (66.4 - 97%). Statistically significant values were recorded on the 21st, 28th and 35th day. Formulation EF2 achieved a reduction of 99.5%. A statistically significant reduction in the value of mosquito larvae was obtained on the 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th and 42nd day. Between the two used formulations there was no significant difference in the number reduction of lower larval stages, but for the higher larval stages EF1 proved to be more efficient.
Peach cultivars from tropical regions: characterization and processing potential

portuguesCom o objetivo de aumentar a disponibilidade para os consumidores, agregar ainda mais valor aos pessegos (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) e identificar quais cultivares cultivadas em regioes tropicais sao mais adequadas para o processamento de geleia, o objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar e avaliar a influencia de diferentes cultivares de pessegueiro (‘Aurora’, ‘Biuti’, ‘Bonao’, ‘Centenario’, ‘Diamante’, ‘Douradao’, ‘Libra’, ‘Regis’ e ‘Tropical’) cultivadas em regioes tropicais nas caracteristicas fisico-quimicas, reologicas e sensoriais da geleia resultante. Verificou-se que as cultivares avaliadas apresentaram grande variabilidade entre si em relacao as caracteristicas fisicas e fisico-quimicas. As geleias elaboradas a partir destas cultivares, embora apresentam grande variabilidade em relacao aos parâmetros fisico-quimicos e reologicos, apresentaram alta aceitacao. Conclui-se, que todas as cultivares estudadas sao indicadas para processamento e podem ser destinadas a industrializacao. Palavras-chave: Prunus persica (L.) Batsch; qualidade sensorial; processamento EnglishIn order to increase the availability to consumers and add even more value to peaches (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) and to identify which cultivars grown in tropical regions are more suitable for jelly processing, the objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the influence of different peach cultivars (‘Aurora’, ‘Biuti’, ‘Bonao’, ‘Centenario’, ‘Diamante’, ‘Douradao’, ‘Libra’, ‘Regis’ and ‘Tropical’) cultivated in tropical regions on the physicochemical characteristics, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of the resulting jelly. The evaluated cultivars presented great variability among themselves in relation to the physical and physicochemical characteristics. The jellies elaborated from these cultivars; although, presenting great variability in relation to the physicochemical and rheological parameters, presented similar, high acceptance. All cultivars studied are suitable for processing and can be used for industrialization. Key words: Prunus persica (L.) Batsch; sensory quality; processing
Pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium avenaceum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and their effect on photosynthetic activity of chrysanthemum plants.

The aims of the investigation were to identify the fungi causing spots, necrosis or death of plants and the evaluation of pathogenicity of some of them to chrysanthemum plants. During the mycological investigations the fragments of plant roots, stems and leaves were placed on a mineral medium. Over 6080 colonies were obtained. Alternaria alternata, Fusarium spp. and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were isolated most frequently. The largest numbers of colonies and species of fungi were isolated from cv. ‘Snowdon’. In the second experiment, the pathogenicity of F. oxysporum, F. avenaceum and S. sclerotiorum populations was investigated. Disease index for inoculated plants was compared to chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. For most of isolates of higher pathogenicity, the disease index was correlated with the reduction of plants photosynthetic activity. However, in some cases the damage to the photosystem was more severe than external disease symptoms indicated, suggesting that chlorophyll fluorescence measurements might be helpful in early evaluation of disease severity.
Association levels between Pityophthorus pubescens and Fusarium circinatum in pitch canker disease affected plantations in northern Spain

Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pitch canker disease (PCD), poses a threat to Pinus radiata plantations due to the presence of bleeding cankers on the trunk that can cause the tree to die. This pathogen has been reported to be phoretically associated with bark beetle species, specifically, with Pityophthorus species in California. Pityophthorus pubescens is a secondary pest, attacking weak trees or broken branches in healthy trees. The aim of this study was to know the association between P. pubescens and F. circinatum in PCD affected plantations in northern Spain. Specific aims were determined: i) to assess the phoretic association between P. pubescens and F. circinatum, ii) to study the presence of F. circinatum in P. pubescens infested twigs and iii) to evaluate whether PCD damages were enhanced in (E)-pityol baited P. radiata trees. Funnel traps baited with (E)-pityol were established and twigs from infested trees were sampled to collect insects and plant tissues in PCD affected plots, with the aim of testing the presence of F. circinatum. Moreover, an experiment was carried out in nature in which P. radiata trees were baited with (E)-pityol and PCD symptoms were evaluated 4 times during one year. A total of 263 specimens were collected from funnel traps between June and September 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Moreover, 215 specimens were collected from 424 galleries within the twigs in 2012 and 2013. The pathogen appeared on 1.05% and 2% of the insects in the funnel traps during 2010 and 2012 respectively. Regarding the collected twigs, F. circinatum was found in 3 galleries, whilst results of the baiting experimentation showed symptoms in the crown were more influenced by (E)-pityol than those on the trunk. This work affirms a weak association between P. pubescens and F. circinatum in our study area.
Insecticide resistance of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae). V. Relationship between host preference and organophosphorus resistance.

ワタアブラムシの寄主選好性と有機リン剤抵抗性との関係を,本種のクローンや個体群を用いた寄主転換試験などにより検討した。 1) ウリ科作物(メロンおよびキュウリ)由来のクローンをナス科作物(ナスおよびジャガイモ)に接種すると,元の寄主作物に接種した場合に比べて,接種した親虫の生存期間が著しく短くなり,産子数も大幅に減少した。 また,産子された幼虫の発育や増殖も悪くなり,クローンを維持できなくなる場合が多かった。 これと逆の組合せにおいても同様の傾向が認められた。 以上の結果は接種源が有翅虫であっても無翅虫であっても同じであった。 適合性の低かった植物でクローンの飼育を続けても,産子数が顕著に増えるといった傾向は認められなかった。 2) イチゴ由来のクローンをナス科作物に接種すると,産子数が比較的多く,その後代の増殖も良好であった。 しかし,ウリ科作物に接種した場合は,産子がほとんど行われなかった。 一方,ウリ科作物とナス科作物由来のクローンはイチゴに対する産子数が比較的多く,その後の増殖も良好であった。 3) クローンのアリエステラーゼ活性値は寄主植物が違ってもほとんど変動しなかった。 4) メロンで採集した個体群をナスに接種すると,一時的な定着は起こっても,3か月以上生存できる個体はまったく検出されなかった。 これと逆の組合せにおいても同様の現象が認められた。 5) キュウリとナスを同一圃場に混植し,寄生個体のアリエステラーゼ活性を測定したところ,前者では高活性個体の,後者では低活性個体の検出頻度が高かった。 6) オオイヌノフグリで胎生越冬したと思われる個体群のなかには,メロンとナスに対する選好性の異なる個体が混在していた。 アリエステラーゼ活性はメロンを選好した個体で高く,ナスを選好した個体で低かった。 7) 以上の結果から,ワタアブラムシにはウリ科作物あるいはナス科作物を選好する少なくても二つの系統が存在し,前者には有機リン剤抵抗性の高い個体が多く,後者にはそれの低い個体が多いことが推察された。 両系統はバイオタイプが異なるものと考えられた。
Understanding the Cellular Mechanisms Responsible for Blood Glucose Modulation By Oat Beta-glucan

UNDERSTANDING THE CELLULAR MECHANISMS RESPONSIBLE FOR BLOOD GLUCOSE MODULATION BY OAT BETA-GLUCAN Nazanin Nadia Abbasi Advisor: University of Guelph, 2013 Professor Peter Purslow The aim of this study was to understand the cellular mechanisms in enterocytes, which may decrease glucose uptake by viscous oat β-glucan. An in-vitro cell model examined the effect of diffusion limitation, fluid shear stimulation, and increased intestinal stretching. Mechanical stimulation of IEC-6 was assessed. A Flexcell Cell Streamer device applied different fluid flow stresses on cells. Flexcell FX-4000 was used for biaxial stretching of the cells. Following the confirmation of appropriate use of the cell model, the results indicated that high viscosity oat β-glucan might provide a physical barrier limiting diffusion of nutrients to the cells apical surfaces. Western blot analysis confirmed weak mechanical stimulation on the cells. Mechanical stimulation did not influence glucose uptake. Strain-induced cells showed lower activities in their glucose uptake. In conclusion, there may be a significant contribution of direct effects of the viscosity of oat β-glucan on cellular mechanisms of uptake in enterocytes.
Rot1, an essential yeast protein, is degraded through the ER-associated protein degradation system (ERAD)

S. cerevisiae ROT1 is an essential gene which has been related to cell wall biosynthesis, the actin cytoskeleton and protein folding. Rot1 protein is primarily located at the endoplasmic reticulumnuclear membrane facing the lumen where it is translocated through two internal topogenic elements by an SRP-independent posttranslational mechanism which depends on Sec62 to then be N-glycosylated at the lumen of the ER. Despite Rot1 protein levels are critical for yeast survival, proper cell cycle progression and morphogenesis, Rot1 protein levels has not been investigated so far. Here we carry out an in vivo study to analyse the Rot1 protein levels and show that Rot1 is a short-lived protein and its turnover is mediated by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), dependent on the main degradation pathway located at the ER, the ER-associated degradation system (ERAD). This finding correlates with genetic interactions we previously found and that suggested a link between Rot1 and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In addition, by using mutant cells components of the ERAD pathway, we demonstrated that Rot1 is degraded through the ubiquitin conjugating enzymes (E2) components of ERAD, Ubc6 and Ubc7, and it seems to require only one of the E3 ubiquitin ligases involved in ERAD, Hrd1 but not Doa1.
Fundamental parameter method applied to X-ray line profile analysis.

Crystallite size strain effect the mechanical, electric, magnetic and optical properties of many kind of the nanomaterials. The effects of the finite crystallite size and lattice strain can be very well observed as the deformation in the shape of the X-ray line profile (XRLP). In this contribution we have used the fundamental parameter (FP) [1,2] method to evaluate the nanostructure materials assuming a theoretical model of experimental XRLP. Â In this contribution we have used various distribution functions such as normal, lognormal, Gumbel, Maxwell and Student. The best values of the crystallite size of nanostructued materials are chosen by analysis of root mean squares of residuals and by correlation matrix of the fit parameters. The entire procedure was implemented in the GnuPlot script. Â
Environmental multi‐scale effects on zooplankton inter‐specific synchrony

Knowledge on the mechanisms that drive population dynamics and shape community structure is a key issue in ecology. Using wavelet methods, we analyzed 17‐yr of monthly time‐series of marine zooplankton (taxonomic composition, total abundance, and biomass) and their relationship with environmental factors (upwelling index and river outflow). The main mode of variation in all series was annual, and exhibited year‐to‐year variability. The dynamics of zooplankton aggregated properties showed a strong association with upwelling index and river outflow. The annual oscillation of biomass and abundance increased in 2000 corresponding to the highest amplitudes of environmental forcing. Concomitantly, enhanced synchrony was observed among the main taxonomic groups of zooplankton and among copepod species, the most relevant group in terms of occurrence and abundance. The degree of synchrony appeared to be correlated with the upwelling index and, more closely, with the duration of the upwelling events. The amplified seasonality of the environmental variables from 2000 to 2004, combined with a reduction of off‐shore exportation by shortening of upwelling events, favored retention in winter, and primary production in summer. These changes modulated community aggregated properties and affected the stability of the zooplankton community through an increase in inter‐specific synchrony allowing the community to shift to another state and likely a reorganization of the community size structure.
Tomato Plant Defenses against Helicoverpa zea

32 Introduction. 33 Materials and Methods. 36 Results. 40 Discussion. 44 Reference. 61 Chapter III Role of Trichomes in Defense against Herbivores: Comparison of Herbivore Response to Woolly and Hairless Trichome Mutants in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Abstract. 67 Introductions. 69. 67 Introductions. 69.
The Flight of Birds: II. Wing Function in Relation to Flight Speed

1. The changes in the form of the wing movement of different birds with change of air speed are described. 2. The aerodynamic properties of various configurations of the wing are discussed. 3. Reconciliation of various contradictory accounts in the literature is attempted. 4. Improvements in photographic methods are described.
Influence of feeding enzymatically hydrolysed yeast cell wall + yeast culture on growth performance of calf-fed Holstein steers

ABSTRACT One hundred and sixty-eight crossbred steers (133 ± 7 kg) were used in a 336-d experiment to evaluate the effects of enzymatically hydrolysed yeast cell wall plus yeast culture (EHY) supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments consisted of steam-flaked corn-based diet supplemented with 0, 195, 390 or 585 mg/kg EHY. Supplemental EHY enhanced overall (336-d) dry matter intake (DMI, P < .01), averagde daily gain (ADG, P = .04), and final carcass weight (P = .04). Responses were maximal (quadratic effect, P ≤ .02) at the 195 mg/kg level of EHY supplementation. Feed intake enhancements were observed throughout each 112-d period of the study. Improvements in ADG were largely the result of increased DMI, as gain efficiency and estimated dietary net energy (NE) were not affected by EHY supplementation. Effects of supplemental EHY on other carcass measures were not appreciable (P > .20), except for a slight lowering (0.7%, P = .04) in carcass yield. We conclude that throughout the growing-finishing period, supplemental EHY will enhance ADG, resulting in marked increases in final carcass weight. This effect is due to consistent increases in DMI, as supplementation did not affect gain efficiency or estimated dietary NE.
Bacterial Succession in Biogas Generation from African Wild Cocoyam (Colocasia esculentum), Poultry Droppings, And Cassava (Manihot esculentum) Liquor

Studies were carried out to determine the bacterial population present during anaerobic digestion of wastes. The ability of three organic wastes (African wild cocoyam, poultry droppings, and cassava liquor) to generate biogas as an alternative energy source was also investigated in the laboratory using the simple single state digesters of 1:3 working volumes with 50days retention time. From the investigations, it was observed that microorganisms such as species of Escherichia, Proteus, Staphylococus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Serratia and Enterobacter were found to be present in the raw substrates. After ten days of anaerobic digestion, Klebsiella sp, Enterobacter sp, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus sp and Serratia sp dominated. After twenty days of digestion, Klebsiella sp, E. coli and Streptococcus sp were found present. These same organisms dominated the digesters after thirty days of anaerobic digestion. However, after forty days of digestion, methanogenic bacteria such as Methanobacterium sp, Methanogenium sp and Methanococcus sp were isolated at this final stage where methane was produced. Peak biogas generation was recorded after 35 days of anaerobic digestion.
Quitinases de tomateiro (Solanum lycopersicum L.): identificação, caracterização e atividade no controle do Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) is an important disease in tomato crops and the use of resistant cultivars is the best strategy to control this pathogen. The genetic transformation of plants is an essential biotechnological tool for breeding by the introduction of exogenous genes, maintaining of original characteristics of the variety and shortening the time required to obtain a new cultivar. One of the biggest obstacles to maintaining this resistance is the search for target genes involved in plants defense and monitoring the variability of phytopathogens. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the genetic variability of different isolates of the three Fol breeds by molecular markers, characterize a differentially expressed gene isolated from a non-commercial resistant genotype use submitted to attack by Fusarium and transfer via gene transformation, this gene to a commercial cultivar sensitive to the fungus. By analyzing the genetic variability of isolates belonging to the three races of Fol using RAPD and IGS molecular markers, it was demonstrated that race 3 is distinct from other races, establishing a group of races 1 and 2. Due to commercial cultivars with resistance to races 2 and 3 of Fol are not yet widely available, with the aim at identifying genes involved in defense, it was constructed a cDNA library using suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) from a resistant genotype (BRH genotype) challenged with race 2 of Fol. Among the identified genes, a chitinase (SolChi) was selected to check for responses at the level of gene expression of BRH plants submitted to inoculation with race 2 of Fol, using the realtime PCR technique (qRT-PCR), in which the normalization of this gene expression was made from the expression of α1 elongation factor (EF-1α) of tomato, classified as housekeeping gene. It was observed increased expression of the gene SolChi after 24 hours of phytopathogen inoculation in root tissue compared to control plants. The SolChi gene was transferred to the commercial cultivar Santa Clara, sensitive to fusarium wilt, for genetic transformation via Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA 105, under the control of the duplicated CaMV 35S promoter overexpressing this gene. Transgenic seedlings (T0) were confirmed by PCR using specific primers for transgene and the transformation frequency obtained was 7%. The transformation and transcription of transgenes were confirmed in T1 by PCR and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) respectively. The resistance to the pathogen will then be evaluated by inoculating isolate of race 2 of Fol in plants growing in vivo. Isolate of race 2 of Fol induces differential expression of SolChi gene in tomato roots BRH genotype, suggesting a possible participation on the defense mechanism of tomato crops against Fol, indicating an important target for breeding programs, which also makes necessary the constant study on the pathogen’s genetic variability.