Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
From concept to practice to policy: modeling coupled natural and human systems in lake catchments

Recent debate over the scope of the U.S. Clean Water Act underscores the need to develop a robust body of scienti ﬁ c work that de ﬁ nes the connectivity between freshwater systems and people. Coupled natural and human systems (CNHS) modeling is one tool that can be used to study the complex, reciprocal linkages between human actions and ecosystem processes. Well-developed CNHS models exist at a conceptual level, but the mapping of these system representations in practice is limited in capturing these feedbacks. This article presents a paired conceptual – empirical methodology for functionally capturing feedbacks between human and natural systems in freshwater lake catchments, from human actions to the ecosystem and from the ecosystem back to human actions. We address extant challenges in CNHS modeling, which arise from differences in disciplinary approach, model structure, and spatiotemporal resolution, to connect a suite of models. In doing so, we create an integrated, multi-disciplinary tool that captures diverse processes that operate at multiple scales, including land-management decision-making, hydrologic-solute transport, aquatic nutrient cycling, and civic engagement. In this article, we build on this novel framework to advance cross-disciplinary dialogue to move CNHS lake-catchment modeling in a systematic direction and, ultimately, provide a foundation for smart decision-making and policy.
Efficacies of four plant essential oils as larvicide, pupicide and oviposition deterrent agents against dengue fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti Linn. (Diptera: Culicidae)

Objective: To evaluate larvicidal, pupicidal and oviposition deterrent activities of four plant essential oils from Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd rhizome, Anethum graveolens L. (An. graveolens) fruit, Foeniculum vulgare Mill. fruit, and Pimpinella anisum L. fruit against Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti). Methods: Four essential oils at 1%, 5% and 10% concentrations were assessed for insecticidal activity against larvae and pupae of Ae. aegypti, following the procedure of a dipping method assay. Oviposition deterrent activity of four essential oils was evaluated on gravid female of Ae. aegypti by a dual-choice oviposition bioassay. Results: The results revealed that An. graveolens oil provided the strongest larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti among four tested plant essential oils with the highest mortality rate of 100% and LC50 value of -0.3%. From the pupicidal experiment, An. graveolens also showed the highest toxicity against Ae. aegypti pupae with the highest mortality rate of 100% at 72 h and LC50 value of 2.9%. In addition, 10% An. graveolens had an oviposition deterrent effect against Ae. aegypti with effective repellency of 100% and an oviposition activity index of –1.0. Conclusions: An. graveolens oil has a good potential as a larvicidal, pupicidal and oviposition deterrent agent for controlling Ae. aegypti.
Growth, freezing tolerance, and yield performance of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars grown under controlled and field conditions in northern latitudes

Abstract: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most popular forage legume crops worldwide. Its cultivation in the boreal and sub-boreal zone is restricted by inadequate winter hardiness, but global warming may increase its adaptability in these latitudes. Here, we examined variation in growth and freezing tolerance of four alfalfa cultivars recommended for the northern temperate climates of Europe (Alexis, Lavo, Live, and Nexus) and two cultivars with adaptation to milder or Mediterranean climates (Rangelander and Hunter River). Two experiments under controlled conditions (growth cessation and cold acclimation experiments) along with a 2-yr field experiment were conducted. Lavo was the most freezing-tolerant cultivar in both the cold acclimation and field experiments. Both Rangelander and Hunter River showed poor freezing tolerance. Lavo responded to decreasing temperatures, unlike the response to shorter day length, by allocating biomass to the roots. In general, better freezing tolerance was associated with high total nonstructural carbohydrate and low starch content. The field experiment results revealed that the more freezing-tolerant cultivars may have some advantages regarding yield, especially in the second year, but the differences between the cultivars were modest.
Chemical signalling and context dependent polyandry in the false garden mantid Pseudomantis albofimbriata (Mantodea: Mantidae)

Multiple mating by females is a common phenomenon in nature. Polyandrous females may benefit from genetically diverse progeny that may survive better in a changing environment. Males in polyandrous systems, however, may not achieve their maximum paternity. Therefore, males are predicted to carry traits that prevent or reduce female polyandry. Praying mantids are predatory insects in which females can mate multiple times, predicting the evolution of male counter‐strategies. However, the rate of polyandry and male strategies against polyandry are rarely studied in these insects. In the current study, we used false garden mantids Pseudomantis albofimbriata to quantify the rate of multiple mating when several males are present within close visual range of an unmated female. We further determined how long mated females stay unattractive after mating. We found that in a scramble scenario, the subsequent males stay with a copulating pair and attempt mating once the first male has completed copulation. These second copulation attempts are often successful. If only one male is attracted as a result of the initial pheromone plume, then polyandry is unlikely because the female will remain chemically unattractive for 8 days on average (thus preventing subsequent male attractions), which is longer than the usual latency to lay the first egg sac. From previous studies, we know that single male attraction is the most common scenario in this system in both natural and semi‐natural contexts. Therefore, polyandry depends on the number of males attracted to the initial pheromone plume of the female and is likely to be a relatively uncommon phenomenon in this system.
Algal bioactive compounds in the cosmeceutical industry: a review

Abstract: The term cosmeceutical is derived from a combination of ‘cosmetic’ and ‘pharmaceutical’, and indicates that active ingredients are present in a specific cosmetic product. These cosmeceuticals or cosmetic products have ingredients with medical or drug-like benefits. They are formulated to increase positive physiological effects at the cellular level in addition to enhancing the skin's appearance. Cosmeceutical applications using algae are rapidly growing because of increasing demands from customers. The basic premise is that novel bioactive substances from natural sources are safer and equally or more efficacious than artificial substances. These compounds should have highly effective and stable properties for therapeutic use with low potential toxicity. Recently, marine organisms have been demonstrated as rich sources of structurally diverse, biologically active compounds with extensive cosmeceutical potential. Numerous compounds have been isolated from marine organisms, and these compounds have various purported cosmeceutical activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antiaging and antiwrinkling effects, and ultraviolet protection. This review is focused on algal natural products and their potential for development of cosmeceuticals from novel and potent phytochemical compounds.
Genome skimming for phylogenomics

5 Chapter 1 General Introduction.10 Molecular phylogenetics and molecular markers.11 Next-generation sequencing – a plethora of new approaches.13 Genome skimming.14 Nuclear genomic repeats in genome skims.16 The genus Nicotiana.17 Nicotiana section Suaveolentes.18 Aims and scope of the thesis.24 Chapter 2 Genome skimming and nuclear gDNA: Genomic repeat abundances contain phylogenetic signal.28 Summary.29 Introduction.30 Materials and Methods.35 Results.45 Discussion.58 Chapter 3 Using genomic repeats for phylogenomics: A case study at the intraspecific level.66 Summary.67 Introduction.68 Materials and Methods.70 Results.74 Discussion.76 Chapter 4 Phylogenomics of Nicotiana section Suaveolentes using genome skimming.84 Summary.85
Effect of Heavy Metals on Rainbow Trout Causing Potential Risk to Consumers

The aim of the review is to describe about the effect of the different heavy metals which are disposed in the aquatic environment, causes an impact on the aquatic organisms and also on human Kind. The effect of metals on the rainbow trout mitochondria and the tissues and organs levels were observed. Thus consuming the fishes could bring the potential risk on the health of the consumers.
Association of Androgen Receptor Gene Polymorphisms at three SNPs and their Haplotypes with Severe Oligozoospermia Risk in Iraqi Patients

Infertility in otherwise healthy males be caused by a variety of disorders. These include acquired, as well as heritable conditions. Genetic causes of male infertility are of special interest to reproductive biology, because these disorders can be passed on to the offspring, single nucleotide polymorphisms are considered as one of reason of male infertility Androgens are critical steroid hormones that determine the expression of the male phenotype. Their actions are mediated by a single androgen receptor (AR) which, upon ligand binding, translocate to the nucleus to regulate the expression of androgen-responsive genes. Mutations in androgen receptor gene may lead to a disturbance in the function of the androgen receptor which, in turn, can lead to several forms of infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of rs962458(SNP1), rs6152(SNP2) and rs2361634(SNP3)and test their associations with severe oligozoospermia risk . This study was conducted using 50 severe oligozoospermia patients and 50 apparently healthy subjects (Control). The frequency of GA genotype of SNP2 was significantly (p≤ 0.05) increased in patients versus control (10 and 0%, respectively, OR=0.561, X2=4.329),while the frequency of GG genotype of SNP2 was significantly (p≤ 0.01) decreased in patients versus control(84 and 100%, respectively, OR=0.871, X2=6.524). The results of TAA and TAG haplotypes were not significant. The frequency of TAG/TAG haplotype combination was significantly (p≤ 0.01) decreased in patients versus control(78 and 100%, respectively, OR=1.072, X2=8.35),while TAG/TAA haplotype combination frequency was significantly (p≤ 0.05)increased in patients versus control(14 and 0%,respectively, OR=0.664,X2=4.69). In conclusion, both GA genotype of rs6152A>G and TAG/TAA haplotype combination may be correlated with severe oligozoospermia risk in Iraqi patients.
Efficacy of Phytase Preparations to Improve P Availability in Young Turkeys

Phytate phosphorus of plant ingredients is not substantially available to poultry because of the lack of endogenous phytase enzymes in their gastrointestinal tract. There are substantial differences among broilers, turkeys, and ducks in terms of plant P utilization. We studied whether the availability of P is different for two Phytase enzymes in turkeys. Finase and a New Phytase product developed recently were tested in 3 to 5 week old turkeys. The efficacy of Finase and the New Phytase were determined on the basis of P balance and tibia data. A low P maize soybean meal based diet was supplemented at 0, 250 and 500 FTU/kg levels of Finase and 0, 250, 500 and 750 FTU/kg of the New Phytase. Excretions were collected in a balance trial and tibia parameters were obtained after the turkeys had received their respective diets for 17 days. Utilization of P from the basal diet was 35.5% which significantly improved by Finase to a maximum of 47.3% and by the New Phytase to a maximum of 48.7% at the highest level of supplementation. The utilization of Ca did not improve. Tibia ash concentration improved by Finase and the New Phytase supplementation. It is concluded that the Finase and the New Phytase efficiently improve the utilization of P in turkeys and may help protect the environment by causing a reduction in excretion P.
In Vitro Propagation of Java, New Guinea, and Java x New Guinea Impatiens

In vitro propagation of induced tetraploid Java (J) Impatiens platypetala Lindl. TR6-19, New Guinea (NG) Impatiens sp. ‘Skyrocket’, and 2 interspecific J x NG hybrids, T63-1 and T63-3, was achieved by culturing shoot tips on agar-solidified MS revised medium supplemented with levels of kinetin and NAA. The mean number of shoots per shoot tip increased linearly from 0.3 shoots at 1.39 µM to 8.5 shoots at 139.0 µM kinetin for T63-1, the most responsive genotype. The number of shoots produced by T63-1 and T63-3 were not significantly different, but both hybrids produced significantly more shoots than either ‘Skyrocket’ or TR6-19. Shoot tips produced in vitro rooted readily and were transferred successfully to soil. Chemical name used: 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
Potential Neuro-therapeutic Effect of Flaxseed Oil on the Striatum of Rotenone Mice Model of Parkinson’ Diseases

Aim: This study investigated the potential neuro-therapeutic effect of Flaxseed oil on the striatum of Rotenone mice model of Parkinson’ diseases’ Study Design: Fifty-six adult male and female mice ( Mus musculus) weighing between 23.9-26.3 grams were used for this study. The mice were randomly placed into four groups of fourteen mice each made up of equal number of male and female: A (Control; mice pellets), B (Rotenone 3 mg/kg, IP), C (Rotenone + Flaxseed oil 0.3 ml orally), and D (0.3 ml Flaxseed + Rotenone). Methodology: The brain were excised, weighed and appropriate sections taken and processed histology and stained with H&E and Nissl stains and immuno-cytochemically with GFAP. Results: The results showed significant (P<0.05) reduction in the neuronal cell count, body and relative brain to body weight, which were increased by flaxseed oil treatments. Rotenone induced neural and striatal bundle degeneration which were ameliorated by flaxseed oil treatment. Conclusion: In conclusion, the reduction in weight and neuronal derangements associated with rotenone induced Parkinson’s disease in this study were reduced or alleviated as a consequence of the treatment with flaxseed oil, and hence flaxseed oil could be considered as a potential therapeutic candidate in the management of Parkinson's disease.
Lactose in ruminants feeding: A review

Lactose is a disaccharide and as such it has to be broken down by the enzyme lactase to its constituent glucose and galactose before absorption in the small intestine and utilization by the body can occur. Newborn mammals are well endowed with lactase but production of the enzyme falls off rapidly after weaning, so that adult animals are able to digest only small amounts of lactose. Lactose, the major carbohydrate of milk, controls milk volume by maintaining its osmolarity. Therefore, the rate of lactose synthesis in the epithelial cells of the mammary gland serves as a major factor influencing milk volume. Glucose is the main precursor of lactose synthesis in mammary gland epithelial cells. However, a lactating mammary gland cannot synthesize glucose from other precursors due to the absence of glucose-6- phosphatase and so is dependent on the blood supply for its glucose requirement. However, objective of this review discussing importance lactose and its effect on fertility, feed intake, ketone bodies, nutrient digestibility.
Growth, Survival, and Whole-body Proximate and Fatty Acid Composition of Haddock, Melanogrammus aeglefinus L., Postlarvae Fed a Practical Microparticulate Weaning Diet

Further development of high-quality feeds for hatchery-reared haddock in the North Atlantic would benefit from a standard formulation that can be used as a reference for hatcheries and laboratory studies. A practical microparticulate diet (PMD) developed and evaluated with newly metamorphosed juvenile haddock, Melanogrammus aeglefinus L. , postlarvae is proposed. Survival of fish fed PMD was just as high (88–89%; P > 0.05) as those fed a high-quality imported feed (Biokyowa). Alternatively, fish fed PMD had higher (P 0.05) in whole-body moisture (846–857 g/kg), ash (17–18 g/kg), or protein (101 g/kg) contents were found. Lipid content of fish fed PMD (26 g/kg) was higher (P < 0.05) than those fed Biokyowa (21 g/kg) despite PMD containing 15 g/kg lower dietary lipid, suggesting higher intake and/or lipid retention. The PMD formulation proved to be a highly suitable weaning diet for haddock postlarvae based on high feed acceptance, survival, and fish growth. Given the economic and logistical difficulties associated with importing commercial weaning feeds, this easily produced practical weaning diet has good potential for use by laboratory researchers and farm managers for hatchery-based nutrition research with haddock postlarvae.
Temperature control of the distributional range of five C3 grass species in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Global climate change is expected to influence the distribution of global biodiversity. C4 and C3 perennial grasses co-occur in the fire-prone KwaZulu-Natal uKhahlamba-Drakensberg grasslands, with C3 grass species occurring at cooler locations in the mountain range and C4 grass species at warmer locations. If a warming climate is expected to cause a contraction in the ranges of C3 grasses, evidence of temperature controlling current distributions is required. This study modelled the distribution of five C3 grass species, namely Tenaxia stricta, Tenaxia disticha, Festuca costata, Merxmuellera drakensbergensis and Merxmuellera stereophylla, to temperature-related surrogate variables using presence–absence data collected across the environmental heterogeneity of the mountain range. Distributions of each species, and of all species combined, were modelled using generalised additive models. These temperature-related variables accounted for the distribution of all five species, least so for F. costata. Four species could therefore contract in range in response to climate change, whereas F. costata is least likely to have a range contraction directly related to a warming climate and could experience a range expansion owing to the fertilising effect of increased [CO2].
Evaluation of the Genotoxic Effect of the Commercial Fungicide Tango® Super on Bovine Lymphocytes

Abstract This study investigated the potential genotoxic effects of the fungicide Tango® Super using methods of conventional cytogenetic analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and detection of DNA fragmentation in bovine lymphocytes. After exposure of two donor cell cultures to several concentrations of fungicide (0.5, 3.0 and 15.0 mg.ml-1 for conventional cytogenetic analysis; 0.5 and 3.0 mg.ml-1 for FISH) we detected the insignificant occurrence of chromosome and chromatid breakages. In both donors we observed a significant decrease in mitotic index (MI) percentage with increasing concentrations of fungicide (P < 0.01; P < 0.001), which indicated a cytotoxic effect of the preparation. Electrophoretic analysis of DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes exposed to increasing concentrations (0.5; 1.5; 3.0; 6.0 and 15.0 mg.ml-1) of this preparation showed its ability to induce formation of fragments, which is a characteristic manifestation of the last stage of apoptosis.
Predictive multi-scale computational environment for studying epithelial dynamics

Multicellular development depends in large part on the growth, patterning and morphogenesis of epithelial sheets. How individual epithelial cells coordinate tissue-scale processes is still poorly understood due to the inherent complexity of emergent systems-level behavior. Testing hypothetical novel biophysical mechanisms across spatial scales requires computational models that can span subcellular to tissue levels. However, the task of including detailed descriptions of interactions between the cytoplasm, cortically enriched cytoskeleton and intercellular adhesion is challenging due to the prohibitively high computational costs. Here, we introduce a multi-scale modeling environment called Epi-Scale for simulating epithelial tissue dynamics based on the Subcellular Element (SCE) modeling approach. Epi-Scale explicitly simulates the separate mechanical contributions of multiple cellular components. Computational implementation of the model is based on an efficient parallelization algorithm that utilizes clusters of Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) for simulating large numbers of cells within a reasonable computational time. Epi-Scale naturally recapitulates cellular and tissue-scale properties consistent with experimental data. As a demonstration of the predictive power of the model, detailed simulations of increased cell-cell rearrangements as a function of tissue growth rates are described. A particular advantage for the Epi-Scale environment is its extensibility toward investigating complex biological processes of multiple cell types and interactions between cells and extracellular matrix.
HHV6 Encephalitis in Children After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

HHV-6 is a roseolovirus, existing in two distinct genetic subsets, HHV-6a and HHV-6b. Most infections are due to HHV6b. The primary infection normally happens during the first 3 years of life and the virus develops lifelong latency. Typical symptoms as exanthema, fever, lymphadenopathy and cough resolve within a week. Secondary infections as e.g. bronchopneumia are rare in immunecompetent patients.
Einfluss der Verwendung von Phosphat und Transglutaminase auf Qualitätsparameter von Kochschinken

Auch die Kombination von zwei wirksamen Hilfsstoffen ist nicht in der Lage, bei Schinken mit niedrigen pH-Werten ≤ 5,8 mängelfreie Schinken herzustellen. Allerdings können diese typischen Fehler minimiert werden. In Übereinstimmung mit der Brühwurst konnte festgestellt werden, dass die Phosphatdosierung sich vor allem positiv auf die Ausbeute auswirkt (HAMMER,1998). Die Transglutaminase beeinflusst vor allem die Konsistenz. In dieser Versuchsreihe wurden bewusst die geringste und die höchste Transglutaminasemenge, die vom Hersteller empfohlen werden, gegenübergestellt. Und das ohne Phosphat und mit der minimalen Phosphatmenge, die sich in einer früheren Versuchsreihe als gerade noch wirksam gezeigt hatte, sowie mit einer hohen Phosphatdosierung, die sich hinsichtlich der Optimierung der Ausbeute als günstig erwiesen hatte (MÜLLER et al., 2000). Aufgrund der dargestellten Ergebnisse sollte es in der Praxis möglich sein, bei engerer pH-Wert-Selektion der Schinken, die gewünschte Ausbeute über die Phosphatkonzentration und die gewünschte Konsistenz über die Transglutaminasemenge zu steuern und gleichzeitig typische Kochschinkenfehler zu minimieren.