Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
enhancement of cadmium tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants by transferring a y glutamylcysteine synthetase gene

Background: γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) is an important enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of phytochelatins and plays an important role in the detoxification of heavy metals. Results: The present work assessed the ability of γ-GCS transgenic tobacco plants in detoxifying heavy metal cadmium. A γ-GCS cDNA clone was transformed from the highly cadmium-tolerant plant Pakchoi (Brassica chinensis) into tobacco plants under the control of the 35S promoter using the Agrobacterium-mediated leaf disk transformation method. The γ-GCS gene was successfully transcribed in the transgenic plants, indicated by reverse transcription PCR analysis. To assess heavy metal tolerance, 15 transgenic and 10 non-transgenic plants were grown in pot culture system and challenged with 100 μmol/L of cadmium. Higher cadmium accumulation was found in the transgenic plants than that in the non-transgenic plants. Moreover, more cadmium was accumulated in the roots than in the leaves of the transgenic plants. Analyses of physiological indexes, such as malondialdehyde content, peroxidase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and proline content, revealed that the transgenic tobacco plants were superior to non-transgenic tobacco plants in resistant physiological indexes. Conclusion: These results indicated that the expression of γ-GCS enhanced the cadmium accumulation ability as well as resistant physiological indexes of the transgenic tobacco plants.
Growth rules for the repair of Asynchronous Irregular neuronal networks after peripheral lesions

Several homeostatic mechanisms enable the brain to maintain desired levels of neuronal activity. One of these, homeostatic structural plasticity, has been reported to restore activity in networks disrupted by peripheral lesions by altering their neuronal connectivity. While multiple lesion experiments have studied the changes in neurite morphology that underlie modifications of synapses in these networks, the underlying mechanisms that drive these changes are yet to be explained. Evidence suggests that neuronal activity modulates neurite morphology and may stimulate neurites to selective sprout or retract to restore network activity levels. We developed a new spiking network model, simulations of which accurately reproduce network rewiring after peripheral lesions as reported in experiments, to study these activity dependent growth regimes of neurites. To ensure that our simulations closely resemble the behaviour of networks in the brain, we deafferent a biologically realistic network model that exhibits low frequency Asynchronous Irregular (AI) activity as observed in cerebral cortex. Our simulation results indicate that the re-establishment of activity in neurons both within and outside the deprived region, the Lesion Projection Zone (LPZ), requires opposite activity dependent growth rules for excitatory and inhibitory post-synaptic elements. Analysis of these growth regimes indicates that they also contribute to the maintenance of activity levels in individual neurons. Furthermore, in our model, the directional formation of synapses that is observed in experiments requires that pre-synaptic excitatory and inhibitory elements also follow opposite growth rules. Lastly, we observe that our proposed model of homeostatic structural plasticity and the inhibitory synaptic plasticity mechanism that also balances our AI network are both necessary for successful rewiring of the network.
Tailor-made Medicine: A step towards future of Diagnostics and Therapeutics

The goal of tailor-made medicine is to maximize the likelihood of therapeutic efficacy and to minimize the risk of drug toxicity for an individual patient. It involves right drug & dose, right patient and at right time administration of a medication. By averting the knowledge of gene sequence and their functions, biomedical research are diversified towards inter-individual variations that are expected to become an eminent part of treatment planning in terms of efficacy and toxic side effects of drugs. Tailor-made medicine focuses on individualized drug treatment according to each patient’s molecular diagnosis and genetic makeup. Genomic-based diagnostics can play a key role in creating a more efficient healthcare system by directing patients toward beneficial therapies and away from therapies that pose substantial risk or are unlikely to improve outcomes for the patient.
Spatiotemporal Maps of Proprioceptive Inputs to the Cervical Spinal Cord During Three-Dimensional Reaching and Grasping

Proprioceptive feedback is a critical component of voluntary movement planning and execution. Neuroprosthetic technologies aiming at restoring movement must interact with it to restore accurate motor control. Optimization and design of such technologies depends on the availability of quantitative insights into the neural dynamics of proprioceptive afferents during functional movements. However, recording proprioceptive neural activity during unconstrained movements in clinically relevant animal models presents formidable challenges. In this work, we developed a computational framework to estimate the spatiotemporal patterns of proprioceptive inputs to the cervical spinal cord during three-dimensional arm movements in monkeys. We extended a biomechanical model of the monkey arm with ex-vivo measurements, and combined it with models of mammalian group-Ia, Ib and II afferent fibers. We then used experimental recordings of arm kinematics and muscle activity of two monkeys performing a reaching and grasping task to estimate muscle stretches and forces with computational biomechanics. Finally, we projected the simulated proprioceptive firing rates onto the cervical spinal roots, thus obtaining spatiotemporal maps of spinal proprioceptive inputs during voluntary movements. Estimated maps show complex and markedly distinct patterns of neural activity for each of the fiber populations spanning the spinal cord rostro-caudally. Our results indicate that reproducing the proprioceptive information flow to the cervical spinal cord requires complex spatio-temporal modulation of each spinal root. Our model can support the design of neuroprosthetic technologies as well as in-silico investigations of the primate sensorimotor system.
Collective singing dynamics in a competition context drive song plasticity

Animals need to adapt their motor production to challenging social conditions at behaviorally-relevant time scales. Here, we use telemetric recording technology from freely-behaving canaries in natural-like social conditions in which male canaries compete for females. We report that male canaries influence each other’s singing during ‘duels’ characterized by temporal overlaps of their songs, which are often followed by physical aggression. Duels evolve in time and both canaries can lead or follow the other canary’s song on a song-to-song basis. Remarkably, overlapping behavior induces singing plasticity: both song length and its variability increase when canaries overlap their songs. Furthermore, song acoustic properties reveal a link between dueling and song similarity. Altogether, results show that canary singing behavior is plastic in social environments.
The Epidemiology of Fusarium Wilt of Banana

Fusarium wilt of banana (also known as Panama disease) has been a problem in Australia since 1874. Race 1 of the pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) is responsible for damage to ‘Lady Finger’ (AAB, Pome subgroup) and other less widely grown cultivars such as ‘Ducasse’ (Pisang Awak, ABB). Subtropical Race 4 (STR4) also affects these cultivars as well as Cavendish cultivars (AAA) in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales where cold temperature predisposition is involved. Tropical Race 4 (TR4) has led to the demise of the Cavendish industry in the Northern Territory, and its presence was confirmed in a North Queensland plantation in 2015, which warranted destruction of all banana plants on the property; as of this writing (April 2019), TR4 has spread to two adjacent properties. This review, which was commissioned by Biosecurity Queensland in response to the 2015 TR4 outbreak, considers the key epidemiological factors associated with the onset of a Fusarium wilt epidemic. Resistance to TR4, which is mediated by events following entry by the pathogen into the xylem, is not present in any commercially acceptable banana cultivar. Also, there is no effective chemical agent that can be used to manage the disease. Besides prevention, very early recognition and rapid containment of a disease outbreak are necessary to prevent epidemic development. A good understanding of the key factors responsible for disease development is required when devising practical protocols for the destruction of infected plants, treatment of surrounding infested soil, and reduction of inoculum in plant residues and soil.
The return migration of bogong moths, 'Agrotis infusa' (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), from the Snowy Mountains, New South Wales

The return (autumnal) migration of 'Agrotis infusa' (Boisduval) from the Snowy Mountains commences after most plants have finished flowering, and the return journey to the plains to breed is generally against the general direction of the wind. At the commencement of these flights, bogong moths were recorded flying into the wind, which was a head wind at all altitudes up to 4000 m, and were observed feeding on honeydew.
The complete plastome of Ctenolophon englerianus Mildbr. (Ctenolophonaceae)

Abstract Ctenolophon englerianus Mildbr. is endemic to West Africa. The wood of this species is very strong, and is widely used as building material in local regions. In this study, we determined its complete plastome sequence. This is the first reported complete plastome sequence in the family Ctenolophonaceae. The plastome of C. englerianus was found to possess a total length of 161,553 bp containing two inverted repeats (IRs) of 27,469 bp, a large single copy (LSC) region of 89,386 bp, and a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,229 bp. The plastome contains 110 unique genes, consisting of 76 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes and 4 rRNA genes. The rpl32, rps16 and infA genes were lost. To validate the phylogenetic relationships of C. englerianus in Malpighiales, we have selected seven representative families from three major clades of Malpighiales to construct phylogenetic tree. According to the phylogenetic topologies, C. englerianus has a close relationship with Erythroxylum novogranatence.
Distribution, Size, and Demographics of Eastern Hermann's Tortoise, Testudo hermanni boettgeri, in Turkey

Conserving and managing an imperiled species, such as Testudo hermanni, requires information on population status and demographic traits. To acquire this information, we surveyed Hermann's tortoises, Testudo hermanni boettgeri, in European Turkey from April to October 2014–2016. We found 283 (135 males, 102 females, 45 juveniles, and 1 unknown) T. h. boettgeri at 34 locations. Of these sites, 29% included at least 1 individual. We found that females were larger and heavier (mean straight carapace length [SCL] = 175.4 mm, body mass = 1234.1 g) than males (SCL = 153.2 mm, body mass = 849.6 g). The age frequency had a normal Gaussian distribution with 11–15 yrs being the most common. Elevation at capture sites ranged from 22 to 380 m above sea level. Illegal overharvesting for the pet trade appears to have caused no reduction in body size.
Design and Synthesis of TLR2 and TLR6 Heterodimer Ligands, a Triply Functionalized α-GalCer Derivative for Identifying Proteins Involved in Glycolipid Trafficking, and the Disaccharide of Staphylococcus aureus CP8 Towards a Self-Adjuvanting Vaccine

Design and Synthesis of TLR2 and TLR6 Heterodimer Ligands, a Triply Functionalized α-GalCer Derivative for Identifying Proteins Involved in Glycolipid Trafficking, and the Disaccharide of Staphylococcus aureus CP8 Towards a Self-Adjuvanting Vaccine Sara Mayeth Mata Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, BYU Doctor of Philosophy Toll like receptors (TLRs) are found on B cells, macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells, and these cells belong to the innate immune system that recognizes antigens and induces multiple cell responses through the release of cytokines. TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6 function as heterodimers, either as TLR1/TLR2 or TLR2/TLR6 to recognize lipopeptides. TLR1/2 dimer activation releases inflammatory cytokines, while TLR2/ TLR6 dimer activation releases immunomodulatory cytokines. Based on the size of the binding pocket between TLR2 and TLR6, it was hypothesized that lipopeptides, such as FSL1, could be simplified while keeping overall activity. FSL1 is a lipopeptide first isolated from Mycoplasma salivarum that activates macrophages at picomolar concentrations. It is expected that synthetic lipopeptides mimicking immunostimulatory molecules such as FSL1 will allow development of better ways to stimulate or modulate the immune system. Therefore, novel synthetic TLR2/6 ligands were synthesized replacing the polylysine chain with a polyamine chain showing activation of the immune cells in a manner like FSL1. Natural killer T-cell (NKT) antigens, such as α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), are carried through the body by lipid transfer proteins before they interact with the NKT cells. Not all the proteins involved in glycolipid transportation have been characterized. The synthesis of an α-GalCer analogue, termed CD1d-Triceps was designed to help find additional proteins involved in glycolipid trafficking. CD1d-Triceps has three functionalities: the first is the α-GalCer structure, and the other two are on C6 of the sugar: biotin, which helps tag the molecule for its purification, and a photoactive tag that, upon UV light activation, will cross-link with neighboring proteins. Antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) are a growing health problem worldwide. Serotype 5 and 8 are the most common SA pathogens. Loading the serotype 5 or 8 disaccharides onto Qβ-particles that are linked to an NKT cell activator yield a vaccine that is expected to trigger adaptive immunity to the disaccharide. Previous similar studies showed production of antibodies with high affinity against Streptococcus pyogenes oligosaccharides in a similar vaccine.
Probabilistic atlas of the lateral parabrachial nucleus, medial parabrachial nucleus, vestibular nuclei complex and medullary viscero-sensory-motor nuclei complex in living humans from 7 Tesla MRI

The lateral parabrachial nucleus, medial parabrachial nucleus, vestibular nuclei complex and medullary viscero-sensory-motor nuclei complex (the latter including among others the solitary nucleus, vagus nerve nucleus, and hypoglossal nucleus) are anatomically and functionally connected brainstem gray-matter structures that convey signals across multiple modalities between the brain and the spinal cord to regulate vital bodily functions. It is remarkably difficult to precisely extrapolate the location of these nuclei from ex vivo atlases to conventional 3 Tesla in vivo images; thus, a probabilistic brainstem atlas in stereotaxic neuroimaging space in living humans is needed. We delineated these nuclei using single-subject high contrast 1.1 mm isotropic resolution 7 Tesla MRI images. After precise coregistration of nuclei labels to stereotaxic space, we generated a probabilistic atlas of their anatomical locations. Finally, we validated the nuclei labels in the atlas by assessing their inter-rater agreement, consistency across subjects and volumes. We also performed a preliminary comparison of their location and microstructural properties to histologic sections of a postmortem human brainstem specimen. In future, the resulting probabilistic atlas of these brainstem nuclei in stereotaxic space may assist researchers and clinicians in evaluating autonomic, vestibular and viscero-sensory-motor nuclei structure, function and connectivity in living humans using conventional 3 Tesla MRI scanners.
Effects of vermicompost placement on nutrient use efficiency and yield of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum)

ABSTRACT This study investigated different methods of applying vermicompost (VC), with the aims of improving yield in organic tomato production and decrease the amount of fertiliser required. Three methods of placement (application) of the VC were used in the field trial: a) VC placed in a row on the soil surface with incorporation behind the planting lines (R), b) broadcast in the field (B), and c) in the transplant hole under the root plug of the transplant (U). As a second factor, VC was applied at three different rates of application (3, 6 and 9 t ha−1 for R and B, and 2, 4 and 6 t ha−1 for U). In both years, the different rates and placement methods had no significant effect on the fresh yield of tomatoes. However, in 2015, the treatment with the higher rate and the U placement of the VC increased the dry matter (DM) yield of the plants by up to 48% (8.4 t ha−1). Evidently, treatments with the U method had 23 % higher nitrogen (N) uptake (156 kg ha−1) compared with the treatments where VC was broadcast in the field (121 kg ha−1). In 2015, the N use efficiency was significantly higher for the U method (102%) compared with the R and B methods (38 and 34%, respectively) and the phosphorous and potassium use efficiency followed a similar pattern. The study demonstrated that the U placement method for VC increased DM yields, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency in organic tomato production.
PREVALENCE OF THE BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS IN HORSES IN TABRIZ AREA

In order to investigate distribution of behavioral disorders (stable vices) in horses, present study was conducted on 115 male horses in Tabriz area. 52.18% of horses showed behavioral disorders that Khouzestan Arabs horses showed more behavioral disorders (63.64%) and hybrid horses showed less behavioral disorders (39.13%). Also most observed behavioral disorders, were "aggressiveness" and "crib-biting". Behavioral disorders prevalence were increased with increasing of age significantly (p<0.05). In crowded and noisy places and in riding clubs with a lot of new horse entrance and various management, a high amount of behavioral disorders were seen. Also, horses that spent more time in their stables showed more behavioral disorders, significantly (p<0.05). et.J.of Islamic.Azad. Univ., Garmsar Branch. 5,2:79-84, 20092010.
Aerial pathogenic micro fungi in medical classes on medical faculty

Microbiological air pollution consists of micro fungi and bacteria. Micro fungi are indoor air pollutant because its spores widely spread, floats in the air, surface, dust, and water, and can be pathogenic. Isolation and identification of aerial pathogenic micro fungi in study rooms in Medical Faculty attempted to find whether there was difference of micro fungi number in every study room. The research design is experimental descriptive research, using 8 samples with 3 repetitions. Data analyzed using Kruskal-Walls test. The research result showed the successfully identified 10 aerial pathogenic micro fungi which were: Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus glaucus, Rhizopus sp. , Mucor sp. , Penicillium sp. , Trichoderma sp. , Syncephalastrum sp. , Scopulariopsis sp. , and Cladophialophorabantiana. The research also showed that there was difference of aerial pathogenic micro fungi number in every study rooms ranging between 16,490-73,026 CFU m3, but statistically there wasn’t significant difference. (P Value = 0,459). The result was still considered as normal based on the regulation of ministry of health Republic of Indonesia.
The high red/far-red ratio supports the acclimation of fern Platycerium bifurcatum to high light

Background and aims High light causes disturbances in photosynthetic phosphorylation or damage to the photosystem II (PSII) structure or even assimilation tissues. The value of the red/ far-red ratio (R/FR) provides the plant with information on the environmental light conditions, regulating, among others, photosynthetic activity and pigment composition of the plant. The response of the photosynthetic apparatus of the sporotrophophylls and nest leaves of Platycerium bifurcatum , grown for 6 months at the low or high R/FR ratio, were studied. Later, the plants were transferred to high light (1,200 µmol quantum • m^−2 • s^−1). Methods Changes in PSII photochemical activity were determined based on non-destructive methods of chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics analysis. The measurement of radiation reflectance from the leaves allowed to determine the content of selected pigments related to the photosynthesis process and to assess changes in the Photochemical Reflectance Index. The calculation of reflectance difference and sensitivity analysis was used to identify so-called “stress-sensitive wavelengths”. Results and discussion Plant growth at high R/FR ratio prepares photosynthetic apparatus of ferns to high light and enables more efficient conversion of absorbed photons. The increase in the amount of photoprotective compounds allows the protection against photoinhibition in the sporotrophophyll leaves that play key roles in plant nutrition and reproduction.
Variable effects of a changing climate on lay dates and productivity across the range of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker

ABSTRACT Many temperate bird species are breeding earlier in response to warming temperatures. We examined the effects of climate on breeding phenology and productivity in 19 populations across the range of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis), an endangered species endemic to pine (Pinus spp.) forests in the southeastern United States. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers nested earlier in warmer springs and delayed nesting in wetter springs. Earlier nesting and larger group sizes resulted in higher productivity. Spring temperatures have warmed over time across the range, but this has not led to range-wide advances in nesting date over time. Coastal and northern populations have exhibited a trend of earlier nesting over time, but the response of inland populations has been variable, including some populations in which nesting has become later over time. Geographic patterns included high and increasing productivity at higher latitudes, and declining productivity in the southwestern portion of the range, suggesting a possible shift in acceptable climate conditions for the species. Earlier nesting over time was associated with increasing productivity at higher latitudes, while elsewhere earlier nesting over time was associated with declining or stable productivity, suggesting that populations differ in their ability to adjust to a changing climate. The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is a habitat specialist heavily reliant on habitat management and has little capacity to shift its range, so its long-term viability will depend on its ability to adjust in place to changing local conditions.