Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Various AGC repeat numbers in the coding region of the human transcription factor gene E2F‐4

The E2F family of transcription factors regulates the expression of genes required for DNA synthesis and cell cycle control. The AGC triplet repeat in the coding region of the E2F‐4 gene, a member of the family, has been reported to be mutated in colorectal cancers with a microsatellite instability (MSI) phenotype. We found a wider range variation of the repeat number in DNAs from tumors, the corresponding normal mucosa, and healthy individuals. A total of 5 repeat variants, ranging from 8 to 17 AGC repeats, was detected in 6 (9.7%) of the 62 healthy individuals and 8 (8.9%) of the 90 normal DNAs of the patients. The wild‐type 13 repeat was present in all of these individuals. The variation of the AGC repeat number may be a polymorphism. Further, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the E2F‐4 locus in the tumor tissues of 2 (25%) of the 8 informative cases was detected. The variation may be a useful marker for detection of LOH in primary tumors. Hum Mutat 15:296–297, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of N6-Threoninocarbonyladenosine, N2, N2-Dimethylguanosine, Pseudouridine and Other Ribonucleosides in Human Breast Milk

Abstract Seven modified ribonucleosides from degraded tRNA and rRNA were quantified in milk from mothers with preterm infants. The amounts of N6-threoninocarbonyladenosine, N2, N2-dimethylguanosine and pseudouridine supplied in the milk have been estimated and related to the respective urinary amounts excreted by preterm infants.
Postglacial migration history of lodgepole pine near Yakutat, Alaska

Pollen stratigraphy from three peat sections near Yakutat, Alaska, suggests that lodgepole pine only recently arrived in southeastern Alaska. In contrast with this palynological interpretation, however, are lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) macrofossils that are present throughout one entire peat core. 14C dating by accelerator mass spectrometry confirms the establishment of lodgepole pine in this region of Alaska about 10 000 BP. The surprising disparity between the pollen and macrofossil results has important implications for paleomigration research. These results imply that the use of assigned pollen percentages to indicate the presence of a species within a region may not be valid, particularly where a species is at the edge of its geographic range. Comparison of the timing of the first appearance of lodgepole pine pollen from a dozen sections along the north Pacific coast suggests either a late Wisconsin refugium for this pine in southeastern Alaska or extremely rapid late-glacial coastal migration nor.
A Model to Describe and Predict the Production and Food Intake of the Dairy Cow

Abstract A dairy cow gives rise to income from three different sources namely milk, calves, and beef. A model accounting for all three sources is set up. The production of milk and the length of the calving intervals are regarded as stochastic, whereas the beef production represented as the gain in weight is accounted for in a deterministic manner. As regards the milk yield the effects of herd level, the breeding value of the father of the cow, the length of the calving interval, and the milk yield during previous periods are taken into consideration. The parameters of the model are estimated, and the results are discussed. The main purpose of the model is to use it as the biological part of a replacement model.
A gene from the cellulose synthase-like C family encodes a β-1,4 glucan synthase

Despite the central role of xyloglucan (XyG) in plant cell wall structure and function, important details of its biosynthesis are not understood. To identify the gene(s) responsible for synthesizing the β-1,4 glucan backbone of XyG, we exploited a property of nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) seed development. During the last stages of nasturtium seed maturation, a large amount of XyG is deposited as a reserve polysaccharide. A cDNA library was produced from mRNA isolated during the deposition of XyG, and partial sequences of 10,000 cDNA clones were determined. A single member of the C subfamily from the large family of cellulose synthase-like (CSL) genes was found to be overrepresented in the cDNA library. Heterologous expression of this gene in the yeast Pichia pastoris resulted in the production of a β-1,4 glucan, confirming that the CSLC protein has glucan synthase activity. The Arabidopsis CSLC4 gene, which is the gene with the highest sequence similarity to the nasturtium CSL gene, is coordinately expressed with other genes involved in XyG biosynthesis. These and other observations provide a compelling case that the CSLC gene family encode proteins that synthesize the XyG backbone.
Food resources of the wild Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) in high‐altitude fir forest, Ghomaran Rif, Morocco

A small geographically isolated population of the Barbary macaque inhabits a high-altitude fir forest habitat (Abies pinsapo) in the Ghomaran region of the Rif mountains of northern Morocco. The climate of this region is Mediterranean, but the altitude (1600–2100 m) causes winters to be cold (as low as -8.0 dC) with snow occurring from November to May (snowfall as deep as 1.5 m). The primary winter feeding adaptation is the ability to ingest high quantities of fir foliage; in spring, the macaques took a high diversity of leafy food items from all vegetation layers; in summer, the macaques foraged terrestrially for a high diversity of food items including seeds, small fruits, bulbous geophytes, and animal foods (including tadpoles from small streams); in autumn, the macaques returned to arboreal foraging, primarily feeding on oak acorns (Quercus ilex), fir seeds and yew fruit (Taxus baccata). The macaques were capable of ingesting 100 of 195 (51%) of all identified plant species in the region, although during the four-month winter, the macaques only averaged 12.5 common food items. A comparison of the study area with the prime habitat of the Barbary macaque-the high-altitude cedar forests of the Moroccan Moyen Atlas-indicates that climate and vegetation physiognomy are highly similar in both regions. Correspondingly, there is a high degree of similarity in macaque diet in both regions in terms of feeding behaviour by season, food diversity and specific feeding techniques. In the Ghomara, the winter feeding adaptation of fir foliage eating parallels that of the Barbary macaque in cedar forest (winter foraging for cedar foliage). This enables the Barbary macaque to exploit the Ghomaran fir forest habitat during the cold, snowy winters much the same as it does cedar forest habitat throughout a major portion of its geographical range.
Gas Chromatography Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomic Analysis of Human Macrophages Infected by M. tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a common infectious disease caused by a bacterium called M. tuberculosis. Invasion of human macrophages is a critical step for establishing a mycobacterial infection. Many protocols, such as M. tuberculosis genomics and proteomics, have been used to discuss the pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis. This work describes a GC/MS metabolomics approach to investigate the metabolome variation of human macrophages infected by different M. tuberculosis strains. The pathogenic mechanism of M. tuberculosis was discussed from the metabolic terminal of macrophages. It was quite remarkable that most of the differential metabolites had the very similar regularity and variation tendency after infection by different virulent strains. The results suggested that M. tuberculosis invaded and infected macrophages largely through three different pathways, including glutathione anabolic metabolism, lipid biosynthesis and metabolism, and carbohydrate biosynthesis and metabolism. These pathways were affected after the invasion of M. tuberculosis, and the immunomodulatory responses of macrophages were activated at the same time. Understanding the mechanisms of macrophages to respond to the invasion of M. tuberculosis from different perspectives will help developing more effective methods to prevent, diagnose, and treat tuberculosis in the future.
Head injury and alexithymia: implications for family practice care

Background: Alexithymia, a deficit in emotional information processing, and a history of head injury have both been found to be related to high rates of psychosomatic illness, substance abuse, depression, and utilization of primary care services. To date, no study has examined the potential comorbidity of alexithymia and head injury in a family practice setting, a necessary step in evaluating the aetiologic role of head injury in the development of alexithymia. The goals of this study are to establish prevalence of head injury and alexithymia in a family practice setting and to evaluate the relation, if present, between the two. Methods: Patients (n =135) of a family practice residency facility were screened using the Traumatic Brain Injury Questionnaire and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. Results: Forty-nine per cent of the participants reported a history of head injury and 18% were alexithymic. Those with a history of head injury had significantly higher scores of alexithymia. Chi-square analysis indicated a relation between head injury and alexithymia. Conclusions: The high rates of self-reported history of head injury in family practice settings, particularly in the context of alexithymia, may adversely affect a physician's ability to care for these patients. Increasing physicians' awareness of head injury and the potential mediating role of alexithymia in medical and psychological illness may facilitate effective diagnosis and patient-physician communication.
The effect of parasitic castration by a ciliate on a population of Asterias vulgaris

Abstract Male Asterias vulgaris in Port Daniel Bay, Baie des Chaleurs, Quebec Canada, were found to be infected with the ciliate Orchitophrya stellarum (Cepede). No females were infected. The parasite causes an 85% decrease in the size of the gonad in infected males, and probably accounts for the low ratio of males to females (0.52) and differences in the size distributions of males and females compared to those in an uninfected population. The castration of the males almost certainly reduces fertilization success.
Molecular Mapping of the Russian Wheat Aphid Resistance Gene Dn2414 in Wheat

Russian wheat aphid (RWA) [Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov)] is an important pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in several production areas of the world. The most effective and economical approach for controlling RWA is to use resistant cultivars. A wheat line, ST-ARS 02RWA2414-11 (2414-11), showed a high level of resistance to RWA biotype 2. Our objectives were to map the resistance gene and develop polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS). A mapping population of 212 F 2 individuals was developed from a cross of 2414-11 and the susceptible cultivar Yuma. The F 2 individuals and F 2:3 families were infested using biotype 2 RWA. The RWA resistance of 2414-11 is controlled by a single major gene, provisionally designated as Dn2414. Using standard PCR, 30 marker loci were found to be linked to Dn2414 with recombination frequencies (θ) of 0.00 to 0.27 and logarithm of the odds to the base 10 (LOD) scores of 7.6 to 66.1. Of the 30 markers, 26 were tightly linked to Dn2414 with θ ≤ 0.05. A genetic map was constructed consisting of 31 loci spanning a region of 34.7 cM. The close link-age of Dn2414 with several rye chromosome 1R short arm (1RS)-specific simple sequence repeat markers and low θ values around the Dn2414 gene indicate that Dn2414 is located on chromosome 1RS.1BL (translocation chromosome with IRS and wheat chromosome 1B long arm). Phenotypic and marker profiles of 2414-11 and its relatives are the same as other lines known to carry Dn7. The Dn2414 gene is thus located on 1RS arm, and the large number of PCR markers will be valuable for MAS of this gene.
Different sodium levels and electrolyte balances in pre-starter diets for broilers

An experiment with 400 one-day-old male chicks (Ross) was conducted to evaluate the effects of different Na levels (0.10, 0.22, 0.34 and 0.46%) and different cation/anion balances (Na+K-Cl) (100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 meq/kg) in pre-starter diets on broiler performance. The corn and soybean-based diets had 22% crude protein and 2,900 kcal/kg metabolizable energy and were fed ad libitum. Performance data showed a positive quadratic effect of increasing Na levels on feed and water consumption, weight gain and feed conversion. Na+K-Cl also had a quadratic influence on feed intake and weight gain. None of the effects tested affected the amount of water measured in excreta. Derivatives of obtained regression equations pointed to optimal Na levels of 0.45% for water consumption, 0.40% for feed intake and weight gain and 0.38% for feed conversion. As to the effect of dietary Na+K-Cl balances on performance, regression equation values were 174 meq/kg for feed consumption and 163 meq/kg for weight gain. These results show that both Na level and Na+K-Cl balance interfere on broiler performance.
Altitudinal neglect in a patient with occipital infarction

Visual neglect has been frequently described in a horizontal direction. Altitudinal neglect, however, has rarely been described and has been associated with bilateral lesions in the parieto-occipital or temporo-occipital region. The following case report presents a patient with marked altitudinal neglect of the inferior space which was elicited using a line bisection test. The previously healthy patient had well-defined lesions solely in the occipital cortex following an embolic infarction. The present case report underlines the possibility that bioccipital lesions themselves can be responsible for altitudinal neglect.
Imperfect Batesian mimicry—the effects of the frequency and the distastefulness of the model

Batesian mimicry is the resemblance between unpalatable models and palatable mimics. The widely accepted idea is that the frequency and the unprofitability of the model are crucial for the introduction of a Batesian mimic into the prey population. However, experimental evidence is limited and furthermore, previous studies have considered mainly perfect mimicry (automimicry). We investigated imperfect Batesian mimicry by varying the frequency of an aposematic model at two levels of distastefulness. The predator encountered prey in a random order, one prey item at a time. The prey were thus presented realistically in a sequential way. Great tits (Parus major) were used as predators. This experiment, with a novel signal, supports the idea that Batesian mimics gain most when the models outnumber them. The mortalities of the mimics as well as the models were significantly dependent on the frequency of the model. Both prey types survived better the fewer mimics there were confusing the predator. There were also indications that the degree of distastefulness of the model had an effect on the survival of the Batesian mimic: the models survived significantly better the more distasteful they were. The experiment supports the most classical predictions in the theories of the origin and maintenance of Batesian mimicry.
Foreword

Leukemia and Lymphoma are two significant and potentially fatal malignancies of blood cells and the lymphatic system. So far in 2016 in the United States alone, the combined total number of new cases of leukemia and lymphoma was estimated to be over 140,000 with over 45,000 estimated deaths [1]. And while it is true that the level of treatment offered over the past decades has improved, there is still an unmet clinical need for improved therapeutic options to halt the progression of, or even cure these malignancies. Indeed, one of the many problems with treating both leukemia and lymphoma is that many patients find that their cancer is intrinsically resistant to their treatment or that they develop resistance to their treatment over time, causing their cancer to return. Another problem with treating blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma is that the treatment options available usually include high-dose chemotherapy which, in itself, comes with a wide range of adverse effects that patients find difficult to handle. Stem cell therapy, another form of treatment, is also difficult, with patients having to undergo long-term treatment plans where they spend weeks in hospital in the hope of overcoming these illnesses. Given the urgent need for improved long-lasting and safe therapeutic options, we at Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery have decided to publish a themed issue, which looks at recent efforts in the discovery of novel agents for treating leukemia and lymphoma. This issue, which was put together with the collaboration of highly published author and Professor Tadeusz Robak of the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, looks at a variety of discovery approaches including the development of targeted therapeutics and models for drug discovery. Having lost my very dear uncle (Mark) to lymphoma in January and knowing the struggles he went through as he underwent various treatments over time, it is with great hope that these new therapeutic strategies may offer new options to sufferers that could alleviate the suffering that many patients and families have to experience. I dedicate this to him. I hope that these articles are both thought provoking and insightful additions to the field.
Dietary restriction enhances neurogenesis and up-regulates neurotrophin expression in the hippocampus of adult mice

The brain has a limited regenerative capacity, making it vulnerable to injury and disease. However, the adult central nervous system contains small populations of neural precursor cells (NPC) that can give rise to new neurons and glia, and may play important roles in learning and memory, and recovery from injury. We now report that dietary restriction (DR) enhances neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of adult male C57BL/6 mice and, in particular, increases the survival of newly generated dentate granule neurons. Triple-labelling confocal immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the majority of newly synthesized cells in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus exhibited a neuronal phenotype. Levels of expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) are increased by DR. We conclude that the increase in neurogenesis induced by DR results from increased survival of newly formed neurons associated with increased production of BDNF and NT-3. In addition to these findings, DR has been shown to increase the resistance of neurons against excitotoxic insult and enhance the behavioral outcome after injury. Therefore, further experiments in kainic acid (KA)-induced seizure model were performed to determine whether the enhanced neurogenesis by DR can repair damaged neuronal circuits in the adult CNS. We were unable to document replacement of new neuron in the damaged areas (regions CA3 and CA1 of the hippocampus) during a 4-week period following KA administration in either DR or control mice. Our work is the first to show that neurogenesis can be affected by diet, suggesting a contribution of enhanced neurogenesis to the beneficial effects of DR on hippocampal plasticity and resistance to neurodegenerative disorders.
Kanata hard white spring wheat

Kanata is an early-maturing hard white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that meets the end-use quality and kernel visual distinguish ability specifications of the Canada Western Hard White Spring wheat class. Kanata was evaluated in the Central Bread Wheat Cooperative Test (1998–2000), and was found to be adapted to the wheat-growing regions of the Canadian prairies, particularly the shorter season areas. Kanata yielded less than check cultivars AC Majestic, AC Barrie, Harvest, and McKenzie but had similar grain yield compared with Neepawa and Roblin. In the Central Bread Wheat Cooperative Test, Kanata was resistant to the prevalent races of leaf rust, moderately resistant to stem rust, loose smut, and common root rot. Kanata is similar to Neepawa in its reaction to Fusarium head blight. End-use quality tests indicated that Kanata had similar grain and flour protein content as other check cultivars but had 1% less protein content compared to Roblin. Key words: Triticum aestivum L. , Canada Western Hard .
Object Localization for Impaired Vision using Artificial Intelligence

This paper will suggest object localization module, an artificial intelligence powered driven system modeled to help visually challenged individuals or a person suffering from dementia. This model will help them in their daily routine tasks in locating misplaced objects. To accomplish this task we are going to implement artificial intelligence based techniques such as speech recognition, generating speech, object detection and image processing. This will help the system to understand the user's request and will respond accordingly. This system consists of four major units: a) a speech unit, b) a image processing unit, c) an object detection unit, and d) a logic unit. The speech unit interacts with user and will listen to user’s verbal query and verbally answers to the user. The image processing unit processes the image with the help of deep learning modules. The object detection unit detects all the target and non-target objects in a scene. Then, the logic unit sends the object location and description to the speech unit. This will help us to create most usable system to help visually impaired people.
Longitudinal changes in macroinvertebrate production in a stream affected by urban and agricultural activities

Benthic samples were collected during a one-year period (September 1993-August 1994) to examine macroinvertebrate production at 6 sites along the plains section of the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado, impacted by urban and agricultural activities. The site least impacted by human activities possessed the lowest secondary production (26 g AFDM m -2 y -1 ). The site enriched by treated effluents from wastewater treatment facilities and characterized by high inorganic nutrients possessed the highest secondary production (62 g AFI)M m -2 y -1 ). The sites impacted by agricultural activities and characterized by high values of hardness and conductivity and high standing stocks of aquatic vascular plants have intermediate secondary production levels (32-52 g AFDM m -2 y -1 ). Non-Tanypodinae Chironomidae were the most important contributors to the macroinvertebrate production at the 6 sites. Conductivity, hardness, and aquatic vascular plants appeared to play major roles in determining levels of production and functional group composition in the stream reach. Community P/B ratios reflected changes in species composition and environmental conditions at the 6 sites. Smaller and faster growing taxa (e.g., Chironomidae and Simulium spp.) resulted in higher community P/B ratios and production at the sites impacted by urban and agricultural activities.
Steroid sulfatase inhibitors

Steroid sulfatase (STS), a microsomal enzyme catalysing the hydrolysis of the sulfate esters of 3-hydroxy steroids, has received considerable attention as an attractive drug target. It is crucial for the local production of active oestrogens and androgens from their systemic circulating sulfated precursor, namely oestrone sulfate (E1S) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), which are involved in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases. STS inhibitors have been proposed for the treatment of breast, endometrial and prostate cancer, and for androgen-dependent skin diseases such as alopecia, hirsutism and acne. In addition to various classes of potent irreversible arylsulfamate-based inhibitors, recently novel chemotypes of reversible inhibitors originating from high-throughput screening (HTS) were discovered. All STS inhibitors to date are in the preclinical stage, with the exception of 667COUMATE, which is presently in a Phase I clinical trial. In this review the latest patent disclosures and literature in the field of STS inhibitors are summarised.