Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Morbidity in Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease in Population of West Bengal

Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Nilratan Sircar Medical College, Kolkata, W.B. PIN700014, India. Department of Medicine, Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan, W.B. , India. Department of Medicine, Nilratan Sircar Medical College, Kolkata, W.B. PIN700014, India. Visiting Consultant, Charnock Hospital, Kolkata 7000157, India. Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kolkata, India. Consultant Pathologist, Dr. Lals Path Lab, Kolkata, India. Department of Anaesthesiology, Murshidabad Medical College, Berhampore, India. Department of Biochemistry, Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan, W.B. , India.
Toward the design of cannabinoid CB1 receptor inverse agonists and neutral antagonists

The cannabinoid CB1 receptor belongs to Class A of the G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) family. The high constitutive activity of CB1 facilitates inverse agonism at this receptor, and CB1 inverse agonists/antagonists have recently been considered for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. GPCRs are assumed to have a common topology and to share a common molecular activation mechanism involving their intracellular domains. However, each individual receptor will also have a molecular switch within the ligand binding pocket that is a noncovalent intramolecular interaction in the basal state of the GPCR that must be disrupted to achieve an active state or stabilized to maintain the inactive state. Knowledge of the molecular switch within the ligand binding pocket can greatly facilitate the rational design of inverse agonists and neutral antagonists. This review begins with a brief review on the CB1 receptor and its ligands. The review then focuses on the experimental literature on GPCR structure and activation in Class A receptors. The identification of the molecular switch region in the ligand binding pocket of CB1 (F3.36/W6.48) is discussed and the combined mutation and modeling studies that have led to the identification of interactions key to the inverse agonism of SR141716A are presented. Finally, the development of the first CB1 neutral antagonists based on these modeling/mutation results is discussed. Drug Dev Res 70:585–600, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interactions among performance capacities predict male combat outcomes in the field cricket

Summary 1. There is a growing appreciation that male fighting ability is influenced by multiple traits. In particular, studies of male combat have identified a variety of performance capacities that predict victory in conflicts between conspecifics in several animal species. However, while multiple aspects of male fighting ability are often examined with a single study, the interactions among traits are rarely considered. 2. We conducted fight trials between size-matched males in the black field cricket, Teleogryllus commodus, with the aim of testing how two whole-organism performance traits, jumping ability and bite force, together with weight at eclosion, interact to determine combat outcomes. We then examined the relationships between these traits and the outcome of a fight using: a univariate framework, where we examined the difference between winners and losers for each trait separately; and, a multivariate framework known as response surface analysis, where we examined how the interactions among traits predict the outcome of a fight. 3. We show that males that won fights tended to exert significantly more force when biting, but were neither better jumpers nor heavier at eclosion than their rivals. However, when we examined the effects of these three traits while statistically controlling for one another in a multiple regression, we showed that overall fighting ability depends not only on contributions of individual traits to contest resolution but also on the interactions among traits and their relationship to the capabilities of rival males. We found that the probability of winning was highest for a male with the greatest positive difference from his rival in the combination of bite force, jump power and weight at eclosion. 4. These findings highlight how studying multiple performance capabilities in isolation from each other may obscure the importance of some variables. Our multivariate analyses revealed that the interactions between multiple dimensions of performance are important in male combat. We discuss the broader implications of these findings, including the potential role of whole-organism performance in determining male quality.
Sensing environmental temperature change through imbalances between energy supply and energy consumption: Redox state of photosystem II

A basic requirement of all photosynthetic organisms is a balance between overall energy supply through temperature-independent photochemical reactions and energy consumption through the temperature-dependent biochemical reactions of photosynthetic electron transport and contiguous metabolic pathways. Since the turnover of photosystem II (PSII) reaction centers is a limiting step in the conversion of light energy into ATP and NADPH, any energy imbalance may be sensed through modulation of the redox state of PSII. This can be estimated in vivo by chlorophyll a fluorescence as changes in the redox state of PSII, or photosystem II excitation pressure, which reflects changes in the redox poise of intersystem electron transport carriers. Through comparisons of photosynthetic adjustment, we show that growth at low temperature mimics growth at high light. We conclude that terrestrial plants, green algae and cyanobacteria do not respond to changes in growth temperature or growth irradiance per se, but rather, respond to changes in the redox state of intersystem electron transport as reflected by changes in PSII excitation pressure, We suggest that this chloroplastic redox sensing mechanism may be an important component for sensing abiotic stresses in general. Thus, in addition to its role in energy transduction, the chloroplast may also be considered a primary sensor of environmental change through a redox sensing/signalling mechanism that acts synergistically with other signal transduction pathways to elicit the appropriate molecular and physiological responses.
Population ecology of Mus musculus on Mana Island, New Zealand

Feral house mice (Mus musculus) living on 217 ha Mana Island, New Zealand, with no mammalian predators, were snap-trapped and autopsied. A 7-month breeding season took the population from a spring low to extremely high density in autumn. Litters were largest in the middle of the breeding season, and significantly larger on Mana than on the New Zealand mainland. Litter size in early pregnancy was similar for young and old mice but more embryos were resorbed by old females. The breeding season ended in April when adult females stopped ovulating and young failed to mature. When the population declined over winter no animals bred, they all lost weight, and even previously mature males lost their reproductive ability. Mice continue to grow throughout life and become larger than mice in most populations on the New Zealand mainland. The regular and pronounced seasonal pulse in Mana's mouse population contrasts with longer-term fluctuations generally seen in mainland populations at lower density in indigenous forest. These differences may be explained by absence of predators, habitat features or lack of any chance to disperse on the island.
Single‐trait functional indices outperform multi‐trait indices in linking environmental gradients and ecosystem services in a complex landscape

Functional traits can be used to describe the composition of communities through indices that seek to explain the factors that drive community assembly, biotic effects on ecosystem processes or both. Appropriately representing functional composition is therefore essential for predicting the consequences of environmental context and management actions for the provisioning of multiple ecosystem services (ESs) in heterogeneous landscapes. Functional indices can be constructed from single or multiple traits; however, it is not clear how they differ in information content or ability to predict biodiversity – ecosystem function relationships in complex landscapes. Here, we compare the utility of analogous single‐ and multi‐trait indices in linking environmental variation and functional composition to ESs in a heterogeneous landscape, relating functional indices based on three plant traits [height, relative growth rate and root density (RD)] to variation in the physical environment and to two ESs (forage production and soil carbon) and their net ES level. Two orthogonal gradients, elevation and soil bulk density (BD), explained significant variation in several dimensions of functional composition comprised of single traits. These traits in turn significantly predicted variation in ESs and their net values. Only one index measured with multiple traits (functional richness) varied with the physical environment, while none predicted variation in ES or net ES levels. One ES, soil carbon, increased with the community‐average value of RD, while the other, forage production, was related to the range and community‐average value of height. In turn, average RD increased with soil BD while the average and range of height declined with elevation. Due to these environmental patterns, soil carbon and forage production did not covary strongly, leading to moderate net ES levels across the landscape. Synthesis: Single‐trait indices of functional composition best linked variation in environmental gradients with productivity and soil carbon. Because the environment–trait functioning relationships were independent of one another, the ESs were independently distributed across the landscape, providing little evidence of synergies or trade‐offs. Single‐ and multi‐trait indices contained unique information about functional composition of these communities, and both are likely to have a place in predicting variation in ESs under different scenarios.
Multiple Signalling Transduction Mechanisms Differentially Coupled to Somatostatin Receptor Subtypes: A Current View

: Somatostatin (SRIF) is a cyclic peptide widely distributed throughout the body with important physiological effects (mostly inhibitory) on several organ systems. SRIF may act as a neurohormone, neurotransmitter, neuromodulator or as a local factor, and exhibits potent antiproliferative activity. SRIF effects have formed the basis for the clinical use of SRIF analogues in the treatment of endocrine tumours, acromegaly and gastrointestinal disorders. Several data suggest that SRIF may also be a therapeutic target in a number of different diseases. The binding of SRIF to its five G-protein coupled receptors leads to modulation of multiple transduction pathways, including adenylyl cyclase, guanylyl cyclase, phospholipase C, K + and Ca 2+ channels, phospholipase A 2 , nitric oxide, Na + /H + exchanger, protein phosphatases and MAP kinases. The diversity of the transduction pathways reflects the pleiotropic actions of SRIF. However, our current understanding depicts a rather complicated picture and conflicting results have also been reported. Data are mostly based on in vitro experiments, and parallels with the real in vivo conditions are not so obvious. Due to the clinical relevance of the SRIF system, the elucidation of the intracellular role of endogenous SRIF receptors may offer new therapeutic perspectives. These will enable development of specific pharmacological signalling modulators which can be incorporated into the therapeutic arsenal. The present review represents a detailed and exhaustive summary which covers the latest advances in the transduction pathways of SRIF receptors.
The Geneticist's Objectives in Poultry Improvement

THE average producer of poultry and eggs would probably be satisfied if all members of his flock could mature in less than seven months and convert in a year about 95 pounds of feed into 200 eggs with an average weight of two ounces each, if mortality in that period were less than 10 per cent. , if two thirds of the flock were worth keeping a second year and if his breeders could reproduce from 85 per cent. of their fertile eggs chicks capable of repeating the whole performance. To these desiderata may be added, as minor considerations, the special demands of the New York customer for white eggs, of Bostonians for brown ones, and similar local whims elsewhere, as well as the special needs of these poultrymen who produce the heavy fowls which poultry markets prefer. These objectives, though modest, are much more easily stated than attained. In the first decade of the present century the economic needs of the poultryman were much simpler and the chief objective of those then seeking to breed better poultry was to produce fowls capable of laying more and still more eggs. This view-point has changed gradually with the realization that the market would pay a premium for large eggs, that enormous losses resulted annually from the failure to hatch of 35 per cent. or more of the eggs incubated, and, in later years, that mortality of pullets during their first laying year might run from 20 to 80 per cent. Attainment of the geneticist's objectives in poultry improvement is complicated by two serious obstacles. In the first place nearly everything that he desires is dependent upon multiple factors rather than upon easily
Effect of Vitamin E and A Supplementation on Egg Yolk α-tocopherol concentration

The objective of this study was to asses the effect of dietary dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (alpha-TAC) and vitamin A supplementation on egg yolk alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) concentration. A total of 96 ISA brown hens (a brown-egg laying hen), 32 wk of age, was used. Eight concentrations of alpha-TAC (0, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, and 1,280 IU/kg diet) were included in a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 4,000 IU of vitamin A/kg diet. Production parameters were not affected by dietary treatment. Interhen variation in yolk alpha-T concentration increased at higher dietary intakes. Logarithmic transformation stabilized variance and showed the existence of a linear relationship between dietary alpha-TAC supplementation level and alpha-T egg yolk concentration (P < 0.001). As the dietary concentration of alpha-TAC rose, efficiency of uptake of alpha-T from feed to yolk decreased linearly (P < 0.001). A parallel experiment was carried out in which four additional groups of hens were fed diets containing four levels of dietary alpha-TAC (0, 40, 160, and 640 IU/kg) and 40,000 IU vitamin A/kg diet. A significantly lower egg yolk alpha-T concentration was found in hens fed diets including the highest level of vitamin A supplementation (P < 0.001). No interaction of dietary alpha-TAC and vitamin A concentrations was observed on egg yolk alpha-T concentration. No effect of dietary treatment was observed on yolk oxidation and other egg quality characteristics.
Breeding of the Grey Petrel (Procellaria cinerea) on Macquarie Island: population size and nesting habitat

Abstract Breeding of the Grey Petrel (Procellaria cinerea) was confirmed on Macquarie Island, with 26 colonies located, and unconfirmed nesting activity found at two additional localities. Colonies comprised from one to 12 burrows in which nesting was confirmed, with the total number of burrows in which nesting confirmed for all colonies combined ranging from eight in 2000 to 59 in 2003. The total number of active burrows with breeding not confirmed in all colonies combined ranged from 58 in 2001 to 54 in 2002 and 21 in 2003. The total number of fledged chicks ranged from six (2000) to 20 (2002), with a success rate of 75% in 2000 and 80% in 2002. Breeding success declined in 2003 to 32%. Factors accounting for nest failure are discussed. Colonies were located in Poafoliosa tussock grassland on steep seaward-facing (n = 26) or near-coastal slopes (n = 2) in deep soil with little surface rock. Five environmental variables determined colony location. Numbers of burrows increased with increasing depth of soils and on distinct spur-crests with a westerly aspect. Increased breeding success at higher altitude was related to decreased Black Rat activity. Uncertainty in our estimation of the size of the breeding population on Macquarie Island was caused by the high proportion of burrows in which breeding could not be confirmed. However, based on numbers of burrows for which nesting confirmed, a minimum breeding population of 59 pairs was present in 2003. If unconfirmed nesting burrows are included, the breeding population of Grey Petrels on Macquarie Island was probably 79 and 80 pairs in 2002 and 2003 respectively.
Knowledge Of Cervical Cancer And Pap Smear Among Indian Women

: Introduction: Cancer of the uterine cervix is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide and a leading public health problem. Currently cervical cancer is potentially curable, but still continues to be the second most frequent cause of death by neoplasia in women and the survival rate in 5 years varies from 44 to 66%. Method: This study was carried out during the period of January 2012 to June 2012in one of the tertiary care teaching hospital. In depth interview of 100 women were taken before and after awareness program in the form of lecture on cervical cancer- the occurrence and prevention. The data before and after were compared and analyzed. Results: most of the patients are in 4 th decade of life (59 %). The educational level of respondents ranged from primary to tertiary level. Only a few patients (20 %) were aware that early detection and treatment regarding cervical cancer. Risk factors for cervical cancer were known by less than 35 % of the patients. Only 8 % of the respondents had heard of HPV or knew about its association with cervical cancer. Twenty-seven patients asserted that they had knowledge of the Pap smear test. Conclusion: By improving their knowledge and awareness regarding cervical cancer, we are able to reduce the incidence. [Parikh U NJIRM 2016; 7(5):60-63]
Population Growth Response of Isochrysis Galbana to Nitrate Variation at Limiting Concentrations

Data are presented from two continuous culture experiments with Isochrysis galbana using nitrate as limiting nutrient. It is suggested that initial uptake of nitrate is very rapid compared to the next synthesis step and thus that the concentration of some form of internal rather than environmental nitrogen controls growth rate when the nitrogen supply is limiting. Under this assumption the steady state growth rates are shown to fit a hyperbolic curve relating growth rate to the inferred internal nitrogen concentration. See full-text article at JSTOR
Hit to Lead Generation for Oncology Targets

Th e pharmaceutical industry is facing a number of challenges due to ever-increasing R&D costs, fewer drug approvals, increased development times, safety and pricing pressures. Th is has prompted drug companies to dissect and deconvolute the drug discovery process, not only to attain cost control but also to improve R&D effi ciency. To address R&D accountability and effi ciency a number of companies have adapted a modular approach to the drug discovery paradigm incorporating high-throughput screening (HTS), hit generation, lead identifi cation, lead optimization and pre-selection strategies. Of the various modules, lead generation lays the critical foundation for the drug discovery pathway. Th e purpose of this presentation is to give a prospective on the lead generation process exemplifi ed by oncology targets.
Transfer of High Seed Protein to High-Yielding Soybean Cultivars 1

An effective breeding strategy is needed for the development of high-protein, high-yielding soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. ) cultivars. This study was conducted to evaluate a backcross strategy for transferring genes for high seed protein from a low-yielding plant introduction to high-yielding lines with average protein content. Pando, a plant introduction with low yield and about 480 g kg-I of seed protein was crossed to three high-yielding lines with an average protein content of about 400 g kgt • Selection for high protein was practiced between two generations of backcrossing to the high-yielding parent. After two backcrosses, 95 random BC2F2-derived lines from each population were evaluated for seed yield, protein, and oil content in Iowa. None ofthe BC2F2-derived lines equaled the protein content of Pando, but an average of 72% of the lines from the three populations had significantly higher protein than the recurrent parent. On average,about 19% ofthe BC2F2-derived lines with a protein content significantly higher than the recurrent parent were not significantly different (a = 0.05) from the recurrent parent in seed yield. The results indicated that when a low-yielding, high-protein donor parent is utilized, selection for high protein between two backcross generations would effectively increase the seed protein in the backcross progeny above that of the high-yielding recurrent parent and still result in some progeny having a seed yield not significantly different from that parent.
Induction of tolerance to oxidative stress in the green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, by abscisic acid

The effect of abscisic acid (ABA) on the tolerance to oxidative stress in a freshwater green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, was investigated. Exogenously added ABA enhanced the growth of this alga, which was observed under continuous illumination but not in the dark. The cells treated with ABA for 24 h showed tolerance to oxidative stress caused by exposure to paraquat or hydrogen peroxide. In the ABA-treated cells, the activities of two antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), were significantly higher than those in the untreated control. The result suggests that ABA plays a role in the enhancement of tolerance to oxidative stress by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
The loaches of Iran and adjacent regions with description of six new species (Cobitoidea)

Abstract About 31 species in eight genera and two families (Nemacheilidae and Cobitidae) are reported from Iran and adjacent countries (i.e., Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan). Six new species, five from Iran and one from Afghanistan, are described. Several Iranian loach genera are also found in western Palearctic region (i.e., Sabanejewia, Cobitis, and Orthrias), or eastern Asia (i.e., Schistura). But other genera such as Paracobitis and Seminemacbeilus are endemic to, or exclusive of, Middle Asia. Our investigation confirms the important role of Iranian drainages as a biogeographic bridge between western‐Palearctic and Oriental fish faunas.
OSMOREGULATION IN HIGHER PLANTS: EFFECTS OF NaCl SALINITY ON NON‐NODULATED PHASEOLUS AUREUS L. I. GROWTH AND MINERAL CONTENT

SUMMARY The adaptation, growth and changes in mineral composition of Phaseolus aureus L. were studied at six levels of NaCl, ranging from 10 to 200 mM. Plants tolerated up to 150 mM NaCl in the growth medium although their growth and mineral composition were adversely affected. Accumulation of Na"*" in plant tissue increased with increasing NaClj^t reaching toxic concentrations and inhibited transport of different inorganic ions. K* constituted only about 10 % of the total mineral content of plants grown in 150 mM NaCl as against 55 % in the controls. The principal balancing anion to counter Na^ accumulation was Cl~. 'Ion excess' in the plant is suggested to be the cause of reduced growth. The behaviour of P. aureus under condition of salt stress is discussed.