Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Immunohistochemical Profile of the Normal Conus medullaris and Filum terminale

Background: The embryopathy underlying tethering of the filum terminale is poorly understood. Few studies have detailed the normal immunohistochemical profile of the distal spinal cord. Knowledge of normal filum development is the foundation upon which to compare tissues obtained from diseased fila in patients with tethered cord syndrome. Aims: Ten distal spinal cords containing morphologically normal conus medullaris and filum terminale were obtained at autopsy from patients with no clinical evidence of tethered cord syndrome. All were immunostained with caudal neural tube developmental markers H4C4, VIN-IS-53, AC4, FP3 and NOT1, and a panel of mature neuroglial, neural crest, epithelial and mesenchymal markers. Results: H4C4 marked ventral white matter and periventricular gray matter in the conus and showed rare reactivity in neuroglial tissue of the filum. VIN-IS-53 marked ependyma, cell bodies and dorsal white matter in the conus and strongly marked neuroglial tissue in the filum. AC4 marked neuronal cell bodies and white matter in the dorsal conus and strongly marked neuroglial tissue in the filum. FP3 and NOT1 marked neuronal cell bodies of the conus and were typically negative in the filum except for rare neuronal cell bodies. NOT1 also marked ependyma in the conus and filum. Glial fibrillary acidic protein, synaptophysin, neurofilament protein and epithelial membrane antigen showed expected reactivity in neuroglial elements of the filum and conus. No staining was seen in neuroglial tissue for CAM5.2, smooth muscle actin, myoglobin, desmin, HMB45 or HAM56. Conclusions: The immunoprofile of the normal conus medullaris and filum terminale was defined with a panel of developmental caudal neural tube markers and a panel of mature markers specific for neuroglial, epithelial and mesenchymal tissues.
Weed Dynamics and Management Strategies for Cropping Systems in the Northern Great Plains

Cropping systems in the northern Great Plains (NGP) have evolved from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow rotations to diversified cropping sequences. Diversification and continuous cropping have largely been a consequence of soil moisture saved through the adoption of conservation tillage. Consequently, weed communities have changed and, in some cases, become resistant to commonly used herbicides, thus increasing the complexity of managing weeds. The sustainability of diverse reduced tillage systems in the NGP depends on the development of economical and effective weed management systems. Utilizing the principle of varying selection pressure to keep weed communities off balance has reduced weed densities, minimized crop yield losses, and inhibited adverse community changes toward difficult-to-control species. Varied selection pressure was best achieved with a diverse cropping system where crop seeding date, perennation, and species and herbicide mode of action and use pattern were inherently varied. Novel approaches to cropping systems, including balancing rotations between cereal and broadleaf crops, reducing herbicide inputs, organic production, fall-seeded dormant canola (Brassica napus and B. rapa), and the use of cover crops and perennial forages, are discussed in light of potential systems-level benefits for weed management.
The relationship between Streptococcus suis and Haemophilus parasuis, two important residents of the tonsils of the soft palate in swine

The relationship between Streptococcus suis and Haemophilus parasuis, two important residents of the tonsils of the soft palate in swine Allison Barre Advisor: University of Guelph, 2015 Dr. J.I. MacInnes Haemophilus parasuis and Streptococcus suis are residents of tonsils of the soft palate in healthy pigs but can also cause severe disease. Planktonic growth curves indicated that S. suis growth was enhanced in the presence of H. parasuis, while H. parasuis was at a disadvantage. It was also found that H. parasuis and S. suis biofilm biomass was decreased in co-culture. These effects were demonstrated to be partly attributable to secreted factors. Finally, H. parasuis protected S. suis from antibiotics in coculture biofilms, and S. suis protected H. parasuis against swine complement proteins. The results here suggest H. parasuis and S. suis may increase each others’ virulence by preventing entrance into a quiescent biofilm form, as well as providing synergistic protection against antimicrobials and complement. A further understanding of the interplay between S. suis and H. parasuis could lead to the development of new approaches to reduce swine respiratory disease.
The food of the grayling Thymallus thymallus (L.) of the River Lugg, Herefordshire

The examination of the stomach contents of 253 grayling from the River Lugg has provided some evidence of a possible depression of feeding activity during the summer months. The diet was varied but bottom food predominated, especially insect larvae, Crustacea and molluscs. Some surface foods were taken but plant material was rarely eaten. Substrate material, detritus and debris and even large pebbles were eaten, mainly in summer. Most seasonal variations in the diet could be related to variations in availability. Fish were not eaten but cyprinid and salmonid eggs were eaten at the appropriate season. In general, increasing amounts of larger food items were eaten by the older grayling.
Metabolic alterations induced by high maternal BMI and gestational diabetes in maternal, placental and neonatal outcomes

Maternal obesity and diabetes increase the risk of delivering large for gestational age infants (LGA), who have higher risk of long term obesity or metabolic syndrome [1]. As the underpinning mechanisms of how fetal growth is regulated by the placenta remain unclear [2], this thesis has investigated placental responses to high maternal BMI and gestational diabetes. Spanish pregnant women recruited at 20 gestational weeks were classified according to pre-pregnancy BMI as control (BMI 30kg/m2; n=22), and gestational diabetes status (GDM) classified at 28 weeks. Maternal anthropometry and gestational weight gain (GWG) were measured during pregnancy. Placenta, cord blood, newborn antrophometry and infant weight were sampled or measured. Expression of genes involved in placental energy sensing pathways, folate transporters and DNA methylation was determined using real-time PCR, and placental triglyceride concentrations, lipid peroxidation and genomic DNA methylation patterns measured. Data were analysed according to their parametric distribution by Kruskal-Wallis or 1-way ANOVA. Despite lower GWG, a greater proportion of obese women exceeded recommended weight gain [3], had higher placental weight and increased numbers of LGA infants. Maternal hyperinsulinaemia and hyperglycaemia with obesity were accompanied by unchanged placental IGFR1 and ISR1 expression, similar cord blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations. Placental mTOR was halved with obesity, whilst SIRT1 and UCP2 gene expression were 1.8 and 1.6 fold upregulated respectively with no differences in TBARS concentrations. Hyperleptinaemia in obese women resulted in unchanged placental leptin and leptin receptor expression, but higher cord blood leptin and monocyte concentrations with placental hypermethylation of genes involved in the immune response. Lower folate concentrations in obese mothers led to similar cord blood folate, and decreased placental FRα, but raised DNMT1, mRNA expression. No major differences were observed with GDM, probably due to small sample size. In conclusion, it appears that the placenta can protect the fetus of obese women by increasing antioxidant capacity, compensating for maternal hyperglycaemia and lower folate. However, maternal obesity was associated with enhanced cord blood leptin and monocyte concentrations, increased placental weight and more LGA delivery, leaving infants at ongoing risk of increased adiposity and inflammation. Therefore, current studies are currently exploring these interacting aspects.
Regionalism in South Asia: The emergence and growth of SAARC as a forum of economic integration

The fact is that the idea of regionalism in South Asia is not new one. But as a regional forum, it emerged in 1985 as well as the idea of regional cooperation was mooted by Bangladesh. After that such cooperation is taking place both bilaterally and multilaterally among the member states of SAARC as a regional organization. However, some of the scholars assume the fact that South Asia is a turbulent region. Today India and Pakistan are known as the states to disturb peace and tranquility of this region. But in spite of this, SAARC is making progress in the economic perspectives, and transport connectivity among South Asian Countries may be observed. Thus, the present paper highlights some basic aspects of regional cooperation in South Asia through the emergence of SAARC as a forum of economic integration.
A correlation between melanogenic functions and transformed phenotypes in cultured b16 mouse melanoma cells.

Some tyrosinase-negative variants which lost detectable tyrosinase activity were isolated from cultured tyrosinase-positive B16 mouse melanoma cells. These were compared with the tyrosinase-positive cell lines with regard to their ability to differentiate and their transformed phenotypes.None of the tyrosinase-negative variants isolated possessed melanosomes. Attempts to find a tyrosinase inhibitor in the sodium desoxycholate cell lysate of these tyrosinase-negative variants and to induce tyrosinase activity by theophylline treatment were unsuccessful. The tyrosinase-negative variants were exclusively flat and like fibroblasts, whereas the tyrosinase-positive cell lines were rounded and spindle-shaped. Moreover, the tyrosinase-negative variants showed less ability to form colonies in soft agar and greater adhesive-ness to the substratum as compared to the tyrosinase-positive cell lines.Our results indicate a positive correlation between melanogenic ability and the expression of transformed phenotypes in the constitutively tyrosinase-positive and tyrosinase-negative melanoma cell lines.
HISTORICAL VERSUS SELECTIONIST EXPLANATIONS IN EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Abstract— Evolutionary changes require historical explanations, yet these are limited by the evolutionary processes we entertain and investigate. Using phylogenetic analysis, adaptation and natural selection can be tested as historical claims, but this is appropriate only in those special cases where change follows the scheme of one character‐one function, singled out in new environmental circumstances. Systematic treatment of the evolutionary origin of characters (in particular, origin through ecological and developmental flexibility) lies outside the scope of selectionist explanations. Structural hypotheses about regularities in the directions of change, also analyzed phylogenetically, expand the scope of historical explanation to include the origin of characters, yet retain the view of organisms as passive and constrained objects of evolutionary change. Historical biology needs to encompass both the active responses of organisms and the construction by organisms of their own environments. For this to be realized will require changes in the concepts and practices of evolutionary biology, including a re‐examination of the Lamarckian theme that the active responses of organisms have evolutionary significance—the rarity of individual‐to‐individual transmission of “acquired” characters does not disprove the possibility of their frequency increasing in a population.
Upstream passage of inanga Galaxias maculatus and redfin bullies Gobiomorphus huttoni over artificial ramps

The effects of surface type and slope on fish passage over artificial ramps were evaluated for two small diadromous fish species native to New Zealand: the redfin bully Gobiomorphus huttoni and adult and juvenile inanga Galaxias maculatus. Surfaces tested include smooth plastic, sand, gravel (limestone chips 5–20 mm), nylon brush and two plastic moulded cores of ground drainage products Cordrain® and Miradrain®. Slopes of 15° (1:3·7), 30° (1:1·7) and 45° (1:1) were assessed. Slope was the greatest factor influencing successful passage, with the lowest gradient tested (15°) providing the highest passage for both fish species. Most ramps at 45° only allowed the passage of redfin bullies, these fish being capable of ‘climbing’ the wetted margin of the ramps. Because of this climbing ability, redfin bullies were not as affected by the ramp surface, as inanga. Nevertheless, the smooth plastic surface, which resulted in the highest water velocities over the ramps, was un-passable by either species at slopes >15°. Gravel, the nylon brush and the two plastic moulds provided high passage rates for inanga at gradients of 15 and 30°. At a slope of 45°, Miradrain® was the only surface inanga could pass. Overall, Miradrain® produced the most successful passage for both inanga and redfin bullies, but to maximize passage, slope should not be >15° and a wetted margin is essential for climbing species.
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lamblia y Encephalitozoon intestinalis, oportunistas emergentes

Es un hecho conocido que las infecciones oportunistas por protozoos y hongos han aumentado en los ultimos anos, debido especialmente al aumento de las infecciones por VIH. Cryptosporidium spp. , Giardia lamblia y Encephalitozoon intestinalis son protozoos y hongo, respectivamente, mundialmente reconocidos como agentes oportunistas emergentes, responsables de brotes epidemicos provocados por la ingestion de agua potable contaminada, incluso despues de una correcta desinfeccion. La ingestion de estos protozoos puede provocar diferentes grados de enfermedad, entre aguda o leve (poblacion sana) hasta situaciones mas graves y agresivas, hasta a veces mortales (pacientes inmunocomprometidos y/o inmunodeprimidos). A pesar de ser responsables de muchos brotes epidemicos, su diagnostico de laboratorio permanece arduo y trabajoso, incluso utilizando las nuevas tecnicas desarrolladas en los ultimos anos. En esta revision se resumen las consideraciones generales de estos oportunistas emergentes, asi como los metodos de diagnostico mas usuales, incluso los mas recientes y especificos.
Role of Corticosterone in Anuran Metamorphosis and Potential Role in Stress-Induced Metamorphosis

Although generally viewed as only synergistic with the thyroid hormones, corticosterone (CORT) has many independent effects on anuran larval development. CORT enhances thyroid hormone-induced tail resorption and is involved in immune system, skin gland and gut differentiation. Interactions between the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis and the corticoid axis regulate hormone secretion, and CORT may be involved in 'stress-induced' metamorphosis.
Cost benefit analysis of fisheries management plans.

The management of freshwater fisheries in France is generally entrusted to angling associations, which are in turn grouped into departmental federations. These associations, act under State supervision to protect the aquatic environment and develop recreational fisheries. The National Fishing Council has developed a general method for the formulation of departmental fishery management plans. More than half the departments of France have been involved in this programme since 1995. The approach focuses on the potential number of adult wild fish in each homogeneous ecological unit called a ‘context’. The cost of any rehabilitation work needed to restore habitat and to place the context under self-sustaining management (called ‘patrimonial management’) is estimated. Examples of the way in which cost-benefit analysis helps determine the economic viability of management plans are drawn from the Indre and Herault, two departments with contrasting ecological and fishery situations. The analysis takes into account the value of wild fish in relation to stocked fish.
Common ancestry or environmental trait filters: cross-continental comparisons of trait–habitat relationships in tropical anuran amphibian assemblages

Aim To investigate whether trait–habitat relations in biological communities converge across three global regions. The goal is to assess the role of habitat templets in shaping trait assemblages when different assembly mechanisms are operating and to test whether trait–habitat relations reflect a common evolutionary history or environmental trait filters. Location Guiana Shield, South America; Upper Guinea Forest Block, West Africa; Borneo rain forests, Southeast Asia. Methods We compared large anuran amphibian data sets at both the regional and cross-continental scale. We applied a combination of three-table ordinations (RLQ) and permutation model-based multivariate fourth-corner statistics to test for trait–habitat relationships at both scales and used phylogenetic comparative methods to quantify phylogenetic signal in traits that enter these analyses. Results Despite the existence of significant trait–habitat links and congruent trait patterns, we did not find evidence for the existence of a universal trait–habitat relationship at the assemblage level and no clear sign for cross-continental convergence of trait–habitat relations. Patterns rather varied between continents. Despite the fact that a number of traits were conserved across phylogenies, the phylogenetic signal varied between regions. Trait–habitat relations therefore not only reflect a common evolutionary history, but also more recently operating environmental trait filters that ultimately determine the trait composition in regional assemblages. Main conclusions Integrating trait–habitat links into analyses of biological assemblages can enhance the predictive power and general application of species assembly rules in community and macroecology, particularly when phylogenetic comparative methods are simultaneously applied. However, in order to predict trait composition based on habitat templets, trait–habitat links cannot be assumed to be universal but rather have to be individually established in different regions prior to model building. Only then can direct trait-based approaches be useful tools for predicting fundamental community patterns.
Aspects of the biology of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) in coastal eastern Australia

A population of wild rabbits in a high-rainfall area near Sydney, New South Wales, was studied for 8 years to investigate the population biology of the rabbit in a high-rainfall area, to examine factors affecting the length of the breeding season, and to describe the biology of RHDV and a RHDV-like virus in the population. The breeding season was short, starting in June and ending in October, though some conceptions occurred in every month of the year. Supplementary feeding with grain, germinated wheat or high-protein rabbit pellets did not extend the breeding season, so predictions that the length of the breeding season and occurrence of anaemia were influenced by a lack of protein in the diet were not upheld. Myxomatosis appeared in late summer each year as in inland southern Australia. Studies of the immunostatus of the population showed that, even in the years before RHDV was released in Australia, 80-100% of adult animals were seropositive when tested with ELISA specifically designed to detect antibodies to RHDV, arguably owing to the presence of a RHDV-like virus. The proportion of seropositive animals fell when annual rainfall was below 600 mm and rose when it was above 700 mm. Presumably, in areas where rainfall is usually low the proportion of the population infected with the putative RHDV-like virus would slowly drop to a low level, providing a possible basis for the different epidemiological patterns found for RHDV in different parts of Australia.
The Adaptive Role of Winter Fattening in the White-Crowned Sparrow with Comments on its Regulation

In White-crowned Sparrows wintering in southeastern Washington, there is an inverse correlation between the quantity of body fat and mean air temperature below about 3 C. Between 3 C and 9 C the fat reserves are independent of air temperature. Because of seasonal variation in fat-free body weight in this species, variation in total body weight is not a highly reliable index of variation in lipid reserves. A review of published data indicates that winter fattening is a common phenomenon in small birds which winter in cold habitats or high latitudes, although exceptions can be found in species that evidently in part substitute behavioral adaptations for winter fattening. It may be concluded provisionally that the magnitude of winter fattening tends to be less inwarmer habitats or at lower latitudes.It is absent in a subequatorialwintering population of Yellow Wagtails. Although it is reasonable to assume that winter fattening is an adaptation to the thermoregulatory demands of low ambient temperature, the tacit assumption that cold is the proximate factor that induces it is not fully substantiated by the evidence now available. Rather, it appears at least equally plausible that the low environmental temperature of winter must be regarded as the primary ultimate factor. The proximate factor, or battery of proximate factors, which could include reduced environmental temperature, involved in the physiological regulation of fat storage in winter remain an open question.
Why Do Temperate Deciduous Trees Leaf Out at Different Times? Adaptation and Ecology of Forest Communities

With the onset of spring in the deciduous forests of eastern North America, tree leaves do not all emerge in perfect synchrony. Geographic variation in the timing of bud break within species (Lamb 1915; Altman and Dittmer 1962, table 104) can reasonably be attributed to latitudinal climatic trends (Schnelle 1955; Lieth 1974). It is less clear what causes phonological differences among tree species in a particular region (Smith 1915; Ahlgren 1957). Even within single forests, leaf emergence in spring varies over several weeks among coexisting native trees (fig. 1), and species produce leaves at quite different rates during the rest of the growing season. For example, species of Popillds (Critchfield 1960) and Betdla (Kozlowski and Clausen 1966) produce a flush of early leaves in the spring followed by a series of individual late leaves through the summer, but species of Fraxinus (Gill 1971) and Carya (Foster 1931) normally produce only a spring flush of foliage unless defoliated. Querciis has a primary flush of spring leaves, which in young trees can be followed by secondary flushes in the summer (Johannestriebe, lammas shoots) even without defoliation (Lavarenne-Allary 1965; Reich et al. 1978; Kriebel et al. 1976). The proximate control of initial leaf emergence in most temperate deciduous trees is usually the cumulative thermal sum (degree-hours, degree-days) to which buds are exposed after a prerequisite cold period (Lyr et al. 1967; Kramer and Kozlowski 1979; Valentine 1983). Occasionally, as in Fagus, which lacks a chilling requirement, bud break is under photoperiodic control (Wareing 1953; Romberger 1963). Although leaf emergence can be advanced a few days by defoliation the preceding year (Heichel and Turner 1976), in general year-to-year variation in the timing of tree phenological stages is low when related to thermal sums rather than calendar days (fig. 2; Lindsey 1963; Taylor 1974). Populations originating from different localities within a species range do differ in their times of bud break when grown in provenance trials. For example, when grown together in Ohio more northern populations of Acer saccharin leafed out earlier than populations originating more to the south (Kriebel 1957); conversely, in Juglans nigra, populations of more southern origin began growth earlier even in plantations near the northern edge of the species range (Bey 1979). While such intraspecific variations