Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The continuing search for the cell of origin of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

For long time, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been considered to be a clonal accumulation of immature, immuneincompetent B lymphocytes which accumulate in the body mainly because of a faulty apoptotic apparatus. Numerous recent findings have contributed to a change in this classical credo.1-3 CLL is now viewed as a disease of antigen experience B cells, which have proliferated and possibly continue to do so in response to an antigenic stimulus in some instances even following the final transforming events. Several findings, which take place, have contributed to the formulation of this hypothesis, including the impossibility of detecting lesions in the cell apoptotic apparatus,4 the studies on telomeres length of the neoplastic cells,5 which demonstrated shorter telomeres than in normal antigen- inexperienced B cells, and the cell turn-over studies using deuterium to label the cell nucleic acids.6 The latter studies have demonstrated that CLL cells have a rather rapid turn-over characterized by active cell proliferation and death. This turn-over may be different in different patients and in general is more active in those patients whose cells utilize unmutated VDJ gene segments and express CD38 and ZAP-70. Altogether, the latter findings also raise the question of whether CLL is an homogeneous disease entity, or whether it should be considered as being comprised of two different pathological conditions, one (the unmutated CLL) with a rather aggressive clinical course and outcome related to a more active and invasive clonal expansion and the other (mutated CLL) with a more indolent clinical course and the tendency not to progress towards the more advanced clinical stages. Here, we shall review the immunologic features of the neoplastic cells, including some facts and speculations on the possible encounters with antigen. Based on this and other information, we shall try to indicate the potential progenitor cell of the CLL. Central to this question is also the issue of whether one or more cell types can generate CLL clones.
Insulin-like growth factor-I and -II in buffalo ovary: mRNA expressions and partial sequences

In the present investigation, expressions of mRNAs encoding IGF-I and IGF-II were detected in intact follicles of different sizes, granulosa cells, corpus luteum (CL) and corpus albicans (CA) from buffalo ovary, using semi-quantitative RT-PCR technique. The effect of FSH and LH on expression of mRNAs encoding IGFs and sequencing of partial IGF- I and IGF-II cDNAs were studied. The results for expression of mRNAs encoding IGF-I and IGF-II in small ( 10 mm) intact follicles and granulosa cells revealed significant increase in mRNAs expression with increase in follicle size. During luteal phase, the presence of expression of mRNAs encoding IGFs in corpus luteum (CL) and corpus albicans (CA) indicated their role in growth, differentiation and regression of luteal tissues. The treatment of granulosa cells culture with varying doses of FSH, did not show any stimulatory effect on expression of mRNAs encoding IGF-I and IGF-II. However, LH induced significantly IGF-I mRNA expression. The partial cDNA products of IGF-I and IGF-II, were sequenced. The blasting of IGF-I sequence (196 nucleotides) with that of other species exhibited the homology in the range of 93–99% whereas it was in the range of 88–100% for IGF-II sequence (154 nucleotides). The results showed that IGF-I and IGF-II play important role during follicular and luteal phases of buffalo ovary.
Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule, Dscam molecular diversity crucial for survival in Drosophila melanogaster

Title of Document: Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule, Dscam Molecular Diversity Crucial for Survival in Drosophila Melanogaster Sangeetha Raghavan, Master of Science, 2009 Directed By: Dr. Leslie Pick Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics There are 250,000 neurons and millions of synaptic connections in the fruit fly Drosophila Melanogaster. The molecular mechanism behind the precision and timing of these neural connections during development still eludes us. The Drosophila Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule or Dscam encodes 152,064 isoforms that are believed to be significant in regulating branching and targeting of neurites and, consequently in neuronal wiring and the viability of the organism. This study presents evidence that distinct set of Dscam isoform diversity is paramount to the survival of the organism. Single domain specific isoforms have been shown to rescue lethality caused by Dscam mutations up to the third instar larval stage (Wang, 2004). This study demonstrates that isoform specific single and multiple transgenes can rescue lethality caused by Dscam mutations up to the stage of adulthood with varying degrees of efficiency. The differences in rescuing abilities were found not only between isoforms belonging to different domains but also within the same domain. These individual differences reflect distinct functions for distinct isoforms in contributing to Dscam’s overall function.
Relinkage of the Mfolozi River to the St. Lucia estuarine system – urgent imperative for the long-term management of a Ramsar and World Heritage Site

The St. Lucia Estuary was separated from the Mfolozi River in the early 1950s following canalisation of the Mfolozi floodplain swamp that resulted in the deposition of large amounts of sediment in the estuary. A separate Mfolozi River mouth has been maintained artificially since then and the deleterious consequences in terms of freshwater supply to the St. Lucia system are now becoming fully apparent, especially following the latest drought. Fish and penaeid prawn stocks in Lake St. Lucia have collapsed and the loss of this major southern African estuarine nursery area for these faunal components has had a significant impact on fish and prawn catches in adjacent coastal waters. It is therefore imperative that a re-linkage of the Mfolozi River to the St. Lucia system occurs so that the health and conservation status of the St. Lucia ecosystem, which is a Ramsar and World Heritage Site, can be assured. This review of the major findings presented at a recent scientific workshop explores the need for, and consequences of, a reconnection between the Mfolozi River and St. Lucia Estuary and makes some preliminary suggestions towards the achievement of that goal. Foremost amongst these proposals is to use the subsiding Mfolozi floodplain as a sink for excess sediment carried by the Mfolozi River before it enters the St. Lucia system, as well as various strategies in terms of reconnection options.
Schmallenberg (SVB): a new disease in ruminants.

Schmallenberg (SBV) is an emerging viral disease caused by an Orthobunyavirus that was first detected in cattle at the end of 2011 in Germany. If similarly affected sheep and goats, which particularly generated congenital malformations in fetuses of pregnant females of these species, as well as fever and low milk production. Nowadays, this disease is already distributed in several European countries, and it is known that culicoides vectors and mosquitoes—which play an important role in the epidemiology for the affected species— are involved in the transmission of the disease. On the other hand, it has been established that SBV cannot be considered a zoonosis, seeing as so far there is not enough scientific evidence to prove otherwise.
Different responses of broilers at low, high, or cyclic moderate-high temperatures to dietary sodium bicarbonate supplementation due to differences in dietary formulation

0es; temperature and NaHCO 3 cant NaHCO 3 ificant overall effect on production parameters but significant NaHCO 3 × temperature and NaHCO 3 × diet interactions were observed for BWG. Sodium bicarbonate improved BWG at constant 31high (25°derate—high (25°—35cyclic moderate—high (25°—35°C) temperature regimens. Dietary formulations using typical Australian feed ingredients and varying in protein sources were used with one diet containing only animal-source protein ingredients (Diet 1) and the other diet containing predominantly plant-source protein ingredients (Diet 2). Feed intake and bodyweight gain (BWG) of broilers exposed to constant high or diurnal cyclic temperature regimens were similar and significantly poorer than those of broilers exposed to low temperatures. Dietary supplementation with NaHCO 3 had no significant overall effect on production parameters but significant NaHCO 3×temperature and NaHCO 3×diet interactions were observed for BWG. Sodium bicarbonate improved BWG at constant 31°C, but not at constant 20NaHCO 3 × temperature and NaHCO 3 cant NaHCO 3 ificant overall effect on production parameters but significant NaHCO 3 × temperature and NaHCO 3 × diet interactions were observed for BWG. Sodium bicarbonate improved BWG at constant 31high (25°derate—high (25°—35cyclic moderate—high (25°—35°C) temperature regimens. Dietary formulations using typical Australian feed ingredients and varying in protein sources were used with one diet containing only animal-source protein ingredients (Diet 1) and the other diet containing predominantly plant-source protein ingredients (Diet 2). Feed intake and bodyweight gain (BWG) of broilers exposed to constant high or diurnal cyclic temperature regimens were similar and significantly poorer than those of broilers exposed to low temperatures. Dietary supplementation with NaHCO 3 had no significant overall effect on production parameters but significant NaHCO 3×temperature and NaHCO 3×diet interactions were observed for BWG. Sodium bicarbonate improved BWG at constant 31°C, but not at constant 20°C, or in the diurnal cyclic temperature regimen. Sodium bicarbonate significantly improved BWG with Diet 2 (plant-source proteins), which contained an arginine : lysine ratio of 1.31 but not with Diet 1 (animal-source proteins), which contained an arginine : lysine ratio of 1.01.
Environmental regulation of life history phenology in Arabidopsis thaliana

The seasonal timing of plant development is regulated by environmental cues. Flowering time is influenced by the temperature and photoperiod experienced during vegetative growth, while germination timing is affected by temperatures during seed maturation and after dispersal. The timing of each developmental transition also determines seasonal conditions experienced during subsequent life stages, however the significance and stability of these interactions are not well understood. This work aimed to further an understanding of the environmental regulation of plant phenology by creating a multi-stage life history model based on Arabidopsis thaliana. Laboratory and field studies were used to inform predictive models of seed development and seed dormancy. The time required to complete seed development was mainly affected by temperature, and was therefore sensitive to seasonal flowering time. Mean daily temperatures at the end of seed maturation had the greatest influence on rates of primary dormancy loss, and post-dispersal temperatures determined rates of secondary dormancy induction. Germination probabilities were predicted by modelling frequencies of primary and secondary dormancy within the seed population. This revealed an abrupt switch from low to high germination when mean daily temperatures exceeded 14°C. Thermoinhibition was also predicted at high temperatures due to rapid secondary dormancy induction. Combining models with a previously described model of flowering time provided a framework for investigating the effects of perturbations on entire life history phenology. Seed set timing in spring and winter annuals was consistently predicted to coincide with mean daily temperatures of 14°C in locations across Northern Europe, resulting in the production of both dormant and non-dormant offspring. Phenotypic plasticity at each growth phase also served to buffer against modest perturbations in germination date, flowering date, and climate in order to maintain these specific dispersal conditions. This result was interpreted as evidence for a robust bet-hedging germination strategy.
Genetic diversity assessment in several barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars using microsatellite markers.

In the present study, genetic diversity in seven cultivars of cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare) populations was evaluated using 10 microsatellite markers. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh leaves and amplification reactions were done by PCR. The amplification products were separated on 6% denaturing polyacrylamide gels containing 7M urea and visualized via silver staining method. High level of polymorphism was observed among populations. Polymorphic bands ranged from 100 to 300 bp. Altogether 65 alleles were observed among all genotypes, with an average of 9.2 alleles per locus for all loci. Polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.80 to 0.88 with an average of 0.84. ‘Sahand’ populations showed the lowest mean of gene diversity whereas the highest mean of heterozygosity observed in Rayhan populations that can prepare a powerful resource of genetic diversity for breeding programs. The genotypes were clustered using unweight pair-group method on arithmetic average by POPGEN32 software. The dendrogram discriminated all the genotypes in several groups. The results showed that SSR markers have a high ability to reveal most of the information in a single locus and can be used for genetic analysis in molecular levels determination of genetic similarity and clustering barley cultivars.
Intranasal GDNF for Parkinson's Disease: Next steps in preclinical development

We have shown that glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) given by the nasal route of administration provides significant protection of substantia nigra (SN) dopamine neurons in the rat 6‐hydroxydopmaine model of Parkinson's Disease (PD). The next step in preclinical development is to test the efficacy of intranasal GDNF in a primate model of PD. Eighteen common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were given three doses of MPTP (2 mg/kg on day 1 and 1 mg/kg on days 2 and 3) to induce a partial lesion of the SN dopamine neurons. Nine animals received 5 daily doses of intranasal GDNF (100 μg in 50 μl saline) and nine received an equivalent volume of saline. Doses were administered on consecutive days with the first given 1 day prior to the start of MPTP, the next three doses given 1 hr prior to each dose of MPTP, and the last dose given 1 day after the last dose of MPTP. Animals recovered for 2 months before sacrifice. Lesions severity was assessed using locomotor activity monitoring, performance on an object retrieval task, motor disability scoring, and by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry (IH) of the SN and striata of each animal. The study concluded in October 2012, and analyses of the behavioral and TH‐IH data were ongoing at the time of abstract submission. Final results will be presented.
Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.)

The field experiment was conducted in 2009 at the Experimental Farm of School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema campus, Nagaland University, Nagaland to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of onion cv. Agrifound Dark Red under foothills of Nagaland. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of T1 -Control, T2– 100% NPK, T3– 75% NPK + Azospirillum, T4– 75% NPK + Phosphotica, T5– 75% NPK + Azospirillum + Phosphotica, T6- 50% NPK + 50% Pig manure, T7 - 50% NPK + 50% FYM, T8 -50% NPK + 50% Pig manure + Azospirillum, T9- 50% NPK + 50% FYM + Azospirillum, T10- 50% NPK + 50% Pig manure + Phosphotica, T11- 50% NPK + 50% FYM + Phosphotica, T12– 50% NPK + 50% Pig manure + Azospirillum + Phosphotica, T13- 50% NPK + 50% FYM + Azospirillum + Phosphotica. Results revealed that application of different levels of fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers either alone or in combination significantly increased the growth, yield and quality of onion as compared to control. The maximum bulb yield (18.06 t ha−1), TSS (13.18 o brix) and dry matter (15.89%) were recorded with 50% NPK + 50% FYM. The same treatment also produced the highest net return of Rs 1,29,260 ha−1 with cost-benefit ratio of 1:3.5.
Effect of plant protection chemicals on Azospirillum in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]

The effect of fungicides Carbendazim, Thiram, Bordeaux mixture and insecticides Carbofuran, Phorate and HCH were tested on Azospirillum in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) both in the laboratory and in field conditions. Only the fungicide Thiram caused inhibition of AzospirilJum in vitro. The rhizosphere population of Azospirillum showed an initial reduction in Thiram treated plants. The combinations of insecticides with Thiram also showed the similar trend. But later a gradual increase in rhizosphere population of Azospirillum was observed. In all other treatments, no reduction in Azospirillum population was noticed.
Functional analysis of virulence genes in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae

The fungus Magnaporthe oryzae causes rice blast disease, one of the most devastating diseases of all cereals. This fungus infects rice, the essential staple crop for half of the world’s population. M. oryzae attacks all parts of the rice plant, causing losses up to 30% of the annual rice harvest. Such losses have lead to rice shortages in many developing countries in recent years, making effective control of this devastating disease imperative to ensure global food security and economic and social stability. Fortunately, the availability of the genome sequences of both rice and M. oryzae has made this a model pathosystem for understanding the molecular basis of plant-fungal interactions. In this study, I sought to identify novel genetic determinants for successful colonisation of plant tissue by M. oryzae, using two experimental approaches: 1) by screening a M. oryzae random insertional mutagenesis library; and 2) by targeted deletion of putatively secreted M. oryzae proteins. Unfortunately, these candidate effectors were not essential for successful colonisation of rice and barley cells and were not secreted into the plant host cells. The major outcome of this research project has been the identification of a new M. oryzae pathogenicity gene, TPC1 (Transcription factor for Polarity Control1), which was identified as a pathogenicitydefective mutant M1422 generated by random insertional T-DNA mutagenesis. TPC1 belongs to the strictly fungal group of Zn(II)2Cys6 binuclear cluster family. This transcriptional regulator appears to play an important role in vegetative fungal growth and in fungal colonisation in planta. The phenotypes observed during appressoriumand infection-associated developmental processes suggest that TPC1 is a core polarity protein that is required for the correct development of apicalgrowing structures.
Processes and effects of targeted online advertising among children

Increasingly, information from children's profile pages on social network sites is being used to target online advertising, a phenomenon known as profile targeting. This practice has raised concerns in society and academia; however, its effects among children remain unstudied. Therefore, we investigated the effects of profile targeting on children's brand responses (i.e., brand attitude and purchase intention). We examined two types of targeting: targeting of product and of form (i.e., color). In addition, we tested three underlying mechanisms: liking the advertisement, perceived personal relevance of the advertisement, and recognizing the targeting aspect of the advertisement (targeting recognition). A between-subjects experiment among 231 children aged 9–13 years showed that targeting the product leads to more positive brand attitudes and purchase intentions. In addition, the effects were explained by ad liking and not by perceived personal relevance or targeting recognition. These findings suggest that, unlike adults, children do not process profile targeting on an elaborate critical level. Rather, the processing seems to be less elaborate.
Effects on apoptosis, cell cycle and transformation, and comparative aspects of EBV with other known DNA tumor viruses

The list of human viruses presently known to cause or to contribute to tumor development comprise four DNA viruses, Epstein–Barr virus, certain human papilloma virus subtypes, hepatitis B virus, and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (HHV-8); and two RNA viruses, adult T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1) and hepatitis virus C. In addition, while HIV infection is not directly tumorigenic, it increases the incidence of certain tumors.
Interleukin-10 Induces Apoptosis in Developing Mast Cells via a Mitochondrial, STAT3-dependent Pathway

INTERLEUKIN-10 INDUCES APOPTOSIS IN DEVELOPING MAST CELLS VIA A MITOCHONDRIAL, STAT3-DEPENDENT PATHWAY By Daniel Paul Bailey A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2005 Director: John J. Ryan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Biology
Field and Laboratory Guide to Tree Pathology

Concepts and Techniques for Understanding, Identifying, And Controlling Tree Diseases: Tree Biology. Sterile Technique. Diagnostic Techniques. Preservation of Diseased Specimens and Pathogens. Models. Symptomatology. General Control Strategies. Diseases Caused By Infectious Agents: Fungi. Foliage Diseases. Vascular Wilt Diseases. Canker Diseases. Rust Diseases. Root Diseases. Discoloration and Decay in Living Trees. Bacterial Diseases. Vascular Bacterial Diseases. Virus Diseases. Nematode Diseases, Diseases Caused By Parasitic Seed Plants. Diseases Caused By Noninfectious Agents: Temperature Extremes. Moisture Extremes. Nutrient Abnormalities. People Pressure Diseases. Field and Laboratory Exercises: Symptoms and Signs. Collection and Identification of Powdery Mildews. Disease Sample Collection. Isolations of Vascular Wilt Pathogens. Detection of Starch Reserves in Trees. Koch's Postulates. Extraction of Nematodes from Soil and Roots. Observations of Mycorrhizae. Development of Crown Gall. Appraisal of Shade Trees. Detection of Hazard Trees. Effects of Salt on Tree Seedlings. Detection of Discoloration and Decay in Wood. Glossary. Index. Figure Captions.
Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle and Badgers

Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) was a major problem in cattle herds during the last 100 years but was virtually eradicated by tuberculin testing and slaughter of infected cattle. It persisted in southwest England, some parts of Wales and the West Midlands, and is now increasing in other parts of Britain. Since the mid-1970s tens of thousands of badgers have been culled in response to bTB outbreaks, because of circumstantial evidence that they spread the disease but bTB has continued to increase in cattle. While it can be a serious problem for farmers with affected herds, bTB is still relatively rare in the UK: in 2002 19,792 bTB reactors (cattle that gave a positive tuberculin skin test result) were slaughtered, compared to 4,189,000 animals (including 590,000 cattle) slaughtered during the FMD outbreak. Each year, 90,000 cattle are culled due to mastitis, 31,000 due to lameness and 125,000 due to infertility.