Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of T Cell Receptor CD3ζ Chain Expression byl-Arginine*

l-Arg plays a central role in the normal function of several organ systems including the immune system. l-Arg can be depleted by arginase I produced by macrophages and hepatocytes in several disease states such as trauma and sepsis and following liver transplantation. The decrease inl-Arg levels induces a profound decrease in T cell function through mechanisms that have remained unclear. The data presented here demonstrate that Jurkat T cells cultured in medium withoutl-Arg (l-Arg-free RPMI) have a rapid decrease in the expression of the T cell antigen receptor ζ chain (CD3ζ), the principal signal transduction element in this receptor, and a decrease in T cell proliferation. This phenomenon is completely reversed by the replenishment of l-Arg but not other amino acids. These changes are not caused by cell apoptosis; instead, the diminished expression of CD3ζ protein is paralleled by a decrease in CD3ζ mRNA. This change in CD3ζ mRNA expression is not caused by a decrease in the transcription rate but rather by a significantly shorter CD3ζ mRNA half-life. This mechanism is sensitive to cycloheximide. Therefore, the regulation ofl-Arg concentration in the microenvironment could represent an important mechanism to modulate the expression of CD3ζ and the T cell receptor and consequently of T cell function.
Factors affecting moorland plant communities and component species in relation to prescribed burning

Summary 1. The role of prescribed burning of vegetation to manage fire risk is controversial in a variety of situations worldwide. It is becoming more topical (i) as a result of potential global warming where the risk of wildfire might increase and (ii) because fire might affect the various ecosystem services provided in a different way. Where prescribed fire is used, ecologists need to know the impact on biodiversity (post-fire recovery) and on provisioning and regulating services such as water collection and carbon sequestration. Here, we assess the effect of prescribed burning on plant community composition and its component species at the regional scale of the Peak District, where the moorland vegetation is severely degraded. 2. Species cover (%) was assessed on five moors with respect to elapsed time since prescribed burning and vegetation height. A stratified random method was used to choose burn patches covering a range of ages since burning; quadrats were then sampled randomly within these patches over a 3-year period. Detrended correspondence analysis was used to relate species composition to significant environmental variables, and variation partitioning was used to assess their relative contribution. Response curves were produced for the major species with respect to elapsed time since burning and vegetation height. 3. The species ordination produced two gradients, (i) a continuum from a graminoid-dominated vegetation to one dominated by Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus and Rubus chamaemorus and (ii) a post-fire growth response of the dominant species, Calluna vulgaris. Species composition was more highly correlated with vegetation height than elapsed time since burning. The environmental variables explained 15·2% of the variation. 4. Calluna vulgaris was the only species to show an increasing response after burning; all others showed an increase immediately after burning, but then they either decreased or showed a unimodal/skewed response. Most other species were restricted to vegetation <40 cm height and 20–25 years after burning. 5. Synthesis and applications. We found two major results of importance to policy makers and land managers: (i) that prescribed burning maintains species diversity in the immediate post-burn phase, and (ii) as the vegetation ages and increases in height, most species disappear and the vegetation becomes dominated by C. vulgaris. From a policy perspective, prescribed burning (or some other disturbance) is needed to maintain burning and a no-burn policy will result in a low-diversity, C. vulgaris-dominated vegetation. As vegetation height is the easiest measure for land managers to use in judging when to burn, we recommend moorland vegetation be burned before it reaches 25 cm in height to maintain the pre-burn complement of plant species. If the rotation allows the vegetation to become much taller (>40 cm), then most species will be lost and they will have to colonize after subsequent fires from the seedbank or from the surrounding area.
COFFEE BEAN MYCO-CONTAMINANTS AND OXALIC ACID PRODUCING ASPERGILLUS NIGER

coffee bean-contaminating fungi were determined in random samples collected in riyadh, Kingdom of saudi Arabia, using the direct plating technique. Forty-five samples were examined and 12 fungal species belonging to 5 genera were isolated. Aspergillus niger was the most widely distributed and most frequently isolated fungus (86.67%). the ability of the predominant fungus, A. niger, to produce oxalic acid was evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography. About 50% of the tested A. niger isolates produced oxalic acid; the amount produced was in the range of 90–550 ppm of oxalic acid. because A. niger was the predominant and most widely distributed toxigenic fungus in the examined samples, more efforts should be directed to minimize the risk of oxalic acid contamination of commoditized coffee beans in the Kingdom of saudi Arabia.
Age Related Histological and Histochemical Studies on the Tubuli Recti, Rete Testes and Mediastinum Testis in Assam Goat (Capra hircus)

A total of eighteen male Assam goats were used in this study to record the histology and histochemistry of the tubuli recti, rete testis and mediastinum testis. The sections were cut and stained with was located at the centre of the testis in the goats of all the age groups. The rete channels had a distinct tubular lumen from birth. The reticular fibres formed network in the mediastinum testis and proceeded towards the rete testis. The basement membrane of tubuli recti and rete testis showed moderate to strong reaction for basic proteins in all the age groups, but showed moderate PAS reaction.
NO- and CO-mediated inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in activated macrophages.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous signalling molecule that is synthesised by nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) and has a variety of physiological and pathophysiological roles. Some of its physiological functions are primarily mediated via the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. However, NO is also able to potently inhibit mitochondrial respiration at complex IV of the electron transport chain (ETC) in a manner that is reversible and in competition with oxygen (O2). Following prolonged exposure to NO, the ETC undergoes an NO-dependent modification at complex I, which results in a persistent inhibition of respiration. Activated macrophages were found to produce NO, via upregulation of the inducible isoform of NOS (iNOS), in sufficient quantities to inhibit respiration. This inhibition was initially reversible but became persistent with time. In addition, haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is upregulated in these cells, producing carbon monoxide (CO), which is also known to inhibit complex IV. The ability of exogenous and endogenous CO to inhibit respiration was investigated. Although less potent than NO, CO was shown to cause significant inhibition of respiration, particularly under hypoxic (1% O2) conditions. Furthermore, hypoxia was found to attenuate significantly the synthesis of NO from iNOS but not CO from HO-1. The consequences of inhibition of respiration were investigated under hypoxia, where the availability of O2 may be limiting for O2-dependent cellular processes. Specifically, the effects of respiratory inhibition were investigated with regards to the stability of hypoxia-induced hypoxia inducible factor la (HTFla). Hypoxia resulted in the stabilisation of HIFla protein, a phenomenon that was prevented by inhibition of the ETC at various complexes. This destabilisation of HIFla was found to be due to a redistribution of intracellular O2 from mitochondrial consumption, resulting in an increased intracellular O 2 concentration and the reactivation of the (-dependent degradation of HIFla protein.
Pro-invasive role of MMP-9 and c-Met in faslodex-resistant breast cancer

The pure anti-oestrogen faslodex presents a valuable therapeutic option for post-menopausal women with endocrine-sensitive advanced breast cancer. However, emergence of resistance following long-term treatment constitutes a major clinical problem as faslodex-refractory disease is associated with poor prognosis. Consequently, elucidation of the mechanisms underlying resistance is imperative. An in vitro MCF-7 cell model of acquired resistance to faslodex (FAS-R) has been developed in our laboratory. Previous studies using this model revealed endocrine insensitivity to be accompanied by development of an invasive phenotype. Since proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix components by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a prerequisite for tumour invasion and metastasis, the objective of this project was to explore the role of these proteases and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) hi the aggressive behaviour of faslodex-resistant breast cancer cells. Additional studies were performed to identify the dominant growth factor signalling pathway regulating these pro-invasive events. MMP and TIMP mRNA expression in FAS-R cells was variable. MMP-2 mRNA was increased in FAS-R cells compared with WTMCF-7 cells. Significantly, treatment with a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor significantly reduced the invasive behaviour of FAS-R cells suggesting a central role for. MMPs in FAS-R invasion. Importantly, FAS-R cells were found to overexpress c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase which, when activated by HGF/SF, induced latent MMP-9 protein expression and considerably augmented the motile, migratory and invasive capacities of these cells. Both ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathways were activated by HGF/SF, and signalling through both resulted in increased secretion of latent MMP-9 protein. However, HGF/SF-enhanced FAS-R cell invasion was only suppressed by inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway or following treatment with the MMP inhibitor. Collectively, these data suggest that in FAS-R cells HGF/SF/c-Met signalling enhances aggressive behaviour via PI3K-mediated MMP-9 secretion. c-Met may therefore present a therapeutic target in faslodex resistance.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiling of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Milk

Aims: This study investigated the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus in milk and its sensitivity to twenty antibiotics. Study Design: The research was laboratory-based investigation. and of the Study: The study carried between September 2012 and May 2013. Methodology: Thirty eight milk specimens were collected from cattle and examined to estimate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus . The sensitivity of the isolates to twenty (20) antibiotics was evaluated and the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was also determined. S. aureus was characterized using standard microbiological methods and confirmation was done using the API Staph Identification System. Antibiotic sensitivity of isolates was evaluated by means of agar diffusion technique while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was established using broth dilution technique for oxacillin, E-test for tetracyclin, and chloramphenicol respectively. Results: 55.26% of analyzed samples were contaminated with S. aureus . 100% of Methicillin Sensitive S. aureus were resistant to nalidixic acid, 70% to bacitracin, 65% to spiramycin, and 45% to penicillin and fosfomycin. There was no resistance to vancomycin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin and pristamycin among isolates. A total of 76% of the isolated strains were found to be resistant to at least 4 antibiotics. One Methicillin Resistant S. aureus strain (4.76%) was detected and showed multiple drug resistance. This resistance was crossed with all beta lactams and its resistance profile to macrolides was constitutive (MLSB const) while aminoglycosides phenotype was ANT (4’) (4’’). Conclusion: A high prevalence of S. aureus with multiple drug resistance was established. Improved food safety measures are thus necessary to prevent transmission and spread of antimicrobial resistance by these pathogens.
Actin remodeling and polymerization forces control dendritic spine morphology

Dendritic spines are small membranous structures that protrude from the neuronal dendrite. Each spine contains a synaptic contact site that may connect its parent dendrite to the axons of neighboring neurons. Dendritic spines are markedly distinct in shape and size, and certain types of stimulation prompt spines to evolve, in fairly predictable fashion, from thin nascent morphologies to the mushroom-like shapes associated with mature spines. This striking progression is coincident with the (re)configuration of the neuronal network during early development, learning and memory formation, and has been conjectured to be part of the machinery that encodes these processes at the scale of individual neuronal connections. It is well established that the structural plasticity of spines is strongly dependent upon the actin cytoskeleton inside the spine. A general framework that details the precise role of actin in directing the transitions between the various spine shapes is lacking. We address this issue, and present a quantitative, model-based scenario for spine plasticity validated using realistic and physiologically relevant parameters. Our model points to a crucial role for the actin cytoskeleton. In the early stages of spine formation, the interplay between the elastic properties of the spine membrane and the protrusive forces generated in the actin cytoskeleton propels the incipient spine. In the maturation stage, actin remodeling in the form of the combined dynamics of branched and bundled actin is required to form mature, mushroom-like spines. Our model identifies additional factors that plausibly aid the stabilization and maintenance of spine morphology. Taken together, our model provides unique insights into the fundamental role of actin remodeling and polymerization forces during spine formation and maturation.
Field performance of pine stock types: Two-year results of a trial on interior lodgepole pine seedlings grown in Styroblocks, Copperblocks, or AirBlocks

Copper-treated Styrofoam containers and containers with side slits have been designed to modify the root systems of seedlings grown in hardwall containers. By chemical- or air-pruning major lateral roots, they encourage a more fibrous, branched root system, which is more evenly distributed throughout the root plug.In the study presented here, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) seedlings were grown in Copperblocks™, AirBlocks™, or conventional Styroblocks™ and planted into different rooting environments. Various laboratory tests were performed on the seedlings before planting, but these failed to predict responses to the treatments in the field. Container type influenced root development and potential root viability in the nursery; however, these differences had disappeared in the field after two growing seasons. Only in summer-planted seedlings was root egress near the top of the plug greater for copper-treated than for conventional seedlings in the field. Seedlings grown in Copperblocks with exclusively secondary needles were evaluated separately from those with only primary needles. The secondary-needle seedlings had greater height increments in both growing seasons, although no differences in root collar diameter were apparent. However, both types of seedlings were selected from a population grown under cultural conditions to induce secondary needles, and thus some of the differences may have a genetic basis. Spring-planted seedlings, grown on burnt slopes, grew 5–18% taller than those on screefed plots and 43–67% taller than seedlings on ripped landings. Our major conclusion is that, provided the seedlings are healthy, planting location is more important than stock type.
Producción de leche y comportamiento reproductivo de vacas de doble propósito que consumen forrajes tropicales y concentrados

EL OBJETIVO DE ESTE TRABAJO FUE EVALUAR LOS FACTORES GENETICOS Y AMBIENTALES QUE INFLUYEN EN LA PRODUCCION DE LECHE (PL) Y EL COMPORTAMIENTO REPRODUCTIVO DE GRUPOS RACIALES CRUZADOS 1/2 HOLSTEIN (H) 1/2 CEBU (C), HC; SUIZO (S) 1/2 C, SC; Y S 1/2 C, 3S1C. LA INFORMACION ANALIZADA SE OBTUVO DE 90 LACTANCIAS DE 30 VACAS, DIEZ DE CADA UNO DE LOS GRUPOS RACIALES EN TRES HATOS DE DOBLE PROPOSITO EN VERACRUZ, MEXICO. LAS VARIABLES ESTUDIADAS INCLUYERON LA PL POR VACA POR DIA (PLD), POR LACTANCIA (PTL), POR DIA DE INTERVALO ENTRE PARTOS (PLIEP), AL PICO DE LACTANCIA (PLMAX), DIAS AL PICO DE LACTANCIA (TPLMAX) Y DURACION DE LA LACTANCIA (DL). LOS RESULTADOS OBTENIDOS INDICARON QUE EL GRUPO RACIAL NO INFLUYO (P > 0.05) EN NINGUNA DE LAS CARACTERISTICAS PRODUCTIVAS ESTUDIADAS. LAS VARIABLES REPRODUCTIVAS, INCLUYENDO LA EDAD AL PRIMER PARTO (EPP), LOS DIAS ABIERTOS (DA) Y EL INTERVALO ENTRE PARTOS (IEP), SE EVALUARON POR ANALISIS DE SOBREVIVENCIA. LOS RESULTADOS DEL ANALISIS DE SOBREVIVENCIA INDICARON QUE LAS VACAS F1 PRESENTARON COMPORTAMIENTOS REPRODUCTIVOS MEJORES QUE LAS 3S1C, CON MENORES EPP, DA E IEP. EN CONCLUSION, LAS VACAS HC, SC, Y 3S1C QUE CONSUMIERON EN PRADERAS TROPICALES, COMPLEMENTADAS CON CONCENTRADOS CON 18% DE PC, MOSTRARON COMPORTAMIENTOS SIMILARES EN LA PLD, PLT, PLMAX, TPLMAX, Y DL. LAS VACAS HC MOSTRARON MAYOR HABILIDAD REPRODUCTIVA QUE LAS VACAS CON GENES DE SUIZO. LOS RESULTADOS OBSERVADOS SUGIEREN LA POSIBILIDAD DE USAR LOS GRUPOS RACIALES HC COMO LOS MAS APROPIADOS PARA PRODUCCION DE LECHE EN EL NORTE DE VERACRUZ.
Population genetics of the endangered obligatorily myrmecophilous butterfly Phengaris (=Maculinea) arion in two areas of its European range

The socially parasitic Phengaris arion is one of the most threatened butterfly species in Europe. Using 12 microsatellite loci, we studied the genetic structure of 14 ecologically diverse populations (285 individuals) originating from two distinct areas of the European distribution range (Poland and Italy). Italian populations were more differentiated (FST = 0.124) than Polish populations (0.073). Nevertheless, in contrast to the results of previous studies on mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EF‐1α) genes, indices of genetic variability were higher in Poland. Within‐population genetic variability in Italy decreased southwards, whereas in Poland no similar gradient of changes was detected. Bayesian clustering of individuals (STRUCTURE, BAPS) and analysis of principal components (PCA) indicated a genetic structure in Italian sampling sites that was more pronounced than in Poland. The analysis also suggested a common evolutionary history for populations inhabiting the northern slopes of the Alps and Central Europe, or that the alpine populations are localised in a mixed zone of different post‐glacial colonisation routes (STRUCTURE, PCA). In addition, implementation of spatial information into the analysis (BAPS) suggested that the observed pattern of differentiation could be shaped simply by landforms as all Italian sampling sites and two mountainous Polish sites formed separate cluster. The pattern of ecological variation did not influence genetic structure and no grounds for separation of subspecies (P. arion ligurica and P. arion obscura) were found. Our results are therefore in agreement with conclusions inferred from other studies carried out in Europe on P. arion.
The First Karyological Study and Natural NOR Polymorphism in Banded Langur, Presbytis femoralis (Primate, Colobinae)

We report the first polymorphism of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) and karyological analysis of the banded langur (Presbytis femoralis) from Thailand. Blood samples were taken from two male and one female langurs. After standard peripheral blood lymphocytes had been cultured at 27°C for 96 h in the presence of colchicine, the metaphase spreads were performed on a microscopic slide and air-dried. Conventional, GTG-banding and high-resolution techniques were applied to stain the chromosome. The results showed that the diploid chromosome number of P. femoralis is 2n = 44, and the fundamental numbers (NF) of both sexes is 88. The types of autosomes are 20 large metacentric, 8 large submetacentric, 2 large acrocentric, 2 medium submetacentric, 4 small metacentric, 4 small submetacentric, and 2 small acrocentric chromosomes. The X chromosome is a large submetacentric chromosome and the Y chromosome is the smallest submetacentric chromosome. In addition, the long arm near the centromere of chromosome pair 17 showed clearly observable NORs. The result showed different sizes of NORs for heteromorphic chromosome pair 17 of all males and female. From the GTG-banding and high-resolution techniques, the number of bands on one set of haploid chromosomes in the P. femoralis are 264 and 332, respectively; each chromosome pair could be clearly differentiated. The karyotype formula for P. femoralis could be deduced as: 2n (diploid) 44 = L20+L8 sm+La 2+M2+S4+S4+S 2+sex chromosomes
Phylogeny and biogeography of Asian Schefflera (Araliaceae) based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequence data

The phylogeny of Asian Schefflera was inferred from sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region, and six plastid regions (the ndhF gene, the trnL‐trnF region, the rps16 intron, the atpB‐rbcL intergenic spacer, the rpl16 intron, and the psbA‐trnH intergenic spacer). Phylogenetic analyses of the combined plastid and internal transcribed spacer data with parsimony and Bayesian methods strongly support the monophyly of Asian Schefflera. The genus is supported to be closely related to Heteropanax and Tetrapanax with the small tropical continental Asian genus Heteropanax as its sister. Within Asian Schefflera, four distinct subclades were identified: (i) the widely distributed Asian Heptapleurum group with no styles in the gynoecium; (ii) the main Agalma group with racemose or spicate inflorescence units with a few umbellate taxa; (iii) the Schefflera hypoleuca group; and (iv) the Schefflera heptaphylla group. In a broader phylogenetic framework of Araliaceae, Asian Schefflera is hypothesized to have originated in continental Asia at 57.41 Mya (95% high posterior density interval of 40.33–76.06 Mya) in the early Tertiary and radiated into the now SE Asia, eastern Himalaya, and E Asia at 46.11 Mya (95% high posterior density interval of 33.02–60.69 Mya). Its subsequent diversification in Asia may have been driven largely by the collision of the Indian plate with the Asian plate in the middle Eocene and the collision of the Australian margin with the Eurasian margin in the early Miocene.
Effects of drying process on biochemical and microbiological quality of silverside (fish) Atherina lagunae

Summary Changes in biochemical and microbiological quality of silverside during two drying process were investigated. Total fatty acid and amino acid contents in silverside were 5.42 and 10.9 g 100 g−1 fresh sample, respectively, in which, palmitic acid and glutamic acid were the most abundant. N-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels were 0.59 and 0.62 g 100 g−1 fresh silverside respectively. After hot air and solar drying treatments, Peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances of the total lipids increased significantly (P < 0.05) to reach 2.58 and 3.41 meq active O2 kg−1 oil and 0.87 and 1.27 mg MA kg−1 oil, respectively. Fatty acid profile of non-polar lipid remains unchanged during experimental drying process. However, PUFA (% of total fatty acids) of polar lipid decreased significantly (P < 0.05) during both drying process with lower levels in solar drying process. Drying conditions had a significant effect on the microbiological quality. Therefore, mesophiles and total coliforms increased within drying treatment with higher counts in solar drying process.