Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Solution-phase dynamics of the hepatitis B virus capsid: Kinetics-based assays for study of supramolecular complexes

Viruses are the most abundant form of life on the planet. Many forms are pathogenic and represent a major threat to human health, but viruses can also be useful nanoscale tools: as adjuvants, gene therapy agents, antimicrobials, or functionalized nanoscale building blocks. Viruses have historically been viewed as static and rigid delivery vehicles, but over the last few decades they have been recognized as flexible structures. Their structural dynamics are a crucial element of their functionality, and they represent a substantial target for antiviral strategies. To overcome the inherent problems of characterizing the biophysics of supramolecular complexes, we have developed a set of kinetic assays to probe capsid motion at several different amplitudes. The first assay, kinetic hydrolysis, works via the differential cleavage of folded versus unfolded proteins, and reports on large-scale conformational changes. The second assay, hydrogen-deuterium exchange, is a probe of small-amplitude dynamics. Both of these assays were used to study the solution-phase dynamics of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid under the influence of assembly effectors and temperature. The results of these assays indicate that the HBV capsid adopts multiple conformations in response to the external environment. The dimeric subunit becomes primed for assembly via an entropically-driven process, but once assembled the capsid has reduced dependence on hydrophobic contacts. Depending on the assembly state, the subunit protein has varying response to assembly effectors, with changes to both small-amplitude and large-amplitude motions. The sum of the assay results indicate that the HBV capsid protein is capable of rotational translocations of the alpha-helices, while maintaining most of the secondary structure. Concerted structural shifts are implied, consistent with an allosteric model, which helps to explain previously observed allostery of capsid assembly and response to drugs.
Revision of the Red Algal Genus Galaxaura with Special Reference to the Species Occurring in the Western Indian Ocean

A study of Galaxaura (NemaliaJes, Chaetangiaceae) from Hast Africa (especially Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa and Malagasy Republic) and Mauritius has revealed that the following nine taxa are represented: G. diesingiana Zanardini, G. fasciculata Kjellman, G. lapidescens (Ellis et Solander) Lamouroux, G. lenta Kjellman, G. margifiata (Ellis et Solander) Lamouroux, G, oblongata (Ellis et Solander) Lamouroux, G. obtusata (Ellis et Solander) Lamouroux, G. rugosa (Ellis et Solander) Lamouroux and G, subverticillata Kjellman. The species recognized include seven of the 62 treated by Kjeilman in 1900 and two species not treated by him. The nine species encompass 38 species reported by various authors for the region. A key to the species, comments on their morphology, illustrations of their growth habit and structure, and discussions of their taxonomy and nomenclature are presented.
Floristic ecology and phenological observations on the Medicinal flora of Southern Eastern Ghats, India

Abstract: The study of floristic ecology and phenology of medicinal plants in intact tropical ecosystems is important to understand the dynamics of medicinal plant species evolving in particular ecosystems. Of the 172 taxa occurring in the southern most hill (Shevaroys) of the Eastern Ghats, 41% represented scrub, 35% semi-evergreen and 24% deciduous vegetation types. Among the gender distribution, hermaphrodite category dominated (79%) in the medicinal flora followed by monoecy (16.3%) and dioecy (4.7%). Majority of medicinal arborescent taxa was found to flower during the months of March and April (dry period) and only a few were in bloom during August and December, while herbaceous taxa flowered during December-February. Majority of tree taxa were found to fruit during the dry season (April-May) with a peak during April while the herbaceous medicinal plants fruited during January-March. The nature of fruits types recorded was fleshy (59), dry dehiscent (75) and dry indehiscent (38). Higher temperature conditions were observed to be conducive to flowering and fruiting among the arborescent taxa whereas cooler conditions were favourable for herbaceous taxa. In Eastern Ghats the fruiting phenology pattern closely follows that of the flowering. The occurrence of various types of fruits gives an insight to the understanding of the evolution of seed dispersal behavior in plants. Most probably in Eastern Ghats the biotic interaction has evolved as a sequel to this pattern and timing of fruiting. Data generated in the study can be used for planning proper management strategies of medicinal flora in Eastern Ghats region, thus, ensuring “Development without Destruction”.
Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma of Papillary Origin

Abstract Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (SRCC) is an aggressive tumor variant thought to arise predominantly from dedifferentiation of clear cell carcinoma. A few reports of SRCC associated with non–clear cell tumors led to the presumption that SRCC may arise from any renal cell carcinoma, although direct evidence of this is lacking. Cytogenetic studies on 3 previously documented SRCCs associated with papillary renal cancers showed either 3p deletions or absence of trisomy 7, 17 in the sarcomatoid tumors, suggesting origin from a coexistent clear cell tumor. The present case represents the first conclusive evidence of direct progression of non–clear cell carcinoma to SRCC with both tumor components containing multiple copies of chromosomes 7 and 17. Many genetic anomalies, including p53 mutations, frequently recognized in SRCC were not recognized in this case, highlighting the importance of cytogenetic evaluation of all SRCC. The patient is well and without evidence of tumor progression 1 year after sur.
Complement Protease MASP-1 Activates Human Endothelial Cells: PAR4 Activation Is a Link between Complement and Endothelial Function1

Activation of the complement system can induce and enhance inflammatory reaction. Mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease-1 (MASP-1) is an abundant protease of the complement lectin pathway; however, its physiological function is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that MASP-1 is able to activate Ca2+ signaling, NF-κB, and p38 MAPK pathways in cultured HUVECs. Activation was initiated by MASP-1 only; the related protease, MASP-2, had no such effect. The phenomenon was dependent on the proteolytic activity of MASP-1, suggesting modulation of endothelial cell function through a protease-activated receptor (PAR). Using synthetic peptide substrates representing the protease-sensitive regions of PARs, we were able to demonstrate that PAR4 is a target of MASP-1. The presence of functionally active PAR4 in HUVECs was demonstrated using PAR4 agonist peptide and mRNA quantification. Finally, we showed that the amount of membrane-bound intact PAR4 decreases after MASP-1 treatment. All of these results provide a novel link between the regulation of endothelial cell function and complement system activation, and they suggest that MASP-1-induced PAR4 activation could contribute to the development of the inflammatory reaction.
The effects of weather, seed rate and cultivar on lodging and yield in winter wheat

SUMMARY Winter wheat cultivars Apollo, Hornet, Longbow and Norman were each sown at 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 seeds/m2 in a field experiment conducted in Northern Ireland over the 1989/90 crop year. No growth regulators were applied and the wheat received 178 kgN/ha top-dressing in the spring. Hourly rainfall, windspeed and wind direction data were recorded and lodging was visually assessed from the end of May to harvest. Lodging first occurred in the 1600 seed-rate plots as the ears were emerging in early June and then progressively increased in the 800, 400 and 200 plots during June, July and August. Lodging did not occur suddenly but took several hours, with the stems first lying at an angle before lodging completely. Stem buckling or breakage did not appear to be the principal form of structural failure. The longest strawed cultivar, Longbow, lodged most severely. The shorter-strawed Norman also lodged badly in contrast with Hornet which had a similar straw length. Apollo, which was taller than Norman and Hornet and produced more ears per square metre than the other cultivars, lodged least but tended to lean at c. 30° from the vertical. Lodging occurred during or within 24 h of periods of rainfall which, in many cases, coincided with windspeeds at crop height averaging > 25 km/h and occasionally > 50 km/h. Lodging also occurred following rainfall when the windspeed did not exceed 16 km/h. The grain yield was negatively correlated with the average lodging from ear emergence to harvest, there being a 1 t/ha decline in yield for each 10% increase in average area lodged. The 50 and 100 seed-rate plots yielded 10 t/ha and had little or no lodging. The decline in yield with increased lodging and seed rate was attributed to the effect of lodging rather than to seed rate and was associated with a fall in the number of grains/ear and 1000-grain weight from 56 and 53·5 g at the lowest seed rate to 15 and 42·7 g at the highest, respectively. A comparison of the plants from lodged and unlodged plots of the 1600 and 800 seed rates, and subsequently of the 800 and 400 seed rates, indicated that at the higher seed rate, lodged plots had less fresh weight per unit area, basal internodes with smaller diameters, fewer support roots per stem, and a lower root dry weight per stem.
Botanical composition of cattle and vizcacha diets in central Argentina.

Cattle (Bos taurus) and vizcacha (Lagostomus maximus) diets were examined monthly in the semiarid Caldenal in central Argentina. Cow-calf operations are the most important economic activities within the region. In spite of a widespread distribution of the vizcacha in Argentina, comparative studies of the diet of cattle and vizcacha are scarce. The objective of this work was to analyze the botanical composition, seasonal trends, and possible dietary overlap between cattle and vizcacha. Diets were determined by microscopic analysis of cattle and vizcacha feces collected from November 1994 through December 1995 in a shrubland community of the southern Caldenal. Grasses were the bulk of the diet for both herbivores. Piptochaetium napostaense (Speg.) Hack. was the most abundant grass in vizcacha (53%) and cattle (40%) diets. Prosopis Caldenia Burk. pods partially (34%) replaced this grass in cattle diets during late summer and fall. Consumption of P. napostaense was generally higher (13%) in vizcachas than in cattle, especially during the dry period of the study (21%). During the drier months, cattle consumed more of the less preferred grasses (48%). Forbs were poorly represented in the diets perhaps because of scarce rains and low availability. Classification and ordination techniques revealed seasonal trends and overlapping diets. A greater overlap (75%) was found during the wet period due to simultaneous consumption of P. napostaense by both herbivores. Trends in diet diversity were similar with indices generally higher for cattle than for vizcachas, especially during the dry period.
Are body mass and parasite load related to social partnerships and mating in Microtus ochrogaster?

Abstract Within socially monogamous species, a male's reproductive success depends on his success at obtaining a social partner with which he mates, as well as gaining extra-pair matings. We investigated the impacts of body mass and parasitism on 2 measures of a male's success at obtaining a social partner (number of female social associations and relative strength of a social bond to a single female) and 2 measures of reproduction (number of females with which a male sires offspring and the number of offspring sired) in natural populations of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) located in Kansas and Indiana. Kansas males with greater endoparasite loads were less likely to have one social partner. Instead, they associated with multiple females although they did not sire offspring with more females than males with lower levels of endoparasitism. We did not find any relationship between endoparasite infestation and the number of females with which males associated in Indiana. There was no association between the level of endoparasites found among males in either Indiana or Kansas and the strength of a male's social bond to a female. Endoparasites, at least at the infection levels detected in this study, were not related to indices of male reproductive success in Microtus populations in Kansas or Indiana. No relationship was found between body mass and indicators of social monogamy in either population. However, body mass appears to be significantly related to male reproductive success. Heavier males produced offspring with more females, particularly in the Kansas population, and sired more pups in both populations.
Directed differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells for transplantation in Huntington's disease

The research presented in this thesis focused on neural precursors derived from mouse ES cells (also called neural embryoid bodies, NEBs) in particular attempting to direct their differentiation towards specific telencephalic precursors, with a view to providing an alternative donor cell source to primary foetal tissue for the generation of DARPP-32 positive medium spiny neurons (MSNs) for neural transplantation in Huntington's disease. Neural induction of mouse ES cells was addressed, with further directed differentiation by addition of factors known to be important in the neural tube for development of specific telencephalic precursors. Subsequent neuronal differentiation of precursors was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Chapter 3 characterised the neural and forebrain features of NEBs up to day 8 in neural induction medium, using a reporter cell line, in which LacZ was tagged to the early forebrain marker, Foxgl. Addition of FGF2 but not the Wnt inhibitor DKK-1, increased the forebrain population within the overall cell population. Day 8 NEBs, subjected to neuronal differentiation conditions, yielded p-III-tubulin positive neurons but no DARPP-32 expression. In Chapter 4, NEBs cultured for either 8 or 16 days were compared for expression of neural markers and then transplanted into the QA lesioned rat striatum to assess their potential to generate mature phenotypes in vivo. Day 8 NEBs generated teratomas by 2 weeks post transplantation. At 6 weeks post-transplantation, day 16 NEBs generated heterogeneous grafts with graft-derived neurons and glia, but no graft-derived DARPP-32 expression. Expression of dorso-ventral telencephalon markers in NEBs was investigated in Chapter 5, drawing comparisons to expression in the mouse (El4) developing telencephalon. The effects of the SHH agonist, purmorphamine, and the SHH antagonist, cyclopamine, were used in an attempt to enrich the forebrain precursors generated in Chapter 3 for ventral telencephalic-like precursors. Although gene expression changes were demonstrated, no distinct dorso-ventral patterns were shown. In vitro neuronal differentiation of day 16 NEBs was analysed in Chapter 6, in particular looking for expression of the MSN marker DARPP-32. Cultures of cells from the lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE) (the origin of MSNs) were used to determine if certain factors could increase the yield of DARPP-32 positive neurons. Addition of BDNF yielded the highest proportion of DARPP-32 from LGE. However, when this condition was applied to neuronal differentiation cultures of day 16 NEBs there was no effect on the expression of GAB A, DARPP-32 or FoxPl, all markers of MSNs. In Chapter 7, day 16 NEBs, with and without addition of purmorphamine, were transplanted into the QA lesioned mouse striatum. All resulting grafts were small, but analysis revealed densities of neuronal and striatal markers in day 16 NEB-derived grafts to be similar to E14-derived grafts.
Revision of the «euryglossiform» species of the Afrotropical bee genus Scrapter Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Colletidae)

The South African endemic bees of the "euryglossiform" species of the genus Scrapter Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 are revised and illustrated. The species-group is defined for the first time and comprises 20 species, 16 of which are described here as new: Scrapter exiguus sp. nov. ♀, ♂, S. gessorum sp. nov. ♀, S. inexpectatus sp. nov. ♀, S. luteistigma sp. nov. ♀, ♂, S. minutissimus sp. nov. ♂, S. minutuloides sp. nov. ♀, S. minutus sp. nov. ♀, S. nanus sp. nov. ♀, ♂, S. nigerrimus sp. nov. ♀, S. nigritarsis sp. nov. ♀, S. papkuilsi sp. nov. ♀, ♂, S. punctatus sp. nov. ♀, ♂, S. pygmaeus sp. nov. ♀, S. roggeveldi sp. nov. ♀, ♂, S. spinipes sp. nov. ♀, ♂ and S. ulrikae sp. nov. ♀, ♂. For S. acanthophorus Davies, 2005 and S. sittybon Davies, 2005 the female is here described for the first time. A key to all species is provided.
Social Implications and Factors Associated With Street Hawking Among Children in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Background: Street hawking is one of the commonest forms of child labor in Nigeria. This study aimed at determining the social implications and factors associated with street hawking among children in Uyo, South-South Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in Uyo in April, 2015. The instrument of data collection was a self designed, interviewer administered semistructured questionnaire. All consenting children aged 5-17 years hawking along major traffic light intersections within Uyo Metropolis during the days of data collection were included in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.Level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 225 respondents participated in the study; 119 (52.9%) were males and Original Research Article Johnson and Ihesie; BJESBS, 11(2): 1-9, 2015; Article no.BJESBS. 19565 2 106 (47.1%) females. The mean age of respondents was 13.27 (2.52) years. Only 157 (73.03%) were presently in school, while 48 (21.3%) had dropped out and 10 (4.4%) never went to school. Up to 66 (29.3%) could not communicate fluently in English. Fifty six (35.7%) of those in school reported worsening of their grades since hawking began. A greater number, 168 (74.7%) lived with their parents. The most common singular occupation of respondents’ mothers, 139 (61.8%) and fathers, 52(23.1%) respectively was trading. Up to 42 (18.7%) had lost their fathers. While hawking, 112 (49.8%) were robbed, 82 (36.4%) were involved in fights, 101 (44.9%) were physically harassed by older adults and 6 (2.7%) had been targets of attempted kidnapping. Majority, 145 (64.4%) hawked to augment family income, while 63 (28.8%) hawked to earn a living. More than half, 131 (58.2%) were unhappy with the work and desired to quit. Conclusion: In view of the numerous negative effects of hawking on children, government should implement and enforce the legislation addressing child street hawking in Nigeria and also set up poverty alleviation programmes.
Consumo de nutrientes e desempenho de ovinos alimentados com dietas à base de cana-de-açúcar hidrolisada

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o consumo de nutrientes e o desempenho de ovinos alimentados com dietas a base de cana-de-acucar in natura ou hidrolisada. Foram avaliados 18 ovinos, com aproximadamente 22±2,4 kg de peso vivo, distribuidos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com 6 repeticoes, e o peso dos animais foi utilizado como criterio para sua distribuicao nos blocos. Os animais receberam dietas completas com 50% de volumoso (cana-de-acucar in natura, tratada com 0,5 e com 0,9% de cal), e 50% de concentrado. As dietas foram formuladas de forma a atender as exigencias de manutencao dos animais e os ganhos de 150 g por dia. As variaveis foram: o consumo e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e o ganho em peso dos animais. A adicao do hidroxido de calcio aumentou a digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro. Nao foi observada alteracao no consumo de nutrientes ou melhora no ganho em peso dos animais alimentados com cana-de-acucar, tratada com hidroxido de calcio, a 0,5 e 0,9%, em comparacao a cana-de-acucar in natura. A cana-de-acucar com adicao hidroxido de calcio pode ser fornecida apos 24 horas de armazenamento, sem prejuizo do desempenho dos animais.
Floristic Studies of Seaweeds from Cobscook Bay, Maine

Abstract The benthic marine algal flora of Cobscook Bay, ME, which is located near the mouth of the Bay of Fundy and is contiguous with Passamaquoddy Bay, NB, Canada, consists of 148 taxa, including 38 green, 46 brown, and 64 red algae. The seaweed flora of Cobscook Bay contains 47% of the total taxa (315) known from the Bay of Fundy and 37% of the 403 taxa recorded from the northeast coast of North America. Cobscook Bay's floristic affinities range from 63.8%) (Bay of Fundy) to 74.3%» (Casco Bay), with Passamaquoddy Bay having a 68.8%) affinity. Of the 37 sites in Cobscook Bay, Eastport Harbor (70 taxa) and Reversing Falls Park (51 taxa) had the highest number of species, and the lowest was found at one Lubec site near Lead Mine Road (only “brackish” water taxa found). The Bay's overall (R + C)/ P floristic ratio ([red + green]/ brown algae) is 2.2, which indicates a cold-temperate flora. Six introduced seaweeds were found in the Bay. The expanded vertical distribution of intertidal (and subtidal) taxa within Cobscook Bay may be associated with extreme tides and a high incidence of summer fog. Kelps in some Cobscook Bay areas were larger than open coastal plants, reflecting the effect of protected embayments, strong currents, and high levels of nutrients, as demonstrated by Saccharina longicruris at Wilbur Neck, with an average length of 4.6 m. Saccharina latissima, growing in areas with strong tidal currents at Reversing Falls Park, had elongate and narrow blades similar to the narrow-bladed S. latissima f. angustissima known only from mid-coastal Maine. Dwarf limicolous fucoids (i.e., Fucus species “muscoideslike”) were found in some sandy salt marsh habitats similar to those described at a few scattered Canadian Maritime and Gulf of Maine sites.