Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cutting Edge: NK Cell Inhibitory Receptors Prevent Tyrosine Phosphory- lation of the Activation Receptor 2B4

2B4 is an NK cell activation receptor that can provide a costimulatory signal to other activation receptors and whose mode of signal transduction is still unknown. We show that cross-linking of 2B4 on NK cells results in its rapid tyrosine phosphorylation, implying that this initial step in 2B4 signaling does not require coligation of other receptors. Ligation of 2B4 in the context of an NK cell-target cell interaction leads to 2B4 tyrosine phosphorylation, target cell lysis, and IFN-g release. Coligation of 2B4 with the inhibitory receptors killer cell Iglike receptor (KIR)2DL1 or CD94/NKG2 completely blocks NK cell activation. The rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of 2B4 observed upon contact of NK cells with sensitive target cells is abrogated when KIR2DL1 or CD94/NKG2 are engaged by their cognate MHC class I ligand on resistant target cells. These results demonstrate that NK inhibitory receptors can interfere with a step as proximal as phosphorylation of an activation receptor. The Journal of Immunology, 2000, 165: 3545‐3548.
EQUAÇÕES HIPSOMÉTRICAS PARA Eucalyptus spp. NÃO MANEJADO EM IDADE AVANÇADA COM TÉCNICAS DE INCLUSÃO DE COVARIANTES

The aim of the study was to establish hypsometric equations for unmanaged Eucalyptus spp. in old age. For this purpose we measured the diameter and height of 513 stems distributed in 11 species and the hypsometric relationship was established by six regression models, being selected the one with the best Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), standard error of estimative (Syx), Maximum Likelihood Ratio Test and Residual Graphical Analysis. Subsequently, the best model has undergone the inclusion of the covariates stem quality (Qf) and Species (Sp) by means of the decomposition of its parameters. Under these conditions, the model of Chapman and Richards showed the best performance in both modeling approaches. When compared both models, we observed a reduction of 71 AIC units and 7.4% in Syx and a significant improvement in all aspects of the residual distribution in the model with covariates. The results show that it is possible to provide hypsometric equations suitable for unmanaged Eucalyptus in old age, with and without addition of covariates, and the last technique has provided significant improvement in the quality of fit of the models.
Transgenerational Response to Nitrogen Deprivation in Arabidopsis thaliana

Nitrogen (N) deficiency is one of the major stresses that crops are exposed to. It is plausible to suppose that a stress condition can induce a memory in plants that might prime the following generations. Here, an experimental setup that considered four successive generations of N-sufficient and N-limited Arabidopsis was used to evaluate the existence of a transgenerational memory. The results demonstrated that the ability to take up high amounts of nitrate is induced more quickly as a result of multigenerational stress exposure. This behavior was paralleled by changes in the expression of nitrate responsive genes. RNAseq analyses revealed the enduring modulation of genes in downstream generations, despite the lack of stress stimulus in these plants. The modulation of signaling and transcription factors, such as NIGTs, NFYA and CIPK23 might indicate that there is a complex network operating to maintain the expression of N-responsive genes, such as NRT2.1, NIA1 and NIR. This behavior indicates a rapid acclimation of plants to changes in N availability. Indeed, when fourth generation plants were exposed to N limitation, they showed a rapid induction of N-deficiency responses. This suggests the possible involvement of a transgenerational memory in Arabidopsis that allows plants to adapt efficiently to the environment and this gives an edge to the next generation that presumably will grow in similar stressful conditions.
ÉTUDE DE LA DÉNITRIFICATION CHEZ UNE BACTÉRIE THERMOPHILE SPORULÉE

SUMMARY DENITRIFICATION IN A SPORULATING THERMOPHILIC BACTERIUM Denitrification in a thermophile isolated on nitrite containing-medium (5 g/l) was studied by means of Warburg respirometry and gas chromatography. This strain seems to denitrify nitrite more rapidly than nitrate. Extracts of cells grown anaerobically on nitrate have dissimilatory nitrate reductase (type A) ; extracts of cells grown aerobically witp'out nitrate have raised levels of the two types of nitrate reductase A pd B. The optimal temperature for enzyme A activity is 600 C. Nitrite reductase activity was measured using yeast extract as electron donor. For nitric oxide reductase activity, yeast extract is as efficient an electron donor as sodium lactate. Nitrous oxide reductase activity was found only in the 4000 g supernatant showing the particulate nature of the enzyme. A mixture of FAD, FMN and NADH served as electron donor. Using acetylene as an inhibitor of nitrous oxide reduction in both whole cells and extracts, we showed that this gas is an intermediate compound in the reduction of NO to N,.
Nomenclature and taxonomy of Ortonia Signoret, 1876, and Llaveia Signoret, 1876 (Hemiptera, Coccoidea, Margarodidae)

Nomenclature et taxonomie des genres Ortonia Signoret, 1876, et Llaveia Signoret, 1876 (Hemiptera, Coccoidea, Margarodidae). L'identite de deux especes de cochenilles Margarodidae, Ortonia bouvari et O. uhleri, et du genre Ortonia, tous decrits par Signoret en 1876, est etablie. Des lectotypes sont designes. Le nom Ortonia Signoret, homonyme plus recent, est remplace par Ecuadortonia nouveau nom. Ortonia bouvari Signoret est mis en synonymie avec Llaveia axin (Llave). Des particularites taxonomiques de L. axin, espece-type du genre, et d'Ortonia uhleri Signoret, espece-type d'Ecuadortonia, sont discutees.
Investigation of Thermal, Mechanical, Morphological and Optical Properties of Polyvinyl alcohol Films Reinforced with Buddha Coconut (Sterculia alata) Leaf Fiber

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films reinforced with Buddha Coconut (Sterculia alata) leaf fiber (SA) were synthesized by solvent casting method. The influence of fiber addition (2.515.0 %) on the resulted blended films was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, IR and UV/Vis spectra. The kinetic parameters such as activation energy and degradation temperature range for the first and second decomposition stage based on thermogravimetric data were determined using single heating rate models. The film containing 2.5 % fiber showed the maximum weight loss percentage (41.2 ± 1.1) under soil burial analysis. At the level of 12.5 % fiber, films showed the lowest water uptake percentage (56.0 ± 1.9) and maximum Ultimate Tensile Strength (38.1± 1.1) MPa.
Sexual maturity, handedness and sexual dimorphism of the freshwater crab Dilocarcinus pagei in Southeastern Brazil

O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar a maturidade sexual de Dilocarcinus pagei Stimpson, 1861, por meio do estudo do crescimento relativo e desenvolvimento gonadal. Adicionalmente, um possivel dimorfismo sexual foi avaliado. As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente de outubro de 2005 a setembro de 2007, no reservatorio da Usina Hidreletrica de Furnas/Marimbondo, municipio de Icem, Estado de Sao Paulo. Lateralidade foi registrada para o sexo masculino, com o propodo do quelipodo direito invariavelmente mais longo e mais largo que o esquerdo. O valor estimado da largura da carapaca para a maturidade sexual morfologica nos machos foi de 28,7mm a partir da relacao comprimento do propodo do quelipodo vs. largura da carapaca, enquanto que para as femeas, esse valor foi de 24,2mm a partir da relacao largura do abdome vs. largura da carapaca. A maturidade gonadal foi estimada em 39,2mm e 39,9mm para machos e femeas respectivamente (LC50). Nao foi observado um dimorfismo sexual em relacao a largura da carapaca. Para que um caranguejo esteja apto a reproducao, e necessario atingir a maturidade morfologica e ter desenvolvido as gonadas. Com isso, um possivel tamanho minimo de captura baseado no tamanho em que 50% da populacao e considerada reprodutiva, pode assegurar uma consequente preservacao dessa especie.
Out of my way! Exploring Different Modalities for Robots to Ask People to Move Out of the Way

To navigate politely through social spaces, a mobile robot needs to communicate successfully with human bystanders. What is the best way for a robot to attract attention in a socially acceptable manner to communicate its intent to others in a shared space? Through a series of in-the-wild experiments, we measured the social appropriateness and effectiveness of different modalities for robots to communicate to people their intended movement, using combinations of visual text, audio and haptic cues. Using multiple modalities to draw attention and declare intent helps robots to communicate acceptably and effectively. We recommend that in social settings, robots should use multiple modalities to ask people to get out of the way. Additionally, we observe that blowing air at people is a particularly suitable way of attracting attention.
New evidence for the life habit of graptoloids from physical modelling

Physical models of graptolites have been constructed for a range of morphologies, with emphasis on planar, multiramous forms. The models are life size and have the density of a living graptolite, based on the now-established collagenous nature of the periderm and unavoidable assumptions about the amount of extrathecal tissue present in the living colony. These models have been used to test the two main hypotheses of graptolite life habit developed by Bulman, Rickards, Kirk, and others. Testing of graptoloid models in water suggests that many rhabdosome shapes were designed for passive rotation within the water column. This is caused in the models by a variety of modifications, including changes in thecal and stipe orientation, alterations of colony shape and the addition of vanes and hooks. Rotation would only have been useful when the rhabdosome was in directional motion and the frequency of such modifications seems anomalous if no such movement occurred. Thus movement by some means is required, either passively, by changes in buoyancy, or by automobility. Spiralling action would increase the harvesting path of an individual living on a planar, multiramous colony, making this a theoretically advantageous mode of life for the morphology. It would prevent the individual zooids of scandent biserial and uniserial colonies from feeding from the same narrow band of water.
Effect of the use of fermentation promoters with or without probiotics on the profile of fatty acids, amino acids and cholesterol of milk from grazing cows

This study reviews the development and use of fermentation promoters and probiotics on the profile of fatty acids, amino acids and cholesterol of milk from grazing cows. A herd of 35 cows (511 ± 12 kg), which were in the middle of lactation, Zebu crossings, over a silvopastoral system with star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus) and brachiaria (Brachiaria brizantha), and browsing legumes, with 3 kg of fermented promoters (FP), were provided with 1.5 kg of lactobacilli per day as supplement (LAB). The grazing area was 20.9 ha. Another herd of 28 animals (514 ±14 kg), grazing on 18.5 ha, supplemented with 6 kg/d of a commercial concentrate with 160 g of commercial probioric (CP), was used. An amount of 8 commercial milks were sampled. The milk from the three treatments was weighed each week. The average of production was 17 kg for LAB, of 14 kg/d in silvopastoril system (SP) and 16 kg in CP (P<0.05). The saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids showed differences in the three treatments (P<0.05). Polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid were 34%, 46% and 68% higher in CP, silvopastoral system and LAB compared to commercial milk (CM). Results have demonstrated that grazing diverse green fresh forages improve milk quality due to the increase of unsaturated fatty acids. The LAB allowed a decrease of biohydrogenation. LAB and SP provided the milks with highest amount of omega 3. Key words: probiotic, quality, milk, cows, tropic
XVII—The distribution of gene ratios for rare mutations

The discussion of the distribution of the gene ratio of the author's paper of 1922 is amended by the use of a more exact form of the differential equation to be satisfied. It appears that the time needed to halve the variance by random extinction of genes in the total absence of mutations should be 1·4 instead of 2·8 times the number of potential parents in each generation. Either value shows that the loss of variance due to this cause is too trifling to be appreciable in the balance of causes which maintain the actual genetic variability of species
Investigating the Role of Glutathione Transferases in the Phytodetoxification of Explosives

The explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a major worldwide environmental pollutant. Highly persistent to degradation the presence of this toxic pollutant presents various health and environmental concerns. In the present study the role of two glutathione transferases (GSTs), in the detoxification of TNT is investigated. The Tau class GSTs from Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), GST-U24 and GST-U25, were strongly upregulated in response to TNT. Following affinity chromatography purification and characterisation of recombinant forms of both enzymes, three distinct TNT-glutathionyl products were identified. GSTU-25 was able to convert TNT to 2-glutathionyl-4,6-dinitrotoluene, with the concurrent release of nitrite. This conjugate could be chemically weaker than TNT and as a result, potentially more susceptible to biodegradation. To further investigate the detoxification abilities of GST-U24 and GST-U25 in planta 35S-GST-U24 and GST-U25 Arabidopsis lines were generated. These GST overexpressing lines exhibited significantly increased ability to withstand and detoxify TNT with a corresponding reduction in glutathione levels, and displayed higher shoot and root biomass than untransformed plants when grown in the presence of TNT. A Drosophila melanogaster Epsilon class GST (DmGSTE6) was subsequently assessed for its potential for phytoremediation. DmGSTE6 exhibited higher activity than GST-U24 and GST-U25 towards TNT in vitro and produced almost exclusively 2-glutathionyl-4,6-dinitrotoluene. Expressing DmGSTE6 in Arabidopsis resulted in enhanced biomass, when grown on TNT-containing media, when compared to the GST-U24/U25 overexpressing lines, but a similar TNT uptake rate. Finally, to identify key amino residues involved in the catalytic activity of GSTs towards TNT, a site-directed mutagenesis approach was employed. The results highlighted Tyr107 as important to catalytic activity with additional aromatic residues contributing to the stabilisation of aromatic substrates such as TNT. Ultimately the GST-mediated detoxification pathway demonstrated here can be exploited in robust plant species for the phytoremediation of TNT.
Forgiveness and marital satisfaction: a view from the systemic

tipo conductas ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to evaluate from a systematic perspective the effect of forgiveness on marital satisfaction in a sample of 96 Chilean heterosexual couples. A cross-sectional study with a non-experimental design was conducted. Both members of the dyad completed the Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations Inventory (McCullough et al., 1998) and the Marital Satisfaction Scale (Roach et al., 1981). The results lead to the conclusion that the tendency to avoid the partner and thoughts of revenge predict lower marital satisfaction both in men and women. It was also noted that there is a direct association between avoidance and revenge carried out by one of the partners and the same type of behavior carried out by the other. Moreover, it was found that avoidance conduct by men and revenge on the part of women have a negative effect on companionship/romantic satisfaction.
Elytron-Branding as a Permanent Marking Technique for Nicrophorus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Silphidae)

Abstract Mark-recapture population estimates require the use of permanent marks that do not alter the survival or behavior of marked individuals. A number of marks have been developed to monitor populations of the federally endangered American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus Olivier. Surveys that employ marks are needed to determine population size and monitor population trends, which are required information to support recovery of this insect. However, studies have revealed problems with mark retention or damage to tested individuals associated with permanent marks. Currently used permanent marking techniques involve making a hole or removing a wedge from an ABB elytron. In this study, we tested the efficacy of elytron branding using a surgical cauterizer. The cauterizer was used to ablate one of the orange maculations on the elytron of four species of Nicrophorus Fabricius. We found that the marking technique was rapid compared with other techniques, permanent, and easily interpreted. American burying beetles are large, which allowed up to two brands to be applied per maculation, leading to the possibility of applying more than 40,000 unique marks to track individuals. Although untested in this study, branding is likely usable for permanent non-disruptive marks of other beetle species with maculation patterns on the elytra.
APPLICATION OF DNA BARCODING BASED ON THE MITOCHONDRIALCO1 GENE SEQUENCES IN CLASSIFICATION OF CULTER (PISCES: CYPRINIDAE)

DNA Barcoding is becoming more and more attractive to biologists as a new method for species identification. The core idea of DNA barcoding is based on the fact that species can be differentiated by short pieces of standard gene sequences. It is very important to choose appropriate genetic marker for species identification. Mitochondrial CO1 gene sequence was a popular marker of DNA barcoding for species identification in the kingdom of animals. In this paper, we discussed the validation of CO1 gene sequence to efficiently identify the species of genus Culler. Original nucleotide sequence data of partial mitochondrial CO1 gene,about 816 base pairs,were collected from 4 species of Culler and totally 32 specimens. Sequences analysis was conducted by using MEGA3. 1. Genetic variation among species and variation within species were calculated, and it was found that pairwise genetic distance among 4 species was more than 2% and obviously higher than the distance within a species. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out with different methods, including neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony,maximum likelihood and bayesian analysis. The topology of each final trees revealed that all individuals of each species formed a strong monophyletic group. Specie identification with CO1 sequences in Culler supported the taxonomy based on morphological characters,and it was proposed that CO1 sequences could be a probable marker to resolve the phylogenetic relationship of the genus. The conclusion of our research suggested that mitochondrial CO1 gene was a valid DNA barcoding gene for specie identification in genus Culler.
Performance of the RothC-26.3 model in short-term experiments in Mexican sites and systems

SUMMARY Information on the performance of the Rothamsted organic carbon turnover model (RothC model) in predicting changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) in short-term experiments is scarce. In Mexico, it was found that these experiments covered not more than 20 years. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate short-term SOC prediction performance of the RothC model in the following systems: (1) farming with residues added (A+R), (2) farming with no added residues (A−R), (3) pure forest stands (F), (4) grasslands (GR) and (5) rangeland (RL). Work was done in five experimental sites: Atécuaro, Michoacán; Santiago Tlalpan, Tlaxcala; El Batán, State of Mexico; Sierra Norte, Oaxaca; and Linares, Nuevo León. Carbon (C) inputs to the soil were plant residues and organic fertilizers, which need to be known to operate the RothC model. The adjustment coefficients for site modelling had R2 values of 0·77–0·95 and model efficiency (EF) was −0·60 to 0·93. When RothC performance was evaluated by a system, R2 values were 0·06–0·92 and EF was −0·24 to 0·90. The low R2 and EF values in rangelands were attributed to the fact that these systems are complex because of heterogeneous vegetation, soil and climate. In general, the evaluation of the RothC model indicates that it can be useful in simulating SOC changes in temperate and warm climate sites and in farming, forest and grassland systems in Mexico.
The Role of Immunological Receptors CD74 and CD44 in Association with the Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) on Human Breast Cancer Derived Cells

Synergistic interaction between pairs of membrane-bound receptors has been linked to signalling, cell communication and tumour progression. This study has shown that cluster of differentiation (CD) 74 and CD44 act in synergy and are susceptible to the effect of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). MIF is a 12.5 kDa chemokine-like inflammatory mediator, whose ligand is the transmembrane receptor CD74. Recent data suggests that CD74 is involved in proinflammatory responses and tumorigenesis but detailed mechanisms are not fully understood. In normal cells CD74 functions as a chaperone of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR biosynthesis and is expressed in antigen presenting cells in the absence of tumours. Notably, CD44 is also a transmembrane receptor and member of a family of cell adhesion molecules responsible for adhesion between adjacent cells (e.g. antigen presenting cells) and cells in the extracellular matrix. Western blotting and flow cytometry were employed to determine the quantitative expression of CD74, MIF and CD44 in three distinct breast tumour cell lines: CAMA-1, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435. All three cell lines showed a high expression of CD74, MIF and CD44. Modulation studies showed that IFN-γ and LPS can play a significant role in regulating the expression of CD74, proliferation and cell migration in CAMA-1 and MDA-MB-231 cells; suggesting that CD74 might be involved in controlling immunogenicity and immunoediting of breast cancer cells. To investigate the interaction of CD74 with CD44 and MIF, confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation techniques were used. The three molecules form a multimeric complex in cytoplasmic compartments as measured by confocal microscopy, suggesting a mechanistic mode of action; in addition CD74, MIF and CD44 showed significant quantitative variations on all breast cancer derived cells. Knockdown of CD74 by CD74 siRNA significantly reduced CAMA-1 and MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation but increased the level of apoptotic cells. These data suggests that CD74, MIF and CD44, might facilitate signalling and hence could affect tumour progression. Measuring the co-expression levels of CD74, MIF and CD44 could potentially be used as a ‘biomarker signature’ for monitoring breast cancer tumours at different stages of the disease.
Electrospinning of Antimony Doped Tin Oxide Nanoparticle Dispersion for Transparent and Conductive Films

© 2020. The Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License (CC BY-NC 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/deed.en which permits the use, redistribution of the material in any medium or format, transforming and building upon the material, provided that the article is properly cited, the use is noncommercial, and no modifications or adaptations are made. Arch. Metall. Mater. 65 (2020), 4, 1345-1350