Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MOBILIZAÇÃO DE RESERVAS NO EIXO EMBRIONÁRIO E NOS COTILÉDONES DE SEMENTES DE Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) S. F. Blake DURANTE A GERMINAÇÃO

Knowledge of seed chemical composition is very important in order to understand behavior during germination, storage and metabolic processes involved during reserve degradation, the latter of which affects seed vigor. The objective of this study was to assess changes in carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in the embryonic axis and in cotyledons during germination of S chizolobium parahyba . Seeds were placed in Petri dishes to germinate and samples were removed periodically for analyses. Germination was 88%, starting on the ninth day, and the germination rate was 7.7 seeds.day -1 . Among fatty acids, oleic acids predominated in the embryonic axis and in cotyledons, with changes occurring during the observation period. The others fatty acids showed little change. The levels of starch and soluble carbohydrate behaved in a similar manner in both compartments with a decrease during the imbibition period. Protein levels in the embryonic axis decreased by the eight day, after increasing for two days. On the other hand, protein levels in cotyledons remained constant during the first two days, decreased on the six day and increased on the eight day.
Comparative Analysis of Embryonic Stem Cells and Multipotent Adult Germline Stem Cells at the Level of Transcriptome and Proteome

Pluripotency of different stem cell types is a complex biological state which allows the cells to continuously proliferate (self-renewal) but also primes them for differentiation into all germ layers and germ cells. Regulation of pluripotency involves the presence of transcriptional regulatory networks, which components are, however, until now incompletely defined. In the present study, we aimed at the identification of similarities and differences in gene expression patterns of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and multipotent adult germline stem cells (maGSCs) with a special focus on genes known to be involved in the regulation of pluripotency. Another goal was the identification of putative new pluripotency-regulating factors. Therefore, we first performed whole genome microarray analysis to compare undifferentiated and differentiated ESCs and maGSCs with each other at RNA-level. It could be shown that the undifferentiated cell lines are not only indistinguishable from each other based on their expression of known pluripotency-regulating factors but also based on their global gene expression pattern. We could find that, as expected, the cell types change their gene expression profile during differentiation. However, after differentiation both cell types again show a very similar gene expression pattern. Furthermore, the comparison of ESCs and maGSCs at protein level is described. Herewith, it was possible to confirm the similarities between both cell types in their undifferentiated state. However, differences in protein abundance could be found after differentiation of the cell lines. Additionally, we could show that the post-translational modification hypusination of Eif5a has an effect on the proliferation potential of ESCs and maGSCs, whereas it did not influence the pluripotency of the cells. Finally, the functional characterization of the putative pluripotency-regulating factor Stra8 is described. It was found that Stra8 fulfills all the criteria for a protein involved in transcriptional regulation of pl uripotency. We could show that a change in protein level of Stra8, that are siRNA-mediated knockdown and stable overexpression, results in a change of expression level of known pluripotency regulators as well as marker genes for differentiation into the three germ layers. In addition, the identification and characterization of further putative pluripotency-regulating factors are shown. Therefore, a reanalysis of the results of the transcriptional profiling experiments described in the first part of the thesis was performed to identify transcription factors whose expression is downregulated during differentiation of ESCs and maGSCs. These candidate genes were further analyzed according to their expression pattern in pluripotent cell lines and adult organs.
Influence of Oenococcus oeni and Brettanomyces bruxellensis on Wine Microbial Taxonomic and Functional Potential Profiles

The interactions between lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and other wine microbiota impact on wine quality. Some strains of lactic acid bacteria Oenococcus oeni possess cinnamoyl esterase activity that releases hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) that can subsequently be processed by some strains of the spoilage yeast Brettanomyces bruxellensis and lead to off-flavor compounds. Using metagenomic analyses, this study investigated the influence of O. oeni and B. bruxellensis on the taxonomic and functional potential profiles of the microbial community of Cabernet Sauvignon wine, particularly regarding flavor formation. Metagenomic datasets were generated from inoculations of three strains of B. bruxellensis, in combination with two O. oeni strains, with and without cinnamoyl esterase activity. Effect on the microbial profiles was found to depend on the O. oeni and B. bruxellensis strains being combined and on the abundance that the inoculants reach in the final wine, which depends on unidentified conditions (e.g., derived from microbial interactions). This study confirmed that the potential of B. bruxellensis to produce off-flavor compounds from HCAs is strain dependent. Interestingly, the samples without microbial inoculants also had this potential, suggesting that microbiota from the native grape could also influence the levels of HCAs. The metagenomic analyses complemented by experimental validation also found that the presence of B. bruxellensis did not interfere with the microbial functional potential to transform l-malic acid into l-lactic acid, which typically leads to a less acidic flavor. We show that metagenomic approaches can help uncover the complex wine microbial community traits, such as flavor, impacted by the simultaneous presence of O. oeni and B. bruxellensis.
Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling and dose-response for fetal skeletal malformations induced by ingestion of all-trans retinoic acid in CD-1 mice

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to 1) compare two techniques (computerized image analysis and visual morphological evaluation) for the assessment of fetal forelimb malformations and 2) increase the robustness of the dose-response curve for forelimb and cleft palate malformation resulting from all-trans retinoic acid (RA) exposure in GD 11 mice. METHODS: Pregnant CD-1 mice were administered a single oral dose of all-trans RA (0, 2.5, 10, 30, 60 or 100 mg/kg) on GD 11. GD 18 fetuses were examined for malformations using visual morphological scoring and computerized image analysis. RESULTS: Dose-dependent changes occurred in size and shape of the humerus, radius and ulna based on both assessment methodologies. The most sensitive indicators for the lowest effect level (10 mg/kg) on forelimbs were roundness, a shape measurement determined by image analysis, and visual morphological scoring. For all other bone measurements (proximal and distal width, area, length, and perimeter), the lowest effect level was 30 mg/kg. The maximum effect for limb defects and total malformed fetuses was seen at 60 mg/kg and higher. Incidence of cleft palate increased over the entire range of administered doses reaching a maximum of 74% (100 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, results indicate that computerized image analysis was no more sensitive in detecting changes in the humerus, radius and ulna than gross visual examination. Dose-response modeling of developmental endpoints yielded comparable benchmark dose levels for long bones and cleft palate that ranged from 0.24 to 7.6 mg/kg all-trans RA.
Connecting urban commuters and communities using location-based technologies

Cities have recently begun to focus on how digital technology can better inform and engage people through an online presence containing web portals for desktop computers and mobile devices. Yet we do not know whether common user interface design strategies apply to government portal design given their vast repositories of information for citizens of varying ages. This mixedmethods study compares the usability of desktop and mobile interfaces for two types of city portals, textual and visual, using the System Usability Scale, a standardized usability questionnaire. Using a set of twelve tasks, we evaluated three usability aspects of two city portals: effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction. Our results suggest there was a main effect between textual and visual designs, with users rating the textual design on a mobile device higher than a visual design. From this, we suggest that responsive design may not be the best fit when designing city portals to be experienced for use on desktop and mobile devices.
Studies towards the prebiotic synthesis of nucleotides and amino acids

Understanding how life on Earth might have started is the major goal of prebiotic chemistry. The universal nature of extant life, with integrated informational, catalytic and compartment-forming systems, suggests a common chemical origin. Comprehensive studies of the feasible routes towards the biomolecules necessary for life will refine our knowledge of the prebiotic chemistry that lead to life. The integration of genetic information and proteins in the central dogma of molecular biology indicates the importance of evaluating the prebiotic synthesis of amino acids and peptides. Following the principles of prebiotic systems chemistry, ideally this should take place under similar conditions established for other prebiotically plausible networks that lead to other key class of metabolite using common reagents. Here we focus on resolving the pH incompatibility of nucleotide (pH 9). Introducing DAP – a reagent previously implicated in various areas of prebiotic chemistry – into the Strecker reaction enables the synthesis of N-phosphoroaminonitriles at pH 7, and is highly selective for proteinogenic over non-proteinogenic amino acid precursors. Derivatisation of the products of this phosphoro-Strecker reaction provides a handle for further reaction and possible oligomerisation. Phosphate is used as a universal energy currency in extant life, notably in amino acid activation in protein synthesis, so the formation of a phosphorylated amino acid derivative in this work is particularly interesting. The ubiquity of RNA in modern biochemistry and RNA’s dual functionality (genotypic and phenotypic) makes RNA a strong contender for the first biopolymer. We also present an account of our results exploring: the replacement of phosphate with borate in the stereochemical rearrangement of 2′,2-anhydropyrimidines and 2′,8-anhydropurines; the formation of a glycosidic bond between acetylated ribose derivatives (from the UV irradiation of unwanted α-pyrimidine by-products) and purine nucleobases; and a stereospecific reduction of 5′,8-cyclopurines.
Sperm biology : an evolutionary perspective

This book represents the first analysis of the evolutionary significance of sperm phenotypes and derived sperm traits and the possible selection pressures responsible for sperm-egg coevolution. An understanding of sperm evolution is fast developing and promises to shed light on many topics from basic reproductive biology to the evolutionary process itself as well as the sperm proteome, the sperm genome and the quantitative genetics of sperm. The Editors have identified 15 topics of current interest and biological significance to cover all aspects of this bizarre, fascinating and important subject. It comprises the most comprehensive and up-to-date review of the evolution of sperm and pointers for future research, written by experts in both sperm biology and evolutionary biology. The combination of evolution and sperm is a potent mix, and this is the definitive account. * The first review survey of this emerging field * Written by experts from a broad array of disciplines from the physiological and biomedical to the ecological and evolutionary * Sheds light on the intricacies of reproduction and the coevolution of sperm, egg and reproductive behavior
Analysis and design of a new three-phase LCC-type resonant DC-DC converter with capacitor output filter

This paper presents a new topology for DC/DC power conversion based on a three-phase LCC-type resonant circuit with a capacitive output filter. A simple, yet accurate, analysis and a practical, step-by-step design procedure are presented. Advantages include soft-switching for all of the inverter switches, narrow control frequency range and high-power capability with high-frequency operation for high-voltage applications.
Tectonochemistry of the Brooks Range Ophiolite, Alaska

We present new whole-rock geochemical data from the Brooks Range ophiolite (BRO) together with new mineral chemistry data from the BRO, South Sandwich forearc, Izu-Bonin forearc, and Hess Deep. The analyses reveal that the Brooks Range ophiolite (BRO) was most likely created in a forearc setting. We show that this tectonic classification requires the Brookian orogeny to begin at ~163-169 Ma. The middle-Jurassic BRO contains abundant gabbros and other intrusive rocks that are geochemically similar to lithologies found in other forearc settings. Based on major, minor, and trace element geochemistry, we conclude that the BRO has clear signals of a subduction-related origin. High-precision olivine data from the BRO have a forearc signature, with possible geochemical input from a nearby arc. The Koyukuk terrane lies to the south of the Brooks Range; previous studies have concluded that the BRO is the forearc remnant of this arc-related terrane. These studies also conclude that collision between the Koyukuk Arc and the Arctic Alaska continental margin marks the beginning of the Brookian orogeny. Since the BRO is a forearc ophiolite, the collision between the Koyukuk Arc and the continental margin must have coincided with obduction of the BRO. Previously determined 40Ar/39Ar ages from the BRO’s metamorphic sole yield an obduction age of 163-169 Ma. Since the same collisional event that obducts the BRO also is responsible for the Brookian orogeny, we conclude that the BRO’s obduction age of ~163-169 Ma marks the beginning of this orogenic event.
Análise da diversidade genética de genes responsáveis pela infecção per os (pif) e de fatores associados à virulência de Anticarsia gemmatalis multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus

Baculoviruses are pathogenic to insects and have been effective in controlling pests in agricultural and forestry areas. In Brazil, the baculovirus anticarsia (AgMNPV) has been used as a biological insecticide since the early eighties to control the soybean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis, a major pest of this crop. The main route of virus infection occurs through ingestion of occlusion bodies (OB) which once in the highly alkaline midgut, release ODV (Occluded Derived Virus) particles. The binding, fusion and entry of such particles into the intestinal cells are mediated by viral proteins located in the membrane of the ODV. These proteins are encoded by genes called pif (per os infectivity factors) which are essential for oral infectivity, with consequent development of the disease in the body of the insect. This study aimed to evaluate the stability of the pif genes of seasonal and geographic field isolates of AgMNPV; to express PIF proteins for construction of polyclonal antibodies; to construct recombinant viruses with deleted pif genes, and to analyze the genomic sequence of two AgMNPV clones with high difference on their virulence. Among the pif genes of the analyzed isolates the pif2 gene was the most variable among the genes studied, showing a higher number of polymorphic sites. However, the amount of SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) found does not indicate a high variability of this gene when compared to similar studies performed with other baculovirus. This study revealed that although the AgMNPV virus has been subjected to subsequent passages in insect for over 20 years and the geographic distance, the essential genes for oral infectivity remained stable. In the study of PIF proteins, only the PIF2 protein was expressed, but the obtained antibody was not specific. Although plasmids for pif gene deletion were constructed, the recombinant viruses with pif genes deletion have not been completed. The genomes of the viral clones analyzed showed the presence of a single copy of the pe38 and he65 genes which are in duplicate in the genome of the Ag-2D clone. Was observed that one of the viral clones (Ag-16), with lower virulence, has many variations in the ie-2 and pe-38 gene regions, which are responsible to transactivate early genes to start viral replication. Furthermore, other genes presented alterations like the odv-e56, and which have a essential role in the maturation and envelopment of the OD, and bro-a and bro-b genes that are in fused in only one ORF. The hr region number was also different among clones (Ag-2D with nine, Ag-01 with eight and Ag-16 with seven hrs). Studies on the per os infectivity factors genes and factors associated with virulence of the host are
Regulation and role of the LKB1-AMPK pathway

General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim.
Aspects of the ecology of macrobenthic abyssal key species in the South Atlantic Ocean with focus on the Isopoda Crustacea: Malacostraca

During the RV Polarstern cruise ANT XXIV-2 to the Southern Ocean and the Weddell Sea in 2007/2008 sediment samples were taken during and after a phytoplankton bloom at 52°S 0°E. The station located at 2960 m water depth was sampled for the first time beginning of December 2007 and revisited end of January 2008. Fresh phytodetritus originating from the observed phytoplankton bloom in the water column had reached the sea floor by the time of the second visit. Abundances of bacteria and most major meiofauna taxa did not change considerably between the two sampling dates. In the copepods, the second most abundant meiofauna taxon after the nematodes, the enhanced input of organic material did not lead to an observable increase of reproductive effort. However, a significant migration of meiofauna towards the sediment surface could be observed after the remains of the phytoplankton bloom reached the sea floor. Vertical shifts in meiofauna distribution between December and January could be explained by changing porewater oxygen concentration, total sediment fatty acid content and pigment profiles measured during our study. Higher oxygen consumption after the phytoplankton bloom has to be attributed to an enhanced respiratory activity of the living benthic component, as neither meiofauna nor bacteria reacted with an increase in individual numbers to the food input from the water column. Based on our results we assume that low temperatures and ecological strategies are the underlying factors for the delayed response of benthic deep-sea copepods to the modified environmental situation in terms of egg and larval production.
Quantifying and categorising the environmental impacts of alien birds

We are faced with a rising tide of alien species introductions across the globe. Some of these species can have significant impacts on native biodiversity. Being able to identify those species that are likely to cause the most damage when introduced to new environments is crucial if we are to minimise the broad range of impacts that they may have. A protocol has recently been developed to quantify and categorise the environmental impacts of alien species: the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT). In Chapter 2, I use EICAT to quantify and categorise the impacts of alien species for an entire taxonomic class (birds). In so doing, I generate the first, directly comparable global dataset on their environmental impacts. The assessment reveals that most alien birds have relatively minor impacts, but that some have population-level impacts that result in native species extirpations and extinctions. The EICAT assessment provides useful information on the ways in which alien birds can adversely affect the environment, and the types of species that have the most severe impacts. It also reveals that we do not have any data on the environmental impacts of over 70% of alien bird species globally: these species are classified as Data Deficient (DD) under EICAT. I use the data generated by the EICAT assessment to answer a number of outstanding questions regarding the environmental impacts of alien birds. In Chapter 3, I examine the factors that influence whether we have impact data for alien birds. I show that many species may be DD because they have minor impacts that do not attract scientific research, but that some species may be DD for reasons unrelated to the severity of their impacts. In Chapter 4, I identify the traits of alien birds that influence the severity of their environmental impacts, finding that widely distributed, generalist birds tend to have the most severe impacts. In Chapter 5, I identify the drivers of spatial variation in the severity of alien bird impacts, finding that factors relating to the duration and frequency of alien bird invasions are key in determining whether the impacts sustained by a region will be damaging. I also produce the first global maps displaying the impacts generated by alien species from an entire taxonomic class. These maps, and the data underpinning them, can be used to identify regions of the world susceptible to the impacts of alien birds. They may therefore assist in directing management interventions to regions where they are most needed.
Adephagous water beetles (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, Noteridae, Dytiscidae) of Yemen and Dhofar region (Oman) with description of a new Hyphydrus from Socotra Island

Hyphydrus dioscoridis sp. nov. from Socotra Island is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to the H. signatus species group, and is similar to Hyphydrus pictus Klug, 1834 from the Arabian Peninsula, from which it differs in the significantly coarser, deeper and denser punctation, broadly bordered clypeus, head between punctures microreticulated, tubercle on the apex of apical ventrite in male rounded, and microreticulate dorsal surface of the female. Adephagous water beetles of Yemen (including Socotra Island) and Dhofar region, southernmost Oman, are reviewed. Altogether eight species of Gyrinidae (of which one is not identified to species level), one species of Haliplidae, one species of Noteridae, and 52 species of Dytiscidae are documented. New records of 48 species are presented, while two previously described species, Dineutus arabicus Regimbart, 1907 and Hydaticus arabicus Guignot, 1951, are diagnosed and illustrated. Four species of Dytiscidae are recorded from Oman for the first time; twelve species (one Gyrinidae, 11 Dytiscidae) are recorded from Yemen for the first time – eight from continental Yemen and four from Socotra; in addition two other Dytiscidae species are recorded from Socotra for the first time, and the occurrence of another Gyrinidae species previously known from a doubtful record is confirmed. Habitat information is provided for recently collected species. The zoogeographical patterns of the region are briefly summarized.