Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Levels, Metabolism, and Pharmacological Activity of Anandamide in CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Knockout Mice

Abstract: Anandamide [arachidonylethanolamide (AEA)] appears to be an endogenous agonist of brain cannabinoid receptors (CB1), yet some of the neurobehavioral effects of this compound in mice are unaffected by a selective CB1 antagonist. We studied the levels, pharmacological actions, and degradation of AEA in transgenic mice lacking the CB1 gene. We quantified AEA and the other endocannabinoid, 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol, in six brain regions and the spinal cord by isotope‐dilution liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The distribution of endocannabinoids and their inactivating enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase, were found to overlap with CB1 distribution only in part. In CB1 knockout homozygotes (CB1‐/‐), the hippocampus and, to a lesser extent, the striatum exhibited lower AEA levels as compared with wild‐type (CB1+/+) controls. These data suggest a ligand/receptor relationship between AEA and CB1 in these two brain regions, where tonic activation of the receptor may tightly regulate the biosynthesis of its endogenous ligand. 2‐Arachidonoyl glycerol levels and fatty acid amide hydrolase activity were unchanged in CB1‐/‐ with respect to CB1+/+ mice in all regions. AEA and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were tested in CB1‐/‐ mice for their capability of inducing analgesia and catalepsy and decreasing spontaneous activity. The effects of AEA, unlike THC, were not decreased in CB1‐/‐ mice. AEA, but not THC, stimulated GTPγS binding in brain membranes from CB1‐/‐ mice, and this stimulation was insensitive to CB1 and CB2 antagonists. We suggest that non‐CB1, non‐CB2 G protein‐coupled receptors might mediate in mice some of the neuro‐behavioral actions of AEA.
The Browning Capacity of Grapes. II. Browning Potential and Polyphenol Oxidase Activities in Different Mature Grape Varieties

For a large number of grape varieties, browning potential and polyphenol oxidase activities were measured at maturity. Classification in accordance to these criteria was made. It was confirmed that polyphenol oxidase of the grape is a strongly bound enzyme and that browning is concentrated for a large part in the non-soluble fractions of the juice. Phenolic substrate appears to be the limiting factor in browning.
Fruitfulness in grape-vines: The response of different cultivars to light, temperature and daylength

Plants of five cultivars (Sultana, syn. Thompson Seedless; Muscat Gordo Blanco; Rhine Riesling; Shiraz; and Ohanez) of grape-vine (Vitis vinifera L.) were grown for 13 weeks in controlled environment growth cabinets, and then the number of bunch primordia present in buds was counted after dissection. Sultana (S) and Ohanez (0) had very few bunch primordia under all conditions. Of the other cultivars all were barren after growth at 15° C, but Rhine Riesling (R) and Shira". (Sh) had some primordia at 20° C, and Gordo (G) at 25° C. Primordia number of R, Sh and G increased with increase in temperature up to approximately 35° C. R had most at all temperatures. At a light intensity of 900 foot candles (f. c.) R had some primordia, but other cultivars were barren. At 1800 f. c. both R and G had a moderate number of primordia, but Sh was barren. At 3600 f. c. R, G and Sh all had fruitful buds. R had the greatest number of primordia at each intensity. R and Sh had more primordia when 16 hours of light per day were given continuously than when in two portions separated by 4-hour dark periods. S and O produced very few bunch primordia under any of the conditions tested. Evidence is presented that this result was due to a later differentiation of bunch primordia in buds of these cultivars, such that primordia were still unrecognisable at 13 weeks. Of the other cultivars, R had more primordia at all temperatures and light intensities; each cultivar performed well at high temperature and light intensity, but only R performed well under poor conditions.
The origin and divergence of Gobioninae fishes (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) based on complete mitochondrial genome sequences

The gudgeons (subfamily Gobioninae) are a group of cyprinid fishes primarily distributed in East Asia. However, studies on their origins and divergence are scarce. Here the whole mitochondrial genome sequences of 27 gudgeon species (including one newly determined), 22 other cyprinid species, and two non-cyprinids as outgroups are applied to infer the evolution of the gudgeons. Based on Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses, the gudgeons were determined to be a monophyletic group which can be further subdivided into four monophyletic clades with strong supports. The divergence times of the gudgeons were estimated using a relaxed molecular clock method; the results indicate that these fishes originated in the early Paleocene (approx. 63.5Mya) and that the basal Hemibarbus group diverged from the other gudgeon fishes (approx. 58.3Mya). As an independent group the Coreius began to diverge from the remaining two groups (approx. 54.6Mya); the most derived two groups diverged from each other (approx. 53.6Mya). The divergences of the four gudgeon groups were within a relatively short time frame (approx. 58-53Mya). Based on the reconstruction of evolutionary trends of gudgeon habitat, evidence is provided that supports the origin and differentiation of this fauna as being associated with some special paleo-environmental events occurring from the early Paleocene to the Pliocene. The study represents comprehensive molecular dating and character evolution analyses of the gudgeons, and providing a valuable framework for future research in the evolution of the Gobioninae fishes.
New material of Mongolemys elegans Khosatzky and Mlynarski, 1971 (Testudines: Lindholmemydidae), from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia with Comments on Bone Histology and Phylogeny

ABSTRACT Mongolemys elegans Khosatzky and Mlynarski, 1971, is a freshwater lindholmemydid turtle that is very abundant in Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) pond deposits from the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. Here, we present new data on the morphology, bone histology, and phylogenetic position of M. elegans based on hatchlings, juveniles, and adults collected by American Museum of Natural History and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences joint field expeditions at the Bugin Tsav locality. Phylogenetic analysis using a morphological dataset supports the placement of M. elegans as a stem testudinoid. Bone histology of M. elegans shows similar patterns of thickness and bone tissue type for the internal and external cortexes as in other freshwater turtles. Microstructural samples of fossil bone from M. elegans show exceptional preservation of osteocyte lacuno-canicular networks, and higher values of osteocyte density at the external cortex in contrast to cancellous bone and the internal cortex.
High-throughput screening of glutaminase inhibitors for the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia: Implementation of a fluorescence-based assay

Recent studies suggest that reducing synaptic glutamate release may prove therapeutic in schizophrenia. Phosphate-activated glutaminase (PAG), present in human brain mitochondria, is thought to medwiate the major flux of glutamate to the neurotransmitter pool. PAG catalyzes the conversion of L-glutamine (Gln) to L-glutamic acid (Glu), so inhibiting PAG seems a promising means of reducing Glu release. The goal of this study was to establish the parameters for a high-throughput screening to identify potential PAG inhibitors. Glutaminase A from E. coli was used as a substitute for PAG. Gln was added as the substrate and its conversion to Glu measured using Amplex Red technology as Resorufin fluorescence. First, the linear range for the relationship between glutamate added and Resorufin fluorescence was determined. We measured the kinetics of PAG action, showing that after one hour there was a complete conversion of glutamine to glutamate. However, the relationship between PAG concentration and Resorufin fluorescence was non-linear, consistent with cooperativity in PAG function. We then assayed 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON), the best known glutaminase inhibitor, and determined an inhibition constant of 73 nM. DON was more effective against bacterial glutaminase than the known millimolar-level inhibition in mammalian neurons, indicating that the bacterial glutaminase would not be suitable for screening for inhibiters of human PAG, and thus for identifying PAG inhibitors with therapeutic potential for schizophrenia. In conclusion, the parameters for the assay of PAG activity and its inhibition were established; and synthesis of human glutaminase should allow us to move forward to high-throughput screening. ; ;
Design and implementation of web-based open access rapeseed-mustard disease bibliographic information system

The advancement of research in the field of rapeseed-mustard diseases is clear to everyone. The numbers of articles are being published each year, resulting in increase of knowledge at every moment. Problem identification, future planning, implementation, and interpretation of individual research studies all depend on ready access to all of the relevant existing rapeseed-mustard diseases research knowledge. We implemented web-based bibliography information system (RMBiblio), offer researchers easy and fast access of references in the field of rapeseed-mustard disease research. Metadata formats suitable for describing scientific publications have been used in creating the database. System supports a wide range of publication types, and has features like advanced search option, extraction of publications statistics based on a variety of visual form based queries, etc. These sophisticated and versatile searching facilities have been implemented using full text search options, the rows returned are automatically sorted with the highest relevance first. HTML, CSS, was used for development of user interface; PHP is the middleware and MySql for the backend.
Securing water as a resource for society: an ecosystem services perspective.

Abstract Freshwater ecosystems are crucially important providers of ecosystem services as they provide clean water for multiple uses including water for drinking, irrigation or recreation. This study presents a spatially explicit assessment of the benefits of water services at the scale of Europe. We mapped simple indicators for water provision, water regulation by soils, and water purification by river networks. Both the capacity to provide services as well as the actual flow of services were quantified in biophysical terms. Subsequently the monetary value of water purification was assessed for northern Mediterranean river basins using avoided treatment costs. This type of assessment is considered to be a valuable communication tool to integrate scientific disciplines and to facilitate the collaboration between experts, policy makers and citizens in the field of water management. Moreover, it is argued that this type of assessment is a useful and feasible alternative for managing water resources in developing countries.
Techniques to facilitate metabolic modeling with reference to dairy cows

Modeling has contributed to the advancement in animal health and animal production with the aid of two types of models; research models and diet formulation models. The former models admit the inclusion of detailed mathematical accounts of digestive and metabolic processes, and the latter deploy extensive mathematical specifications of the nutritional value of feeds in regard to the animal host. Each has been used to help maintain and enhance health, welfare and production of farm animals. Data for models comes from various sources but, until recent times, the detailed investigation of animal responses to metabolic challenges has been limited to empirical quantification. However, we point out that there remain very useful indices and measures afforded from modeling such responses if special care is taken in mathematically teasing out the metabolic information. In this article we describe how this is done, and we demonstrate the methods with reference to models of the glucose and the NEFA responses of the glucose challenge.
Variation in body size and degree of melanism within a lizards clade: is it driven by latitudinal and climatic gradients?

Fil: Moreno Azocar, Debora Lina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigacion En Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche. Laboratorio de Fotobiologia; Argentina
Analyses of the Life Cycle of TLC1 and the Nuclear RNA Quality Control System in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

During genome replication, chromosomes undergo a progressive shortening of their ends. To counteract this loss, a complex named telomerase functions as a reverse transcriptase to elongate telomeres. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, telomerase contains a non-coding RNA, TLC1, which serves as a scaffold for formation of the telomerase complex and the template for the reverse transcription to elongate the telomeres. Upon its synthesis, TLC1 undergoes a series of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation steps. Here it has been shown that the TLC1 nuclear export is dependent on the classic mRNA export pathway in addition to the already known Crm1/Xpo1 pathway. The nuclear export defects that occur upon mutation of these pathways impair the formation of the telomerase, as well as its final localisation suggesting an essential role of TLC1 shuttling in telomerase assembly. Consequently, the TLC1 nuclear transport defect leads to telomeric shortening indicating a necessity of the TLC1 shuttling for telomere maintenance. Moreover, the nuclear RNA quality control system, composed of the TRAMP complex and nuclear exosome, might mediate the nuclear maturation of TLC1. Finally, it has also been pointed out that the localisation and maturation of the nuclear quality control system might be regulated by a nuclear importer, Mtr10, which is also involved in TLC1 nuclear import.
Oviposition patterns and larval damage by the invasive horse‐chestnut leaf miner Cameraria ohridella on different species of Aesculus

Preference–performance relationships are thought to be particularly important for sessile herbivores, such as leaf miners, whose choice of host plant is entirely determined by the ovipositing female. However, this relationship has seldom been examined between a non‐native herbivore and non‐native host plants. Leaf damage and oviposition patterns by the invasive horse‐chestnut leaf miner, Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic, 1986 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), were investigated on 11 different species of Aesculus L. (Sapindaceae) at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The tree species studied were of different continental origin and belonged to four different sections of the genus Aesculus. Oviposition was recorded on all the investigated species of Aesculus, with egg densities being greatest on Aesculus hippocastanum L. and Aesculus turbinata Blume. By contrast, mines were formed on only six out of the 11 studied species. There was a positive correlation between eggs laid on leaves of a species and levels of leaf tissue damage by C. ohridella, although eggs were laid on species on which larvae did not develop. Host suitability for C. ohridella was related to the phylogeny of the genus Aesculus. Species belonging to the section Aesculus were susceptible to the leaf miner; species in the section Pavia showed variable susceptibility; and species in the section Calothyrsus and Macrothyrsus were found to be resistant.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) Theory and Practice

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a cognitive-behavioral approach to case conceptualization and treatment. It was created by Albert Ellis and is centered on the idea that our cognitions (more specifically, irrational thinking) are a major determinant of emotional and behavioral distress with all three variables operating in concert to create and maintain disturbance. REBT promotes the use of a range of cognitive, emotive, and behavioral tools to help assess, scrutinize, and change unhelpful processes. It has been found to be effective with a broad spectrum of presenting concerns and is taught and practiced internationally.
ASYMPTOMATIC CRYPTOSPORIDIUM HOMINIS INFECTION AMONG HUMAN IMMUNDEFICIENCY VIRUS–INFECTED PATIENTS IN TANZANIA

Few data exist on the relative importance of individual Cryptosporidium species in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cryptosporidiosis. We characterized 127 inpatients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Tanzania for their CD4 cell count and by stool analysis, including Cryptosporidium immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Cryptosporidium was detected in patients both with and without diarrheal symptoms (defined as ≥ 3 liquid stools/day, 11 of 61 versus 11 of 66; P = not significant) and was a marker for low CD4 cell count (median = 124/μL versus 212/μL in Cryptosporidium-negative patients; P < 0.04). Cryptosporidium hominis was the predominant species in this region and was associated with a longer duration of symptoms, a higher rate of asymptomatic infection, and a lower CD4 cell count versus C. parvum-infected patients (P < 0.05). This study suggests there may be important differences in the natural history of Cryptosporidium infection in HIV-infected persons depending on parasite species.
Expression and function of miR-155 in breast cancer

A major problem in the treatment of breast cancer at present is the lack of more sensitive and specific tumour biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were first discovered as important regulators of development in Caenorhabditis elegans, and their functions have been widely investigated. miR-155 is an oncogenic miRNA which has been explored mainly in leukaemia but is also known to play an important role in the progression of breast cancer. There is an accumulating body of evidence about additional roles of miR-155 in the development of breast cancer. In this mini-review, we provide an overview and update of miR-155 expression and its roles in breast cancer. We also attempt to summarize the current understanding of miR-155 regulation networks and speculate on the potential of miR-155 as a putative accessory parameter for diagnosis of breast cancer.
Mechanisms and Consequences of Affinity Modulation of Integrin αVβ3 Detected with a Novel Patch-engineered Monovalent Ligand*

Integrin αVβ3mediates diverse responses in vascular cells, ranging from cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation to uptake of adenoviruses. However, the extent to which αVβ3 is regulated by changes in receptor conformation (affinity), receptor diffusion/clustering (avidity), or post-receptor events is unknown. Affinity regulation of the related integrin, αIIbβ3, has been established using a monovalent ligand-mimetic antibody, PAC1 Fab. To determine the role of affinity modulation of αVβ3, a novel monovalent ligand-mimetic antibody (WOW-1) was created by replacing the heavy chain hypervariable region 3 of PAC1 Fab with a single αV integrin-binding domain from multivalent adenovirus penton base. Both WOW-1 Fab and penton base bound selectively to activated αVβ3, but not to αIIbβ3, in receptor and cell binding assays. αVβ3 affinity varied with the cell type. Unstimulated B-lymphoblastoid cells bound WOW-1 Fab poorly (apparent K d = 2.4 μm), but acute stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate increased receptor affinity >30-fold (K d = 80 nm), with no change in receptor number. In contrast, αVβ3 in melanoma cells was constitutively active, but ligand binding could be suppressed by overexpression of β3 cytoplasmic tails. Up-regulation of αVβ3 affinity had functional consequences in that it increased cell adhesion and spreading and promoted adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. These studies establish that αVβ3 is subject to rapid regulated changes in affinity that influence the biological functions of this integrin.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analyses for Detection and Identification of Antioxidant Constituents of Achillea tenuifolia Essential Oil

The present work was designed to study the antioxidant activity and to identify the main active components of the essential oil of Achillea tenuifolia aerial parts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of the essential oil showed the presence of 22 compounds. The main constituents of the oil were thymol (15%), α-pinene (10.11%), Camphene (9.41%), β-pinene (7.54%), α-terpinene (7.21%), p-cymene (4%), 1,8-cineole (2.31%), γ-terpinene (7%), linalool (10%), and carvacrol (20.43%). The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of Achillea tenuifolia oil was evaluated by using 2,20-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays. The oil exhibited a considerable dose-dependent antioxidant activity. Thymol showed clearly a higher activity (IC50 = 10.04 ± 0.1 μg/ml) followed by Achillea tenuifolia essential oil (15.12 ± 0.4 μg/ml). Antioxidant activity guided fractionation of the oil was carried out by the thin layer chromatography-bioautography screening and fractionation resulted in the separation of the main antioxidant compound which was identified as thymol (80%).
Narrating the Life of a Multiculturalist: Marybeth Gasman's Refrain of Resilience.

This article is the first in a series of narrative studies of leaders in the field of multicultural education researched and written by Cheryl Hunter and several of her graduate students at the University of North Dakota. Other articles in the series will appear in future issues of Multicultural Education. Hunter and her students demonstrate how incorporating the personal narratives of prominent multiculturalists and practitioners with their scholarship helps us understand the depth of the scholar’s writing, the complexities of such scholarship, and the passion surrounding both their work and their lived experience. The project of narrative inquiry combines qualitative research methods, including interviews, with multicultural education, thus producing a series of biographies that also provides us with a window into the history and development of multicultural education and its concepts. The first article in the series highlights the work and life of Marybeth Gasman and the impact she has made on multicultural education.
Gene flow and establishment of transgenes in natural plant populations

two phases, i.e. gene flow by pollen (hybridization) or by seed (escape), and establishment. A literature survey demonstrated that a lot of information is available on the first phase (gene flow), although seed dispersal is less studied than pollen dispersal. The second phase of introgression (establishment) is hardly studied in a quantitative way. It is important to focus further research on fitness effects of establishment, because even at low levels of gene flow a (trans)gene will finally succeed in entering a wild population. In this paper several parts of a simulation model are described. In case of small wild populations a stochastic model should be used in order to account for genetic drift.
COMPARACIÓN DE DOS TÉCNICAS DE MEDICIÓN DE CÁPSULAS CEFÁLICAS PARA SEPARAR ESTADIOS LARVALES DE COPITARSIA INCOMMODA (WALKER) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE)

The objective of the present work is to compare two measurement techniques: the distance between genae, used in the method of Dyar (1890) and the distance between frontal setae, used by Podoler (1978). The first one is commonly used to determine the larval instar in Lepidoptera. We measured cephalic capsules and the distance between frontal setae of Copitarsia incommoda. Based on our results, we concluded that Podoler’s technique is more precise than that of Dyar.