Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) signalling and male germ cell : differentiation in the mouse embryonic testis

The sex determination and subsequent germ cell differentiation is highly ordered process that starts at embryonic stage and completes at adult life. In the embryonic gonads Sry expression followed by Sox9 expression initiates testis development while in the absence of Sry expression, genes associated to female fate initiate ovary development. The germ cells that migrated towards newly formed gonads continue extensive proliferation until they commit to the male or female pathway. The fate decision of germ cells as male or female does not depend only on germ cell chromosomal sex but also on gonadal micro-environment. If germ cells enter into female gonad, they have to stop proliferation, pass through mitotic arrest and enter into meiosis; then arrest into prophase I. While if germ cells enter into male gonad, they have to stop proliferation and enter into mitotic arrest. Here we show that during embryonic sex determination, Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) produced by each of the two enzymes: L-Pgds and H-Pgds in somatic cells and germ cells of testis participates in male germ cell differentiation program. PGD2 signalling supports mitotic arrest by activating the expression and nuclear localization of cell cycle inhibitor P21cip1 and by repressing pluripotency markers and PGD2 has negative effects on Stra8 expression. In addition PGD2 supports activation of male specific gene Nanos2. Hence these data suggest that PGD2 signalling through DP2 receptor is required for proper male germ cell differentiation.
Antioxidant Assessment of Pleurotus sajor-caju Extracts Obtained throughHot Extraction Process

Current work reports antioxidant activities of extracts derived from P. sajor-caju using several in vitro models. Dried samples were sequentially extracted in hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water using hot extraction method. Extraction with hexane and ethyl acetate resulted in negligible recovery. Methanol and water extracts tested positive for phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones and saponins. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were found in the range of 19.78-23.59 μg propyl gallate equivalent/mg and 23.27-26.44 μg quercetin equivalent/mg in aqueous and methanolic extracts, respectively. Comparatively lower activities were observed for both the extracts in DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Appreciable metal ion chelating activity was demonstrated by aqueous (57% to 86%) and methanolic (36% to 71%) extracts in the concentration range 100-400 μg/ml, showing dose dependent response. Total antioxidant capacity for both the extracts was found in the range 83-96 μg PGE/ml at test concentration. The study showed P. sajor-caju aqueous and methanolic extracts have antioxidant potential.
Oxidation, aggregation and immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins

The aim of the research described in this thesis is to study the chemical mechanisms responsible for protein aggregation induced by metal catalyzed oxidation and to investigate the relationship between protein oxidation, aggregation and immunogenicity. To this end, recombinant human insulin rhIFNβ-1a and rhIFNα-2a are used in conjunction with transgenic mice immune tolerant for the respective human endogenous counterparts. The impact of PEGylation on aggregate formation and excipients to prevent metal catalyzed oxidation are also evaluated.
Combining Ability for Drought Tolerance in Upland Rice Varieties at Reproductive Stage

Rice is an important food crop for human population ranking second among the mostly consumed cereal grains worldwide. Upland rice production is greatly constrained by drought stress resulting from rainfall variation patterns. Cultivation of drought tolerant varieties is considered the best option for drought management in rice production. The already released upland rice varieties are drought susceptible and have poor grain attributes hence, the aim of this study was to determine the combining ability for drought tolerance in upland rice. Four upland NERICA and two upland rice varieties were selected as parents for generating F 1 s crosses following 6 × 6 complete diallel. The generated 30 F 1 crosses were advanced to F 2 population for field evaluation. The F 2 progenies together with six parents were planted in two sites; KALRO-Mwea Center Farm and Kirogo research Farm following a randomized complete block design in three replications. Drought stress was initiated 45 days after sowing after which data was collected on drought and agronomic parameters. The study revealed large genetic variations among the genotypes used. Both GCA and SCA were significant indicating the importance of both additive and non additive gene action in the expression of studied traits. In this study NERICA 2 and NERICA 15 were identified as good combiners for drought tolerance and grain yield under drought conditions. The single crosses namely; NERICA 15 × NERICA 2, NERICA 1 × NERICA 15, NERICA 11 × NERICA 15 and NERICA 2 × NERICA 15 were identified as superior for improving yield under drought conditions.
Mineral nitrogen impairs the biological nitrogen fixation in soybean of determinate and indeterminate growth types

ABSTRACT Soybean (Glycine max Merrill) crop production in Brazil relies mainly on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) for nitrogen (N) supply. Recent adoption of indeterminate growth-type genotypes has raised doubts on the need for supplemental mineral N that might negatively affect the BNF. We assessed the effects of mineral N on BNF attributes of soybean genotypes grown in central and southern Brazil. Genotypes were inoculated with Bradyrhizobium sp. and/or received mineral N in three sets of experiments. In the first set, two genotypes received increasing rates of mineral N in nutrient solution, which consistently reduced the BNF. In the second set, mineral N applied at sowing and/or topdressing reduced nodulation and ureides-N in determinate and indeterminate growth-type genotypes. In the third set, mineral N applied at R5.3 stage, foliar or as topdressing, did not increase grain yield in four field experiments. Mineral N impaired BNF irrespective of the growth type and had no effect on grain yield.
Grasshopper diversity of urban wastelands is primarily boosted by habitat factors

Urban wastelands are considered to be valuable habitats for biodiversity conservation, but empirical evidence for several poorly investigated taxa such as grasshoppers is still pending – although urgently required for reasonable habitat management and urban planning. For the first time, we analysed grasshopper diversity of urban wastelands at different diversity levels, namely, alpha and functional diversity. In 2014, we selected 24 urban wastelands in the city of Berlin (Germany). We analysed the relationships between local and landscape factors and different measurements of diversity (species richness, Simpson diversity, functional dispersion, functional evenness and functional divergence). We sampled 21 species, which represented about 45% of the entire grasshopper fauna of Berlin and numerous species of conservation interest were present at the investigated sites. Grasshopper diversity was best explained by local factors, with herb cover having a positive effect on alpha and functional diversity. Human impact and accessibility increased the conservation value of urban wasteland sites. Late successional stages are very important for a high grasshopper diversity in general but early stages are mandatory to promote species of conservation concern. Urban wastelands can be turned into most promising transition zones for city‐dwellers that fulfil the needs of conservationists and specialised species at the same time. To achieve this goal we recommend minimum requirements for successful habitat management.
Investigating the Functional Role of Tick Antioxidants in Hematophagy and Vector Competence

38 Introduction . 39 Materials and Methods . 42 Ticks . 42 Exogenous Induction of Oxidative Stress . 42 Endogenous Induction of Oxidative Stress through CAT RNA Interference and Inhibition . 43 Tick Tissue Dissection . 45 Quantification of Oxidative Stress . 48 Statistical Analysis . 49 Results . 50 Bioinformatics Analysis . 50 Antioxidant Response to Exogenous Oxidative Stressors . 52 Impact of CAT Knockdown . 56
Patterns in larval reef fish distributions and assemblages, with implications for local retention in mesoscale eddies

Benthic marine populations are often replenished by a combination of larvae from local and distant sources. To promote retention of locally spawned larvae in strong, unidirectional boundary current systems, benthic marine organisms must utilize biophysical mechanisms to minimize advective loss. We examined patterns in larval fish abundance, age distribution, and assemblage in relation to environmental variables in the Straits of Florida to better understand the factors underlying larval transport and retention in a boundary current system. Depth was the primary structuring element; larval assemblages were more distinct across vertical distances of tens of metres than they were over horizontal distances of tens to hundreds of kilometres. However, depth distributions were species-specific, and larval assemblages inside and outside of mesoscale eddies were distinct. Age distributions were consistent with the hypothesis that mesoscale eddies provide opportunities for retention. Our data indicate that the effe.
A new wolf spider species in the genus Alopecosa Simon, 1885 (Araneae: Lycosidae) from Eastern Europe

The wolf spider genus Alopecosa Simon, 1885, contains 160 named species (Platnick 2012) and the type species of the genus is A. fabrilis (Clerck, 1757), which is a Palaearctic species like most species in the genus (Platnick 2012). The taxonomic structure of the genus has been studied in two revisions; Lugetti & Tongiorgi (1969) divided 24 species of European Alopecosa into five species groups and Dondale & Redner (1979) divided seven species from North America into three groups. Many species currently in Alopecosa do not appear to be related to the type species; hence the genus is polyphyletic and should be divided into several genera (Marusik & Kovblyuk 2011). Faunistic revisions of Alopecosa have been produced for Italy (Lugetti & Tongiorgi 1969), Romania (Fuhn & Niculescu-Burlacu 1971), North America (Dondale & Redner 1979), China (Song et al. 1999) and Sweden (Almquist 2005). In the Ukraine and European Russia, 18 and 22 species have been reported, respectively (Mikhailov 1997, 2000). Twenty species of Alopecosa have been described since the year 2000 (Platnick 2012), including one from Central Europe (Czech Republic and Slovakia) (Buchar 2001), one from Greece (Buchar 2001), one from Southwestern Russia and six species from Western Kazakhstan (Ponomarev 2007, 2008, 2009). The aim of the present paper is to describe a new Alopecosa from Eastern Europe. The following abbreviations are used in the text: a—apical; d—dorsal; pl—prolateral; rl—retrolateral; v—ventral. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) were taken with an EVO-40 XVP (LEO143OVP) scanning electron microscope in the Interdisciplinary Laboratory, Institute of Arid Zones, South Scientific Centre RAS, Rostov-on-Don. Leg and pedipalp segments were measured after their separation from the cephalothorax. Colouration of spiders was described from specimens preserved in 75% ethanol with glycerin added (9:1 by volume). All measurements are in millimetres. Specimens used for this study are housed in the following museums/collections: CP—private collection of A.V. Ponomarev, Institute of Arid Zones, South Scientific Centre RAS, Rostov-on-Don, Russia; TNU—National Arachnological Collection, Zoology Department, V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University, Simferopol, Ukraine (curator M.M. Kovblyuk); ZMMU—Zoological Museum of the Moscow State University, Russia (curator K.G. Mikhailov).
Wildlife species preferences differ among children in continental and island locations

SUMMARY Efforts to prioritize wildlife for conservation benefit from an understanding of public preferences for particular species, yet no studies have integrated species preferences with key attributes of the conservation landscape such as whether species occur on islands (where invasive exotics are the primary extinction threat) or continents (where land use change is the primary extinction threat). In this paper, we compare wildlife species preferences among children from a continental location (North Carolina, USA, n = 433) and an island location (Andros Island, The Bahamas, n = 197). Children on the island preferred feral domesticated species and different types of taxa than mainland children, perhaps due to the strongly divergent species richness between the regions (e.g. island children showed greater preferences for invertebrates, lizards and aquatic species). Boys preferred fish, birds and lizards more than girls, whereas girls preferred mammals. The fact that island children showed strong preferences for invasive species suggests challenges for conservation efforts on islands, where controlling invasive exotic species is often of paramount importance, but can conflict with cultural preferences for these same species.
Analysis of macromolecular structure through experiment and computation

The three-dimensional structure of the ribosomal large subunit (LSU) reveals a single morphological element, although the 23S rRNA is contained in six secondary structure domains. Based upon maps of interand intra-domain interactions and proposed evolutionary pathways of development, we hypothesize that Domain III is a truly independent structural domain of the LSU. Domain III is primarily stabilized by intra-domain interactions, negligibly perturbed by inter-domain interactions, and is not penetrated by ribosomal proteins or other rRNA. We have probed the structure of Domain III rRNA alone and when contained within the intact 23S rRNA using SHAPE (selective 2’-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension), in the absence and presence of magnesium. The combined results support the hypothesis that Domain III alone folds to a near-native state with secondary structure, intra-domain tertiary interactions, and inter-domain interactions that are independent of whether or not it is embedded in the intact 23S rRNA or within the LSU. The data presented support previous suggestions that Domain III was added relatively late in ribosomal evolution.
Geo-environmental influences on breeding parameters of the Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in the Western Palaearctic

Geographic location largely determines environmental factors such as photoperiod and primary productivity.Breeding effort in birds may reflect different responses to these geographic- related conditions. We studied geographic variation in mean laying date (LD) and mean clutch size (CS) of the Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in relation to photoperiod, seasonality of resources, temperature and rainfall during the previous winter and breeding season. We assumed that actual evapotranspiration (AE) varies in direct proportion to primary plant production and food resources. Using published data on 23 Western Palaearctic regions (28–65° N) we found that variation in LD was related to photoperiod. Also, Kestrels bred earlier where winter and spring temperatures were higher, spring rainfall was lower and winter AE was higher. The variables that most affected CS were nest type (box/natural), winter AE and spring temperature. CS was directly related to the ratio between spring and winterAE. Moreover,CS was unrelated with spring AE but inversely related to winterAE. The effect of scarce resources (low AE) during the previous winter on CS supports Ashmole’s hypothesis (Ashmole 1961). The data available are not sufficient to verify the influence of density of breeding adults on CS.
Bioinformatics approaches to malaria

Bioinformatics approaches to malaria Malaria is a life threatening disease found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Each year it kills 781 000 individuals; most of them are children under the age of five in sub-Saharan Africa. The most severe form of malaria in humans is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which is the subject of the first part of this thesis. The PfEMP1 protein which is encoded by the highly variable var gene family is important in the pathogenesis and immune evasion of malaria parasites. We analyzed and classified these genes based on the upstream sequence in seven Plasmodium falciparum clones. We show that the amount of nucleotide diversity is just as big within each clone as it is between the clones. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark in many eukaryotic species. We are studying DNA methylation in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The work is still in progress and will be introduced here. One of the biggest concerns regarding the treatment of malaria is the continued development of resistance to existing drugs. Therefore, new drugs will be needed in the future. The ApiAP2 proteins are a recently discovered family of putative transcription factors. As they might perform important regulatory functions in the parasite, they could be useful as drug targets. Here, we study one of these proteins and describe our work on identifying small compounds that can interfere with its DNA binding abilities. Specific binding of short peptides by proteins of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an important event in the activation of immune responses to various pathogens. The set of peptides that can bind a specific MHC molecule can be characterized by a binding motif. In the second part of this thesis, we developed an algorithm that can distinguish several binding motifs within a mixture of peptides from different motifs.
Role of LPS and peptidoglycan monomers in the symbiotic interactions between Vibrio fischeri and Euprymna scolopes

The symbiosis between the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the Hawaiian squid Euprymna scolopes allows for the study of how beneficial bacteria communicate with and colonize a mutualistic host. This dissertation work focuses on two signaling molecules within the symbiosis, lipid A and peptidoglycan (PG) monomers. The first goal was to determine the role of secondary acylations of lipid A in colonization of the host by examining V. fischeri lipid A acyltransferase mutants. While mutations in htrB2 and msbB had no effect on host colonization, a deletion of htrB1 resulted in delayed initiation of symbiotic colonization suggesting secondary acylations of lipid A may be important during initial infection. The next goal focused on the genetic basis for PG monomer release in V. fischeri. PG monomer, Nacetylglucosaminyl-1,6-anhydro-N-acetylmuramylalanyl-glutamyldiaminopimelylalanine, stimulates normal light-organ morphogenesis in the host, resulting in regression of infectionpromoting ciliated appendages. Genomic analysis suggested V. fischeri has a functional PG recycling system including the PG monomer permease AmpG, which most Gram-negative bacteria use to recycle PG monomer. Deletion of ampG resulted in a 100-fold increase in PG monomer release and this enhanced PG monomer release induced regression in animals exposed to a V. fischeri strain that is unable to colonize the light organ, demonstrating that regression of the ciliated appendages can be independent of colonization. Mutant analysis further suggested that PG monomer release in culture is mediated by three lytic transglycosylases; LtgA1, LtgA2, and LtgD, and a ltgA1 ltgA2 ltgD mutant released low levels of PG monomers. This mutant colonized squid and stimulated light-organ morphogenesis; however, animals infected with this mutant were more susceptible to secondary V. fischeri colonists, suggesting attenuated triggering of ciliated appendage regression. To analyze the regulation behind PG monomer release, transposon mutagenesis on an ampG::lacZ reporter strain was performed. Surprisingly, mutants were isolated that cleave 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-D-galactoside independent of the engineered ampG lacZ reporter. This phenotype resulted from cryptic galactosidase activity of the celCBGKAI gene cluster, which allows V. fischeri to grow on cellobiose. Constructs for mutating celG or introducing celI may enable future applications of lacZ as a reporter for studying regulation of genes underpinning symbiotic signaling. INDEX WORDS: LOS, lpxM, lpxL, tracheal cytotoxin, peptidoglycan cytotoxin, TCT, PGCT, Photobacterium, chitin, cellulose, Aliivibrio ROLE OF LPS AND PEPTIDOGLYCAN MONOMERS IN THE SYMBIOTIC INTERACTIONS BETWEEN VIBRIO FISCHERI AND EUPRYMNA SCOLOPES
Sturgeon (Acipenseridae) phylogeny, biogeography, & ontogeny

7 Sturgeon (Acipenseridae):. 9 Phylogeny, Biogeography, & Ontogeny.9 INTRODUCTION.10 References.13 Figures. 14 CHAPTER 1. Phylogeny o f Sturgeons (Actinopterygii: Acipenseriformes: Acipenseridae) Based on Full Mitogenomic Data. 16 Abstract. 17. 17
Contrasting dispersal histories of broad‐ and fine‐leaved temperate Loliinae grasses: range expansion, founder events, and the roles of distance and barriers

Successful colonization after long‐distance dispersal (LDD) depends on the availability of suitable habitats and competitive ability. In this study, we address the hypothesis that two widely distributed sister grass lineages (broad‐ and fine‐leaved Loliinae; hereafter BL and FL) that differ in their habitat requirements and competitive ability also differ in their biogeographic history, with particular reference to LDD.
Determinación de la eficacia de métodos de evaluación de calidad de semillas de especies forestales nativas de la Selva Atlántica

Fil: Barone, Javier Orlando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Botanica del Nordeste. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Botanica del Nordeste; Argentina
Flower use of the butterfly Maniola jurtina in nectar‐rich and nectar‐poor grasslands: a nectar generalist with a strong preference?

Butterflies are often considered as opportunistic nectar consumers that visit a range of flower species. The degree of specialisation in foraging behaviour and flower choice may, however, vary considerably at the inter‐specific level, from highly specialised to generalist species. In generalist nectar use, there can be intra‐specific variation in the availability and use of floral resources (diversity and abundance) among different populations. Knowing the preferences of nectar‐feeding butterflies can increase the understanding of ecological relationships and resource use and help in developing better strategies for butterfly conservation. By means of behavioural tracking, we identified foraging patterns of Maniola jurtina butterflies in nectar‐rich and nectar‐poor grasslands. For both males and females, we showed significant preference for the brown knapweed Centaurea jacea and thistles (Cirsium sp.) in nectar‐rich, extensively managed grasslands. In the absence of these preferred species, as is typically the case in nectar‐poor intensively managed sites, M. jurtina nectared on Trifolium pratense and Leucanthemum vulgare. Flower visits were on average shorter on T. pratense compared to C. jacea. These observational results were confirmed by a field experiment in which a wild flower nectar array with C. jacea and T. pratense was introduced. In extensively managed grasslands, foraging bouts were generally confined to patches of flowering plants and did not involve long flights between flower visits. In intensively managed meadows, butterflies performed longer flights, and ignored more flowers between two consecutive visits. Despite the variety of flower species visited, M. jurtina showed a significant preference for a few nectar sources in a context‐dependent way.