Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth Factor Independence 1b (Gfi1b) is an E2A Target Gene that Modulates Gata3 in T Cell Lymphomas. (82.3)

T cell development depends on the activity of multiple transcription factors, including E2A and Gata3. E2A proteins are required for normal T lymphopoiesis and to prevent T lymphocyte progenitor transformation. Ectopic expression of E2A proteins in E2A-deficient lymphomas results in growth arrest and apoptosis indicating that these cells remain responsive to the targets of E2A. We identify the transcriptional repressor Growth factor independence 1b (Gfi1b) as a target of E2A that promotes growth arrest and apoptosis in lymphomas. Gfi1b expression in primary T lymphocyte progenitors is dependent on E2A and excess Gfi1b prevents the outgrowth of T lymphocyte progenitors in vitro. We also find that Gfi1b represses expression of Gata3, a transcription factor whose appropriate regulation is required for survival of lymphomas and T lymphocyte progenitors. Ectopic expression of Gata3 in lymphomas promotes expression of Gfi1b indicating that these proteins may function in an auto-regulatory loop that maintains appropriate levels of Gata3. Therefore, we propose that E2A proteins prevent lymphoma cell expansion, at least in part, through regulation of Gfi1b and modulation of Gata3 expression.
Dynamic State Variable Models in Ecology: Methods and Applications

This book introduces readers to a set of powerful and extremely flexible modelling techniques, starting at "square one" and continuing with carefully chosen applications. Some of these applications of methodology include insect oviposition behavior, overwinter survival of birds and fish, avian migration, resource management, conservation biology, agroecology, and human behaviour. This book also explains how to construct, test, and use dynamic state variable models in a wide range of contexts in evolutionary ecology, and its complete and up-to-date coverage allows readers to immediately begin using the described techniques. Dynamic State Variable Models in Ecology is designed for self-instruction or for use in upper division undergraduate or graduate courses. It is ideal for students and scientists interested in behaviour, ecology, anthropology, conservation biology, and related fields.
Cytokine and growth factor regulation of murine macrophage scavenger receptor expression and function

﻿The macrophage (Mφ) foam cell in the atherosclerotic plaque microenvironment is subjected to cytokines and growth factors secreted by smooth muscle cells (SMCs), endothelial cells (ECs), platelets and lesional Mφ themselves. This thesis examines the effects of some of these soluble factors on a murine macrophage membrane molecule, the macrophage scavenger receptor (MSR), considered pivotal in foam cell formation and atherogenesis. Macrophage Colony-stimulating factor (MCSF) enhances MSR expression and functional activity (including MSR-dependent adhesion) in elicited peritoneal Mφ markedly and selectively. The T lymphocyte products, Th1 (interferon-gamma(IFN-γ)) and Th2 (chiefly interleukin-4 (IL-4)) cytokines, have divergent effects with IL-4 upregulating and IFN-γ either maintaining or downregulating MSR status. IL-4 induced MSR microheterogeneity is due to changes in N-linked glycosylation, specifically sialylation and may be physiologically significant. In contrast to interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) inhibits MSR upregulation, also when produced endogenously. TGF-β is as potent an inhibitor of MSR function as M-CSF is a stimulator. A cleaved truncated soluble form of MSR which lacks the cytoplasmic domain is present, by immunochemical assays, in culture supernatants. M-CSF increases soluble MSR release in vitro which is functionally active. Following upregulation of MSR surface expression in transfected CHO cells by prolonged culture, a modest MSR-dependent contribution to adhesion becomes apparent. To determine a possible adhesionpromoting region in the MSR, the binding site of mAb 2F8 was mapped using a series of MSR truncation mutants, and localized to residues 183 to 197 in the proximal cchelical coiled-coil domain. Morphological evidence, obtained by confocal and electron microscopy, supports an adhesion role for the MSR in primary Mφ and transfected CHO cells. MSR expression is prominently directed to the adherent surface and its distribution is restricted to cellular contact areas with the substratum. Organs and atherosclerotic lesions from mice deficient in M-CSF (osteopetrotic) and apolipoprotein E were examined to determine the effects of M-CSF on Mφ phenotype (including MSR expression) and lesion development in vivo. Though severely hypercholesterolemic, doubly deficient mice are protected against atherosclerosis and exhibit fewer Mφ and low MSR expression on remaining M-CSF independent populations. Prominent hepatic lipid accumulation suggests a crucial M-CSF dependent role for Kupffer cells in lipoprotein uptake, transfer to hepatocytes and biliary excretion of cholesterol. Regulation of MSR activity may therefore be important for the recruitment of Mφ into the arterial wall and, at the post-endothelial stage, to anchor Mφ at specific locations, thus favouring foam cell formation.
Valeurs pronostiques des marqueurs de l’inflammation et du stress oxydatif dans la prédiction de l’artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs chez des sujets diabétiques de type 2 : une étude prospective monocentrique

Objectif : l’inflammation et le stress oxydatif jouent un role important dans la physiopathologie de l’arteriopathie obliterante des membres inferieurs (AOMI). Nous avons evalue l’interet des concentrations plasmatiques de certains marqueurs biologiques d’inflammation et du stress oxydatif dans la prediction d’AOMI chez des patients diabetiques de type 2. Materiel et methode : nous avons dose dans les concentrations plasmatiques du recepteur au TNF-1 (TNRF-1), angiopoietin like-2, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), produits avances de glycation, carbonyles, et la capacite totale plasmatique d’oxydo-reduction, dans la cohorte SURDIAGENE (SURvie, DIAbete de type 2 et GENEtique). L’AOMI majeure etait definie par la survenue durant le suivi d’une amputation d’un membre inferieur (mineur ou majeur) ou le recours a une procedure de revascularisation peripherique. Resultats : parmi 1412 patients, 112 (7,9%) sujets ont developpe une AOMI au cours d’une duree mediane de suivi (25eme et 75eme percentiles) de 5,6 [3,0 ; 8,6] annees. Nous avons observe une association independante entre des concentrations plasmatiques elevees en TNRF-1 (HR [IC 95%] pour le deuxieme tertile compare au premier : 1,12 [0,62– 2,03], p=0,71; troisieme compare au premier tertile : 2,16 [1,19–3,92], p=0,01) ou IMA (2,42 [1,38–4,23], p=0,002; 2,04 [1,17–3,57], p=0,01) et risque d’AOMI. La concentration plasmatique de TNRF-1 ameliore egalement la prediction du risque d’AOMI majeure. Conclusion : ce travail est la premiere observation d’association independante entre des concentrations plasmatiques elevees en TNRF-1 et IMA et un risque augmente d’AOMI majeure chez des diabetiques de type 2. TNRF1 a egalement une valeur pronostique pour le risque de developper une AOMI majeure, constituant donc un biomarqueur interessant.
Quorum sensing : understanding the role of bacteria in meat spoilage

i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iii LIST OF TABLES . vii LIST OF FIGURES . x ABBREVIATIONS . xiv Chapter 1: Literature Review and Objectives . 1 1.1 Quorum Sensing . 2 1.1.1 The languages of bacteria . 3 Quorum sensing in Gram-negative bacteria . 3 Quorum sensing in Gram-positive bacteria . 4 The universal LuxS language . 5 1.1.2 Quorum sensing signal molecules . 7 Autoinducer-1 . 8 Autoinducer-2 . 10 1.1.3 Methods for detecting quorum sensing signals in foods and bacteria . 10 Autoinducer-1 . 11 Autoinducer-2 . 15 1.2 Role of Quorum Sensing in meat spoilage . 16 1.2.1 Spoilage of meat . 16 Microorganisms of the spoilage association . 18 1.2.2 Quorum sensing in meat and meat products . 19 1.3 Objectives . 25 Chapter 2: Materials and Methods . 27 2.1 Survey of minced beef . 28 2.1.1 Minced beef samples . 28 2.1.2 Microbiological analysis . 28 2.1.3 pH measurement . 29 2.1. 4 Sensory analysis . 29 2.1. 5 Data analysis . 30 2.2 Microbiological analysis of beef meat . 30 2.2.1 Preparation of beef pieces . 30 2.2.2 Microbiological analysis . 30 2.2.3 pH measurement . 31 2.2. 4 Sensory analysis . 31 2.2. 5 Data analysis . 32 2.3 Detection of quorum sensing signals during minced beef spoilage . 32 2.3. 1 Bacterial strains and culture conditions . 32 2.3. 2 Minced beef samples . 34
Spider community responses to Chromolaena odorata invasion, grassland type and grazing intensities

Biological indicators measure components of the biota and are used to give general information about complex ecosystems in which they occur, playing key roles in conservation planning and management. This study illustrates the impact of habitat change by factors that are extrinsic to the habitats in question and the importance of spider responses in aiding management decisions. The spider responses illustrated existence of environmental change and represent responses of other biota. The conclusions drawn from this study have important management implications for protected areas with grazing herbivores and occurrence of alien invasive plants. Grazed sites showed the highest abundance, diversity and species richness, while ungrazed had the lowest. The implications from this study are that no grazing has negative
Engineering and screening of genetically encoded FRET Calcium indicators

Fluorescent protein sensors have gained great importance in research as they exhibit a number of advantages over synthetic dyes. They can be targeted precisely, large populations of cells can be imaged simultaneously, and they allow for chronic imaging approaches. Many of them however still suffer from comparably low signal changes. Improving fluorescent protein sensors can be tedious and time-consuming. For this reason, great efforts have been made not only to improve existing sensors, but also to develop better strategies to improve them. In this work, a novel large-scale bacterial based screening assay was established to complement rational design. Sensor expression, stimulation, and screening in bacteria, as well as the handling of large amounts of data created by such a screening assay were optimized. While the new assay can be adapted for other applications, it is especially well suited for the screening of genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators of the basis of FRET (Forster Resonance Energy Transfer). We used the assay to optimize such sensors, utilizing the Ca2+ binding protein Troponin C fused between the fluorescent proteins ECFP and cpCitrine. The resulting ‘Twitch’ sensor series exhibited a large dynamic range of up to 1000% FRET ratio change, great sensitivity and fast kinetics. In a second approach, we attempted to develop a similar sensor deploying red-shifted fluorescent proteins. To this end, further screening was conducted to optimize the orange fluorescent protein mKOκ for FRET, and a FRET sensor deploying mKOκ. The sensor we developed utilized troponin C and the fluorescent protein Dreiklang (photoswitchable) in addition to mKOκ. It was bright and exhibited a FRET ratio change of approximately 170%. In summary, the screening procedures presented in this thesis, will facilitate the development of a range of genetically encoded biosensors, and were already employed to develop a number of highly effective Ca2+ FRET indicators.
Predictive value of three Inflammation-based Glasgow Prognostic Scores for major cardiovascular adverse events in patients with acute myocardial infarction during hospitalization: a retrospective study

Aim Inflammation-based Glasgow Prognostic Scores (GPS) have been reported to predict the prognosis of patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The goal of this study was to investigate whether three kinds of GPSs can effectively predict major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) in STEMI or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients undergoing PPCI, elective PCI (EPCI) or conservative drug therapy during hospitalization. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were divided into 0, 1 or 2 score according to the GPSs. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to assess the predictive value of GPSs for MACE and all-cause mortality during hospitalization. Three kinds of GPSs, Inflammation-based Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), modified GPS (MGPS) and high-sensitivity CRP-modified GPS (HS-MGPS) and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score were applied in this study. Results A total of 188 patients were enrolled. The ROC curve with MACE showed that the AUC of GPS (0.820 (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.754–0.885]), P < 0.001) was larger than that of MGPS (0.789 (95% CI [0.715–0.863]), P < 0.001), HS-MGPS (0.787 (95% CI [0.717–0.856]), P < 0.001) and GRACE score (0.743 (95% CI [0.672–0.814]), P < 0.001). The ROC curve with all-cause mortality showed that the AUC of GPS (0.696 (95% CI [0.561–0.831]), P = 0.005) was similar to the HS-MGPS (0.698 (95% CI [0.569–0.826]), P = 0.005) and higher than the MGPS (0.668 (95% CI [0.525–0.812]), P = 0.016), but lower than the GRACE score (0.812 (95% CI [0.734–0.889]), P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the GPS was an independent risk factor for the incidence of MACE during hospitalization. Compared with the odds ratio (OR) value for a GPS of 0, the OR for a GPS of 1 was 7.173 (95% CI [2.425–21.216]), P < 0.001), and that for a GPS of 2 was 18.636 (95% CI [5.813–59.746]), P < 0.001), but not an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (P = 0.302). GRACE score was an independent risk factor for MACE (1.019 (95% CI [1.004–1.035]), P = 0.015) and all-cause mortality (1.040 (95% CI [1.017–1.064]), P = 0.001). In the subgroups classified according to the type of AMI, the presence of disease interference GPSs and the type of PCI, the ability of GPS to predict the occurrence of MACE seemed to be greater than that of MGPS and HS-MGPS. Conclusion The GPS has a good predictive value for the occurrence of MACE during hospitalization in patients with AMI, regardless of STEMI or NSTEMI, the choice of PCI mode and the presence or absence of diseases that interfere with GPS. However, GPS is less predictive of all-cause mortality during hospitalization than GRACE score, which may be due to the interference of patients with other diseases.
INVESTIGATE THE INFLUENCE OF UNDERLYING HAPPINESS FACTORS ON THE JOB PERFORMANCE ON THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY IN UAE

Optimistic Moods, Social Relationship, Passive Mood are not emotional feeling only, but those factors can play an important role in the employee happiness factor. Most researchers indicated that job happiness is the significant controller in the employee performance. The intensive literature review indicates the lack of research that has been conducted in this area. This research aims to investigate the impact of Optimistic Moods, Social Relationship, and Passive Mood as parts of job happiness factor on the job performances. To achieve this objective the qualitative methodology has been utilized. Structural Equational Modelling (SEM) has been used by harnessing AMOS software to analyse data that collected from 390 respondents from the Oil and Gas sector in UAE. The finding showing the significant impact of employee happiness on the employee performance. The contribution of this research is represented by the findings that showed the positive relationship between job happiness and job performance. The finding the findings have revealed the most need for more in deep research in this area.
HIV/AIDS awareness in newly married females coming in OPD of a Medical College Hospital

Objective: To assess the awareness of HIV/AIDS in newly married females coming in Gynaecology OPD of a Medical College Hospital and to devise strategies for future programmes. Methodology : 11 villages and urban population around our hospital were taken for study. Newly married females coming in Gynaecology OPD for various complaints were surveyed. The females were asked to fill a pre-designed Performa, which included multiple choice questions. Results: In our study 489 patients were assessed. 65.4% women had knowledge about disease, 57.5% knew about complications of disease, 59.9% had knowledge about prevention of disease, 66.8% were aware about treatment of disease, 48.5% had knowledge about etiology of disease and 39.1% were aware about medico legal aspect of disease. Conclusion: The study showed tremendous lacunae in awareness of HIV/AIDS. There is a need for evolving information, education, and communication strategies to focus on raising awareness on RH and gender related issues. A sociocultural research is needed to find the right kind of sexual health services for these young girls.
Identification and analysis of genetic modifiers of mutant huntingtin toxicity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal late onset neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by an expansion of a polyglutamine encoding tract in the Huntingtin gene. This expansion in mutant huntingtin (mHtt) causes the protein to misfold, aggregate and leads to widespread cellular dysfunction principally through a toxic gain of function mechanism. The expression of mHtt in baker’s yeast recapitulates many of the cellular phenotypes observed in mammalian models. Here I have exploited a yeast HD model to perform genetic screens for mammalian cDNAs whose overexpression suppresses mHtt toxicity. We identified 102 protective genes, which are significantly enriched for components of the translational machinery. Further investigations revealed that translational efficiency but not fidelity is decreased in yeast expressing mHtt. Interestingly, overexpression of a subset of these genetic modifiers further decreases the efficiency of translation in yeast. I have validated a subset of the translation related suppressors in a neuronal model of HD and observed that their overexpression significantly reduces mHttdependent caspase activation. In yeast mHtt aggregation and toxicity are dependent on the presence of the Rnq1 prion. Previous genetic screens in our laboratory have identified a number of other putative yeast prions as modifiers of mHtt toxicity. I have further investigated their ability to alter mHtt aggregation and to substitute for the Rnq1 prion. I have observed that overexpression of the aggregation prone Ybr016w and the Sup35 prion partially restores aggregation of mHtt in a dose-dependent manner in a rnq1Δ strain. My studies have revealed new information about the role of genetic modifiers in mHtt toxicity and aggregation, and may help inform novel therapeutic strategies for HD.
Evaluation of durum wheat genotypes using parametric and nonparametric stability statistics.

The development of genotypes, which can be adapted to a wide range of environments, is the one of the most important goal of plant breeders in a crop improvement program. In this study, 6 six stability measures consisting of 4 parametric and 2 nonparametric were used to evaluate the genotype by environment interaction (GEI) in 20 durum wheat genotypes. The genotypes were evaluated for grain yield at fourteen environments in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey for two years. The experimental layout was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Genotypes, environments main effects and GEI were significant at P < 0.01. Both parametric (bi, S 2 di, Ri , Pi) and nonparametric (Si , Si ) univariate stability statistics were used to determine stability of the durum wheat genotypes. Genotypes 20, 13 and 12 were most stables based on genotypes according to six stability measures. The level of associations among the stability measures was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation. Regression coefficient (bi) was negatively and significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with superiority index (Pi). On the other hand, Si , Si (2) and Sdi were positively and significantly correlated with Pi. As a result, these relationships reveal that only one of them could be sufficient to select genotypes of interest in a durum wheat breeding program.
Physiology of red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees: Implications for management

Resin flow and tree moisture stress, frequently used as indicators of pine susceptibility to pine bark beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm.) attack, were measured in loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) and shortleaf (P. echinata Mill.) pines red-cockaxwoodpecker [Picoides boreal& (Vieillot)] cavity trees in the Angelina and Davy Crockett National Forests in eastern Texas. No differences in moisture stress were found, whereas resin flow between different types of cavity trees and control or potential trees varied by site and species. It was concluded that effects of red-cockaded woodpecker activity on host tree susceptibility to southern pine beetle will vary by site, tree species, and host tree condition. Forest management activities and general forest health are much more important for the bird’s long-term survival.
Effect of time of undersowing maize with forage legumes on cob and forage yields and quality of their silage

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of time of undersowing maize with three legume species: Tephrosia bracteolata, Lablab purpureus and Mucuna pruriens on the cob and forage yields and the quality of silage made from the mixtures of maize and legumes. The study consisted of three (0, 2 and 4 WAP) times of undersowing of maize with each legume and maize and legume sole crops as control. The treatments were randomized in a complete block design with three replicates. Growth parameters (heights and spread of both maize and legumes) were taken forthnightly for 8 weeks. At harvest, fresh weights and numbers of cobs, dry matter (DM) yields of maize and legumes were taken. The wilted maize stover and three legume species at the three undersowing times were mixed in two ratios (50:50 and 70:30) in a 2x3x3 factorial experiment with the sole maize as control in three replicates. These were rapidly compressed and conserved as silage in glass bottles (1.5Iitres) and sealed. At two months of ensiling, crude protein and fibre content of the silage were determined. The height of maize in the sole plots was higher (p 0.05) effect on total weight of fresh cobs (4.7 -10t/ha) and cob number (3700 to 7200/ha). Crude protein (CP) content of maize with Tcphrosia before ensiling was signiJicantly (p 0.05) announced by the legume type, time of undersowing and ratio. However, these values were higher (p<0.05) than the CP content (14.2%) of sole maize silage. All the silage prepared with the three legumes undersown 4WAP maize had good aroma, were yellowish-green and free from moulds. It was concluded that (1) planting legumes same day with maize enhanced higher total forage yield than planting later. (2) ensiling fresh maize stove and the three forage legumes produced silage of higher CP and NDF contents than sole maize.