Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
H2-Mβ1 and H2-Mβ2 Heterodimers Equally Promote CLIP Removal in I-Aq Molecules from Autoimmune-prone DBA/1 Mice*

Antigen-presenting cells degrade endocytosed antigens, e.g. collagen type II, into peptides that are bound and presented to arthritogenic CD4+ helper T cells by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Efficient loading of many MHC class II alleles with peptides requires the assistance of H2-M (HLA-DM in humans), a heterodimeric MHC class II-like molecule that facilitates CLIP removal from MHC class II molecules and aids to shape the peptide repertoire presented by MHC class II to CD4+ T cells. In contrast to the HLA-DM region in humans, the β-chain locus is duplicated in mice, with theH2-Mb1 beta-chain distal to H2-Mb2 and the H2-Ma alpha-chain gene. H2-M alleles appear to be associated with the development of autoimmune diseases. Recent data showed that Mβ1 and Mβ2 isoforms are differentially expressed in isolated macrophages and B cells, respectively. The tissue expression and functional role of these heterodimers in promoting CLIP removal and peptide selection have not been addressed. We utilized the human T2 cell line, which lacks part of chromosome 6 encompassing the MHC class II and DM genes, to construct transgenic cell lines expressing the MHC class II heterodimer I-Aq alone or in the presence of H2-Mαβ1 or H2-Mαβ2 heterodimers. Both H2-M isoforms facilitate the exchange of CLIP for cognate peptides on I-Aq molecules from arthritis-susceptible DBA/1 mice and induce a conformational change in I-Aq molecules. Moreover, I-Aq cell-surface expression is not absolutely dependent on H2-M molecules. These data suggest that I-Aq exhibits a high affinity for CLIP since virtually all I-Aq molecules on T2 cells were found to be associated with CLIP in the absence of both H2-M isoforms.
Toxicity of Liver and Kidney Induced by Different Concentrations of Tramadol in Young and Adult Mice

It is thought that Tramadol TM, a synthetic opioid analgesic agent, is low in abuse and has no side effects if its total daily dose doesn’t exceed 400mg. This work aims to study the pathohistological and physiological toxicity effect of tramadol in different concentrations, equivalent to less than 400 mg, on liver and kidney. Forty-eight male Balb/c mice were used in this study and divided into two age groups (n=24 mice); the first was an adult aged 8-9 weeks and the other was young aged 4-5 weeks. Every age group was divided into three subgroups (n=8 mice). The first group consumed a high concentration of TM, 40 mg TM/ kg body weight daily which equivalent about 421.2 mg TM/ 65kg body weight. The second group was consumed a low concentration of TM, 20 mg/kg daily. The last group consumed only water ad libtum and served as a control group. After one month, the mice were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected to separate the serum and used to determine; kidney function tests (S.Cr and B.U) and liver function tests (GOT, GPT, and ALP). Kidney and liver were collected and put in 10% formalin for pathohistological study. GPT, ALP, B.Ur and S.Cr levels were significantly higher in the young and adult mice consumed TM compared to control while there was no different in GOT level. Comparable results were found in the pathohistological study of kidney and liver section. The infiltration of inflammatory cells and its aggregation were detected within the kidney and liver tissue of adult and young mice group that consumed TM. These changes were severing in the mice consumed TM high concentration compared to lower concentration. As a conclusion, Tramadol could have dangerous side effects even when its total dose doesn’t exceed 400mg daily. These side effects didn’t
A Fourth Species of Minute Salamander (Thorius: Plethodontidae) from the Sierra Madre del Sur of Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract A new minute salamander of the genus Thorius is described from the western highlands of the Mexican state of Guerrero. Previously, three congeners were known from the central portion of the state. The fourth species we herein describe occurs in the western portion of the Sierra Madre del Sur of Guerrero and is allopatric from nearest congeners by about 80 km. The new species is distinguished from Guerreran congeners by a combination of body size, external morphology, and dentition.
Adhesion of Human Skin Fibroblasts to Cyr61 Is Mediated through Integrin α6β1 and Cell Surface Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans*

The angiogenic inducer Cyr61 is an extracellular matrix-associated heparin-binding protein that can mediate cell adhesion, stimulate cell migration, and enhance growth factor-stimulated DNA synthesis in both fibroblasts and endothelial cells in culture. In vivo, Cyr61 induces neovascularization and promotes tumor growth. Cyr61 is a prototypic member of a highly conserved family of secreted proteins that includes connective tissue growth factor, nephroblastoma overexpressed, Elm-1/WISP-1, Cop-1/WISP-2, and WISP-3. Encoded by an immediate early gene, Cyr61 synthesis is induced by serum growth factors in cultured fibroblasts and in dermal fibroblasts during cutaneous wound healing. We previously demonstrated that Cyr61 mediates adhesion of vascular endothelial cells and activation-dependent adhesion of blood platelets through direct interaction with integrins αVβ3 and αIIbβ3, respectively. In this study, we show that the adhesion of primary human skin fibroblasts to Cyr61 is mediated through integrin α6β1 and cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), which most likely serve as co-receptors. Either destruction of cell surface HSPGs or prior occupancy of the Cyr61 heparin-binding site completely blocked cell adhesion to Cyr61. A heparin-binding defective mutant of Cyr61 was unable to mediate fibroblast adhesion through integrin α6β1 but still mediated endothelial cell adhesion through integrin αVβ3, indicating that endothelial cell adhesion through integrin αVβ3 is independent of the heparin-binding activity of Cyr61. These results identify Cyr61 as a novel adhesive substrate for integrin α6β1 and provide the first demonstration of the requirement for HSPGs in integrin-mediated cell attachment. In addition, these findings suggest that Cyr61 might elicit disparate biological effects in different cell types through interaction with distinct integrin receptors.
The environmental improvement under China’s ‘New Normal’

ABSTRACT The significant environmental improvement in China has drawn much research attention in recent years. However, in exploring the factors that lead to pollution reduction, most literature has ignored the slowing economic growth under the ‘New Normal’ of China. This omission could lead to the overestimation of the pollution reduction effects of other factors. In this paper, we estimate the effect of the economic slowdown using a dynamic Computable General Equilibrium model, CHINAGEM. We find that the contribution of the economic slowdown to pollution reduction ranges from 10% to 30%. This indicates the importance of considering the economic slowdown when evaluating the effects of other factors related to the environmental improvement in China.
Seasonal and geographical differences in aflatoxin exposures in Senegal

The aim of the study was to determine the geographical and seasonal variations in aflatoxin dietary exposure levels in adults from Senegal. A total of 168 adults (50% male) were recruited from three districts: Nioro du Rip (n=90), located in the Sudan Savannah agro-ecological zone where rainfall is sufficient for groundnut growth; Saint-Louis (n=40) and Mboro (n=38), located in the Sahel zone where groundnuts are produced under irrigated conditions. Diet information and samples were collected at groundnut harvest and post-harvest seasons. Plasma aflatoxin-albumin adducts (AF-alb) and total aflatoxin in household groundnut samples were measured by ELISA and a quantitative thin layer chromatography method, respectively. The blood AF-alb geometric mean was 45.7 pg/mg albumin (range 5.5-588.2 pg/mg). Nioro du Rip had a higher AF-alb level at harvest than Saint-Louis and Mboro (80.0 vs 15.6 and 33.3 pg/mg, P<0.001). Similar trends were observed at post-harvest (P<0.05). Seasonal trends were not consistent acro.
Effect of Four Synthetic Pyrethroids on a Predatory Mite, Typhlodromus pyri , and Its Prey, Panonychus ulmi , on Apples in Southeast England

A field trial on apples in southeastern England showed that pre-bloom “pink bud” sprays of 4 synthetic pyrethroids—permethrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, and decamethrin, were all highly toxic to the predatory mite Typhlodromus pyri , but had no appreciable toxicity to the dominant spider mite species, Panonychus ulmi . The virtual elimination of the predatory mite at this growth stage of apples led to a marked population increase of P. ulmi later in the same season. The use of these pyrethroids for insect control is incompatible with integrated mite management on apples using T. pyri . Laboratory data supported the field results.
A GIS approach to identifying territorial resource competition

Computer simulations using a geographical information system were developed to investigate the relationships between the habitat composition of red grouse territories and the alignment of territory boundaries in relation to vegetation patterns. Field data were from a fifteen year study on Kerloch Moor, north-east Scotland, between 1963 and 1977. In order to determine whether observed territories were arranged randomly with respect to a number of habitat characteristics, they were compared with many simulated sets of possible territory arrangements by translation of the territory boundaries to a number of different positions relative to the vegetation mosaic. A suite of summary statistics was calculated for the simulated configurations, against which the observed configurations were tested. There was little evidence for territorial resource competition by red grouse. The positions of territories were not strongly influenced by their composition in terms of vegetation types or heather edge. Neither was there any obvious preference for territory boundaries to lie within particular vegetation types. However, there was clear evidence that physical features of the habitat (fences, walls, tracks, etc.) had a strong influence on the position of territory boundaries. Temporal and spatial habitat heterogeneity led to a number of technical and analytical problems, and the implications of these are discussed.
Gi Proteins Use a Novel βγ- and Ras-independent Pathway to Activate Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase and Mobilize AP-1 Transcription Factors in Jurkat T Lymphocytes*

Receptors coupled to pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive Gi proteins regulate T lymphocyte cytokine secretion, proliferation, and chemotaxis, yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms of Gi protein signaling in mammalian lymphocytes. Using the Jurkat T lymphocyte cell line, we found that a stably expressed Gi protein-coupled receptor (the δ-opioid receptor (DOR1)) stimulates MEK-1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1 and ERK2) and transcriptional activity by an ERK target, Elk-1, via a mechanism requiring a PTX-sensitive Gi protein. Levels of β-adrenergic receptor kinase-1 C-terminal fragment that inhibited signaling by Giprotein βγ subunits in these cells had no effect on DOR1 stimulation of either MEK-1- or Elk-1-dependent transcription, indicating that this pathway is independent of βγ. Analysis of this βγ-independent pathway indicates a role for a herbimycin A-sensitive tyrosine kinase. Unlike βγ-mediated pathways, the βγ-independent pathway was insensitive to RasN17, inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), and constitutive PI 3-kinase activity. The βγ-independent pathway regulates downstream events, since blocking it abrogated both Elk-1-dependent transcription and mobilization of the mitogenic transcription factor, AP-1, in response to DOR1 signaling. These results characterize a novel, Ras- and PI 3kinase-independent pathway for ERK activation by Gi protein signaling that is distinct from ERK activation by βγ and may therefore be mediated by the αi subunit.
Control of nitrous oxide emission from Chironomus plumosus larvae by nitrate and temperature

Aquatic invertebrates that ingest large numbers of bacteria produce substantial amounts of the greenhouse gas N2O because of incomplete denitrification in their anoxic gut. We investigated the influence of two key environmental factors, temperature and NO3− availability, on N2O emission from larvae of Chironomus plumosus in field and laboratory experiments. Larvae collected from lake sediments emitted between 2 and 73 pmol N2O ind. −1 h−1 during the warm season, but took up maximally 227 pmol N2O ind.21 h21 during winter. Larvae kept in laboratory microcosms emitted between 14 and 122 pmol N2O ind. −1 h−1, and N2O uptake was never observed. For both types of larvae, the rate of N2O emission was stimulated by temperature (when the NO3− concentration in the water column was higher than 25–50 µmol L−1) and by NO3− (when the temperature was higher than 4–10°C). Modeling based on experimentally determined ventilation parameters and sedimentary O2 and NO3− turnover rates predicted that NO3− concentrations inside the burrow and in the sediment surrounding the burrow fluctuated and were on average lower than those in the water column. In contrast, NO3− concentrations measured in the gut and hemolymph of the microcosm‐incubated larvae were at least as high as in the water column. This suggests that N2O emission from C. plumosus larvae is controlled by NO3− availability in the water column, but is decoupled, by a hitherto unknown mechanism, from NO3− present in the immediate surroundings of the larva.
A Two‐Compartment, Three‐Parameter Model for the Absorption and Retention of Ingested Elements by Animals

In many experiments on the absorption and retention of ingested elements, the measured retention curve is fitted to the sum of two exponential functions. The model used most often to interpret results assumes that the instantaneous rate of absorption of an element is proportional to its instantaneous rate of ingestion. The authors propose instead a model that assumes the instantaneous rate of absorption is proportional to the amount of unabsorbed element in the gut. The models lead to different interpretations of the parameters of the retention curve and to different functional descriptions of the accumulation of absorbed element in the body. Data are presented to support the author's proposed model over the commonly used model. Since both models are of equal mathematical complexity, there is no justification for favoring the commonly used model. Suggestions are made about how modeling should be incorporated into ecological studies. Models based on meaningful and testable hypotheses should be formulated p.
FREE ENERGY SIMULATION STUDIES OF THE BINDING SPECIFICITY OF MANNOSE-BINDING PROTEIN

Free energy simulations and standard molecular mechanics calculations have been used to examine the binding specificity of the C-type lectin rat mannose-binding protein. This protein, which is important in inflammation and immunoglobin-independent immune response, recognizes and binds to mannose and high-mannose oligosaccharides but not to galactose. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to estimate the free energy difference between these two sugars in aqueous solution and in the binding site of the protein. While the simulations found mannose to be favored over galactose, interactions with the solvent tended to favor galactose. The calculated binding free energy difference for these two sugars to MBP was 3.1 kcal/mol favoring mannose, approximately twice the experimental value. An estimate of the resolution into components found that enthalpy favored mannose but that entropy favored galactose, a reversal of the situation in solution. From standard MD simulations, the galactose was found to rotate in .
Mechanism and challenges associated with adaptation and evolution of drug-resistant bacteria: an overview

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the leading challenges in the human healthcare segment. Advances in antimicrobial resistance studies have revealed various intrinsic, adaptive or acquired factors to be involved for pathogenicity. Antimicrobial agents are either bactericidal or bacteriostatic in action and prescribed according to the mode of action. Various factors are confined for the antimicrobial activity of these agents via biochemical, mechanical, physiological and molecular mechanisms. Microbial cell expresses a number of alternates responsible for the evolution of resistance against these agent activities involving cell surface modifications, enzyme inhibitions, modifications in efflux system, protein carriers and mutations in nucleic acids. Apart from this, the successful adaptations of such microbes have also been observed with the transfer of responsible genes through miscellaneous operations such as vertical evolution, horizontal gene transfer, co-selection, compensatory and random mutation. In addition, alterations or modifications in biochemical and physiological mechanisms at cellular levels are also responsible for antibiotic resistance. This article briefly shows the present scenario of antimicrobial resistance and the alternatives to overcome this global issue in future.
Effects of the Floy Anchor Tag on the Growth and Survival of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

We conducted two field trials to determine the effects of the gun-injected, Floy anchor tag (FD-67) on growth and survival of 10-month-old domesticated brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in a 0.7 ha pond. Trials ran from October to the following June. In 1968 we stocked 106 tagged trout and 1005 controls, and in 1969, 300 tagged trout and 500 controls. We removed different fins from each group to determine tag loss. In both trials we sampled the trout twice through the ice and twice during open water. The tags retarded growth of the trout from October to January; differences in growth rates between tagged and controls were 18 and 28% for the 1968 and 1969 trials, respectively. After January both groups grew at similar rates. Thetags did not affect survival, and tag losses were 5.7 and 2.0% for the two trials.
Monitoring the Effect of Poplar Trees on Petroleum-Hydrocarbon and Chlorinated-Solvent Contaminated Ground Water

ABSTRACT At contaminated groundwater sites, poplar trees can be used to affect ground-water levels, flow directions, and ultimately total groundwater and contaminant flux to areas downgradient of the trees. The magnitude of the hydrologic changes can be monitored using fundamental concepts of groundwater hydrology, in addition to plant physiology-based approaches, and can be viewed as being almost independent of the contaminant released. The affect of poplar trees on the fate of groundwater contaminants, however, is contaminant dependent. Some petroleum hydrocarbons or chlorinated solvents may be mineralized or transformed to innocuous compounds by rhizospheric bacteria associated with the tree roots, mineralized or transformed by plant tissues in the transpiration stream or leaves after uptake, or passively volatilized and rapidly dispersed or oxidized in the atmosphere. These processes also can be monitored using a combination of physiological- or geochemical-based field or laboratory approaches. When combined, such hydrologic and contaminant monitoring approaches can result in a more accurate assessment of the use of poplar trees to meet regulatory goals at contaminated groundwater sites, verify that these goals continue to be met in the future, and ultimately lead to a consensus on how the performance of plant-based remedial strategies (phytoremediation) is to be assessed.
Salt stress induces a decrease in the oxygen uptake of soybean nodules and in their permeability to oxygen diffusion.

The effects of short-term NaCl-salinity on nodules of soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Kingsoy) were studied on hydroponically-grown plants. Both acetylene reducing activity (ARA) and nodule respiration (O2 uptake and CO2 evolution) were immediately inhibited, and the stimulation of them by rising the external partial pressure of O2 (pO2) was diminished by the application of 0.1 M NaCl in the nutrient solution. The permeability of the nodule to O2 diffusion, estimated by O2 consumption or CO2 evolution, was significantly lower in the stressed nodules than in the cootrol ones. The respiratory quotient of intact nodules and the ethanol production of excised nodules were increased by low pO2 and by salt stress. These data confirm that in salt-stressed soybean nodules, O2 availability is reduced and fermentative pathways are stimulated.
Bioengineering of Male Sterility in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Male sterility is an important trait for crop breeding program based on heterosis. Recent advances in molecular researches have led to the identification of genes involved in plant reproductive development and understanding the molecular functions of rice male gametophyte including roles of phytohormones in reproduction process. Here, we review the genes required for key aspects of anther/pollen development and conventional methods for the production of hybrid seeds in rice. Finally, we discuss the molecular approaches for the generation of male-sterile lines through the regulation of phytohormonal biosynthesis in reproductive organs.
Identification of ∆Np63r Protein Interactions by Mass Spectrometry

p63, a transcription factor related to the p53 tumor suppressor, plays a key role in epidermal dif- ferentiation and limb development. The gene has two distinct promoters that allow the formation of proteins that either contain (TA) or lack (∆N) a transactivation domain. ∆Np63R is the most widely expressed isoform, at all stages of development and in adult tissues. It supports the regenerative capacity of basal keratinocytes and its upregulation is a hallmark of human squamous carcinomas. To get insight into the complex biology of ∆Np63R, we set out to identify ∆Np63R interacting pro- teins by co-immunoprecipitation in mammalian cells and mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 49 potential ∆Np63R binding proteins, including several heteroge- neous ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs), were identified. In- tegration of the proteomic data with a Human Coexpres- sion Network highlighted 5 putative p63 protein interactors whose expression is significantly comodulated with p63: hnRNPA/B, hnRNPK, hnRNPQ, FUS/TLS and Keratin 5. hnRNPA/B was already described as a p63 partner, but the others were novel. Interaction of ∆Np63R with hnRN- PQ, hnRNPK and FUS/TLS was confirmed by reciprocal co-immunoprecipitations in human keratinocytes. The finding that ∆Np63R exists in complexes with several RNA-binding proteins lays the premises for the analysis of the role of ∆Np63R in mRNA metabolism and transport.
Cytokinin activity in Citrus seedlings colonized by mycorrhizal fungi

lar-arbuscular mycorrhizal monocotyledon Bouteloua gracilis compared to nonmycorrhizal plants (Allen et aL, 1980). This increase may be associated with colonization of roots by vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi or the result of improved mineral nutrition (Van Staden and Davey, 1979). The objectives of this research were to: 1 ) establish the presence of cytokinins in leaves of Citrus jambhiri Lush. seedlings inoculated with vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; and 2) isolate cytokinins with demonstrated biological activity.