Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dissecting the roles of the non-canonical NF-kB signaling in the pathogenesis of lymphoma and autoimmunity.

NF-? B2 (p52 and its precursor p100) is a member of the Rel/NF-? B family of transcription factors. The NF-? B2 gene is recurrently mutated in human lymphoid malignancies including both B cell and T cell lymphomas. The mechanism by which how these mutations lead to lymphomagenesis has not been unveiled. Using NF-? B2 deficient mice, we revealed that the loss of NF-? B2 p100 is not lymphomagenic, instead itpredisposes mice to autoimmunity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the NF-? B2 defecient mice have a defect in the development/maintenance of UEA-1+ mTECs, themain cell population expressing a wide variety of peripheral tissue-restricted antigens essential for induction of self-tolerance in thymus. The impaired development of UEA-1+mTECs and the resulting breakdown in self-tolerance are probably the cause for the autoimmunity in these mice. We generated transgenic mice expressing an NF-? B2mutant p80HT. We demonstrated that these mice develop malignant lymphomas mainly of B cell origin, we also found that p80HT promote lymphoma development primarilythrough a TRAF1-dependent antiapoptotic pathway. These findings provide direct evidence that the NF-? B2 mutation is oncogenic in vivo. It is well known that NF-? B2mutants manifest constitutive processing to p52, and the constitutive production of p52 has been suggested as a major mechanism for lymphomagenesis induced by mutations ofthe NF-? B2 gene. To test this hypothesis, we generated transgenic mice expressing p52 using the same strategy as for p80HT mice. p52 transgenic mice do not developlymphoma, instead they display autoimmunity characterized by multi-organ infiltration of activated lymphocytes, high levels of autoantibodies in the serum, and immune-complexglomerulonephritis. Mechanistically, p52 represses Bim expression, leading to defects in apoptotic processes critical for elimination of autoreactive lymphocytes and control of immune response. In summary, these studies provide in vivo evidence for a gain of oncogenic activity for NF-? B2 mutants and indicate that fine-tuning the alternative NF-? B signaling is required for control of autoimmunity.
Animal reservoirs for extended spectrum β-lactamase producers

Food-producing animals are the primary reservoir of zoonotic pathogens, and the detection of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers among Escherichia coli and Salmonella strains has increased in recent years. ESBLs are widely detected in various human medical institutions but they are not so frequently reported in the bacterial population circulating in animals. This could indicate that these enzymes are less prevalent in animals than in humans, but also that they have not been extensively sought. The increasing occurrence of ESBL producers in animals is highlighted and discussed in this review with respect to the circulation of these resistance traits also among human pathogens.
Rhizosphere Bacterial Degradation of RDX, Understanding and Enhancement

Abstract : Our overall goals were to identify RDX-degrading bacteria in plant rhizospheres, discover the factors that control their abundance and diversity, and develop probes that can be used in the field to detect them. We suggest that important controlling variables in determining RDX persistence in soil are carbon and nitrogen availability. This implies that soil bacteria do not effectively degrade energetic materials in situ unless they are associated with a carbon-rich environment that selects for populations active in either direct or cometabolic degradation of RDX. Further, we expected that activity of RDX-degrading bacteria would be favored by specific carbon sources in the root exudate spectrum, allowing the rhizosphere to be manipulated to enhance populations of RDX-degrading bacteria.
ALGUNS ASPECTOS QUALITATIVOS DA CARNE BOVINA: UMA REVISÃO

A carne bovina e a principal fonte de proteina animal presente na dieta do brasileiro. Todavia, o consumidor nacional ainda nao esta atento aos parâmetros de qualidade de carne, como cor, maciez e composicao lipidica por exemplo. A cor da carne e o principal parâmetro utilizado no julgamento de compra do consumidor e influencia na aquisicao do produto nas gondolas dos mercados. A maciez da carne bovina e o parâmetro que fideliza o consumidor e esta associado a qualidade global do produto. A composicao lipidica da carne vem sendo frequentemente associado com saude, uma vez que e a principal fonte de colesterol e acidos graxos saturados. A presente revisao objetivou abordar alguns atributos que influenciam na qualidade da carne bovina aplica-los nos termos do consumidor. Palavras-Chave: Acidos graxos, cor, maciez
Frontotemporal dementia associated with a Valosin‐Containing Protein mutation: report of three families

Objective: The phenotype of inclusion body myopathy with Paget disease of the bone and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) (IBMPFD), associated with Valosin‐Containing Protein (VCP) mutations is described in 3 families. Methods: Probands were identified on the basis of a pathological diagnosis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with neuronal intranuclear ubiquitin/TDP‐43‐positive inclusions (FTLD‐U type IV). VCP sequencing was carried out. Clinical data on affected family members were reviewed.
Efeitos da suplementação energética e lipídica no perfil metabólico, desenvolvimento folicular e produção in vitro de embrióes em novilhas da raça Nelore (Bos taurus indicus)

Two experiments were carried to evaluate the effect of the energy and fat in the metabolic profile, follicular dynamic, oocyte and in vitro embryo production in Nelore heifers (Bos taurus indicus). In the first, twenty Nelore heifers with 30 months old, and average weight 417,0 ± 42,4 were allocated in 3 treatments, in accordance with weight and follicular population evaluated by ultrasound: T1, animals received 100% of energy maintenance, calculated as NRC (1997), T2animals received 170% of energy maintenance; T3: animals received 170% of energy maintenance with addition of 200 g Megalac ®. In the second experiment, 12 Nelore heifers with 14-18 months and 309,6 kg average weight, were allocated in 3 treatments, in tree periods: T1, animals received 100% of energy maintenance, calculated as NRC (1997), T2animals received 170% of energy maintenance; T3: animals received 170% of energy maintenance with addition of 4% soybean oil in Dry Matter and T4: animals received 170% of energy maintenance with addition of 200 g Megalac ®. After adaptation period, the treatment initiated, animals had synchronized ovulation, blood samples were collected, and follicular aspiration was carried to evaluate the oocytes and in vitro embryo production. Follicular development was monitored daily by ultrasonography until day post heat. The consumption of MS and the weight gain were lower in group T1 (P< 0.05), in relation to the others treatments. The FSH, LH, and albumin concentrations were not different (P > 0.05) among treatments. The cholesterol concentrations were higher in the T3 and T4 groups (P< 0.05) only in the second experiment. As well as the albumin, the glucose concentrations, did not change (P> 0.05) between the different diets. Concentration of plasmatic urea was not different (P> 0.05). The number of small follicles (< 4 mm) and medium (4-8 mm) increased (P <0.05) with diets that increased energy and fat. Large (> 8mm) follicles did not vary (P >0.05) among treatments. The number of aspirated oocytes by OPU
Crypsis in Paraxanthus barbiger (Decapoda: Brachyura): Mechanisms Against Visual Predators

Abstract Marine organisms have evolved a suite of responses to minimize the exposure to predators. Visual crypsis is one such strategy to avoid predation. Paraxanthus barbiger (Poeppig, 1836) is a species that exhibits different color morphotypes over heterogeneous substrates as a means of protection against visual predators. Our main objectives were to quantify the occurrence of color morphotypes over a three-year period and to investigate, via an experimental approach, on the possible mechanisms involved that would provide crypsis to this species. Field surveys occurred over a three-year period at two nearby sites on the central Chilean coast. Initial observations indicated that small juvenile P. barbiger exhibited higher degrees of color polymorphism than larger (> 20 mm carapace width) conspecifics. Furthermore, survival rates of small (< 10 mm carapace width) P. barbiger exposed to predators increased on heterogeneous substrata under both natural and laboratory conditions. Laboratory experiments further demonstrated that newly settled P. barbiger actively select heterogeneous substrata. Hence, cryptic responses of this species might reduce predation-mediated mortality through color pattern disruption of individuals with respect to their environment.
Pigment composition patterns and expression analysis of flavonoid biosynthesis genes in the petals of evergreen azalea Oomurasaki and its red flower sport

With 2 figures and 3 tables Abstract To obtain basic information about flower colour sports in azalea breeding, the petals of Rhododendron × pulchrum‘Oomurasaki’ and its red flower sport were compared in terms of pigment constitution, expression of eight genes related to flavonoid synthesis and sequences of the flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H) gene, which is a key gene that synthesizes the pigments of the delphinidin series. According to the HPLC analysis, ‘Oomurasaki’ contained anthocyanidins from both the cyanidin and delphinidin series, whereas the red flower sport contained only pigments from the cyanidin series. Real-time PCR analysis showed that F3′5′H transcript levels in the red flower sport were 0.14-fold those of ‘Oomurasaki’. Compared with the amino acid sequences of F3′5′H1-A of ‘Oomurasaki’, both F3′5′H1-B and F3′5′H1-C sequences of the red flower sport were changed by only one amino acid. These results suggested that low transcript levels of the F3′5′H gene caused no accumulation of delphinidin series pigments in flower colour change between ‘Oomurasaki’ and its red flower sport.
Environmental stress and cellular response in arthropods

Contents Introduction What is Stress? Environmental Stressors Stress Effects Disturbing Cellular Homeostasis Stress Defense Systems and Their Response to Stress Scope and Purpose of this Book Basal signal transduction systems involved in stress response Introduction Two Major Second Messenger Systems: cAMP and Ca 2+ The MAPK Cascade The stress-protein system Introduction Types, Structures, and Functions of Stress Proteins Gene Expression, Posttranscriptional, and Translational Regulation of Stress Proteins The oxidative stress response system Introduction Cellular Response to Reactive Oxygen Species The Metallothionein System Introduction Properties and Types of Metallothionein Regulation of Metallothionein Heavy Metal Stress The mixed-function oxygenase system Introduction Description of the Mixed-Function Oxygenase System The Mixed-Function Oxygenase System in Insects Degradation of Xenobiotics in Insects The role of cellular response systems in developing tolerance to environmental stress Introduction Thermotolerance in Insect Species The Effects of Environmental Stress on Aging and Cell Death Introduction Effects of Environmental Stress on Aging Cell Death by Environmental Stress The integrated cellular stress defense system Introduction Specific Characteristics of the Individual Systems Important Stress Effects Cooperation and Integration of Systems The Central Hypothesis Summary Abbreviations References
Modes of active inorganic carbon uptake in the cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. PCC7942.

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) have evolved a remarkable environmental adaptation for survival at limiting CO2 concentrations. The adaptation is known as a CO2 concentrating mechanism, and functions to actively transport and accumulate inorganic carbon (Ci; HCO3- and CO2) within the cell. Thereafter, this Ci pool is utilised to provide elevated CO2 concentrations around the primary CO2 fixing enzyme, Rubisco, which is encapsulated in a unique micro-compartment known as the carboxysome. Recently, significant progress has been gained in understanding the different types of Ci transport in cyanobacteria. This semi-review centres on the model cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. PCC7942, which possesses at least four distinct modes of Ci uptake when grown under Ci limitation, each possessing a high degree of functional redundancy. The four modes so far identified are: (i) BCT1, an inducible, high affinity HCO3- transporter of the bacterial ATP binding cassette transporter family, encoded by cmpABCD; (ii) a constitutive, Na+-dependent HCO3- transport system that can be allosterically activated (possibly by phosphorylation) in as little as 10 min; (iii) and (iv) two CO2 uptake systems, one constitutive and the other inducible, based on specialised forms of thylakoid-based, type 1, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase complexes (NDH-1). Here, we forward a speculative model that proposes that two unique proteins, ChpX and ChpY, possess CO2 hydration activity in the light, and when coupled to photosynthetic electron transport through the two specialised NDH-1 complexes, result in net hydration of CO2 to HCO3- as a crucial component of the CO2 uptake process.
Development of the gynoecium of Guettarda pohliana in the context of Rubiaceae evolution

Traditional studies examining the evolution of the gynoecium in Rubiaceae focus on variations in ovule morphology. However, development of the gynoecium is poorly understood. Only a few studies have been conducted to examine the formation of the carpellary septa in the subfamilies Cinchonoideae and Ixoroideae. A trend in reduced ovule structures has been observed. The origin of the carpellary septa is also relevant. Therefore, to provide insight into the evolution of embryological characteristics in Rubiaceae, we investigated the ontogeny of the carpels and ovules in Guettarda pohliana (Cinchonoideae), focusing on the carpellary septa, placenta, nucellus, and integument. Guettarda pohliana has a long basal septum and pendulous ovules. The ovules are anatropous, unitegmic, and tenuinucellate. The nucellus is dome-like, the epidermis contains between seven and eight cells, and there are between four and six subepidermal initials. Based on these observations, we propose a new ovule type in the evolutionary d.
The Influence of Water Source Type and Insect Abundance on Bat Foraging Behavior in a Managed Pine Landscape

Bats forage over calm, open water presumably because of high insect abundance, low echolocation interference, and few flight obstacles. Changes to the physical structure of water sources could be important to bats. Many wetlands in coastal North Carolina have been drained and commercial forestry is now a primary land use. Water sources within managed forests are mostly man-made ponds and ditches. I examined bats in a managed pine landscape and an adjacent natural wetland to determine how water source type and insect abundance affected commuting and foraging activity, species activity, and species diversity of bats. I collected data using remote acoustic sampling, mist nets, and passive insect traps. In 2006, total bat activity and the number of eastern red, eastern pipistrelle, and big brown bats recorded per night were higher at heliponds. In 2007, the number of eastern pipistrelle, big brown, and hoary bats recorded per night was highest at heliponds and there was a water source * insect abundance interaction. In both years, foraging activity levels and bat species diversity were similar among water sources. Heliponds appear to be an important resource for insect prey and bats in managed pine forests. Management for bats and other wildlife should include helipond maintenance.
Creating & Teaching with Simple Animation: Making Biology Instruction Come Alive

Abstract Over the years, many of my students have reported that they enjoy lectures that include short, simple animations. To keep students engaged, I have developed a small set of teaching animations using PowerPoint and Camtasia Studio software packages. A survey of students who learned four difficult topics with traditional written lessons and with these animations revealed that 80% of the students say that they learn better when animations are included. With such a majority reporting that cartoons engage them in learning, I wanted to share my simple method of creating them with the teaching community.
Studies on the Hemolytic Streptococcus I. Isolation and Concentration of Erythrogenic Toxin of the NY5 Strain of Hemolytic Streptococcus

Summary A method is given for the preparation of a diffusate medium which supports the growth of 70 mgm. of hemolytic streptococci per liter. Each milliliter of filtrate from cultures of hemolytic streptococci of scarlatinal origin contained 10,000 skin test doses of erythrogenic toxin. The total erythrogenic toxic fraction was isolated and concentrated by adsorption on aluminum silicate (Lloyd9s reagent) at pH 4.0, elution, ammonium sulphate precipitation, and dialysis. One milligram of substance was obtained per liter of filtrate. One skin test dose was equal to 0.0001 micrograms of substance which contained 10 per cent nitrogen and gave a positive test for carbohydrate. The purified toxin was less stable than the raw toxin of filtrate. Fractions which gave similar chemical tests, but which contained no erythrogenic toxin, were obtained by the same procedures from culture filtrates of two non-scarlatinal, non-erythrogenic strains of hemolytic streptococci.
Intracellular recordings from interneurones and motoneurones during bilateral kicks in the locust: implications for mechanisms controlling the jump

Intracellular recordings were made from the neuropile processes of thoracic neurones of Locusta migratoria during bilateral kicks of the hindlegs. Electromyographic (EMG) recordings showed that the pattern of flexor and extensor tibiae muscle activity during kicks in this extensively dissected preparation was similar to that seen during a jump. Intracellular recordings from hindleg flexor and extensor motoneurones and from 13 identified interneurones revealed additional features of the motor programme for jumping and kicking and of the mechanism which triggers these events. There was a discrete burst of activity in the fast extensor tibiae (FETi) motoneurone at the end of the co-contraction phase, generated by a system that appeared to be separate from that triggering the kick. The excitatory connection from FETi to flexors was not responsible for initiating flexor activity and was of little functional importance in maintaining this activity during the co-contraction phase. The initial flexor excitation came from another, unidentified, central source. A pair of identified interneurones, the M-neurones, discharged with a high frequency burst just prior to the kick. Since these neurones inhibit hindleg flexor tibiae motoneurones, this observation provides further support for their proposed role as the neurones responsible for triggering kicks and jumps. Our data do not support the proposal that the activation of the M-neurones depends on them receiving progressively increasing proprioceptive input during the co-contraction phase. Throughout co-contraction, the M-neurones were hyperpolarized. Their activation was rapid and strong enough to cause them to discharge at rates as high as 400 spikes s −1 . We suggest that the pulse-like activation of the M-neurones is produced centrally by a higher order system of interneurones. Another pair of previously identified interneurones, the C-neurones, were not necessary for the generation of the co-contraction phase of the motor programme. Their pattern of activity and their known connections indicated that they provide additional excitation to the flexors and extensors towards the end of co-contraction. Many other interneurones discharged either during co-contraction or when a kick was triggered. We conclude that the system generating the motor programme for a kick (jump) is more complex than proposed in previous studies.
Dormancy-breaking and germination requirements of seeds of four Lonicera species (Caprifoliaceae) with underdeveloped spatulate embryos

Abstract Dormancy-breaking requirements and types of dormancy were determined for seeds of Lonicera fragrantissima Lindl. & Paxt. , L. japonica Thunb. , L. maackii (Rupr.) Maxim. and L. morrowii A. Gray. Seeds of all four species have underdeveloped spatulate embryos that are about 20–40%fully developed (elongated) when dispersed. Embryos in freshly matured, intact seeds grew better at 25/15°C than at 5°C. Gibberellic acid (GA3) (tested only in the light) was more effective in breaking dormancy in L. maackii and L. morrowii than in L. fragrantissima and L. japonica. Warm- followed by cold stratification was required to break dormancy in seeds of L. fragrantissima, whereas seeds of L. japonica required cold stratification only. Thus, seeds of L. fragrantissima have deep simple morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) and those of L. japonica nondeep simple MPD. About 50%of the seeds of L. maackii required warm- or cold stratification only to come out of dormancy and 50% of those of L. morrowii required warm stratification only, whereas the other 50% did not require stratification to germinate. Thus, about half of the seeds of the two species has nondeep simple MPD, and the other half has morphological dormancy (MD). In these laboratory tests, seeds of L. japonica, L. maackii, and L. morrowii generally germinated to significantly higher percentages in light than in darkness; seeds of L. fragrantissima were not tested in darkness. Peaks of germination for seeds of L. fragrantissima, L. japonica, L. maackii and L. morrowii sown on a soil surface and covered with Quercus leaves under near-natural temperature conditions shortly after seed maturity and dispersal in late June 1997, late November 1997, early November 1996 and late June 1998, respectively, occurred in early March 1998, late February 1998, late March 1997 and early October 1998, respectively. The germination phenologies of seeds of the same species and seed lots buried in soil were similar to those of seeds under leaf litter. High percentages of seeds of all four species germinated both under litter (78–96%) and beneath the soil surface (78–97%). These germination patterns correspond closely with the requirements for embryo growth and dormancy break in the four Lonicera species.
Distribution estimation of synchronized budding yeast population

A method for estimating the distribution of a synchronized budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cell population is presented. The method is based on the analysis of the amounts of genetic material in the individual cells of the population. The analysis is done using data that are obtained with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter by using a novel method for estimating the replication rate of genetic material. The method is tested with real data that were obtained in a time-series budding yeast experiment. In the experiment, samples taken from a synchronized cell population were analyzed with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter, and microscopic imaging was performed as well. It is verified that the distribution estimates that are obtained with the proposed method are in agreement with the results obtained with a bud-counting method that has been proposed earlier.