Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circulation Research Thematic Synopsis: Cardiovascular Genetics

Rationale Wt1-Cre-based tools are important reagents for studying epicardial cell fate and gene function. Objective To better describe the properties of Wt1-Cre-based tools to enhance their use in Cre-loxP-based experiments. Methods and Results In contrast to recently reported results, we show that constitutive Wt1GFPCre in combination with certain Cre-activated reporters can be used to trace (pro) epicardial cell fate. Wt1CreERT2 can be efficiently induced by tamoxifen administration. We show substantial labeling of coronary endothelial cells when induction is performed at late but not early stages of heart development. Conclusions Wt1-based Cre alleles are useful tools for genetic lineage tracing of epicardial cells and mesothelium of other organs. Using these tools with proper understanding of their properties and limitations enables genetic labeling of epicardial cells and their derivatives. Long Noncoding RNAs in Cardiac Development and Pathophysiology [Review]; Schonrock, Harvey & Mattick40 Abstract Heart function requires sophisticated regulatory networks to orchestrate organ development, physiological responses, and environmental adaptation. Until recently, it was thought that these regulatory networks are composed solely of protein-mediated transcriptional control and signaling systems; consequently, it was thought that cardiac disease involves perturbation of these systems. However, it is becoming evident that RNA, long considered to function primarily as theHeart function requires sophisticated regulatory networks to orchestrate organ development, physiological responses, and environmental adaptation. Until recently, it was thought that these regulatory networks are composed solely of protein-mediated transcriptional control and signaling systems; consequently, it was thought that cardiac disease involves perturbation of these systems. However, it is becoming evident that RNA, long considered to function primarily as the e36 Circulation Research February 15, 2013 platform for protein production, may in fact play a major role in most, if not all, aspects of gene regulation, especially the epigenetic processes that underpin organogenesis. These include not only well-validated classes of regulatory RNAs, such as microRNAs, but also tens of thousands of long noncoding RNAs that are differentially expressed across the entire genome of humans and other animals. Here, we review this emerging landscape, summarizing what is known about their functions and their role in cardiac biology, and provide a toolkit to assist in exploring this previously hidden layer of gene regulation that may underpin heart adaptation and complex heart diseases. Lineage Tree for the Venous Pole of the Heart: Clonal Analysis Clarifies Controversial Genealogy Based on Genetic Tracing; Lescroart et al41
In situ expression of transforming growth factor β is associated with melanoma progression and correlates with Ki67, HLA-DR and β 3 integrin expression

Transforming growth factor-β(TGF β), which is secreted by cultured melanoma cells constitutively, inhibits the proliferation of normal melanocytes and of most melanoma cells in vitro, but some melanoma cells from advanced stages of the disease develop resistance to TGF β-dependent growth inhibition, without developing any change in TGF β cell surface binding. In vitro TGF p also downregulates the expression of HLA-DR molecules on melanoma cells, and upregulates the expression of the β 3 integrin subunit on some cell lines. Immunohistochemical analysis of 53 melanocytic lesions (12 naevi, 30 primary melanomas and 11 metastases) revealed a trend of increasing expression of TGF β and TGF β receptor type III with tumour progression, and a significantly higher expression of both TGFβ (P < 0.0001) and the receptor (P < 0.05) in metastatic and thick (P < 1 mm) primary melanomas compared with thin (> 1 mm) primary melanomas. The expression of TGF β correlated with expression of a marker of proliferation, Ki67, and with HLA-DR and β 3 integrin subunit expression. Coexpression of the four molecules was observed in all metastases and in most thick primary melanomas. These findings argue against an inhibitory effect of TGFβ on cell proliferation or HLA-DR antigen expression in melanoma, and suggest the upregulation of the β 3 subunit. TGF β protein appears to be a biological marker of melanoma progression in situ.
Studies on compatibility of nitrogen fixation by high-temperature-adapted Rhizobium strains and Vigna radiata genotypes at two moisture levels in calcareous soil

SUMMARY Rhizobium strains adapted to high temperature, and genotypes of green gram, were used to study the symbiotic N2-fixation in a summer season at two moisture levels in calcareous soil. Different interactions between strains and genotypes were observedatthe two moisture levels. At both moisture levels, strain S4 with the green gram genotype S8 showed the greatest grain yield, nitrogenase activity, leghaemoglobin and ethanolsoluble carbohydrate of nodules.
Molecular probe sets for the detection of toxic algae for use in sandwich hybridization formats

Molecular probes can be used for early and rapid detection of toxic algal species. The sandwich hybridization requires two probes for each species, a capture probe and a nearly adjacent signal probe. Probe sets for the species-specific identification of the toxic algal species Gymnodinium catenatum, Protoceratium reticulatum, Lingulodinium polyedrum, Prymnesium parvum, Chrysochromulina polylepis, Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries, Pseudo-nitzschia australis, Pseudonitzschia seriata and Pseudo-nitzschia pungens were designed. A genus probe set for Pseudonitzschia species was adapted, and all probe sets were tested for specificity. The target molecules for the probe sets are the large and the small subunit ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). The specificity of the different probe sets was tested using a sandwich hybridization assay in a microtiter plate with rRNA isolated from laboratory strains of the target species and closely related species. The assay showed that eight probe sets were highly specific. For G. catenatum and P. parvum, the probe sets detected one non-target species outside the target species. These 10 probe sets are valuable tools for identifying and monitoring different toxic algae. The microtiter plate assay is a cheap and effective means for testing probe specificity.
SOI design for submicron CMOS

Summary form only given. Device/circuit simulations, done with a previously developed SOI MOSFET model in SPICE and supported by measurements of devices fabricated in SIMOX films, are used to suggest optimal design for submicron SOI CMOS. The design optimization addresses hot-carrier-induced degradation, punchthrough, drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL), and the effect of the parasitic bipolar transistor (BJT) in the thin-film, fully depleted, submicron SOI MOSFET. <<ETX>>
Faunal composition of geometrid moths changes with altitude in an Andean montane rain forest

Aim The objective of this study was to describe and interpret the changes in faunal composition in the moth family Geometridae (Lepidoptera) along a small‐scale elevational gradient in a tropical montane rain forest. This gradient was compared with a large‐scale latitudinal gradient in Europe.
Characterisation of condensin subunits in Drosophila melanogaster

The precise mechanism of chromosome condensation and decondensation remains a mystery, despite progress over the last 20 years aimed at identifying components essential to the compaction of the genome during mitosis. A multiprotein complex, condensin, is considered to play a crucial role in this process along with having been shown to be essential for proper chromosome segregation during mitosis. This complex, conserved from yeast to humans, has been best characterised in Xenopus egg extracts and yeast. It consists of two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) proteins, SMC2 and SMC4, forming a heterodimer, and three non-SMC proteins, CAP-D2, CAPG and CAP-H. In this study, I analysed the localization and role of the CAP-D2 non-SMC condensin subunit and its effects on the stability of the condensin complex. I demonstrated that a condensin complex exists in Drosophila embryos, containing CAPD2, the anticipated SMC2 and SMC4 proteins, and the CAP-H/Barren and CAP-G (nonSMC) subunits. CAP-D2 is a nuclear protein throughout the cell cycle, increasing in level during S phase, present on chromosome axes in mitosis, and still present on chromosomes as they start to decondense late in mitosis. The consequences of CAP-D2 loss after dsRNA-mediated interference were analysed, and it was discovered that the protein is essential for chromosome arm and centromere resolution. The loss of CAPD2 after RNAi had additional downstream consequences on the stability of CAP-H, the localization of DNA topoisomerase II and other condensin subunits, chromosome segregation, and the dynamics of chromosome passenger and metaphase checkpoint proteins. Furthermore, even after interfering with two components important for chromosome architecture (DNA topoisomerase II and condensin), chromosomes were still able to compact, paving the way for the identification of further components or activities required for this essential process. Analysis of an SMC2 mutation showed severe chromosome abnormalities similar to those observed after CAP-D2 depletion. Chromosome organisation was compromised, sister chromatid resolution was lost and chromosomes failed to segregate properly during anaphase. Nevertheless, overall chromosome compaction was normal in the majority of mitotic cells, suggesting that the entire condensin complex is primarily required for resolution of sister chromatids and establishment of mitotic chromosome architecture rather than chromosome compaction in Drosophila. In addition levels of the other condensin subunits and other chromosomal proteins were greatly affected in this mutant. A condensin TI complex has been recently identified in vertebrate cell, consisting of the two SMC subunits: SMC2 and SMC4, and three non-SMC subunits, CAP-133, CAP-1-12 and CAP-G2. Sequence analysis suggests the existence in Drosophila of CAPD3 and CAP-1-12, but not CAP-G2. An examination of the Drosophila CAP-133 condensin II subunit has been performed and preliminary results suggest a role of this protein and likely of the entire condensin 11 complex in male meiosis. Table of
Effects of planting date and environmental factors on fusarium ear rot symptoms and fumonisin B1 accumulation in maize grown in six North American locations

Fusarium ear rot, primarily caused by Fusarium verticillioides, causes losses in grain yield and quality and can result in contamination of grain by mycotoxins, primarily fumonisin B1. Disease severity and fumonisin B1 contamination vary considerably among maize-growing regions and from year to year. A 2 year field study was conducted in six locations in the USA, to evaluate the roles of planting date, maize hybrid, rainfall, temperature and insect pests in the variation in fusarium ear rot symptoms and fumonisin B1 contamination. Grain samples were inspected to determine percentage of kernels with fusarium ear rot symptoms, categorized as ‘moulded’ or ‘starburst’; grain was also analysed by ELISA for fumonisin B1. Hybrid and planting date frequently had significant effects (P ≤ 0·05) on fusarium ear rot and fumonisin B1 contamination. Earlier planting consistently resulted in lower ear rot severity, fumonisin B1 levels and insect damage. Mould symptoms were highly correlated with thrips populations (Frankliniella occidentalis) (r = 0·78) and with fumonisin B1 concentration (r = 0·89). The starburst symptom was not as closely correlated with thrips (r = 0·33) or fumonisin B1 (r = 0·18). A multiple linear regression model identified highly significant effects on fumonisin B1 for thrips, lower average daily precipitation after flowering, and location. These results strengthen the evidence that locations with high populations of ear-infesting thrips and dry conditions after pollination have an increased risk of fumonisin contamination, and suggest that high fumonisin levels are much more likely in visibly moulded kernels compared to those with ‘starburst’ symptoms.
Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content of freshwater zooplankton

The amounts of C, N, and P in relation to dry weight were measured in natural populations of crustacean zooplankton from a humic lake. The elemental composition within a given species showed little seasonal variation, and experimental starvation or feeding did not cause any significant changes in the P content. C constituted 48±1% of dry weight with only minor variation among species. The mean C : N : P atomic ratios reflected large interspecific differences in P and N content and ranged from 212 : 39 : 1 in Acanthodiaptomus denticornis to 85 : 14 : 1 in Daphnia longispina. Comparisons with published measurements indicate that this pattern is quite general and probably constitutional. These findings suggest that the species composition of the zooplankton community can have strong influence on the N : P ratio of recycled nutrients and thereby affect resource competition between phytoplankton species.
Ecosystem responses to increased precipitation and permafrost decay in subarctic Sweden inferred from peat and lake sediments

Recent accelerated decay of discontinuous permafrost at the Stordalen Mire in northern Sweden has been attributed to increased temperature and snow depth, and has caused expansion of wet minerotrophic areas leading to significant changes in carbon cycling in the mire. In order to track these changes through time and evaluate potential forcing mechanisms, this paper analyses a peat succession and a lake sediment sequence from within the mire, providing a record for the last 100 years, and compares these with monitored climate and active layer thickness data. The peat core was analysed for testate amoebae to reconstruct changes in peatland surface moisture conditions and water table fluctuations. The lake sediment core was analysed by near infrared spectroscopy to infer changes in the total organic carbon (TOC) concentration of the lake‐water, and changes in δ13C and C, N and δ15N to track changes in the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) pool and the influence of diagenetic effects on sediment organic matter, respectively. Results showed that major shifts towards increased peat surface moisture and TOC concentration of the lake‐water occurred around 1980, one to two decades earlier than a temperature driven increase in active layer thickness. Comparison with monitored temperature and precipitation from a nearby climate station indicates that this change in peat surface moisture is related to June–September (JJAS) precipitation and that the increase in lake‐water TOC concentration reflects an increase in total annual precipitation. A significant depletion in 13C of sediment organic matter in the early 1980s probably reflects the effect of a single or a few consecutive years with anomalously high summer precipitation, resulting in elevated DIC content of the lake water, predominantly originating from increased export and subsequent respiration of organic carbon from the mire. Based on these results, it was not possible to link proxy data obtained on peat and lake‐sediment records directly to permafrost decay. Instead our data indicate that increased precipitation and anomalously high rainfall during summers had a significant impact on the mire and the adjacent lake ecosystem. We therefore propose that effects of increased precipitation should be considered when evaluating potential forcing mechanisms of recent changes in carbon cycling in the subarctic.
The Energetics of Hovering in the Mandarin Fish (Synchropus Picturatus)

The influence of the ground effect on the energetics of hovering in Synchropus picturatus Peters, a negatively buoyant, demersal teleost was studied. Changes in pectoral fin kinematics, the ultimate water velocity in the wake below the fins, the calculated minimum induced thrust and power required to hover are related to the height at which the animal hovers above the substrate. The profile power required to overcome the frictional drag on the fins has been calculated for the case of both a laminar and a turbulent boundary layer over the fins. Reductions in the total power needed to hover (as compared with that required out of ground effect) of 30–60% have been calculated for Synchropus when hovering at commonly observed heights above the bottom. Results are discussed in relation to the hovering flight of birds, insects and helicopters.
Localization of Aldose Reductase in the Human Eye

The presence of the enzyme aldose reductase is increasingly being linked to diabetic complications. The distribution of this enzyme in human cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve has been studied using specific antibodies against purified human placental aldose reductase raised in both rabbit and goat. The antisera from both animals gave equal, specific reactions. In frozen sections of ocular tissues, significant aldose reductase localization was reproducibly demonstrated in the endothelium and epithelium of the cornea and in the basal cell layers of the conjunctiva. In the lens, staining was observed in the epithelium and superficial lens fibers. In retinal sections, the presence of aldose reductase was demonstrated in the Mueller's cells, especially near the inner limiting membrane. It was also found in some ganglion and cone cells. In the optic nerve, positive staining was observed in the axon. All other cells of the tissues examined revealed Only weak, nonspecific Staining.
Environmental effects on recruitment, growth, and vulnerability of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) in the Gulf of Maine region

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) recruitment in the Gulf of Maine since 1947 has varied by a ratio of 20 to 1. Since heavy fishing began in the mid-1960's, recruitment has fluctuated by only a factor of 9 to 1. The greatest fluctuations in recruitment, therefore, historically occurred in the absence of high fishing mortality. Recruitment predictions and understanding of the causes of fluctuations are extremely important, since strong year classes traditionally have sustained the herring fisheries in the Gulf of Maine. The effect of environmental variables (particularly temperature) on herring recruitment and growth were examined in detail. Vulnerability of Gulf of Maine herring in response to moon phase is also considered. Indices of abundance of Atlantic herring in the Gulf of Maine were calculated for three time periods using three different procedures. Indices of abundance for the periods of 1915–67 and 1951–81 indicated that productivity, or amount of recruitment per amount of spawning stoc.
Nuclear Factor-κB Activation: From Bench to Bedside

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a proinflammatory transcription factor that has emerged as an important player in the development and progression of malignant cancers. NF-κB targets genes that promote tumor cell proliferation, survival, metastasis, inflammation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Constitutive or aberrant activation of NF-κ is frequently encountered in many human tumors and is associated with a resistant phenotype and poor prognosis. The mechanism of such persistent NF-κB activation is not clear but may involve defects in signaling pathways, mutations, or chromosomal rearrangements. Suppression of constitutive NF-κB activation inhibits the oncogenic potential of transformed cells and thus makes NF-κB an interesting new therapeutic target in cancer.
In vitro propagation of the elite species plant Pluchea lanceolata: Assessment of genetic stability by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis

An effective in vitro regeneration protocol was developed from nodal segment of Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) Oliver. & Hiern, a medicinally important plant used in ayurvedic system of medicine for curing diseases similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Nodal segments were cultured in MS medium supplemented with auxin and cytokinin and their combinations. The objective was to produce genetically identical plants, via multiple shoot induction from nodal segment. The culture medium consisted of Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with one of 3 cytokinins [6-benzyladenine (BAP), Kinetin (Kn) and thidiazuron (TDZ)] at each of six different concentrations for shoot multiplication. The highest multiplication rate (24.57 shoots per explant) was obtained in the medium enriched with NAA. Shoots were successfully rooted in the half strength MS medium containing 0.1 µM NAA. In vitro produced plants were transferred to sterilized garden soil: compost (1:1) and then transferred to green house for hardening. Genetic stability of mother plant and the regenerants produced in vitro was assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). In randomly selected plant material (mother plant) and its regenerants, 87 scorable bands were generated by four different primers, showing monomorphism with the mother plant. Thus, molecular analysis reveals that the micropropagation system described is a reliable method for propagation of P. lanceolata . Keywords: Conservation, genetic fidelity, micropropagation, RAPD, TDZ. African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(25) 2500-2505
RECONSTRUCTING ANCESTOR STATES WITH MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD : SUPPORT FOR ONE- AND TWO-RATE MODELS

Many evolutionary theories make predictions about the order and timing of character evolution, and inferring ancestral states is considered a powerful tool for testing these theories (Maddison, 1994; 1995; Yang et al., 1995; Schluter et al., 1997). The most common method of inference is maximum parsimony (MP; see Maddison and Maddison, 1992, and references therein). Although MP may offer reasonable estimates of ancestors for characters chosen to meet the assumptions of the method, or for closely related species, it may perform poorly when much opportunity for change exists (i.e., when the rate of character change is moderate to high or when much time has elapsed: see Maddison, 1994; Collins et al., 1994; Yang et al., 1995; Omland, 1997; Zhang and Nei, 1997). Yet, many traits of interest are expected to change rapidly, and new methods must be devised to accommodate this. Such reconstruction methods now exist for molecular sequences and aminoacids (Yang et al., 1995; Koshi andGoldstein, 1996; Felsenstein, pers. comm. [1995]) and for two-statediscrete and continuous data (Martins, 1994; Schluter, 1995; Schluter et al., 1997, Pagel,1999), but they have yet to be extensively assessed and utilized (Cunningham, et al., 1998). Most of the new methods are based on simple statistical models and maximum likelihood (ML) estimation techniques. Here, we consider one such method (Schluter, 1995; Schluter et al., 1997), which uses theMarkov-transition ratemodel to infer changes in two-state discrete characters (Pagel, 1994). Because we are constrained to a single observation per tip (rather than many DNA sites or amino acids per tip), the behavior of these ancestral reconstructions is not expected to be the same as that for genetic data. Crucial to the success of the method is an accurate estimate of the forward and backward rates of changebetween states.Becausemostdata sets are toosmall to warrant tting unequal forward and backward rates, Schluter et al. (1997) suggested that accuracy is best achieved by constraining rates to be equal. Using empirical examples, we now ask whether this was a reasonable caution, and whether much can be gained fromestimating two rates simultaneously. We rst offer a brief review of the ML method. We then present results from a small survey of published trees on the level of statistical support for oneand two-rate models of trait evolution. We nally introduce a second sort of two-rate model, in which the rate of change differs between ingroup and outgroup.