Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Angiogenesis assays : a critical appraisal of current techniques

Preface. List of Contributors. 1 Endothelial cell biology(Femke Hillen, Veerle Melotte, Judy R. van Beijnum and Arjan W. Griffioen). 2 Endothelial cell proliferation assays (Wen-Sen Lee). 3 Endothelial cell migration assays (Christos Polytarchou, Maria Hatziapostolou and Evangelia Papadimitriou). 4 Tubule formation assays (Ewen J. Smith and Carolyn A. Staton). 5 Modelling the effects of the haemodynamic environment on endothelial cell responses relevant to angiogenesis (Gerard B. Nash and Stuart Egginton). 6 Whole or partial vessel outgrowth assays (Cindy H. Chau and William D. Figg). 7 Assaying endothelial-mural cell interactions (Melissa K. Nix and Karen K. Hirschi). 8 Assays for membrane and intracellular signalling events (Vittorio Tomasi, Cristiana Griffoni, Spartaco Santi, Patrizia Lenaz, Rosa Anna Iorio, Antonio Strillaci and Enzo Spisni). 9 Implantation of sponges and polymers (Silvia P. Andrade, Monica A. N. D. Ferreira and Tai-Ping Fan). 10 Angiogenesis assays in the chick (Andries Zijlstra, David Mikolon and Dwayne G. Stupack). 11 Corneal angiogenesis assay (Siqing Shan and Mark W. Dewhirst). 12 Dorsal air sac model (Sei Yonezawa, Tomohiro Asai and Naoto Oku). 13 Chamber assays (Michael D. Menger, Matthias W. Laschke and Brigitte Vollmar). 14 Tumour models: analysis of angiogenesis in vivo (Sven A. Lang, M.D. and Oliver Stoeltzing, M.D). 15 Angiomouse: imageable models of angiogenesis (Robert M. Hoffman). 16 Techniques and advances in vascular imaging in Danio rerio (Kenna R. Mills Shaw and Brant. M. Weinstein). 17 Biological and clinical implications of recruitment of stem cells into angiogenesis (Gianluigi Castoldi, Antonio Cuneo and Gian Matteo Rigolin). 18 Methods for monitoring of the anti-angiogenic activity of agents in patients: novel trial design (Shannon Smiley, Michael K. K. Wong and Shaker A. Mousa). 19 An overview of current angiogenesis assays: Choice of assay, precautions in interpretation, future requirements and directions (Robert Auerbach). Index.
DNA banks and their role in facilitating the application of genomics to plant germplasm

Advances in genomics have provided technologies for high throughput analysis of plant genomes with potential for use in gene discovery in germplasm collections. The establishment of DNA banks facilitates this screening by making DNA from large numbers of plant accessions widely available. DNA banks require the development of appropriate policies for access and benefit sharing. Tools for automating sample and data handling are essential. Standard molecular methods for fingerprinting DNA accessions for international comparisons need to be determined. New screening technologies are required to take advantage of the emerging availability of large DNA collections. The Australian Plant DNA Bank aims to collect DNA from all Australian plant species and to sample the diversity within each species. DNA from all individuals of the species is being stored for rare species. Domesticated or economically important species from all countries are also being collected and stored. International networking of DNA banks will be a key step in linking genomics tools to global plant diversity.
Biomarkers in Marine Organisms: A Practical Approach

Selected chapter headings. Induction of molluscan cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system as a biomarker of organic pollution in environmental monitoring. Sensitivity and specificity of metallothionein as a biomarker for aquatic environment biomonitoring. Biochemical markers in mussel, Mytilus sp. , and pollution monitoring in European coasts: data analysis. Investigation of genotoxicity and immunotoxicity for monitoring marine pollution in the Baltic Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Isolation of cytochrome P450 CDNAS (CYP1A1 and CYP4T2) from the sea bass (Dicentrarchus Labrax): tools for biomonitoring sea pollution. Inhibitory effects of heavy metals on CYP1A1 induction in black seabream (Spondyliosoma Cantharus) hepatocyte cultures. Development of cytochrome P450 biomarkers from Posidinia Oceanica. Technical annexes.
3 tesla magnetic resonance imaging and multiplanar reconstruction of the brain and its associated structures in sheep

The purpose of the study was to scan the brain and related structures in sheep with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three-dimensional (3D) multiplanar reconstruction for defining the anatomical regions. Six adult sheep, three of six were male and three of six were female used as cadaver, were utilized in this research. Heads were scanned at 3 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Spin-Echo MRI devices using the human head coil. The processes were acquired in both T1 and T2 weighted slices and were reconstructed by using Leonardo workstation. The cranioencephalic structures and anatomical details were defined and labeled in all slice of 3 planes that were obtained 1 mm thickness sequential images in sagittal, frontal, and transversal planes. According to the MRI measurements obtained intracranially from the brain, the average value of length, height, and width of the brain were 87.1 ± 0.3, 46.8 ± 0.7, and 62.2 ± 0.4 mm, respectively. It was observed that in T1 weighted images were more effective to identify deep brain structures and anatomical details. On 3D reconstructed images obtained from the study can be used as a reference in head and brain MR scans in multidisciplinary studies where sheep are used as animal models.
For Latin America and Other Regional Science, Greater Visibility

En los ultimos anos, America Latina ha ganado un perfil mas amplio en el escenario cientifico mundial. Este progreso se ha observado en el indice de citas en linea de Web of Science ™, asi como en las diversas herramientas analiticas basadas en datos de Web of Science. Brasil, en particular, ha sido objeto de anteriores informes de investigacion global basados en el perfil de investigacion de la nacion. Junto con Brasil, por supuesto, todo el grupo de naciones latinoamericanas merece atencion. Para tener una idea rapida de las diversas fortalezas y capacidades de investigacion de las naciones, tal como se refleja en los datos de publicacion y citas, recurrimos a InCites, una herramienta de evaluacion comparativa basada en la Web of Science.
Response of SA Mutton Merino ewes and their lambs to supplementation with enriched oat, barley or triticale grain on wheat stubble grazing.

Oat, barley or triticale grain, enriched by addition of nitrogen, minerals, and an ionophore, was fed for 90 days as supplement at a level of 500 g per head per day to SA Mutton Merino ewes during late pregnancy and lactation. Data from 125 pregnant ewes were used to investigate live mass change during late pregnancy and lactation, while wool production (derived from 10 x 10 cm midrib squares tattooed on the right side of the ewes) was studied with 57 of these ewes. Data from 130 lambs, alive on the ewes at weaning, were used to determine the influence of supplementation on birth mass, weaning mass and preweaning growth rate. The ewes receiving supplement succeeded in maintaining a higher ( P ≤ 0,05) average live mass during lactation than the unsupplemented control group. Ewes receiving enriched barley tended to have smaller losses of live mass than those supplemented with enriched triticale. Supplementation tended to increase greasy and clean wool production per unit skin area, but no significant deviations from the control group were found. The birth mass of lambs born from ewes fed the supplement, tended to be higher than in the control group. Lambs reared by ewes supplemented with enriched oats and triticale were heavier ( P ≤ 0,05) at weaning, with faster ( P ≤ 0,05) growth rates than control group lambs. A similar tendency was observed in lambs reared by ewes receiving enriched barley as supplement. Hawer-, gars- of triticalegraan is met die byvoeging van stikstof, minerale en 'n ionofoor verryk, en vir 90 dae teen 500 g per ooi per dag aan SA Vleismerino-ooie tydens laatdragtigheid en laktasie as aanvulling gevoer. Data van 125 dragtige ooie is gebruik om liggaamsmassaverandering gedurende laatdragtigheid en laktasie te ondersoek, terwyl wolproduksie (verkry van 10 x 10cm-midribvierkante op die regtersy van ooie getatoeeer) met 57 ooie bestudeer is. Data van 130 lammers, lewend by die ooie by speen, is gebruik om die invloed van aanvulling op geboortemassa, speenmassa en voorspeense groeitoename te ondersoek. Ooie waaraan aanvulling voorsien is, het 'n hoer ( P ≤ 0,05) liggaamsmassa tydens laktasie gehandhaaf as die onaangevulde kontrolegroep, terwyl die groep wat verrykte gars ontvang het, geneig het om kleiner liggaamsmassaverliese te toon as die groep waaraan verrykte triticale voorsien is. Aanvulling het geneig om rou- en skoonwolproduksie per eenheid veloppervlakte te verbeter, maar geen betekenisvolle afwykings van die kontrolegroep is verkry nie. Die geboortemassa van lammers van ooie wat aangevul is, het geneig om hoer te wees as by lammers van die kontrolegroep. Lammers wat deur ooie wat verrykte hawer- en triticale-aanvullings gekry het grootgemaak is, was swaarder ( P ≤ 0,05) by speen as kontrolegroeplammers, en het vinniger ( P ≤ 0,05) voorspeense groeitoenames gehandhaaf. 'n Ooreenstemmende neiging is by lammers van die groep waaraan verrykte gars voorsien is, ondervind. Keywords : Enriched small grains, lamb growth, stubble grazing, supplementation.
The Delphic Boat: What Genomes Tell Us

The oracle at Delphi posed a question conerning a boat: if, in time, every plank has rotted and been replaced, is the boat the same boat? Yes, the owner will say, the vessel is not its planks but the relationship among them. Similarly, Antoine Danchin argues in this provocative book, life itself is not revealed just by its components - DNA, ribosomes, genes, cells - but also by their relationships. By the end of 2001, almost 500 genome programs were completed or under way. Drawing upon what researchers worldwide are learning from the gene sequences of bacteria, plants, fungi, fruit flies, worms and humans, Danchin shows us how genomes are far more than mere collections of genes. They are the means of transmitting the system of relationships making up a living cell from one generation to the next. Genomes are codes that govern the construction, operation and survival of cells. "The Delphic Boat" shows us that life is both a complicated piece of chemical machinery that decodes genomes and a process that builds this machinery. The laws of physics or chemistry can only predict so much of this process. To truly understand life, we must understand spatial and temporal relationships between molecules that make up the cell, and how these molecules are coordinated. Danchin persuades us that if we can reach this level of understanding of genomes, we will be able to resolve the major biological puzzle of the 21st century: the enigma of the living machine that creates the living machine.
EXTRACTOS ACUOSOS DE CALEA URTICIFOLIA PARA EL CONTROL DE MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA

Herrera-Parra, E. , J. Cristobal-Alejo J., M. Tun-Suarez, M. M. Gamboa-Angulo, and N. Marban-Mendoza. 2009. Water extracts of Calea urticifolia Mill. for the control of Meloidogyne incognita. Nematropica 39:289-296. Water extracts of roots and leaves of Calea urticifolia Mill. were evaluated for the control of Meloidogyne incognita on tomato cv Rio Grande grown in pots. The number of galls per plant and the number of eggs per g of macerated roots were evaluated for application times of 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours after transplant and extract concentrations of 0, 50 and 100% as measured by number of galls per plant, both root and leaf extracts gave the same control (Tukey, P = 0.05). This was also true with extract concentrations where 50 and 56% galling reduction were obtained with both 50 and 100% concentrations respectively, compared to untreated plants. Root extract concentrations inhibited egg numbers per plant by 20% more than those treated with leaf extracts. For this parameter, the full concentration inhibited egg production by 72% compared to the untreated control, and the half concentration inhibited egg production by 31%, regardless of the origin of the extract. The lowest egg numbers per plant was obtained when extracts were applied at planting (45% reduction) and 72 h after planting (48% reduction).
Analysis on feed nutritive value of hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera leaf.

The contents of nutrients in leaf of hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera,including routine nutrients,trace elements,amino acids were determined.The result showed that the contents of crude protein,Ca and Fe were 26.05%,3.35% and 247.09 mg/kg respectively.Its CP content was higher than that of alfalfa mill and less than that of soybean meal,and its contents of Fe,Mn,Zn,Co and I were higher than alfalfa and soybean meal.The contents of most amino acids were higher than that of alfalfa.So it could be concluded that it was an excellent feed resource and could be used as feed for herbivores.
Efecto de la fertilización a la pradera sobre la delimitación y características del período juvenil de Pinus radiata D. Don

El presente estudio muestra los resultados del efecto de la fertilizacion de la pradera en la delimitacion de la madera juvenil, asi como el efecto sobre la densidad basica, el porcentaje de leno tardio y el ancho de anillo durante ese periodo de crecimiento. Los resultados son concluyentes para muestras cortadas a la altura del pecho. Se utilizaron dos ensayos silvipastorales, uno correspondiente a una pradera fertilizada y otro a una pradera sin fertilizar. Ademas, en cada tipo de pradera se consideraron los diferentes estratos arboreos: dominantes, intermedios y suprimidos. Se demuestra, en primer lugar, que el limite de produccion de madera juvenil en Pinus radiata cuando crece en silvipastoreo se encuentra en un rango de edad de 7 a 11 anos. En segundo lugar, la fertilizacion de la pradera no produce un cambio significativo en la duracion de la produccion de madera juvenil. En tercer lugar, la fertilizacion de la pradera tiende a producir madera de menor densidad basica, menor porcentaje de leno tardio y un ancho de anillo de crecimiento mayor. Ademas, otro resultado importante indica que la finalizacion del periodo juvenil se da cuando el incremento corriente anual en altura y en diametro alcanza su maximo.
Flea and Louse Infestations of Cotton Rats (Sigmodon Hispidus) In The Southeastern United States

Ectoparasites were collected from cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) in 20 sites in the Southeastern United States (FL, GA, MS, NC and SC). Prevalence and mean intensity of parasitism by sucking lice (Anoplura) and fleas (Siphonaptera) of cotton rats were recorded at all sites. The geographical distribution of S. hispidus and its main louse and flea ectoparasites range from the neotropical region to the southeastern USA. It was hypothesized that the abundance of the cotton rat associated louse (Hoplopleura hirsuta) and flea (Polygenis gwyni) would increase the further south and closer to the distribution centers of each of these ectoparasite species. In addition, it was hypothesized that male cotton rats would exhibit higher infestations (mean intensities and prevalence) by ectoparasites than females. Because males of many ectoparasites are more mobile than females and may experience more periods off the host than females, I further hypothesized that sex ratios of both flea and louse populations would be female-biased. Data collected during this study supported the hypothesis that populations of Polygenis fleas on S. hispidus increased further south (closer to the center of distribution for this flea) and thus were dependent on site location. Conversely, there was not a significant trend in abundance noted for Hoplopleura lice on S. hispidus, which was unexpected given that this ectoparasite is a more permanent ectoparasite than P. gwyni. Male cotton rats were not parasitized by statistically greater numbers of H. hirsuta or P. gwyni than were female cotton rats. Thus, the male host bias hypothesis was not supported for either ectoparasite species in this study. Populations of both H. hirsuta and P. gwyni were significantly female-biased, with about twice as many females as males on cotton rats. Overall, this study provides the first evidence for larger populations of an ectoparasite (P. gwyni) of a vertebrate towards the geographical center of distribution of the ectoparasite. Higher on-host populations of female versus male sucking lice and fleas in this study conform to similarly sex-biased data reported for several previous studies of ectoparasites on mammals. Conversely, the lack of significant differences for louse and flea infestations on male versus female cotton rats recorded during this study differs from some previous mammal-ectoparasite studies in which male hosts were more heavily infested. INDEX WORDS: Infestation parameters, Ectoparasites, Rodents, Cotton rat, Sigmodon hispidus, Cotton rat flea, Polygenis gwyni, Cotton rat louse, Hoplopleura hirsuta, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi. FLEA AND LOUSE INFESTATIONS OF COTTON RATS (Sigmodon hispidus) IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES.
Evaluation effect of dietary egg lecithin on digestive enzymes and body composition of juvenile binni (Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi Gunther, 1874)

In this study, the effects of dietary egg lecithin on digestive enzymes and body biochemical composition of juveniles Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi was evaluated. Four experimental diets including control diet (with 0% egg lecithin) and three diets containing 2%, 4% and 6% egg lecithin were used. At the end of the experiment, digestive enzymes activity (lipase, amylase and alkaline phosphatase) and body biochemical compositions were assessed. The results showed no significant differences between experimental treatments in moisture and ash content. Maximum content of the crude protein and crude lipid were recorded in 4% lecithin treatment and it had significant differences with control group. The digestive enzymes activity (lipase, amylase and alkaline phosphatase) showed significant differences between control and experimental groups. An increasing trend was observed in the digestive enzymes activity among treatments. Based on the results, it was concluded that 4% to 6% dietary egg lecithin in the diet, can promote growth and survival rate of juvenile binni.
Activation by IKKα of a Second, Evolutionary Conserved, NF-κB Signaling Pathway

In mammals, the canonical nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway activated in response to infections is based on degradation of IκB inhibitors. This pathway depends on the IκB kinase (IKK), which contains two catalytic subunits, IKKα and IKKβ. IKKβ is essential for inducible IκB phosphorylation and degradation, whereas IKKα is not. Here we show that IKKα is required for B cell maturation, formation of secondary lymphoid organs, increased expression of certain NF-κB target genes, and processing of the NF-κB2 (p100) precursor. IKKα preferentially phosphorylates NF-κB2, and this activity requires its phosphorylation by upstream kinases, one of which may be NF-κB–inducing kinase (NIK). IKKα is therefore a pivotal component of a second NF-κB activation pathway based on regulated NF-κB2 processing rather than IκB degradation.
COMPETENCE OF PEAR SHOOT AND FRUIT WOUNDS FOR ERWINIA AMYLOVORA INFECTION

Pruning and artificial ‘hailstone wounds’ on pear shoots and needle wounds in fruitlets were contaminated every 6 hours, starting from a few seconds after injury, and up to 66 h with known inoculum doses of a virulent strain of Erwinia amylovora. A single wound was made on each shoot and fruitlet. Cankers on shoots and brown areas on fruits caused by successful infection were observed, respectively, 20 and 8 days after contamination at 25±2°C. The shoot wounds were progressively less competent for infection as the interval increased between wounding and contamination. The largest reduction in competence occurred in the first 24 h after wounding (from 80-85% successful infections to approximately 10-20%). The pear shoot pruning wounds were still competent after 48 h and up to 60 h, although less than 5% of inoculations were successful. Acropetal cankers developed above the ‘hailstone wounds’ between 35 and 66 h after wounding. Wounds on fruits kept in a damp chamber remained competent longer than those on young pear tree shoots kept at 50-90% relative humidity. The variation in competence in the pear shoot and fruitlet wounds is discussed and compared with other bacterial host-pathogen systems.
Anti-obesity mechanisms of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): Role of inflammatory signaling and browning in white adipose tissue

Overweight and obesity are the most widespread nutritional diseases in the U.S., which greatly increase chronic disease risks and mortality. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a relatively efficacious and safe strategy for the weight management. Consumption of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplements or one of its isomers, trans-10, cis-12 (10,12) CLA, has consistently demonstrated reductions in body weight or body fat in human and animal studies. Our lab has demonstrated that 10,12 CLA triggered calcium release from endoplasmic reticulum in human primary adipocytes, which activated downstream inflammatory signaling, resulting in impaired uptake of glucose and fatty acid, and delipidation. However, the upstream signals responsible for these actions are unknown. Therefore, my Aim 1 investigated the upstream mechanism by which 10,12 CLA increases intracellular calcium and inflammatory signaling in human primary adipocytes. The results indicated that phospholipase C plays an important role in 10,12 CLA-mediated activation of intracellular calcium accumulation, inflammatory signaling, delipidation, and insulin resistance in human primary adipocytes. It has been demonstrated that 10,12 CLA increased mRNA levels and protein levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, which have been linked to increased energy expenditure associated with white adipose tissue (WAT) browning and uncoupling of ATP synthesis. It also has been shown that relatively high doses of 10,12 CLA lead to more significant reductions in body fat, but cause a greater level of inflammation, insulin resistance, and steatosis in animals. Therefore, Aims 2 and Aim 3 determined the extent to which a relative low dose of 10,12 CLA or a CLA isomer mixture increases markers of browning in mice and its dependence in inflammatory signaling. In Aim 2, a low threshold dose of 10,12 CLA was found that prevented body fat accumulation with minimum metabolic side-effects in non-obese mice. It was also found that 10,12 CLA-induced browning in WAT was accompanied by increases in mRNA levels of COX-2 and other markers of inflammation. In Aim 3, a relatively low dose of 10,12 CLA reduced body fat and increased browning of WAT in overweight mice, which were independent of inflammatory signaling. Collectively, these findings provide critical insights for the development of reliable dietary strategies for people who take CLA as method to lose weight. However, we still do not know (i) if 10,12 CLA supplementation would effectively reduce body fat in overweight mice when they are continuously fed an American-type, high-fat diet; (ii) potential risks of impaired regulation of body temperature, inflammation, and steatosis due to 10,12 CLA consumption in high fat-fed mice; and (iii) potential mechanisms by which 10,12 CLA reduces body fat in high fat-fed mice.
SOL‐GEL TRANSITION

The properties of the sol-gel transition are of importance in a large variety of fields, such as food manufacture, biological technology, and chemical engineering. The fundamental processes involved in it, discussed recently in terms of percolation theory,’. ’ are not completely understood, particularly in their geometrical aspect. We have developed several new techniques for this problem, as well as simulations of kinetic models of gelation.