Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sucrase-isomaltase Gene Transcription Requires the Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-1 (HNF-1) Regulatory Element and Is Regulated by the Ratio of HNF-1α to HNF-1β*

The mouse sucrase-isomaltase (SI) gene is an enterocyte-specific gene expressed in a complex developmental pattern. We previously reported that a short, evolutionarily conserved gene promoter regulates developmental expression of SI in mouse small intestine. Herein, we investigated the role of a hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 (HNF-1) cis-acting element to regulate SI gene expression in vivo. Transgenic SI gene constructs with a mutated HNF-1 element (SIF3) revealed a strong reduction in promoter activity in comparison with a wild-type construct in mice and during Caco-2 cell differentiation. Nuclear proteins isolated from enterocytes showed increased binding of the HNF-1α complex with a concomitant decrease in the HNF-1β-containing complex to the SIF3 element both during the suckling-weaning developmental transition and Caco-2 cell differentiation. These changes coincided with a strong induction of SI gene transcription. In transfection experiments, HNF-1α activated the SI promoter via the SIF3 element, and co-expression of HNF-1β impaired this transcriptional activation. These findings demonstrate the essential role of the HNF-1 regulatory element to support SI gene transcription in vivo and suggest that the ratio of HNF-1α to HNF-1β plays a role in the transcriptional activity of this gene during intestinal development.
Inhibitory Effect of Eco-Friendly Naturally Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from the Leaf Extract of Medicinal Detarium microcarpum Plant on Pancreatic and Cervical Cancer Cells

Background: Recently, nanoparticle synthesis by eco-friendly methods has received tremendous attention due to the method advantages and also because of the application of the nanoparticles in cancer research. Therefore, in this study, we synthesized silver nanoparticles from Detarium microcarpum leaf phytochemicals and evaluated its inhibitory effect on pancreatic and cervical cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Silver nanoparticles (dAgNps) were synthesized by reacting phytochemicals of D. microcarpum leaves with silver nitrate for 12 hours. Cell viability assay was carried out to investigate the cytotoxic effect of dAgNps on HeLa and PANC-1 cells. Results: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) results revealed the average sizes of dAgNps are 81 nm and 84 nm respectively. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of dAgNps was similar to that of face centered cubic(fcc) structure of silver as reported by joint committee on powder diffraction standards (JCPDS) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that some phytochemicals of D. microcarpum such as polyphenols and flavonoids were likely involved in the reduction of Ag+ to form nanoparticles. Finally, cell viability assay revealed dAgNps inhibited PANC-1 and HeLa cell proliferations with IC50 values of 84 and 31.5 µg/ml respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, the synthesized nanoparticles from D. microcarpum leaves (dAgNps) have inhibitory effect on pancreatic and cervical cancer cells.
Taxonomic composition and abundance of epigean tenebrionids (Coleóptera: Tenebrionidae) in the Chilean Coastal Matorral

Composicion taxonomica y abundancia de tenebrionidos epigeos (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) en el matorral costero de Chile. Se emplearon trampas de intercepcion de caida para estudiar la composicion taxonomica y la abundancia del ensamble de Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera) en la porcion desertica del matorral costero de Chile. Durante el periodo de estudio el ensamble de tenebrionidos estuvo dominado por cuatro generos: Gyriosomus, Nycterinus, Praocis y Scotobius. El genero mas diverso fue Gyriosomus (6 especies), seguido por Praocis (4 especies). En lo que respecta a la abundancia, Gyriosomus hoppei (Gray) represento 41% del total de ejemplares capturados, seguido por Gyriosomus foveopunctatus Fairmaire (10%), Nycterinus rugiceps Curtis (10%) y Praocis (Praocis) spinolai Solier (7%). Algunas especies (p. ej., Gyriosomus foveopunctatus, G. reedi Kulzer, G. modestus Kulzer y Praocis (Praocis) elliptica Philippi & Philippi) presentaron un ambito de distribucion restringido en el area de estudio, por lo que podrian ser indicadores de endemismo. La dominancia de Gyriosomus plantea diversas preguntas respecto de los niveles de endemismo de este genero, su diversidad y distribucion de especies, y su funcion dentro del ecosistema en estudio
Les lymphocytes T régulateurs CD4+CD25+ : vers une immuno-modulation thérapeutique?

drocytes (RIP+, GalC+) et astrocytes (GFAP+), dans une très faible proportion: 1 à 2 % des cellules. Cette proportion peut atteindre 5 % si les conditions de culture incluent la laminine, l’acide rétinoïque et le sérum de veau fœtal. Mais plus de 10 % de neurones ou d’astrocytes sont détectables si les cellules souches sont cultivées en milieu défini sur une monocouche d’astrocytes et de neurones prélévés sur des animaux nouveau-nés. La substitution des astrocytes par des fibroblastes est inefficace. Curieusement, une monocouche constituée seulement de neurones stimule la différenciation en oligodendrocytes, tandis qu’une monocouche uniquement composée d’astrocytes de l’hippocampe reproduit l’effet inducteur neurogénique. Les astrocytes produisent donc un ensemble de facteurs solubles et transmembranaires qui favorisent la différenciation des cellules souches adultes en neurones. De plus, cet effet est dépendant du stade de développement, les astrocytes issus d’animaux nouveau-nés ayant un effet plus marqué que les astrocytes adultes. Il existe également une spécificité régionale: en effet, s’il existe des cellules souches isolées dans de multiples endroits du système nerveux central, y compris la moelle épinière, seuls les astrocytes de l’hippocampe sont capables de stimuler la neurogenèse. Les auteurs indiquent même que les astrocytes de la moelle épinière stimulent préférentiellement la différenciation en astrocytes et en oligodendrocytes, sans toutefois détailler les données. Une nouvelle voie est donc ouverte vers la caractérisation des facteurs qui, probablement en combinaison, induisent la sortie du cycle cellulaire des cellules souches et leur engagement dans un lignage spécifique. Une voie importante pour la médecine régénérative du système nerveux central. ◊ Astrocytes control neurogenesis in the adult central nervous system
BIODONTOCNEMA BRUNNEA New Genus and New Species from South Africa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae)

Abstract Biodontocnema brunnea, a new genus and new species of flea beetle (Chrysomelidae: Alticinae) from South Africa is described. This new genus is close to Chaetocnema Stephens, 1831 but it is easily distinguishable mainly by the bidentate apex of its external, dorsal margin of hind tibiae (unidentate in Chaetocnema). Line drawings of male and female genitalia, and SEM photographs of particular morphological aspects of B. brunnea are provided.
Intermolecular Exchange and Stabilization of Recombinant Human αA- and αB-Crystallin*

Lens α-crystallin subunits αA and αB are differentially expressed and have a 3-to-1 ratio in most mammalian lenses by intermolecular exchange. The biological significance of this composition and the mechanism of exchange are not clear. Preparations of human recombinant αA- and αB-crystallins provide a good system in which to study this phenomenon. Both recombinant αA- and αB-crystallins are folded and aggregated to the size of the native α-crystallin. During incubation together, they undergo an intermolecular exchange as shown by native isoelectric focusing. Circular dichroism measurements indicate that the protein with a 3-to-1 ratio of αA- and αB-crystallins has the same secondary structure but somewhat different tertiary structures after exchange: the near-UV CD increases after exchange. The resulting hybrid aggregate is more stable than the individual homogeneous aggregates: at 62 °C, αB-crystallin is more susceptible to aggregation and displays a greater light scattering than αA-crystallin. This heat-induced aggregation of αB-crystallin, however, was suppressed by intermolecular exchange with αA-crystallin. These phenomena are also observed by fast performance liquid chromatography gel filtration patterns. The protein structure of αB-crystallin is stabilized by intermolecular exchange with αA-crystallin.
Particulate pollution capture by urban trees: effect of species and windspeed

Particulate pollution is a serious health problem throughout the world, exacerbating a wide range of respiratory and vascular illnesses in urban areas. The use of trees to reduce the effects of these pollutants has been addressed in the literature, but has rarely been quantified. The aim of the present study was to quantify the effectiveness of five tree species − pine (Pinus nigra var. maritima), cypress ( × Cupressocyparis leylandii), maple (Acer campestre), whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia), poplar (Populus deltoides × trichocarpa‘Beaupré’) − in capturing pollutant particles. This was achieved by exposing them to NaCl droplets of approximately 1 μm diameter at a range of windspeeds in two windtunnels. The deposition velocity (Vg) and particle trapping efficiency (Cp) were calculated from these exposures. In addition, a variable dependent on foliage structure [Stokes number (St)] was correlated with Cp to gauge the effect of tree morphology on particle capture. Maximum Cp values ranged from 2.8% for P. nigra, to 0.12% and 0.06% for P. trichocarpa×deltoides and A. campertre, respectively. The finer, more complex structure of the foliage of the two conifers (P. nigra and C. leylandii) explained their much greater effectiveness at capturing particles. The data presented here will be used to model the effectiveness of tree planting schemes in improving urban air quality by capturing pollutant particles.
Flowering and seed production success along roads with different mowing regimes

ABSTRACT Question: Which one of the two mainly used mowing regimes along road verges, mowing once or twice a year is a better option regarding flowering and seed-producing success of grassland species and plant species in general? Location: Southeast Finland. Methods: Plant species composition, flowering and seed production success were studied in road verges (1) mown once in August and (2) mown at the end of June and August. Flowering shoots were counted and phenological phases were estimated four times during a growing season. Results: The numbers of flowering or seed-producing species and shoots indicated that mowing once a year corresponding to the timing of traditional management was markedly better than mowing twice a year. The difference between the management groups was greatest at the end of July when the number of flowering species was 43% and the number of flowering and seed-producing shoots 76% less after the first mowing than in the still unmown sites. The species avoided early cutting either through the timing of flowering or due to their growth form. Early season mowing had no effect on the occurrence and seed-producing success of grassland species and the first flowering species. Seed production of grasses succeeded poorly in the verges mown twice. Conclusion: Mowing once in August resulted in higher seed production in general, but mowing twice a season might be a better way to manage young verges on nutrient-rich soils. The useful qualities of the management options should be considered locally when planning road verge management. Nomenclature: Hämet-Ahti et al. (1998).
Is the relationship between periodontitis and hyperlipidemia mediated by lipoprotein-associated inflammatory mediators?

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), anti-oxLDL, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in hyperlipidemic patients with periodontal disease. Methods This study included 123 patients with hyperlipidemia categorized based on metabolic control as mild to moderate (H1) (n=66) or poor (H2) (n=57), as well as systemically healthy controls (C) (n=68). Serum levels of lipids, oxLDL, anti-oxLDL, and MPO were evaluated, along with clinical periodontal parameters. Results The percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP%) and the clinical attachment level were significantly higher in the H2 group than in the C group. Patients with hyperlipidemia had a relatively high risk of developing periodontal disease. The oxLDL and anti-oxLDL levels were higher in H2 patients with periodontitis than in the control or H1 patients with periodontitis. In the H1 and H2 groups, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein was significantly correlated with gingival index, BOP%, and oxLDL levels. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the lipoprotein-associated inflammatory mediators of oxLDL, anti-oxLDL, and MPO may play an important role in the relationship between periodontal disease and hyperlipidemia.
Microstructural and Compressive Strength Analysis for Cement Mortar with Industrial Waste Materials

Cement production uses large quantities of natural resources and contributes to the release of CO 2 . In order to treat the environmental effects related to cement manufacturing, there is a need to improve alternative binders to make concrete. Accordingly, extensive study is ongoing into the utilization of cement replacements, using many waste materials and industrial. This paper introduces the results of experimental investigations upon the mortar study with the partial cement replacement. Fly ash, silica fume and glass powder were used as a partial replacement, and cement was replaced by 0%, 1%, 1.5%, 3% and 5% of each replacement by the weight. Compressive strength test was conducted upon specimens at the age of 7 and 28 days. Microstructural characteristic of the modified mortar was done through the scanning electron microscope (SEM) vision, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was carried out for mixes with different replacements. The tests results were compared with the control mix. The results manifested that all replacements present the development of strength; this improvement was less in the early ages and raised at the higher ages in comparison with the control specimens. Microstructural analysis showed the formation of hydration compounds in mortar paste for each replacement. This study concluded that the strength significantly improved by adding 5% of silica fume compared with fly ash and glass powder.
Concept mapping in biology

Concept mapping is an activity with numerous uses in the biology classroom. Its value in planning, teaching, revision, and assessment, and the attitudes of students and teachers towards its use, are discussed. Comments made are illustrated with excerpts from interviews with teachers and students who were involved in classroom concept mapping exercises. The use of expert maps for scoring is described, and some of the pitfalls are considered. Finally, the value of concept mapping as an aid to reflective practice is discussed.
Feeding preferences of eastern spruce budworm larvae in two‐choice tests with combinations of host‐plant extracts

Three extracts were obtained from each of four host plants: sugars/glycosides; amino acids/bases; and organic acids. The four hosts studied were balsam fir, black spruce, red spruce, and white spruce. The effects of recombined host plant extracts on the feeding behaviour of eastern spruce budworm larvae were examined in two‐choice tests. Results compare feeding preferences as well as feeding rates between combinations of extracts. The importance of each class of polar compounds is discussed.
Hibernating Bats and Abandoned Mines in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Abstract Prior to arrival of white-nose syndrome, we found bats hibernating in 82 of 119 abandoned mines in northern Michigan. Unoccupied sites typically were short (19 ± 17 m SD) and/or experienced chimney-effect airflow, which led to temperatures near or below freezing (-0.8 ± 2.9 ºC). Overall, occupied sites were more structurally complex, longer (307 ± 865 m), and warmer (5.7 ± 3.0 ºC) than unoccupied mines. Number of bats varied from 1 to > 55,000, although the median was 115. Perimyotis subflavus (Eastern Pipistrelle) and Eptesicus fuscus (Big Brown Bat) accounted for only 0.5% of the total of 244,341 bats that were observed. Ninety percent of hibernating animals were Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown Bat), and almost 10% were M. septentrionalis (Northern Bat). Relative to Little Brown Bats, Northern Bats were more common in the mines of the Upper Peninsula than in hibernacula in the East and Ohio River Valley. Maximum ambient temperature, presence of standing water, and water vapor pressure deficit were potential predictors of the number of Myotis that was present. Seventy-five percent of Northern Bats and 22% of Little Brown Bats roosted alone, rather than cluster with other bats. Little Brown Bats in Michigan were solitary much more often than in the East.
Evolutionary radiation in polychaete ovaries and vitellogenic mechanisms: their possible role in life history patterns

Two types of oogenesis have evolved in polychaetes: one (extraovarian) in which germ cells are ovulated into the coelomic cavity where they undergo vitellogenesis, and another (intraovarian) in which the germ cells are released from the ovary after or near the completion of vitellogenesis. There are many mechanisms of yolk synthesis and significant variation as to the sources of yolk precursors, their route of entry into developing oocytes, and the oocytic organelles involved in yolk synthesis. The evolution of the coelom and its role in nutrient storage and transfer, as well as the origin of germ cells, are intimately related to the evolution of vitellogenic mechanisms in polychaetes. Comparative studies have revealed a correlation between mechanisms of yolk synthesis and the breeding patterns of polychaetes with the rate and type of vitellogenesis being related to the frequency of breeding. Vitellogenic mechanisms in polychaetes are compared with those of other metazoans in an effort to better understan.
A study of the mating behaviour of rams when joined at different proportions

The behaviour of rams joined with ewes at percentages equivalent to 1.2 and 5.9 was examined. More ewes were mounted in the grqups mated with the high percentage of rams, and ewes in these groups were mounted by more of the available rams than in the groups mated to a low percentage of rams. Rams mated at a low percentage were more active, achieving about twice the number of mounts and intromissions of the rams mated at the high percentage over the periods of observation. Rams that were 2 1/2 years old mated more frequently and with more ewes than did rams that were 1 1/2 years old.
Shell and Interior Quality and Chemical Composition of Eggs from Hens of Different Strains and Ages Fed Different Dietary Lysine Levels

Abstract Eggs from three commercial and two experimental strains of laying hens were sampled four times during 420 days of laying period when the hens were 25, 42, 58 and 78 weeks of age. Each strain was given one of 5 isocaloric (11.3 MJ ME/kg) diets with crude protein (CP) levels of 12.4, 13.7, 15.0, 16.3 and 17.6% and corresponding lysine contents of 0.46, 0.56,0.66,0.77 and 0.87%. The diet with 0.66% lysine was supplemented with 0.1% lysine HCl, and compared with the unsupplemented 0.66 and 0.77% lysine diets only when fed to the commercial strains. The effects of age, strain and diet were investigated on; shell quality as measured by shell weight (SW), thickness (ST), weight/unit of surface area and deformation (DFM) and interior quality as measured by albumen height (AH), Haugh units (HU), yolk colour (YC) and incidence of blood and meat spots (BMS). Chemical composition was analysed as protein, lipids and solids in yolk, albumen and total egg liquid (TEL). Features causing down-grading of the eggs .
Below-ground microbial community development in a high temperature world.

The response of above-ground plant and ecosystem processes to climate change are likely to be influenced by both direct and indirect effects of elevated temperature on soil biota and their activities. This study examined the effects of elevated atmospheric temperature on the development of the soil microbial community in a model terrestrial ecosystem facility. The model system was characterized by a soil of low nutrient availability, a condition that simulates most native terrestrial plant communities. The experiment was run over three plant generations, broadly mimicking the early stages of a plant succession, and showed that microbial biomass, measured using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, increased significantly in response to elevated temperature during the first generation only. This increase was unrelated to changes in plant productivity or soil C-availability, and was largely due to a direct effect of elevated temperature on fast-growing Gram-positive bacteria. Slow growing soil micoorganisms such as fungi and actinomycetes were unaffected by elevated temperature throughout the experimental period. Measures of microbial biomass, microbial respiration and N-mineralization were also unaffected by elevated atmospheric temperature over the three generations. The lack of effects on the soil microbial community is thought to be due to the fact that elevated temperature did not influence root biomass or soil C-availability. We suggest that the observed reductions in above-ground plant productivity, in response to elevated temperature, will become apparent in the longer term when litter decomposition pathways are more established. The temporal measures of PLFA and microbial biomass indicated that over the experimental period rapid initial changes occurred in most soil biological characteristics, followed by periods of stabilization during later plant succession. These changes were associated with increases in above-ground plant productivity and amounts of available C in the soil. In contrast, total microbial biomass declined during the last plant generation. Reductions in the diversity of PLFAs in later plant generations appeared to be associated with an increase in the proportion of fatty acids associated with fungi, relative to those from bacteria. These changes are likely to be related to increased competition for resources within the soil, and an associated reduction in N- and C-availability. These changes appear to be broadly consistent with those reported for other studies on the successional development of soil microbial and plant communities. Overall, our data suggest that elevated atmospheric temperature has little effect on the development of below-ground microbial communities and their activities in soils of low nutrient status.
Activity of Indoleamine 2, 3 Dioxygenase (IDO) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Pakistan

Background: To assess the activity of Indoleamine 2, 3 Dioxygenase (IDO) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Pakistan Methods: In this prospective study, activity and expression of IDO , was assessed in sera of diabetics and healthy controls (n=28). Colorimetric Assay was performed to analyze IDO activity in samples. Results: A significant difference was observed between the means of control and diabetic patients with a p-value of 0.0001. Conclusion: IDO concentrations were significantly higher in the serum of samples of diabetes mellitus patients as compared to control .