Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by mumie extract

Mumie, a plant humus matter from rocks, is known as anabolic and a stimulator of bone regeneration in the Russian and Indian systems of health and medicine. The water‐soluble fraction of mumie from Uzbekistan was characterized using 1H NMR and infrared spectroscopic methods. The mumie extract has been investigated for its effect on osteoblastic differentiation in cell culture assays of human and murine mesenchymal stem cells. The calcium deposition and expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, core binding factor 1 (Cbfa1), and ERK have been studied. During the 14‐day assay period, human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human fetal osteoblasts cultured with mumie (3–5 µg/ml) underwent a dramatic change in cellular morphology, which was accompanied by a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and osteocalcin expression. The expression of core binding factor 1 and ERK were enhanced in hMSCs and murine pluripotent mesenchymal precursor cell line C2C12. Dose‐dependent decrease in TRAP‐positive multinucleated cell formation from macrophage‐like cells RAW 264.7 was observed with increasing concentration of mumie in the presence of RANKL (40 ng/ml) and PD98059 (10 µM), a specific inhibitor of ERK activity. The data suggest that mumie is a potent stimulator of osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, hence it maybe of clinical benefit in the treatment for osteoporosis in human. Drug Dev. Res. 57: 122–133, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Function of the rice gp91phox homologs OsrbohA and OsrbohE genes in ROS-dependent plant immune responses

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are proposed to function as diffusible signaling molecules in plant immune response. Rice respiratory burst oxidase homologs (Osrboh genes) are proposed to play a role in ROS generation. We examined a role in rice immune responses of four Osrboh homologs, OsrbohA, OsrbohB, OsrbohD, and OsrbohE. OsrbohA and OsrbohD transcripts were induced after inoculation with an incompatible N1141 strain of Acidovorax avenae, whereas OsrbohaB and OsrbohE mRNA levels did not obviously change even after inoculation with the incompatible strain. We examined the function of the Osrboh genes in ROS generation and in the plant immune response using RNAi-based knockdown in rice cells. OsrbohA and OsrbohE knockdown lines showed that rapid H 2 O 2 generation is caused by OsrbohA, whereas OsrbohE is involved in late H2O2 production during the immune response. Hypersensitive cell death was decreased only in the OsrbohA knockdown line. We further demonstrated that among immune related genes, the induction of EL2 and LOX genes is controlled by ROS generated by OsrbohE, whereas expression of Cht-1 gene is regulated by both OsrbohA and OsrbohE. These results indicate that the ROS molecules generated by OsrbohA and OsrbohE regulate different signaling pathways in the plant immune response.
Global analysis of satellite tracking data shows that adult green turtles are significantly aggregated in Marine Protected Areas

Aim Tracking technologies are often proposed as a method to elucidate the complex migratory life histories of migratory marine vertebrates, allowing spatially explicit threats to be identified and mitigated. We conducted a global analysis of foraging areas of adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) subject to satellite tracking (n = 145) and the conservation designation of these areas according to International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria. Location The green turtle has a largely circumtropical distribution, with adults migrating up to thousands of kilometres between nesting beaches and foraging areas, typically in neritic seagrass or algal beds. Methods We undertook an assessment of satellite tracking projects that followed the movements of green turtles in tropical and subtropical habitats. This approach was facilitated by the use of the Satellite Tracking and Analysis Tool (http:// www.seaturtle.org) and the integration of publicly available data on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Results We show that turtles aggregate in designated MPAs far more than would be expected by chance when considered globally (35% of all turtles were located within MPAs) or separately by ocean basin (Atlantic 67%, Indian 34%, Mediterranean 19%, Pacific 16%). Furthermore, we show that the size, level of protection and time of establishment of MPAs affects the likelihood of MPAs containing foraging turtles, highlighting the importance of large, well-established reserves.
An Experimental Field Study to Examine Whether Capillaria Hepatica (Nematoda) Can Limit House Mouse Populations in Eastern Australia.

A replicated experimental field investigation to examine the effect of the nematode parasite Capillaria hepatica on populations of Mus domesticus is described. A 2-year study was conducted at 7 sites with matching farming practices, soil types, topography and habitat heterogeneity on the Darling Downs in south-eastern Queensland, Australia, where mice cause substantial economic, social and environmental problems. A 4 km2 sampling zone was designated on each site and sites were assigned randomly to one of 3 untreated and 4 treated groups. The parasite was released successfully on 3 occasions at 3 markedly different stages of mouse population dynamics. The first release was in winter 1992 into a low-density, non-breeding population. Mice on treated sites had significantly lower survival for 6 months after the release than mice on untreated sites. The parasite had a relatively high impact on survival of young mice ( 76 mm) occurred a month later. The most pronounced effects of C. hepatica on mouse abundance occurred during the 4 months after its release (June-September). Mice on the untreated sites, however, had poor survival in September, so by October their population abundance was at a level similar to that of the treated populations. Once breeding began in mid-October C. hepatica had no noticeable effect on mouse population dynamics. This was because the parasite (i) had no effect on breeding of mice, (ii) had minimal transmission and (iii) had a diminishing effect on survival after October. The apparent lack of transmission of C. hepatica was probably due to a combination of low population density, the transient nature of the mouse population and predominantly dry weather for 6 months after the release. A second release was made in February 1993 into a breeding, medium-density host population that was rapidly increasing in abundance. Less than 2% of the population was affected during the release so interest focused on transmission rather than the effect of the parasite on the host's demographic machinery. Transmission did occur at a low rate and the parasite persisted for 4.5 months (to June) when it was decided to boost the proportion of mice infected in order to follow its effect on the overwintering population and the demographic effects during the next breeding season. This late release was compromised by synchronous, widespread and rapid decline in mouse densities. Densities fell from greater than 500 ha to less than 1 ha in less than 6 weeks. Two messages emerge from these studies. First, C. hepatica will not limit mouse populations if it is released into a low-density population during a long dry period on the Darling Downs. Second, more information is needed about the factors that influence the survival and transmission of the parasite under field conditions.
Impact of CFTR ∆ F508 mutation on prostaglandin E 2 production and type IIA phospholipase A 2 expression by pulmonary epithelial cells

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is characterized by an exacerbated inflammatory pulmonary response with excessive production of inflammatory mediators. We investigated here the impact of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction on prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) production and type-IIA secreted phospholipase A 2 (sPLA 2 -IIA) expression. We showed that both resting and LPS-stimulated human respiratory epithelial cell line bearing ∆ F508 mutation on CFTR (CF cells), released more PGE 2 than control cell line. This was accompanied by an enhanced expression and activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in CF cells. PGE 2 release was attenuated after experimentally-induced re-trafficking of the ∆ F508-CFTR at the plasma membrane. sPLA 2 -IIA expression occurred at higher levels in CF cells than in control cells and was enhanced by LPS and PGE 2 . Suppression of PGE 2 synthesis by aspirin led to an inhibition of LPS-induced sPLA 2 -IIA expression. Higher activation of NF-κ B was observed in CF cells compared to control cells and was enhanced by LPS. However, addition of PGE 2 or aspirin had no effect on NF-κ B activation. LPS-induced sPLA 2 -IIA expression was reduced by a NF-κ B inhibitor. We suggest that the lack of the CFTR in the plasma membrane results in a PGE 2 overproduction and an enhanced sPLA 2 -IIA expression. This expression is up-regulated by NF-κ B and amplified by PGE 2 via a non identified signalling pathway.
LINKAGE DISEQUILIBRIUM BETWEEN SSR MARKERS IN SIX POOLS OF ELITE LINES OF AN EUROPEAN BREEDING PROGRAM FOR HYBRID MAIZE 1

D etailed knowledge about the patterns and distribution of linkage disequilibrium (LD) is of funda- mental importance for mapping of genes by whole- genome association studies. In this study, we (i) analyzed the molecular genetic diversity, (ii) investigated the pat- terns and distribution of LD in elite maize inbreds, and (iii) assessed the prospects of association mapping meth- ods in breeding materials. Six germplasm pools with a to- tal of 497 elite lines of a commercial breeding program in Europe were fingerprinted by 81 SSR markers covering the entire maize genome. The extent of LD among mark- er loci was estimated by different measures of LD. Across all germplasm pools, the SSR markers were highly poly- morphic, and four groups of inbred lines were detected by principal component and Bayesian cluster analysis. We detected genome-wide LD among pairs of loci. LD be- tween linked markers decreased not only with distance but also with a smaller number of alleles and lower gene diversity. In conclusion, association mapping via a genome-wide scan may be applied to detect associations between marker and traits, but LD between unlinked loci will most likely result in high rates of false positives.
Molecular diversity of chickpea ('Cicer arietinum' L.) genotypes differing in their Raffinose family Oligosaccharides viz., raffinose and stachyose content as revealed through SSR markers

From a nutritional point of view, the α -galactosides are believed to be implicated in the development of flatulence following the ingestion of legume seeds. One important group of these compounds is the soluble α -galactosides, all of which are characterized by the presence of α (1–6) links between the galactose molecules which are responsible for causing flatulence viz., raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) like raffinose and stachyose. There is very little information about the genetic variability and diversity among the cultivated chickpea for RFOs. Diversity among 50 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes differing in their RFOs content was studied using SSR markers. Out of 86 primers tested, 36 reported polymorphism amplifying 81 alleles. Dendrogram based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficients were generated based on an average linkage algorithm (UPGMA) using marker data. Genotypes were grouped into three clusters based on genetic distances and the UPGMA grouping could clearly discriminate the genotypes effectively as per their pedigree and origin. The grouping pattern also seems to have followed the pattern of RFOs content, seed type, seed size apart from the breeding centre from where they were developed. The present molecular diversity among the genotypes studied can be exploited effectively by crossing the genotypes of Cluster I and III with that of Cluster II as these both clusters are most further apart so as to obtain transgressive segregants for RFOs content and selection can be implemented for selecting lines with lower RFOs content. ICRISAT lines which were desi types had the highest RFOs content i.e. raffinose and stachyose and formed a distinct group (III). Similarly the kabuli breeding lines obtained from ICARDA, Syria also formed a distinct group (I) and had greater RFOs content compared to the breeding lines obtained from IARI. The lowest raffinose and stachyose was recorded in lines obtained from IARI, Chickpea Program lines.
Flight response of slope‐soaring birds to seasonal variation in thermal generation

Animals respond to a variety of environmental cues, including weather conditions, when migrating. Understanding the relationship between weather and migration behaviour is vital to assessing time- and energy limitations of soaring birds. Different soaring modes have different efficiencies, are dependent upon different types of subsidized lift and are weather dependent. We collected GPS locations from 47 known-age golden eagles that moved along 83 migration tracks. We paired each location with weather to determine meteorological correlates of migration during spring and fall as birds crossed three distinct ecoregions in north-east North America. Golden eagle migration was associated with weather conditions that promoted thermal development, regardless of season, ecoregion or age. Eagle migration showed age- and season-specific responses to weather conditions that promoted orographic lift.
THE IN VITRO BACTERIOSTATIC ACTION OF SOME SIMPLE FURAN DERIVATIVES

A survey of the in vitro bacteriostatic action of forty-two furan compounds, including derivatives of furan, 2-furaldehyde, 2-furfuryl alcohol and 2-furoic acid has been presented. It disclosed that with a few exceptions, the presence of a nitro group in the 5-position of the furan ring conferred considerable bacteriostatic action on such derivatives. Twenty-five compounds of this type were tested and twenty-four showed bacteriostatic activity in varying degrees. The single ineffective compound was tested as a saturated solution in broth which contained less than 1.5 mgm. %. The specificity of this group in activating these simple furan compounds was indicated by a comparison of seventeen nitrofuran compounds with their non-nitrated analogues. Fourteen of the latter, entirely inactive under the test conditions were bacteriostatic when a nitro group was introduced into the 5-position, while the action of three slightly active derivatives was considerably enhanced by the same process. The action of the nitro group was least effective with nitrofuroic acid. The bacteriostatic action of the nitrofuran compounds was effective against both Gram positive and Gram negative organisms, being least active in inhibiting the growth of Ps. pyocyanea. An examination of the antibacterial action of several of the nitrofuran compounds by subculture and plate count methods showed them to be slowly bactericidal in high concentrations, while lower concentrations were merely bacteriostatic for twenty-four hours or longer. Both of these activities were decreased, and in some cases, completely abolished when large inocula were employed. The enhancement of antibacterial action when tested in a synthetic medium suggested the existence of specific substances in broth capable of inhibiting both the bacteriostatic and bactericidal action of the nitrofuran complex.
Using crop simulation to generate genotype by environment interaction effects for sorghum in water-limited environments

Multi-environment trials (METs) used to evaluate breeding lines vary in the number of years that they sample. We used a cropping systems model to simulate the target population of environments (TPE) for 6 locations over 108 years for 54 'near-isolines' of sorghum in north-eastern Australia. For a single reference genotype, each of 547 trials was clustered into 1 of 3 'drought environment types' (DETs) based on a seasonal water stress index. Within sequential METs of 2 years duration, the frequencies of these drought patterns often differed substantially from those derived for the entire TPE. This was reflected in variation in the mean yield of the reference genotype. For the TPE and for 2-year METs, restricted maximum likelihood methods were used to estimate components of genotypic and genotype by environment variance. These also varied substantially, although not in direct correlation with frequency of occurrence of different DETs over a 2-year period. Combined analysis over different numbers of seasons demonstrated the expected improvement in the correlation between MET estimates of genotype performance and the overall genotype averages as the number of seasons in the MET was increased.
Glycinergic neurons and inhibitory transmission in the cerebellar nuclei

The cerebellum is composed of a three-layered cortex and of nuclei and is responsible for the learned fine control of posture and movements. I combined a genetic approach (based on the use of transgenic mouse lines) with anatomical tracings, immunohistochemical stainings, electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic stimulations to establish the distinctive characteristics of the inhibitory neurons of the cerebellar nuclei and to detail their connectivity and their role in the cerebellar circuitry.We showed that the glycinergic inhibitory neurons of the cerebellar nuclei constitute a distinct neuronal population and are characterized by their mixed inhibitory GABAergic/glycinergic phenotype. Those inhibitory neurons are also distinguished by their axonal plexus which includes a local arborization with the cerebellar nuclei where they contact principal output neurons and a projection to the granular layer of the cerebellar cortex where they end onto Golgi cells dendrites. Finally, the inhibitory neurons of the cerebellar nuclei receive inhibitory afferents from Purkinje cells and may be contacted by mossy fibers or climbing fibers.We provided the first evidence of functional mixed transmission in the cerebellar nuclei and the first demonstration of a mixed inhibitory nucleo-cortical projection. Overall, our data establish the inhibitory neurons as the third cellular component of the cerebellar nuclei. Their importance in the modular organization of the cerebellum and their impact on sensory-motor integration need to be confirmed by optogenetic experiments in vivo.
Structural and Functional Studies of De Novo Designed Peptides at Surfaces

We recently reported on the strong interactions of Ulva linza zoospores with an arginine-rich oligopeptide self-assembled monolayer (SAM) [Biofouling 24:303-312 (2008)], where the arginine-rich peptide induced not only very high settlement but also a form of abnormal settlement, or “pseudo-settlement”, where spores do not go through the normal behaviours of surface exploration, adhesive exocytosis and flagella loss. Further, it was demonstrated that both the total settlement and the fraction of anomalously settled spores were related to the surface density of the arginine-rich peptide.Here we present a further investigation of the interactions of Ulva zoospores with a set of oligomeric de novo designed arginine-rich peptides, specifically aimed to test the effect of peptide primary structure on the interaction. Via variations in the peptide length and by permutations in the amino acid sequences, we gain further insight into the spore-surface interactions. The interpretation of the biological assays is supported by physicochemical characterization of the SAMs using infrared spectroscopy, ellipsometry and contact angle measurements. Results confirm the importance of arginine residues for the anomalous settlement, and we found that settlement is modulated by variations in the peptide primary structure. To elucidate the causes of the anomalous settlement and the possible relation to peptide-membrane interactions, we also compared the settlement of the “naked” Ulva zoospores (which lack a cell wall), with the settlement of Navicula diatoms (which are surrounded by a silica shell), onto the peptide SAMs. Cationic SAMs do not particularly affect adhesion or viability of diatoms, suggesting that the effect of the peptides on Ulva is mediated via specific peptide-membrane interactions.
Spawning Migration of Lacustrine-Adfluvial Bull Trout in a Natural Area

Abstract We investigated the spawning migration of lacustrine-adfluvial bull trout Salvelinus confluentus in the North Fork Skokomish River in Olympic National Park (Washington State) during 1996. Day-snorkeling and electrofishing were conducted to determine timing and duration of the migration and the distribution and abundance of bull trout. The primary spawning migration began in early October and was waning by December. Bull trout migrated 6 km or less up the river from Lake Cushman. Increased river discharge and decreased water temperature appeared to be the primary environmental variables corresponding to the initiation of the migration. Mean length of migratory bull trout increased from June to December. Comparisons with other lacustrine-adfluvial bull trout populations in Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and British Columbia suggested that these populations exhibit specific migratory strategies related to local environmental conditions.
Differential Investment in Sons and Daughters: Do White Rhinoceros Mothers Favor Sons?

Abstract In species in which one sex experiences greater variation in lifetime reproductive success than the other, the Trivers–Willard hypothesis predicts greater parental investment in offspring of the more variable sex. Support for this hypothesis has been inconsistent and few studies have determined whether differential allocation of resources can be attributed to the parent (as predicted by sex-biased parental investment) or to efforts by offspring to extract resources. We addressed this issue by characterizing maternal investment in wild white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). In a 3-year study, we radiotracked 14 adult females and recorded behavioral activities related to both maternal investment and offspring extraction of maternal resources. Investment in sons appeared to be greater than in daughters: sons suckled significantly longer and more frequently and were weaned significantly later than daughters. Although mothers did not respond differentially to individual nursing solicitations from male versus female offspring, our results suggest that mothers invested more in sons that vocalized at higher rates, but did not alter their investment in daughters in response to call rate. This may indicate that mothers, in part, facilitate access to resources depending on the sex of their offspring. This study provides a useful model for determining whether sex-biased investment is under maternal control or is a consequence of sex differences in the offspring's efforts to extract parental resources.
Pharmaceutical proteins produced in plant bioreactor in recent years

Plant bioreactor, also called molecular farming, has enormous potential to produce recombinant proteins infinitely. Products expressed in plants have natural physico-chemical properties and bioactivities. Plant bioreactor could be a safe, economic and convenient production system, and can been widely applied in industries and agricultures, especially in the life science and pharmaceutical industry. The application of transgenic plant in the production of vaccines, antibodies and pharmaceutical proteins has become a hot point in the plant genetic engineering in recent years. However, there are some limiting factors of application such as yield, downstream processing and so on. Here we review and discuss the advantages and research progress for the pharmaceutical plant bioreactors in recent three years, focusing on the existing problems and new strategies in this area.