Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Negligible effect of chicken cytokine IL-12 integration into recombinant fowlpox viruses expressing avian influenza virus neuraminidase N1 on host cellular immune responses

In comparison to the extensive characterization of haemagglutinin antibodies of avian influenza virus (AIV), the role of neuraminidase (NA) as an immunogen is less well understood. This study describes the construction and cellular responses of recombinant fowlpox viruses (rFWPV) strain FP9, co-expressing NA N1 gene of AIV A/Chicken/Malaysia/5858/2004, and chicken IL-12 gene. Our data shows that the N1 and IL-12 proteins were successfully expressed from the recombinants with 48 kD and 70 kD molecular weights, respectively. Upon inoculation into specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens at 105 p.f. u. ml−1, levels of CD3+/CD4+ and CD3+/CD8+ populations were higher in the wild-type fowlpox virus FP9 strain, compared to those of rFWPV-N1 and rFWPV-N1-IL-12 at weeks 2 and 5 time points. Furthermore, rFWPV-N1-IL-12 showed a suppressive effect on chicken body weight within 4 weeks after inoculation. We suggest that co-expression of N1 with or without IL-12 offers undesirable quality as a potential AIV vaccine candidate.
Circulating Tumor Cells Characterization Revealed TIMP1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Cancer

Background: Recent studies showed a relevant role of hematogenous spread in ovarian cancer and the interest of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) monitoring as a prognosis marker. The aim of the present study was the characterization of CTCs from ovarian cancer patients, paying special attention to cell plasticity characteristics to better understand the biology of these cells. Methods: CTCs isolation was carried out in 38 patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer using in parallel CellSearch and an alternative EpCAM-based immunoisolation followed by RT-qPCR analysis to characterize these cells. Results: Epithelial CTCs were found in 21% of patients, being their presence higher in patients with extraperitoneal metastasis. Importantly, this population was characterized by the expression of epithelial markers as MUC1 and CK19, but also by genes associated with mesenchymal and more malignant features as TIMP1, CXCR4 and the stem markers CD24 and CD44. In addition, we evidenced the relevance of TIMP1 expression to promote tumor proliferation, suggesting its interest as a therapeutic target. Conclusions: Overall, we evidenced the utility of the molecular characterization of EpCAM+ CTCs from advanced ovarian cancer patients to identify biomarkers with potential applicability for disseminated disease detection and as therapeutic targets such as TIMP1.
Small GTPase Rab4 Regulates Ca2+-induced α-Granule Secretion in Platelets*

Upon activation, platelets release many active substances stored in α- and dense-core granules. However, the molecular mechanisms governing regulated exocytosis are not yet fully understood. Here, we have established an assay system using permeabilized platelets to analyze the Ca2+-induced exocytosis of both types of granules, focusing on RabGTPases. Incubation with Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor, an inhibitory regulator of RabGTPases, reduced membrane-bound RabGTPases extensively, and caused strong inhibition of the Ca2+-induced secretion of von Willebrand factor (vWF) stored in α-granules, but not that of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in dense-core granules. Specifically, Rab4 co-fractionated with vWF and P-selectin (an α-granule marker) upon separation of platelet organelles by density gradient centrifugation. Incubation of the permeabilized platelets with cell extracts expressing the dominant negative mutant of His-tagged Rab4S22N, but not with those of similar mutant His-Rab3BT36N, inhibited the vWF secretion, whereas neither of the cell extracts affected the [3H]5-HT secretion. Importantly, the inhibition of vWF secretion was rescued by depleting the cell extracts of the His-Rab4S22N with nickel beads. Thus, in platelets, the regulatory mechanisms governing α- and dense-core granule secretions are distinct, and Rab4 is an essential regulator of the Ca2+-induced exocytosis of α-granules.
The winter distribution of seed‐eating birds: habitat structure, seed density and seasonal depletion

To understand the reasons for population change we need to understand the mechanisms through which it occurs. Throughout western Europe there have been declines in farmland birds. These declines have been paralleled by major changes in agricultural management. Which have resulted in major changes in habitat structure. This paper describes the habitat selection at two scales (within and between fields) of a number of seed-eating farmland birds. Habitat preferences for most species were related to the density of seeds present. Which differed markedly between habitats. Seed density declined with distance from hedgerow in cultivated fields but not stubble fields. Yellow hammers were restricted to foraging close to hedgerows, whilst skylarks foraged in the centre of fields, but moved closer towards the edges as the winter progressed and seed densities declined. This work has clear consequences for agricultural management and the conservation of declining bird populations.
Influence of Phytase Supplementation at Increasing Doses from 0 to 1500 FTU/kg on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Bone Status in Grower–Finisher Pigs Fed Phosphorus-Deficient Diets

Simple Summary The current study investigates the growth performance and bone status of grower–finisher pigs supplemented with phytase, an enzyme which increases the bioavailability of phosphorus in animal feeds. The study results provide new information with regards to the positive role phytase supplementation to livestock feed plays in the achievement of the maximum effectiveness of the feed, as well as numerous positive effects on bone characteristics (geometry, mineralization, and mechanical strength) in grower–finisher pigs. Abstract The objective of the current study is to assess the effects of the inclusion of 6-n phytase to a phosphorous-deficient diet on the growth performance (feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio), apparent digestibility of calcium and phosphorus, and bone characteristics of grower–finisher pigs. The experimental diets included a phosphorus-deficient diet containing 0 (negative control), 250, 500, 1000, or 1500 FTU/kg of 6-phytase, and a diet formulated to meet the phosphorus nutrient requirements of pigs (positive control). Pigs were fed the experimental diets from the time they were ~35 kg body weight until they reached slaughter weight of ~110 kg. Bone status of the metacarpal (ash, mineral content) and femur (mineralization, geometry, and mechanical strength) bones were assessed. There was no effect of dietary treatment on feed intake. Feed conversion ratio was improved following inclusion of phytase at a dose of 500 FTU/kg or higher. Phytase inclusion at a dose of 1000 FTU/kg increased the average daily weight gain of grower–finisher pigs. Phytase inclusion at a dose of 500 FTU/kg was sufficient to increase metacarpal phosphorus content. Femur mid-diaphysis ash percentage was significantly increased even after the inclusion of the lowest dose of phytase. Analysis of structural parameters of femur mechanical strength (Young’s modulus, yield stress, yield strain, ultimate stress, ultimate strain) showed that the inclusion of a phytase dose of 500 FTU/kg in growing/finishing diets was sufficient to significantly improve bone status of grower–finisher pigs at slaughter.
Rapid Turnover of Tryptophan Hydroxylase: The Turnover Rate is Unaffected after Elevation of the Enzyme Amount Induced by Treatment of Cells with Calcium Ionophores and Protease Inhibitors

The largest reservoirs of serotonin in mammals are the blood circulation and the gastrointestinal mucosa (1,2). Tryptophan hydroxylase is the rate limiting enzyme in serotonin biosynthesis and is localized specifically in serotonin producing cells. The main producers of body serotonin are gastrointestinal enterochromaffin-cells and, in rodents, mast cells. In our previous study (3,4), a rapid turnover of tryptophan hydroxylase (half life; 15-60 min) was demonstrated using cycloheximide to metabolically arrest protein biosynthesis in RBL2H3 cells of a cultured mast cell line derived from a rat basophilic leukemia cell. In addition' this process required ATP production, suggesting that it was enhanced by metabolic ATP. Since the intracellular tryptophan hydroxylase level must be maintained by its biosynthesis counterbalanced to the rapid degradation, cells might be able to set the desired enzyme level by attenuating the rate either of biosynthesis or degradation. We have demonstrated a dramatic rise in the cellular enzyme level in response to antigenIgE stimulation through the calcium-triggered signal transduction pathway (5). Antigen-IgE stimulation was replaceable by calcium ionophores or low doses of a group of protease inhibitors. These stimulating effects were inhibited by relatively
Azido-functionalized gelatin via direct conversion of lysine amino groups by diazo transfer as a building block for biofunctional hydrogels.

Gelatin is one of the most prominent biopolymers in biomedical material research and development. It is frequently used in hybrid hydrogels, which combine the advantageous properties of bio-based and synthetic polymers. To prevent the biological component from leaching out of the hydrogel, the biomolecules can be equipped with azides. Those groups can be used to immobilize gelatin covalently in hydrogels through the highly selective and specific azide-alkyne cycloadditions. In this contribution, we functionalized gelatin with azides at its lysine residues by diazo transfer, which offers the great advantage of only minimal side-chain extension. Approx. 84 % to 90 % of the amino groups are modified as shown by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) assay as well as FT-IR spectroscopy, rheology and the determination of the isoelectric point. Furthermore, the azido-functional gelatin is incorporated into hydrogels based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-DA) at different concentrations (0.6 %, 3.0 %, 5.5 %). All hydrogels were classified as non-cyctotoxic with significantly enhanced cell adhesion of human fibroblasts on their surfaces compared to pure PEG-DA hydrogels. Thus, the new gelatin derivative is found to be a very promising building block for tailoring the bioactivity of materials. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Pollen morphology in Cytisus (Papilionoideae, Leguminosae) from Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula

Although it is generally accepted that the tribe Genisteae has rather homogeneous pollen, we have found considerable variation in pollen size and morphology in Cytisus and related genera (Argyrocytisus and Chamaecytisus), which match taxonomic groups defined on morphological grounds. The results of Principal Component Analysis of pollen characteristics show the following: Cytisus Sect. Alburnoides is well-delimited, with the smallest pollen grains and the simplest pattern in the tectum, fossulate-perforate to perforate; No separation of C. villosus (Sect. Cytisus) from Sect. Alburnoides is observed; Cytisus Sect. Spartopsis, with the largest pollen grains and reticulate to reticulate-fossulate ornamentation, forms an isolated group; C. fontanesii (Sect. Heterocytisus) stands apart from other Cytisus species by its homogeneous ornamentation and the perforate instead of psilate-punctate margo. Thus, the pollen data supports its transfer to the separated genus Chronanthos; Pollen ornamentation and morphology also support the separation of Argyrocytisus battandieri and Chamaecytisus mollis from Cytisus.
A 5-HT7 Receptor-Mediated Depolarization in the Anterodorsal Thalamus. II. Involvement of the Hyperpolarization-Activated Current Ih

Previous studies have shown that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) can modulate the hyperpolarization-activated nonselective cation current (Ih) to elicit a membrane depolarization in neurons. However, the receptor subtype involved in this response remains controversial. In the accompanying study, we have identified a 5-HT7 receptor-mediated depolarization in the anterodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (ADn). In the present study, we have examined the possible role of Ih in mediating this 5-HT7receptor-mediated depolarization. We used the blind tight-seal patch clamp technique to examine the ability of 5-HT to modulate Ih in the ADn. We found that 5-HT induced a shift in the voltage dependence of Ih to more depolarized potentials. The pharmacology of the receptor mediating this effect was consistent with that of a 5-HT7 receptor. Since the 5-HT7receptor is coupled positively to adenylate cyclase, we examined the cAMP dependence of the 5-HT-induced modulation of Ih. Intracellular addition of cAMP mimicked and occluded the 5-HT response. Conversely, in the presence of the protein kinase inhibitors H-8 and staurosporine, ADn neurons still expressed a 5-HT-induced shift in the voltage dependence of Ih. These results suggest that 5-HT regulates Ih in the ADn through a cAMP-dependent but protein kinase A (PKA)-independent mechanism. To determine the contribution of Ih to the 5-HT7receptor-mediated depolarization, we used the selective Ihblocker ZD7288. This compound greatly reduced the depolarizing response elicited by activation of 5-HT7 receptors. We conclude that 5-HT7 receptors depolarize ADn neurons primarily by increasing Ih through a cAMP-dependent, PKA-independent mechanism.
Competence, determination, and meristemoid plasticity in tobacco organogenesis in vitro

Tobacco leaf explants can produce both shoots and roots depending on the phytohormones in the medium. These arise directly via meristemoids (meristematic centers), which form distinct primordia and then organs. In this study it was found that shoot primordia arose from the palisade mesophyll cells at the adaxial surface, while root primordia arose from the rib parenchyma cells, near the existing vascular bundles. In studies on competency and determination, it was found that the tobacco leaf explants required 46 days in culture on a shoot-inducing medium (SIM) to become determined for shoot formation, while the explants were competent for rooting at excision and needed only 1 day on the root-inducing medium (RIM) to become determined for root formation. Transfer of explants from SIM or RIM to basal medium (BM without phytohormones) and vice versa supported the above findings. Transfer of explants from SIM to RIM and vice versa, delayed the timing of root and shoot formation, but not the position in the ex.
Effects of Water Temperature on Experimental Transmission of Dermal Sarcoma in Fingerling Walleyes

Abstract The effects of temperature on experimental transmission of dermal sarcoma, a spontaneous tumor of adult walleyes Stizostedion vitreum to fingerling walleyes was determined. Test temperatures were 10, 15, and 20°C. Three-month-old walleyes were inoculated intramuscularly with a cell-free filtrate from a dermal sarcoma collected from an adult walleye in the spring of the year. Tumors were first grossly visible in fish held at 15°C at 8 weeks postinoculation. At 12 weeks postinoculation, all fish were euthanized and examined for presence of tumors. Tumor transmission was most successful at 15°C, followed by that at 20°C; many fish maintained at these temperatures had grossly visible tumors. Although the majority offish held at 10°C also had tumors, tumors in these fish developed to a lesser degree than those observed in fish held at the higher temperatures.
OCT Guided Robotic Ophthalmic Microsurgery via Reinforcement Learning from Demonstration

Ophthalmic microsurgery is technically difficult because the scale of required surgical tool manipulations challenge the limits of the surgeon’s visual acuity, sensory perception, and physical dexterity. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging with micrometer-scale resolution is increasingly being used to monitor and provide enhanced real-time visualization of ophthalmic surgical maneuvers, but surgeons still face physical limitations when manipulating instruments inside the eye. Autonomously controlled robots are one avenue for overcoming these physical limitations. We demonstrate the feasibility of using learning from demonstration and reinforcement learning with an industrial robot to perform OCT-guided corneal needle insertions in an ex vivo model of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) surgery. Our reinforcement learning agent trained on ex vivo human corneas, then outperformed surgical fellows in reaching a target needle insertion depth in mock corneal surgery trials. This work shows the combination of learning from demonstration and reinforcement learning is a viable option for performing OCT guided robotic ophthalmic surgery.
Affluence in the Making: The 1953-54 Household Expenditures Enquiry and Visualization of Taste

The 1953-54 Household Expenditures Survey (HEE) was the first nationwide comprehensive survey since the 1937-38 Working-class Household Bu get Enquiry. This survey exercise built the foundational framework of the Family Expe nditure Survey (FES) that became a regular annual practice under the leadership of the Ministry of Labour after 1957. We apply factor analysis to the data that we recompiled for the purpose of our research as such an analytical method was not used in the 1957 Report. By applying factor analysis, we aim to reveal the patterning of everyday lives in unpreced nted detail what people bought and how they lived in the transitional phase from the auste rity years after the end of the Second World War to the beginning of the affluent mass consumer society.
Probabilistic River Water Mapping from Landsat-8 Using the Support Vector Machine Method

River water extent is essential for river hydrological surveys. Traditional methods for river water mapping often result in significant uncertainties. This paper proposes a support vector machine (SVM)-based river water mapping method that can quantify the extraction uncertainties simultaneously. Five specific bands of Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data were selected to construct the feature set. Considering the effect of terrain, a widely used terrain index called height above nearest drainage, calculated from the 1 arc-second Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM), was also added into the feature set. With this feature set, a posterior probability SVM model was established to extract river water bodies and quantify the uncertainty with posterior probabilities. Three river sections in Northwestern China were selected as the case study areas, considering their different river characteristics and geographical environment. Then, the reliability and stability of the proposed method were evaluated through comparisons with the traditional Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and modified NDWI (mNDWI) methods and validated with higher-resolution Sentinel-2 images. It was found that resultant probability maps obtained by the proposed SVM method achieved generally high accuracy with a weighted root mean square difference of less than 0.1. Other accuracy indices including the Kappa coefficient and critical success index also suggest that the proposed method outperformed the traditional water index methods in terms of river mapping accuracy and thresholding stability. Finally, the proposed method resulted in the ability to separate water bodies from hill shades more easily, ensuring more reliable river water mapping in mountainous regions.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Influenza A Virus NS1 Reveal a Remarkably Stable RNA-Binding Domain Harboring Promising Druggable Pockets

The non-structural protein NS1 of influenza A viruses is considered to be the major antagonist of the interferon system and antiviral defenses of the cell. It could therefore represent a suitable target for novel antiviral strategies. As a first step towards the identification of small compounds targeting NS1, we here investigated the druggable potential of its RNA-binding domain since this domain is essential to the biological activities of NS1. We explored the flexibility of the full-length protein by running molecular dynamics simulations on one of its published crystal structures. While the RNA-binding domain structure was remarkably stable along the simulations, we identified a flexible site at the two extremities of the “groove” that is delimited by the antiparallel α-helices that make up its RNA-binding interface. This groove region is able to form potential binding pockets, which, in 60% of the conformations, meet the druggability criteria. We characterized these pockets and identified the residues that contribute to their druggability. All the residues involved in the druggable pockets are essential at the same time to the stability of the RNA-binding domain and to the biological activities of NS1. They are also strictly conserved across the large sequence diversity of NS1, emphasizing the robustness of this search towards the identification of broadly active NS1-targeting compounds.
Consistency and flexibility in the scrounging behaviour of zebra finches

When foraging in groups, individuals can use the "producer" tactic to locate food patches and the "scrounger" tactic to exploit the food discoveries of companions. Most producerscrounger models assume that birds are flexible in using tactics in response to changing conditions and that foragers are phenotypically identical. Individual differences and flexibility in tactic use were investigated in zebra finches (Taenopygia guttata) foraging in two flocks of different composition. Birds varied widely in their use of tactics, and individual differences proved consistent both within and between flocks. Significant adjustments in tactic use occurred from one flock to the other. Results suggest that tactic use in zebra finches foraging in small flocks is characterized by consistency and flexibility. Individual differences in tactic use demonstrate the need to examine further the consequences of phenotypic variation in producerscrounger models.