Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Nuclear Factor (cid:1) B Activation in PC3 Cells by Genistein Is Mediated via Akt Signaling Pathway 1

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. Genistein is a prominent isoflavonoid found in soy products and has been proposed to be responsible for lowering the rate of prostate cancer in Asians. However, the molecular mechanism(s) by which genistein elicits its effects on prostate cancer cells has not been fully elucidated. We have previously shown that genistein induces apoptosis and inhibits the activation of nuclear factor (cid:1) B (NF- (cid:1) B) pathway, which could be mediated via Akt signaling pathway, the most important survival pathway in cellular signaling. In this study, we investigated whether there is any cross-talk between Akt and NF- (cid:1) B during genistein-induced apoptosis in PC3 prostate cancer cells. We found that genistein inhibits cell growth and induces apoptotic processes in PC3 prostate cancer cells but not in nontumorigenic CRL-2221 human prostate epithelial cells. Immunoprecipitation, kinase assays, and Western blot analysis showed that genistein specifically inhibits Akt kinase activity and abrogates the epidermal growth factor-induced activation of Akt in prostate cancer cells. NF- (cid:1) B DNA-binding analysis and transfection studies with Akt cDNA and NF- (cid:1) B-Luc constructs revealed that Akt transfection results in the induction of NF- (cid:1) B activation and this is completely inhibited by genistein treatment. Moreover, genistein abrogated the epidermal growth factor-induced activation of NF- (cid:1) B, which was mediated via Akt signaling pathway. From these results, we conclude that the inhibition of Akt and NF- (cid:1) B activity and their cross-talk provide a novel mechanism by which genistein inhibits cell growth and induces apoptotic processes in tumorigenic but not in nontumorigenic prostate epithelial cells.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Costa Rican Fruit and Fruit‐Eating Bird Abundance

Understory fruit and fruit-eating birds were censused monthly for a year in gaps, intact forest, and second-growth sites of a lowland Costa Rican rain forest. Both fruits and birds displayed significant seasonal variation. Peak fruit abundance corresponded with peak fruit-eating bird abundance. Fruits were most abundant in the mid-to-late rainy season (August-January). Crop sizes were larger on second-growth plants than on either gap or intact forest plants. Also, fruit was much more common in second growth than in gaps and more common in gaps than in intact forest. Fruit-eating birds followed the same general patterns of spatial and temporal variation. They were significantly most abundant in second growth, significantly least abundant in intact forest, and most common from October to January. A large increase in the frugivore population in October was due to an influx of temperate and altitudinal migrants. In addition, populations of some resident frugivore species increased concurrently, suggesting altitudinal migration in some of these species as well. The two most common understory frugivores molted during the period of fruit high and bred during the period of fruit low. I suggest that insect abundance may be more important than fruit abundance in determining breeding cycles of these birds. Given the extent of spatial and temporal variation in fruit and frugivore abundance, and the apparent tracking of fruit resources by birds, large areas of diverse habitats are probably necessary for the long-term maintenance of frugivore populations.
Review. Tannins and ruminant nutrition

Tannins are a complex group of polyphenolic compounds found in a wide range of plant species commonly consumed by ruminants. They are conventionally classified into two major groups: the hydrolysable and the condensed tannins. Although for a long time tannins were thought to be detrimental to ruminants, their effect may be either beneficial or harmful depending on the type of tannin consumed, its chemical structure and molecular weight, the amount ingested, and the animal species involved. High concentrations of tannins reduce voluntary feed intake and nutrient digestibility, whereas low to moderate concentrations may improve the digestive utilisation of feed mainly due to a reduction in protein degradation in the rumen and a subsequent increase in amino acid flow to the small intestine. These effects on nutrition are reflected in animal performance.
Flower colour and visitation rates of Costus arabicus support the ‘bee avoidance’ hypothesis for red‐reflecting hummingbird‐pollinated flowers

Summary Floral colour mediates plant–pollinator interactions by often signalling floral resources. In this sense, hummingbird-pollinated flowers are frequently red-coloured, and there are two tentative hypotheses to explain this pattern: 1. hummingbirds are attracted to red due its easier detection and 2. bees are sensorially excluded from red flowers. The second hypothesis is based on bees’ red colour blindness, which lead them to be less frequent and less important than hummingbirds as pollinators of red-reflecting flowers. Here, we untangled the role of different flower traits mediating plant–pollinator interactions and empirically tested the above hypotheses. We chose Costus arabicus due to its synchronopatric white- and pink-flowered individuals and its bee and hummingbird pollination system. Although pink flowers are not totally achromatic as pure red ones, they show an achromaticity degree that could drive bee exclusion. Specifically, we tested whether differences on red reflectance work attracting hummingbirds or excluding bees and the consequent implications for the plant's reproduction. Flower colour morphs of C. arabicus do differ neither in morphology nor in nectar sugar content. Moreover, white and pink flowers can be discriminated by the bees’ and hummingbirds’ colour vision system. Both groups are able to discriminate the red colour variation morph on the flower petals, the white flowers being more easily detected by bees and the pink flowers by hummingbirds. Bees preferentially visited the white flowers, whereas hummingbirds visited both colours at the same rate – both patterns corroborating the second hypothesis. Pollen loads deposited on stigmas did not differ between flower colour morphs, indicating that bees and hummingbirds play a similar role in the overall pollen deposition. However, bees are more likely to self-pollinate than hummingbirds. Self-pollination limits C. arabicus reproduction, and red-reflecting flowers may be better pollinated by discouraging bee visitation. Therefore, the intraspecific colour variation is driving flowers to show colour-related different levels of generalization. Our results support the ‘bee avoidance’ rather than the ‘hummingbird preference’ hypothesis. Sensory exclusion of bees seems to be the pressure for red-reflecting flowers evolution, driving specialization in hummingbird-pollinated flowers due to the costs of bee pollination on plant reproduction.
A dynamic model of the cellular carbon to chlorophyll ratio applied to a batch culture and a continental shelf ecosystem

A novel parameterization of the dynamical relationship between cellular carbon (C) and chlorophyll (Chl) is developed using a Chl synthesis term that includes the physiological status of the cell and the effect of packaging of pigments within cells. The geometric derivation highlights the non‐linear relationship between Chl content and absorption due to the package effect. When parameterized for a generic 3 µm radius phytoplankton cell, the model reproduces the magnitude and daily variations of C : Chl and C : nitrogen ratios of the diatom Skeletonema costatum in published laboratory experiments. The parameterization is then applied in a three‐dimensional biogeochemical model containing three phytoplankton classes in the coastal waters off southeast Tasmania, Australia, which demonstrates the behavior of the dynamic Chl parameterization over a range of light‐ and nutrient‐limiting environments for phytoplankton of different sizes and growth rates. The model produces C : Chl ratios of ∼ 12–20 (weight : weight) and ∼ 60–80 for phytoplankton communities dominated by fast‐growing small and fast‐growing large cells, respectively, close to the ratios of 17 and 76 observed at two sampling stations during periods with diatom‐ and flagellate‐dominated communities. Throughout the simulation, community C : Chl ratios generally vary between 12 and 200, which is similar to the range observed globally. In the new parameterization, C : Chl ratios are most influenced by the package effect for light‐limited, slow‐growing large microalgae, with physiological processes becoming important for smaller, nutrient‐limited, fast‐growing microalgae.
Association of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and class II major histocompatibility complex alleles with the secretion of TNF‐a and TNF‐0 by human mononuclear cells: a possible link to insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus

We have investigated the correlation between different tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and class II major histocompatibility complex alleles in the lipopolysaccharide‐ or phytohemagglutinin‐induced secretion of TNF‐α and TNF‐β by human monocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 87 unrelated Danish male individuals. Significant differences in TNF‐α secretory capacity between TNF Ncol restriction fragment length polymorphisms, TNFa and TNFc micro‐satellite alleles and DR alleles were identified. No correlation with TNF‐β secretory capacity was found for any of the markers studied. TNF genotyping allowed us to define four extended HLA haplotypes which correlate with TNF‐α secretory capacity. Two of these are DR4 positive: DQw8, DR4, TNFB*1, TNFa6, B44, A2 and DQw8, DR4, TNFB*2, TNFa2, B15, A2. Individuals carrying the TNFB*2, TNFa2 haplotype had a higher TNF‐α secretory capacity than those carrying the TNFB*1, TNFa6 haplotype. In a group of DR3/DR4 heterozygous patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), the frequency of the TNFa2 allele was higher than in HLA‐DR matched controls, whereas theTNFa6 allele was more frequent in control individuals. In the DR3/DR4 heterozygous diabetic group 12/26 had the alleles combination DQw8, DR4 (Dw4), C4A3, TNFB*2, TNFa2, B15, whereas only 1/18 controls had this haplotype. This diabetogenic haplotype is identical to the DR4 haplotype which correlates with a higher TNF‐α response. These observations suggest a direct role for the TNF locus in the pathogenesis of IDDM.
Clinical and Molecular Genetic Studies in Mitochondrial Disease

Up to a third of adults attending the Queen Square UK NHS Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disease out-patient clinic remain genetically undetermined. This thesis describes research which aimed to establish the molecular basis of mitochondrial disease in these patients and evaluate genotype/phenotype correlations. Both novel clinical syndromes and molecular causes of disease were identified. Furthermore, new insights into the respiratory chain (RC) protein structure were elucidated. Novel clinical phenotypes: Three previously unrecognised mitochondrial disease phenotypes were characterised. First, m.9185T>C in MT-ATP6, encoding subunit 6 of ATP synthase (complex V), was detected in a pedigree exhibiting matrilineal inheritance. Presentation was with axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT2) disease. Further screening of 270 patients with genetically unclassified CMT2 demonstrated three additional families harbouring the same mutation, thus proving a causal link between reduced complex V activity and impaired axonal function. Second, a severe distal myopathy was observed in two unrelated patients with de novo dominant POLG mutations. Finally, COX10 mutations were linked to adult cytochrome c oxidase (COX) deficiency. Despite a complex multisystem phenotype comprising short stature, proximal myopathy, fatigue, sensorineural hearing loss, pigmentary maculopathy, renal Fanconi syndrome and premature ovarian failure, the patient’s clinical severity was considerably milder than fatal COX10-related infantile disease. Nuclear gene mutations: Three major experimental strategies were employed to locate mutations in the nuclear genes of adults with clinically and/or biochemically suspected mitochondrial disease. First, a candidate gene approach identified RRM2B mutations in 2/33 patients with multiple mitochondrial DNA deletions. Second, whole-exome sequencing confirmed COX10 mutations can cause adult mitochondrial disease. Finally, combined homozygosity mapping/whole-exome sequencing in a consanguineous family led to the discovery that NDUFA4 mutations cause COX-deficient Leigh syndrome. This example of ‘back-translation’ led to the discovery that NDUFA4, previously considered to be a complex I subunit, is actually an important component of the COX enzyme complex.
Demographic consequences of sex‐biased dispersal in a population of brushtail possums

1. A population of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in the Orongorongo Valley, near Wellington, New Zealand was live-trapped three times a year for 15 years. Almost all births occurred in a single autumn pulse, and many young were tagged while still with their mothers in spring before becoming independent in summer. Yearlings could be distinguished from adults until the following summer. An age-structured mark–recapture analysis distinguished in situ recruitment from immigration. 2. The sex ratio of young in June, soon after birth, was male-biased (56·1%); by September, late in the pouch phase, the observed ratio was closer to parity (52·5%). Disappearance immediately after independence was not sex-biased and did not coincide with noticeable immigration, so it is believed to be due almost entirely to mortality. 3. Recurrent seasonal patterns of disappearance and immigration differed between sex and age classes. Adult disappearance was high in winter (June–September), particularly among males, and low through the rest of the year. The disappearance of yearlings, which seldom bred, showed the least sexual dimorphism in winter. Almost no immigration was detected for either age class over winter. Winter disappearance was therefore attributed to in situ mortality, made worse in adult males by their abrupt loss of condition during the autumn breeding season. 4. The largest seasonal influx of immigrants was of nominally adult males in the intervals September to February and February to June. Many of these were young males in their second summer that could not be distinguished from adults by body size. It is inferred that the majority of natal dispersal was delayed until after their first winter of independence, which may have the effect of reducing dispersal-related mortality. 5. Immigration by males exceeded that by females in both adult and yearling age classes, and at all times of year. In total, 74% of immigrants were males. About three in four breeding males and one in five breeding females were immigrants. 6. The inverse seasonal relationship between mortality and dispersal suggests that the proximate motivation for dispersal in brushtail possums is not related to weather or food shortage. Immigration probably exceeded emigration, indicating that dispersal was not a strategy to escape high densities. Dispersal appears to be an integral part of male development. The rules governing the settlement of dispersers remain unknown.
Initiation and progression of Müllerian duct derived malignancies

textabstractThe female reproductive system consists of the internal and external genitalia. The external genitalia are formed by the vulva, which includes the clitoris, labia majora and minora, urethral orifice and vestibule of the vagina (lower part of the vagina). The internal genital system is located within the pelvis and can be divided into the reproductive tract and the two ovaries (Fig. 1). The reproductive tract consists of the Mullerian duct-derived upper vagina, uterus and two fallopian tubes (oviducts) and functions to transport and guide semen to the oocyte in order to fertilize it (vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes), to hold and nurture the fertilized oocyte during its completion of development from embryonic to fetal stage (uterus) and to form the birth canal (uterus, vagina). The ovaries produce oocytes and secrete hormones necessary for secondary sexual development, regulation of the menstrual cycle, facilitation of implantation and maintenance of the early pregnancy.
THE MECHANICS OF SEA URCHIN DEVELOPMENT, STUDIED BY OPERATIVE METHODS

In the cleavage stages the sea urchin's egg can be divided into five transverse layers, an1, an2, veg1, veg2, and the micromeres (Fig. I). The ectoderm of the pluteus larva is derived from an1+ an2+ veg1, while veg2 gives rise to the secondary mesenchyme, the coelom, and the endoderm. The micromere material migrates into the blastocoele before gastrulation, forming the primary mesenchyme, which produces the skeletal rods. The position uf the skeleton‐forming cells and of the rods is determined by the ectoderm.
Factors Affecting Behavioral Interactions Among Sap-Attracted Insects

ABSTRACT Aggressive interactions often occur between individuals of various insect species attracted to fermented tree sap. We explored interspecific behavioral dominance hierarchies and factors responsible for such interactions occurring in sap-exuding patches on trees. We observed fighting behavior, departures from patches, and attempted entries into patches (individual approached and then left a patch without feeding) in four hornet species (Vespidae), four butterfly species (Nymphalidae), and one beetle species (Scarabaeidae). Our examination of these interactions indicated that the hornet species, Vespa mandarinia Smith, was the most dominant and that butterfly species were competitively inferior. Both Vespa ducalis Smith and Rhomborrhina japonica Hope were less dominant than Vespa crabro L. and Vespa analis F. in departures and attempted entries into patches, but neutral when it came to fighting behaviors. For most hornet and butterfly species, approach and threat behaviors were mainly responsible for departures and attempted entries, respectively, indicating that individuals of these species avoid fights by recognizing the behaviors of other individuals. These results suggest that competitor-avoidance behaviors play an important role in foraging success at sap sites, highlighting the importance of examining these behaviors as well as aggressions before determining dominance hierarchies. Competitor-avoidance behaviors of subordinate species might enable them to forage in patches and potentially affect the co-occurrence of sap-attracted insects.
Mechanism of Gαi-mediated Inhibition of Type V Adenylyl Cyclase*

The topology of mammalian adenylyl cyclase reveals an integral membrane protein composed of an alternating series of membrane and cytoplasmic domains (C1 and C2). The stimulatory G protein, Gαs, binds within a cleft in the C2 domain of adenylyl cyclase while Gαi binds within the opposite cleft in the C1domain. The mechanism of these two regulators also appears to be in opposition. Activation of adenylyl cyclase by Gαs or forskolin results in a 100-fold increase in the apparent affinity of the two domains for one another. We show herein that Gαireduces C1/C2 domain interaction and thus formation of the adenylyl cyclase catalytic site. Mutants that increase the affinity of C1 for C2 decrease the ability of Gαi to inhibit the enzyme. In addition, Gαi can influence binding of molecules to the catalytic site, which resides at the C1/C2 interface. Adenylyl cyclase can bind substrate analogs in the presence of Gαi but cannot simultaneously bind Gαi and transition state analogs such as 2′d3′-AMP. Gαi also cannot inhibit the membrane-bound enzyme in the presence of manganese, which increases the affinity of adenylyl cyclase for ATP and substrate analogs. Thus homologous G protein α-subunits promote bidirectional regulation at the domain interface of the pseudosymmetrical adenylyl cyclase enzyme.
The Effects of Three Physical Forms of Wheat on the Weight Gains and Feed Efficiencies of Pullets from Hatching to Fifteen Weeks of Age

Abstract THE effects of grinding, pelleting and diet balance on the metabolizable energy values of cereal grains and on the performances of chickens have been reviewed in a previous report (McIntosh et al., 1962). The results obtained by these workers indicated that no consistent increase in metabolizable energy (M.E.) resulted from the grinding or pelleting of cereal grains. Whole wheat was found to yield more M.E. than the ground (2 experiments) or pelleted (1 experiment) forms. However, in a third experiment, no difference was evident in the M.E. content of the diets or in the weight gains or feed efficiencies of chickens fed ground, pelleted or whole wheat. The balance of the diet was found to exert a variable effect on the M.E. which was dependent upon the type and physical form of the grain under study. Replacement of corn with wheat in poultry rations may influence chick weight gains and …
MATING AND COURTSHIP OF THE BLACK RHINOCEROS

Summary During a study of the rhinoceros population at Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge, mating or courtship behaviour was observed on six occasions. Precopulatory, copulatory and post-copulatory behaviour is described and illustrated. Mating takes place at any time of the year and there is little doubt that the species is polygamous and polyandrous. The impermanence of the mating bond, and the pugnacity of the male rhinoceros when a female is in oestrus, is shown with the aid of a documented description.
한국 특산식물 매미꽃(Coreanomecon hylomeconoides Nakai) 집단의 유전다양성 및 구조

The genetic diversity and structure of eight populations of Coreanomecon hylomeconoides Nakai, an endemic Korean plant, were investigated using 50 ISSR loci from eight primers. The average percentage of polymorphic loci was 47.3%. The Shannon’s index (SI=0.218) and gene diversity (h=0.142) were relatively lower than those of other long-lived perennials. The Sancheong (SI=0.233, h=0153), Gwangyang (SI=0.263, h=0.171), and Suncheon (SI=0.241, h=0.159) populations showed greater genetic diversity than the Namhae and Gwangju populations, which are on the edge of the distribution. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 18% of the total variation could be attributed to differences among populations, and 82% to differences within populations, indicating moderate gene flow among adjacent populations. These results were supported by value of Nm (2.184). The UPGMA conducted using the genetic distance and Bayesian cluster analysis showed a remarkable geographic trend structured into east and west regions. Overall, the results indicate that the Sancheong and Gwangyang populations, which had a large population size and higher degree of genetic diversity, should be the focus of in situ conservation.
Effect of high concentration of testosterone enanthate on histometrical structure of the adrenal cortex in male rats

Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences of Fasa, Fasa, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Kazeron, Kazeron, Iran