Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms Regulating Sperm Cell Development in Arabidopsis Thaliana

Molecular and genetic mechanisms regulating sperm cell development in Arabidopsis thaliana Hoda Khatab Sexual reproduction in flowering plants involves the production of male and female gametes crucial for successful fertilisation, yet molecular mechanisms in these processes are largely unknown. The goal of the research presented in this thesis is to understand more about these mechanisms. A novel pollen division mutant, duo pollen 4 (duo4), that fails to produce twin sperm cells was investigated. Genetic analyses revealed that duo4 acts post-meiotically and does not affect female gametophyte development. The majority of duo4 germ cells complete DNA replication and fail to enter mitosis, but mutant germ cell appears to differentiate normally when crossed to different cell fate markers. Map-based cloning defined the DUO4 locus to a 14.5 kb region containing the Cdh1/Fzr/Ste9related, APC activator gene, CCS52A1. Molecular genetic approaches were combined to identify the cause of the germline defects in duo4. Gene expression analysis, misexpression and RNA interference (RNAi) experiments indicate that the duo4 phenotype results from misexpression of CCS52A1 in the male germline. This is persuasive evidence that CCS52 activity is subject to tight control during male germ cell cycle progression. DUO1 is a major transcription regulator of germ cell division and differentiation and the second major objective describes the validation of four native target genes in the DUO1 regulatory network. These target genes encode metabolic and transport-related proteins. The activity of these promoters was shown to be DUO1-dependent in the male gametophyte or the male germline, highlighting the importance of the DUO1 regulon in a range of functions required for sperm cell development. Collectively, these results advance understanding of how the male gametes are produced, and provide an improved molecular understanding of reproduction in higher plants.
Homologous Recombination Independent Role For BRCA2 In Blocking Stalled Replication Fork Degradation By MRE11

Breast cancer suppressor BRCA2 is critical for the maintenance of genomic integrity and resistance to agents that damage DNA or collapse replication forks, presumably through double‐strand break repair via homologous recombination (HR). Using single‐molecule DNA fiber analysis, we show here that nascent replication tracts created before fork stalling with hydroxyurea are degraded in the absence of BRCA2 but are stable in wild‐type cells. Genetic domain and mutational analysis of BRCA2 reveals a conserved C‐terminal RAD51 binding site, which modulates the timing of mitotic entry, to be essential during fork protection, while being dispensable for HR. BRCA2 prevents chromosomal aberrations upon replication stalling, revealing an unforeseen mechanism in maintaining genomic stability distinct from HR. Both fork degradation and chromosome aberrations are alleviated by inhibition of MRE11, demonstrating a deleterious role for this nuclease at stalled forks. Thus, BRCA2 maintains genomic integrity and hence likely suppresses tumorigenesis through this novel replication‐specific function.
A revision of the tribe Naucleeae s.s. (Rubiaceae)

A world-wide revision of the tribe Naucleeae with a general discussion of the systematic position and affinities of the tribe and the genera. The generic concepts have been modified and 21 genera are recognized (Ochreinauclea, Ludekia, Diyaminauclea, Khasiaclunea, Adinauclea, Sinoadina, Pertusadina, and Haldina being new), which are placed in three subtribes, Anthocephalinae, Naucleinae, and Adininae, sublrib. now There are keys to the subtribes, genera, and species, followed by descriptions of the Asiatic and Malesian genera. The Asiatic species are described and accompanied by complete synonymy, but the Malesian species are treated in an abbreviated form. Three new species are described: Myrmeconauclea stipulacea, Ludekia borneensis, and Pertusadina malaccensis.
Detection of misdiagnosed thyroid dysfunction in early pregnancy: using nonpregnant and pregnancy specific reference intervals

Objective: The objective was to assess the prevalence of misd iagnosed thyroid dysfunction during the first trime ster of pregnancy when nonpregnant reference intervals used . Materials and Methods: This study, conducted on 233 pregnant women of age between 18 and 35 years during first t r mester. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPO Ab) analyzed an thyroid disorders were grouped, based on the f irst trimesterspecific reference intervals and correlated with no npregnant reference intervals. Results: The overall prevalence of autoimmunity was 12.4%. The prevalence of subclinic al hypothyroid (SCH) was significantly higher than euthyroid when first trimester-specific reference intervals u sed rather than nonpregnant reference intervals. If the nonpregnant reference intervals were applied to our study group , 27.9% pregnant women with TSH above the first tri mester-specific reference intervals would not have been identified and misclassified as euthyroid. 22.7% would have mi ssed the diagnosis as SCH. 5.2% with low FT4 levels, among t his 3% and 2.1% would not have been identified as o vert hypothyroid and isolated hypothyroxinemia. The rela tive risk of autoimmunity was significantly 3.66 ti mes more in SCH than euthyroid, when first trimester-specific refer nce intervals used. Conclusion: Misdiagnosis of SCH, overt hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroid disorders occurr ed during the first trimester of pregnancy if nonpr egnant reference intervals used. Undiagnosed hypothyroidism in pregn ant women may adversely affect their fetuses; there fore the early and appropriate detection of thyroid dysfunction re quire reliable pregnancy-specific reference interva ls of the thyroid hormones.
Coalescent methods for estimating species trees from phylogenomic data

Genome‐scale sequence data have become increasingly available in the phylogenetic studies for understanding the evolutionary histories of species. However, it is challenging to develop probabilistic models to account for heterogeneity of phylogenomic data. The multispecies coalescent model describes gene trees as independent random variables generated from a coalescence process occurring along the lineages of the species tree. Since the multispecies coalescent model allows gene trees to vary across genes, coalescent‐based methods have been popularly used to account for heterogeneous gene trees in phylogenomic data analysis. In this paper, we summarize and evaluate the performance of coalescent‐based methods for estimating species trees from genome‐scale sequence data. We investigate the effects of deep coalescence and mutation on the performance of species tree estimation methods. We found that the coalescent‐based methods perform well in estimating species trees for a large number of genes, regardless of the degree of deep coalescence and mutation. The performance of the coalescent methods is negatively correlated with the lengths of internal branches of the species tree.
Le papayer (quatrième partie). Description des inflorescences et des fleurs des papayers "Solo"

Le determinisme sexuel du papayer est incompletement fixe. Il y a segregation en pieds mâles, femelles et hermaphrodites. Dans cet article, l'auteur fait la description des divers types de fleurs et d'inflorescences. Les inflorescences mâles sont tres longues et ramifiees. Les fleurs mâles sont a 5 S + 5 P + 10 E. Dans la quasi-totalite des cas, elles ne donnent jamais de fruits. Les inflorescences femelles sont trapues. Les fleurs sont du type pentamere gamosepales, dialypetales (5 S + 5 P + 5 C). Le fruit est subspherique, legerement cotele. Les fleurs portees par les arbres hermaphrodites sont de plusieurs types: mâles, hermaphrodites, 10 E avec ovaire ayant moins de 5 C fonctionnels, 10 E + 5 C, fleurs ayant de 6 a 9 E mais avec des carpelles supplementaires, fleurs a 5 E et 5 ou 10 C. Les fleurs dites carpelloides (etamines transformees en ovaires) sont particulieres. Leur ovaire donne un fruit deforme ayant 5 carpelles normaux plus 1 a 4 carpelles supplementaires provenant de la "feminisation" des etamines. Nous avons rencontre plusieurs fois le type 5 E + 10 C qui correspondrait a un nouvel etat d'equilibre entre les facteurs feminisants et masculinisants. Un travail important reste a faire pour expliquer ces phenomenes. Nombreuses illustrations
Have frugivores influenced the evolution of fruit traits in New Zealand

Fruit-eating animals tend to consume many species of fruit and, likewise, the fruits of plants tend to be consumed by a wide range of animals (Herrera and Jordano, 1981; Wheelwright et al., 1984; Pratt and Stiles, 1985; Charles-Dominique, 1993; Howe, 1993; Larson, 1996; Corlett, 1998; Herrera, 1998). Because of this, the relationship between fleshy-fruited plants and frugivores is diffuse rather than consisting of tight mutualisms (Janzen, 1980; Howe, 1984; Jordano, 1987; Charles-Dominique, 1993). It is thus not surprising that frugivore characteristics rarely appear to influence the evolution of fruit traits (Hedge et al., 1991; Mazer and Wheelwright, 1993; Rey et al., 1997). There is, however, clear empirical evidence that frugivores could exert selective pressure on fruit traits. Frugivorous birds, for example, show preferences related to fruit colour, presentation, accessibility, level of insect damage and fruit size (Moermond and Denslow, 1983; Gautier-Hion et al., 1985; Jordano, 1987; Hedge et al., 1991; Whelan and Willson, 1994; Puckley et al., 1996; Sanders et al., 1997; Gervais et al., 1999), when selecting among fruits on a single plant, fruits of individuals of the same species or fruits of different species (Levey, 1987; Debussche and Isenmann, 1989). However, even when preferences are clear, they may have no directional effect on the evolution of fruit traits, because the composition and abundance of the frugivore assemblage can vary significantly over time (Herrera, 1998). Instead, if frugivore preference influences the evolution of fruit traits at all, it would most probably be via general characteristics of the frugivore assemblage or of dominant guilds of frugivores. Differences in feeding ability or preferences between guilds of frugivores (e.g. birds and mammals) have been linked to differences among fleshy-fruited species in fruit colour, size, odour, protein and lipid content and degree of protection. This has lead to the description of fruit syndromes associated with particular frugivore guilds (van der Pijl, 1969; Janson, 1983; Gautier-Hion et al., 1985; Howe, 1986; Debussche and Isenmann, 1989). However, the concept of syndromes is problematic; the traits used to define them vary from study to study, as does the composition of frugivore guilds. Consider mammalian frugivores as an example: the classical mammal dispersal syndrome involves large, husked or protected, brown, green, orange or yellow fruit, which are often odoriferous and low in protein content
Amphibian Metamorphosis: From Morphology to Molecular Biology

An Overview of Amphibian Metamorphosis. Hormonal Regulation. Morphological Changes During Anuran Metamorphosis. Cellular and Biochemical Changes. Mechanism of Thyroid Hormone Action. Gene Regulation by Thyroid Hormone. Functional Implication of Thyroid Hormone Response Genes: Transcription Factors in the Thyroid Hormone Signal Transduction Cascade. Competence and Tissue--specific Temporal Regulation of Amphibian Metamorphosis. Thyroid Hormone Regulation and Functional Implication of Cell--Cell and Cell--Extracellular Matrix Interactions during Tissue Remodeling. Model Systems and Approaches to Study the Molecular Mechanisms of Amphibian Metamorphosis. Comparison with Insect Metamorphosis. Roles of Thyroid Hormone and Its Receptors in Mammalian Development and Human Diseases. References. Index.
Microbial management for bacterial pathogen control in invertebrate aquaculture hatcheries

In aquaculture production systems, the hatchery phase is the most challenging as larvae are prone to infections and disease from microbial agents causing mass mortalities. A holistic microbial management regime concept is developed with the hatchery managed as a set of compartments: (1) the water column (planktonic); (2) surfaces (biofilm); (3) the larvae themselves; and (4) feeds (live and formulated). Emphasis on the use of the microbial community as a whole to maintain larvae in high health with various prophylactic strategies is discussed. A range of treatment strategies are considered, including antibiotics, bacteriophage therapy, quorum sensing inhibition and microbial predation. Developing innovations and future trends in microbial management and biocontrol are outlined.
A contribution on rodents fauna ofthe Jaz Murian depression, southeast Iran

Received 03.12. 2016; accepted 19.01. 2016; printed 30.06. 2016 The Jaz Murian depression in the southeast of Iran bounded by deserts and mountains is a special corridor for penetration of Arabian and Indian fauna. The region demonstrates harsh desert climate. This study was designed to reveal rodent diversity of the region in the light of geographic features. Totally, 127 specimens belonging to 5 families and 14 genera and 15 species were captured using live-traps and hand-net. As a result, the depression enjoys Oriental and Ethiopian elements (Acomys dimidiatus Cretzschemar, 1826, Gerbillus nanus Blanford, 1875 and Meriones libycus Lichtenstein, 1823) which could pass Arabian deserts penetrating Iran from northern shores of Persian Gulf. Also, the region is a penetration route for Oriental species such as Tatera indica Hardwicke, 1807, Golunda ellioti Gray, 1837, Meriones hurrianae (Jerdon, 1867) and Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758. The Jaz Murian depression is considered as the southernmost boundary of distributional range of Apodemus witherbyi Thomas, 1902 in the world. The Jaz Murian depression is supposed as a cross road between Palaearctic, Ethiopian and Oriental realms.
Peran Badan Permusyawaratan Desa (BPD) Dalam Pengawasan Penyelenggaraan Pemerintahan Desa di Desa Melati II Kecamatan Perbaungan

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana peran Badan Permusyawaratan Desa dalam pengawasan penyelenggaraan pemerintahan desa. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian Kualitatif dengan sifat peneltian Deskriptif. Metode pengumpulan data yangdigunakan adalah 1) wawancara, 2) dokumentasi, 3) observasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa Badan Permusyawaratan Desa di Desa Melati II Kecamatan Perbaungan Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai kurang berperan dalam menjalankan fungsi pengawasannya
Monarchs across the Pacific: the Columbus hypothesis revisited

The 'Columbus hypothesis' suggests that the annual north-south return migration of Danaus plexippus in North America is a very recently evolved behaviour, less than 200 years old. This hypothesis rests, in part, on an analysis of the 19th century spread of the monarch across the Pacific that assumes a continuous east to west movement and is based predominantly on one publication. We review all the contemporary literature and present new analysis of the data. The movement of the monarch across the Pacific in the second half of the 19th century is best explained by a model which involves no more than three spot introductions, directly or indirectly aided by human movement, followed by natural spread of the monarch across island groups. Contemporary records refer to 'boom' and 'bust' population cycles on newly settled islands, which may have led to high rates of monarch movement. We see no evidence in the records to suggest an east to west sweep by monarch populations as suggested by the Columbus hypothesis. (C) 2004 The Linnean Society of London.
Expression and regulation of let-7d in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and usually lethal fibrotic lung disease with as yet unknown etiology and treatment. IPF lungs have a definitive gene expression signature, but the role of microRNAs in IPF has not been studied. MicroRNA genes are short, non-coding RNAs that function as post-transcriptional gene regulators. We hypothesized that microRNAs are differentially expressed in IPF and play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The microRNA expression profile of IPF lungs was characterized using microRNA microarrays. We identified 18 significantly decreased and 28 significantly increased microRNAs in samples obtained from patients with IPF compared to controls. Promoter analysis of the decreased microRNAs recognized a SMAD3 binding site in the promoter of let-7d. SMAD3 binding and responsiveness to TGF-β of the let-7d promoter were confirmed by SMAD3 ChIP, EMSA, luciferase assays and reduced expression of let-7d in response to TGF-β. In situ hybridization confirmed a significant reduction in let-7d expression in IPF lungs and localized it to alveolar epithelial cells in the control lungs. To study the role of let-7d, we determined the consequences of loss of function of let-7d by inhibiting its expression in lung epithelial cells. In-vitro inhibition of let-7d caused increases in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers N-cadherin (CDH2), vimentin (VIM), alpha-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) and high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2). HMGA2 is a proven let-7d target that was increased in IPF lungs and localized to alveolar epithelial cells. We reproduced our in vitro results in vivo. In mice, intratracheal administration of a let-7d inhibitor caused alveolar septal thickening, increases in collagen, ACTA2 and CDH2 and decreases in the epithelial markers, CDH1 and ZO1. We colocalized the mesenchymal markers FSP1 and ACTA2 with the epithelial marker SPC, indicative of EMT.Our results indicate a definitive role for microRNAs in IPF. The downregulation of let-7d in IPF and the pro-fibrotic effects of this downregulation in vitro and in vivo suggest a key regulatory role for this microRNA in preventing lung fibrosis. Deciphering their mechanism of action of microRNAs has great public health significance. It would add new insight into the pathophysiology of the disease and aid in reducing the mortality by development of therapeutic interventions.
Association of HSP70 gene polymorphism and bull semen quality in winter and summer seasons.

Objectives of current study were to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in heat shock protein70 (Hsp70) promoter gene of bulls (cattle and buffalo) and its association with semen quality traits and some enzymatic, hormonal and lipid parameters during winter and summer seasons. Semen samples of 37 animals (Cattle n=21 and buffalo n=16), were used in the study. Biochemical Parameters and hormonal profile were estimated. Qualities of fresh semen and frozen-thaw semen were evaluated for motility, plasma membrane and acrosome integrities. PCR-SSCP was used to detect SNPs and different patterns were sequenced. The study demonstrate all the measured biochemical parameters and hormonal profile of cattle and buffalo were significantly different (PC transition was the same in both species and could clear two genotypes TT and TC. Association analysis revealed significance (P
Horseshoe Bats of the World (Chiroptera : rhinolophidae)

Definitive work covering 70 species from 17 groups. Each species is described with sections on characters (external, cranial and dental), recognised subspecies, morphology, taxonomy, ecology, echolocation, distribution and conservation status. The volume contains a key to groups and species, a gazeteer, many line illustrations and colour plates illustrating many of the species.
Investigation of the oxytocin receptor gene in sheep

The increase in uterine oxytocin receptor (OTR)concentrations over the late luteal phase of the estrous cycle in sheep is thought to play an important role in the regulation of the cycle length by facilitating the effect of oxytocin on uterine prostaglandin release. At the end of pregnancy, a dramatic increase in the number of OTR also indicates the importance for OTR in the process of labor. In order to study the mechanisms underlying the resolution of OTR expression, the aim of this study was to obtain and characterise OTR cDNA and OTR gene transcripts, to determine the OTR gene expression level in different tissue types, to investigate the role of exogenous steroids in the regulation of OTR gene expression, and to develop a gene expression system for OTR protein.
Vibrios in Coral Health and Disease

The hypothesis accepted by most coral biologists who study coral bleaching is mass bleaching, which is the result of photobleaching of the endosymbiotic zooxanthellae. Basically, this hypothesis states that the photosynthetic apparatus of the algae is constantly undergoing photodamage in the light. Koch’s postulates were applied to demonstrate that Vibrio shiloi is the causative agent of the bleaching disease of Oculina patagonica. The β-galactoside-containing receptor that V. shiloi recognizes on the O. patagonica surface is present in the coral mucus. The bacteria adhere to a β-galactoside-containing receptor on the coral surface. This was demonstrated by binding the coral mucus to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay plates: the bacteria adhered avidly to the mucus-coated plates. Electron micrographs of thin sections of O. patagonica following infection with V. shiloi demonstrated large numbers of bacteria in the epidermal layer of the coral. Moreover, using monoclonal antibodies specific to V. shiloi, it was shown that the observed intracellular bacteria were, in fact, V. shiloi. V. coralliilyticus is an etiological agent of bleaching of the coral Pocillopora damicornis on coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, V. coralliilyticus was classified as a new species. Yellow blotch (also called yellow band) disease of the major reef-building coral of the Caribbean Sea, Monastraea spp. , is well documented. Coral tumors are not transmitted between colonies, even after fusion of healthy and tumor coral fragments. Studies have indicated that healthy parts of a coral that contains a tumor eventually deteriorate.
Genetic caste determination does not impose growth rate costs in Pogonomyrmex harvester ants

Summary 1. Caste determination in eusocial insects is the process by which individuals differentiate into reproducer or helper phenotypes. 2. Environmental caste determination (ECD) is predicted to be more efficient than genetic caste determination (GCD), yet GCD occurs in several populations of Pogonomyrmex harvester ants. 3. We tested whether GCD reduces efficiency by comparing colony growth rates of two GCD lineage pairs (H and J) with two closely related ECD congeners, P. rugosus and P. barbatus, under laboratory conditions over a range of temperatures. In addition, we directly compared metabolic rates of GCD and ECD larvae using flow-through respirometry. 4. Unexpectedly, colonies from GCD lineages grew faster than colonies of P. rugosus across all temperatures, and grew at the same rate as colonies of P. barbatus. Slower colony growth rates of P. rugosus were caused by lower queen fecundity and slower larval development. Variation in developmental rate was not due to differences in larval metabolic rates, which did not differ among taxa. 5. These results suggest that GCD in Pogonomyrmex does not impose significant productivity costs during colony growth. Instead, efficiency costs are compensated by other physiological mechanisms which may or may not be directly related to the mode of caste determination. 6. Persistence of GCD populations in contact with ECD competitors likely stems from a life-history trade-off favouring different taxa across the geographic range of the complex: the slow growing but starvation-resistant P. rugosus dominates in resource-poor regions, while faster growing and competitive GCD populations predominate in more mesic habitats.