Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An accessory magnocellular nucleus, anterior commissural nucleus, in the rat hypothalamus: immunohistochemical, tract tracing, in situ hybridization, and experimental studies

In addition to the principal magnocellular nuclei, the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, the accessory nuclei of the rat hypothalamus are described. The anterior commissural nucleus (ACN) is larger than other accessory nuclei. In Wistar rats this nucleus consists of 365.45±24.67 oxytocin (OXY)-immunoreactive (IR) neurons, their fibres orient towards the third ventricle, ventral areas of the hypothalamus as well as to the region of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). OXY-IR neurones of ACN have a microanatomical relation with extrahypothalamic OXY-IR neurones which are located along and adjacent to the ependymal layer of lateral ventricle and neurone clusters in the area of the stria terminalis. Extrahypothalamic OXY-IR neurons and their fibers form a bridge between ACN and the region of BNST. Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) -immunoreactivity and AVP mRNA were detected in the singular cells within ACN. Corticotropin-releasing factor-IR and this neuropeptide mRNA had not been identified in the neurons of ACN. The DiI labels injected into the rostral area of median eminence caused the appearance of labels in the individual cells of ACN. On day 7 after total hypophysectomy neither signs of cell destruction nor varicose fibres had been seen within ACN in contrast to supraoptic and paraventricular nucleus where a large number of degenerative elements were observed. The results of track-tracing method as well as of hypophysectomy suggested that the principal population of neurons within ACN does not send axons both to median eminence and posterior pituitary, but this does not excluding the possibility of axonal projection to BNST. Salt load by 1.5%NaCl caused a decrease in OXY-IR substance and elevation of cell bodies, nuclei and nucleoli sizes in neurons of ACN reflect that this nucleus is osmosensitive brain structure as well as other magnocellular nuclei. Immobilization (20 min) had no effect on OXY-IR neurons of ACN. A functional relation of ACN-extrahypothalamic OXY complex with BNST is discussed.
Through the glass ceiling: is mentoring the way forward?

Over the past 30 years, the term the 'glass ceiling' has come to be known as a metaphor for vertical segregation, symbolising an invisible barrier that prevents women from progressing in their careers. Increasingly women are found in higher level positions and mentoring has often been touted as an important way to help women break through the glass ceiling. This paper explores the continued relevance of the glass ceiling and the use of mentoring programs as a means to help women to overcome it. The findings suggest that although some women have penetrated the glass ceiling, further work is needed if a more equitable number of women are to advance to senior level positions. Whilst mentoring can play an important role in helping women to achieve more senior positions, mentoring is not a panacea but only one of many strategies that must be adopted to effectively address the phenomenon of the glass ceiling.
Atlas of tropical medicine and parasitology

1. Arthropod-borne Infections 2. Soil-mediated Helminthiases 3. Snail-mediated Helminthiases 4. Infections Acquired Through the Gastrointestinal Tract 5. Airborne Infections 6. Sexually Transmitted Diseases including HIV/AIDS 7. Other Infections Acquired Through the Skin and Mucous Membranes 8. Poisonous animals 9. Nutritional Disorders 10. Miscellaneous Disorders 11. Bibliography Index
Estimativa por métodos empíricos da evapotranspiração: aplicação em um telhado verde tropical

Telhados verdes (GRs) e outros espacos verdes urbanos oferecem inumeros beneficios ligados a processos de evaporacao, incluindo mitigacao de ilhas de calor urbano, gerenciamento de aguas pluviais e sequestro de carbono, alem de um maior conforto visual. A estimativa da evapotranspiracao (ET) foi desenvolvida para aplicacoes agricolas, na previsao de inundacoes, na construcao e operacao de reservatorios. Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida utilizando uma nova tecnica de cobertura verde proposta por SILVA (2016), baseada em hidroponia com enraizamento superficial em material fibroso sintetico, e teve como objetivo avaliar a interacao dos parâmetros climatologicos no telhado verde como o desempenho dos metodos empiricos de evapotranspiracao de referencia (ETo): Hargreaves, Hargreaves-Samani, Bristow-Campbell, Turc, PriestleyTaylor, Jensen-Haise, Blaney-Criddle e Makkink, comparados com o metodo padrao de Penman-Monteith (PM-FAO 56), nas condicoes climaticas da regiao metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil . A analise foi realizada considerando quatro meses, utilizando o software Statistica 7, analise de regressao simples, indice de concordância de Willmott e indice de desempenho. Os resultados mostraram que o telhado verde livre de substrato teve um desempenho semelhante ao dos telhados verdes com substrato, e sugeriu que poderia ser usado menos irrigacao do que o telhado verde tipo MEG (“Modern Extensive Greenroofs”).
Phylogenetic relationships and divergence date estimates among Australo‐Papuan mosaic‐tailed rats from the Uromys division (Rodentia: Muridae)

Bryant, L. M. , Donnellan, S. C. , Hurwood, D. A. & Fuller, S. J. (2011). Phylogenetic relationships and divergence date estimates among Australo‐Papuan mosaic‐tailed rats from the Uromys division (Rodentia: Muridae). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 433–447.
Roles of Th2 and Th17 CD4+ t-helper cell cytokines in the pathogenesis of experimental cytomegalovirus retinitis

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a betaherpesvirus that infects up to 80% of the population worldwide, and establishes latency in monocytes and bone marrow cells. Reactivated HCMV can become an opportunistic pathogen in individuals who are immunocompromised, such as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HCMV infection of AIDS patients causes a sight‐threatening retinitis that leads to vision loss and blindness in up to 46% of this population without antiretroviral treatment. Because untreated HIV‐infected individuals exhibit the loss of cell‐mediated immunity and alterations in CD4+ T‐helper (Th) cell cytokines, includ‐ ing elevation of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), IL‐10, and IL‐17, we sought to test the hypothesis that these cytokines play key roles in governing the susceptibility to AIDS‐related HCMV retinitis. This hy‐ pothesis was tested utilizing a clinically relevant mouse model of experimental murine cy‐ tomegalovirus (MCMV) retinitis that occurs in C57BL/6 mice immunosuppressed by mouse ret‐ roviruses (MAIDS). Studies revealed that MAIDS progression was associated with increased lev‐ els of IL‐4 and IL‐10, cytokines whose production has been associated with diminished CD8+ T‐ cell‐mediated immunity during HIV infection. However, MCMV–infected eyes of retinitis‐ susceptible IL‐4 ‐/‐ or IL‐10 ‐/‐ MAIDS mice exhibited frequency and severity of retinitis and viral titers equivalent to MCMV‐infected eyes of wild‐type MAIDS animals. These studies indicated that neither IL‐4 nor IL‐10 alone play key roles in increased susceptibility to MCMV retinitis. In comparison, IL‐17, an inflammatory cytokine associated with the ocular autoimmune disease uveitis, was systemically increased during the progression of MAIDS, but MCMV‐infected eyes of retinitis‐susceptible MAIDS mice exhibited a significant reduction in IL‐17. These findings suggested that IL‐17 plays no direct role in the pathogenesis of experimental MCMV retinitis. However, these results also suggested the remarkable possibility that MCMV downregulates IL‐ 17 production, a hypothesis supported by the observation that systemic MCMV infection of healthy and MAIDS mice resulted in the downregulation of IL‐17. Mechanistic studies revealed that knockdown of IL‐10 resulted in a partial recovery IL‐17 levels during MCMV infection. We conclude that MCMV‐induced IL‐17 downregulation occurs via the stimulation of IL‐10 and the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)‐3. Taken together, our results add new information to the immunobiology of HCMV and to our basic understanding of the pathogenesis of AIDS‐ related HCMV retinitis.
Heritable genetic variation and potential for adaptive evolution in asexual aphids (Aphidoidea)

Aphid life cycles can encompass cyclical parthenogenesis, obligate parthenogenesis, obligate parthenogenesis with male production and an intermediate 'bet-hedging' strategy where an aphid genotype will over-winter by continuing to reproduce by parthenogenesis and by investment in sexually produced eggs. In this paper, we focus on aphid lineages that reproduce entirely parthenogenetically (asexual aphids), in contrast to those that have any sexual forms in the annual cycle. Using modern molecular techniques, aphid biologists have made many empirical observations showing that asexual lineages are widespread both geographically and temporally. Indeed, we are collectively beginning to gather data on the evolution and persistence of these lineages through time. Here we review aphid karyology and parthenogenesis, both essential for interpretation of the molecular and ecological evolution of aphid asexual lineages. We describe the growing list of studies that have identified aphid genotypes that are both temporally and geographically widespread. We then collate examples of molecular and chromosomal evolution in asexual aphids and review the literature pertaining to phenotypic evolution and ecological diversification of asexual aphid lineages. In addition, we briefly discuss the potential of bacterial endosyinbionts and epigenetic effects to influence the evolution of asexual aphid lineages. Lastly we provide a list of aphid taxa believed to be obligately asexual. This will be a useful resource for those seeking parthenogenetic animals as study systems. In conclusion, we present guidelines for the use of the term clone in aphid biology and stress the need for well-designed and well-executed studies examining the potential of asexual aphid lineages for adaptive evolution.
STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI KOTA BANDUNG DALAM MEMBENTUK CITY BRANDING SEBAGAI DESTINASI WISATA BELANJA

The city of Bandung has a compelling positive image as a tourist destination for shopping, therefore, Bandung performs communication strategies in developing the city branding as a shopping destination. The purpose of this study is to communicate the policies of Bandung City Government related to city branding and shopping destination. In line with the research problems and existing conditions, this research is a construction of a tourism phenomenon from the perspective of bureaucratic communication. Paradigmatically, this study will in nature be constructive as well as interpretative. The research concludes that Bandung City communication strategies have been built in developing the city branding as a shopping destination. At the level of primary communication, namely on the Government side, branding Bandung as a tourist city should refer to the branding policy of the Ministry of Tourism, as it is centralized. This branding represents Bandung’s character, potentials, and varied shopping attractions, as well as the people. Communication strategies undertaken by Bandung Tourism Office cover the operational strategy, persuasive and educative strategy, as well as collaborative strategy. This research recommends that the creation of brand logo and tagline should be followed by further exploration of the meaning.
Prognosis and efficiency of adjuvant therapy in resected colon signet-ring cell carcinoma

Background: Colon signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is associated with poor survival compared with other histologic subtypes such as adenocarcinoma (AC) and mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC). This present study analyzed the prognosis factors of SRCC and assessed whether the adjuvant therapy could supply benefit for SRCC with different regimens. Methods: Data on 82,606 colon cancer patients who received surgery in the period 1992–2005 was included in this population-based study. The survival benefit was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model and propensity score (PS)-matched techniques. Results: SRCC was found in 779 (0.9%) patients who were more frequently in stage III and IV colon cancer than other subtypes. The 5-year survival of SRCC patients were 30.1% (95% CI, 26.7–33.5) which was significantly lower compared with 51.6% (95% CI, 51.3–52.0) for AC and 48.8% (95% CI, 47.8–49.8) for MC. For patients in stage II, there was no significantly difference between chemo group and no-chemo group in all histologic subtypes. The results in stage III showed that 5-FU based adjuvant chemotherapy for AC and SRCC patients could improve overall survival (OS) which could be further enhanced by adding oxaliplatin. The similar benefit was found in stage IV patients. However, there was no significantly difference between different therapy regimens in stage IV SRCC patients. Conclusions: Although the prognosis of patients with colon SRCC was pessimistic, the effective role of adjuvant therapy for OS was still observed in stage III SRCC patients who received surgery. Similarly, patients with stage IV SRCC could also gain benefit from systemic therapy.
Idealizando Jogos Digitais de Pensamento Computacional a Partir do Bebras Challenge: Um Estudo Exploratório.

Iniciativas nacionais e internacionais vêm inserindo pensamento computacional no ensino básico. Uma delas é o Bebras Challenge, que apresenta uma série de questões, que exercitam e avaliam o pensamento computacional. No contexto dessa iniciativa, apresentamos um estudo exploratório realizado com 19 alunos graduandos de uma universidade federal, com o objetivo de investigar se as questões do Bebras são boas fontes para construção de game design. Com isso, este trabalho pretender responder as seguintes questões de pesquisa: Qual a qualidade dos game designs produzidos? Qual o esforço necessário para realizar a produção dos game designs? Quais as dificuldades apresentadas pelos alunos? Os resultados alcançados mostram que é possível desenvolver bons game designs a partir das questões do Bebras, mostrando-se estas uma boa fonte de inspiração.
Intestinal Microflora Research for the 21st Century

Dietary modulation of the human gut microbiota is a topical area of nutritional sciences . This is driven by the fact that the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the colon, is very heavily populated. Undoubtedly , certain gut species are pathogenic and may be involved in the onset of acute and chronic disorder . However, most bacteria in the gut are benign, with the possibility that some groups are beneficial. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are thought to belong to this latter category and are common targets for dietary intervention that improves health. Dietary modulation of the human gut microflora by functional foods such as probiotics and prebiotics is designed to improve human health . A probiotic is a live microbial feed supplement, whereas a prebiotic is a non viable food ingredient selectively metabolised by intestinal bacterial species seen as beneficial. Examples of probiotics are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria , given in fermented milks or as lyophilised forms. Fructo-oligosaccharides, lactulose and galacto-oligosaccharides are all popular prebiotics in Europe . These have been shown in vivo to stimulate numbers of bifidobacteria in faecal samples . Many more types exist in Japan. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are thought to contribute many health promoting benefits towards the host . These include increased resistance to pathogenic bacteria, lowering blood ammonia , increased stimulation of the immune response and a reduction in the risk of cancer. New functional food developments are set , more than ever, to exploit probiotics and prebiotics. However, it is important that their use is underpinned by robust scientific principles and technologies.
On the onset of dust formation in AGB stars

Abstract A promising candidate to initiate dust formation in oxygen-rich AGB stars is alumina (Al2O3) showing an emission feature around ∼13μm attributed to Al−O stretching and bending modes (Posch+99,Sloan+03). The counterpart to alumina in carbon-rich AGB atmospheres is the highly refractory silicon carbide (SiC) showing a characteristic feature around 11. 3μm (Treffers74). Alumina and SiC grains are thought to represent the first condensates to emerge in AGB stellar atmospheres. We follow a bottom-up approach, starting with the smallest stoichiometric clusters (i.e. Al4O6, Si2C2), successively building up larger-sized clusters. We present new results of quantum-mechanical structure calculations of (Al2O3)n, n = 1−10 and (SiC)n clusters with n = 1−16, including potential energies, rotational constants, and structure-specific vibrational spectra. We demonstrate the energetic viability of homogeneous nucleation scenarios where monomers (Al2O3 and SiC) or dimers (Al4O6 and Si2C2) are successively added. We find significant differences between our quantum theory based results and nanoparticle properties derived from (classical) nucleation theory.
La iodoprofilassi: l’esperienza della Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano (Alto Adige)

Since ancient times in South Tyrol there was evidence of endemic goitre caused by iodine deficiency. In the early 80's an epidemiological research on adults and primary and secondary school children reported in the least a prevalence of goitre from grade 1 B-3 (WHO) of 23,66% (limits WHO >5%) and an urinary iodine of 10,2 µgI/L. Therefore South Tyrol population presented heavy endemic goitre. In 1982 started a generalized iodine prophylaxis with alimentary iodined salt after an intense prevention campaign. In 1990 it has been done another epidemiological research on primary and secondary school children of the province (neck palpation, thyroid ultrasound, blood and urine tests) which revealed a prevalence of goitre from grade 1 B (WHO) of 1,6% (limits WHO >5%) and an urinary iodine of 137,1 µgI/L. Therefore in South Tyrol there was no more evidence of endemic goitre. In 2001 another research over primary and secondary school children, of the same areas and with the same approaches of the previous researches reported a prevalence of goitre of 1,5% and a median of urinary iodine of 230 µgI/L. On the basis of the data of Istituto Superiore di Sanita (National Institute of Health) can be stated that in the Province of Bolzano there's a low presence of congenital hypothyroidism. It has been observed an increase in the thyroiditis and in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer was marked an accentuation of papillar forms, less aggressive than the follicula. Unfortunately since 2001 no new epidemiological researches were done, due to lack of financial resources and the raising of other sanitary problems of higher priority.
Lytic granule convergence to the microtubule organizing center in natural killer cells

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that participate in host defense by secreting the contents of specialized secretory organelles termed lytic granules onto virally infected or tumorigenic cells in order to terminate them. Lysis of these target cells is a highly regulated, stepwise process beginning with actin rearrangement into an immunological synapse (IS) at the contact site between NK cell and target cell, followed by microtubule organizing center (MTOC) polarization towards the target cell, and culminating in the release of lytic granule contents through the actin network at the IS. The NK cell is capable of directing lytic granules along microtubules to the IS as lytic granule contents are secreted only onto susceptible target cells while bystanding cells are protected. Through quantitative fluorescence microscopy of NK cell lines and primary NK cells, we, in fact, find that lytic granules organize around the MTOC prior to MTOC polarization to the IS. This process is dynein-dependent but independent of F-actin and microtubule reorganization. Interestingly, lytic granule convergence is a default preparatory step, found to occur even after adhesion to a non-susceptible cell. We further find that the process of lytic granule convergence is triggered both by activating receptors and soluble cytokine. In both scenarios, through the use of specific inhibitors, we demonstrate that the trigger for lytic granule convergence is Src kinase-dependent. Thus, lytic granule convergence represents a novel preparatory step in NK cell cytotoxicity, prerequisite to directed secretion. This dynein-dependent mechanism is induced very early by Src kinases after receptor and cytokine stimulation, the purpose of which may be to ensure precision in the delivery of deadly lytic granule contents. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Cell & Molecular Biology First Advisor Jordan S. Orange
Resource-based determinants of range sizes of forest vascular plants in Germany

Aim To examining whether niche breadth, niche position and a compound measure of the two variables help to explain the range sizes of forest vascular plants. Locations Deciduous forests in two regions of Germany, the Weser–Elbe region and Bavarian Alps. Methods We compiled range size data for vascular plant species (30 in the Weser–Elbe region, 35 in the Bavarian Alps) on regional, national and continental scales by determining the area of occupancy (number of occupied grid cells) in both regions, Germany and Eurasia. Estimates of realized niche breadth and niche position (ecological optimum) for soil pH and light were based on measurements in 46 sites for all species. Frequency distributions of pH values on regional and national scales served to calculate the ‘available niche breadth’, i.e. niche breadth values corrected for the different availabilities of pH values in the region and country. Results Regional range size in the Weser–Elbe region increased with increasing niche breadth for both soil pH and light and with decreasing pH niche position. pH niche breadth was positively correlated to national range size in the Weser–Elbe region and to Eurasian range size in the Bavarian Alps. In the latter region, all other relationships with range size were (partly marginally) non-significant. Available niche breadth was generally more closely related to the regional and national distribution of species in both regions than either niche breadth or position alone. Main conclusions Niche breadth and position performed well as predictors of range size only for soil pH and in the Weser–Elbe region, which shows more homogeneous environmental conditions than the Bavarian Alps. If the frequencies of different ranges of pH values can be quantified, the calculation of available niche breadth for soil pH appears to be a promising approach for assessing the possible effects of niche variables on the range sizes of species.