Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interferon-γ Inhibits STAT6 Signal Transduction and Gene Expression in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

The activating and inhibitory cytokine signals that act upon epithelial cells in the human lung are critically important for controlling the production of inflammatory mediators from those cells in the context of allergic disease. The cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, derived from T helper (Th)-2 cells and other cell types, are potent inducers of epithelial cell expression of a host of inflammatory molecules, including the chemokines eotaxin-1, -2 and -3. Intracellular signal transduction in response to IL-4/IL-13 occurs largely through activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6). Interferon (IFN)-gamma, a Th1-type cytokine, has opposing effects to IL-4/IL-13 in various cell types, including T cells, B-cells, endothelium, and epithelium. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-4-induced STAT6 activation was inhibited profoundly by 24 h pretreatment with IFN-gamma in human primary airway epithelial cell cultures. Using Western blotting, we showed that the levels of both cytoplasmic and nuclear-localized phospho-STAT6 were reduced by IFN-gamma pretreatment, and this effect was dependent on the concentration of IFN-gamma and time of exposure to IFN-gamma. The functional activity of STAT6 was also completely inhibited by IFN-gamma: IL-4-induced luciferase activity from a STAT6-driven reporter construct was suppressed, as was IL-4-induced expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein for eotaxin-3, a STAT6-dependent gene implicated in allergic inflammation. We found that mRNA for suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 and (SOCS)-3, known inhibitors of IL-4 signaling, and IL-13 receptor alpha2, a potential inhibitor of IL-4 signaling, were both strongly induced by IFN-gamma pretreatment. IFN-gamma also increased the rate of decay of IL-4-induced eotaxin-3 mRNA. We conclude that there are multiple mechanisms by which IFN-gamma regulates IL-4- and STAT6-dependent signaling and gene expression in airway epithelial cells. These observations have important implications for the regulation of epithelial cell activation by the balance of Th1/Th2-type cytokines in the airways in allergic disease.
Standard yet unusual mechanisms of long‐distance dispersal: seed dispersal of Corymbia torelliana by bees

Mellitochory, seed dispersal by bees, has been implicated in long‐distance dispersal of the tropical rain forest tree, Corymbia torelliana (Myrtaceae). We examined natural and introduced populations of C. torelliana for 4 years to determine the species of bees that disperse seeds, and the extent and distance of seed dispersal. The mechanism of seed dispersal by bees was also investigated, including fruit traits that promote dispersal, foraging behaviour of bees at fruits, and the fate of seeds. The fruit structure of C. torelliana, with seed presented in a resin reward, is a unique trait that promotes seed dispersal by bees and often results in long‐distance dispersal. We discovered that a guild of four species of stingless bees, Trigona carbonaria, T. clypearis, T. sapiens, and T. hockingsi, dispersed seeds of C. torelliana in its natural range. More than half of the nests found within 250 m of fruiting trees had evidence of seed transport. Seeds were transported minimum distances of 20–220 m by bees. Approximately 88% of seeds were dispersed by gravity but almost all fruits retained one or two seeds embedded in resin for bee dispersal. Bee foraging for resin peaked immediately after fruit opening and corresponded to a peak of seed dispersal at the hive. There were strong correlations between numbers of seeds brought in and taken out of each hive by bees (r = 0.753–0.992, P < 0.05), and germination rates were 95 ± 5%. These results showed that bee‐transported seeds were effectively dispersed outside of the hive soon after release from fruits. Seed dispersal by bees is a non‐standard dispersal mechanism for C. torelliana, as most seeds are dispersed by gravity before bees can enter fruits. However, many C. torelliana seeds are dispersed by bees, since seeds are retained in almost all fruits, and all of these are dispersed by bees.
Behavioral and reproductive effects of ultrasound on the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella

The daily activity patterns of adult movement, female calling, and mating of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), were examined both in the absence and presence of ultrasound. Moths were exposed to ultrasound from a commercial ultrasonic device (Cix 0600) that produces constant sound patterns, and from a device developed at Kansas State University (KSU device) that produces random sound patterns. Daily activity patterns of adult movement, female calling, and mating followed a similar trend in the absence or presence of ultrasound. Female calling and mating, both in the absence and presence of ultrasound, primarily occurred during scotophase (21.00–07.00 hours). Ultrasound from the two devices significantly reduced the frequency of female calling and mating relative to unexposed moths. Consequently, the number of spermatophores transferred by males to females and egg production were lower in females exposed to ultrasound compared with unexposed females. In the absence of ultrasound, female P. interpunctella mated 2.9 times, resulting in 2.8 spermatophores/female. In the presence of ultrasound from the Cix 0600 device, a female mated 2.1 times and had 1.7 spermatophores. Corresponding values for the KSU device were 1.9 and 1.4, respectively. In the absence of ultrasound, 78% of the matings lasted 30–90 min, whereas in the presence of ultrasound 45–58% of the matings lasted either less than 30 min or more than 90 min. Moths exposed to ultrasound laid 96–130 eggs female−1 compared with 229 eggs female−1 for unexposed moths. Ultrasound did not affect the pre‐oviposition period and adult longevity of P. interpunctella.
POPULATION AND FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY OF PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA FROM APRICOT (PRUNUS ARMENIACA) OF MID AND HIGH REGIONS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms play an important role in supplementing phosphorus to the plants by several mechanisms and thus benefit plant growth and development. In this study, isolation, screening and characterization of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from different apricot growing sites of mid and high hill regions of Himachal Pradesh were carried out. A total of one hundered and eighty eight bacterial isolates were recovered from the rhizosphere soils of the apricot trees. The cells of all bacterial isolates were rod shaped, motile and gram positive in reaction. Seventy two P-solubilizing bacterial isolates were selected and further characterized for different plant growth promoting activities. Indole acetic acid production was detected in 59.72% isolates, siderophore synthesis in 48.61% isolates, hydrogen cyanide in 5.55% isolates and the per cent growth inhibition against Dematophora necatrix was detected in 65.28% PSBs. Overall, 9.60% of PSB isolates from RS and 8.10% from ER showed none of the PGPTs tested. The study on distribution of PGPT-possessing PSBs revealed that they are distributed more within rhizosphere soil than in endorhizosphere according to Shannon-Weaver diversity index. The most efficient strain AG1(3) was identified as Bacillus subtilis by 16S rDNA analysis. Results indicated that identification and characterization of soil PSBs for the effective plant growth-promotion broadens the spectrum of phosphate solubilizers available for field.
Mesenchytraeus antaeus , a new giant enchytraeid (Annelida, Clitellata) from the temperate rainforest of British Columbia, Canada, with a revised diagnosis of the genus Mesenchytraeus

Mesenchytraeus antaeus sp. n. , an unpigmented giant enchytraeid inhabiting Carmanah valley (48°37′N, 124°44′W), Vancouver Island, is described. With its 102–127 segments and the size of fixed specimens reaching 61×2.9 mm (diameter maximal at midbody), this species qualifies as one of the largest members of the Clitellata family. The body wall comprises: a surprisingly thin cuticle (0.002 mm), the epidermis (0.02–0.04 mm), circular muscles (0.02 mm), plus thick longitudinal muscles (eight-layered, totally 0.16–0.18 mm) divided into seven unequal fields. The chaetae are grouped in bundles of two to seven but show some unusual traits which suggest interesting convergences with the lumbricids. For instance, the most lateral chaeta in a bundle is always the largest; the larger chaetae exceed in length one-third of a millimetre; the ectal tips of the chaetae are oriented in opposite directions in the anterior and posterior halves of the body. The spermathecal pores are prominent and open laterally in the middle of V, an unprecedented location among enchytraeids. The nature of the spermathecal ampullae (free, diverticulate and greatly elongate) indicates a close relationship to a group of species that seems to be confined to the Pacific coast of North America and the Arctic coast of Siberia. This amphi-Beringean lineage includes other gigantic forms such as M. harrimani Eisen, 1904 and M. maculatus Eisen, 1904, from which, however, M. antaeus is clearly differentiated by the lack of pigmentation, the different size distribution of the chaetae within bundles, and the unique arrangement of the male apparatus. The latter includes unusually long sperm funnels (extending over 10 segments) and two groups of large accessory glands opening through two circular papillae at the base of each penial bulb, independently of the penial pores. All other congeners known to possess this type of glands (e.g. M. franciscanus Eisen, 1904) are at most only half as large as M. antaeus. The chaetal muscles of M. antaeus are heavily infested by encysted nematodes.
Sexual Dimorphisms in Metabolism, Organ Mass, and Reproductive Energetics in Pre-breeding American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus)

Sexual size dimorphisms are common in many species of anurans, and have often been ascribed to different selective forces that influence reproductive success in males and females. However, less is known about dimorphisms in whole-organism physiology or in internal morphology in anurans. In this study, we investigated potential differences in metabolism, visceral organ mass, and stored energy content between male and female American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus) collected en route to breeding areas during the spring. Female toads were both longer and more massive than males. Males demonstrated larger increases in metabolic rate, heart mass, liver mass, and nonpolar lipid content with increasing body size than did females, but kidney mass did not differ between the sexes. The ovaries of the females represented, on average, 38% of the total dry mass and 54% of the total caloric energy contained in their bodies. However, the body-size adjusted caloric content of the carcass did not differ between males and females. Our findings suggest that larger males are physiologically able to support greater levels of activity during the breeding season and thus will more likely engage in more strenuous activities such as calling, active seeking of females, and amplexus interference, compared to smaller males. Large females, on the other hand, appear to preferentially allocate resources to oogenesis. In addition, our findings suggest that although the overall energetic cost of reproduction may be greater for females, there may be other energetic constraints within or outside of the reproductive period that limit the ability of males to allocate resources to growth and storage.
Bottom‐up cascading effects in a tritrophic system: interactions between plant quality and host‐parasitoid immune responses

Abstract 1. Little is known about underlying mechanisms by which plants indirectly affect parasitism success in hymenopteran endoparasitoids. The hypothesis that host‐plant effects can challenge the innate immune system of an insect host was experimentally tested in this study using a model tritrophic, crucifer – lepidopteran [Plutella xylostella (L.)] – parasitoid [Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov)], system.
Masculinização da tilápia do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus, utilizando diferentes rações e diferentes doses de 17 a-metiltestosterona

The objectives of the present study were to compare the efficiency of two diets: 1 (NUTRAVIT) and 2 (IP), both with 40% of crude protein, containing the synthetic androgen hormone 17 a-methyltestosterone (MT) and to analyze the most effective dose of this hormone on the sex reversal of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, throughout histological analysis of the gonads and sex determination of the samples. A total of 9600 Nile tilapia fries with seven days posthatching received the following treatments, per 45 days period: A- 30 mg MT/kg diet 1; B- 60 mg MT/kg diet 1; C- 30 mg MT/kg diet 2; D- 60 mg MT/kg diet 2 and two control groups, E and F with diets 1 and 2 hormone free, respectively. The results of chi-square tests of the frequency data of males and females after the treatments and of analysis of histological and macroscopic characteristics showed that the numbers of males obtained by A, B, C and D treatments was higher than the control groups and the dose of 60 mg MT/kg of diet, as for the diets 1 and 2, was more efficient, resulting in 98% of males. Among diets, the treatment A with diet 1 was better than the treatment C with diet two, for the dose of30 mg MT/kg of diet. There was no difference among diets for the dose of 60 mg MT/kg of the diet.
Latina Mothers’ Awareness of Their Children’s Exposure to Community Violence

This study examines (a) the degree of agreement between mother-reported child community violence exposure and children’s self-reports and whether agreement changes over time; (b) whether child gender is associated with mother-child agreement; and (c) whether greater mother-child agreement is concurrently and longitudinally associated with children’s psychological well-being. We conducted secondary data analyses using longitudinal data with a socioeconomically diverse sample of 287 Latino adolescents (MageW2 = 11.2, 47% girls) and their mothers (MageW1 = 35.3) from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. Mother-child agreement about nonexposure to violence was high. However, for violence-exposed children, mothers overestimated exposure in early adolescence and underestimated it in middle adolescence. Mothers had higher violence agreement scores with daughters than with sons. Greater mother-child agreement about witnessing community violence in early adolescence was associated with lower externalizing problems in early and middle adolescence. Agreement about children’s victimization was only concurrently associated with lower externalizing and internalizing behaviors in early adolescence. Developmental changes in adolescent disclosure and parental knowledge of children’s community violence may provide an important point of intervention for addressing the psychological sequelae of violence exposure in early adolescence.
Epinecrophylla, a new genus of antwrens (Aves: Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae)

ABSTRACT We offer a new generic name for the stipple-throated assemblage of antwrens (Thamnophilidae) currently placed in the genus Myrmotherula. Molecular studies demonstrated that Myrmotherula is polyphyletic, with the stippled-throated group forming a clade that is not sister to any other currently recognized Myrmotherula species. The stipple-throated assemblage is distinguished morphologically by at least one sex having a black throat stippled white or buffy white combined with a comparatively long, unmarked tail, although three populations considered subspecies have lost one of these characters. The distinct evolution of this assemblage is supported by diagnostic behavioral characters derived from foraging behaviors, vocal repertoires, and nest architecture.
A COLLECTION OF AMPHIBIANS FROM WEST SUMATRA, WITH DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF MEGOPHRYS (AMPHIBIA: ANURA)

Sumatra's amphibian fauna is less well-known than that of any adjacent land mass. A recent collection of amphibians from West Sumatra expands our knowledge of the fauna of that region. The collection includes a new species, described below as Megophrys parallela, the second records of Rana crassiovis Boulenger and Rhacophorus catamitus Harvey, Pemberton & Smith, and two forms agreeing with the general description of Rana chalconota (Schlegel).
A Comparative Study Between Antioxidant Potential of Ripe and Pre-ripe Mango Using Conventional and Physiological Extraction

ABSTRACT Mango is distinctive among all fruits considering its exceptional flavors. All varieties of mango have their unique essence. It is one of the largest consumed fruits worldwide. Its antioxidant properties are also well known due to the presence of carotenoids and phenolic compounds. Unlike other studies, this study considers that the methanolic extraction may not well reflect the antioxidant activity of mango after consumption, i.e., in vivo. Thus, an in vitro gastrointestinal model has been used for the simulation of digestion of pre-ripe and ripe mango samples. Both samples thus extracted are compared with their conventional methanolic extracts for their antioxidant compounds and antioxidant activity. Interesting differences in the two types of extracts can be observed. The simulated gastrointestinal extracts show significantly higher antioxidant properties in parameters, such as total phenol content, flavonoid content, flavonol content, carotenoid content, reducing power, and radical scavenging activity. From the results, it can be concluded that the conventional extracts under rate the antioxidant value of mangoes and they may have much higher health significance than they are believed to have.
Horizontal and vertical distribution of larvae of Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis in patches entrained in mesoscale eddies

Nine high density larval populations (patches) of Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis were detected and 7 patches were tracked with reference buoys for 28 to 171 h in the northwestern Pacific Ocean in May-June 2004 to 2008. Buoy trajectories and surface current velocities and direc- tions measured by acoustic Doppler current profiler data showed close agreement. Growth rates for the sampled larvae (3.0 to 9.9 mm standard length (SL), 4 to 17 d after hatch), estimated by the daily modes of SL, correspond to growth rates estimated from otolith daily ring analysis. These results indi- cate that the same populations were sampled by tracking the buoy on almost all the sampling days. At fine- (100s of m to km) and mid-scale observations (~15 to 30 km range), patches consisted of a number of cohorts which had different distributions within the patch. The larval spatial structure was studied using variograms. At the fine scale, age-specific sills, ranges and spatial dependence of patches were similar; at the mid scale, these indexes showed stability during the trackings. Horizon- tally, larvae formed patches within an approximate 10 km range and advected together during the larval stage. Larvae were only distributed in the mixed layer and diel vertical movement was not clearly observed. Patches were entrained in mesoscale eddies (~100 to 500 km diameter) which prop- agated westward. Such mesoscale eddies are known to coalesce with the Kuroshio current. The spawning area and the recruitment fishing grounds are thereby linked by the Kuroshio. Results sug- gest that cohorts have a stable spatial structure after fertilization (i.e. during advection, while entrained in mesoscale eddies). Therefore, the positional relationship between spawning events and mesoscale eddies is concluded to be important for the recruitment process.
Fractured Pasts: The Structure of the Life Story in Sexual-Trauma Survivors With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

We examined the organization of past and future affective autobiographical knowledge in sexual-trauma survivors compared with control participants. Participants (N = 113) divided their past (and future) life into chapters (e.g., “college,” “marriage”), then characterized each chapter using positive or negative attributes. Sexual-trauma survivors (n = 27) endorsed a greater proportion of negative attributes, demonstrated greater affective compartmentalization (separation of positive and negative attributes into different chapters), and showed reduced redundancy (consistent endorsement across chapters) of positive attributes relative to control participants (n = 23). Groups did not differ on negative redundancy for past life structure or any metrics for future life structure. In a secondary analysis, we compared life structures for the sexual-trauma group and for individuals with chronic depression but no sexual-trauma history (n = 30) and matched control participants (n = 56), which revealed significantly greater negative redundancy in the depressed group. The distinct life structure presented by sexual-trauma survivors may reflect efforts to constrain the impact of trauma on an individual’s self-identity.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Cyanobacteria and Diatoms in a Thermally Stratified Canyon-Shaped Reservoir

Moreno-Ostos, E. , Cruz-Pizarro, L. , Basanta, A. , George, D. G. (2009). Spatial Heterogeneity of Cyanobacteria and Diatoms in a Thermally Stratified Canyon-Shaped Reservoir. International Review of Hydrobiology, 94(3), 245-257.
Mass sedimentation of picoplankton embedded in organic aggregates

During a survey cruise crossing the Subtropical Front over the Chatham Rise east of New Zealand, we made the first observation in High Nutrient Low Chlorophyll waters of massive sedimentation of picoplankton embedded in large (>0.5 mm diam.) organic aggregates (OAs) sensu Riley (1963). We estimate 9.3 mg C m‐2 yr‐1 of prokaryotic picoplankton biomass alone may be transported below the euphotic zone via this mechanism. Using confocal microscopy, we made direct observations of picoplankton within undisrupted individual OAs, collected in sediment traps fitted with acrylimide gels, which largely conserved particle structure. Prokaryotic picoplankton autofluoresc‐ence was well‐preserved and concentrations were extremely high within large rapidly sedimenting aggregates, ranging from 1.06 × 108 ml‐1 in the 120 m sediment traps in subantarctic waters to 7.5 × 106 ml‐1 at 550 m in subtropical waters, yielding Enrichment Factors of 103 — 105 relative to picoplankton concentrations in the water column. Aggregate picoplankton concentrations showed a well‐constrained exponential decline with depth, which we speculate may represent an estimate of protozoan grazing rate within the aggregates. Picoplankton were found within heterotrophic flagellates, within copepod fecal pellets, and within organic matrices, all of which were incorporated in OAs. The key event of picoplankton incorporation into initial particles occurs in the upper water column, very likely through grazing with low assimilation efficiency. Once OAs are formed, their changing porosity and reduction in picoplankton cell numbers via heterotrophy is likely to be a key factor mediating picoplankton carbon fluxes in moderately productive ecosystems, and in determining the overall particle structure of sedimenting OAs.