Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is a jack-of-all-temperatures a master of none? An experimental test with Daphnia pulicaria (Crustacea: Cladocera)

A fundamental question in evolutionary ecology is the existence and magnitude of constraints. For example, the proverb ‘the jack-of-all-trades is a master of none’ refers to one possible constraint, a genetic trade-off of fitness between a generalist and a specialist. It remains an object of controversy. A new method was developed to test experimentally the hypothetical fitness trade-off between a generalist and a specialist that can be used to study populations of both unicellular and multicellular organisms. The method is based on properties of the tolerance curve. The tolerance curve can be defined as the relationship between fitness of a genotype and environmental conditions. Three analytical approaches are possible with respect to tolerance curves: (1) investigation of a genetic trade-off between height and breadth of the tolerance curve; (2) analysis of variance of the area under the tolerance curve among genotypes; and (3) estimation of genetic correlations of fitness on pairs of temperatures. Age of reproduction and clutch size of 29 Daphnia pulicaria genotypes from three closely related populations were investigated under seven temperature conditions. Based on these data, fitness – measured as an intrinsic rate of increase (r) – was estimated for each Daphnia genotype at seven temperatures. The estimated correlation between height and breadth of the tolerance curve was weakly negative. The analysis of variance of the area under the tolerance curve revealed statistically significant differences among the Daphnia clones. The majority of the estimated pairwise genetic correlation coefficients between temperatures were weak, either positive or negative. In general, we observed ‘winner’ and ‘loser’ genotypes of D. pulicaria in response to temperature, suggesting the need to re-examine the traditional paradigm based on the controversial proverb ‘the jack-of-all-trades is a master of none’.
GABAA Receptor Composition Is Determined by Distinct Assembly Signals within α and β Subunits*

Key to understanding how receptor diversity is achieved and controlled is the identification of selective assembly signals capable of distinguishing between other subunit partners. We have identified that the β1–3 subunits exhibit distinct assembly capabilities with the γ2L subunit. Similarly, analysis of an assembly box in α1-(57–68) has revealed an absolute requirement for this region in the assembly of αβ receptors. Furthermore, a selective requirement for a single amino acid (Arg-66), previously shown to be essential for the formation of the low affinity GABA binding site, is observed. This residue is critical for the assembly of α1β2 but not α1β1 or α1β3 receptors. We have confirmed the ability of the previously identified GKER signal in β3 to direct the assembly of βγ receptors. The GKER signal is also involved in driving assembly with the α1 subunit, conferring the ability to assemble with α1R66A on the β2 subunit. Although this signal is sufficient to permit the formation of β2γ2 receptors, it is not necessary for β3γ2 receptor formation, suggesting the existence of alternative assembly signals. These findings support the belief that GABAA receptor assembly occurs via defined pathways to limit the receptor diversity.
Acclimation is beneficial at extreme test temperatures in the Danube crested newt, Triturus dobrogicus (Caudata, Salamandridae)

Despite many studies demonstrating the effect of acclimation on behavioural or physiological traits, considerable debate still exists about the evolutionary significance of this phenomenon. One of the unresolved issues is whether acclimation to warmer temperature is beneficial at treatment or at more extreme test temperatures. To answer this question, we assessed the effect of thermal acclimation on preferred body temperatures (Tps), maximum swimming and running speed, and critical thermal maximum (CTmax) in the Danube crested newt (Triturus dobrogicus). Adult newts were kept at 15 °C (control) and 25 °C (treatment) for 8 weeks prior to measurements. We measured Tps in an aquatic thermal gradient over 24 h, maximum speeds in a linear racetrack at six temperatures (5–33 °C), and CTmax in a continuously heated water bath. Tps were higher in newts kept at 15 °C than in those kept at 25 °C. The maximum swimming speed did not acclimate. The maximum running speed at 30–33 °C was substantially higher in newts kept at 25 °C than in those kept at 15 °C. CTmax increased with the treatment temperature. Hence, we conclude that the acclimation response to warm temperature is beneficial not at treatment but at more extreme temperatures in newts. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 90, 627–636.
Distribution of marine viruses in the Central and South Adriatic Sea

The seasonal distribution of marine viruses and their relationship with heterotrophic bacteria in the coastal and offshore area of the central and southern Adriatic were studied. Additionally, the percentage of high (HNA) and low (LNA) nucleic acid bacteria between the total number of bacteria and the distribution of heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) as a major predator of bacteria were studied as well. The viral abundance ranged from 3.55 to 27.32 × 10 6 virus-like particles mL -1 , and was on average 25-fold higher than bacterial abundances at all investigated stations. The highest viral abundances were found at coastal stations, especially in the area influenced by the rivers Krka and Jadro, whereas the lowest values were found in the open sea and in the coastal area of the southern Adriatic. No significant difference in relationship of viruses with HNA and LNA bacterial groups were established. The ratio between viruses and bacteria (VBR) was higher during the colder part of the year, which coincided with lower HNF abundance and vice versa during the warmer part of the year. This suggests that HNF grazing could be more important in controlling bacterial abundance during the warmer part of the year, and viral lysis during the colder part of the year.
The Spatial Distribution of Mistletoe in a Southern Indian Tropical Forest at Multiple Scales

Taxillus tomentosus is a mistletoe of significant management concern in southern India. This mistletoe affects the productivity of several nontimber forest products, most significantly Amla (Phyllanthus emblica and Phyllanthus indofischeri), whose fruits provide an important source of income for indigenous forest communities. Management interventions are required to secure the continued viability of Amla and thereby its role in livelihoods. To enhance the scientific basis for management, we characterized the distribution of T. tomentosus at three scales, examined potential mechanisms underlying this distribution, and compared both with those documented in other habitats. Mistletoes were aggregated at all three scales: on individual trees, within forest plots of 500 m2, and at scales of 3–4 km. Seed deposition patterns provide an initial distribution ‘template’ that largely determines patterns at tree and plot scales. This initial pattern is subsequently altered as variation in host suitability and mistletoe mortality from forest fires influence establishment success and postestablishment survival. Local prevalence of infection contributed most to infection spread, and areas of high infection prevalence are highlighted as appropriate foci for management intervention. Although novel underlying mechanisms and variation in the scale of aggregation have been identified, mistletoe distribution in a tropical forest appears to be shaped by similar forces as those documented previously in temperate systems.
Performance of broilers fed on different levels of Azolla meal

An experiment was conducted on 225-day-old Vencobb broiler chicks reared on deep litter system of housing to study the production performance of broilers fed on different levels of Azolla for six weeks. The birds were randomly divided into three treatment groups of 75 chicks each viz., control A, B and C having three replicates. The control group was fed diet without Azolla and group B and C were fed diet with SBM replacement with Azolla meal @ 2.5% and 5%, respectively. There were no significant differences noted between the control and treated groups with regards to the body weights and weekly weight gain. However, the body weights at 6th week for treatment group were numerically higher than the control (A 1757.10, B 1845.80 and C 1892.40 g). There were non-significant differences in weekly feed consumption, and weekly feed conversion ratio at 6th week of age. However, the feed consumption for treated groups was slightly higher than control (A 983.79, B 1045.00 and C 1009.00 g) and the feed conversion ratios of treated groups were better as compared to control (A 1.95, B 1.93 and C 1.91). The economics of broiler production revealed the net profit per bird realized after the sale of birds for A, B and C treatment group were Rs. 10.84, 15.64 and 19.22, respectively. The study revealed that, replacement of SBM by Azolla meal up to 5% in the diet of broiler birds had no deleterious effect on palatability, and efficiency of feed utilization at every stage of life in the broiler birds. The carcass yield obtained from different groups A, B and C were 75.73, 75.89 and 74.95%, respectively, highest abdominal fat percent was obtained for group C 2.75% followed by group B and A as 2.47 and 2.24%, respectively. The abdominal fat pad thickness for different treatments were recorded as 0.63, 0.71 and 0.83 cm for A, B and C, respectively. Hence it maybe concluded that water fern Azolla could replace SBM in broiler ration up to 5% level without any adverse effect on carcass quality of broiler birds.
Protection Against Hepatic Ischemia—reperfusion Injury in Rats by Oral Pretreatment With Quercetin

Objective To investigate the possible protection provided by oral quercetin pretreatment against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Methods The quercetin (0.13 mmol/kg) was orally administrated in 50 min prior to hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Ascorbic acid was also similarly administered. The hepatic content of quercetin was assayed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured as markers of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Meanwhile, hepatic content of glutathione (GSH), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and xanthine oxidase (XO), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MDA, DNA fragmentation were also determined. Results Hepatic content of quercetin after intragastric administration of quercetin was increased significantly. The increases in plasma GPT, GOT activities and MDA concentration after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury were reduced significantly by pretreatment with quercetin. Hepatic content of GSH and activities of SOD, GSH-Px and TAOC were restored remarkably while the ROS and MDA contents were significantly diminished by quercetin pretreatment after ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, quercetin pretreatment did not reduce significantly hepatic XO activity and DNA fragmentation. Ascorbic acid pretreatment had also protective effects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by restoring hepatic content of GSH, TAOC and diminishing ROS and MDA formation and DNA fragmentation. Conclusion It is indicated that quercetin can protect the liver against ischemia-reperfusion injury after oral pretreatment and the underlying mechanism is associated with improved hepatic antioxidant capacity.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS PHYTO-CONSTITUENTS IN PHOENIX PUSILLA UNRIPE FRUIT ETHANOLIC EXTRACT

Objective: The aim of the present study was to perform preliminary phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activity of Phoenix pusilla by using ethanol as solvent. Methods: The ethanol extract was screened for its potential antioxidant activity by 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation (LPO) inhibitory activity, and compounds such as phenols, tannins, flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, protein, carbohydrates and lipids were quantified using in vitro techniques. Results: The total phenolic content of the ethanol unripe fruit extract was 4.22±0.18 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of extract. The total flavonoid and tannin content of the plant were 2.39±0.22 mg quercetin equivalent/g of extract and 1.62±0.02 mg GAE/g of the extract respectively. DPPH radical scavenging effect of the extract was determined spectrophotometrically. P. pusilla extract showed a good antioxidant potential with IC50 of 37.64 μg/ ml and 8.88 μg/ml for LPO and DPPH assay respectively. Conclusion: The greater amount of phenolic compounds leads to more potent radical scavenging effect as shown by P. pusilla unripe fruit. In conclusion, the obtained results of the tests demonstrated that this plant might be used in the prevention and in the treatment of different diseases related to oxidative stress. Keywords: Oxidative stress, Medicinal plants, Date palm, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, Lipid peroxidation, Phenols.
Personal resources versus risk factors: From academic achievement to anxiety forms

Learning in the school context involves strong social and emotional components that have a role in academic achievement and children development (Zins, Weissberg, Wang, & Walberg, 2007). Among individual factors that prevent or promote school success and emotional well-being at school, different risk factors and personal resources have been considered in the literature. The aim of the present dissertation is to consider the joint role of negative affect, anxiety forms and personal resources related to self-concept and resilience once the effect of cognitive abilities (i.e., working memory or intelligence) is taken into account. The relation among these different variables was addressed in three related studies that involved typically developing children. In the first Study, the interplay between general factors related to negative affect (i.e., general-anxiety and depressive symptoms), working memory and personal resources (i.e., competence and academic self-concept and ego-resilience) on mathematics and reading literacy was considered. In the second Study the relation among general and academic forms of anxiety (i.e., test-anxiety and mathematics-anxiety), and ego-resilience on mathematics and reading literacy was explored after controlling for fluid intelligence. In the third Study, the presence of different anxiety profiles and their relation with general (i.e., competence self-concept and ego-resiliency) or academic (i.e., academic self-concept and academic buoyancy) personal resources was considered. Each study will be presented starting from theoretical background and empirical evidence and then describing methodology, statistical analyses and results. General conclusions derived from the main findings of the three studies as well as clinical and educational implications will be finally highlighted.
Genetics of T cell co-stimulatory receptors -CD28, CTLA4, ICOS and PDCD1 in immunity and transplantation

3. Co-stimulatory signals are essential for the activation of naive T cells and productive immune response. Naive T cells receive fi rst, antigen-specifi c signal through T cell receptor. Co-stimulatory receptors provide the second signal which can be either activating or inhibitory. The balance between these positive and negative signals determines the outcome of an immune response. The costimulatory receptor CD28 is crucial for T cell activation; whereas cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) mediates critical inhibitory signal. Inducible costimulator (ICOS) augments cytokine expression and plays role in immunoglobulin class switching. Programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1) acts as negative regulator of T cell proliferation and cytokine responses. The co-stimulatory receptor pathways are potentially involved in self-tolerance and thus, they provide a promising therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases and transplantation. The genes encoding co-stimulatory receptors CD28, CTLA4 and ICOS are located adjacently in the chromosome region 2q33. The PDCD1 gene maps further, to the region 2q37. Polymorphism of the genes has been under screening during the last decade: all four genes contain several variants and they have been explored in a number of genetic association studies. CTLA4 and PDCD1 are associated with the risk of a few autoimmune diseases although results are rather contradictory. Identifying the true risk variant is complicated because there is strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) on the 2q33 region. The whole gene of CD28 exists in its own LD block but CTLA4 and the 5’ part of ICOS are within a same LD block. A recombination hot spot in the fi rst intron of ICOS splits 3’ part of ICOS into its own LD block; also PDCD1 exists in a completely separate LD block due to its further location. Extended haplotypes covering the 2q33 region can be identifi ed and especially conserved CTLA4 haplotypes are frequent. e-thesis.indd 9 5.4. 2009 15:54:36
Lamb production from diverse genotypes 2. Carcass characteristics.

Carcass and meat quality characteristics for 2408 cryptorchid and female lambs at mean carcass weights of 24·8 kg and 19·3 kg respectively are reported. The lambs were sired by a selection of Poll Dorset (D; no. = 7), Texel (T; no. = 10), Border Leicester (BL; no. =12) and Merino (M; no. =12) rams and born to Border Leicester × Merino (BLM) and Merino (M) dams. The lambs comprised six genotypes (D×BLM, T×BLM, D×M, T×M, BL×M and M×M) that represent the range of types (second cross, first cross and Merino) produced in the Australian lamb industry. The second cross (D×BLM, T×BLM) and first cross BL×M were fatter than first cross (D×M, T×M) (1 mm at the GR site) and M×M (3 mm GR) carcasses at the same hot carcass weight ( P P M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL) area of first cross and second cross carcasses sired by D and T rams, which were proportionately 0·04 greater than M×M and 0·09 greater than BL×M. The LL area was proportionately 0·04 greater for T than D crosses ( P P There was a significant genotype effect for LL ultimate pH ( P
Sexual selection in a tropical fruit fly: role of a plant derived chemical in mate choice

The specific mechanisms by which selective pressures affect individuals are often difficult to resolve. In tephritid fruit flies, males respond strongly and positively to certain plant derived chemicals. Sexual selection by female choice has been hypothesized as the mechanism driving this behaviour in certain species, as females preferentially mate with males that have fed on these chemicals. This hypothesis is, to date, based on studies of only very few species and its generality is largely untested. We tested the hypothesis on different spatial scales (small cage and seminatural field‐cage) using the monophagous fruit fly, Bactrocera cacuminata. This species is known to respond to methyl eugenol (ME), a chemical found in many plant species and one upon which previous studies have focused. Contrary to expectation, no obvious female choice was apparent in selecting ME‐fed males over unfed males as measured by the number of matings achieved over time, copulation duration, or time of copulation initiation. However, the number of matings achieved by ME‐fed males was significantly greater than unfed males 16 and 32 days after exposure to ME in small cages (but not in a field‐cage). This delayed advantage suggests that ME may not influence the pheromone system of B. cacuminata but may have other consequences, acting on some other fitness consequence (e.g., enhancement of physiology or survival) of male exposure to these chemicals. We discuss the ecological and evolutionary implications of our findings to explore alternate hypotheses to explain the patterns of response of dacine fruit flies to specific plant‐derived chemicals.
Attitude of dental interns toward learning communication skills in Bangalore city: A cross-sectional study

Background: Positive health outcomes are a result of effective physician-patient communication and assessment of the attitude of dental students toward learning communication skills may help dental educators to devise effective plans to orient students toward learning communication skills and make proactive efforts to hone their skills. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the attitude of dental interns toward learning communication skills. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 400 dental interns involving both males and females were selected from various dental colleges in Bangalore city for this study. Data were collected using the dental communication skills attitude scale, which consists of 24 items, 13 indicative of positive attitude and 11 indicative of the negative attitude toward learning communication skills. Statistical Analysis: The positive attitude scale and negative attitude scale scores were calculated and compared among different groups using SPSS software version 22. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Out of 400 participants, 150 (37.5%) were male and 250 (62.5%) were female. There was a significant difference in mean score of positive attitude between males (52.4 ± 5.6) and females (51.1 ± 6.0) (P = 0.03). The mean score of negative attitude was significantly higher among students whose teaching language was other than English (31.9 ± 5.1) when compared to students whose teaching language was English (29.8 ± 5.0) (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Dental interns have a strong positive attitude toward learning communication skills; however, negative attitudes should not be ignored, as they may subdue the importance of such programs.
Expression of miRNAs miR-133b and miR-206 in the Il17a/f Locus Is Co-Regulated with IL-17 Production in alpha beta and gamma delta T Cells

Differentiation of T helper 17 cells (Th17) is a multistep process that involves the cytokines IL-6, TGF-beta, and IL-23 as well as IL-1 beta, IL-21, and TNF-alpha. Thereby, robust induction of the capacity to produce IL-17 involves epigenetic modifications of the syntenic Il17a/f locus. Using inbred mouse strains, we identified co-regulation of gene transcription at the Il17a/f locus with the nearby microRNAs miR-133b and miR-206 that are clustered approximately 45 kb upstream of Il17a/f. Expression of these microRNAs was specific for Th17 as compared to other CD4(+) T cell subsets and this was equally valid for in vitro polarized and ex vivo derived cells. From all factors analyzed, IL-23 was the most important cytokine for the in vitro induction of miR-133b and miR-206 in naive CD4(+) T cells of wild type mice. However, analysis of IL-23R deficient mice revealed that IL-23R signaling was not essential for the induction of miR-133b and miR-206. Importantly, we found a similar co-regulation in CCR6(+) and other gamma delta T cell subsets that are predisposed to production of IL-17. Taken together, we discovered a novel feature of T cell differentiation towards an IL-17-producing phenotype that is shared between alpha beta and gamma delta T cells. Notably, the specific co-regulation of miR-133b and miR-206 with the Il17a/f locus also extended to human Th17 cells. This qualifies expression of miR-133b and miR-206 in T cells as novel biomarkers for Th17-type immune reactions.