Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Eosinophilia in a Murine Model of Allergic Inflammation Is Attenuated by Small Molecule α4β1 Antagonists

Inhibition of α4β1/vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) interactions have therapeutic potential in treating allergic airway disease because of the importance of these adhesion molecules in the trafficking of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. We examined several small molecule inhibitors of α4β1/VCAM-1 interactions with in vitro potencies (IC50 values) ranging from 0.52 nM (CP-664511; 3-[3-(1-{2-[3-methoxy-4-(3- O -tolyl-ureido)phenyl]-acetylamino}-3-methyl-butyl)isoxazol-5-yl]-propionic acid) to 38.5 nM (CP-609643; 3-[3-methyl-1-{2-[4-(3- O -tolyl-ureido)-phenyl]-acetylamino}-butyl)-isoxazol-5-yl]-propionic acid). The same compounds were evaluated in vivo using a murine model of ovalbumin-induced pulmonary eosinophilia. In this model, systemic administration of antibodies against α4 reduced bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) eosinophilia ∼60%. Small molecule α4β1 antagonists were administered by intratracheal instillation and demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of BAL eosinophil numbers and achieved a maximum inhibition of ∼60%. In general, the rank order of potency for these compounds in vitro was consistent with that observed in vivo, which confirms that their efficacy is likely via blockade of α4β1/VCAM-1 interactions. The most potent compound, CP-664511, also inhibited BAL eosinophilia following s.c. administration (1–10 mg/kg, s.c.). These data support the utility of small molecule α4β1 antagonists in the treatment of relevant diseases, such as asthma.
Recrystallization in Model Ice Cream Solutions as Affected by Stabilizer Concentration

Ice recrystallization rates in simple aqueous solutions comprising fructose and a hydrocolloid stabilizer were measured. The stabilizers were an enzyme-modified guar and a non-gelling high methoxy pectin. The stabilizer concentration dependence of the recrystallization rates for both materials was similar in that increasing the concentration resulted in decreasing rates until a point is reached where further addition had no additional effect. That recrystallization rates were reduced by both gelling and non-gelling stabilizers was strongly suggestive that gelation was not a requirement for recrystallization inhibition and another more specific mechanism applies, for example a weak interfacial effect such as adsorption or blocking. This behavior was also seen with locust bean gum and guar and provided further empirical evidence to support the hypothesis that stabilizers adsorb to ice crystal surfaces.
ESTIMATING DETECTION PROBABILITY AND DENSITY FROM POINT-COUNT SURVEYS: A COMBINATION OF DISTANCE AND DOUBLE-OBSERVER SAMPLING

Abstract Point counts are the method most commonly used to estimate abundance of birds, but they often fail to account properly for incomplete and variable detection probabilities. We developed a technique that combines distance and double-observer sampling to estimate detection probabilities and effective area surveyed. We applied this paired-observer, variable circular-plot (POVCP) technique to point-count surveys (n = 753) conducted in closed-canopy forests of southeast Alaska. Distance data were analyzed for each species to model a detection probability for each observer and calculate an estimate of density. We then multiplied each observer's density estimates by a correction factor to adjust for detection probabilities <1 at plot center. We compared analytical results from four survey methods: single-observer fixed-radius (50-m) plot; single-observer, variable circular-plot (SOVCP); double-observer fixed-radius (50-m) plot; and POVCP. We examined differences in detection probabilities at plot center, effective area surveyed, and densities for five bird species: Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis), Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa), Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), and Townsend's Warbler (Dendroica townsendi). Average detection probabilities for paired observers increased ≈8% (SE = 2.9) for all species once estimates were corrected for birds missed at plot center. Density estimators of fixed-radius survey methods were likely negatively biased, because the key assumption of perfect detection was not met. Density estimates generated using SOVCP and POVCP were similar, but standard errors were much lower for the POVCP survey method. We recommend using POVCP when study objectives require precise estimates of density. Failure to account for differences in detection probabilities and effective area surveyed results in biased population estimators and, therefore, faulty inferences about the population in question. Estimaciones de la Densidad y de las Probabilidades de Detección a Partir de Muestreos Utilizando Conteos en Puntos: Una Combinación de Muestreos de Distancia y de Doble Observador
CELLULAR IMMUNITY IN VACCINIA INFECTION OF MICE

Rabbit anti-mouse thymocyte serum suppressed host cell-mediated responsiveness to intravenously administered vaccinia virus, thereby augmenting the morbidity and mortality of this infection. It did not affect either humoral antibody or interferon production in response to vaccinia virus. No effects were noted on primary or secondary immunity to intracerebral virus inoculation.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of chitosan-based viscose fibres enzymatically functionalized with flavonoids

The main purpose of this research was to qualitatively and quantitatively identify chitosan-based viscose fibre functional group surfaces as modified by two chemically-similar phenolics, namely fisetin and quercetin. Potentiometric titration was used to determine fibre-dissociable weak acids as a consequence of the presence of chitosan and deposited flavonoids. In addition, a conventional spectrophotometric method using C.I. Acid Orange 7 dye was used for determining the amino groups only. Finally, the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the fibres were evaluated, respectively. It has been clearly shown that the introduction of flavonoid onto the fibres introduces a significant amount of anionic phenolic hydroxyl groups, leading to fibre antioxidant activity and a decrease in fibre antimicrobial efficiency.
Isolation and Characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio rotiferianus Associated with Mass Mortality of Chinese Shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis)

ABSTRACT Outbreaks of mass mortality among cultured juvenile Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis occurred during summer 2010 in Jiangsu Province, PR China. Gross signs of disease included lethargy, swimming near the water surface and close to pond edges, pale red shell and appendages, breaking of antenna, and reduction in food consumption. Green and yellow bacterial colonies were recovered on thiosulfate citrate bile salt sucrose agar plates from the diseased shrimp. The predominant observed colonies were purified (VP1 and VR1) and their virulence toward postlarvae of Fenneropenaeus chinensis confirmed by bath experimental challenges. The phenotypic characteristics of the isolates, including morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits, were determined. Three housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, RNA polymerase a-chain (rpoA), and DNA gyrase B subunit (gyrB)) were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees based on rpoA and gyrB sequences were constructed. Phenotypic and genetic results confirmed the diseased shrimp were infected with both Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio rotiferianus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of V. rotiferianus as a pathogenic bacteria in shrimp. In addition, the activities of extracellular enzymes and hemolysin were also studied. Results showed that all the isolates (VP1–VP3 and VR1–VR3) produced &bgr;-hemolysis on rabbit blood agar, lecithinase, proteinase, and gelatinase, but DNase and lipase were not produced.
Ecballocystopsis dichotomus sp. nov. (Chlorococcales, Chlorophyceae) from China

Ecballocystopsis dichotomus sp. nov. is the third described species of Ecballocystopsis that grows on rock under water and epiphytically on the filaments of Cladophora and Mougeotia (green algae) collected in a small irrigation ditch in Chong-yang county, Hubei Province (East longitude 29 degrees 30', North latitude 114 degrees 10') and in Zhu-xi county, Hubei Province (East longitude 32 degrees 20', North latitude 109 degrees 45'). The new species differs from E. indica IYENGAR (1933) in having dichotomous branching and its smaller sized thallus; it differs from the second species, E. desikacharyi PRASAD (1985), in having looped filaments, dichotomous branching and smaller cells. Three patterns of cell divisions were observed in E. dichotomus sp. nov. (transverse, longitudinal and oblique). It may be that the new species is evolutionary a more advanced species based upon the structure of its thallus and the manner of spore formation. The systematic position of the genus, based on the comparative studies of the genus Ecballocystis BOHLIN with Cylindrocapsopsis IYENGAR, is discussed.
Variations in germination and longevity of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds harvested at different stages of maturation

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds of the cultivars Tatashe and Rodo, extracted from fruits sequentially harvested at different maturation stages, were tested for germinability (when freshly harvested) and longevity (over a period of about 17 weeks). Seed dry weight increased with fruit maturation and was maximum when the fruits turned red-ripe. Over-ripening of the fruits for 10 days on the mother plant did not result in a significant seed weight increase, signifying that the seeds were already fully filled when the fruits turned red-ripe. The seeds of the two cultivars started germinating as from 28 days after anthesis (DAA) and peaked at 71.5% and 40% for Tatashe and Rodo respectively, at 44 DAA. The viability of the seeds of Tatashe declined as storage progressed and the more mature the seeds were, the longer they survived. In Rodo, seed viability increased till the end of the storage period due to dormancy, which became progressively broken with age; seeds from more mature fruits survived better. In a second experiment, when fruits of Tatashe were harvested at the colour breaking, red-ripe and over-ripe stages, seed viability and longevity were best from over-ripe fruits.
Emergent Roles in Computer-Mediated Synchronous Virtual Groups

Understanding how the emergence of roles affects virtual group outcomes is important for organizations that increasingly use virtual work for decision-making and other tasks. Using role theory and speech act theory, this paper describes two studies conducted to understand the emergence of communication roles and their impacts on virtual group dynamics. Study 1 explores the emergence of roles in computer-mediated decision-making groups, using chat transcripts from a lab experiment. Study 2 further explores and validates the emergence of these roles, using a text mining technique to automate speech act analysis, and tests how these roles affect group perceptions of trust, communication, and performance. The paper concludes with a discussion of implications for practice and future research on the effects of emerging roles and their interactions.
Growth response and carcass quality of broiler chickens fed on diets supplemented with dietary copper sources

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary sources of copper on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Three dietary sources of copper (Cu) namely: copper sulphate (CuSO 4), copper oxide (CuO) and copper acetate were added to a corn-soy basal diet, which was formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of broilers, at 150, 200 and 250 ppm. The control diet had no supplemental Cu. There were ten dietary treatment groups. One hundred and sixty ANAK 2000 broiler chicks were randomly divided into these treatment groups of 16 birds each. Each treatment group was further subdivided into four replicates of 4 birds per replicate. The experimental design was completely randomized with 3 ◊ 3 factorial arrangements of treatments and the trial lasted for 42 days, after a pre-trial period of 14 days. The final body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the birds were determined on weekly basis. At the end of the experiment, two birds per replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass quality traits. The average final body weight and body weight gain of the birds fed with Cu supplemented diets were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different from those fed with the control diet. The birds on Cu supplemented diets gained more body weight than birds on the control diet. Birds fed with 200 ppm Cu gained (P ≥ 0.05) more weight than those on other levels of inclusion. Although not significant (P ≥ 0.05), those birds fed with CuO gained more weight than birds on CuSO 4 and Cu acetate. There was no significant (P ≥ 0.05) difference in the average feed intake of birds fed Cu supplemented diets compared to the birds on the control diet. The FCR of the birds fed with supplemented diets was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower than that of the birds on the control diet. Those birds fed with Cu supplemented diets utilized feed better than birds on the control diet. Among those fed with dietary Cu salts, those birds on CuO utilized feed better (P ≤ 0.05) than the birds on CuSO 4 and Cu acetate. Dietary Cu supplementation had no significant (P ≥ 0.05) effect on carcass quality traits determined. It can be concluded from this study that dietary copper supplementation up to 250 ppm from CuSO 4, CuO and Cu acetate can substantially improve the growth performance and feed utilization of broilers.
Predicting Caterpillar Parasitism in Banana Plantations

Abstract This paper links ecological theory to the biological control of insect pests in banana plantations. Through an established predictive approach, ecological data on tritrophic interactions from natural systems were used to formulate simple recommendations for biological control in banana plantations. The specific goals were (1) to determine the most effective parasitoid enemies for biological control of lepidopteran larvae in banana plantations and (2) to examine the impact of nematicides on enemy populations. To assess percent parasitism, we reared 1,121 lepidopteran larvae collected from six plantations managed under two nematicide regimens. Attack by parasitoids in the families Tachinidae (Diptera), Braconidae, Eulophidae, and Chalcididae (Hymenoptera) closely paralleled rates reported for species with similar characteristics in lowland wet forests, and statistical models predicted the relative importance of these parasitoids as sources of mortality. We found that tachinid flies were the most important source of early instar larval parasitism in banana plantations, and their importance increased with more intensive nematicide applications. The statistical models that we derived from data on natural systems were useful in predicting which parasitoids would be important in banana and which larval characteristics they would preferentially attack. This approach could be used in other managed ecosystems where the identification of effective biological control agents is needed.
Antihyperglycemic Activity of the Various Extracts of Costus speciosus Rhizomes

Costus speciosus is known to possess antidiabetic properties and used in local health traditions in India but the validation of drug is not done. The activity of various fractions of drug is also not reported. In view of its immense potential in andiabetic properties, systematic study was conducted with an objective to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, methanolic, and aqueous extracts of C. speciosus rhizomes on over night fasted, Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose level (BGL) monitored at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes suggested that all extracts of C. speciosus resulted in reduction of BGL significantly except pet ether extract. Aqueous extract and methanolic extracts reduced initial BGL of 387 to 120 mg/dl and 303 to 161 mg/ dl respectively at the end of 240 minutes. Similar studies conducted with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) confirmed the above findings suggesting that aqueous extract and methanolic extracts of C. speciosus were highly effective in bringing down the BGL from 590 to 96 mg/dl and 570 to 128 mg/dl respectively at the end of 240 minutes, which was on par with the glibenclamide. Results from multiple dose studies wherein the drug was administered for 14 days also confirmed the above findings and the serum lipid profiles high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were found to be optimum in aqueous or methanolic extracts on par with normal healthy rats or standard drug glibenclamide treated rats.
Revision of the Neotropical ant subfamily Leptanilloidinae

Abstract. The rare Neotropical ant subfamily Leptanilloidinae is revised and its internal phylogeny and biogeography discussed. A new genus, Asphinctanilloides gen.n. , including three new species, A. amazona, A. anae and A. manauara, and three new species of Leptanilloides, L. improvisa, L. legionaria and L. sculpturata are described. The only previously known species of the subfamily, L. biconstricta Mann (1923) , is redescribed, and the larva of L. legionaria sp.n. is described. Keys to the genera and the species, and a phylogeny of the group are provided. Emphasis has been placed on the study of abdominal and sting characters.
Análisis de Crecimiento y Relación Fuente-Demanda de Cuatro Variedades de Papa (Solanum tuberosum L.) en el Municipio de Zipaquirá (Cundinamarca, Colombia)

La investigacion se realizo en las variedades Pastusa Suprema, Betina, Esmeralda y Diacol, con el objetivo de comparar el crecimiento y la relacion fuente-demanda de estos cultivares durante el ciclo de cultivo. Se evaluaron las variables area foliar y materia seca y se obtuvieron los indices de crecimiento y los potenciales de fuente - demanda. En los indices de crecimiento se encontraron similitudes entre las variedades Esmeralda y Betina, tanto en la ocurrencia de los valores minimos como en la de valores maximos durante el ciclo de cultivo. Las variedades Betina, Esmeralda y Diacol Capiro presentaron los valores mas altos de relacion de area foliar (RAF) en la cuarta semana despues de emergencia y ademas registraron la menor duracion de area foliar (DAF) durante el ciclo de cultivo, mientras que la variedad Pastusa Suprema mostro la mayor longevidad de hojas. Los IAF maximos ocurrieron en la etapa de plena floracion y los IAF minimos al final del ciclo de cultivo. La variedad Esmeralda alcanzo la mayor tasa de asimilacion neta (TAN) al final del ciclo. La mayor fuerza o potencia de fuente fue alcanzada por Esmeralda y Pastusa Suprema, y la fuerza o potencia de demanda de tuberculos mas alta se encontro en las variedades Betina y Esmeralda, lo que indica un llenado mayor de estos organos.
Laboratory Observations on the Natural History of Pseudopolydesmus pinetorum (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Polydesmidae) with Emphasis on Reproduction and Growth

This paper is based on laboratory observations of the millipede Pseudopolydesmus pinetorum and gives general information about its natural history with a focus on reproduction and growth. In general, eggs were laid in the spring and adults died in the summer. A given female laid eggs several times before death in batches of about 70–300, which were enclosed in igloo-like chambers constructed of fecal material. The fecal material was formed into flat shingles within the everted rectum and used to build the chamber walls. Chambers had no ventilation openings, but were topped with a chimney-like structure of uncertain function and finally covered with additional fecal material and a layer of debris. Hatchlings exited their chamber in about 10 to 20 days, depending on temperature, and began to feed. They moved about as a flock (first instars only) and if another flock was present, the flocks united. Molting occurred in molting chambers; earlier instars usually made theirs in the soil, but later instars often made igloo-like chambers on the surface that were comparable to egg chambers. Later instars spent about 10 days in the chamber. Most juveniles overwintered in their sixth or seventh stadium and new adults emerged and mated in the spring. Adults of uncertain age collected in October did not lay eggs until late January. If they were prodded, the first few instars produced a drop of secretion, assumed to be defensive, from their anuses and a pair of lateral paranotal pores; these instars tended to hunker down and hold their positions, but later instars simply fled.
Weather Effects on Autumn Nocturnal Migration of Passerines on Opposite Shores of the St. Lawrence Estuary

ABSTRACT. We modeled migration intensity as a function of weather, using nightly migration measurements from Doppler surveillance weather radar during autumn migration on the north (Côte-Nord) and south (Gaspésie) shores of the St. Lawrence estuary, Québec, Canada. The radar had negative elevation angles, an uncommon characteristic among weather radars, which allowed simultaneous low-altitude monitoring of bird migration on each side of the estuary. Precipitation and wind both had strong effects on the intensity of migration. Very few birds migrated when >40% of the area had precipitation, especially when winds were strong. Light winds were associated with the strongest migration intensity, regardless of wind direction; in stronger winds, migration was likely only when winds were predominantly from the north. Days immediately after adverse weather events, which are assumed to lead to an accumulation of migrants, were associated with an increase in the intensity of migration in Côte-Nord, but not in Gaspésie. Time since the passage of a cold front had no effect in either region. Bird flight direction and behavior in relation to wind differed on each side of the estuary. On Côte-Nord, birds tended to migrate in a southwesterly direction along the St. Lawrence north coast, in a direction relatively unaffected by wind direction; they compensated or overcompensated for wind drift by following the coast. By contrast, birds in Gaspésie tended to fly in a more southerly direction. They migrated partially or almost fully downwind with only limited compensation, their flight direction often changing with wind direction.
STUDIES ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF METALS MIXTURE STRESSED CIRRHINA MRIGALA IN EARTHEN PONDS

-1 and 35% digestible protein. Analysis of variance revealed that only months had statistically significant effect on growth performance of Cirrhina mrigala in terms of weight, fork and total length increments. While treatments and interaction of months x treatments had nonsignificant results. On the basis of this study, it was concluded that under sub-lethal stress of metals mixture to Cirrhina mrigala in the glass aquaria showed significantly lower growth in terms of wet weight increment as compared to control fish. However, during semi-intensive culture system in pond, fish Cirrhina mrigala showed non-significantly better growth performance in the wet weight, fork and total lengths increments in unstressed pond as compared to treated ponds.