Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of adaptive immunity during Lassa virus infection and a proposed mechanism for immune impairment

Lassa virus (LASV) is a member of the Old World Complex of arenaviruses infecting an estimated 300,000-500,000 people each year primarily in the endemic region of West Africa. Lassa fever (LF), a neglected tropical disease, puts a heavy burden on the communities in which it is endemic. Reportedly, 15%-20% or up to 50% during epidemics succumb to LASV infection. Without U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines, knowledge of this disease must advance in order to create affordable and reliable care. Unlike other viral infections, LF does not stimulate a robust humoral immune response. Many in vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of LASV nucleoprotein (NP) and Z protein to interrupt innate immune activation of important cytokines and costimulatory molecules, which can impair the adaptive immune response. To this end, we investigated the antibody and cytokine responses in LF confirmed patients. We then investigated the role NP plays in subverting the innate immune response, suggesting a possible mechanism for humoral immune impairment. Our findings demonstrate a prolonged IgM response and a dysregulated cytokine response in vivo. Additionally, we show LASV NP is capable of modulating the immune system by masking pathogen pattern signals, namely dsRNA, that initiate immune cascades via the Toll Like Receptor 3 pathway. DYNAMICS OF ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY DURING LASSA VIRUS INFECTION AND A PROPOSED MECHANISM FOR IMMUNE IMPAIRMENT A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED ON THE FIRST DAY OF JULY 2015 TO THE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF TULANE UNIVERSITY FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY BY ___________________________ Jessica N. Hartnett APPROVED: ______________________ Robert F. Garry, Ph.D., Director ______________________ Lucia C. Freytag, Ph.D. ______________________ Cindy A. Morris, Ph.D. ______________________ James McLachlan, Ph.D. ______________________ Srikanta Dash, Ph.D.
Palaeomacrosemius thiollieri, gen. et sp. nov., a New Macrosemiidae (Neopterygii) from the Upper Jurassic of the Solnhofen Archipelago (Germany) and Cerin (France), with a Revision of the Genus Macrosemius

ABSTRACT We describe Palaeomacrosemius thiollieri, gen. et sp. nov., a new genus of Macrosemiidae (Neopterygii: Ginglymodi), from the Upper Jurassic (late Kimmeridgian to early Tithonian) of the Solnhofen Archipelago (Germany) and Cerin (France). Palaeomacrosemius, gen. nov., is characterized primarily by the following features: presence of vertical scale rows that do not dichotomize dorsal to the lateral line (unlike members of the genus Macrosemius Agassiz); a long dorsal fin with 32–33 dorsal fin rays; and a smaller scale-free area immediately ventrolateral to the dorsal fin compared with Macrosemius. Small, hook-like spines located on the posterolateral border of the principal dorsal fin rays may have functioned in reproductive behavior. We also review the currently known species of Macrosemius (M. rostratus Agassiz and M. fourneti Thiollière) from the Upper Jurassic plattenkalk of southern Germany and Cerin, France. Macrosemius rostratus, which we here restrict to the German plattenkalk basins of Eichstätt and Solnhofen (Tithonian above the eigeltingense horizon), is mainly characterized by the presence of 37–39 dorsal fin rays, which are very long in adult specimens. Macrosemius fourneti is mainly characterized by the presence of 34–35 dorsal fin rays, which are broader in the posterior part of the fin. Although M. fourneti was previously known only from Cerin, France, we here describe it for the first time from the older plattenkalk of Brunn (southern Germany, late Kimmeridgian).
China in Africa

Sino-African relations are a vibrant, two-way dynamic in which both sides adjust to policy initiatives and popular perceptions emanating from the other. RAND researchers have assessed Chinese and African goals, African perceptions of China, how China has adjusted its policies to address local reactions, whether the United States and China compete in the region, and how Washington and Beijing might actually cooperate to their mutual benefit. BRIEF
Reproductive biology and distribution of the terciopelo, Bothrops asper Garman (Serpentes: Viperidae), in Costa Rica

Description de plusieurs caracteristiques de la biologie de la reproduction des populations du Pacifique et de l'Atlantique de B. asper et discussion des relations entre la reproduction et l'environnement.La variation geographique du timing de la reproduction et de plusieurs parametres morphometriques est egalement decrite
The Potential for Clomazone Use in Rice (Oryza Sativa)

Clomazone was applied preplant incorporated, preemergence, delayed preemergence, or postemergence and compared to pendimethalin, quinclorac, and thiobencarb for control of barnyardgrass in rice. Seven days after the clomazone postemergence application, all clomazone treatments except those applied postemergence controlled barnyardgrass ≥ 86%. At 49 d after the postemergence application, control of barnyardgrass with 0.56 and 0.67 kg/ha clomazone postemergence improved to 92 and 93%, respectively. Clomazone and quinclorac applied delayed preemergence generally controlled barnyardgrass less than 70%. Visible injury to rice was ≤ 18% 7 d after emergence and had declined to less than 10% when evaluated 7 d after postemergence treatments. Rice yields were higher with all treatments compared to the nontreated control.
Does personality affect the ability of individuals to track and respond to changing conditions?

One possibility for why individual differences in behavioral plasticity are frequently associated with differences in personality might be that variation in personality is functionally related to variation in cognition. Evidence supporting a link between personality and cognition, however, is still limited and contradictory. In this study, we then conducted a laboratory experiment with zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) aimed at examining the role of cognition in shaping individual differences in contextual plasticity (i.e., plasticity in behavior between contexts). Specifically, we measured neophobia by quantifying the latency of the birds to eat near a novel object in two different environments across a social gradient and assessed their learning performance on two discriminant tasks and a reversal task. In agreement with our expectation, we found that less neophobic individuals were less plastic in their responses compared to more neophobic ones. Less neophobic individuals were also faster to reach the learning criterion but only in the less difficult discriminant task they performed first. On the contrary, although we found evidence for individual consistency in learning performances, differences among individuals in the number of trials needed to pass the task in both the more difficult discriminant and reversal tasks were not associated with individual differences in neophobia. Thus, our findings indicate that individual differences in contextual plasticity do not necessarily result from some individuals being more sensitive to environmental changes. Instead, we suggest that differences among individuals in their level of plasticity might result from differences in the number of suitable habitats they may occupy.
Microbial Arsenic Release from Historic Gold Mine Tailings, Nova Scotia, Canada

The oxidation state of arsenic is an important consideration in the remediation planning for arsenic contaminated tailings, frequently associated with gold mines. As(III) is more toxic and mobile than As(V) and arsenate can be reduced by bacteria. This study focuses on the microbial arsenic release from two abandoned Nova Scotia tailings sites. DNA fragment analysis showed that the microbial ecology varied across the two compositionally diverse sites. Microbial diversity was related to the concentrations of arsenic and iron, which implies the presence of metal reducing bacteria. Known metal reducers belonging to the Geobacter and Schewanella families were identified through gene cloning. Anaerobic microcosms quantified the activity of these bacteria. High calcium tailings showed the most arsenic release, while hardpan areas showed dramatic iron reduction. The presence of reducing bacteria can therefore affect remediation planning, since the use of tailings covers or liming techniques could increase the activity and diversity of metal reducing bacteria.
Tree Species Composition, Breeding Systems, and Pollination and Dispersal Syndromes in Three Forest Successional Stages in a Tropical Dry Forest in Mesoamerica

Tropical dry forests (TDF) in Mesoamerica are highly endangered by the expansion of human activities (e.g., agriculture and cattle ranching). In contrast, TDF in Costa Rica have experienced outstanding restoration due to changes in economic and conservation policies. Currently TDF landscapes in Costa Rica are a mosaic of different successional stages. Tree breeding systems and pollination and dispersal syndromes are key elements for understanding restoration processes in TDFs. In this study we describe and compare tree species composition and diversity in three TDF successional stages (early, intermediate and late) in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We describe for the first time tree species breeding systems and pollination and dispersal syndromes for the largest and most significant TDF remnant in Mesoamerica. We set up nine plots, three per successional stage, and we measured and identified 1,072 trees from 96 species. Species richness and diversity indices were higher for the intermediate stage. Monoecy was the most common breeding system, as in other tropical life zones. Insects were the dominant pollinators, facilitated by the trees' small inflorescences. Wind was found to be not only the next most influential pollinator, mainly in open and disturbed early forests, but also it was also a good seed dispersal agent. As TDF age increases so does the relevancy of birds and mammals as dispersers; the late stage therefore has more tree species with adaptations to these dispersers.
Feeding behavior of Diaphorina citri and its transmission of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ to citrus

Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is currently the most destructive disease of citrus, responsible for huge economic losses in the world's major citrus production areas. The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), transmits ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Clas), the pathogen responsible to cause HLB. Understanding of vector, pathogen, and host plant interactions is important for the management of this vector‐disease complex. We used the direct‐current electrical penetration graph (DC‐EPG) system to evaluate feeding behavior of Clas‐infected D. citri adults, and their potential to transmit the pathogen to healthy citrus, Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Sunki (Rutaceae), following a 24‐h inoculation access period. Plants were tested for the presence of Clas by qPCR 6 months after inoculation. Findings suggest that inoculation was associated with salivation into the phloem sieve elements (waveform E1). The minimum feeding time for successful transmission by a single adult was 88.8 min, with a minimum E1 duration of 5.1 min. Regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between E1 duration and transmission efficiency. The adults successful in transmitting Clas to healthy citrus were able to penetrate and feed in the phloem much earlier than those which did not transmit. The minimum duration of E1 for a female was shorter than that of a male, but transmission was higher. However, durations of other EPG parameters were not significantly different between male and female. Feeding by single Clas‐infected D. citri adults on 6‐month‐old plants (Sunki) resulted in 23% HLB‐positive plants 6 months after inoculation. Multiple nymphs or adults could transmit the pathogen more efficiently than individual adults in the field, and further enhance the severity of the disease. Effective tactics are warranted to control D. citri and disrupt transmission of Clas.
Revealing the pathways by which agricultural land‐use affects stream fish communities in South Brazilian grasslands

Summary Understanding mechanisms by which agricultural practices affect freshwater ecosystems helps to inform land-use policies and management strategies aimed at mitigating effects of agriculture on biodiversity. Land-use activities in the catchment, riparian and local scales likely influence stream fish communities via multiple pathways, for instance, by modifying the instream habitat. We investigated the mechanisms driving local stream fish taxonomic richness and functional diversity in South Brazilian grasslands by testing a theoretical path model in which we specified a priori relationships predicting how land use at multiple scales affects instream habitat and fish communities. Agricultural activities adjacent to streams (i.e. local impact on the streambank) and catchment-scale cropland area were positively related to macrophyte cover and negatively associated with coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM, i.e. woody debris and leaf litter). Local impact also increased substrate siltation and homogenisation. Riparian vegetation in the upstream buffer ameliorated instream habitat condition by dampening macrophyte proliferation and providing CPOM. Fish species richness increased with both macrophyte cover and CPOM, revealing multiple pathways of agricultural influence. However, functional diversity decreased only with substrate siltation, revealing a response to agricultural activities adjacent to sample sites. Agricultural streams showed a replacement of benthic and lithophilic species by a larger number of morphologically similar and macrophyte-associated nektonic fish. Our study indicates that land-use adjacent to streams and upstream riparian zones is critical for maintaining taxonomically and functionally diverse fish communities due to their strong effects on instream habitat. Protection and recovery of riparian zones from land-use change can mitigate the effects of agriculture on fish communities in South Brazilian grasslands.
Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Composition of Rose Oils from Various Geographic Origins, in Particular Bulgarian Rose Oil

In the present study we evaluated the composition and antimicrobial activity of various rose oils from Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, Iran and China against three Gram-positive, three Gram-negative bacteria and two yeasts. The composition of the studied essential oils was determined by GC and GC/MS. Citronellol was the major compound of all the oil samples: 31.7% (Chinese oil); 32.6% (Iranian oil); 33.6% (Moroccan oil); 34.9% (Bulgarian oil) and 38,7 % (Turkish oil). For the Bulgarian oil we could determine the highest activity against all microorganisms. Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 was the most sensitive strain to Bulgarian rose oil (MCC 128 μg/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9627 and P. fluorescens were more resistible strains (MCC 4096 μg/mL). Antimicrobial activity of rose oils is mainly due to the action of oxygenated acyclic monoterpenes citronellol, geraniol, nerol and linalool, their acetate derivatives and the phenolic compound eugenol.
Paleosquilla gen. nov., a stomatopod (Crustacea) from the Cretaceous of Colombia

The first occurrence of a fossil stomatopod (Crustacea: Malacostraca) from South America, Paleosquilla brevicoxa gen. et sp. nov., is recorded from the Cretaceous of Colombia. This species exhibits some primitive characters which possibly indicate a phyletic position near the base of the modern families.
Pengaruh Dukungan Sosial dan Efikasi Diri Terhadap Minat Melanjutkan Pendidikan ke Perguruan Tinggi Pada Siswa SMA Negeri 1 Tenggarong Seberang

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat apakah ada pengaruh antara dukungan sosial dan efikasi diri terhadap minat melanjutkan pendidikan ke perguruan tinggi pada Siswa SMA. Sampel penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas XII di SMA Negeri 1 Tenggarong Seberang sebanyak 50 siswa. Data penelitian ini dikumpulkan dengan skala dukungan sosial, skala efikasi diri, dan skala minat melanjutkan pendidikan dengan model skala likert. Data yang dikumpul dianalisis dengan uji regresi dengan bantuan program Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 17.0 for Windows. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif yang signifikan antara dukungan sosial dan efikasi diri terhadap minat melanjutkan pendidikan pada siswa kelas XII di SMA Negeri 1 Tenggarong Seberang dengan nilai Fhitung = 10.476, Ftabel = 0.042, R2 = 0.308, dan p = 0.000. Kemudian dari hasil analisis regresi bertahap didapatkan hasil bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif yang signifikan antara dukungan sosial terhadap minat melanjutkan pendidikan dengan beta = 0.299, thitung = 2.242, ttabel = 2.012, dan p = 0.030. Kemudian pada efikasi diri terhadap minat melanjutkan pendidikan memiliki pengaruh yang positif yang signifikan dengan beta = 0.361, thitung = 2.713, ttabel = 2.012, dan p = 0.009.
Observations on Gas Exchange in the Developing Sultana Berry

In its early phases of growth the grape berry, although lacking stomata, shows measurable photosynthetic activity. There also exists a capacity for dark C02 fixation following a period of illumination and a relatively high rate of dark respiration (expressed as 02 uptake) with a respiratory quotient which is less than unity. Oxygen uptake can be completely arrested by illumination.
DISTRIBUTION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS, PECTINS AND HEMICELLULOSES IN MATURE PIT MEMBRANES AND ITS VARIATION BETWEEN PIT TYPES IN ENGLISH OAK XYLEM ( QUERCUS ROBUR )

Although there is considerable information on the chemistry of bordered intervessel pit membranes, little is known on the pit membrane chemistry of other pit types in hardwoods. This study investigated distribution of phenolic compounds, pectins and hemicelluloses in different mature pit membranes of English oak xylem using transmission electron microscopy coupled with cytochemistry and immunocytochemistry. Mature bordered intertracheid (vasicentric)- and tracheid-vessel pits showed presence of xyloglucan and heteromannan (hemicelluloses) epitopes across the pit membrane (except for the annulus regions) with differences in amounts of epitopes between earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW). In contrast, pectin epitopes were detected only in the annulus regions of pit membranes. Unlike bordered pits, half-bordered (tracheary-parenchyma pits) and simple (parenchyma pits) pit membranes were rich in pectin epitopes but lacked heteromannan epitopes, indicating difference in pit membrane chemistry between pit types. Distribution of phenolic compounds also differed between pit types and between EW and LW. LW also showed great variations in distribution of phenolic compounds between vessels. Together, this study demonstrates that there are great variations in pit membrane chemistry between pit types and between EW and LW in English oak xylem.
EFFECT OF LIME AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER ON ACID SOILS AND BARLEY (HORDEUM VULGARE L.) PERFORMANCE IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF ETHIOPIA

SUMMARY Low soil pH and associated soil infertility problems are considered to be amongst the major challenges to barley production in the highlands of Ethiopia. In response to this, an experiment was conducted at low soil pH (< 5 H2O) site on the effects of different levels of lime and phosphorus (P) fertilizer on soil pH, exchangeable aluminium (Al3+), grain yield and yield components of barley during 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons. The experiment comprised factorial combinations of five lime rates (0, 0.55, 1.1, 1.65 and 2.2 t ha−1) and four P rates (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg ha−1) in a randomized complete block design in three replications. The amount of lime that was applied at each level was calculated on the basis of Al3+. Results of soil analysis after 2 years of liming showed that liming significantly (P < 0.05) increased soil pH, and markedly reduced exchangeable Al3+. Liming at the rate of 0.55, 1.1, 1.65 and 2.2 t ha−1 decreased Al3+ by 0.88, 1.11, 1.20 and 1.19 mill equivalents per 100 g of soil, and increased soil pH by 0.48, 0.71, 0.85 and 1.1 units, respectively. Amongst the liming treatments, liming at the rate of 1.65 and 2.2 t ha−1 gave significantly (P < 0.05) the highest grain yield and yield components of barley. However, grain yield obtained by applications of 1.65 and 2.2 t ha−1 lime was statistically comparable. By additions of 10, 20 and 30 kg P ha−1, grain yield of barley increased by about 29, 55 and 66% as compared to control (without P). During 2010, however, the combined applications 1.65 t ha−1 lime and 30 kg P ha−1 gave 133% more grain yields of barley relative to control (without P and lime). Therefore, sustainable barley production on acid soils in the central highlands of Ethiopia should entail combined applications of both lime and P fertilizer.
Effect of Antimalarial Drugs on Polymerization of Sickle Cell Hemoglobin (HbS)

Aim and Method: The effect of antimalarial drugs (Coartem TM , Quinine, and Chloroquine phosphate) on polymerization of sickle cell hemoglobin (HbS) was studied spectrophotometrically using hemolysates of HbS containing erythrocytes treated with sodium metabisulphite in the presence of each antimalarial drug. Results: Each drug caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in HbS polymerization: Coartem TM (17.05-31.07 %), Quinine (13.95-28.85 %) and Chloroquine phosphate (10.85-33.01 %). Conclusion: We conclude that each of the three drugs reduced HbS polymerization and are a potential candidate for therapy and management of sickle cell disease.
Genetic variability and divergence studies in cluster bean(Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) under hill zone of Karnataka, India

Eighteen genotypes of cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] were evaluated to estimate variability, broad sense heritability, genetic advance over mean and diversity for vegetable pod yield and related attributes, during summer 2014-15. Maximum range of variability was observed for number of vegetable pods per plant, number of clusters per plant and pod yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic gain in percentage was observed for number of pods per plant, number of clusters per plant, pod yield and days to first flowering. The maximum intra cluster distance was observed in cluster I and intercluster distance was high between cluster I and cluster III, this indicated wide range of variability among clusters. The per cent contribution towards genetic diversity was high for dry pod yield per plant (29.41%) followed by number of dry pods per plant (24.18%) and seed yield per plant (16.99 %).
Swimming and bipedal bottom-running in the pig-nosed turtle Carettochelys insculpta Ramsay, 1886

ABSTRACT The pig-nosed freshwater turtle Carettochelys insculpta Ramsay, 1886 has paddle-shaped foreflippers that resemble those of sea turtles. These turtles exhibit a wide range of swimming capabilities. As well as swimming by the action of synchronized foreflippers alone, they sometimes used alternate hindlimb action at the same time. They could swim by ipsilaterally synchronized action of all four limbs, or by hindlimb action alone (combined with stabilizer/lift function of the foreflippers). The turtles also showed flexibility in bottom-walking. Besides the ipsilaterally synchronized quadrupedal action characteristic of other freshwater turtles, they exhibited a bipedal walking mechanism never previously described. Propelled by alternate action of the hindlimbs, the animals held the head and plastron above the substratum, with the large foreflippers acting to provide anterior lift and stability against roll and yaw. Because both hindlimbs were sometimes off the substratum simultaneously during bipedal locomotion, their duty factors were < 0.5, implying a bipedal run.