Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of two human gene clusters involved in innate immunity

Human body surfaces are defended by epithelia, which provide the initial physical barrier against potential harmful microorganisms. Epithelia also provide chemical barriers to microbial colonization including low pH, hydrolytic enzymes, and defense molecules such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The number of reports demonstrating the presence and upregulation of AMPs in human skin is increasing and reflects the significance of these peptides in cutaneous innate immunity. This thesis has performed an exhaustive characterization of two coherent gene clusters, S100 fused-type proteins (SFTPs) and kazal type serine protease inhibitors (SPINKs), with a part of the effort to elucidate the molecular mechanism of innate immunity in the skin. Included is expression analyses of various novel genes identified in primary keratinocytes and generation of goat antisera against recombinant hornerin fragments and recombinant LEKTI-2, respectively.
Tone of Voice or What Was Said? The Impression Non-Native Speakers of English Make on Australian English Native Listeners.

This study investigates the relative impact of verbal expression and tone of voice when native speakers of English form an impression of non-native speech. Four expressions of inquiry uttered in two tones by non-native speakers were judged by native listeners and analyzed using an ordinal Probit model. Plain expressions received lower scores than polite expressions in both tones, suggesting that appropriate expression is more important than tone of voice. It was found that while a friendly tone can enhance listeners’ impression on speakers, particularly when the expression is plain, the impact of tone of voice is less evident when appropriate expressions are used. The study revealed no statistically significant gender differences. On the basis of the study, we offer a pedagogical suggestion that beginners need some instruction to guide their choice of textbook expressions for an effective realworld interaction.
Exploiting Germplasm Diversity For Triterpene Saponin Biosynthetic Gene Discovery Using Integrated Metabolomics And Transcriptomics

The model legume Medicago truncatula is known to accumulate a large variety of triterpene saponin compounds, resulting from the differential glycosylation of at least six triterpeneaglycone structures. Previous chemical analyses (using FT-ICR-MS) analyses indicate that there may be several hundred saponin compounds in Medicago
Labor market impacts of employment quotas for the disabled in Brazil

The occupational achievements of people with disabilities and those with less severe functional limitations are analyzed before and after the implementation of employment quotas. The differentials are decomposed into (i) productive or socioeconomic factors; and (ii) unobservable factors such as discrimination and other social constraints. The unobservable difficulties, which play an important role in determining differences in employment rates, reduced substantially, especially for people with more severe limitations. However, while these workers continue to obtain low paid jobs, those most qualified with less severe limitations attained better occupational positions, and hence, higher wages.
Effect of Antioxidant Rich Spices, Clove and Cardamom Extracts on theMetabolic Enzyme Activity of Labeo rohita

The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of clove (Cl) and cardamom (Cd) extracts as natural antioxidants in the diet of Labeo rohita fingerlings. Both the spice extracts were mixed separately or in combination at the level of 0.5 and 1.0%. Thus, seven experimental diets were Cl-0.5, Cl-1.0, Cd-0.5, Cd-1.0, CC-0.5 and CC-1.0 and control with no extract. The results revealed that, SOD and CAT activities were significantly (p<0.05) higher in Cl-0.5 compared to the control. AST, ALT, LDH, MDH, G-6-Pase, activities in liver and muscle decreased significantly (p<0.05) in all treated groups. Significantly (p<0.01) lowest activity was observed in treatment group fed with clove extract (0.5%) as compared to the control. The results suggest that the dietary administration of clove extract supplementation at a concentration of 0.5% level possess good anti-stress activity.
Functional Response of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) to Densities of Its Host, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psylloidea)

Abstract Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) spread rapidly in Florida following first release in 1999 for control of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Psylloidea). However, rapid spread of huanglongbing (HLB) has created a need for more effective biological control through augmentation and thus the necessity to better understand the potential of this parasitoid. Therefore, the functional response of fecundity to host density was evaluated to provide a possible indicator of success and useful information for mass rearing of T. radiata. The experimental unit consisted of a single 3-d-old female in a centrifuge tube with a young Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack (Rutaceae) shoot infested with a range of 1–60 fourth-instar D. citri nymphs. Shoots were changed daily for 5 d and the nymphs containing one or more parasitoid eggs noted. The number of hosts parasitized daily increased from 0.7 to 11.2 on average as host density increased from 1 to 40, above which it remained relatively constant. Percent parasitism was as high as 73.3% at density 1, but decreased at greater host densities. A random parasite equation was selected as the best-fit model, from which we obtained an attack coefficient of 12.7cm2/h, and handling time of 0.873 hour per host. We proposed the term “adjusted searching efficiency” to express the attack coefficient as a function of searching area. Similarities and differences with previous studies are discussed, as well as the need to reconcile parameters with actual behavior of T. radiata.
The serotonin 6 receptor controls neuronal migration during corticogenesis via a ligand-independent Cdk5-dependent mechanism

The formation of a laminar structure such as the mammalian neocortex relies on the coordinated migration of different subtypes of excitatory pyramidal neurons in specific layers. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a master regulator of pyramidal neuron migration. Recently, we have shown that Cdk5 binds to the serotonin 6 receptor (5-HT6R), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Here, we investigated the role of 5-HT6R in the positioning and migration of pyramidal neurons during mouse corticogenesis. We report that constitutive expression of 5-HT6R controls pyramidal neuron migration through an agonist-independent mechanism that requires Cdk5 activity. These data provide the first in vivo evidence of a role for constitutive activity at a GPCR in neocortical radial
Vegetation classification and the efficacy of plant dominance-based classifications in predicting the occurrence of plant and animal species

Vegetation Classification and the Efficacy of Plant Dominance-Based Classifications in Predicting the Occurrence of Plant and Animal Species. (August 2005) James Hugh Yantis, B.A., The University of Texas at Austin; M.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Nova J. Silvy One strategy for conserving biodiversity is to select large-area preserves that complement each other so the maximum number of species is conserved. Estimates of biodiversity and complementarity are needed for optimum selection of preserves. Comparisons are made in part by defining and mapping vegetation associations under the assumption that candidate areas with no associations in common likely have high complementarity. Conversely, areas with many associations in common have low complementarity. Vegetation associations are often distinguished on the basis of the dominant plant species. Associations with markedly different dominants (e.g., evergreen and deciduous trees) are expected to indicate high complementarity. In this study I evaluated the complementarity of an evergreen forest and a deciduous forest. I also evaluated a dichotomy of subsoil texture. I compared 6 groups of species: (1) woody plants (Dicotyledonae), (2) birds (Aves), (3) small mammals (Mammalia) plus herptiles (Amphibia) and (Reptilia), (4) beetles
Biological Control in India

Natural enemies of crop pests are mainly responsible for checking the population build up of the crop pests in the nature. However, in the past five decades indiscriminate use of pesticides has altered the natural balance resulting in frequent pest outbreaks and minor pests attaining major status in many crop ecosystems. Recent outbreaks include citrus black fly Aleurocanfhus woglumi Ashby, cotton whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), sugarcane Pyrilla Pyrillaperpusilla (Walker) and cotton boll worm Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). Some of the pests such as rice leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee), green leafhopper Nephotettix spp. , white blacked plant hopper Sogatellafurcifera (Horvath) in rice ecosystem and old world boll worm Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in cotton have become serious pests which were once of no economic importance. Indiscriminate use of pesticides has resulted in development of resistance to many pesticides in H. armigera, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal.), Plutella xylostella (Linn.), Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess), etc.
Molecular characterization of components of the nuclear pore complex and the nuclear import system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the site of the bidirectional traffic of macromolecules into and out of the nucleus. Components of the NPC are responsible for regulating the active transport of macromolecules as well as organizing the structure of the nuclear envelope. This work documents the identification and characterization of two components of the NPC in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae that function directly in the nuclear import reaction, but also affect nuclear structure. Furthermore, I show that defects in the nuclear import of proteins lead to unexpected effects on the cell cycle, which may be evidence for a new level of regulation of mitosis. The NUP2 gene encodes a 78kD protein that belongs to a family of NPC components known as XFXFG nucleoporins. NUP2 was cloned by its crossreactivity with an antibody raised against mammalian nucleoporins. Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals that Nup2 is located in the NPC in yeast. NUP2 is not essential, but NUP2 is required when either of the two other XFXFG nucleoporins, NSP1 or NUPI are mutated. In mammalian cells it has been shown that XFXFG nucleoporins participate in the nuclear import of proteins. NUP2 also exhibits homology to another recently identified group of soluble proteins that participate in nuclear import, known as RAN binding proteins (RanBPs). These are proteins that have been identified by their ability to bind to the small GTPase required for nuclear import, RAN/TC4.
Species discrimination through DNA barcoding in the genus Salacia of the Western Ghats in India

The genus Salacia (Celastraceae) is a source of many important pharmaceutical chemicals used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine in India. Owing to morphological similarities between species, the taxonomy of Salacia is complex and not fully settled. To ensure quality and assured therapeutic effects in the raw drugs from the genus, proper identification at the species level is critical. The main objective of this study was to find suitable DNA barcodes that can accurately and efficiently identify the potential medicinal species of the genus. Among the barcode loci analyzed, ITS2 exhibited the highest interspecific divergence, followed by trnH-psbA, matK and rbcL. A clear barcoding gap was evident for the ITS2 barcode region whereas it was less conspicuous for trnH-psbA and matK. The ITS2 barcode could discriminate all the eight analyzed Salacia species with 100% accuracy. We therefore propose barcoding with ITS2 to confirm the taxonomic identity of the raw drugs in the market. Further, the ITS2 region can be recommended for biosystematic studies in the genus.
Collagen type I–PLGA film as an efficient substratum for corneal endothelial cells regeneration

Surface modulations of desired biological construct design for regenerative medical therapy is considered to be highly crucial for cell growth and the subsequent regeneration of biologically competent tissues. In this study, we fabricated stable, transparent, collagen type‐I‐coated PLGA films (Col I–PLGA) as a potential substratum for the regeneration of corneal endothelial cells. Morphological and structural properties were analysed by FE–SEM, AFM, FTIR, contact angle, etc., and in vitro biocompatibility of the Col I–PLGA films was further tested in primary rabbit corneal endothelial cells (rCEnCs) as models. Compared with bare PLGA films, the Col I–PLGA films displayed the requisite surface roughness, with higher Ra (nm) values, transparency, good hydrophilicity, stability and water uptake. Next, cultured rCEnCs on Col I–PLGA films showed the characteristic polygonal shape of rCEnCs with enhanced initial attachment, proliferation and expression of mRNAs. Collectively, these results indicate that Col I–PLGA can be employed as a suitable alternative for high‐quality corneal tissue expansion and transplantation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimum habitat thresholds required for conserving mountain lion genetic diversity

Abstract Jointly considering the ecology (e.g., habitat use) and genetics (e.g., population genetic structure and diversity) of a species can increase understanding of current conservation status and inform future management practices. Previous analyses indicate that mountain lion (Puma concolor) populations in California are genetically structured and exhibit extreme variation in population genetic diversity. Although human development may have fragmented gene flow, we hypothesized the quantity and quality of remaining habitat available would affect the genetic viability of each population. Our results indicate that area of suitable habitat, determined via a resource selection function derived using 843,500 location fixes from 263 radio‐collared mountain lions, is strongly and positively associated with population genetic diversity and viability metrics, particularly with effective population size. Our results suggested that contiguous habitat of ≥10,000 km2 may be sufficient to alleviate the negative effects of genetic drift and inbreeding, allowing mountain lion populations to maintain suitable effective population sizes. Areas occupied by five of the nine geographic–genetic mountain lion populations in California fell below this habitat threshold, and two (Santa Monica Area and Santa Ana) of those five populations lack connectivity to nearby populations. Enhancing ecological conditions by protection of greater areas of suitable habitat and facilitating positive evolutionary processes by increasing connectivity (e.g., road‐crossing structures) might promote persistence of small or isolated populations. The conservation status of suitable habitat also appeared to influence genetic diversity of populations. Thus, our results demonstrate that both the area and status (i.e., protected or unprotected) of suitable habitat influence the genetic viability of mountain lion populations.
Variability, selection, and constraints: development and evolution in viverravid (Carnivora, Mammalia) molar morphology

Developmental constraints presumably operate by influencing patterns of variability: when development causes some features to vary more than others and when the level of variability is correlated with evolutionary change, then development can be said to constrain evolution. This idea was tested by examining the relationship between tooth variation and three other factors: developmental processes, tooth function, and evolutionary change. Data came from two lineages of viverravid carnivorans (Viverravidae, Carnivora) from the Paleogene of North America. Variability in cusp position was significantly correlated with position in the developmental cascade, with the amount of intercusp growth (when growth is relatively greater in some cusps than others), and with amount of evolutionary change. This indicates that tooth development exerts a local constraint on phenotypic variability and on the evolutionary response to functional selection, but comparative data suggest that the developmental constraint itself may evolve. Intense directional or stabilizing selection may modify the developmental cascade so that the constraint is either removed or modified to permit new evolutionary patterns. Thus development does not constrain evolution in an absolute sense, but rather introduces modifiable patterns of covariance among crown features. Both development and function seem to play important, intertwined roles in coordinating evolutionary change in mammalian molars.
Magnesium Silicate Polymer as a Coagulant for Reactive Dye Removal from Wastewater: Considering the Intrinsic pH in Magnesium Silicate Polymer and Coagulation Behavior

A magnesium silicate polymeric coagulant (MgSiPC), which is an inorganic polymer for dye removal from wastewater, was prepared with different pH by copolymerization. The acidity was a key factor in the preparation of the MgSiPC. In the present research, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the characterization of optimum coagulants. Additionally, the response surface method (RSM) was applied to optimize the process of coagulation–flocculation. The results of FT-IR and XRD implied that the main components of the MgSiPC with pH 1.50–2.50 were almost the same. SEM images showed that MgSiPCs with pH 1.50–2.50 exhibited different structures including cluster and lamellar shape structure, compact rod-like and network structure, and a kind of irregular geometry shape structure. In the process of coagulation–flocculation, MgSiPCs with pH 1.50–2.50 showed highly efficient coagulation performance. The removal rate of reactive yellow 2(RY2) could reach above 90% at a dosage of 50–70 mg/L and initial pH 12.00, while the removal rate of reactive blue 2 (RB2) could attain above 93% at a dosage of 50–80 mg/L and initial pH 12.00. Moreover, MgSiPCs with pH 2.00 had the highest efficiency. The results of RSM showed that the optimum combination of the MgSiPC’s dosage and initial pH was 62 mg/L and 12.08 for RY2 and 78 mg/L and 12.00 for RB2, respectively. Under optimum experimental conditions, the predicted data from this model were 96% for RY2 and 100% for RB2, which was consistent with the actual experimental data. Therefore, a pH of 2.00 is considered to be the optimal acidity for preparing MgSiPCs.
Morphometric and geographical variation in the Ceratozamia mexicana Brongn. (Zamiaceae) complex: evolutionary and taxonomic implications

The Cycadales contain 11 nonproblematic genera and approximately 331 species where, in a number of cases, delimitation and circumscription is not so clear. Ceratozamia, the most diverse cycad genus in Mexico, clearly illustrates this situation because a large percentage (close to 70%) of the 28 currently valid species in the genus was recently described on the basis of inconspicuous differences. We evaluated population-level morphological variation (i.e. phenotype) in related plants of Ceratozamia that share geological and ecological units, seeking a refined taxonomic assessment of their populations in an explicitly evolutionary context. The populations/species of interest included the type species Ceratozamia mexicana, as well as the taxa Ceratozamia brevifrons, Ceratozamia decumbens, and Ceratozamia morettii. Data analysis was performed using uni- and multivariate techniques on morphological variability, which showed statistically significant differences. The characters ‘leaflet width’ and ‘leaflet shape’ supported diagnostic distinctions between groups of populations, and implied a classificatory rearrangement with nomenclatural consequences. This research is an initial step in the detailed, statistics-oriented study of phenotypic variation in the Ceratozamia populations of central Veracruz in Mexico that will allow the construction of evolutionary hypotheses in the context of phylogeography and historical demography.
Trophodynamics of Pleurobrachia pileus (Ctenophora, Cydippida) and ctenophore summer occurrence off the Norwegian North-West coast

Abstract Stomach-content analyses and laboratory experiments on Pleurobrachia pileus (Cydippida) showed an average digestion time of 2.0 h at 12°C and a high potential predation rate with highest daily ration in terms of prey carbon ingested as percent of predator body carbon for the calanoid copepod Calanus finmarchicus, the biggest prey tested Predation rate increased almost linearly with increased prey abundance over the whole range tested (12-1043 I−1 in start concentration) of mainly small-sized copepods. Tests of the importance of prey size showed an individual clearance rate of 6.1 1 day−1 with Calanus prey alone, which was depressed to 29 % of this when smaller prey was also present in high abundance. This is supposed to be an effect of handling time of prey in the feeding process. The laboratory results were used to estimate the impact of this species in Norwegian coastal waters. Abundance data were collected in summer from 56 stations between 63° and 69°N along a cruise track west of Norway. P. .
Biological observations of Centistes gasseni Shaw (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a parasitoid of Diabrotica spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

In 1992-1993, Centistes gasseni Shaw was imported into the United States, and in the laboratory successfully parasitized: southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber; banded cucumber beetle, D. balteata LeConte; western corn rootworm, D. virgifera virgifera LeConte; and striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma vittatum (F.). Males and females of C. gasseni lived an average of 15.4 and 12.9 days (with a maximum of 30 and 29 days), respectively. A single female oviposited in 383 host Diabrotica over her lifetime, from which 158 cocoons were recovered. Additional observations on the biology and rearing of the parasitoid are presented.
Squalius kottelati, a new cyprinid species (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Orontes River, Turkey

Squalius kottelati, new species, is described from the Orontes, Ceyhan and Seyhan rivers in Turkey. It belongs to the S. lepidus group, characterized by a projecting lower jaw. It is distinguished from the other species of the genus Squalius in Turkey and adjacent basins by having a conspicuous broad, dark stripe on the upper part of the flank, from the head to the end of the caudal peduncle (vs. absent or very faintly marked, except S. lepidus). It differs from S. lepidus by having a longer head (28.3–30.9, vs. 25.3–27.3 % SL), fewer lateral-line scales (45–47, vs. 48–49) and fewer gill rakers on the first gill arch (9–10, vs. 11–13). It differs from S. anatolicus by having more scales in the lateral line (45–47,mode 46 vs. 43–45, mode 44); a longer caudal fin (length of upper lobe 20.3–22.5, vs. 15.8–19.0 % SL).