Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An IFN-γ-Dependent Pathway Controls Stimulation of Memory Phenotype CD8+ T Cell Turnover In Vivo by IL-12, IL-18, and IFN-γ1

Unlike naive T cells, memory phenotype (CD44high) T cells exhibit a high background rate of turnover in vivo. Previous studies showed that the turnover of memory phenotype CD8+ (but not CD4+) cells in vivo can be considerably enhanced by products of infectious agents such as LPS. Such stimulation is TCR independent and hinges on the release of type I IFNs (IFN-I) which leads to the production of an effector cytokine, probably IL-15. In this study, we describe a second pathway of CD44high CD8+ stimulation in vivo. This pathway is IFN-γ rather than IFN-I dependent and is mediated by at least three cytokines, IL-12, IL-18, and IFN-γ. As for IFN-I, these three cytokines are nonstimulatory for purified T cells and under in vivo conditions probably act via production of IL-15.
Maintenance of female-bias in a polygenic sex determination system is consistent with genomic conflict

The response of plants to climate change is among the main questions in ecology and evolution. Faced with changing conditions, populations may respond by adapting, going extinct or migrating. Fine-scale environmental variation offers a unique mosaic to explore these alternatives. In this thesis, I used ecological surveys, field experiments and molecular methods to study the range of possible responses at a very local scale in the alpine dwarf willow Salix herbacea L. Since gene flow may impact the potential for adaptation and migration, I first explored whether phenological divergence driven by snowmelt patterns impacts gene flow. I found that sites with late snowmelt work as sinks of the genetic diversity, as compared to sites with early snowmelt. I also used a combined approach that looked at the selection, heritability and genomic architecture of ecologically-relevant traits, as well as genomic divergence across the snowmelt mosaic. In this way, I was able to understand which genomic regions may relate to phenological, growth and fitness traits, and which regions in the genome harbor genetic variation associated with late- and early- snowmelt sites. I found that most of the genomic divergence driven by snowmelt is novel and is localized in few regions. Also, Salix herbacea has a strong female bias. Sex bias may matter for adaptation to climate change because different sexes of many dioecious species differ in several functions that may fluctuate with changing conditions. I found that the bias is uniform across environments and is already present at seeds and seedlings. A polygenic sex determination system together with transmission distortion may be maintaining the bias. Overall, fast-evolving microhabitat-driven genomic divergence and, at the same time, genetically-based trait variation at a larger scale may play a role for the ability of S. herbacea to persist in diverse and variable conditions.
The role of melano‐macrophage centres in iron storage in normal and diseased fish

The spleen, kidney and liver melano-macrophage centres of 14 species of clinically normal teleost fish were examined histochemically for ferric iron. Iron was present in varying amounts within the splenic centres of most specimens, but by contrast it was rarely found in the centres of the kidney and the liver. Under conditions of starvation and in diseased fish, a markedly increased deposition of ferric iron occurred in the splenic centres of nearly all fish examined. By comparison, the iron content in the kidney and liver centres was generally still very low. These results suggest that there exist important functional differences between the pigment centres of different haemopoietic tissues of teleosts.
Pattern and Transition of Surficial Bone Texture of the Centrosaurine Frill and Their Ontogenetic and Taxonomic Implications

ABSTRACT Distinct textures have been observed on the surface of the parietals and squamosals of centrosaurine dinosaurs. It is widely held that they exhibit an ontogenetic succession and can be used as an index of progressive agerelated changes. To date, the pattern of texture expression across the parietals and squamosals has not been traced. The pattern of transition from long-grained to subsequent textures on centrosaurine parietals is investigated by mapping their distribution on a size series hypothesized to represent an ontogenetic series. These data reveal a distinct and conservative pattern of texture occurrence and transition across all examined centrosaurine taxa. Small (putatively juvenile) specimens exhibit striated or long-grained texture, whereas the largest elements (presumed adult) demonstrate the complete absence of this texture. The transition from exclusively long-grained to total absence of long-grained texture is characterized by surficial changes in two regions: (1) the long-grained texture regresses along a front situated lateral and posterior to the parietal fenestrae, and (2) an anterior to posterior series of point source ‘islands’ forms along the dorsal midline of the parietal, associated with the midline undulations. Our findings are consistent with the interpretation that the surface texture change is associated with growth and aging, and have implications for the taxonomy of both immature individuals and small-bodied taxa. Investigation of texture transitions subsequent to the long-grained to mottled transition (the mottled to adult transition) await the assembly of suitable series of nearly full grown conspecific individuals and cannot be reliably assessed employing the methodology used herein.
Factors Affecting Life Time Production Traits of Ongole Cattle

The data on Ongole 283 cows maintained at four farms, spread over a period of 18 years from 1985 to 2001 were analyzed. The overall least squares means for life time milk yield, herd life, productive life, milk yield per day of herd life and productive life; wet days and dry days per herd life; wet days and dry days per productive life and gestation period per herd life and productive life were 3805.88 kg, 3773.84 days, 2287.48 days, 1.00 and 1.67 kg; 32.15% and 67.85%; 53.58% and 46.41% and 39.46% and 66.54%, respectively. The effect of farm was significant on all the life time traits studied except wet days per herd life and productive life percentages. Period of birth significantly influenced all the life time production traits studied except life time milk yield and productive life. Significant influence of season of birth was observed on life time milk yield, milk yield per day of herd life and milk yield per day of productive life, while set of the bulls had no significant influence on any of the life time production traits studied. The life time performance of the animals of Lam farm was superior, followed by those of Chadalawada, Mahanandi and Chintaladevi farms. The heritabilities of life time production traits ranged from low to high. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between productive traits were positive while the traits related with dry period and gestation period showed negative association with the traits under study.
Differential Effects of IL-2 and IL-15 on the Death and Survival of Activated TCRγδ+ Intestinal Intraepithelial Lymphocytes

TCRγδ+ cells are enriched in the intestine mucosa and constitute approximately half of the intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIEL) in mice. They are likely activated by self and foreign Ags in situ, but little is known about how the activated γδ iIEL are regulated. In the iIEL compartment, IL-2 is produced by activated TCRαβ+ iIEL, and IL-15 message is detected in iIEL and in the epithelial cells. We found surface expression of IL-2 as well as IL-15Rs on activated γδ iIEL, and examined the effects of IL-2 and IL-15 on the survival and death of γδ iIEL during secondary stimulation through TCR. We found that both cytokines supported growth of the restimulated γδ iIEL, but exerted different effects on their survival. A significant higher number of live cells were recovered from the γδ iIEL cultures restimulated in IL-15 than in IL-2. Quantitation of apoptotic cells showed more cell death in the IL-2 group than in the IL-15 group. The cell death was associated with restimulation through TCR and was not caused by insufficient growth factor, thus representing activation-induced cell death. Western blot analyses found no difference in the levels of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins between the two groups. However, the level of Bcl-xL protein diminished with time in the IL-2 group whereas the level was sustained in the IL-15 group, which may contribute to the pro-survival effect of IL-15. These results demonstrated that the survival of activated γδ iIEL is differentially regulated by IL-2 and IL-15.
The ‘Galleria bait method’ for detection of entomopathogenic fungi in soil

The ‘Galleria bait method’ originally described for trapping of entomoparasitic nematodes in soil has been used successfully also for the detection of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi. In many soil samples several species, such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarrhizium anisopliae or Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, could be detected. This method can be applied for various ecological studies independent of the season and the occurrence of soil inhabiting host insects.
Morphometric Evidence of Hybrid Swarms in Mixed Populations of Polystichum munitum and P. imbricans (Dryopteridaceae)

Hybridization of fern species has rarely led to the formation of swarms of fertile, segregating, homoploid variants. However, we found mixed populations of Polystichum munitum and P. imbricans that included readily identifiable sterile hybrids and individuals with varying blends of the characteristics of the two species. An investigation was undertaken to test the hy- pothesis that hybridization between P. munitum and P. imbricans is followed by backcrossing at the diploid level, leading to the formation of hybrid swarms. Fronds collected from plants of 14 mixed populations of the two species were identified on the basis of spore morphology as one of the two species or as a hybrid. Pure populations of the two species were also sampled to provide morpho- logical standards for the analyses. Each specimen was then scored for 11 micro- and macromor- phological characteristics, and the data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques. Results from analyses of morphology, spore germination, and allozyme electrophoresis support the hypothesis that hybridization between P. munitum and P. imbricans can lead to the formation of homoploid hybrid swarms. The species come into contact in habitat that is transitional between the mesic and xeric sites typical for P. munitum and P. imbricans, respectively. Disturbance appears to aid in the establishment of hybrid swarms, and selection may favor recombinant individuals in this intermediate habitat; this could account for the abundance of hybrids in the Klamath Mts. of northwestern California. These conclusions are remarkable for they propose the only known ex- ample of diploid level hybrid swarms in temperate zone pteridophytes.
Individual variability and population regulation: an individual‐based model

To study the influence of individual variability on population dynamics an individual-based model of the dynamics of a single population consisting of different individuals is constructed. The model is based on differences in individual assimilation rates due to intraspecific competition and variability of initial weights. The model exhibits “imperfect regulation”, i.e., the number of individuals in the population oscillates and sooner or later the population becomes extinct. When individual variability is included, the model produces longer population extinction times than without individual variability. The average extinction time is not however a monotonic function of the degree of individual variability.
Use of sugars by intraradical hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi revealed by radiorespirometry.

Evolution of 14 CO2 from onion roots and the intraradical hyphae of Gigaspora margarita Becker & Hall was examined by radiorespirometry after addition of 14 C-labelled glucose or sucrose to mycorrhizal or non-mycorrhizal roots. In mycorrhizas, the respiration rate from glucose was about twice that from sucrose. The respiration rate from glucose in the mycorrhizas was much higher than that in the non-mycorrhizal roots, but no differences between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal roots were found in the respiration from sucrose. Intraradical hyphae were isolated from mycorrhizas by enzyme digestion and homogenization followed by Percoll® gradient centrifugation. The 14 C-labelled glucose, fructose or sucrose was added to the isolated hyphae and the subsequent evolution of 14 CO2 was measured. The hyphae mainly used glucose as a substrate for respiration. Although sucrose or fructose was utilized to some degree, the respiration rate from glucose was much higher than that from sucrose and fructose. This is the first direct evidence of use of glucose by the intraradical hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the symbiotic state.
Potencial antiinflamatório de Annona glabra, Annonaceae

Annona glabra Linneau, Annonaceae, is a small tree that grows over the Brazilian territory particularly in its coast, and is known as "araticum-do-brejo" and "araticum-bravo". The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the extract of A. glabra and its purified kaurenoic acid on the locomotion of human granulocytes and their immunomodulatory potential. The results herein presented showed a dose-dependent inhibition of the granulocyte migration for the extract, suggesting an anti-inflammatory activity, in contrast with a striking stimulation observed for the kaurenoic acid. When focusing immunomodulation properties, no activity could be drawn. The effects presented in this work are reported for the first time and extend the list of biological activities already described for the A. glabra extract as well as for the kaurenoic acid.
Identification des réseaux transcriptionnnels de résistance aux antifongiques chez Candida albicans

Plusieurs souches cliniques de Candida albicans resistantes aux medicaments antifongiques azoles surexpriment des genes encodant des effecteurs de la resistance appartenant a deux classes fonctionnelles : i) des transporteurs expulsant les azoles, CDR1, CDR2 et MDR1 et ii) la cible des azoles 14-lanosterol demethylase encodee par ERG11. La surexpression de ces genes est due a la selection de mutations activatrices dans des facteurs de transcription a doigts de zinc de la famille zinc cluster (Zn2Cys6) qui controlent leur expression : Tac1p (Transcriptional activator of CDR genes 1) controlant l’expression de CDR1 et CDR2, Mrr1p (Multidrug resistance regulator 1), regulant celle de MDR1 et Upc2p (Uptake control 2), controlant celle d’ERG11. Un autre effecteur de la resistance clinique aux azoles est PDR16, encodant une transferase de phospholipides, dont la surexpression accompagne souvent celle de CDR1 et CDR2, suggerant que les trois genes appartiennent au meme regulon, potentiellement celui de Tac1p. De plus, la regulation transcriptionnelle du gene MDR1 ne depend pas seulement de Mrr1p, mais aussi du facteur de transcription de la famille basic-leucine zipper Cap1p (Candida activator protein 1), un regulateur majeur de la reponse au stress oxydatif chez C. albicans qui, lorsque mute, induit une surexpression constitutive de MDR1 conferant la resistance aux azoles. Ces observations suggerent qu’un reseau de regulation transcriptionnelle complexe controle le processus de resistance aux antifongiques azoles chez C. albicans. L’objectif de mon projet au doctorat etait d’identifier les cibles transcriptionnelles directes des facteurs de transcription Tac1p, Upc2p et Cap1p, en me servant d’approches genetiques et de genomique fonctionnelle, afin de i) caracteriser leur reseau transcriptionnel et les modules transcriptionnels qui sont sous leur controle direct, et ii) d’inferer leurs fonctions biologiques et ainsi mieux comprendre leur role dans la resistance aux azoles. Dans un premier volet, j’ai demontre, par des experiences de genetique, que Tac1p controle non seulement la surexpression de CDR1 et CDR2 mais aussi celle de PDR16. Mes resultats ont identifie une nouvelle mutation activatrice de Tac1p (N972D) et ont revele la participation d’un autre regulateur dans le controle transcriptionnel de CDR1 et PDR16 dont l’identite est encore inconnue. Une combinaison d’experiences de transcriptomique et d’immunoprecipitation de la chromatine couplee a l’hybridation sur des biopuces a ADN (ChIP-chip) m’a permis d’identifier plusieurs genes dont l’expression est controlee in vivo et directement par Tac1p (PDR16, CDR1, CDR2, ERG2, autres), Upc2p (ERG11, ERG2, MDR1, CDR1, autres) et Cap1p (MDR1, GCY1, GLR1, autres). Ces experiences ont revele qu’Upc2p ne controle pas seulement l’expression d’ERG11, mais aussi celle de MDR1 et CDR1. Plusieurs nouvelles proprietes fonctionnelles de ces regulateurs ont ete caracterisees, notamment la liaison in vivo de Tac1p aux promoteurs de ses cibles de facon constitutive et independamment de…
Hybridization of Two Megacephalic Map Turtles (Testudines: Emydidae: Graptemys) in the Choctawhatchee River Drainage of Alabama and Florida

Map turtles of the genus Graptemys are highly aquatic and rarely undergo terrestrial movements, and limited dispersal among drainages has been hypothesized to drive drainage-specific endemism and high species richness of this group in the southeastern United States. Until recently, two members of the megacephalic “pulchra clade,” Graptemys barbouri and Graptemys ernsti, were presumed to be allopatric with a gap in both species' ranges in the Choctawhatchee River drainage. In this paper, we analyzed variation in morphology (head and shell patterns) and genetics (mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci) from G. barbouri, G. ernsti, and Graptemys sp. collected from the Choctawhatchee River drainage, and we document the syntopic occurrence of those species and back-crossed individuals of mixed ancestry in the Choctawhatchee River drainage. Our results provide a first counter-example to the pattern of drainage-specific endemism in megacephalic Graptemys. Geologic events associated with Pliocene and Pleistocene sea level fluctuations and the existence of paleo-river systems appear to have allowed the invasion of the Choctawhatchee system by these species, and the subsequent introgression likely predates any potential human-mediated introduction.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Horse Breeds Using Microsatellite Makers

To assist in selection schemes we estimate the genetic diversity of the horse breeds. Genetic diversity at 13 microsatellite loci was compared in six horse breeds : Jeju Native Horse, American Quarter, Jeju Racing Horse, Mongolian Horse, Japanese Horse and Thoroughbred. All of the equine microsatellite used in this study were amplified and were polymorphic. The expected total heterozygosity over all the populations varied between 0.669 and 0.869 and the expected heterozygosity within population range from 0.569 to 0.219 in this study. The low coefficient of gene differentiation value showed that only 0.118 of the diversity was between horses breeds. The constructed dendrogram from the genetic distance matrix showed little differentiation between horse breeds using DISPAN program. The genetic distance using 13 microsatellites ranged between 0.137 and 0.414 for the six horse breeds. These results confirm the potential use of equine microsatellite loci as a tool for genetic studies in horse populations. The genetic diversity of the six horse breeds to each other closed to their geographical distribution. Suggesting that the loci would be suitable for horse breeds parentage testing. Therefore, Microsatellite marker seems to be very useful for clarifying the evolutionary relationships of closely related populations.
MapTap and Cornelia Slow Digital Art History and Formal Art Historical Social Network Research

Abstract The essay introduces MapTap, a research project that zooms in on the ever-changing social networks underpinning Flemish tapestry (1620 – 1720). MapTap develops the young and still slightly amorphous field of Formal Art Historical Social Network Research (FAHSNR) and is fueled by Cornelia, a custom-made database. Cornelia’s unique data model allows researchers to organize attribution and relational data from a wide array of sources in such a way that the complex multiplex and multimode networks emerging from the data can be transformed into partial unimode networks that enable proper FAHSNR. A case study revealing the key roles played by women in the tapestry landscape shows how this kind of slow digital art history can further our understanding of early modern creative communities and industries.
Experimental measurement of hydrosystem- induced delayed mortality in juvenile Snake River spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) using a large-scale acoustic array

Out-migrating Snake River salmon smolts must pass eight major hydro dams before reaching the Pacific Ocean. Direct mortality at the dams is generally low; however, the cumulative stress caused by dam passage is hypothesized to re- sult in delayed mortality, which occurs beyond the impounded section of the river. We tested the delayed mortality hy- pothesis by comparing in-river and early ocean survival of hatchery-origin spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from the Snake River to a mid-Columbia River population that passes through only four dams and has higher smolt to adult return rates. Smolts >140 mm fork length were implanted with acoustic transmitters and tracked with the Pacific Ocean Shelf Tracking (POST) array to as far as Alaska. There was no detectable difference in survivorship to the first ocean detection line, 274 km beyond the final dam (SSnake = 29% ± 4%, SYakima = 28% ± 5%), indicating that the sur- vival disparity observed in adult return rates may develop later in the marine life history phase. Our study is the first to es- timate survival in the coastal ocean and demonstrates the utility of a large-scale array in testing previously intractable hypotheses.