Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EXTENDING THE RESOURCE CONCENTRATION HYPOTHESIS TO PLANT COMMUNITIES: EFFECTS OF LITTER AND HERBIVORES

We extend the resource concentration hypothesis (herbivorous insects are more likely to find and stay in more dense and less diverse patches of their host plants) to plant communities. Specifically, whenever superior plant competitors spread to form dense stands, they will be found and attacked by their specialist insect enemies. This will decrease host plant abundance, causing a reduction in standing crop biomass, which will indirectly increase subordinate competitors and plant species richness. In this study, we found that a native, specialist chrysomelid beetle (Trirhabda virgata) in an old-field community decreased total standing crop biomass, leading to an increase in plant species richness. This reduction in biomass was due solely to a reduction in the biomass of the beetle's host plant, meadow goldenrod (Solidago altissima), which was the dominant plant species in this community. Our results demonstrate that when a superior competitor increases in density, the per-stem impact of herbivores increase.
A critical review on feed value of coffee waste for livestock feeding

The objective of this review is to synthesize information available on the feeding value of coffee waste. In the diets of ruminants, waste and by-products of coffee have successfully used 10 to 30%. It has been claimed that the feeding of Coffee leaves extends the lactation period. Coffee pulp (dried or not), coffee hulls (sticky or dried) and coffee grounds (a by-product of instant coffee manufacture) have an overall deleterious effect on pigs. At certain growth stages, lower weight gain was attributed to phenolics in the coffee pulp. On the contrary, inclusion of dried coffee pulp rations at different levels had no significant influence on the feed intake, growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. Pigs fed with rations containing up to 15% of coffee pulp ensiled with 5% molasses had equal or better total weight gain than those fed commercial concentrates. At levels exceeding 10% in poultry diets, it produces toxic symptoms. Coffee pulp (13%) also did not affect the growth and feed efficiency of the fish Tilapia aurea. On the contrary, Caffeine dietary levels between 2.4 g/kg to 4.6 g/kg tended to reduce fish growth, feed intake and nutrient digestibility in tilapia fingerlings. Limiting the use of waste and byproducts of coffee by the animals is due to their caffeine content which diminishes the palatability and acceptance of husk and pulp by animals. Tannin and alkaloids affect their health and negatively affect the palatability of the diets. But drying, silage, physical (percolation), chemical (alcohol extraction) or microbiological (fermentation with Aspergillus niger) methods contribute to lower levels/ 10% dietary level/ of caffeine and tannins of waste and by-products of coffee.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Selectively Increases AMPA‐Receptor Subunit GluR1 Protein Level and Differentially Modulates Ca2+ Responses to AMPA and NMDA in Hippocampal Neurons

Abstract: The excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is believed to play important roles in development, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative conditions. Recent studies have shown that neurotrophic factors can modulate neuronal excitability and survival and neurite outgrowth responses to glutamate, but the mechanisms are unknown. The present study tested the hypothesis that neurotrophic factors modulate responses to glutamate by affecting the expression of specific glutamate‐receptor proteins. Exposure of cultured embryonic rat hippocampal cells to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) resulted in a concentration‐dependent increase in levels of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA)‐receptor subunit GluR1 protein as determined by western blot, dot‐blot, and immunocytochemical analyses. In contrast, bFGF did not alter levels of GluP2/3, GluR4, or the NMDA‐receptor subunit NR1. Nerve growth factor did not affect GluR1 levels. Calcium‐imaging studies revealed that elevation of [Ca2+]i, resulting from selective AMPA‐receptor activation, was enhanced in bFGF‐pretreated neurons. On the other hand, [Ca2+]i responses to NMDA‐receptor activation were suppressed in bFGF‐treated neurons, consistent with previous studies showing that bFGF can protect neurons against NMDA toxicity. Moreover, neurons pretreated with bFGF were relatively resistant to the toxicities of glutamate and AMPA, both of which were shown to be mediated by NMDA receptors. These data suggest that differential regulation of the expression of specific glutamate‐receptor subunits may be an important mechanism whereby neurotrophic factors modulate activity‐dependent neuronal plasticity and vulnerability to excitotoxicity.
A rapid and efficient method for primary culture of human adipose-derived stem cells

Adipose tissue contains some populations, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) which can differentiate into adipogenic, chondrogenic, osteogenic, myogenic, and endothelial cells. Furthermore, adipose tissue can be easily obtained in large quantities through a simple liposuction. ADSCs are thought to be an alternate source of autologous adult stem cells for cell-based therapy. However, it is time-consuming and inefficient to harvest ADSCs by using a traditional collagenase-digestion method. To meet the demand of large quantities of ADSCs in the basic and applied research of regenerative medicine, we developed a rapid and efficient method for isolation and culture of primary ADSCs. The results indicated that the ADSCs obtained with our method possessed strong abilities of proliferation and colony formation in vitro, and could keep low level of cell senescence with stable population doubling during long-term culture in vitro. Furthermore, these harvested ADSCs were capable to differentiate into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages in the specific induction medium. In addition, the results of flow cytometry analysis indicated that these ADSCs could positively express multiple CD markers, such as CD44, CD105, CD29, CD90, and CD13, and hardly expressed CD31, CD34, CD45, and CD106, which was homologous to the mesenchymal stem cells. Therefore, the ADSCs isolated with our method are consistent with previously reported characteristics of the ADSCs. This new method that we established in this study is an efficient tool to isolate and culture the stem cells from adipose tissue.
The effects of graphite and SiC formation on mechanical and wear properties of aluminum-graphite (Al/Gr) composites

Aluminum-graphite (Al/Gr) composites were fabricated by a proposed technique called “ex-situ and in-situ powder metallurgy” to avoid an interfacial reaction between the graphite and the aluminum. In the present study, a cooled compact pressing of material powders followed by hot extrusion techniques were used. Varies weight percentages of graphite flakes were mixed with Al powder using a mechanical mixing stirrer. The effects of graphite content and SiC formation on microstructures and wear properties of composites were investigated. The SiC particles are formed by in-situ reaction at temperatures above 252°C. SiC particles have greatly improved the wear and tensile properties of fabricated composites. The results also showed the SiC particles were refined (<; 1μm) and uniformly distributed in the matrices as a result of hot extrusions and little pores were found in the composites. This significantly improves mechanical and wear properties.
Intermittent running: muscle metabolism in the heat and effect of hypohydration.

PURPOSE This study reports two studies that investigated the reason for a poorer intermittent supramaximal running performance previously found in the heat (Maxwell et al., The effect of climatic heat stress on intermittent supramaximal running performance in humans. Exp. Physiol. 81:833-845, 1996). The first study tested the hypothesis that it was due to different rates of substrate metabolism. The second study tested whether a greater level of hypohydration led to an earlier exhaustion time. METHODS A maximal anaerobic running test (MART) was the exercise model used. This involved repeated 20-s runs, each at increasing intensities, with 100 s of passive recovery between runs. RESULTS In study 1, eight male subjects performed the MART on two occasions at either 32.8+/-0.3 degrees C, 80.5+/-1.6% relative humidity (RH), or 21.3+/-0.4 degrees C, 48.8+/-2.2% RH. Needle biopsy samples were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle before and immediately after the MART. In study 2, 11 male subjects performed the MART in a moderately hypohydrated (HYPO) and euhydrated (EUH) state while in a cool environment. In study 1, performance was significantly worse in the hot compared with the cool environment (138+/-7 vs. 150+/-6 s, respectively, P<0.05). No differences were observed in the change in muscle glycogen (100.3+/-15.1 vs. 107.0+/-15.6 mmol glucosyl units x kg dry muscle(-1)) or muscle lactate (102.9+/-18.2 vs. 100.5+/-16.6 mmol x kg dry muscle(-1)) between the hot and cool environments, respectively. In study 2, performance was worse in the HYPO (148+/-9 s) compared with the EUH (154+/-9 s) trial (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that a reduced intermittent supramaximal running performance in the heat is not caused by greater muscle glycogenolysis or lactate accumulation. Further, a poorer intermittent sprinting performance is experienced in a hypohydrated compared with a euhydrated state.
Action on the social determinants of health: A historical perspective

Abstract A renewed concern with social factors has emerged in global public health, spearheaded by the World Health Organization's Commission on Social Determinants of Health. The coming decade may see significant health gains for disadvantaged populations if policies tackle the social roots of health inequities. To improve chances of success, global action on social determinants must draw lessons from history. This article reviews milestones in public health action on social determinants over the past 50 years. The goal is to bring into sharper focus the persistent challenges faced by social determinants agendas, along with distinctive opportunities now emerging. The historical record highlights the vulnerability of health policy approaches incorporating social determinants to resistance from entrenched interests. The Commission on Social Determinants of Health can consolidate political support by building collaborative relationships with policymakers in partner countries. However, this strategy must be complemented by engaging civil society constituencies. Historically, successful action on social determinants has been spurred by organized civil society demand.
Flotation Separation of Scheelite from Fluorite Using Sodium Polyacrylate as Inhibitor

The depressing properties of sodium polyacrylate (PA-Na) for scheelite and fluorite were studied by micro-flotation tests, infrared spectroscopy (IR), zeta potentials, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and density functional theory (DFT). The flotation results reveal that the selective depression effect of PA-Na is better than that of sodium silicate, and PA-Na can depress fluorite more effectively than scheelite. The flotation recovery of scheelite and fluorite keeps at about 75% and 10%, respectively, at the pulp pH 9.3~9.6 and PA-Na concentration from 30 to 50 mg/L. IR spectra results suggest that PA-Na has a chemical effect on the surface of scheelite and fluorite. The zeta potential of fluorite becomes more negative than that of scheelite after PA-Na addition. XPS analysis deduces the occurrence of chemisorption between PA-Na and mineral surfaces, and the chemisorption of PA-Na on fluorite is stronger than on scheelite. DFT demonstrates that the absolute value of the adsorption energy in the presence of PA-Na is larger on the fluorite {111} surface than on the scheelite {111} surface. Thus, fluorite is more readily depressed than scheelite, which remarkably matches the micro-flotation test results.
[Expression of ERK1/2 MAPK signaling transduction pathway in esophageal cancers in Kazakh patients].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression variation and significance of ERK1/2 MAPK signaling transduction pathway in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Kazakh patients. METHODS The expression level of p-ERK1/2 after serum starvation and treatment with U0126 inhibitor was detected in esophageal cancer cell line EC9706 by Western blot assay. The mRNA level of total ERK1/2 (t-ERK1/2) and expression level of t-ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 proteins of 25 pairs of ESCC and adjacent normal esophageal mucosal tissues of Kazakh patients were examined and identified by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. The expression of p-ERK1/2 protein was verified by immunohistochemistry in 126 paraffin-embeded specimens, including 19 normal esophageal mucosa, 55 esophageal carcinomas in situ and 52 invasive carcinomas. RESULTS ERK1/2 MAPK signaling transduction pathway was in an active status in the EC9706 cells. The expression level of p-ERK1/2 in Ec9706 cells reached a peak at 10 min after transient serum stimulation, and p-ERK1/2 expression was totally restrained after the treatment with 50 µmol/L U0126. In the 25 pairs of ESCC and adjacent normal mucosa, the t-ERK1 mRNA level was 1.92 ± 3.49 in the ESCC tissues and 3.67 ± 7.47 in the adjacent normal mucosa. The t-ERK1 mRNA level in ESCC tissues was significantly lower than that in adjacent normal mucosa (P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference of t-ERK2 mRNA level between them(P > 0.05). The expression levels of p-ERK1 and p-ERK2 proteins were 0.87 ± 0.14 and 0.79 ± 0.10 in the ESCC tissues, and 1.10 ± 0.13 and 1.32 ± 0.12 in the adjacent normal mucosae. p-ERK1/2 protein in the ESCC tissues was significantly lower than that in the adjacent normal tissue (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between their t-ERK1/2 protein levels (P > 0.05). In the 126 cases of paraffin-embeded specimens, positive expressions of both p-ERK1 and p-ERK2 in esophageal cancer tissues were 7.7% (4/52), significantly lower than those in adjacent normal mucosa (31.6%, 6/19) and carcinoma in situ (85.5%, 47/55, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway is in an active status in esophageal cancer and adjacent normal mucosa. Our results imply that the activation of p-ERK1/2 MAPK signaling transduction pathway plays a role in the early pathogenesis of ESCC in Kazakh patients.
Diabetic Neuropathies: Classification, Clinical Features, and Pathophysiological Basis

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a wide spectrum of neuropathy syndromes, ranging from a mild asymptomatic distal sensory neuropathy to a severe disabling radiculoplexus neuropathy. As the pathophysiology of these separate conditions is better understood, classification of the various phenotypes becomes important because of treatment implications. Here we provide a short summary of the history of the classification of diabetic neuropathies and try to describe the most common forms classified according to their presumed pathophysiology. We have tried to include epidemiological data where available, as well as histopathology of nerve in several diabetic neuropathies.
Video-Assisted Informed Consent for Cataract Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose. To investigate whether adding video assistance to traditional verbal informed consent advisement improved satisfaction among cataract surgery patients. Methods. This trial enrolled 80 Chinese patients with age-related cataracts scheduled to undergo unilateral phacoemulsification surgery. Patients were randomized into two groups: the video group watched video explaining cataract-related consent information and rewatched specific segments of the video at their own discretion, before receiving traditional verbal consent advisement; the control group did not watch the video. Outcomes included patient satisfaction, refusal to consent, time to complete the consent process, and comprehension measured by a ten-item questionnaire. Results. All 80 enrolled patients signed informed consent forms. Compared with the control group, members of the video group exhibited greater satisfaction (65% versus 86%, p = 0.035) and required less time to complete the consent process (12.3 ± 6.7 min versus 5.6 ± 5.4 min, p < 0.001), while also evincing levels of comprehension commensurate with those reported for patients who did not watch the video (accuracy rate, 77.5% versus 80.2%, p = 0.386). Conclusion. The video-assisted informed consent process had a positive impact on patients' cataract surgery experiences. Additional research is needed to optimize patients' comprehension of the video.
Atomic structure of a {001} surface of Ni3Al.

A low-energy electron diffraction intensity analysis of a clean ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}$Al{001} surface confirms the mixed-layer (50% Ni\char21{}50% Al) termination of this surface and reveals a small contraction of 2.8% of the first interlayer spacing (bulk value 1.78 A\r{}), with the Al atoms slightly farther out (0.02\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 A\r{}) than the Ni atoms, while the second interlayer spacing is bulklike.
Detecting Data Races Using Dynamic Escape Analysis Based on Read Barrier

In multi-threaded programs, a data race results in extremely hard to locate bugs because of its nondeterministic behavior. This paper describes a novel dynamic data race detection method for object-oriented programming languages. The proposed method is based on the lockset algorithm. It uses read-barrier-based dynamic escape analysis for reducing number of memory locations that must be checked at runtime for detecting data races. We implemented the proposed data race detection method in HotSpot Java1 VM. The results of an experimental evaluation show a significant performance improvement over the previous write-barrier-based method and also that the proposed method can perform data race detection with a relatively small runtime overhead.
Relationship between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms: difference by gender, and unipolar and bipolar depression.

Although several studies have reported associations of depressive state with specific nutrients and foods, few have examined the associations with dietary patterns in adults. We investigated the association between major dietary patterns and depressive symptoms in Japanese patients with depression. Subjects were 166 Japanese patients (104 men and 62 women), aged 22-74 y, who were treated at a hospital psychiatry clinic in Tokyo. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Himorogi Self-rating Depression Scale (H-SDS) and Himorogi Self-rating Anxiety Scale (H-SAS). We categorized depressive symptoms into 3 types: physical, psychiatric, and anxiety symptoms. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis of the consumption of 59 food and beverage items, which was assessed by a validated brief diet history questionnaire. Three dietary patterns were identified: 1) "plant foods and fish products," 2) "fish," and 3) "Western/meat. " We calculated the correlation coefficients for the relationship between each dietary pattern score and depressive symptom score in unipolar depression vs. bipolar depression and in men vs. women. In bipolar depression, the plant foods and fish products pattern showed an inverse relationship with physical and psychiatric symptoms, and in men, this pattern showed an inverse relationship with psychiatric symptoms. The fish pattern and Western/meat pattern were not significantly associated with the 3 types of depressive symptoms. In conclusion, we identified 3 dietary patterns and found that associations between these patterns and depressive symptoms were observed only in bipolar depression and only in men.
The Effect of Intermittent Lighting Schedule on Broiler Performance

In an experiment with complete randomized design, the effect of intermittent lighting (1 h L: 3 h D) was studied on performance of 400 broiler chicks from 10 to 42 d of age. During of the experiment feed intake, body weight, feed conversion ratio were measured weekly. Mortality was measured throughout the experiment. At 42 d of age 10 chicks from each treatment were slaughtered for abdominal fat weight. There wasn't significant difference for body weight at 42 d between treatments. Use of intermittent lighting schedule improved feed conversion ratio significantly (P<0.05). Due to decrease fat deposition, intermittent lighting program reduced abdominal fat percentage (P<0.05). There wasn't significant difference between treatments for mortality. In conclusion, since physical activity is very low during darkness, and energy expenditure for activity is reduced, therefore use of intermittent lighting program enhanced production efficiency, reduced room temperature and cost of electricity.
Developmental and posthatch effects of in ovo exposure to 2,3,7,8‐TCDD, 2,3,4,7,8‐PECDF, and 2,3,7,8‐TCDF in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), and white leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos

An egg injection study was conducted to confirm a proposed model of relative sensitivity of three avian species to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD)‐like chemicals. It was previously reported that the order of species sensitivity to in ovo exposure to TCDD, 2,3,4,7,8‐pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF), or 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) at doses ranging from 0.044 to 37 picomoles (pmol)/g egg was the chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) based on embryo mortality and hepatic enzyme induction. In the present study, the incidence of developmental deformities, changes in body and relative organ masses, and organ pathology of hatchlings as additional indicators of species sensitivity were assessed; in addition, embryo mortality in the three species was categorized by stage of development. Embryo mortality varied temporally with significant increases generally occurring after organogenesis and just prior to hatching. A significant increase in the percentage of developmental deformities was observed only in Japanese quail exposed to TCDF. Body and relative organ masses of quail, pheasants, and chickens dosed in ovo with TCDD, PeCDF, or TCDF were not consistently affected. Chemical‐related pathology occurred only in livers of quail at the greatest doses of each compound. These results indicated that the incidence of developmental deformities, changes in body and relative organ masses and organ pathology could not be used as indicators of species sensitivity or chemical potency. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1659–1668. © 2011 SETAC