Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Condition dependence of a multicomponent sexual signal in the field cricket Gryllus campestris


In choosing a breeding partner, females in many animal species select between available males on the basis of several signalling traits. Some theoretical models of signalling evolution predict that multiple ornaments convey specific information on different aspects of male quality, such as current nutritional condition. We investigated the effect of nutrition on the calling song of male field crickets Gryllus campestris. This song is a multicomponent sexually selected signal. Adult males were kept on one of three feeding regimes, which resulted in significant differences in body condition between experimental groups. We found significant increases in calling rate and chirp rate and a significant decrease in interchirp duration with increasing food level. Other song characters, such as chirp duration, syllable number, chirp intensity and carrier frequency, were not affected by the food treatment. Furthermore, carrier frequency was correlated with harp area, which is an index of structural size in adult males. The calling song of the field cricket may thus serve as a multicomponent sexual signal, which contains discrete information on past growth and juvenile development as well as present nutritional condition. Copyright 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Transferability of biotic interactions: Temporal consistency of arctic plant–rodent relationships is poor

Abstract Variability in biotic interaction strength is an integral part of food web functioning. However, the consequences of the spatial and temporal variability of biotic interactions are poorly known, in particular for predicting species abundance and distribution. The amplitude of rodent population cycles (i.e., peak‐phase abundances) has been hypothesized to be determined by vegetation properties in tundra ecosystems. We assessed the spatial and temporal predictability of food and shelter plants effects on peak‐phase small rodent abundance during two consecutive rodent population peaks. Rodent abundance was related to both food and shelter biomass during the first peak, and spatial transferability was mostly good. Yet, the temporal transferability of our models to the next population peak was poorer. Plant–rodent interactions are thus temporally variable and likely more complex than simple one‐directional (bottom‐up) relationships or variably overruled by other biotic interactions and abiotic factors. We propose that parametrizing a more complete set of functional links within food webs across abiotic and biotic contexts would improve transferability of biotic interaction models. Such attempts are currently constrained by the lack of data with replicated estimates of key players in food webs. Enhanced collaboration between researchers whose main research interests lay in different parts of the food web could ameliorate this.
Somatic and gametic resources in male rock shrimp, Rhynchocinetes typus: effect of mating potential and ontogenetic male stage

Investment in somatic and gametic resources may vary during the ontogeny of an organism. In the rock shrimp, Rhynchocinetes typus, males pass through several stages during ontogeny, and a dominance order reflects this developmental order (typus<intermedius<robustus). During mating in a competitive environment, subordinate males use a sneaking tactic characterized by rapid placement of many spermatophores, but dominant males transfer few spermatophores during matings. We therefore hypothesized that males in the different ontogenetic stages (1) invest differently in somatic and gametic growth and (2) differ in their ability to engage in multiple matings. The relative weight of the hepatopancreas (adjusted for total body weight), an organ related to somatic growth, was significantly lower in robustus males than in all other ontogenetic stages examined. The relative weight of the vas deferens (Vd), a measure of sperm reserves, was significantly higher in robustus males than in males in the other stages. In typus males that had mated once, the total weight of Vd was significantly lower than in unmated typus males, but no such difference was found in robustus males. All robustus males mated successfully with five females during 5 consecutive days, but many typus males failed to mate after the second or third day. Typus males that mated successfully with females placed significantly more spermatophores than did robustus males during the first mating but not in subsequent matings. The results suggest that robustus males, in contrast to typus males, can invest more in sperm production and due to their ability to defend a female, can use spermatic resources economically allowing them to mate with subsequent females. We conclude that, during ontogeny, R. typus males invest simultaneously in somatic and gametic growth in accordance with their mating behaviour and chance to mate. In this and other crustacean species, male resource investment during ontogeny thus may depend on their probabilities at different ontogenetic stages for obtaining mating opportunities. Copyright 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Cues for investment: nest desertion in response to partial clutch depredation in dabbling ducks

Parents may use several cues to assess offspring value; however, most studies of parental care have examined only one or a few cues, and often in just a single species. This approach has produced conflicting results, with limited generality, and it remains unclear which cues animals use to adjust parental care. We examined nest desertion in response to natural clutch reductions by predators to determine which of several cues female dabbling ducks use to assess offspring value. Of 3562 duck nests monitored between 1996 and 2001, 30.5% of clutches were partially depredated, of which females deserted 37.7%. Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (N=754) and gadwall, A. strepera (N=221) females were more likely to stay with proportionately larger remaining clutch sizes, older clutches and nests with eggs missing rather than with eggshell evidence of depredation. The proportion of the clutch remaining had the greatest influence on the likelihood that a nest would be deserted, indicating that females assess clutch value primarily using the remaining clutch size relative to the initial clutch size. On average, females deserted nests when 37–45% of the clutch remained (3–4 eggs) and continued to provide care when 73–75% of the clutch remained (6–7 eggs). Nest initiation date was not an important cue influencing desertion. Northern pintail, A. acuta (N=33) females behaved similarly, although we could not determine which of several cues relating to clutch size they used because multiple models fit the data well. Our results indicate that several factors influence clutch value and that ducks are able to use multiple cues to finely adjust their level of parental care following partial clutch depredation.
Consequences of Hypoxia for the Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cell Innate Immune Response

Pulmonary innate immune responses involve a highly regulated multicellular network to defend the enormous surface area of the lung. Disruption of these responses renders the host susceptible to pneumonia. Alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) are a critical source of innate immune molecules such as GM-CSF, which determine the functional maturation of alveolar macrophages. In many pulmonary diseases, heterogeneous ventilation leads to regional hypoxia in the lung. The effect of hypoxia on AEC innate immune function is unknown. We now report that exposure of primary murine AEC to hypoxia (1% oxygen) for 24 h results in significant suppression of key innate immune molecules, including GM-CSF, CCL2, and IL-6. This exposure did not cause toxicity but did induce stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α protein (HIF-1α) and shift to glycolytic metabolism. Focusing on GM-CSF, we found that hypoxia greatly decreased the rate of GM-CSF transcription. Hypoxia both decreased NF-κB signaling in AEC and induced chromosomal changes, resulting in decreased accessibility in the GM-CSF proximal promoter of target sequences for NF-κB binding. In mice exposed to hypoxia in vivo (12% oxygen for 2 d), lung GM-CSF protein expression was reduced. In vivo phagocytosis of fluorescent beads by alveolar macrophages was also suppressed, but this effect was reversed by treatment with GM-CSF. These studies suggest that in critically ill patients, local hypoxia may contribute to the susceptibility of poorly ventilated lung units to infection through complementary effects on several pathways, reducing AEC expression of GM-CSF and other key innate immune molecules.
New observations in neuroscience using superresolution microscopy

Superresolution microscopy (SM) techniques are among the revolutionary methods for molecular and cellular observations in the 21st century. SM techniques overcome optical limitations, and several new observations using SM lead us to expect these techniques to have a large impact on neuroscience in the near future. Several types of SM have been developed, including structured illumination microscopy (SIM), stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED), and photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM)/stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), each with special features. In this Minisymposium, experts in these different types of SM discuss the new structural and functional information about specific important molecules in neuroscience that has been gained with SM. Using these techniques, we have revealed novel mechanisms of endocytosis in nerve growth, fusion pore dynamics, and described quantitative new properties of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Additional powerful techniques, including single molecule-guided Bayesian localization SM (SIMBA) and expansion microscopy (ExM), alone or combined with super-resolution observation, are also introduced in this session.
Chronic intermittent hypoxia promotes the development of experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by modulating Treg/Th17 differentiation

The present study aims to characterize the effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia and HIF1α on the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) process in mice, and to explore the role of the Treg/Th17 balance in the formation of NASH inflammation and fibrosis. To achieve this purpose, simple steatosis was induced in mice by high-fat diet administration. Subsequently, chronic intermittent hypoxia was simulated by intraperitoneally injecting sodium nitrite. The changes of inflammation, fibrosis, and Treg/Th17 balance in the liver were quantified under chronic intermittent hypoxia condition and after tail vein injection of HIF1α-siRNA. In addition, T cells were cultured in vitro, and HIF1α expression was either blocked or overexpressed under chronic intermittent hypoxia or normal conditions. Then, the changes of Treg/Th17 balance, inflammatory factors, and cell pathways were measured in each group. Our results demonstrated that chronic intermittent hypoxia accelerates the NASH process, while tail vein injection of HIF1α-siRNA improves liver histology and function. Chronic intermittent hypoxia alters the ratio of Th17 and Treg cells through HIF1α and mTOR signaling, and increases the expressions of NF-κB, IL-6, and IL-17, but decreases IL-10 expression. Inhibition of the mTOR-HIF1α-TLR4-IL-6 pathway increases the ratio of Treg/Th17. Thus, chronic intermittent hypoxia modulates the Treg/Th17 balance by inducing HIF1α, resulting in the activation of the mTOR-HIF1α-TLR4-IL-6 pathway, which accelerates the formation of NASH and fibrosis.
Effect and Tolerability of Same-Day Repeat Colonoscopy

Abstract Purpose/Aim of the study: The main purpose of the colonoscopy is screening for colorectal cancers and diagnosis of colorectal disease The cost-effectiveness of colonoscopy directly depend on the adequate bowel preparation. Inadequate colonoscopy is recommended to be re-scheduled within 1 year. Re-scheduling is an economic and patient burden. Thus instead of re-scheduling, another strategy may be attempted. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness and effect of the same day repeat colonoscopy after administration of an additional laxative dose. Materials and Methods: Patients with inadequate colonoscopy were enrolled in the study. The patients eligible for the enrollment were instructed to consume an additional laxative and scheduled in afternoon. The demographic data of the patient, the details of the index and repeat procedures were obtained by a questionnaire. Results: A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study. The rate of adequate colonoscopy was 80%. Cecum intubation rate was 83.3%. There were no complications due to colonoscopy itself and additional laxatives. The polyp detection rate was 26.6%. The withdrawal time was 6.7 ± 1.34 min. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that same day repeat colonoscopy with additional laxative dose can be a safe and effective method for repeat procedure of an inadequate colonoscopy. The patients tolerated and were satisfied with the same day protocol. Quality indicators of colonoscopy such as adenoma detection rate and cecum intubation rate were achieved. Same day bowel cleansing method may be considered as an alternative way rather than re-scheduling inadequate colonoscopy for a later time.
Offspring age and nest defence: test of the feedback hypothesis in the meadow pipit

Abstract The feedback hypothesis has been proposed to explain variation in nest defence intensity in birds. In species in which the female builds the nest and incubates the eggs, this hypothesis predicts a higher level of nest defence initially for females, whereas males' responses should increase when they start feeding nestlings. We studied changes in nest defence by both sexes during the nestling period in meadow pipits, Anthus pratensis. We placed a stuffed stoat,Mustela erminea , 5 m from a meadow pipit nest with nestlings aged either 2–4 or 7–12 days and recorded the nest defence behaviour of both parents for 10 min. Males came closer to the predator and mobbed more intensely for older nestlings whereas females defended the nest at a high intensity from the beginning of the nestling period. This finding agrees with the predictions of the feedback hypothesis. We also discuss possible functions of alarm calls and number of mobbing birds during nest defence.
Use of Telepsychiatry in Pediatric Emergency Room to Decrease Length of Stay for Psychiatric Patients, Improve Resident On-Call Burden, and Reduce Factors Related to Physician Burnout.

BACKGROUND Our study aims to demonstrate through implementation of telepsychiatry for child psychiatry patients evaluated in the pediatric emergency room (PedsER); we can reduce length of stay (LOS) and reduce factors contributing to physician burnout through reduction of on-call travel burden. INTRODUCTION Telepsychiatry has increased access to health care using real-time interactive videoconferencing, allowing clinicians and patients in separate locations to have a meaningful clinical encounter. Use has increased over the past several years given cost reduction and need for psychiatric specialty services in under-resourced systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated data regarding child psychiatry fellow use of telepsychiatry through a prospective real-time questionnaire filled out by the on-call clinician from July 1, 2017 to December 23, 2017 (study period). LOS was measured from the patient's registration time through time of discharge. RESULTS Telepsychiatry significantly reduced the total monthly LOS for nonhospitalized patients in the PedsER during the study period compared to all prior months (285-193 h; p = 0.032) and compared to a similar prior seasonal time frame (329-193 h; p = 0.017). Telepsychiatry use reduced travel for face-to-face evaluations by 75% and saved 2.22 h per call day. DISCUSSION Unique in this study is enhancing on-site psychiatric consultation in the emergency room, rather than solving a systems issue of referring out for psychiatric consultation. Moreover, this study uniquely demonstrated a noted improvement in on-call physician travel burden by reducing travel time with telepsychiatry. Physician burnout is notably high during residency training. Factors such as telepsychiatry can improve work efficiency and lend time to activities outside of work, mitigating the onset of this challenging issue. CONCLUSIONS Telepsychiatry was shown to be effective in reducing dwell time and improving on-call burden. This study also showed promise in our system for improving access to other forms of specialized care consultation in PedsER settings.
The trade-off between foraging and courting in male guppies

For animals to maximize their fitness, they must be efficient at foraging and prolific at reproduction. These activities re often considered as distinct and separate and are therefore studied in isolation of other behaviour patterns. However, many animal species must simultaneously choose between foraging and opportunities to reproduce. One such animal is the guppy, Poecilia reticulata. Four groups of male guppies were presented with the simultaneous choice of courting a female or feeding. As predicted by a state-dependent model, male guppies always fed prior to courting the female. Although the length of time male guppies spent feeding was inversely related to the rate at which food was provided, they consumed more when food was provided at a lower rate. Female size did not influence the length of time males spent feeding, but did affect the number of males that engaged in courtship, except for the very largest females. These females were from a domesticated strain and received the same courtship activity as wild females that were approximately one-eighth their size. These data suggest that male guppies make state-dependent decisions, choosing first to ensure they have sufficient energy reserves before investing time and energy in courtship.
Exploring First-time Pregnant Women's Motivations for Planning Vaginal Delivery: A Qualitative Study

Background: In spite of medical indications, preferences for the mode of delivery are influenced by several factors. However, as the literature suggests, the underlying motivation of women choosing vaginal delivery is rarely attended to. The current study aimed to explore first-time pregnant women's motivation for planning vaginal delivery. Materials and Methods: An exploratory design with in-depth interviews was employed from September 2015 to March 2016. Participants were asked key questions about their beliefs about vaginal delivery, perceived outcomes of vaginal delivery, the impact of others perspectives on their decision, and factors that might inhibit or facilitate vaginal delivery. A community advertisement was placed in obstetricians' offices, public health departments, as well as beauty salons throughout the city of Bandar Abbas, Iran, to enroll target participants. All interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed, and subsequently analyzed. Results: Twelve pregnant women within the age range of 19–33 years volunteered to participate. Ninety four initial codes were obtained. These codes were then summed up into three themes as well as six subthemes. The three themes specified were personal beliefs, deliberation and risk assessment, and personal autonomy. Conclusions: A number of key motivating factors such as fast recovery after vaginal delivery, immediate breastfeeding, and powerful bonding were identified, which were influential in choosing vaginal delivery. Awareness of the fact that the provided information shapes women's beliefs and can lead to attitude changes, midwives played a key role in shaping positive and healthy attitudes toward natural birth giving as well as empower them to make autonomous decision.
A comparison of self and proxy quality of life ratings for people with dementia and their carers: a European prospective cohort study

Abstract Objectives: To identify correlates of self-rated and proxy-rated quality of life (QoL) in people with dementia on (i) a dementia-specific and (ii) a capability-wellbeing QoL measure at baseline and 12-month follow-up, and to consider such factors in the context of QoL intervention development. Method: Prospective clinical and demographic data were collected from 451 community-dwelling dyads (mild-moderate dementia) across eight European countries. QoL was measured using the QOL-AD and the ICECAP-O. Multivariate modelling identified correlates of self- and proxy-rated QoL at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. Results: Carer’s proxy-ratings of QoL were significantly lower than self-ratings at all time-points for both measures. Proxy-ratings declined over time, but self-ratings remained stable. Baseline predictors of greater self-rated QoL were education, and greater functional ability and relationship quality. Greater proxy-rated QoL was associated with education and greater functional ability, relationship quality, carer social support and carer QoL, lower carer anxiety/depression and less severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia. At follow-up, greater self-rated QoL was predicted by greater functional ability, relationship quality, carer social support and having a spousal carer. Greater proxy-rated QoL at follow-up was associated with the same factors as at baseline; however, the dyad living together was an additional predictive factor. Conclusion: Both proxy-ratings and self-ratings of QoL should be interpreted with caution and in the context of each individual caregiving relationship. Different functional, psychosocial, relational and contextual factors influence self- and proxy-ratings, and both sets of factors should be considered in the context of QoL intervention development for the dyad.
Signalling in a mutualistic interaction

The costs and benefits for partners in interspecific, mutualistic relationships can vary from one interaction to the next, or change with time during an interaction, which might influence the mutualistic contributions. Such flexible behavioural responses could be important in regulating the interaction. Partners could also have special adaptations for the purpose of influencing each other. An individual might, for instance, signal its need for the services provided by the partner. In interactions between lycaenid butterfly larvae and ants, the larvae deliver nutritious droplets from a specialized gland and, in return, are protected from enemy attacks by the ants. Lycaenid larvae have several ant-related adaptations, one being a pair of eversible tentacular organs. In this study, the relationships between tentacle display, the delivery of droplets and ant attendance were investigated in a number of experiments, where the interaction between larvae ofPolyommatus icarusand eitherLasius nigerorL. flavusants was manipulated. High rates of both droplet delivery and tentacle display were found at the first contact with ants, after an interruption in attendance and, for low levels of attendance, after a simulated enemy attack. Under steady state conditions, displays were most frequent at low levels of attendance, but droplet delivery had a maximum at intermediate levels. Manipulation of a larva's ability to use its tentacles also showed that ants respond to tentacle display by increasing their attendance. Larval behaviour was interpreted as aimed at regulating the number of attending ants.