Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parkinsonism treated with levodopa: progression and mortality.

: Patients with Parkinson's disease treated with levodopa over the past 15 years were compared, by parallel statistical methods, to a group of similar patients followed for 15 years before the levodopa era. The duration of illness at each Stage of disease was longer in the treated group, and, at each duration of illness, there was less disability and death. The prevalence of peak-dose dyskinesias increased with increased duration of treatment, but seldom out-weighed the benefits of treatment. Although extreme fluctuations of therapeutic response were not seen during the first 2 years of treatment, their prevalence was otherwise uninfluenced either by the duration of treatment or by postponing treatment. There is, however, some evidence that the postponement of treatment is accompanied by an increased proportion of patients who become "unresponsive" to levodopa. The age at death was 4.5 years older than in the untreated group, and the mortality rate equal to that of the general population. There is ample evidence that treatment with levodopa improves the quality and length of life, and no real evidence that delaying therapy confers benefits in the future.
Hydrology and pool morphology shape the trophic base of macroinvertebrate assemblages in ephemeral stream pools

Intermittent and ephemeral streams in dryland regions often fragment into isolated pools as they dry. In general, pool fragmentation provides favorable conditions for aquatic algae and plant growth and should therefore result in foodweb reliance on aquatic algal resources over comparatively-recalcitrant terrestrial plant litter. However, differences in pool hydrology and morphology might substantially alter organic matter dynamics and, thus, alter the trophic base of aquatic consumers. We tested whether 1) taxa composition or 2) pool hydrology and morphology might affect the trophic base of macroinvertebrate assemblages in dryland stream pools. We used stable isotope analysis to assess the hydrological regime (δ18O and δ2H) and trophic structure (δ13C and δ15N) of fragmented pools within an ephemeral dryland stream. We compared differences in pool morphology, evaporation rates, and groundwater connectivity to dietary-mixing model results for macroinvertebrate assemblages over 2 seasons. Differences in macroinvertebrate assemblage composition were not consistently related to pool hydrology, morphology, or season. We found that filamentous algae and aquatic biofilms supported macroinvertebrate assemblages to a greater extent than did terrestrial plant litter. Biofilm assimilation was higher in highly-evaporated pools, and terrestrial plant litter assimilation decreased as pools became smaller and aquatic vegetation cover decreased. Overall trophic diversity decreased with increasing aquatic vegetation cover. This study suggests that hydrological and morphological gradients across pools drive differences in the trophic base of macroinvertebrate assemblages, potentially through variation in organic matter productivity and biomass. Consequently, natural variability in groundwater connectivity and pool morphology likely enhances trophic diversity across this ephemeral riverscape.
A system-level modelling perspective of the KwaZulu-Natal Bight ecosystem, eastern South Africa

The KwaZulu-Natal Bight comprises the only sizeable shelf region on the eastern coast of South Africa, and is influenced by both the Agulhas Current on its seaward side and rivers and estuaries on its landward side. Established knowledge of the effect of the Agulhas Current includes the influence on nutrient concentrations in the bight of a semi-permanent upwelling cell at its northern border (St Lucia) and, to a much lesser extent, of a semi-permanent eddy feature at its southern extremity. Current modelling efforts, however, point to a very important role of land-derived nutrients, which supplement the productivity of food webs of the bight. This connectivity of the bight to its adjacent ecosystems has various implications. First, its productivity has traditionally been viewed via phytoplankton growth, whereas ecosystem modelling efforts point to a very high reliance on imported detritus (mainly land-derived) in order to sustain especially the rich benthic food web. The benthos in the bight dominates the food web, and is in marked contrast to the upwelling system of the west coast of South Africa (Atlantic Ocean) where water-column productivity dominates. Second, the importance of the connectivity of the Thukela Bank prawn-trawling ground to estuarine nursery areas, which has been modelled quantitatively, highlights the significance of this particular ecosystem connectivity for fisheries and also for the Thukela Bank food web. Heterogeneity across the bight is apparent for nutrient turnover rates (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus), CNP content and stoichiometry, whereas nitrogen is a limiting nutrient across the entire bight. The food web near the Thukela River is richer in nutrient content and more active (higher turnover rates) compared to the northern and southern parts of the bight. This environmental heterogeneity was also apparent from the CNP content and stoichiometry of the various species and species groups in the bight. Requirements to take the hydrodynamic, biogeochemical and first ecosystem modelling efforts towards a meaningful predictive capability are discussed. The importance of adopting a system-level view of the bight and its connected systems for realistic exploration of global change scenarios is highlighted.
Beschreibung des Wachstums weiblicher Rinder verschiedener Rassen

Abstract. Title ofthe paper: Description on the growth of female cows of different race Continuously won weight data from the birth up to the adult animal of female cows of the races Charolais, Fleckvieh and Uckermarker were used for the determination of best fitted functions with respect to some' optimum functions from different growth-functions like exponential-, Gompertz-, logisfic-, Bertalanffy-, tanhand Janoschek-function. The four-parametric Richards- and Janoschek-function describe the natural growth (monthly increases) most exact. The exponential-function is also suitable for the describtion of the weight-development.
Linkages between temperature, macroinvertebrates, and young-of-year Coho Salmon growth in surface-water and groundwater streams

Ecological resources for fishes in stream food webs shift over space and time, providing a complex template of available resources that can be used for growth. We tracked water temperature in conjunction with young-of-year Coho Salmon size, growth, and diet in 2 streams with contrasting thermal regimes: a groundwater stream with colder temperatures and lower thermal variability all year and a surface-water stream with greater thermal variability and warmer summer temperatures more conducive to young-of-year salmon growth. We hypothesized that fry emergence would occur when rearing conditions are optimal for growth and that, all else being equal, summer fish growth will be greater in the surface-water stream. Previous work on Coho Salmon phenology in these streams showed that peak fry emergence occurred at the same time in early summer in both streams. We measured salmon fry emergence in relation to thermal variability and macroinvertebrate prey availability with subsequent tracking of somatic growth, diet, and body size during the 1st year of life in both streams. Macroinvertebrate prey availability was highest overall in the colder and thermally-stable groundwater stream than the surface-water stream. Prey availability was particularly high in the thalweg drift during peak fry emergence in the groundwater stream. There was no difference in Coho Salmon diet composition between streams, which included invertebrates from benthic, drift, and riparian habitats. We found no differences in young-of-year Coho Salmon body size, growth, or consumption between streams. Overall, our results suggest that large differences in thermal regimes do not necessarily translate to large differences in young-of-year Coho Salmon size, growth, or diet. Many variables can influence fish growth, and there is not always a direct connection between spatial and temporal dimensions of environmental variability and their cascading effects on young-of-year Coho Salmon growth during the 1st summer of life.
Experience of inundation or drought alters the responses of plants to subsequent water conditions

The availability of water is often highly variable over the life of a plant in nature, and most plants experience episodic extremes in water scarcity and abundance. The importance of plant plasticity in coping with such experiences is widely recognized, but little is known about how plastic responses to current conditions are affected by prior environmental experiences. Our objectives were to investigate the effects of early inundation or drought on the subsequent responses of plant species to the same, opposite or more favourable conditions. To address these questions, we subjected four invasive and four native herbaceous perennial species from different habitats (xeric, mesic, hydric) to two rounds of hydrological treatments (drought, moderate water, inundation) and analysed the effects of the early treatments on survival and performance (total biomass and relative growth) of individuals in the later treatments. In general, (i) early drought reduced the performance of more species than did early inundation, and decreased the final total mass of all species; (ii) early inundation and early drought did not lead to lower survival immediately or later, but improved the relative growth of survivors across all late conditions; (iii) late drought resulted in the highest mortality and lowest performance after any early treatment. With respect to habitat of origin: (i) early inundation was more beneficial for species from wet habitats than for other species; (ii) species from xeric habitats had the strongest drought tolerance after early drought; (iii) mesic species were more likely to suffer reduced later growth after either inundation or drought experience. Invasive species benefitted more from early inundation than did native species, but native species grew better after experiencing early drought. Results indicate that early exposure to inundation or drought conditions alters how plants respond to later conditions and suggest that exposure to extreme events can induce physiological or morphological changes that improve tolerance for either extreme conditions later. This increased tolerance can be at the cost of poorer performance under more benign conditions. Synthesis. Early inundation or drought experience may be harmful immediately, but can be beneficial for the later growth of plants. The ability of species to utilize early hydrological experiences was associated with the water range of their habitats and whether the species is invasive or native. The ability to modulate future plastic responses may be as important as short‐term plasticity in adapting to temporal environmental heterogeneity. Such ‘metaplasticity’ can optimize current performance, while avoiding the potential costs of maintaining a high degree of plasticity throughout life.
Morphological, cultural and genetic variability among Indian populations of Sclerotium rolfsii

Twenty isolates of Sclerotium rolfsii collected from different host plants and various geographical locations of the country during 2009–2012 were found varied in their mycelial growth rate, colony morphology, size and pattern and distribution, number and size of the sclerotia. Random Amplification Polymorphism-DNA (RAPD) analysis showed 95.9% average polymorphism. UPGMA analysis of RAPD data revealed that all the isolates formed 2 major clusters at 0.32 similarity index and further, one cluster was divided in to 2 sub-clusters at 0.45 similarity index. The highest similarity coefficient (0.82) was recorded between Sr06 (Groundnut) and Sr10 (Groundnut) and Sr25 (Sweet potato) and Sr19 (Capsicum). The isolates had no apparent grouping according to geographical areas or host origin in RAPD analysis, indicated wide host range of the pathogen.
Net ecosystem CO2 exchange in a boreal peatland, northern Manitoba

AbstractNet ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) was measured by a chamber technique from June to September, 1994, at five peatland sites where the water table was close to the peat surface, ranging from ombrotrophic bog to minerotrophic fen, near Thompson, Manitoba. NEE measurements were made during three 10-14-day periods, and CO2 exchange relationships with photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), air and soil temperatures, and water table were used to model net ecosystem productivity (NEP) for the season. Daily NEE ranged from -3 to 5 g CO2-C m-2 d-1, with positive values indicating uptake by the land surface. Two of the sites became sources of CO2 during the late summer, associated with plant senescence and falling water tables. Average NEP for June to August ranged from 1.4 to 2.5 g CO2-C m-2 d-1. Both water table position and end-of-season above-ground sedge biomass were strong predictors of NEP during each measurement period, as well as over the June to August period. Sites with high NEP had high aboveg.
EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON SEED GERMINATION, STORAGE, AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF Magnolia champaca L.

Gamma irradiation of seeds is known as an important factor in stimulating biochemical and physiological processes. This paper investigates the effect of seed irradiation on the seed germination, storability, and seedling growth traits of Magnolia champaca. Seeds were irradiated with 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 Gy by Cobalt-60. The treated seeds were grouped into three lots, namely germination test, storage test and seedling growth characteristics. Observations were made for seed germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, germination value and growth traits such as height, collar diameter, number of leaves, root length, and dry weight. Results showed that irradiation at a dose of 30 Gy was close to LD50, and irradiation at doses of 80 Gy and higher caused lethal effect. The maximum increase of germination parameters on irradiated seed was recorded at a dose of 10 Gy, and then it decreased. Growth rate in terms of seedling height, collar diameter, number of leaves, and dry weight have also increased in gamma irradiation doses up to 80 Gy, but the dose of 10 Gy resulted in survival and growth that was more stable and gave the highest values for most of the parameters. Hence, lower dose (10 Gy) of irradiation treatment can be used to increase seed germination, storability and seedling growth of M. champaca.
Approximate annual water budgets of two chained pinyon-juniper sites.

Highlight: Approximate annual water budgets for various pinyon-juniper treatments (chaining-with-windrowing, chaining-with-debris-in-place, and natural woodland) have been compiled for a 3-vear period near Milford, Utah, and for a Z-year period near Blanding, [Jtah. Results of the analysis indicate that most of the annual precipitation falling on each treatment is lost through evapotranspiration, with much of the balance being lost through interception. When runoff did occur, it was greatest from windrowed treatments and least from debris-in-place treatments.
Predictive factors of labour onset using ultrasonography

Abstract We analysed the effectiveness of transvaginal ultrasonographic and foetal/maternal pulse Doppler findings as predictors of labour onset within 1 week. We included 22 single normal pregnancies and evaluated the one-point and short- and long-term differences in uterine artery pulsatility index (PI), umbilical artery PI, middle cerebral artery PI (MCA-PI), peak systolic velocity, and cervical length (CL). Presence of funnelling and membrane separation over the internal cervical os was evaluated. Significant changes were observed in the one-point measurement of and short-term and long-term differences in CL, the one-point measurement of and long-term difference in MCA-PI, and the presence of membrane separation (Grade 2). In multivariate analysis, the significant predictors were short-term differences in CL (odds ratio [OR]: 5.27), long-term differences in MCA-PI (OR: 13.3), and presence of membrane separation (Grade 2) (OR: 5.38). Transvaginal ultrasonographic and foetal pulse Doppler findings were effective predictors of labour onset within 1 week. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Parameters reported to predict labour onset include the Bishop score, cervical length, decreased long-term cervical length, funnelling of the internal cervical os, and adrenal gland volume. What do the results of this study add? Short-term changes in cervical length, long-term changes in middle cerebral artery pulsatility index, and the presence of membrane separation Grade 2 were found to be useful predictive factors of labour onset in this study. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The prediction of labour onset enables clinicians to properly manage pregnancy and delivery considering maternal and foetal conditions.
Slowing progress: the US Global Gag Rule undermines access to contraception in Madagascar

Abstract Madagascar’s health system is highly dependent on donor funding, especially from the United States (US), and relies on a few nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) to provide contraceptive services in remote areas of the country. The Trump administration reinstated and expanded the Global Gag Rule (GGR) in 2017; this policy requires non-US NGOs receiving US global health funding to certify that neither they nor their sub-grantees will provide, counsel or refer for abortion as a method of family planning. Evidence of the impact of the GGR in a country with restrictive abortion laws, like Madagascar – which has no explicit exception to save the woman’s life – is limited. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 259 representatives of the Ministry of Health and NGOs, public and private health providers, community health workers and contraceptive clients in Antananarivo and eight districts between May 2019 and March 2020. Interviews highlighted the impact of the GGR on NGOs that did not certify the policy and lost their US funding. This reduction in funding led to fewer contraceptive service delivery points, including mobile outreach services, a critical component of care in rural areas. Public and private health providers reported increased contraceptive stockouts and fees charged to clients. Although the GGR is ostensibly about abortion, it has reduced access to contraception for the Malagasy population. This is one of few studies to directly document the impact on women who themselves described their increased difficulties obtaining contraception ultimately resulting in discontinuation of contraceptive use, unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
How bilayer properties influence membrane protein folding

The question of how proteins manage to organize into a unique three‐dimensional structure has been a major field of study since the first protein structures were determined. For membrane proteins, the question is made more complex because, unlike water‐soluble proteins, the solvent is not homogenous or even unique. Each cell and organelle has a distinct lipid composition that can change in response to environmental stimuli. Thus, the study of membrane protein folding requires not only understanding how the unfolded chain navigates its way to the folded state, but also how changes in bilayer properties can affect that search. Here we review what we know so far about the impact of lipid composition on bilayer physical properties and how those properties can affect folding. A better understanding of the lipid bilayer and its effects on membrane protein folding is not only important for a theoretical understanding of the folding process, but can also have a practical impact on our ability to work with and design membrane proteins.
Comparative morphology of the urohyal bone of fishes collected from the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea

The urohyal is incorporated within the hyoid and branchial arches and performs a significant role in the mouth opening-closing mechanism of fishes, and is considered a synapomorphy of teleostean fishes. Morphological variation of the urohyal, in terms of size and shape parameters, can allow species identification. Morphology of the urohyal in 49 species belonging to 43 genera and 29 families from the Persian Gulf and from the Oman Sea were compared using size and shape measurements. The results examine the suitability of using the urohyal morphology in differentiating fish species from this region; highlighting the taxonomic value of the urohyal, which until now, had been studied little in terms of use as a diagnostic feature in the classification of teleosts.
Central and Peripheral Postexercise Blood Pressure and Vascular Responses in Young Adults with Obesity.

INTRODUCTION Adults with obesity are at an increased risk of incident hypertension. Regular aerobic exercise is recommended for the prevention and treatment of hypertension, but whether young adults with obesity exhibit impaired post-exercise blood pressure (BP) and vascular responses remains unclear. PURPOSE We tested the hypothesis that young adults with obesity exhibit attenuated post-exercise hypotension (PEH) and post-exercise peripheral vasodilation compared with young adults without obesity. METHODS Thirty-six normotensive adults without and with obesity (11 males and 7 females per group) underwent measurements of brachial and central BP, and leg blood flow (Doppler ultrasound) at baseline, and 30-min, 60-min, and 90-min following acute one-hour moderate-intensity cycling. Leg vascular conductance (LVC) was calculated as flow/mean arterial pressure (MAP). RESULTS Both groups exhibited similar brachial and central PEH (peak change from baseline: -2 mm Hg and -4 mm Hg for brachial and central systolic BPs, respectively, for both groups) (time effect: p<0.05). Both groups also exhibited post-exercise peripheral vasodilation, assessed via LVC (time effect: p<0.05), but its overall magnitude was smaller in young adults with obesity (LVC change from baseline: +47 ± 37%, +29 ± 36%, and +20 ± 29%) compared with young adults without obesity (LVC change from baseline: +88 ± 58%, +59 ± 54%, and +42 ± 51%) (group effect: p<0.05). CONCLUSION Although obesity did not impair PEH after acute moderate-intensity exercise, young adults with obesity exhibited smaller post-exercise peripheral vasodilation compared with young adults without obesity. Collectively, these findings have identified evidence for obesity-induced alterations in the peripheral vasculature following exercise.
Reproductive cycle and population structure of Loligo sanpaulensis of the northeastern coast of Patagonia

The squid Loligo sanpaulensis is distributed from southern Brazil to northern Patagonia. Previous studies have been conducted on the reproduction of this species in northern and central areas of its distribution. In northern Patagonia, lower and more variable temperatures were expected to cause sharper patterns in the temperature-regulated aspects of the reproduction. Periodic sampling was conducted from December 1996 to July 1999, and main biological characters and maturity stages were registered. Average mantle length (ML) was 55.1 mm (n = 1455). Large specimens were most abundant in November-March and small specimens were found in April-July. Sex ratio was significantly different from 1:1 (10 females: 7 males). Mean ML at maturity was 65.3 mm in males and 77.6 mm in females. Mature specimens and recruits were found in summer. During fall, the largest size classes disappeared and juveniles were abundant. Throughout winter, juveniles progressively disappeared, and recruits were present. In late spring mature specimens entered the sampling area. A single spawning season from late spring to summer was observed. The disappearance of the largest size classes occurred three to four months latter than that reported for Mar del Plata (38°S).