Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
20-year longitudinal follow-up of measured and estimated glomerular filtration rate in kidney transplant patients

Abstract Background The slopes of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations are used in the longitudinal follow-up of transplant patients. A 30% reduction in eGFR over 2 years is often used to predict the subsequent risk of mortality or end-stage renal disease. Whether, at the individual level, such changes in eGFR correspond to changes in measured GFR (mGFR) is actually unknown. Methods The performance of serum creatinine–based eGFR equations was compared with mGFR during the longitudinal follow-up of 20 years in a monocentric study of 417 transplanted patients. Results The accuracy within 30% for the eGFR equations varied between 70 and 75%. All eGFR equations showed a similar pattern, very like the mGFR time profiles. Individual changes (slopes) of mGFR or eGFR were predictive of graft loss in the next months or years, following the decline in GFR, with no evidence for a difference. However, although the tendency is the same as for mGFR, the percentage of transplant patients with a >30% GFR decrease in the last period before graft loss is significantly lower for eGFR than for mGFR, with discordant results from mGFR in ~25% of the cases. Conclusions All eGFR equations showed similar trends as mGFR, but eGFR predictions may not be very useful at the individual patient level.
Evolutionary Signal of Leaflet Anatomy in the Zamiaceae

Premise of research. The morphology of leaves is shaped by both historical and current selection acting on constrained developmental systems. For this reason, the phylogenetic signal of these characters is usually overlooked. Methodology. We investigate morphology of the leaflets of all genera of the Zamiaceae using multiple microscopical techniques to test whether leaf characters present a phylogenetic signal and whether they are useful to define clades at a suprageneric level. Pivotal results. Our investigation shows that most genera are quite uniform in their leaflet anatomy, with the largest genera (Zamia, Encephalartos) presenting the highest degree of variation. Using both Bayesian and parsimony methods on two different molecular scaffolds, we are able to show that leaflet anatomy has a strong phylogenetic signal in the Zamiaceae and that many clades retrieved by molecular analyses present potential synapomorphies in their leaflet anatomy. Particularly, the placement of Stangeria in a clade with Zamia and Microcycas is supported by the presence of both an adaxial and an abaxial girder sclerenchyma and the absence of sclerified hypodermis. The placement of Stangeria as sister to Bowenia, on the other hand, is not supported by our analysis. Instead, our results put into question the homology of the similar guard cell morphology in the two genera. Conclusions. We show that leaflet anatomy has a substantial amount of phylogenetic signal in the Zamiaceae, supporting relationships that are not supported by general morphology. Therefore, anatomical investigation represents a promising avenue for plant systematists.
Targeting Axonal Transport: A New Therapeutic Avenue for ALS

Motor neurons have an extreme polarized morphology and heavily rely on efficient cargo transport along axons to maintain their neuronal connections and connections with muscles. Axonal transport deficits have been observed in almost all model systems of ALS. More and more studies have confirmed the close genetic and mechanistic linkage between axonal transport deficits with ALS pathogenesis. Moreover, several therapeutic approaches have been developed to target axonal transport deficits in ALS and showed promising effects in disease models. In this concise chapter, we summarize some major discoveries of axonal transport deficits in ALS pathogenesis and some related therapeutic strategies. We propose that targeting axonal transport may provide a potential therapeutic avenue for ALS.
REPRODUCTIVE-BIOLOGY, SPAWNING AND FIELD FERTILIZATION RATES OF ACANTHASTER-PLANCI

Gametogenesis and reproductive behaviour of Acanthaster planci were observed at Davies Reef between September 1990 and February 1991. Gonad development in females and males of A. planci peaked in early December 1991. Mean gonad volume then decreased by about 50% following a major spawning in which at least two-thirds of the population participated. Mean gonad volume recovered to near prespawning values by mid January, despite a further minor spawning that was observed in the population. Further spawnings are likely to have occurred in mid- to late January. Fertilization rates measured during natural spawnings of A. planci were highest (83%) in samples taken at the peak of a major spawning event and much lower (23%) in samples taken at the end of the same spawning event. Trials conducted with starfish artificially induced to spawn indicated that potential fertilization rates decreased relatively slowly as distances between female and male animals increased. Fertilization rates were 47% for animals separated by 32 m. For animals separated by more than 60 m, fertilization rates were 23%. The distances at which these fertilization rates were achieved were two orders of magnitude greater than those recorded for other marine organisms, most likely because of the large volumes of gametes that A. planci can release.
Frequent cannabis users demonstrate low knowledge of cannabinoid content and dosages

Abstract Background: The legal status of cannabis is rapidly evolving, outpacing systematic research and educational efforts. Aims: We investigated knowledge of cannabinoid content and dosages among frequent cannabis users. Methods A brief survey was administered in April 2019 (N = 472) at a cannabis advocacy event in a state with legal medical and recreational adult cannabis use. Findings Most participants (67%) used cannabis every day, 85% used cannabis for health or medical purposes. Knowledge of cannabis was mostly from participants’ own experiences (78%), with some receiving information from a medical cannabis caregiver or dispensary (23%) or their primary care provider (18%). The majority reported not knowing the effective dosages of THC (53% of participants) or CBD (68% of participants), other participants gave average estimates of 91 mg and 177 mg, respectively. Participants’ average estimates for high-THC (52%) and high-CBD (53%) as well as low-THC (28%), and low-CBD (30%) strains of cannabis were considerably higher than currently accepted definitions. Men, European Americans, and participants who had medical cannabis cards were more accurate in cannabinoid concentration estimates. Conclusions Frequent cannabis users reported low knowledge of and substantially overestimated cannabinoid content. The importance of education and research on cannabinoid dosages grows with increasing cannabis accessibility.
Changes in Prokaryote and Eukaryote Assemblages Along a Gradient of Hydrocarbon Contamination in Groundwater

Groundwater biota are particularly sensitive to environmental perturbations such as groundwater contamination. The diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic biota has been examined along a gradient of chlorinated hydrocarbon (CHC) contamination in the Botany Sands, an urban coastal sand-bed aquifer (Sydney, Australia). Molecular techniques were used to analyze the richness and composition of prokaryote and eukaryote assemblages using 16S and 18S rDNA, respectively. Taxon richness did not change significantly along the gradient for either prokaryotes or eukaryotes; however, significant shifts in assemblage composition were evident for both groups. Assemblage changes were most strongly correlated with concentrations of the major CHC, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, but the concentrations of a number of the contaminants were also correlated, making it difficult to infer if effects were due to any particular contaminant. The presence of cis-1,2-dichloroethene and other secondary ethenes suggests in situ breakdown of the primary CHCs via natural attenuation. The current focus of management of the Botany aquifer is to stop the contaminant plume reaching the adjoining estuary. This approach is clearly justified given the changes evident in the microbial assemblages in the groundwater, which are a likely consequence of the contamination.
Changes in plant species composition and functional traits along the successional trajectory of a restored patch of Atlantic Forest.

Studies on the dynamics of ecosystems undergoing restoration are needed to verify whether they are following the expected trajectory, developing in unexpected ways, or becoming stabilized in a non desirable intermediate stage of blocked succession. In order to elucidate the successional trajectory of the plant community in a 20 ha patch of riparian Atlantic Forest (southeastern Brazil) undergoing restoration, we assessed native tree and shrub species regenerating at 18, 28 and 38 years after planting. We analyzed changes in floristic composition and proportions of functional traits, by comparison with the set of 166 species originally planted most of which were non-native, and with the plant assemblages of two reference riparian ecosystems — a primary-type and a secondary forest, in the same eco-region. Despite isolation from extant forests, immigrating native species have enriched and dominated the community undergoing restoration. Thus, the floristic composition and the proportions of species among functional guilds is becoming more distinct through time from the set of species planted and more similar to the nearest secondary forest (1.6 km), but is still dramatically different from that of a primary forest 50 km away. The proportions of functional guilds among individuals regenerating have shown stability over time but differ in general from the primary forest, particularly for the higher proportion of zoochorous plants in the forest undergoing restoration. The proportion of non-native species as well as of individuals of these species in the community have decreased over time, even though they were the majority of the species planted, refuting the hypothesis of priority effect driving the community assembly.
A Study of a Common Misconception in Appalachian Kentucky Seventh and Eighth Grade Science Students: Free Fall and Inertia

Abstract Since the inception in 1990 of the Kentucky Education Reform Act, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has taken steps to improve middle-school student education, particularly in science. In this study, we evaluated the effects that these changes on middle school student performance, particular with respect to misconceptions about free fall and inertia. We collected data from approximately 750 seventh- and eighth-grade students from three middle schools in south-central Kentucky. We then surveyed the students, using a series of questions related to force and motion, after they had completed coursework at the relevant grade level. Overall, we found that students had a poor understanding of these topics. Seventh graders tended to perform better than their eighth grade counterparts, and male students tended to perform better than female students. We also conducted video interviews with a select number of students to evaluate their understanding of free fall and inertia. The video interviews showed the depth of misconceptions. We found that those students retained these misconceptions even after having completed the appropriate coursework.
Comparisons of Related Rare and Common Species in the Study of Plant Rarity

Abstract: Conservation of rare plant populations is an important dimension of the preservation of biodiversity. Yet the database underlying both the theoretical understanding and management of rare—in contrast to common—plant species is scattered, unfocused, and conceptually weak. Our review of studies comparing attributes of rare vascular plants with those of closely related, more common relatives found fewer studies than expected (n = 38) and no consistency in the attributes measured, which precluded further assessment of pattern. Only 10% of 71 response variables compared were reported in more than four studies, and most of the traits ( 79%) were compared in only one or two studies. Improvement of comparisons of rare and common species requires standardization of attributes measured among studies. Although experiments evaluating hypothesized limiting factors are desirable, at a minimum all studies should include population densities and life table schedules. Demographic parameters provide detailed data, required for scientific management of specific rare plants, and extensive data, required for meta‐analyses and detection of general patterns in rarity.
Dormancy responses to post-harvest application of growth regulators in Dioscorea species: I. Responses of bulbils, tubers and tuber pieces of three Dioscorea species

Summary The effects on dormancy of post-harvest application of growth regulators to bulbils, tubers and tuber pieces of tropical Dioscorea species were examined. Abscisic acid, kinetin, indole acetic acid and 2-chloroethyltrimethylammonium chloride were found to have little or no effect on either shoot or tuber-root production, while ethrel greatly promoted tuber-root production with little or no effect on shoot development. The germination of slices of tubers of D. alata was delayed by maleic hydrazide but there was no effect on intact tubers of D. alata and D. esculenta. Treatment with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid caused massive root and callus development along with delay in shoot development, while gibberellic acid occasioned marked extensions in the dormant period.
Significant Contribution of Primary Sources to Water-Soluble Organic Carbon During Spring in Beijing, China

Despite the significant role water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) plays in climate and human health, sources and formation mechanisms of atmospheric WSOC are still unclear; especially in some heavily polluted areas. In this study, near real-time WSOC measurement was conducted in Beijing for the first time with a particle-into-liquid-sampler coupled to a total organic carbon analyzer during the springtime, together with collocated online measurements of other chemical components in fine particulate matter with a 1 h time resolution, including elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), multiple metals, and water-soluble ions. Good correlations of WSOC with primary OC, as well as carbon monoxide, indicated that major sources of WSOC were primary instead of secondary during the study period. The positive matrix factorization model-based source apportionment results quantified that 68 ± 19% of WSOC could be attributed to primary sources, with predominant contributions by biomass burning during the study period. This finding was further confirmed by the estimate with the modified EC-tracer method, suggesting significant contribution of primary sources to WSOC. However, the relative contribution of secondary source to WSOC increased during haze episodes. The WSOC/OC ratio exhibited similar diurnal distributions with O3 and correlated well with secondary WSOC, suggesting that the WSOC/OC ratio might act as an indicator of secondary formation when WSOC was dominated by primary sources. This study provided evidence that primary sources could be major sources of WSOC in some polluted megacities, such as Beijing. From this study, it can be seen that WSOC cannot be simply used as a surrogate of secondary organic aerosol, and its major sources could vary by season and location.
Inhibition of some enzymes implicated in diabetes mellitus by raw and blanched extracts of African lettuce (Launaea taraxacifolia)

This study evaluates the impacts of blanching on α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase activities, and Fe 2+ -induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) inhibitory potentials as well as phenolic constituents of African lettuce (AL) leaves. The results revealed that both raw and blanched of AL extracts inhibited all the enzymes dose-dependently, but extract from raw AL had the highest α-amylase (IC 50 = 0.20 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC 50 = 0.27 mg/mL) and lipase (IC 50 = 0.45 mg/mL) inhibitory potential compared to that of blanched AL (α-amylase, IC 50 = 0.33 mg/mL; α-glucosidase IC 50 = 0.52 mg/mL, lipase IC 50 = 0.71 mg/mL). Raw AL extract exhibited highest lipid peroxidation (IC 50 = 1.01mg/mL) inhibitory effect, scavenged DPPH (0.62 mg/mL) and OH (0.40 mg/mL) radicals than the blanched (LPO, IC 50 = 1.43 mg/mL; DPPH, 0.82 mg/mL; OH, 0.75 mg/mL). Furthermore, catechin, caffeic and ellagic acid, epigallocatechin, rutin, isoquercitrin and quercetin were identified in addition with gallic and chlorogenic acids and quercitrin in raw AL, while caffeic acid derivative (13.40 mg/g) was detected in blanched AL only. Conclusively, blanching reduced the antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials and phenolic contents of African lettuce leaves as evidence in the blanched AL.
Effects of forage‐ and grain‐based feeding systems on beef quality: A review

Abstract The literature pertaining to the effect of forage‐ and grain‐based feeding systems on beef quality has been reviewed in light of considerable interest in New Zealand regarding the relative merits of grain‐ and grass‐based beef finishing systems. In particular, fifteen experiments which compared forage‐ and grain‐finished beef at the same carcass weight or degree of fatness, have been selected from the literature. When compared at similar carcass weights or the same degree of fatness, the type of feeding system had no effect per se on tenderness, juiciness, lean meat colour, marbling, or pH. In eight out of twelve experiments where flavour was assessed, panellists could not distinguish an effect of diet on flavour. Effects on fat colour were variable and, in six of the nine experiments where fat colour was measured, grain feeding failed to “improve” fat colour. It is concluded that there is little scientific justification for the claim that grain feeding is necessary to produce high quality beef.
The variation of the basic density within the juvenile wood of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)

The variation in the basic‐density level of 45 stems of Sitka spruce from two Danish sites has been examined. It is shown that the basic‐density level, i.e. the basic density as a function of ring width, within the juvenile wood decreases with (1) increasing distance from the pith and (2) increasing height in the stem (same ring number from pith provided). Furthermore, the basic‐density level seems to decrease with increasing stand quality, which may affect the pattern of variation in basic‐density level if the stand quality class varies with age. The basic density of the juvenile wood is markedly higher in Sitka spruce than in Norway spruce, whereby the risk of stem cracks probably is reduced.
When Politics Trumps Economics: Contrasting High-Skilled Immigration Policymaking in Germany and Austria

High-skilled immigration (HSI) policy has become of increasing interest among immigrant destination countries, but success in establishing liberal policies has varied considerably across countries. Focusing on two reluctant immigration states, Germany and Austria, this article explains why HSI policy reforms in these two countries have led to starkly diverging outcomes. Whereas previous studies have concentrated on the politics of organized labor market actors and the market-institutional context in which they are embedded, this article contends that variation in HSI policy liberalization also reflects increasing politicization through issue linkage to adjacent immigration domains, in this case, immigrant integration policy. The findings challenge the predominant interest-group–centric work on HSI and show how arguments for and against liberalization can traverse immigration policy domains.
Industrial leak testing of dangerous goods packagings

The Dangerous Goods Regulations currently do not include limit leakage rates or sensitivity requirements for industrial leak testing procedures that are equivalent to the bubble test, which is the prescribed test method for design type testing of dangerous goods packagings. During series production of such packagings, various methods are used, which often do not meet the requirements of the bubble test with regard to important criteria.
β-Carotene and Other Carotenoids as Antioxidants

Carotenoids are natural pigments which are synthesized by plants and are responsible for the bright colors of various fruits and vegetables. There are several dozen carotenoids in the foods that we eat, and most of these carotenoids have antioxidant activity. β-carotene has been best studied since, in most countries it is the most common carotenoid in fruits and vegetables. However, in the U.S., lycopene from tomatoes now is consumed in approximately the same amount as β-carotene. Antioxidants (including carotenoids) have been studied for their ability to prevent chronic disease. β-carotene and others carotenoids have antioxidant properties in vitro and in animal models. Mixtures of carotenoids or associations with others antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E) can increase their activity against free radicals. The use of animals models for studying carotenoids is limited since most of the animals do not absorb or metabolize carotenoids similarly to humans.Epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse relationship be.
Delayed chlorophyll accumulation and pigment photodestruction in the epicotyls of dark‐grown pea (Pisum sativum)

A comparison was performed of the tetrapyrrole transformations that occur upon irradiation of epicotyl or leaves of dark-grown Pisum sativum L. (var. Zsuzsi, Hungary). High performance liquid chromatography analysis after continuous or flash-irradiation showed that the biosynthetic pathway from protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) to chlorophyll (Chl) a was markedly slowed down at the step of the reduction of geranylgeranyl(gg)-Chl to dihydrogeranylgeranyl (dhgg)-Chl in epicotyls, whereas phytyl-Chl was synthesized in leaves subjected to the same light treatments. Quantitative pigment analysis during continuous irradiations of different intensities also showed that significant Pchlide photodestruction occurred in epicotyls even under weak light. When both Pchlide and chlorophyllide and/or chlorophylls were present in epicotyls, Pchlide photodestruction was faster under 630-nm light than under 670-nm light, which indicates that this process is most efficiently promoted by Pchlide excitation. Pre-incubation of epicotyl segments with 10 mM ascorbate partly alleviated pigment photodestruction in white light. It is concluded that formation of photoactive Pchlide-Pchlide oxidoreductase complexes is important to prevent fast pigment photooxidation after Pchlide accumulation in the dark.
Founder events predict changes in genetic diversity during human‐mediated range expansions

Intentional or accidental introduction of species to new locations is predicted to result in loss of genetic variation and increase the likelihood of inbreeding, thus reducing population viability and evolutionary potential. However, multiple introductions and large founder numbers can prevent loss of genetic diversity and may therefore facilitate establishment success and range expansion. Based on a meta‐analysis of 119 introductions of 85 species of plants and animals, we here show a quantitative effect of founding history on genetic diversity in introduced populations. Both introduction of large number of individuals and multiple introduction events significantly contribute to maintaining or even increasing genetic diversity in introduced populations. The most consistent loss of genetic diversity is seen in insects and mammals, whereas introduced plant populations tend to have higher genetic variation than native populations. However, loss or gain of genetic diversity does not explain variation in the extent to which plant or animal populations become invasive outside of their native range. These results provide strong support for predictions from population genetics theory with respect to patterns of genetic diversity in introduced populations, but suggest that invasiveness is not limited by genetic bottlenecks.