Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rise of internal Ca2+ accompanies the initiation of trout sperm motility

The initiation of motility of trout spermatozoa is inhibited by the presence of millimolar concentrations of external K+, but external Ca2+ might also be implicated in this control as it has been shown to antagonize the K+ inhibition of motility [S.M. Baynes et al.: J. Fish. Biol., 19:259–267, 1981]. The present work aimed to investigate internal Ca2+ levels during the motility phase of trout spermatozoa. Internal Ca2+ concentrations were monitored by the fluorescent quinoline Ca2+-indicator, “Quin-2” [R. Y. Tsien: Nature 290:527–529, 1981]. Trout spermatozoa were loaded with Quin-/ under conditions that gave efficient intracellular hydrolysis of Quin-2 and that did not impair the ability of loaded spermatozoa to initiate movement. The beat frequencies, cell velocities, and flagellar asymmetries of sperm movement were not significantly modified by the presence of the internal dye. Upon initiation of flagellar movement, an increase of the internal Quin-2 fluorescence was observed that reflected a sixfold increase of the free Ca2+ concentration. The free Ca2+ remained elevated after the cessation of movement. The variation of fluorescence was completed within 40 seconds, whereas the initiation of motility was nearly instantaneous, and the total duration of flageliar beating lasted for about 80–100 seconds (measurements at 11°C). The increase in the internal free Ca2+ concentration is completed after the initiation of flagellar beating but its occurrence correlates with that of sperm movement. Fluorescence increase was not observed in the presence of 40 mM K+, a condition in which spermatozoa did not initiate flagellar beating. In the presence of the Ca2+ channel blocker desmethoxyverapamil, neither sperm motility nor fluorescence increases were observed, which suggested that the increase of internal free Ca2+ was produced by a flux of external Ca2+ into the cell rather than by a mobilization of internal Ca2+ stores.
Studies on cowpea farming practices in Nigeria, with emphasis on insect pest control

Abstract Survey questionnaires were administered in three locations in Nigeria to gain an insight into cowpea farming practices with emphasis on insect pest control. The objective of the survey was to obtain guidance for the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies catering for all categories of cowpea growers. The survey revealed that cowpea as grown at present is mostly as a secondary crop requiring low inputs to boost its production. Therefore, a rational pest control approach should be integrative, locale‐specific and include: (1) educating farmers on control tactics, (2) identifying and developing effective IPM strategies that are low cost and which are scale neutral, and (3) creating an awareness on the necessity for IPM inputs to be readily available and affordable.
Rice Bran Oil and γ‐Oryzanol in the Treatment of Hyperlipoproteinaemias and Other Conditions

Diet is the first (and sometimes the only) therapeutic approach to hyperlipoproteinaemias. Rice bran oil and its main components (unsaturated fatty acids, triterpene alcohols, phytosterols, tocotrienols, α‐tocopherol) have demonstrated an ability to improve the plasma lipid pattern of rodents, rabbits, non‐human primates and humans, reducing total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentration and increasing the high density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Other potential properties of rice bran oil and γ‐oryzanol, studied both in vitro and in animal models, include modulation of pituitary secretion, inhibition of gastric acid secretion, antioxidant action and inhibition of platelet aggregation. This paper reviews the available data on the pharmacology and toxicology of rice bran oil and its main components with particular attention to those studies relating to plasma lipid altering effects. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterns of taxonomic diversity and relatedness among native and non‐indigenous bryozoans

Aim The likelihood of a species successfully passing through all stages of the human‐mediated invasion process and becoming established at new locations is often determined by phenotypic characteristics. Among species, phenotypic similarity is negatively correlated with phylogenetic distance, but examples of independent evolution of traits in unrelated taxa do exist. Using marine bryozoans as model organisms we predict that, given the selectivity of the invasion process, the phylogenetic relatedness among established non‐indigenous species in a region is either higher or lower than that among the native assemblage, but not the same.
Home range, habitat selection and activity patterns of an arid-zone population of Temminck’s ground pangolins, Smutsia temminckii

All previous behavioural studies of Temminck’s ground pangolins (Smutsia temminckii) have focused on populations in mesic regions. We examined home range size, activity periods, habitat selectivity and refuge site selection of 13 individuals over three years in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa, near the western edge of the species’ range. Kernel home ranges of adults averaged 6.5 ± 5.9 km2, while juveniles had average home ranges of 6.1 ± 4.0 km2. Reliable prediction of 95% of the Kernel home range required 88 ± 67.7 tracking days. No significant habitat selectivity was observed. Earthen burrows were the most frequently used refuge type. The time at which activity commenced varied seasonally as well as among individuals, with an increase in diurnal activity during winter. Young pangolins also displayed more diurnal activity compared to adults. Individuals spent 5.7 ± 2.0 hours per 24–hour cycle outside of refuges, with no significant seasonal variation. Juvenile dispersal peaked during mid-summer, with individuals travelling up to 49 km from their natal areas. We estimate a breeding density of 0.16 individuals/km2 and a total density of 0.31 individuals/km2 for our study area. Our data suggest that activity patterns, movements and refuge selection is similar across the species’ southern African range, but that densities may be higher in the Kalahari compared to populations in more mesic eastern areas.
Effect of Enzyme Supplementation on the Performance of Broiler Finisher Fed Microdesmis puberula Leaf Meal

A thirty-five day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the performance of broiler finishers fed Microdesmis puberula leaf meal supplemented with "Safzyme " (a cellulolytic enzyme). Microdesmis R puberula is a choice tropical browse plant. Three broiler finisher diets were formulated to contain 0.0, 12.5% Microdesmis puberula leaf meal without enzyme. and 12.5% Microdesmis puberula leaf meal with 0.10% enzyme. One hundred and twenty (120) four-week-old Hubbard broiler chicks were divided into three groups of forty (40) birds each and randomly assigned to the three treatment diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Data were collected on feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. There was significant difference (p 0.05) from birds on leaf meal diets without enzyme supplementation. Birds on 0.0% leaf meal diet recorded the highest daily body weight gain. Feed conversion ratios of all treatment groups were comparable. The result suggests that 0.10% of the enzyme supplementation in diets containing 12.5% Microdesmis puberula leaf meal did not improve the performance of finisher broilers.
The effectiveness of the protective role of beetroot juice for the male reproductive system of albino rats against the toxicity of cadmium chloride

This study was designed to evaluate the protective role of beetroot juice against the toxicity of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in male albino rats. The study included 20 male albino rats ages ranged between (2-3 months) and weights ranged between (220-260g), which were randomly distributed into 4 groups, the first group that has been promised to control group was given distilled water, the second group was given beetroot juice 10 ml/kg b.w. , group third was given at a dose of cadmium chloride 5 mg/kg b.w. for 30 days, which promised an infected control, and the fourth group were treated beetroot juice 10 ml/kg b. w. with cadmium chloride. The results showed that the treatment of animals cadmium chloride led group to a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the hormonal serum, to negative effects on of the natural shape of the sperm and to negative effects cleared on histological in testes tissues compared with the control group, In general has dosage rats treatment cadmium chloride juice of beetroot, to the positive improvement for most of the values ​​of previous indicators has led to increase significantly, the concentration of the LH, FSH and Testosterone hormone , to an improvement in the natural shape of the sperm, decreased significantly in the form abnormal sperm, led to an improvement cleared tissue in these totals became approach with what has been observed in the control group. http://dx.doi. org/10.25130/tjps.24. 2019.007
Autoradiographic demonstration of ipsilateral and contralateral sensory nerve endings in cat dentin, pulp, and periodontium

In order to determine the location of sensory nerve endings in cat teeth, 3H‐proline and 3H‐leucine were injected into the left trigeminal ganglion of eight cats aged 6.5–10 months; 24 hours was allowed for axonal transport of radioactive protein to dental nerve endings, and the endings were then detected by autoradiography. The pulps of most ipsilateral (left) teeth contained some labeled axons. These axons ended in the odontoblastic layer and predentin of roots and crown; at the tip of the pulp horn of each cusp, nerve endings also extended as far as 150 μm into dentinal tubules.
Optimizing Students’ Mental Health and Academic Performance: AI-Enhanced Life Crafting

One in three university students experiences mental health problems during their study. A similar percentage leaves higher education without obtaining the degree for which they enrolled. Research suggests that both mental health problems and academic underperformance could be caused by students lacking control and purpose while they are adjusting to tertiary education. Currently, universities are not designed to cater to all the personal needs and mental health problems of large numbers of students at the start of their studies. Within the literature aimed at preventing mental health problems among students (e.g., anxiety or depression), digital forms of therapy recently have been suggested as potentially scalable solutions to address these problems. Integrative psychological artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of a chatbot, for example, shows great potential as an evidence-based solution. At the same time, within the literature aimed at improving academic performance, the online life-crafting intervention in which students write about values and passions, goals, and goal-attainment plans has shown to improve the academic performance and retention rates of students. Because the life-crafting intervention is delivered through the curriculum and doesn’t bear the stigma that is associated with therapy, it can reach larger populations of students. But life-crafting lacks the means for follow-up or the interactiveness that online AI-guided therapy can offer. In this narrative review, we propose to integrate the current literature on chatbot interventions aimed at the mental health of students with research about a life-crafting intervention that uses an inclusive curriculum-wide approach. When a chatbot asks students to prioritize both academic as well as social and health-related goals and provides personalized follow-up coaching, this can prevent -often interrelated- academic and mental health problems. Right on-time delivery, and personalized follow-up questions enhance the effects of both -originally separated- intervention types. Research on this new combination of interventions should use design principles that increase user-friendliness and monitor the technology acceptance of its participants.
The content and role of formal contracts in high-tech alliances

Abstract In this study we investigate the governance structure of innovation processes in high-tech alliances, focusing on the content and role of formal contracts. The design of a formal agreement is one of the most important strategic decisions for alliance partners. Drawing upon transaction cost arguments and social exchange theory, we study the determinants of contractual detail of collaborative agreements in the Dutch high tech industry. The findings confirm important roles for transactional and relational characteristics. We also show that contracts have multiple functions: they are important to safeguard risks but are also used to co-ordinate alliance activities and show commitment; or to safeguard external contingencies. Each of these different dimensions has unique antecedents.
LRRK2-Related Parkinson’s Disease Due to Altered Endolysosomal Biology With Variable Lewy Body Pathology: A Hypothesis

Mutations in the gene encoding for leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are associated with both familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD). LRRK2 encodes a large protein comprised of a GTPase and a kinase domain. All pathogenic variants converge on enhancing LRRK2 kinase substrate phosphorylation, and distinct LRRK2 kinase inhibitors are currently in various stages of clinical trials. Although the precise pathophysiological functions of LRRK2 remain largely unknown, PD-associated mutants have been shown to alter various intracellular vesicular trafficking pathways, especially those related to endolysosomal protein degradation events. In addition, biochemical studies have identified a subset of Rab proteins, small GTPases required for all vesicular trafficking steps, as substrate proteins for the LRRK2 kinase activity in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the impact of such phosphorylation on neurodegenerative mechanisms underlying LRRK2-related PD, especially with respect to deregulated Rab-mediated endolysosomal membrane trafficking and protein degradation events. Surprisingly, a significant proportion of PD patients due to LRRK2 mutations display neuronal cell loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta in the absence of any apparent α-synuclein-containing Lewy body neuropathology. These findings suggest that endolysosomal alterations mediated by pathogenic LRRK2 per se are not sufficient to cause α-synuclein aggregation. Here, we will review current knowledge about the link between pathogenic LRRK2, Rab protein phosphorylation and endolysosomal trafficking alterations, and we will propose a testable working model whereby LRRK2-related PD may present with variable LB pathology.
Effects of Functional Disability, Personal Assistance, and Built Environment Features on the Relocation of Older Persons

Abstract Functional ability is an important criterion to predict the capability of older persons to maintain their independent living. This study focused on the effects of built environment features and personal assistance to ameliorate functional disability and reduce the likelihood of relocation. Using longitudinal data from the Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old survey, relocation behaviors were analyzed for 6,225 respondents aged 70 and older. Findings indicated that disability in basic activities of daily living or in lower body activities among older persons increased the likelihood of their entrance into an institutional setting. However, they were less likely to enter an institution when their homes were equipped with built environment features such as ramps, railings, or grab-bars. Personal assistance did not significantly reduce the likelihood of a residential move or institutionalization for those with a disability in basic activities of daily living.
Intercellular Compartmentation of Ions in Barley Leaves in Relation to Potassium Nutrition and Salinity

X-ray microanalysis was used to determine the distributions of several nutrient elements between vacuoles of epidermal and mesophyll cells in barley leaves and these distributions were related to shoot nutrient concentrations. Under the growth conditions used, P was found only in mesophyll vacuoles, never in the epidermis. In contrast, Cl and Ca were located almost exclusively in the epidermis while K and Na were more evenly distributed between the two cell types. The compartmentation of Ca and Cl in the epidermis was maintained over a wide range of tissue concentrations of these ions. In particular, Cl was excluded from the mesophyll of salt-grown barley until the tissue concentration reached about 170 mol m −3 and then it appeared in the vacuoles of these cells, but only at low concentrations
Comparison of methods for isolation of protozoa from ruminal fluid

Isolation of protozoa from ruminal fluid taken from the same cow on five different days was carried out by three methods based on sedimentaton or on filtration using 10-μm mesh (PMB-10) or 20-μm mesh (PMB-20) polyester monofilament bags. Differences among means for percentage recoveries of protozoal numbers for the three isolation methods were statistically significant (P = 0.007), but those for dry matter and diaminopimelic acid (DAPA) recoveries were not (P > 0.1). The sedimentation method produced the lowest recovery of protozoa as well as the highest recovery of DAPA, which indicated the highest bacterial contamination. Among the filtration-based methods PMB-10 produced higher recoveries of protozoal numbers and dry matter than PMB-20, but with somewhat larger bacterial contamination. Among the three methods compared, filtration with PMB-10 was considered as the most suitable. Key words: Ruminal fluid, protozoal isolation, sedimentation, filtration
Why are traditional newspaper publishers still surviving in the digital era? The impact of long-term trends on the Flemish newspaper industry’s financing, 1990–2014

ABSTRACT The foundations of traditional newspaper publishers have been undermined, which raises the question why they are still surviving amidst an unfolding digital era. This is explored in a longitudinal (1990–2014) analysis of the Flemish market. Competitive pressure and changes in the newspaper market are related to publisher’s strategic responses (cost leadership, differentiation, and focus) and their financing. The findings reveal a market that shifted from the mature stage of its product life cycle to the decline stage since 2008 and structural shifts in publishers’ business operations. Realisation of cost-efficiencies, for example, through expansion, is the key mechanism behind keeping up net operating profits and indicates resilience in a changing environment. The findings aid discussions about traditional publishers’ future strategies.
Stable carbon isotopes and the metabolism of the terrestrial Devonian organism Spongiophyton

Devonian fossils of Spongiophyton have been identified as a terrestrial evolutionary intermediate between algae and vascular land plants on the basis of their dichotomously branched, tubular morphology, thick cuticles, and the scattered distribution of surface pores. Our understanding of their physiology is, however, severely limited, but may be increased through the use of stable carbon isotope measurements. One such study led to the hypothesis that Spongiophyton carried a carbon isotope (δ13C) signature characteristic of lichens ( Jahren et al., 2003Geology31, 99–102). Here, we outline three difficulties with accepting this idea and report independent isotopic measurements of Spongiophyton fossils from Canada and Ghana. Our results show that the isotopic discrimination of analogous tissues of Spongiophyton, extant lichens, liverworts and mosses are statistically indistinguishable. We suggest therefore that claims to have definitively identified lichen metabolism are premature, and cannot be sustained.
Assessment of Evidence Regarding Minimally Invasive Surgery vs. Conservative Treatment on Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: The recent publication of a trial failed to prove the efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to answer the question: Do we need more trials to compare MIS vs. conservative treatment in these patients? Methods: Databases were searched for relevant randomized trials on MIS (endoscopic surgery or stereotactic evacuation) vs. conservative treatment. The primary outcome was significant neurological debilitation or death at the follow-up, and the secondary outcome was death. Both conventional meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were performed. Results: Twelve trials with 2,049 patients were included. In the conventional meta-analysis, the risk ratios of MIS vs. conservative treatment were 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72–0.94] and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.62–0.88) for the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. In TSA, the cumulative z curve crossed the superiority boundary, which confirmed an 18.8% relative risk reduction of MIS vs. conservative treatment for the primary outcome. It was also highly likely that MIS would reduce mortality by 24.3%. Several sensitivity analyses suggested the robustness of our results, including different prior settings, including only trials with blind outcome assessment, and the assumption of future trials to be futile. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery seems to be more effective than conservative treatment in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage in reducing both morbidity and mortality. Repeating a clinical trial with similar devices, design, and outcomes is unlikely to change the current evidence.
Time and energy constraints and the relationships between currencies in foraging theory

G. Beauchamp Behavioral Ecology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada Measured foraging strategies often cluster around values that maximize the ratio of energy gained over energy spent while foraging (efficiency), rather than values that would maximize the long-term net rate of energy gain (rate). The reasons for this are not understood. This paper focuses on time and energy constraints while foraging to illustrate the relationship between efficiency and rate-maximizing strategies and develops models that provide a simple framework to analyze foraging strategies in two distinct foraging contexts. We assume that while capturing and ingesting food for their own use (which we term feeding), foragers behave so as to maximize the total net daily energetic gain. When gathering food for others or for storage (which we term provisioning), we assume that foragers behave so as to maximize the total daily delivery, subject to meeting their own energetic requirements. In feeding contexts, the behavior maximizing total net daily gain also maximizes efficiency when daily intake is limited by the assimilation capacity. In contrast, when time available to forage sets the limit to gross intake, the behavior maximizing total net daily gain also maximizes rate. In provisioning contexts, when daily delivery is constrained by the energy needed to power self-feeding, maximizing efficiency ensures the highest total daily delivery. When time needed to recoup energetic expenditure limits total delivery, a low self-feeding rate relative to the rate of energy expenditure favors efficient strategies. However, as the rate of self-feeding increases, foraging behavior deviates from efficiency maximization in the direction predicted by rate maximization. Experimental manipulations of the rate of self-feeding in provisioning contexts could be a powerful tool to explore the relationship between rate and efficiency-maximizing behavior.