Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Introvert and pharynx of Mafangscolex, a Cambrian palaeoscolecid

Abstract Palaeoscolecid worms are widespread in the Palaeozoic period, and are of key importance to understanding the emergence of moulting animals (superphylum Ecdysozoa). However, palaeoscolecids lack a diagnostic set of morphological characters, and as such are unlikely to form a natural (monophyletic) group. Consequently, detailed anatomical study of individual taxa is necessary in order to evaluate the phylogenetic significance of palaeoscolecids. New specimens of Mafangscolex from the Cambrian Stage 3 Xiaoshiba Lagerstätte in Kunming, China, provide the first detailed account of a proboscis in Palaeoscoelcida sensu stricto, a core group of palaeoscolecids characterized by having a tessellating scleritome of phosphatic plates and platelets. The eversible mouthparts of Mafangscolex comprise an armoured, hexaradially symmetrical introvert, a ring of coronal spines and quincuncially arranged pharyngeal armature, with a range of tooth morphologies. Taken together, this configuration strikingly resembles the proboscis arrangement inferred for the ancestral ecdysozoan. The six-fold symmetry represents an important difference from the pentaradial priapulan proboscis. The retention of key aspects of the ancestral ecdysozoan body plan suggests that palaeoscolecids represent a useful window on the earliest stages of ecdysozoan evolution.
Basil seeds as a source of antioxidants affected by fortification with selenium

Abstract The work aimed to determine the potential of selenium incorporation into seeds of selected species of Ocimum spp. after fortification with a foliar solution of sodium selenate at a concentration of 50 g Se · ha−1. In a 2-year trial, the selenium content was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption method with Zeeman background correction. Modified spectrophotometric method (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] assays) was used to rate the potential of oxidation– reduction components of basil seeds (AA). The total polyphenol content (TPC) was determined spectrophotometrically using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and gallic acid (GA) as the standard solution. The results of experiments showed that the selenium biofortification significantly (p < 0.05) increased the content of selenium in basil seeds (17-fold increase in comparison with controlled variant in case of Tulsi, 12-fold in ‘Cinamonette’ and 12-fold in ‘Dark Green’ when compared with control). The basil seeds represented a valuable source of polyphenols (1414.61–1681.75 μg GA · g−1 dried weight [d.w.]) with multiple times higher antioxidant activity (23.50–28.97 mmol Trolox · kg−1) in comparison with common tested horticultural crops (e.g. peas, tomato and pumpkin). Significant influence of fortification was not found in AA and TPC values. Fortification was not significantly reflected in AA and TPC values. In addition to its very strong reproductive function, healing and religious purposes, the basil seed is used as a functional food due to its high content of bioactive compounds.
Environmental and Economic Evaluation of Small-Scale Bridge Repair Using Cross-Laminated Timber Floor Slabs

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has gained popularity worldwide in recent years, and its use in buildings and civil engineering structures has attracted attention in Japan. In this study, the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) balance and costs associated with CLT floor slabs were evaluated with respect to small-scale bridge repair as the first instance of the use of CLT in civil engineering projects in Japan. Additionally, waterproofing treatment was applied to CLT slabs, and the potential GHG and cost reduction of CLT in comparison with reinforced concrete (RC) slabs were examined. GHG emissions were the smallest for non-waterproofed CLT slabs and the greatest for RC slabs. When replacing RC slabs with CLT slabs without waterproofing, fossil-derived GHG emissions can be reduced by 73 kg-CO2eq/m2 per slab, and fossil/wood-derived GHG emissions can be reduced by 67 kg-CO2eq/m2; however, the use of disposed CLT as fuel is essential. Moreover, a reduction in GHG emissions can be expected if RC slabs are replaced with CLT slabs that are waterproofed only once every 20 years. Further, the cost associated with RC slabs is 20% of that attributable to CLT slabs. Hence, measures need to be taken to reduce the cost of CLT and waterproofing materials.
Hesperetin improves diabetic coronary arterial vasomotor responsiveness by upregulating myocyte voltage-gated K+ channels

Hesperetin (HSP) is a naturally occurring flavonoid. The present study aimed to investigate the potential vasomotor effects and mechanisms of HSP action on rat coronary arteries (RCAs) injured by diabetes or high glucose concentrations. HSP (100 mg/kg/day) was intragastrically administered to the rats for 8 weeks, which were rendered diabetic with a single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). The vascular tone of RCAs was recorded using a wire myograph. The voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) currents were examined using patch clamping. The expression of Kv channels (Kv1.2 and Kv1.5) was examined by western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Diabetes induced contractile hypersensitivity and vasodilator hyposensitivity in RCAs, both of which were attenuated by the chronic administration of HSP. Patch clamp data revealed that chronic HSP treatment reduced diabetes-induced suppression of Kv currents in the myocytes. Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that chronic HSP administration increased the expression of Kv1.2, but not Kv1.5, in the RCAs of diabetic rats compared with those from non-diabetic rats. In vitro analysis showed that co-incubation with HSP ameliorated high-glucose-induced suppression of Kv currents and Kv 1.2 protein expression in the myocytes. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that HSP alleviated RCA vasomotor dysfunction as a result of diabetes in rats by upregulating the expression of myocyte Kv channels.
PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTION SPECTRUM OF THE COCCOLITHOPHORID, EMILIANIA HUXLEYI (HAPTOPHYCEAE): 19′ HEXANOYLOXYFUCOXANTHIN AS ANTENNA PIGMENT 1, 2

Action spectra for modulated O2 production were compared with cell absorbance in Emiliania huxleyi (Lohm.) Hay and Mohler, a marine coccolithophorid in which 19′ hexanoytoxyfucoxanthin is the major carotenoid of the photosynthetic apparatus, Photosynthetic effectiveness (action/absorption) was high throughout the spectral interval, 500–550 nm, where 19′ hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin accounted for most of the photon capture. 19′ hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin is thus considered to be an efficient antenna pigment for photosynthesis and to be preferentially associated with photosystem II. It may be a quantitatively significant light harvesting pigment for some algae of the marine environment.
Physiological Stress Responses in Wild and Hatchery‐Reared Rainbow Trout

Abstract Stress-induced changes in plasma cortisol, glucose, and chloride were more extreme in wild rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri than in hatchery-reared fish subjected to confinement in a net and to electroshock. During 12 h of net confinement, plasma cortisol increased from resting levels of 10 ng/mL to 480 ng/mL in wild fish, and from 2 ng/mL to 155 ng/mL in hatchery fish. Plasma glucose was also higher in wild fish, increasing from 55 to 284 mg/dL, versus an increase from 58 to 196 mg/dL in hatchery fish. Plasma chloride decreased from resting levels of 132–135 meq/L to 53 meq/L in wild fish (and it continued a decline to 33 meq/L during the first 24 h after confinement), but only to 102 meq/L in hatchery fish. Both wild and hatchery-reared fish required more than 24 h after they were removed from the net to recover resting levels of plasma constituents. Plasma concentrations of cortisol, glucose, and chloride were less altered in response to electroshock than they were in response to net confinement.
A comparison of epifauna and epiphytes on native kelps (Laminaria species) and an invasive alga (Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides) in Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract We compared epifaunal and epiphytic assemblages on the invasive alga, Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides, with those on native kelps, Laminaria longicruris and L. digitata, at a moderately exposed site on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. Thalli of each algal host (Laminaria and/or Codium) were sampled in two stands with monospecific canopy cover and one mixed canopy stand (Laminaria and Codium) in June and November 2004 and February 2005. Epifaunal assemblages on both fronds and holdfasts differed between algal species and among months, but no differences were detected between mixed and monospecific stands for each host type. Fronds of Laminaria supported greater densities of gastropods and asteroids, while amphipods, harpacticoid copepods, and a specialist herbivore (Placida dendritica) were more abundant on fronds of Codium. Holdfasts of Codium supported greater densities of nematodes and bivalves. Diversity of epifauna was greater on fronds of Codium than Laminaria and similar on holdfasts of both species. Codium supported a greater density of epiphytes than Laminaria. Total frond area of Laminaria and/or Codium and density of epifauna per m2 of substratum did not differ between stands. Our results suggest that habitat selection by epibionts is likely determined by specific chemical, structural and morphological characteristics of the algal species, rather than the amount of habitable area available for colonization.
“The world was shifting under our feet, so I turned to my devotionals as his dementia worsened”: the role of spirituality as a coping mechanism for family caregivers of Alaska Native elders with dementia

ABSTRACT Background: Providing direct care for an individual with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD) is a source of chronic stress for caregivers. Spirituality and religion are important to Alaska Native (AN) identity and this study explored the role of spiritual practices as a coping mechanism for dementia caregivers. Purpose: The aim of the study was to (1) identify stressors experienced by AN people caring for someone with dementia and (2) describe the role of spirituality in coping with those stressors. Methods: This exploratory study conducted interviews with 21 AN caregivers of those with dementia. We employed thematic analysis to interview transcripts to examine relationships among the narratives and explore themes that populated the participants’ understandings of ADRD in each of the domains of Kleinman’s Explanatory Model of Illness. Results: AN caregivers reported chronic stress related to caregiving, and subthemes included poor health, lack of support, and lack of education on dementia. Caregivers reported using spiritual practices to cope with stress. Conclusion: The use of spiritual practices is identified as a primary resource during challenging caregiving experiences. Community organizations and health care providers should incorporate spiritual practices as part of the support they provide to AN dementia caregivers.
Evidence of recombination between net- and spot-type populations of Pyrenophora teres as determined by RAPD analysis

The genetic structure of Pyrenophora teres , the causal agent of net blotch of barley, was examined in two fields 30 km apart in the south-western Cape of South Africa. The two fields respectively represented a net- and spot-type population, the two types being distinguished on the basis of symptom expression on differentially susceptible cultivars. The number of isolates sampled from each field was 36 for the net-type population and 29 for the spot-type population. Samples were collected from infected barley leaves from two separate quadrants in each field, the two quadrants positioned in corners of the fields, diagonal to one another. Of the 40 10-mer random oligonucleotide primers screened, five produced scorable, reproducible DNA bands suitable for the determination of population structure. A total of 65 loci were produced of which 54 were polymorphic. Genetic analysis of bands produced by one of the primers has revealed single locus segregation in a mating between a net- and spot-type isolate, indicating that RAPD bands can be interpreted as alleles at genetic loci. Total gene diversities determined for all loci resulted in mean indices of 0.063 and 0.082 being obtained respectively for the net- and spot-type populations. Genetic diversity among the two populations was divided into within- (variation between sampling quadrants) and among population components using Nei's G ST . A coefficient of genetic differentiation ( G S ) of 0.0149 was obtained between quadrants within populations while a coefficient ( G T ) of 0.63 was obtained between the two populations. Genotypic variation revealed 13 distinct multilocus genotypes (haplotypes) in the net-type population while there were 12 in the spot-type population. UPGMA cluster analysis of the two populations together with six progeny from a mating between a net- and spot-type isolate resulted in three main clusters being produced, one for each population and one for the progeny. One isolate collected from the net-type population that did not cluster with the other net-type isolates clustered directly next to the cluster containing the sexual progeny. This isolate also contained a unique spot-type DNA band. This suggested that sexual recombination may be occurring between net- and spot-type isolates under field conditions.
Introgressive hybridization between two species of waterstriders (Hemiptera: Gerridae: Limnoporus): geographical structure and temporal change of a hybrid zone

Where the distribution ranges of the waterstriders Limnoporus notabilis and L. dissortis meet in western Canada, extensive hybridization and introgression occurs. Multivariate ordination analyses of genetic and morphometric data by principal component analysis revealed that a single axis separating the two parent species could account for nearly all the variation in both data sets. Maps of principal component scores for both data sets revealed geographical patterns of variation reflecting specific topographic features in the region. Comparisons of morphometric data from some of the samples collected in the 1980s and from the same sites revisited in the 1990s revealed substantial changes. An ‘island’ of dissortis‐like populations inside the range of L. notabilis in interior British Columbia expanded, and a marked local protrusion of notabilis‐like phenotypes into the range of L. dissortis on the east slope of the Rocky Mountains diminished during the decade between collections. We conclude that introgressive hybridization between these two species of waterstriders is a spatially complex and highly dynamic process.
Influence of b2 adrenergic receptor polymorphism (rs1042713 and rs1042714) on anthropometric, hormonal and lipid profiles in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a frequently encountered disorder. This study aimed to identify polymorphisms in ADRB2 in Saudi PCOS development and to study its influence on lipids, hormones, and anthropometric parameters. Methods Saudi females (100) suffering from PCOS and healthy controls (100) were investigated. The estimation of cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), plasma glucose, leptin Insulin, and ghrelin were carried out. The DNA was extracted, and ADRB2 fragment carrying the exon 1 was amplified and sequenced. Results The waist, W/H ratio, lipids, glucose, and insulin were significantly higher in the obese PCOS compared to the normal weight group. The leptin and ghrelin were not different. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs1042713 (Arg16Gly; A>G) and rs1042714 (Gln27Glu; C>G) were identified. The genotype and allele frequency of rs1042713 did not differ in the total PCOS and normal weight, and obese PCOS compare to the controls. However, rs1042714 was significantly associated with PCOS development, where the minor G allele was protective against PCOS development. Conclusions The rs1042714 polymorphism of the ADRB associates with PCOS development in Saudis, while rs1042713 does not. However, the GG genotype of rs1042713 associates significantly with elevated BMI, waist, hip, W/H, and leptin, and decreased ghrelin. On the other hand, rs1042714 genotypes do not associate with any abnormality except the homozygous GG have higher triglycerides and lower HDL-C. Interestingly, glucose showed different correlation patterns in individuals carrying different genotypes of the two studied SNP, indicating clearly that the metabolic responses to a normal nutrient are significantly influenced by the genotypes of the SNPs in ADRB2.
Dietary supplements’ endorsements. A content analysis of claims and appeals on Spanish radio

The aims of this study are to analyze the presence of endorsers in DS advertising on Spanish radio and the health-related product information of endorsements on full service Spanish radio. To this end, the content analysis of all radio spots broadcast throughout the year 2017 is conducted, deriving a corpus of 165 different radio spots belonging to the product category of dietary supplements, broadcast a total of 10,566 times. According to the Elaboration Likelihood Model, endorsers are a peripheral cue and increase advertising persuasion. The main results show that the most prevalent type of endorser in DS radio spots is the anonymous spokesperson, followed by celebrities, and that endorsers use explicit claims more frequently than implicit claims. Additionally, experts and celebrities use rational appeals more frequently while emotional appeals predominate in endorsements by typical consumers. Thus, rational appeals are prevalent in endorsements voiced by the most credible endorsers: experts and celebrities. That is, the higher the social recognition and credibility of the endorser, the greater the weight of direct, explicit and rational arguments in the message, while less attention is given to emotional appeals.
Influence of Environmental Variability on Root Dynamics in Northern Forests

Plant root systems are highly dynamic over various temporal and spatial scales, and are responsive to changes in environmental conditions. The objective of this review is to describe the dynamics of root structure and function in boreal and northern temperate forests and examine how edaphic and climatic characteristics and intra- and interspecific root competition impact root dynamics. Fine roots exhibit distinct seasonal trends of production and mortality. Over the extent of stand development, coarse root biomass increases until maturity, while the response of fine roots remains unclear. Roots are predominantly restricted to the upper soil layers, and spatial variability of roots in the horizontal direction decreases with decreasing root size. Root/shoot ratio decreases gradually through stand development. On nutrient-rich sites, roots are more concentrated around respective stems and root systems are more branched than on nutrient-poor sites. Plants generally root deeper under low soil moisture conditions, while roots tend to grow horizontally into rich rather than poor patches of soil. Plants adapt their biomass allocation strategies to edaphic and climatic variation according to the functional equilibrium hypothesis. Although root production is projected to increase, providing nutrients are not limiting, following elevated carbon dioxide concentrations and temperatures, how root turnover and above- and below-ground carbon allocation may change remains uncertain. Stands composed of species with different rooting characteristics may attain greater root production compared to single-species stands or mixtures of similar species from reduced exploitative competition. Alternatively, plants can produce greater root biomass with a competing plant than growing alone as a result of self root discrimination. Future research is needed to address how elevated carbon dioxide concentrations and temperatures will feedback upon soil resource availability to influence plant responses from the organism- to the ecosystem-level.
Nematode community changes and survival rates under natural fallow in the sudano-sahelian area of Senegal

Summary The study was undertaken in the sudano-sahelian region of Senegal, south of the groundnut production area of Senegal. Millet fields, three fallow lands (exploited by the local population), 1, 9 and 18 years old at the beginning of the study, an 18 year-old fallow protected during the preceding 6 years by a fence, and a forest, were studied for 3 years. During the successive dry and rainy seasons soil samples were collected on 17 separate occasions to monitor plant parasitic and free-living nematodes. This study aims, firstly, to analyse the impact of the duration of the fallow on the nematode community, assuming that this management practice is known to be efficient in controlling plant parasitic nematodes, and secondly, if the dominance of certain nematode species in the agro-ecosystems was related to their ability to survive during the long dry season. The abundance of the plant parasitic nematode community did not change over the three-year period, but was greater in the 18–20 year-old fallows than in the younger ones or in the forest. Helicotylenchus dihystera and Scutellonema cavenessi were not affected by the dry season. H. dihystera had the highest survival rate followed by free-living nematodes, S. cavenessi and two species of Tylenchorhynchus. Species such as Xiphinema parasetariae, Aphasmatylenchus variabilis and Criconemella curvata could not be detected in the topsoil during the dry season. Survival rates of S. cavenessi decreased with fallow age (not in the forest) together with its populations, whereas it increased for all other species. The decreasing Tylenchorhynchus gladiolatus population in fallows of increasing age as well as the absence of H. dihystera in the millet fields could not be explained by a serious decrease of the survival rate during the dry season. These results demonstrated that nematodes could be controlled, without eradication, through a cultural strategy, which will favour the multiplication of weak pathogens of plant parasitic nematodes such as H. dihystera.
A review of the genetic and epigenetic factors affecting lamb survival

Poor lamb survival pre-weaning is a major source of reproductive inefficiency in Australian sheep flocks. While nutrition and management options have been extensively researched and promoted to improve lamb survival, the present review focuses on the prospects for obtaining genetic gain and helps identify selection strategies for boosting such gains to improve overall reproductive efficiency in the Australian sheep industry. Estimated heritability for lamb survival using linear model analysis is low, although use of threshold models suggests that heritability could be higher, which, if true, could help explain the substantial genetic gains obtained in long-term selection experiments. Epigenetic mechanisms may hinder selection and quantitative trait-loci identification through confounding and/or masking genetic variances and co-variances. With sufficient information, these effects could be considered in genetic evaluations by identifying those components that are amenable to selection. Regarding indirect selection, finding effective criteria for improving lamb survival has proved elusive. Most measures of maternal behaviour, temperament and lambing difficulty researched are poorly correlated genetically with lamb survival. Of lamb behaviours and thermo-genic indicators studied, latency to bleat following handling by humans is moderately genetically correlated with lamb survival, as is neonatal rectal temperature. Industry application remains to be adequately explored for the more promising of these measures. Finally, in lieu of direct selection for lamb survival, there is merit in selecting for multiple-rearing ability or its equivalent, possibly with additional selection criteria for lamb survival and reproductive efficiency.