Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aquatic Predators and Tadpole Prey in Central Amazonia: Field Data and Experimental Manipulations

Experimental manipulations of aquatic predators (odonate naiads and fishes) and prey (three tadpole species: Osteocephalus taurinus, Phyllomedusa tomopterna, and Epipedobatesfemoralis) investigated the role of predators in the organization of a tropical larval anuran assemblage. Eighteen months of surveys of 31 primary forest lentic sites examined phonological patterns of tadpole and predator species. I tested for a relation between predator and metamorph presence using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square. I tested for differences in survival and development for each tadpole species as a function of predator identity. I examined correlations between growth of surviving tadpoles and both the number of nonspecific and the total number of surviving tadpoles. Two-way ANOVAs tested for differences in predation rate among predators and experiments. Finally, I tested for dif- ferences in selectivity for each prey species. Odonate naiads were the most common predator in upland isolated pools and peccary wallows, while fish were most common in lowland, stream-associated habitats. No relation was found between the presence of metamorphs and of predators in natural sites, except for metamorph presence (a positive relation for all tadpole species pooled) and presence of aeshnid larvae in natural sites. Predators reduced tadpole survival in three of four different prey-species combinations. Aeshnid naiads were the most effective predators, followed by libellulid naiads. Fish were never the most effective predators and their effect was variable. Predation rate on each of the three prey species varied among predators and sometimes depended upon which species were present, indicating that predation rate in the system was a function of the particular combination of prey species. No significant differences were found in selectivity for any prey species among individual predator types. All predators, however, preferred P. to- mopterna, the less abundant species, over 0. taurinus whenever the two species were together. Growth of tadpoles was inversely related to the number of surviving nonspecific tadpoles. Predators, therefore, have the potential to modify the composition of tadpole species assemblages through differential predation.
Species composition of old-growth and riparian Sitka spruce : western hemlock forests in southeastern Alaska

We studied six 1.2-ha stands, two each of three types of forest: (1) old-growth, riparian floodplain forest, (2) old-growth, upland forest, and (3) 40-year-old, red alder (Alnusrubra Bong.) riparian forest originating after clear-cut logging of floodplain forest. Sitka spruce (Piceasitchensis (Bong.) Carriere) dominated the old-growth riparian stands and shared dominance with western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. ) in the uplands. Regeneration was predominantly spruce in the alder riparian, spruce and hemlock in the old-growth riparian, and hemlock in the upland stands. Total understory biomass and ground cover did not differ significantly between forest types, but species-specific biomasses did differ (P < 0.05). Understory of the upland forest was dominated by early blueberry (Vacciniumovalifolium Sm.) and Alaska blueberry (Vacciniumalaskensis How.), while that of both riparian types was dominated by devilsclub (Oplopanaxhorridum (Sm.) Miq. ). Other species-specific differences occurred in forbs.
Effects of administration of multivitamins and enzymes for broilers either singly or in combination on body weight and haematobiochemical parameters

The experiment was conducted on “Lohman Meat” broiler chicks to evaluate the effect of exogenous multivitamin and enzyme supplementation on body weight gain, haematological parameters (TEC, Hb content, PCV and ESR) and serum transaminases (AST and ALT). A total of 20, twenty days old broilers were randomly divided into four equal groups (5×4). Group A was considered as control, fed only with commercial ration, group B was treated at a dose rate of 0.5 ml multivitamins per 1 litre of drinking water, group C was treated at a dose rate of 1 ml enzyme per litre of drinking water and group D was treated with multivitamin @ 0.5 ml/L and Enzyme @ 1ml/ L in water from 1 to 21 days of experiment. It was observed that multivitamin and enzyme supplementation significantly (p<0.01) increased body weight. TEC, PCV and Hb content increased significantly (p<0.01) in the treated groups as compared to that of control group. ESR, AST and ALT values decreased significantly (p<0.01) in the treated groups. Therefore, it may be concluded that multivitamin and enzyme may be used with better performances in terms of increase of body weight and blood profiles.
FACTORS AFFECTING OXIDATION AND PHOSPHORYLATION BY SOYBEAN MITOCHONDRIA

Active particles, presumed to be mitochondria, have been isolated by differential centrifugation from the hypocotyls of etiolated soybean seedlings. These particles were capable of oxidizing all Krebs cycle intermediates tested, although fumarate and oxaloacetate were oxidized relatively slowly. Oxygen uptake in the presence of succinate, pyruvate, or ketoglutarate was increased two to four times by the addition of ATP, MgSO4, and cytochrome c. Maximum activity was obtained when both sucrose and phosphate were added to the grinding and suspending media, and when the reaction mixture was buffered near pH 7.0. Endogenous oxidation was reduced 50% by one washing and at the same time the oxidation of exogenous substrate was increased two to three times. Average P:O ratios of 0.4, 0.8, and 0.9 were obtained without added hexokinase or fluoride for succinate, pyruvate, and ketoglutarate, respectively. These ratios were increased to 0.8, 1.2, and 1.5 by the addition of hexokinase. In all cases, 10−2 M NaF decrea.
Oxygen consumption in the fry of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) related to pH of the water

Fry were reared in Windermere lakewater at pH 7.0 or acidified to pH 4.5–5.0. Oxygen uptake by 0.1–5.0 g fry was compared at pH 7.0 and 4.0, using artificial lakewater in the respirometer. No significant differences in oxygen uptake were found at these two pH levels. Measurements of oxygen uptake by sea trout fry (Salmo trutta L.) at pH 7.0 are included.
Evidence-Based Integrated Intervention in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study of Feasibility and Effectiveness in a Real-World Rehabilitation Setting

Impairment in real-world functioning remains one of the most problematic challenges that people with schizophrenia have to face. Various psychosocial interventions have proven to be effective in promoting recovery and improving functioning in schizophrenia; however, their implementation and their effectiveness in routine rehabilitation practice are still objects of study. The present pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness on clinical and real-world outcomes of an integrated treatment protocol composed of stable pharmacological treatment, computer-assisted cognitive remediation and social skills training provided in a rehabilitation center. Predictors of functional improvement were also assessed. Seventy-two patients diagnosed with schizophrenia participated in the study. A significant (p < 0.001) improvement in positive, negative and total symptoms, as well as in global clinical severity and real-world functioning outcomes was observed, with a large effect size in positive and total symptoms, global clinical severity and real-world functioning, and a moderate effect size on negative symptoms. Improvement in total symptoms (p < 0.001) and in global clinical severity (p = 0.007) emerged as individual predictors of functional improvement. These findings, although preliminary, suggest that an integrated, evidence-based treatment program is feasible and effective in a real-world rehabilitation context, and that similar interventions should be further implemented in everyday clinical practice.
Apple Flavonols Mitigate Adipocyte Inflammation and Promote Angiogenic Factors in LPS- and Cobalt Chloride-Stimulated Adipocytes, in Part by a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ-Dependent Mechanism

Adipose tissue (AT) expansion induces local hypoxia, a key contributor to the chronic low-grade inflammation that drives obesity-associated disease. Apple flavonols phloretin (PT) and phlorizin (PZ) are suggested anti-inflammatory molecules but their effectiveness in obese AT is inadequately understood. Using in vitro models designed to reproduce the obese AT microenvironment, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were cultured for 24 h with PT or PZ (100 μM) concurrent with the inflammatory stimulus lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 ng/mL) and/or the hypoxia mimetic cobalt chloride (CoCl2; 100 μM). Within each condition, PT was more potent than PZ and its effects were partially mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ (p < 0.05), as tested using the PPAR-γ antagonist bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE). In LPS-, CoCl2-, or LPS + CoCl2-stimulated adipocytes, PT reduced mRNA expression and/or secreted protein levels of inflammatory and macrophage chemotactic adipokines, and increased that of anti-inflammatory and angiogenic adipokines, which was consistent with reduced mRNA expression of M1 polarization markers and increased M2 markers in RAW 264.7 macrophages cultured in media collected from LPS + CoCl2-simulated adipocytes (p < 0.05). Further, within LPS + CoCl2-stimulated adipocytes, PT reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation, nuclear factor-κB activation, and apoptotic protein expression (p < 0.05). Overall, apple flavonols attenuate critical aspects of the obese AT phenotype.
Enhanced Microwave Absorption Bandwidth in Graphene-Encapsulated Iron Nanoparticles with Core–Shell Structure

Graphene-encapsulated iron nanoparticles (Fe(G)) hold great promise as microwave absorbers owing to the combined dielectric loss of the graphene shell and the magnetic loss of the ferromagnetic metal core. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed transition metal nanoparticles encapsulated by graphene layers. The microwave electromagnetic parameters and reflection loss (R) of the Fe(G) were investigated. Graphene provided Fe(G) with a distinctive dielectric behavior via interfacial polarizations taking place at the interface between the iron cores and the graphene shells. The R of Fe(G)/paraffin composites with different Fe(G) contents and coating thickness was simulated according to the transmit-line theory and the measured complex permittivity and permeability. The Fe(G)/paraffin composites showed an excellent microwave absorption with a minimum calculated R of −58 dB at 11 GHz and a 60 wt% Fe(G) loading. The composites showed a wide bandwidth (the bandwidth of less than −10 dB was about 11 GHz). The R of composites with 1–3 mm coating thickness was measured using the Arch method. The absorption position was in line with the calculated results, suggesting that the graphene-coated iron nanoparticles can generate a suitable electromagnetic match and provide an intense microwave absorption. Excellent Fe(G) microwave absorbers can be obtained by selecting optimum layer numbers and Fe(G) loadings in the composites.
Identifying drugs with disease-modifying potential in Parkinson's disease using artificial intelligence and pharmacoepidemiology.

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of an approach combining computational methods and pharmacoepidemiology to identify potentially disease-modifying drugs in Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS We used a two-step approach; (a) computational method using artificial intelligence to rank 620 drugs in the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary based on their predicted ability to inhibit alpha-synucleinaggregation, a pathogenic hallmark of PD; and (b) case-control study using administrative databases in Ontario, Canada. Persons aged 70-110 years with incident PD from April 2002-March 2013. Controls were randomly selected from persons with no previous diagnosis of PD. RESULTS A total of 15 of the top 50 drugs were deemed feasible for pharmacoepidemiologic analysis, of which seven were significantly associated with incident PD after adjustment, with five of these seven associated with a decreased odds of PD. Methylxanthine drugs pentoxifylline (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59-0.89) and theophylline (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.66-0.91), and the corticosteroid dexamethasone (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.61-0.85) were associated with decreased odds of PD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of this approach to focus the search for disease-modifying drugs. Corticosteroids and methylxanthines should be further investigated as potential disease-modifyingdrugs in PD.
The role of microbial indicators of soil quality in ecological forest management

Ecological management is gaining acceptance as an encompassing philosophy in forest resource management. In keeping with this new paradigm, the Canadian Standards Association is creating a forest certification process to ensure that forest products are generated through sustainable forestry. However, a great deal of research is needed to develop and assess soil indicators of ecological sustainability. This paper discusses the role and usefulness of microbial indicators of soil quality in the ecological management of forests and the forest certification process. Suitable microbial indicators of soil conservation should be closely linked to critical ecological processes, should be documented properly across various ecosystem types, should be easy to use, and must evolve with new scientific knowledge. Key words: ecological management, soil quality, criteria and indicators, Canadian Standards Association, soil microorganisms, fire
Heterogeneity of Heterochromatic Segments in Nothoscordum Fragrans Chromosomes

SUMMARYNothoscordum fragrans chromosomes were mildly prepared by enzyme maceration and subsequent air-drying. Cytological characteristics of heterochromatic segments were studied by the C-banding technique, fluorochrome-staining and treatment with chemicals. Results showed that at least two classes of heterochromatic segments were differentiated with regard to the base composition of DNA and treatment with various chemicals or enzyme solubilized the heterochromatic segments comprised of GC-rich DNA.
The safety of antiviral therapy and drug withdrawal for the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HBV during pregnancy

The efficacy of prenatal antiviral therapy (AVT) for preventing the vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is well demonstrated. However, data are limited regarding the safety of postpartum cessation of AVT, which may induce alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. We aimed to investigate the necessity of prolonging maternal AVT after delivery. Chronic hepatitis B mothers at the immune‐tolerant phase with HBV DNA levels >6 log10 IU/mL were prospectively enrolled and received AVT during the third trimester until delivery. Patients were offered to discontinue AVT either at delivery or postpartum week (PPW) 6. In addition, mothers who deferred AVT during pregnancy served as the control group. All mothers were followed until PPW 52 for clinical and virological parameters of hepatitis flares. Among 118 mothers recruited, 91 received AVT with 53 (group A) and 24 (group B) discontinue their treatment at delivery and PPW 6, respectively. Twenty‐seven mothers who deferred AVT during pregnancy were followed as the control (group C). A total of 104 of 118 mothers who completed the study, 50% (52/104) had postpartum‐elevated ALT levels, which were mild and moderate except 6 of 104 (5.77%) of patients had levels ≥5 times the upper limit of normal; 70% (36/52) of the ALT flares occurred within 12 weeks after delivery. In subgroup analyses, the frequency of ALT elevation was similar among the groups A vs B vs C (50.9% [27/53] vs 58.3% [14/24] vs 40.7% [11/27], respectively; P = .447), as well as the mean peak ALT level (108.4/74.1/126.7 U/L in groups A/B/C, respectively; P = .291). Although postpartum ALT flares were common for mothers with or without AVT during pregnancy, most cases of ALT elevation were mild to moderate. Our study observed that extending AVT to PPW 6 did not affect maternal outcomes and ATV should be discontinued at birth. Close monitoring is warranted as severe flares rarely occurred.
Gallbladder Cancer: Imaging Appearance and Pitfalls in Diagnosis

Gallbladder cancer is an uncommon malignancy with an overall poor prognosis. The clinical and imaging presentation of gallbladder cancer often overlaps with benign disease, making diagnosis difficult. Gallbladder cancer is most easily diagnosed on imaging when it presents as a mass replacing the gallbladder. At this stage, the prognosis is usually poor. Recognizing the features of gallbladder cancer early in the disease can enable complete resection and improve prognosis. Recognition of the patterns of wall enhancement on computed tomography can help differentiate gallbladder cancer from benign disease. Gallbladder wall thickening without pericholecystic fluid presenting in an older patient with raised alkaline phosphatase should raise concern regarding gallbladder cancer. Gallbladder polyps in high-risk individuals need close surveillance or surgery as per guidelines. Small gallbladder cancers in the neck can present as biliary dilatation or cholecystitis, and careful examination of this area is needed to assess for lesion. The imaging appearance of gallbladder cancer is reviewed and supported by local institutional data. Features that differentiate it from its common mimics enabling earlier diagnosis are described.
Mechanistic Models as Framework for Understanding Biomarker Disposition: Prediction of Creatinine‐Drug Interactions

Creatinine is widely used as a biomarker of glomerular filtration, and, hence, renal function. However, transporter‐mediated secretion also contributes to its renal clearance, albeit to a lesser degree. Inhibition of these transporters causes transient serum creatinine elevation, which can be mistaken as impaired renal function. The current study developed mechanistic models of creatinine kinetics within physiologically based framework accounting for multiple transporters involved in creatinine renal elimination, assuming either unidirectional or bidirectional‐OCT2 transport (driven by electrochemical gradient). Robustness of creatinine models was assessed by predicting creatinine‐drug interactions with 10 perpetrators; performance evaluation accounted for 5% intra‐individual variability in serum creatinine. Models showed comparable predictive performances of the maximum steady‐state effect regardless of OCT2 directionality assumptions. However, only the bidirectional‐OCT2 model successfully predicted the minimal effect of ranitidine. The dynamic nature of models provides clear advantage to static approaches and most advanced framework for evaluating interplay between multiple processes in creatinine renal disposition.
Historical legacy of the old-growth pine forest in Dividalen, northern Scandes

The Dividalen (Sami: Dieváidvuovdi) valley in Troms county, North Norway, is well known for its old-growth pine forest, a biodiversity hotspot for dead wood-inhabiting fungi and lichens. The majority of the valley is protected within the Upper Dividalen Landscape Conservation Area and National Park. A general conception is that until the mid-nineteenth century when agriculture and forestry entered the valley, the landscape was entirely untouched by man and only used as a pathway for Sami and their reindeer herds on their annual migrations between Sweden and the Norwegian coast. Recent investigations on culturally modified trees and fossil pollen from mires have, however, revealed quite a different story. Sami reindeer pastoralism has affected the vegetation composition from the early seventeenth century to the nineteenth century, and traditional land use should be acknowledged as a long present factor in forming the landscape and cultural heritage. The climatic deterioration known as the Little Ice Age had a severe effect on the pine forest stand structure during the same centuries, forming the culmination of a period of climatic stress initiated already in the thirteenth century. Both long-term cultural and climatic factors are thus important to understand the vegetation dynamics and resulting biodiversity within the protected areas.
The Importance of the Social Environment in Achieving High Levels of Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in African American Church Members

Purpose: African Americans experience a high burden of chronic diseases and cancers that are prevented and ameliorated with physical activity (PA) and fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. The purpose of this study is to identify individual, social, and neighborhood variables associated with African Americans attaining high levels of both behaviors. Design: This study is a cross-sectional analysis. Settings and Participants: Cohort of African Americans adults recruited from black churches in the Greater Houston area. Measures: Self-administered questionnaires collected in 2012 assessed correlates and behavioral outcome variables (PA and FV consumption). A combined 4-category behavioral outcome was created: high PA/high FV, low PA/high FV, high PA/low FV, and low PA/low FV. Analysis: Standard and stepwise multinomial logistic regression examined the association between the various variables and the behavioral outcome. Results: This sample (n = 1009) had a mean age of 49 years, was mostly female, and obese. Compared to the low PA/low FV intake group, the high PA/high FV intake group had significantly lower odds of individual-level variables (worrying about getting cancer, perceived stress, loneliness, and financial strain) and higher odds of social-level variables (social status, social cohesion, social organization involvement, and social norms). Only social-level variables remained significantly associated with higher odds of high PA/high FV intake in stepwise regression. Conclusion: These findings indicate that social influences may be most critical for high PA and FV intake in African Americans adults.
Empirical evidence of monsoon influences on Asian Lakes

Limited information is available on how the Asian monsoon influences contemporary lake processes, seasonal patterns and interannual variation. Data sets from Nepal (Indian monsoon region) and South Korea (East Asian monsoon region) along with published literature show a wide range in the response of Asian lakes to the seasonal monsoon. Cross-system patterns show nutrients and algal biomass peak in most lakes in response to monsoon inflow, which suggests nonpoint sources dominate external loading. This seasonal increase may be the general phenological model for nutrients and phytoplankton in lakes in monsoon regions. Major ions show dilution by surface runoff during the monsoon and post-monsoon increases. Dilution of nutrients in fertile systems during the monsoon suggests point source inputs dominate peak loads during the non-monsoon period. Peak monsoon runoff can enter the water column of large stratified lakes as a density-dependent interflow at depth in the water column with little direct influence on the mixed layer. In these water bodies nutrients in surface water can be lower during strong monsoon seasons because of sub-surface loading. Short-interval data from individual lakes show the linkage between nutrients and phytoplankton biomass can be uncoupled by physical processes and light limitation, resulting in considerable temporal variation. Collectively these mixed responses limit our ability to generalize patterns or predict conditions in individual lakes during the monsoon.