Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Herbivory and Ipomopsis aggregata: The Disadvantages of Being Eaten

Community and ecosystem ecologists have long recognized that certain species increase in relative frequency with the onset of grazing (reviewed in Owen and Wiegert 1976, 1981; McNaughton 1979, 1983; Crawley 1983; Belsky 1987). These "increaser" species are said to benefit from herbivores because they increase in abundance with the presence of grazers. At least three mechanisms could underlie this pattern. First, the increaser species may be avoided by grazers, leading to competitive release. Second, grazed individuals of the increaser species might experience a decrease in relative fitness (in the sense that the fitness of grazed plants is less than that of ungrazed conspecifics) but, still, the population might grow relative to heterospecifics that suffer greater levels of herbivory. Third, the relative fitness of grazed individuals might be increased relative to ungrazed conspecifics. This last mechanism seems particularly improbable, nevertheless Paige and Whitham (1987) have provided evidence that the relative fitness of grazed individuals may exceed that of ungrazed conspecifics. In their study, Paige and Whitham (1987) marked 40 young bolting shoots of scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata), removed 95% of the aboveground biomass from half these plants, and found that clipped plants experienced a 2.8-fold increase in fruit production. They found no difference in the performance of clipped and naturally grazed plants and no reduction in the quality or quantity of seeds produced by grazed plants. The observed result that scarlet gilia overcompensates for early spring grazing in this population in Arizona has led to a flurry of articles on the adaptive significance of overcompensation (e.g., Verkaar 1986; van der Meijden 1990), as well as on other individual-level (Maschinski and Whitham 1989) and population-level (Bergelson and Crawley, in press) consequences of overcompensation by Ipomopsis species. These subsequent works have uncovered complications regarding the original scarlet gilia story. Maschinski and Whitham (1989) found that the compensatory response of Ipomopsis arizonica depends on both nutrient/water and competitive levels; indeed, under only one out of nine experimental conditions was any evidence of overcompensation detected. While studying how grazing affects population growth rates, J. Maschinski and K. Paige (personal communication) observed that seeds produced by grazed I. aggregata and I. arizonica suffered delayed maturation. Finally, a survey of paired scarlet gilia populations (Bergelson and
Molecular cloning and characterization of a high DP fructan: fructan 1‐fructosyl transferase from Viguiera discolor (Asteraceae) and its heterologous expression in Pichia pastoris

Inulin-type fructans are stored in the tuberous roots of the Brazilian cerrado plant Viguiera discolor Baker (Asteraceae). In Cynara scolymus (artichoke) and Echinops ritro (globe thistle), the fructans have a considerably higher degree of polymerization (DP) than in Cichorium intybus (chicory) and Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke). It was shown before that the higher DP in some species can be attributed to the properties of their fructan: fructan 1-fructosyl transferases (1-FFTs; EC 2.4.1.100), enzymes responsible for chain elongation. Here, we describe the cloning of a high DP (hDP) 1-FFT cDNA from V. discolor and its heterologous expression in Pichia pastoris. Starting from 1-kestose and Neosugar P (a mixture of oligo-inulins from microbial origin) as substrates, the recombinant enzyme produces a typical hDP inulin profile in vitro, closely resembling the one observed in vivo. The enzyme shows no invertase activity and sucrose: sucrose 1-fructosyl transferase (1-SST; EC 2.4.1.99) activity in vitro. Pattern evolution during incubation suggests that inulins with DP ≥ 6 are much better substrates than sucrose or lower DP oligo-fructans. Because hDP inulin-type fructans show superior properties for specific food and non-food applications, the hDP 1-FFT gene from V. discolor has potential for the production of hDP inulin in vitro or in transgenic crops.
The relationship between mineral and nitrogen balances in growing pigs fed diets supplemented with zinc oxide

The present study was conducted to determine if there were effects of increasing levels of dietary zinc supplementation on the turnover of zinc and other minerals and trace elements in growing pigs. Thirty crossbred female pigs, with an initial body weight of approximately 25 kg, were randomly assigned to five diets with increasing levels of supplemented zinc (as zinc oxide); i.e. from the intrinsic level of 42 mg kg−1 diet to 72, 105, 170, and 255 mg kg−1, respectively. The animals were subjected to two 7-d balances in metabolic cages, separated by 15 d in pens. Balances consisted of controlled feed intake, i.e. approximately 10% below the expected ad libitum intake, and quantitative collection of feces and urine. Zinc supplementation did not affect nitrogen absorption, excretion, or retention (P > 0.05). The inclusion of zinc oxide did not affect (P > 0.05) weight gain of the animals throughout the 34 d experiment. Neither mineral nor trace element balances, except for zinc, were affected (P > 0.05) by .
Association of erythropoietin resistance and fibroblast growth factor 23 in dialysis patients: Results from the Japanese Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) plays an important role in chronic kidney disease (CKD)‐related mineral and bone disorders. High FGF23 levels are associated with increased risk of anaemia in non‐haemodialysis CKD patients. FGF23 also negatively regulates erythropoiesis in mice. We hypothesized that higher FGF23 levels are associated with increased erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness among haemodialysis patients.
Response to Christopher M. Long and Peter Valberg (2007) “Comments on Brown et al. (2007) An Assessment of Risk from Particulate Released from Outdoor Wood Boilers.” Hum. Ecol. Risk Assess. 13(1)

We respond to comments from Drs. Long and Valberg, consultants for a manufacturer of outdoor wood boilers (OWB). Similar comments, prepared on behalf of their industrial client, were circulated by their client, well before our article was published. It wasn’t until three weeks later that we received those comments from their client’s attorney demanding that we rescind our publication. We stand by our article. The following response to the Gradient comments ignores the comment writers’ hyperbole.
Relationship of Infertility Stress with Perception of Control Among a Group of Women with fertility Problem in Shiraz

Background: Women with infertility problem experiences high emotional pressure such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The health locus of control seems to have an important impact on health-related problems. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to predict infertility stress based on health locus of control (internal, powerful others, and chance) among a group of women with fertility problem in Shiraz. Methods: One hundred and twenty women with fertile problems were recruited from infertility clinics in Shiraz using purposeful sampling. Participants completed the research measures, including Fertility Problem Inventory and Multidimensional Health Locus
A review of early life history dynamics of Barents Sea cod (Gadus morhua)

Geir Ottersen1,2*, Bjarte Bogstad3, Natalia A. Yaragina4, Leif Christian Stige2, Frode B. Vikebo3, and Padmini Dalpadado3 Institute of Marine Research, Gaustadalleen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway Institute of Marine Research, PO Box 1870 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway Polar Research Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography, 6 Knipovich Street, Murmansk 183038, Russia *Corresponding author: tel: +47 2285 7288; fax: +47 22854001; e-mail: geir.ottersen@imr.no
Asymptomatic intestinal protozoan infections among inhabitants in Mexico City, Mexico（共著）

Intestinal protozoan is still an important public health problem. We aimed to gain insight into the dynamics of intestinal protozoan infection with a view to describing the prevalence of intestinal protozoan in asymptomatic individuals in Mexico City, Mexico. The study population was primarily both in and out patients from four different hospitals who were referred for routine stool examination. Faecal specimens (510) were collected over a 3-weeks period from asymptomatic individuals. Specimens were tested for a range of protozoan infection using microscopic and partly Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Seven known intestinal protozoan were identified from 54 faecal specimens, a total carriage rate of 10.6%. Blastocystis hominis were present in 22 specimens (4.31%), Entamoeba coli in 18(3.53%), Entamoeba disper in 8(1.57%), Entamoeba hartomanni in 2(0.39%), Giargia lambia in 2(0.39%), Iodoamoeba in 2(0.39%), and Endolimax nana in 1(0.2%). 10(2%) person were infected with two or more protozoa concurrently. These protozoa were all non-pathogenic, but are capable of discharging their cysts thus placing these asymptomatic carriers as potential distributors of intestinal protozoan infection. Considering the public health implication of asymptomatic carriers of intestinal protozoan infection, establishment of sustainable and regular de-worming programme in Mexico City coupled with health education messages on good hygienic practices are strongly recommend.
Proper Fhl1 expression as Wnt signaling is required for chondrogenesis of ATDC5 cells

Wnt signaling is well known playing dual roles during chondrogenesis. The overexpression of Fhl1 (Four-and-a-half LIM domain 1) induces myotube formation as a downstream event of Wnt signaling. Because Fhl1 is widely expressed in other mesenchyme-derived tissues, including chondrocytes, we investigated the role of Fhl1 in chondrogenesis and its relationship with Wnt signaling. We found that the expression of Fhl1 can be enhanced by β-catenin and LiCl (Lithium chloride) in chondrogenic ATDC5 cells. Overexpression of Fhl1 as well as canonical Wnt signaling inhibits chondrogenesis of ATDC5 cells. Moreover, shRNA-mediated knockdown of Fhl1 expression also inhibited ATDC5 cell differentiation, and this result is resembled to the mutant phenotype caused by deletion of β-catenin as was described previously. Because the endogenous Fhl1 expression remains constant during the middle and late phases of chondrogenesis, we propose that proper Fhl1 expression is necessary for the chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells and altered Fhl1 expression serves as an aberrant Wnt signal that impedes chondrogenesis.
Effects of IgLON5 Antibodies on Neuronal Cytoskeleton: A Link between Autoimmunity and Neurodegeneration

Anti‐IgLON5 disease is a neurological disorder characterized by autoantibodies against IgLON5 and pathological evidence of neuronal‐specific tau accumulation. Here, we report that patients' IgLON5 IgG, but not other cell‐surface antibodies, disrupt the cytoskeletal organization in cultured rat hippocampal neurons, resulting in dystrophic neurites and axonal swelling. Adsorption of IgLON5 IgG with HEK293 cells expressing IgLON5 abrogated the indicated cytoskeletal changes. These findings, along with an increase of levels of neurofilaments in patients' cerebrospinal fluid, suggest that IgLON5 IgG, unlike other cell‐surface antibodies, disrupts neuronal cytoskeleton maintenance, providing a link between autoimmunity and neurodegeneration. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:1023–1027
Measuring health-related quality of life in patients treated for substance dependence: differences among instruments and methods of eliciting preferences

ABSTRACT Background Measuring the health-related quality of life is an essential estimation in cost–utility studies. In this research, we provide new evidence about comparing utility scores – in the field of substance dependence. Although the main objective is to compare the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D with paired gamble, evidence about the SF-6D with standard gamble is also provided. Methods Ninety-four patients with substance dependence were recruited; the SF-6D and the EQ-5D-5L were administered at the beginning of treatment and 6 months thereafter. Differences in treatment effect were estimated by comparing utility gains. All analyses were reproduced for two subgroups of severity. Results Both the baseline scores and the treatment effect are sensitive to the instrument used. For severe states, the SF-6D with paired gamble (SF-6D with standard gamble) estimates the lowest (highest) utility. With regard to the impact of treatment, the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D with paired gamble estimate strongly similar effects for severe states (and both estimate greater effects than does the SF-6D with standard gamble). Conclusions These findings have implications for cost–utility analyses. The incremental cost-utility ratio of treatments intended for severe states is barely sensitive to the choice of EQ-5D-5L or SF-6D with paired gamble.
Tagging effects on three non‐native fish species in England (Lepomis gibbosus, Pseudorasbora parva, Sander lucioperca) and of native Salmo trutta

– To address the dearth of information on tagging effects and long-term survivorship of tagged fish in native and introduced species, laboratory and field investigations were undertaken on three non-native fish species (pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus; topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva; pikeperch Sander lucioperca) tagged with coded-wire (CW), passive integrated transponder (PIT), radio (RT) telemetry and/or acoustic tags (AT), with survivorship of native brown trout (Salmo trutta) examined in the field. Laboratory results revealed high survivorship following tag attachment/insertion and resumption of feeding within 24–48 h of tagging (all mortalities could be attributed to an unrelated outbreak of fungal infection), with retention rates being high in both pumpkinseed and pikeperch but low in topmouth gudgeon (excluded from field studies). In the field, short-term post-operation survival was high in pikeperch, pumpkinseed and brown trout. In pumpkinseed and trout, 100% of RT fish survived a 24–30 day tracking study, with 60% and 80%, respectively, recaptured alive at least 3 months post-tagging. Of PIT tagged pumpkinseed, 44% were recaptured (after 6–18 months), with small-sized, CW-tagged fish (0.38 g weight) captured up to 1 year after tagging. In pikeperch, all AT fish except one (the smallest specimen) survived their full expected tracking period (i.e. tag life) – the single lost specimen survived at least half of its expected tracking period (i.e. 6 month battery life). Overall, the tagging methods used were highly effective in pumpkinseed and pikeperch, showing good retention and survival, but PIT tagging of topmouth gudgeon was plagued by low survivorship and tag rejection.
Religion and mental health among older adults: ethnic differences in Malaysia

Abstract Objectives Religion and spirituality gain importance as a person ages. Research has shown that religion has a salutary effect on mental health, and it is associated with health differently across ethnic groups. The current study examined ethnic differences in the association between religion and mental health among older adults in a predominantly Muslim population and multicultural setting. Methods Data of 7068 participants (4418 Malays, 2080 Chinese and 570 Indians) aged ≥55 years that were collected as part of the community health survey conducted in 2013 in the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) were analyzed using bivariate and multiple regressions. Analyses were stratified by ethnicity. Results The importance of having an enriched religious/spiritual life was associated with higher scores of depression, anxiety and stress among Chinese and higher score of depression among Malays, while belief in a higher power was associated with better mental health among Malays, Chinese and Indians. Conclusion The current study showed that there were ethnic variations in the associations between religion and mental health, and the associations depended on the religious variable included in the analysis. The findings of this study showed that religion could be another potential channel to improve mental health among older adults by accommodating and understanding their religious beliefs.
Inflammatory Cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α Impart Neuroprotection to an Excitotoxin Through Distinct Pathways

The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α are produced within the CNS, and, similar to the periphery, they have pleotrophic and overlapping functions. We have shown previously that TNF-α increases neuronal survival to a toxic influx of calcium mediated through neuronal N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) glutamate-gated ion channels. This process, termed excitotoxicity, is a major contributor to neuronal death following ischemia or stroke. Neuroprotection by this cytokine requires both activation of the p55/TNF receptor type I and the release of TNF-α from neurons, and it is inhibited by the plant alkaloid nicotine. Here, we report that other inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6) are also neuroprotective to excessive NMDA challenge in our system. Neuroprotection provided by IL-1 is distinct from TNF-α because it is inhibited by IL-1 receptor antagonist; it is not antagonized by nicotine, but it is inhibited by a neutralizing Ab to nerve growth factor (NGF). Similar to IL-1, IL-6-mediated neuroprotection is also antagonized by pretreatment with IL-1 receptor antagonist and it is not affected by nicotine. However, neutralizing anti-NGF only partially blocks IL-6-mediated protection. These studies support an important role for distinct but overlapping neuroprotective cytokine effects in the CNS.
Neoflavonoids from the heartwood of Dalbergia melanoxylon

Abstract Three new neoflavonoids, named (1S,8R,9S)-1,5-dihydroxy-4,12-dimethoxy-8-vinyl-tricyclo[7.3. 1.02,7]trideca-2,4,6,11-tetraen-10-one (1), 2,5,2',5'-tetrahydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (2) and 2,5,3'-trihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (3), were isolated from the heartwood of Dalbergia melanoxylon. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HRMS, 1 D and 2 D-NMR. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for inhibitory activity against three fungal strains Candida albicans, Mucor ramosissimus, Saccharomycopsis fermentans and seven bacterial strains Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella enteri, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus sphaericus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli using the broth dilution method. However, none of compounds 1–3 showed potential antimicrobial activities in vitro. Graphical Abstract
In Vivo Effects of Millimeter Waves on Cellular Immunity of Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice

Reactions of peritoneal macrophages (PM) and T lymphocytes of BALB/c mice to in vivo exposure to millimeter (MM) waves were studied. The mice were additionally treated with the antineoplastic drug cyclophosphamide (CPA) 100 mg/kg. Phagocytosis of Candida albicans cells by PM obtained from mice treated with CPA and MM waves, alone and in combination, was studied in vitro using a monolayer technique. Proliferation of murine T cells (splenocytes) was studied by 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA of T lymphocytes without stimulation and after stimulation with anti-CD3 antibody 2C11. The results of this study show that 61.22 GHz MM waves with an incident power density of 15 mW/cm2 and a peak SAR of 420 W/kg significantly reduce the toxic effects of CPA on cellular immunity of mice in vivo as observed by the increased PM phagocytic activity and enhancement of T-cell proliferation.
The effects of prior residence on behavior and growth rates in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

It is well documented that prior residence confers advantages in territorial disputes, but its impact on other aspects of behavior and fitness is less understood. We tested how prior residence influences the subsequent feeding behavior and growth performance of dispersing Atlantic salmon fry (Salmo salar) using experimental manipulations of residence in a seminatural stream tank. In replicated trials, groups of seven ‘‘primary’’ fish were released into the stream tank 3 days ahead of seven ‘‘secondary’’ fish. Standardized behavioral observations were made on each fish over the following 14 days, after which all fish were removed and measured. Primaries and secondaries were initially the same size and body condition and exhibited the same degree of site fidelity. However, primaries darted higher into the water column to intercept prey items, fed at a higher rate, and subsequently grew faster. Larger fish (in terms of body length) tended to be more dominant, and dominants grew faster than subordinates. However, there was no difference in dominance between primaries and secondaries. These results suggest that the well-documented advantage of early-emerging salmon fry over late-emerging fry cannot be completely attributed to intrinsic differences and that the advantage is partly mediated via a prior residence effect. Furthermore, prior residents gain foraging advantages without necessarily becoming more dominant. Key words: Atlantic salmon, dispersal, emergence, growth rates, prior residence, Salmo salar. [Behav Ecol 11:13‐18 (2000)]
Effects of increased temperature and nutrient enrichment on the stoichiometry of primary producers and consumers in temperate shallow lakes

SUMMARY 1. We studied the effects of increased water temperatures (0–4.5 � C) and nutrient enrichment on the stoichiometric composition of different primary producers (macrophytes, epiphytes, seston and sediment biofilm) and invertebrate consumers in 24 mesocosm ecosystems created to mimic shallow pond environments. The nutrient ratios of primary producers were used as indicative of relative nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) limitation. We further used carbon stable isotopic composition (d 13 C) of the different primary producers to elucidate differences in the degree of CO2 limitation. 2. Epiphytes were the only primary producer with significantly higher d 13 C in the enriched mesocosms. No temperature effects were observed in d 13 C composition of any primary producer. Independently of the treatment effects, the four primary producers had different d 13 C signatures indicative of differences in CO2 limitation. Seston had signatures indicating negligible or low CO2 limitation, followed by epiphytes and sediment biofilm, with moderate CO2 limitation, while macrophytes showed the strongest CO2 limitation. CO2 together with biomass of epiphytes were the key variables explaining between 50 and 70% of the variability in d 13 C of the different primary producers, suggesting that epiphytes play an important role in carbon flow of temperate shallow lakes. 3. The ratio of carbon to chlorophyll a decreased with increasing temperature and enrichment in both epiphytes and seston. The effects of temperature were mainly attributed to changes in algal Chl a content, while the decrease with enrichment was probably a result of a higher proportion of algae in the seston and epiphytes. 4. Macrophytes, epiphytes and seston decreased their C : N with enrichment, probably as an adaptation to the different N availability levels. The C : N of epiphytes and Elodea canadensis decreased with increasing temperature in the control mesocosms. Sediment biofilm was the only primary producer with lower C : P and N : P with enrichment, probably as a result of higher P accumulation in the sediment. 5. Independently of nutrient level and increased temperature effects the four primary producers had significantly different stoichiometric compositions. Macrophytes had higher C : N and C : P and, together with epiphytes, also the highest N : P. Seston had no