Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of food web structure on lipid bioaccumulation of organic contaminants by lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

Les auteurs ont evalue l'effet des interactions entre la structure du reseau trophique et la teneur en lipides sur la bioaccumulation des BPC et du DDT chez le touladi (Salvelinus namaycush) dans des lacs de l'interieur de l'Ontario et dans les Grands Lacs. On avait deja signale que plus la chaine alimentaire est longue, plus les BPC s'accumulent dans les tissus (Rasmussen et al. 1990. J. can. sci. halient. aquat. 47: 2030-2038); mais aussi, plus elle est longue, plus les lipides s'accumulent dans les tissus de sorte qu'il n'est pas certain si la bioaccumulation mesuree est attribuable a la longueur de la chaine alimentaire ou a la teneur en lipides. Les analyses de covariance montrent que ces deux facteurs ont de l'importance. Dans tous les reseaux, les concentrations de BPC et de DDT etaient chacune proportionnelles ala teneur en lipides, mais les valeurs qu'elles prenaient variaient soit a cause de la longueur de la chaine alimentaire, soit a cause de charges differentes en contaminants. Les auteurs formulent l'hypothese a l'effet que Mysis relicta exerce un role majeur sur le plan des effets observes qu'on associe a la chaine trophique et comme vecteur pour le transport des contaminants a partir de sediments contamines. Par ailleurs, ils ont determine des ecarts marques, issus avant tout de differences dans la charge en contaminants, entre les Grands Lacs et les lacs de l'interieur. La relation significative existant entre la concentration des BPC et celle du DDP pointe vers des relations semblables avec d'autres contaminants aux proprietes chimiques et de bioaccumulation semblables.
Induced thermotolerance and associated expression of the heat‐shock protein Hsp70 in adult Drosophila melanogaster

1. Inducible heat-shock proteins are synthesized when temperatures are increased to levels substantially above normal. The functional role of these proteins is well known at the cellular level. Today increasing interest has been directed towards the importance of heat-shock proteins for resistance of whole organisms to high-temperature stress and other environmental stressors. 2. Here the functional relationship between the heat-shock protein, Hsp70, and thermal resistance in adult Drosophila melanogaster was examined by comparing thermal resistance, i.e. survival at 39 °C for 85 min, and levels of Hsp70 at various times elapsed (2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 h) after thermotolerance was induced by short-term acclimation/heat hardening at 37 °C for 55 min. 3. Levels of Hsp70 in both males and females were highest 2 h after heat hardening and declined with longer times elapsed. The rate of decrease initially was very fast but diminished with increasing time. After 32 h the level of Hsp70 approached the level in flies that were not hardened. Levels of Hsp70 in males exceeded that of females during the entire period. 4. Survival of both sexes increased with increasing time after heat hardening and reached an optimum between 8 and 32 h. Thereafter resistance decreased with longer times elapsed. Survival of females generally exceeded that of males except after 16 and 64 h. 5. Regression analysis applied to the data on Hsp70 levels revealed that the model describing these data could not explain the data for survival. Also, higher levels of Hsp70 in males compared with females were not associated with greater survival in males. However, statistical analysis on paired measurements of Hsp70 and survival revealed a positive association between Hsp70 level and survival at each time elapsed after induction of thermotolerance.
Quantitative genetics of net blotch resistance in barley

Abstract A half diallel was made amongst 5 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes (Zephyr, Hassan, Mata, Kaniere, and Manchuria) which varied in resistance to net blotch disease, caused by the fungus Drechslera teres (Sacc.) Shoem. The 5 parents and 10 F1 progeny were grown to physiological maturity in a controlled environment. All genotypes were inoculated first at 14 days after sowing and thereafter 10 times at about weekly intervals. The procedures of Mather and Jinks were used to analyse the half diallel 89 days after sowing. Net blotch infection was measured on top canopy, bottom canopy, flag leaf (leaf number = 1) and second leaf. Infection of detached leaf segments in petri dishes was also analysed. This test provides a simple and rapid technique for net blotch assessment. All analyses showed that average effects of alleles were of much greater importance than dominance in controlling resistance. Epistasis and/or correlated gene distributions were trivial. Resistance was conditioned by a partially d.
Convergent nitrogen–phosphorus scaling relationships in different plant organs along an elevational gradient

Abstract A general relationship between the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content of all plant organs (e.g. leaf, stem, and root) is hypothesized to exist according to whole-plant economics spectrum (PES) theory, but the evidence supporting these expected patterns remains scarce. We measured the N and P content of the leaves, twigs and fine roots of 64 species in three different forest communities along an elevational gradient (evergreen broad-leaved forest, 1319 m a.s.l., coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest, 1697 m a.s.l., and deciduous forest, 1818 m a.s.l.) in the Wuyishan National Nature Reserve, southeastern China. The scaling relationship between the N and P content and the linear regression relationship between the N:P ratio and N and P content were analysed. The leaf N and P content was significantly higher at the high-elevation site than at the low- or middle-elevation sites (P < 0.001). The N and P content followed a power-law relationship with similar scaling slopes between organs. The N (common slope, 1.13) and P (common slope, 1.03) content isometrically covaried among leaves, twigs and roots. The scaling exponents of the N–P relationship were not significantly different from 1.0 in all organs, with a common slope of 1.08. The scaling constants of N–P decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from the highest value in fine roots (β = 1.25), followed by leaves (β = 1.17), to the lowest value in twigs (β = 0.88). Standardized major axis (SMA) analyses and comparisons of 95 % confidence intervals also showed that the numerical values of the scaling slopes and the scaling constants did not differ regardless of elevation. The N content, but not the P content, accounted for a large proportion of the variation in the N:P ratio in leaves (N:P and N: r2 = 0.31, F = 33.36, P < 0.001) and fine roots (N:P and N: r2 = 0.15, F = 10.65, P < 0.05). In contrast, the N:P ratio was significantly related to both the N and P content in the twigs (N:P and N: r2 = 0.20, F = 17.86, P < 0.001; N:P and P: r2 = 0.34, F = 35.03, P < 0.001, respectively). Our results indicate that different organs of subtropical woody plants share a similar isometric scaling relationship between their N and P content, providing partial support for the PES hypothesis. Moreover, the effects of the N and P content on the N:P ratio differ between metabolic organs (leaves and fine roots) and structural organs (twigs), elucidating the stoichiometric regulatory mechanism of different organs.
An Experimental Test of the Fractional Egg Size Hypothesis

Abstract One critical life-history trait for organisms is how energy is allocated among the individual offspring they produce. One way of examining the expected trade-off between number of offspring and offspring size is by examining how females respond to different amounts of resources. It has been predicted that females with increased energy uptake should allocate these resources to extra eggs if this does not decrease the size of the other offspring from an optimal value. However, the trade-off of egg size and number is more problematic when considering species that have small clutches (and very large eggs), because changing clutch size requires a large investment per additional egg (the fractional egg size hypothesis). Thus, species with large eggs and small clutches may be more likely to apportion additional energy into increasing offspring size than to increasing clutch size. This prediction has been tested rarely in reptiles. In this study, we placed females of the diadem snake, Spalerosophis diadema (a species that produces very large eggs in small numbers), on either high- or low-energy diets and then recorded reproductive traits after oviposition. As predicted, there was a negative correlation between clutch size and mean egg mass. Females on high-energy diets did not modify clutch size but produced larger eggs relative to those on low-energy diets. However, there was no difference in variance in egg size between diets. Our data therefore support one of the predictions from the fractional egg size hypothesis (larger eggs rather than larger clutch sizes) but not the second prediction that egg size should be more variable in smaller clutches.
SUCCESSFUL REPAIR OF ANTEBRACHIAL FRACTURES WITH EXTERNAL SKELETAL FIXATION IN THREE MACROPODS

Abstract: Three captive macropods comprising three different species sustained unilateral antebrachial fractures. All fractures were assumed to be trauma related, although the specific circumstances surrounding each case was unknown. Each fracture was surgically repaired with type Ia (unilateral, monoplanar) external skeletal fixators, which were all removed approximately 3 mo postoperatively. Although each animal experienced at least one complication, all animals showed adequate bridging and remodeling at the fracture sites and had good-to-excellent return to normal function after fixator removal. This case series is the first to describe the successful repair of antebrachial fractures using external skeletal fixation in captive macropods and details some of the complications that can occur with postoperative management of captive animals.
Comparative demography of a temperate anuran, Rana chensinensis, along a relatively fine elevational gradient

Rana chensinensis (David, 1875) is a temperate anuran endemic to northern China. We examined differences in demographic traits of the populations from three elevations (1400, 1700, and 2000 m) along a montane river in 2002. We found that frogs from higher elevations had delayed maturity, a larger size at maturity, and slower growth rates compared with frogs at lower elevations. This life-history model is similar to observations of other amphibians living in montane areas. However, discordance with the expected model occurred between neighboring populations and the variation was sex-specific. Mid-elevation adult males were significantly older and larger than their low-elevation congeners, but they were statistically similar in age and size to frogs from high elevations; females from mid elevations were not statistically different in age and size from females from our low-elevation site, but they were significantly younger and smaller than high-elevation females. These variations may be related to sexual di.
Direct observation and catalytic role of mediator atom in 2D materials

Mediator atoms catalyse bond formation and breaking in graphene and its defects. The structural transformations of graphene defects have been extensively researched through aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (AC-TEM) and theoretical calculations. For a long time, a core concept in understanding the structural evolution of graphene defects has been the Stone-Thrower-Wales (STW)–type bond rotation. In this study, we show that undercoordinated atoms induce bond formation and breaking, with much lower energy barriers than the STW-type bond rotation. We refer to them as mediator atoms due to their mediating role in the breaking and forming of bonds. Here, we report the direct observation of mediator atoms in graphene defect structures using AC-TEM and annular dark-field scanning TEM (ADF-STEM) and explain their catalytic role by tight-binding molecular dynamics (TBMD) simulations and image simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The study of mediator atoms will pave a new way for understanding not only defect transformation but also the growth mechanisms in two-dimensional materials.
CONSERVATION CHALLENGES: THE LIMITATIONS OF ANTEMORTEM TUBERCULOSIS TESTING IN CAPTIVE ASIATIC LIONS (PANTHERA LEO PERSICA)

Abstract: Genetic diversity of captive wild animals can be enhanced by moving those individuals with valuable genes between collections and through introduction of a new pair from a range country. This requires movement of animals, which is inherent with disease risks, such as the introduction of pathogenic Mycobacterium sp. (MTBC) into a zoological collection. Decisions need to be made based on the outcome of perimovement disease screening using an array of tests, the majority of which are unvalidated in the species. A pair of endangered Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) imported from India to the United Kingdom were screened for MTBC using the comparative intradermal tuberculosis (TB) test, the feline interferon-γ blood test, and the experimental bacteriophage assay. Reactions on all three tests prompted screening of the three resident Asiatic lions using the same tests, all of which were negative for MTBC. Based on these test results, the decision had to be made to exclude the genetically valuable pair from the current collection. MTBC could not be identified using further tests, including culture and PCR on a bronchoalveolar lavage, on feces, or on postmortem tissues. This case series highlights the usefulness of a control group when interpreting unvalidated test results for detection of MTBC, the value of training big cats for conscious blood sampling, and the practical implications of placing the comparative intradermal TB test in the eyelids, when dealing with a species that requires a general anesthetic for most hands-on interventions.
Incomplete annotation has a disproportionate impact on our understanding of Mendelian and complex neurogenetic disorders

Incomplete annotation has the greatest impact on brain-specific genes and consequently, brain-related disorders. Growing evidence suggests that human gene annotation remains incomplete; however, it is unclear how this affects different tissues and our understanding of different disorders. Here, we detect previously unannotated transcription from Genotype-Tissue Expression RNA sequencing data across 41 human tissues. We connect this unannotated transcription to known genes, confirming that human gene annotation remains incomplete, even among well-studied genes including 63% of the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man–morbid catalog and 317 neurodegeneration-associated genes. We find the greatest abundance of unannotated transcription in brain and genes highly expressed in brain are more likely to be reannotated. We explore examples of reannotated disease genes, such as SNCA, for which we experimentally validate a previously unidentified, brain-specific, potentially protein-coding exon. We release all tissue-specific transcriptomes through vizER: http://rytenlab.com/browser/app/vizER. We anticipate that this resource will facilitate more accurate genetic analysis, with the greatest impact on our understanding of Mendelian and complex neurogenetic disorders.
Occurrence of Glomeromycota spores and some arbuscular mycorrhiza fungal species in arable fields in Sweden

Fungi within the phylum Glomeromycota were investigated in arable fields throughout Sweden. Sweden is located between 55° and 69° North. The fungi within this phylum form arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis with plant roots. Sampling of soil was carried out to a depth of 30 cm in the rhizosphere. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were found at all 45 sampling sites, at densities between 3 and 44 spores per g dry weight of soil. No significant differences in spore densities were found between different agro-climatic zones or between semi-natural grassland and ploughed fields. Our study revealed that the upper half (0–15 cm) of the soil profiles had significantly more spores than the lower half (15–30 cm). Spores from eight sampling sites were identified from the indigenous soils. Almost 90% were shown to belong to the genus Glomus. The other genera found were Gigaspora and Scutellospora.
A Simulation Activity to Assess Student Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Perceptions of Oncology Pharmacy

Objective. To assess the impact of an interactive activity on student pharmacists’ confidence in answering oncology-related questions and their perceptions of an oncology pharmacists’ roles in practice. Methods. Two cohorts (2016 and 2017) of third-year student pharmacists completed a two-hour, interactive, four-station activity during the fourth week of an oncology module. Each station simulated a different oncology-related scenario that represented a specific practice settings. Pre- and post-activity surveys were administered to determine changes in students’ confidence levels and perceptions. Results. Over the two years, 66 student pharmacists completed the pre- and post-activity survey instruments. In both cohorts, there was a significant increase in scores on all items regarding students’ confidence. Student pharmacists’ perceptions of pharmacists' roles also improved significantly. Conclusion. The simulation activity was effective as confirmed by improvement in student pharmacists’ post-activity scores on confidence and perception. Determining student pharmacists’ comfort in responding to oncology scenarios is important to prepare them for practice in any setting.
Restoring the Smelter-Damaged Landscape Near Sudbury, Canada

Section A. History of Geology, Mineral Exploration, and Environmental Damage. - 1. Geological and Geographic Setting. - 2. Early History of Human Activities in the Sudbury Area and Ecological Damage to the Landscape. - 3. Reading the Records Stored in the Lake Sediments: A Method of Examining the History and Extent of Industrial Damage to Lakes. - Section B. Trends in Natural Recovery after Emission Reductions. - 4. Declining Industrial Emissions, Improving Air Quality, and Reduced Damage to Vegetation. - 5. Lake Water Quality Improvements and Recovering Aquatic Communities. - 6. Lichens: Sensitive Indicators of Improving Air Quality. - 7. Natural Recovery of Vascular Plant Communities on the Industrial Barrens of the Sudbury Area. - Section C. Goals of Restoration. - 8. Municipal Land Restoration Program: The Regreening Process. - 9. Revegetation of the Copper Cliff Tailings Area. - 10. Engineered Wetlands as a Tailings Rehabilitation Strategy. - 11. Preservation of Biodiversity: Aurora Trout. - 12. Partnerships for Wildlife Restoration: Peregrine Falcons. - Section D. Research Topics in Restoration Ecology. - 13. Dynamics of Plant Communities and Soils in Revegetated Ecosystems: A Sudbury Case Study. - 14. Lake Sediments: Sources or Sinks of Industrially Mobilized Elements? - 15. Liming of Sudbury Lakes: Lessons for Recovery of Aquatic Biota from Acidification. - 16. Trends in Waterfowl Populations: Evidence of Recovery from Acidification. - 17. Acidification and Metal Contamination: Implications for the Soil Biota of Sudbury. - 18. Birch Coppice Woodlands near the Sudbury Smelters: Dynamics of a Forest Monoculture. - 19. Potential Role of Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) in Colonizing Metal-Contaminated Ecosystems. - 20. Urban Lakes: Integrators of Environmental Damage and Recovery. - Section E. Planning for the Future. - 21. Developments in Emission Control Technologies/Strategies: A Case Study. - 22. Integrated Management and Progressive Rehabilitation of Industrial Lands. - 23. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems: Technologies for Mapping and Monitoring Environmental Health. - 24. Catchment Management in the Industrial Landscape. - 25. Planning for the Environmentally Friendly City. - 26. From Restoration to Sustainable Ecosystems. - A color insert follows page.
The Modulation of Stimulus Familiarity on the Repetition Effect in Duration Judgment

The repetition of a stimulus often produces a shorter subjective duration than does the presentation of a novel item. To test whether familiarity mediates the repetition compression effect, the present study compared the influence of repeated words and pseudowords on apparent duration, using a duration discrimination task. We found a similar magnitude of temporal compression for the repeated-word and repeated-pseudoword conditions. When introducing a further experiment with two new conditions in which the standard–comparison pair shared a character at the first or second constituent position, we observed a shorter subjective duration for whole word (or whole pseudoword) repetition compared with the remaining conditions (i.e., first-character repetition, second-character repetition, and novel baseline). However, temporal compression for the first- and second-character repetitions was observed only for pseudowords but not for words. Our findings indicate that familiarity modulates the perception of duration in constituent character repetition. The results are discussed on the basis of the predictive coding theory.
The Role of Resting-State Network Functional Connectivity in Cognitive Aging

Aging is associated with disruptions in the resting-state functional architecture of the brain. Previous studies have primarily focused on age-related declines in the default mode network (DMN) and its implications in Alzheimer’s disease. However, due to mixed findings, it is unclear if changes in resting-state network functional connectivity are linked to cognitive decline in healthy older adults. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of intra-network coherence for four higher-order cognitive resting-state networks on a sensitive measure of cognitive aging (i.e., NIH Toolbox Fluid Cognition Battery) in 154 healthy older adults with a mean age of 71 and education ranging between 12 years and 21 years (mean = 16). Only coherence within the cingulo-opercular network (CON) was significantly related to Fluid Cognition Composite scores, explaining more variance in scores than age and education. Furthermore, we mapped CON connectivity onto fluid cognitive subdomains that typically decline in advanced age. Greater CON connectivity was associated with better performance on episodic memory, attention, and executive function tasks. Overall, the present study provides evidence to propose CON coherence as a potential novel neural marker for nonpathological cognitive aging.