Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Late Eocene and Oligocene Remains of the Flightless, Penguin-Like Plotopterids (Aves, Plotopteridae) from Western Washington State, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT We describe new plotopterids (Aves, Plotopteridae) from late Eocene and Oligocene strata in western Washington State, U.S.A. The specimens belong to four new species of these flightless, wing-propelled seabirds, three of which are named and assigned to two new supraspecific taxa, Olympidytes, gen. nov., and Klallamornis, gen. nov. We confirm previous observations on a high diversity of plotopterids in the Paleogene of North America, but because the fossils are from different formations, it remains elusive how many of the six currently recognized species from western Washington actually coexisted. Tonsala, the only previously described plotopterid taxon from the Olympic Peninsula, is likely to occupy a more basal phylogenetic position than the other plotopterids of this geographic area. Olympidytes and Klallamornis may be successive sister taxa of Copepteryx and Hokkaidornis from the late Oligocene of Japan, but a determination of the exact affinities of the new taxa requires the discovery of further fossils. Notably, the geochronologically youngest plotopterid, the early Miocene Plotopterum, differs from earlier taxa in plesiomorphic features and is here considered to be among the phylogenetically most basal plotopterids. The late Eocene basal Phocavis likewise temporally overlaps with more derived plotopterid taxa. The coexistence of basal and more derived plotopterids in the late Eocene may indicate a rapid evolution of plotopterids towards the late Eocene. The factors that allowed the persistence of basal taxa into the Miocene remain, however, elusive, and so are those that triggered the evolution of wing-propelled diving in these highly specialized birds.
Disturbed gut microbiota and bile homeostasis in Giardia-infected mice contributes to metabolic dysregulation and growth impairment

The protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia enhances bile secretion and microbiota–mediated bile acid deconjugation in mice, leading to growth impairment. A parasite’s bilious defense The enteropathogenic parasite Giardia lamblia is a frequent cause of self-limited diarrhea in infected adult travelers. In contrast, parasite infection of children in endemic areas is not associated with diarrheal disease but rather with reduced growth and body weight gain. Riba et al. established a G. lamblia infection model in neonatal mice. Infected neonatal animals displayed reduced growth and weight gain. Analysis of these animals showed that G. lamblia induced bile secretion and that an altered gut microbiota composition, bile acid modification by commensal bacteria, and subsequent alterations of lipid metabolism contributed to this phenotype. Although infection with the human enteropathogen Giardia lamblia causes self-limited diarrhea in adults, infant populations in endemic areas experience persistent pathogen carriage in the absence of diarrhea. The persistence of this protozoan parasite in infants has been associated with reduced weight gain and linear growth (height-for-age). The mechanisms that support persistent infection and determine the different disease outcomes in the infant host are incompletely understood. Using a neonatal mouse model of persistent G. lamblia infection, we demonstrate that G. lamblia induced bile secretion and used the bile constituent phosphatidylcholine as a substrate for parasite growth. In addition, we show that G. lamblia infection altered the enteric microbiota composition, leading to enhanced bile acid deconjugation and increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 15. This resulted in elevated energy expenditure and dysregulated lipid metabolism with reduced adipose tissue, body weight gain, and growth in the infected mice. Our results indicate that this enteropathogen’s modulation of bile acid metabolism and lipid metabolism in the neonatal mouse host led to an altered body composition, suggesting how G. lamblia infection could contribute to growth restriction in infants in endemic areas.
Embryonic Respiration and Oxygen Distribution in Foamy and Nonfoamy Egg Masses of the Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis

We measured embryonic oxygen consumption (V̇o2) and profiles of O2 partial pressure (Po2) in the egg masses of Limnodynastes tasmaniensis from two populations that produce either floating foam nests or submerged nonfoamy nests. The nests remained aerobic but became hypoxic during development in well-aerated water. As V̇o2 increased, anoxia in the central eggs was generally avoided by changes in nest structure. In the field, foamy nests floated at the surface in betteroxygenated water while nonfoamy nests were also supported by aquatic vegetation near the surface. Some embryos became anoxic and died when the egg masses were artificially placed on the bottom. Numerical models of O2, diffusion through egg masses confirmed the absence of convection in L. tasmaniensis nests but indicated that convection may be required in larger aquatic egg masses of other species. The models also demonstrated local depression of Po2 around individual eggs in the clutch and indicated that all O2 entering the perivitelline space is used by the embryo and none is released to eggs deeper in the mass.
Intriguing desnity dependence but problematic birth rates in greaver et al.'s study of a black rhinoeros population

Greaver et al. (2014) presented evidence for density dependence in the Ithala population of black rhinoceros. Finding that they did not place their regression-based evidence in a modelling context, we recast their result as an example of the ramp model of density dependence that underlies black rhinoceros meta-population management. Greaver et al. concluded that the Ithala population did not reach carrying capacity, a conclusion we consider unwarranted since they did not conduct any analyses of trends in demographic parameters with population density. Our interpretation implies that the Ithala population did indeed reach carrying capacity. Where relevant, we compared their results for the Ithala population with those for another southern African black rhinoceros population in order to provide a broader basis for evaluating black rhinoceros demography. We detail inconsistent presentation of data in their paper that plagued our efforts to understand their results and also draw attention to possible errors in some analyses. In particular, we argue that the results on birth rates reported by Greaver et al. appear dubious. Greaver et al. have presented important evidence for density dependence in a population of black rhinoceros but we suggest they have underutilized their data in interpreting this density dependence while misanalysing birth data.
Laminar analysis of the cerebellar cortex shows widespread damage in early MS patients: A pilot study at 7T MRI

Background To date, little is known about the presence and extent of cerebellar cortical pathology in early stages of MS. Objective The aims of this study were to (i) investigate microstructural changes in the normal-appearing cerebellar cortex of early MS patients by using 7 T MRI and (ii) evaluate the influence of those changes on clinical performance. Methods Eighteen RRMS patients and nine healthy controls underwent quantitative T1 and T2* measurement at 7 T MRI using high-resolution MP2RAGE and multi-echo gradient-echo imaging. After subtracting lesion masks, average T1 and T2* maps were computed for three layers in the cerebellar cortex and compared between groups using mixed effects models. Results The volume of the cerebellar cortex and its layers did not differ between patients and controls. In MS patients, significantly longer T1 values were observed in all vermis cortical layers and in the middle and external cortical layer of the cerebellar hemispheres. No between-group differences in T2* values were found. T1 values correlated with EDSS, SDMT and PASAT. Conclusions We found MRI evidence of damage in the normal-appearing cerebellar cortex at early MS stages and before volumetric changes. This microstructural alteration appears to be related to EDSS and cognitive performance.
Are Protective Factors Valid Constructs? Interrater Reliability And Construct Validity Of Proposed Protective Factors Against Sexual Reoffending

Most sexual recidivism risk assessment tools focus primarily on risk factors and deficits without consideration for strengths or protective factors which might mitigate reoffense risk. The current study is the first in a research program designed to develop and validate the Structured Assessment of PROtective Factors for violence risk—Sexual Offence version (SAPROF-SO), a measure of protective factors against sexual reoffending. The study aimed to test interrater reliability and construct validity of the SAPROF-SO with a high-risk (n = 40) and routine (n = 40) sample. Interrater reliability between three independent raters was generally good to excellent for the SAPROF-SO domain and Total scores across both samples and compared favorably with validated measures of dynamic risk. Moreover, the SAPROF-SO demonstrated construct validity and was moderately independent of existing measures of risk. Findings open the door for a more balanced, strengths-based, and accurate approach to recidivism risk assessment.
DEVELOPMENT OF A PROPRIOCEI'IVE ORGAN ON THE WALKING LEGS OF THE ROCK LOBSTER JASUS EDWARDSII (DECAPODA: PALINURIDAE) BY ORDERED ADDITION AND LOSS OF RECEPTOR ELEMENTS

Specimens of the puerulus stage of the rock lobster Jasus edwardsii were collected as they settled from the plankton. They were raised in a closed marine aquarium system. The molt cases were collected with each ecdysis during growth. The development of the Cuticular Articulated Peg (CAP) organs on the walking legs of sequential molts from the same animals was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The number of CAP sensilla in the organ increased with each molt. The size of individual CAP sensilla and the distance between them increased during growth, with the result that the length of the organ also increased. Sensilla could be added or lost at each molt. The number of sensilla in each organ increased steadily, because the rate of addition was greater than the rate of loss. Most new sensilla were added to the organ proximally and most losses occurred distally. New proximal sensilla appeared fully formed. As the animals grew, the distal sensilla became gradually smaller until finally they were lost by a process of resorbtion. This is the first example of development of a crustacean proprioceptor by ordered, sequential turnover of receptor elements. Since each sensillum is associated with a single neuron, the pattern of development has implications for the way in which the sensory nervous system associated with the receptors develops.
Reformulating the network theory of mental disorders: Folk psychology as a factor, not a fact

Borsboom et al. (2019) argue that the network theory of mental disorders, if correct, blocks the biological reduction of mental disorders. This is mainly argued through a partial reformulation of network theory which combines multiple realizability of symptoms with a realist interpretation of folk psychological explanations. In this article, I argue that (a) the latter is problematic and that (b) the combination of these arguments voids the previous predictive and explanatory power of network theory. I then present a novel way in which network theory could avoid biological reductionism by considering folk psychology not as a fact, but as a structuring cause of causal connections between intentional state symptoms, together with culture and time period. Drawing from this, a novel principle for network theory is proposed, which allows it to retain force against reductionism while also retaining predictive and explanatory power.
Floor Space for Brooding Bobwhite Quail

Abstract Four experiments were conducted to determine the effects of various floor space allocations for quail brooded in litter-floor pens from hatch to five weeks of age. Pens contained 7.432 m2 floor space had a concrete floor with peanut hull litter and a 2-bulb infra-red brooder. Floor space allocations were 929, 464, 232, and 116 cm2 per bird in Experiments 1 and 2; 372, 232, 169, and 133 cm2 per bird in Experiment 3; and 372, 232, and 169 cm2 per bird in Experiment 4. Significant differences in five week body weights were found among birds from various space allocations in Experiments 1 and 2 but not in Experiments 3 and 4. These differences, however, were not consistent between experiments. Mortality was increased by the low space treatments (232 cm2 or less). Higher space allocations tended to result in lower feed consumption and better feed conversion, but the effect was statistically significant in only one case. A space allocation of 372 cm2 or more per bird is recommended.
Colonization of benthic invertebrates in a submarine canyon in the NW Atlantic

: The paucity of data on colonization of benthic invertebrates in the deep sea can severely inhibit our ability to predict the potential for recovery of these vulnerable ecosystems from anthropogenic disturbances, such as deep sea mining and trawling. In this study, we measured abundance and family richness of benthic invertebrate colonists on 2 types of substrates with the same planar area, but different levels of structural complexity, at 3 locations (655, 662 and 883 m depth) in the Middle Canyon of the Northeast Channel Coral Conservation Area, NW Atlantic, over 4 yr. The complex substrate allowed colonization in the third dimension, while the simpler substrate allowed colonization in only 2 dimensions. Anthozoan and bivalve colonists were present at a higher frequency on simple substrates, and maxillopods, nematodes, gastropods and ostracods on complex ones. Abundance of colonists varied among locations, but not consistently for all taxa and substrate types. Family richness of the colonizing assemblages was greater on complex than on simple substrates and also varied among locations in the canyon. Colonization on simple substrates was low and similar to those few values previously recorded in deep-sea, non-chemosynthetic habitats. Colonization on complex substrates was higher, in some cases by an order of magnitude, and similar to other studies that have used complex substrates. Overall, the low rates of colonization in the deep sea indicate the vulnerability of these ecosystems to anthropogenic disturbances.
Mental Accounting, Loss Aversion, and Tax Evasion: Theory and Evidence

The evidence shows source-dependent entitlement to income sources and individuals are reluctant to part with income they feel more entitled to, e.g., earned labor income. Taxpayers may also be more reluctant to part with tax payments (evade more) from income sources they feel more entitled to- a form of mental accounting. We embed two main hypotheses within a rigorous theoretical model based on prospect theory. From incomes sources they feel more entitled to, taxpayers experience (i) greater loss aversion from paying taxes, and (ii) lower moral costs of evasion. We confirm the predictions of our model through MTurk experiments. Evasion is increasing in the tax rate and decreasing in the audit penalty. Moral costs influence taxpayers’ decisions. Loss aversion, measured “directly” for the first time for each individual in an evasion experiment, reduces evasion, as predicted by our theory. Loss aversion, risk aversion, and their interaction, are critical determinants of evasion.
Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) Germination and Growth Responses to Light: Implications for Logging Debris Retention After Forest Harvesting

Abstract Scotch broom [Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link] is a large nonnative, leguminous shrub that threatens native plant communities by rapidly invading recently disturbed sites, competing vigorously for soil water and nutrients, and imparting soil legacy effects that inhibit native plants. In the Pacific Northwest, logging debris retention after forest harvesting prevents or slows C. scoparius invasions. A series of studies were conducted to determine potential mechanisms by which logging debris modifies the light environment to limit germination and growth of C. scoparius. In laboratory studies, seed germination did not vary significantly (P > 0.05): (1) between presence and absence of light for several temperature regimes, (2) when exposed to red (660-nm wavelength) versus far-red (730-nm wavelength) light, and (3) across a range of red/far-red light (R/FR) ratios. These results indicate that modification of the light environment by logging debris or plant canopies has little or no influence on C. scoparius germination. In a study to simulate effects of variable mass of logging debris, “heavy” debris (2 kg m–2) caused biologically relevant reductions in photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and R/FR relative to conditions under “light” debris (1 kg m–2). Cytisus scoparius germination did not differ significantly between simulated heavy and light debris; however, values of seedling root and shoot biomass under heavy debris were 16% and 71% of those observed under light debris, respectively. These results indicate that heavy debris limits biomass of C. scoparius seedlings, particularly roots, by reducing both PPFD and R/FR, which increases seedling vulnerability to summer drought or other stressors. Retention of heavy logging debris after forest harvesting has potential application on sites likely to be invaded by C. scoparius, as well as those sites with seedbanks containing C. scoparius.
Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter, Lung Function and Cognitive Performance: A Prospective Dutch Cohort Study on the Underlying Routes

Background Exposure to fine particulate matter and black carbon is related to cognitive impairment and poor lung function, but less is known about the routes taken by different types of air pollutants to affect cognition. Objectives We tested two possible routes of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) in impairing cognition, and evaluated their importance: a direct route over the olfactory nerve or the blood stream, and an indirect route over the lung. Methods We used longitudinal observational data for 31232 people aged 18+ from 2006 to 2015 from the Dutch Lifelines cohort study. By linking current and past home addresses to air pollution exposure data from ELAPSE, long-term average exposure ([≤] ten years) to PM2.5 and BC was calculated. Lung function was assessed by spirometry and Global Initiative (GLI) z-scores of forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were calculated. Cognitive performance was measured by cognitive processing time (CPT) assessed by the Cogstate Brief Battery. Linear structural equation modeling was performed to test the direct/indirect associations. Results Higher exposure to PM2.5 but not BC was directly related to higher CPT and thus slower cognitive processing speed [18.33 (x10-3) SD above the mean (95% CI: 6.84, 29.81)]. The direct association of PM2.5 constituted more than 97% of the total effect. Mediation by lung function was low for PM2.5 with a mediated proportion of 1.78% (FEV1) and 2.62% (FVC), but higher for BC (28.49% and 46.22% respectively). Discussion Our results emphasize the importance of the lung acting as a mediator in the relationship between both exposure to PM2.5 and BC, and cognitive performance. However, higher exposure to PM2.5 was mainly directly associated with worse cognitive performance, which emphasizes the health-relevance of fine particles due to their ability to reach vital organs directly.
How gut microbiome interactions affect nutritional traits of Drosophila melanogaster

ABSTRACT Most research on the impact of the gut microbiome on animal nutrition is designed to identify the effects of single microbial taxa and single metabolites of microbial origin, without considering the potentially complex network of interactions among co-occurring microorganisms. Here, we investigated how different microbial associations and their fermentation products affect host nutrition, using Drosophila melanogaster colonized with three gut microorganisms (the bacteria Acetobacter fabarum and Lactobacillus brevis, and the yeast Hanseniaspora uvarum) in all seven possible combinations. Some microbial effects on host traits could be attributed to single taxa (e.g. yeast-mediated reduction of insect development time), while other effects were sex specific and driven by among-microbe interactions (e.g. male lipid content determined by interactions between the yeast and both bacteria). Parallel analysis of nutritional indices of microbe-free flies administered different microbial fermentation products (acetic acid, acetoin, ethanol and lactic acid) revealed a single consistent effect: that the lipid content of both male and female flies is reduced by acetic acid. This effect was recapitulated in male flies colonized with both yeast and A. fabarum, but not for any microbial treatment in females or males with other microbial complements. These data suggest that the effect of microbial fermentation products on host nutritional status is strongly context dependent, with respect to both the combination of associated microorganisms and host sex. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that among-microbe interactions can play a critically important role in determining the physiological outcome of host–microbiome interactions in Drosophila and, likely, in other animal hosts. Summary: The impact of individual microorganisms in the Drosophila gut microbiome on insect nutrition, particularly lipid storage, is strongly dependent on both the presence of co-occurring microorganisms and host sex.
The Effects of Integrating a Cereal Rye Cover Crop with Herbicides on Glyphosate-Resistant Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) in No-Till Soybean

Abstract Current recommendations for the control of glyphosate-resistant horseweed [Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist var. canadensis] in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] consist of comprehensive herbicide programs, which often include herbicide applications outside the soybean growing season. Integration of cover crops with herbicides could potentially improve C. canadensis control and allow for a reduction in herbicide inputs. Two separate field studies were conducted from 2016 through 2018 with the objectives of: (1) determining the effect of planting date and seeding rate of a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop on C. canadensis population density and control in the subsequent soybean crop; and (2) determining whether the cover crop could replace a fall herbicide treatment or allow for a reduction in the use of spring-applied residual herbicides. There was no effect of rye planting date, late September versus late October, on C. canadensis density in either study. In 2016 to 2017, C. canadensis density was greater in the absence of a rye cover crop in both studies, but otherwise not affected by seeding rates of 50 versus 100 kg ha–1. In the 2017 to 2018 season, the presence of rye resulted in an increased C. canadensis density in the spring residual herbicide study (Study I), and had no effect in the fall herbicide study (Study II). Conyza canadensis densities were lowest in the treatments where a comprehensive spring residual or fall herbicide treatment had been applied, averaged over rye planting date and seeding rate. Earlier-planted rye at a higher seeding rate produced the most biomass but did not result in lower C. canadensis densities. These results suggest that cereal rye planted at a density of 50 kg ha–1 as a cover crop before no-till soybeans may be sufficient to reduce glyphosate-resistant C. canadensis plant density, but cannot be relied upon to reduce the need for fall herbicide treatments and spring residual programs.