Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions Between a Native Silkmoth Hemileuca sp. and an Invasive Wetland Plant, Lythrum salicaria

Abstract Invasive plants are generally thought to have negative impacts on native communities. Rarely, however, are the impacts of invasive plants on native insects examined, limiting our understanding of the broader effects of invasive plants on native habitats. In this study, I document the use of purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria L. (Lythraceae), an aggressive wetland invasive, by Hemileuca sp. (Saturniidae), a native silkmoth. This buckmoth is a unique ecological variant of the more widespread buck moth, Hemileuca maia (Drury), and is of conservation concern in some areas. Hemileuca sp. was regularly observed feeding on L. salicaria in 2003 and 2004 at two sites in southern Wisconsin. Densities of late instars were as high as 12 individuals/m2 and caused significant defoliation of L. salicaria with an average 34% loss of foliage relative to undamaged plants. Experimental manipulations of Hemileuca sp. caterpillars showed that herbivory could decrease seed production as much as 66%. In a laboratory assay, Hemileuca sp. feeding on L. salicaria had significantly lower pupal mass and lower survivorship to pupation (24%) relative to larvae feeding on Salix foliage (90%). Moreover, in two-choice preference assays, larvae preferred Salix over Lythrum foliage. Populations of Hemileuca sp. were subject to intense parasitism (up to 93%) by a tachinid parasitoid, Leschenaultia flavipes (Bigot). This combination of factors suggests there may be significant negative selection on Hemileuca sp. feeding on L. salicaria and that invaded habitats may be ecological sinks for the native herbivores.
Genetic Analysis of Important Characters in a Quality Protein Maize Composite at Two Plant Densities

One hundred full sib families were developed according to NCD-1 by crossing 28 random plants individually as males to four different female plants for the estimation of genetic components of variance and related parameters for various traits in a large random mating quality protein maize (QPM) composite, DQPMC-3. These 112 fulI-sib families were evaluated in a randomized complete block design in three replications at normal and high plant densities (53, 333 and 88, 800 plants/ha, respectively). Higher magnitude of variance due to females as compared to variance due to males for all the characters was observed at both the plant densities.The estimates of additive genetic variance were higher than those of dominance variance for all the traits studied at both the plant densities. Genes responsible for the expression of majority of the characters exhibited no dominance to partial dominance, indicating that β2A was the sole contributor to total genetic variability. Heritability (narrow sense) estimates showed that sufficient proportion of additive genetic variance was available for an effective selection procedure to be used.
BREEDING BIOLOGY AND SUCCESS OF A REINTRODUCED POPULATION OF THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED PUAIOHI (MYADESTES PALMERI)

Abstract The ultimate success of reintroduction programs for endangered species depends on the ability of reintroduced animals to breed in the wild. We studied the nesting success and breeding biology of a reintroduced population of Puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri) on the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii. Thirty-four captive-bred Puaiohi were released into the Alaka'i Swamp in 1999-2001 and monitored using radiotelemetry. Ten females and two males paired with wild and other released birds, including one polygynous trio. From March to September, 31 nests were built. Mean clutch size was 2.0 eggs, daily nest survival was 0.97 ± 0.01 (mean ± SE) and overall nest success was 0.40 ± 0.02. We confirmed predation, most probably by rats (Rattus spp.), as the greatest cause of nest failure, occurring at 38% of active nests with known fates, and causing the death of two nesting adult females. Ground-based rodent control proved ineffective at protecting nest attempts. Successful nests fledged an average of 1.4 young each (n = 10), and 85% of fledglings survived at least two weeks. Importantly, breeding behavior and success were comparable to those of wild Puaiohi. This is the first record of breeding in the wild from captive-bred endangered Hawaiian passerines. The ability of captive-bred Puaiohi to survive and breed successfully in the wild bodes well for future releases of this and other endangered passerines, but high predation rates on nests and nesting females highlights the importance of maintaining and restoring safe habitat for recovery. Biología y Éxito Reproductivo de una Población Reintroducida de Myadestes palmeri, una Especie en Peligro Crítico
Adjuvant Systemic Chemotherapy vs Active Surveillance Following Up-front Resection of Isolated Synchronous Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases.

Importance To date, there are no data on the value of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy following up-front resection of isolated synchronous colorectal peritoneal metastases. Objective To assess the association between adjuvant systemic chemotherapy and overall survival following up-front resection of isolated synchronous colorectal peritoneal metastases. Design, Setting, and Participants In this population-based, observational cohort study using nationwide data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (diagnoses between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2017; follow-up until January 31, 2019), 393 patients with isolated synchronous colorectal peritoneal metastases who were alive 3 months after up-front complete cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy were included. Patients allocated to the adjuvant systemic chemotherapy group were matched (1:1) with those allocated to the active surveillance group by propensity scores based on patient-, tumor-, and treatment-level covariates. Exposures Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy, defined as systemic chemotherapy without targeted therapy, starting within 3 months postoperatively. Main Outcomes and Measures Overall survival was compared between matched groups using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis adjusted for residual imbalance. A landmark analysis was performed by excluding patients who died within 6 months postoperatively. A sensitivity analysis was performed to adjust for unmeasured confounding by major postoperative morbidity. Results Of 393 patients (mean [SD] age, 61 [10] years; 181 [46%] men), 172 patients (44%) were allocated to the adjuvant systemic chemotherapy group. After propensity score matching of 142 patients in the adjuvant systemic chemotherapy group with 142 patients in the active surveillance group, adjuvant systemic chemotherapy was associated with improved overall survival compared with active surveillance (median, 39.2 [interquartile range, 21.1-111.1] months vs 24.8 [interquartile range, 15.0-58.4] months; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49-0.88; P = .006), which remained consistent after excluding patients who died within 6 months postoperatively (aHR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50-0.93; P = .02) and after adjustment for major postoperative morbidity (aHR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53-0.95). Conclusions and Relevance Findings of this study suggest that in patients undergoing up-front resection of isolated synchronous colorectal peritoneal metastases, adjuvant systemic chemotherapy appeared to be associated with improved overall survival. Although randomized trials are needed to address the influence of potential residual confounding and allocation bias on this association, results of this study may be used for clinical decision-making in this patient group for whom no data are available.
The impact of China-to-US immigration on structural and cultural determinants of HIV-related stigma: implications for HIV care of Chinese immigrants

ABSTRACT Objectives: Asian Americans have poor HIV-related outcomes, yet culturally salient barriers to care remain unclear, limiting development of targeted interventions for this group. We applied the ‘what matters most’ theory of stigma to identify structural and cultural factors that shape the nature of stigma before and after immigration from China to the US. Design: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 immigrants to New York from China, recruited from an HIV clinic and community centers. Deductive followed by focal inductive qualitative analyses examined how Chinese cultural values (lian, guanxi, renqing) and structural factors influenced stigma before and after immigration. Results: In China, HIV stigma was felt through the loss of lian (moral status) and limited guanxi (social network) opportunities. A social structure characterized by limited HIV knowledge, discriminatory treatment from healthcare systems, and human rights violations impinged on the ability of people living with HIV to fulfill culturally valued goals. Upon moving to the US, positions of structural vulnerability shifted to enable maintenance of lian and formation of new guanxi, thus ameliorating aspects of stigma. Conclusions: HIV prevention and stigma reduction interventions among Chinese immigrants may be most effective by both addressing structural constraints and facilitating achievement of cultural values through clinical, peer, and group interventions.
Accuracy of snorkelling counts in assessing spawning stock of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, verified by radio‐tagging and underwater video monitoring

The accuracy of underwater snorkel counts of adult Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. , was analysed in a small tributary of the River Teno before and during the spawning period using two independent verification methods (video counts and radio-tagged fish) with known numbers of fish. The observation efficiency of snorkelling crews was generally high, but that of an inexperienced crew (65–72%) was significantly lower than an experienced crew (81–82%). Habitat type affected the accuracy of snorkelers, especially those of the inexperienced crew. The efficiency of snorkelers was high in pool-type habitats (75–100%) but decreased considerably in faster flowing turbulent habitats (43–82%), where the inexperienced crew provided the lowest estimates. Thus, snorkel counting is a valid method for estimating Atlantic salmon spawning population densities in small rivers with adequate underwater visibility and with a sufficiently experienced snorkelling crew.
Role of Cyotkines in Metabolism and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Obesity is a key risk factor leading to several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and has become a pan-endemic health problem with rapid-growing global incidence. T2DM is usually caused by insulin resistance. and often combined with progressive defect in insulin secretion and multiple metabolic complications in patients with long disease duration. Host genetics and environmental factors are the focus of discussion among obesity- and T2DM- causing factors. Identification and characterization of candidate genes and mechanisms that lead to metabolic abnormalities are helpful for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies. Abundant evidences indicate that both obesity and T2DM are closely correlated with chronic inflammation, with increased levels of circulatory acute response proteins and cytokines in affected subjects. This article provides a general overview on the epidemiology, classification, and roles of cytokines in metabolism and T2DM. In addition, a summary of our study results concerning the investigation of cytokine genes among diabetic patients and the regulatory mechanism of interleuin-4 to metabolism is also included. Accomplishments of the immune-related genetic studies in a particular ethnic population and the underlying regulatory mechanism of cytokines to metabolism can lead not only to the understanding of the interactions between immune responses and metabolism, but also potential clues for the designing of treatment and prevention strategies of metabolic abnormalities.
Claw Function of Hatchling and Adult Red-Eared Slider Turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans)

ABSTRACT We examined variation in claw length of hatchling and adult red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). Hind claw length of adult females was greater than that of adult males, and we suggest that increased hind claw length in females (a previously unrecognized sexually dimorphic trait) may serve as an adaptation for nest construction. In addition, front and hind claws of hatchlings newly emerged from their eggs were longer than the front and hind claws of hatchlings that were captured during their migration toward aquatic habitats; relatively long claws could aid hatchlings in their escape from nests and migration to aquatic habitats.
Morphology of peripheral blood cells from various Turkish snakes

The present study is on the morphologies and sizes of peripheral blood cells (erythrocytes, leucocytes and thrombocytes) of thirty two Turkish snake species from blood smears, stained with Wright's stain. The investigated species and their families are as follows: Leptotyphlopidae (Leptotyphlops macrorhynchus (Jan 1861)), Typhlopidae (Typhlops vermicularis Merrem 1820), Boidae (Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus 1758)), Colubridae (Dolichophis jugularis (Linnaeus 1758), D. schmidti (Nikolsky 1909), D. caspius (Gmelin 1789), C. ventromaculatus Gray 1834, Hemorrhois nummifer (Reuss 1834), H. ravergieri (Menetries 1832), Platyceps collaris (Muller 1878), P. najadum (Eichwald 1831), Zamenis hohenackeri (Strauch 1873), Natrix natrix (Linnaeus 1758), N. tessellata (Laurenti 1768), Eirenis rothi Jan 1863, E. levantinus Schmidtler 1993, E. coronella (Schlegel 1837), E. barani Schmidtler 1988, E. eiselti Schmidtler & Schmidtler 1978, E. decemlineatus (Dumeril & Bibron 1854), E. modestus (Martin 1838), Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus (Jan 1862), Telescopus fallax (Fleischmann 1831), T. nigriceps (Ahl 1924), Malpolon monspessulanus (Hermann 1804), Spalerosophis diadema (Schlegel 1837), Viperidae (Montivipera xanthina (Gray 1849), M. wagneri (Nilson & Andren 1984), M. albizona (Nilson,, Andren & Flardh 1990), Vipera eriwanensis (Reuss 1933), Macrovipera lebetina (Linnaeus 1758)) and Elapidae (Walterinnesia aegyptia Lataste 1887).
Do harp seals Phoca groenlandica exhibit particular prey preferences

Lindstrom, U. , Harbitz, A. , Haug, T. , and Nilssen, K. T. 1998. Do harp seals Phoca groenlandica exhibit particular prey preferences? ‐ ICES Journal of Marine Science, 55: 941‐953. Feeding ecology studies of harp seals Phoca groenlandica were carried out in the south-eastern Barents Sea in February 1993, and in the north-eastern Barents Sea in October 1995. Stomach/intestine contents were obtained from 76 and 18 harp seals in 1993 and 1995, respectively. In both years, acoustic surveys aimed to estimate the abundance of potential prey items were conducted concurrently with sealing activities. The abundance of prey diVered substantially between the areas. To the west of the southernmost area (CKK), herring Clupea harengus was by far the most abundant prey item, while polar cod Boreogadus saida predominated to the east (Pechora). In the northern area crustaceans, Thysanoessa sp. and Parathemisto libellula, were by far the most abundant prey items. The composition of seal diets varied between areas. In the south-eastern Barents Sea, herring and polar cod dominated the diet in the western and eastern subarea, respectively, with significant contributions also for cod, Gadus morhua, various other bottom fish, and shrimp. In the CKK area, the role of herring appeared more pronounced in terms of abundance than in terms of seal food. Due to methodological problems, however, any conclusions about preference for this species should be interpreted cautiously. In the Pechora Sea, no evidence was found for particular preferences for the two most commonly eaten prey species polar cod and herring. In the north-eastern Barents Sea, polar cod appeared to be the most important prey accompanied by P. libellula. Statistical analyses revealed no clear preference by the seals for these two prey species, while a very clear negative preference for krill was demonstrated. 1998 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
SCREENING OF KABULI CHICKPEA RECOMBINANTS FOR RESISTANCE TO POD BORER (HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA HUB.) UNDER NATURAL FIELD CONDITIONS

Thirteen Kabuli advanced recombinants including check were screened against chickpea pod borer (CPB) infestation in field trial at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad to identify advanced kabuli chickpea recombinants resistant to CPB. Comparison of resistance among the recombinants against CPB showed that none was completely resistant against this pest. However recombinants CH 70/02, CH 75/02, CH 83/02 and CH 86/02 were found highly resistant. Recombinants CH 62/02, CH 64/02 and CH66/02 possessed intermediate resistance. While CH 60/02, CH 63/02, CH 67/02 and CH 68/02 were least resistant. CH 75/02 was identified as the highly resistant; 13.3% pod damage which decreased damage upto 31.1% with increased in yield upto 100% when compared with check, whereas CH 63/02 was found to be the least resistant ;22.7% pod damage, damage increased up to17.6% with decreased yield 31.4% over check.
Associations Between Adult and Child Associations Between Bicycle Helmet Use: RESULTS OF AN OBSERVATIONAL SURVEY

Purpose To observe the incidence of proper and improper use or non-use of bicycle helmets by children and adults when riding bicycles in groups. Study Design An observational survey of bicycle riders on a recreational bicycle path. Methods In eight half-day sessions, two observers independently rated all riders in groups that consisted of adults and children either wearing or not wearing helmets. Those who wore helmets were then rated as wearing them properly or improperly. Results Two-thirds of children wore helmets, but less than one-half wore them properly. One third of the adults wore helmets, and one-half of those wore them properly. Adult helmet use affected child helmet negatively. The strongest correlations were between adult helmet use or non-use and improper or no helmet use in accompanying children. Clinical Implications Primary care nurses who work with healthy populations should collaborate with other groups involved with families to not only exhort them to wear helmets when riding bicycles but also to instruct those riders how to wear their helmets properly.
CeMbio - The Caenorhabditis elegans Microbiome Resource

The study of microbiomes by sequencing has revealed a plethora of correlations between microbial community composition and various life-history characteristics of the corresponding host species. However, inferring causation from correlation is often hampered by the sheer compositional complexity of microbiomes, even in simple organisms. Synthetic communities offer an effective approach to infer cause-effect relationships in host-microbiome systems. Yet the available communities suffer from several drawbacks, such as artificial (thus non-natural) choice of microbes, microbe-host mismatch (e.g., human microbes in gnotobiotic mice), or hosts lacking genetic tractability. Here we introduce CeMbio, a simplified natural Caenorhabditis elegans microbiota derived from our previous meta-analysis of the natural microbiome of this nematode. The CeMbio resource is amenable to all strengths of the C. elegans model system, strains included are readily culturable, they all colonize the worm gut individually, and comprise a robust community that distinctly affects nematode life-history. Several tools have additionally been developed for the CeMbio strains, including diagnostic PCR primers, completely sequenced genomes, and metabolic network models. With CeMbio, we provide a versatile resource and toolbox for the in-depth dissection of naturally relevant host-microbiome interactions in C. elegans.
Response of Six Oat (Avena sativa L.) Cultivars to Nitrogen Fertilization for Agronomical Traits

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important and complex nutrients for the crop plants especially for grain yield and quality. Field trials were carried out in 2007-08 and 2008-09 growing years to investigate response of six oat cultivars (Seydisehir, Apak, Yesilkoy-330, Amasya, Checota and Yesilkoy-1779) to three N rates (0, 10 and 20 kg da-1) for agronomical traits. In the research the traits such as panicle number per m-2 (PN m-2), plant height (PH), grain number per panicle (GNP), grain weight per panicle (GWP), 1000-grain weight (1000-GW), grain yield (GY), biomass (BY) and harvest index (HI) were investigated. Results indicate that agronomical traits significantly differed for the years, cultivars and N rates, except PH for cultivars. Among the cultivars, Checota had the highest GWP, 1000-GW and GY (3.12 g, 38.5 g and 259.6 kg da-1 respectively), while Seydisehir had the highest PN m-2 and BY (543 PN m-2 and 1666 kg da-1 respectively). Investigated traits were gradually increased with increasing of nitrogen rates. Checota cultivar had the highest GY, while Seydisehir cv. had the highest BY at 20 kg da-1 N rate
Tympanometry

The basic principles essential for interpreting two-component, multiple frequency tympanograms first are reviewed. These principles then are applied to an analysis of tympanometric shape (conductance, susceptance, and admittance tympanograms) as a function of probe frequency in subjects with normal middle ear transmission systems. The final section presents tympanometric data from patients with confirmed middle ear pathologies that produce an increase in resonant frequency (e.g., middle ear effusion, otosclerosis, ossicular adhesions, and tympanic membrane retraction) or a decrease in resonant frequency (e.g., otitis externa, serous otitis media, tympanic membrane pathology, and ossicular discontinuity). The advantages and disadvantages of a particular probe frequency and/or admittance component are illustrated with individual cases. The cases further demonstrate that the same tympanometric pattern can be recorded from ears with different pathologies (e.g., tympanic membrane perforation with cholesteatoma, tympanic membrane retraction, ossicular adhesions, and middle ear effusion), and conversely, that the same pathology can result in different tympanometric shapes (e.g., tympanic membrane perforation, middle ear effusion, and otosclerosis). Caution, therefore, must be exercised in ascribing a tympanometric abnormality to a specific middle ear lesion.
Changes in Lipid Profile by Vegetable Oil Blends Rich in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Rats with Hypercholesterolemia

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different blended vegetable oils having different levels and profiles of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on hypercholesterolemia by analyzing the changes in lipid profile in high-cholesterol diet fed rats. Three vegetable oils (soy oil, sunflower oil, and the nonconventional flaxseed oil) were blended to obtain blends rich in PUFA. Thirty albino rats were used over the 2-month period. The animals were divided into five groups, wherein group 5 represents negative control, where rats were fed basal diet, while rats in group 4 received high cholesterol diet and served as positive controls. The other three groups were fed hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol + 0.25% colic acid) supplemented with blended oils. Generally, rats fed blended oils showed significantly lower levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol as well as higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, in comparison with animals fed high-cholesterol diet and cholesterol-free diet. Thus, oil blends under study may be useful formulations for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. In addition to improving the lipid profile by lowering TC, total TG, and total LDL and increasing HDL, blending of vegetable oils can result in an economic advantage of lower prices.