Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The potential influence of environmental pollution on amphibian development and decline

Globally, amphibians are reportedly declining. Environmental pollution has been hypothesized to be associated with declines. Because of their aquatic development and permeable eggs, skin and gills, amphibians, like fishes, may be particularly susceptible to poor water quality or waterborne pollutants. This dissertation addresses effects of global pollutants such as pesticides, acid rain and associated metal toxicity, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the development, behavior, and physiology of amphibian early life stages. This report contains only chapter six and conclusions. Chapter 6 reports on a field experiment in which green frogs from two clutches were exposed from egg to 107 days of age to water and sediments in enclosures along a PCB and metal contamination gradient in the Fox River and wetlands near Green Bay, Wisconsin. Green frogs showed lower hatching success and survival at sites with higher contaminant levels compared to cleaner wetland sites along Green Bay. Hatching success in the green frog was most significantly negatively correlated with sediment PCB levels. It can be concluded that environmental pollution and toxicants in aquatic environments can cause problems for amphibian early development. Sometimes the effects are subtle, and sometimes they are dramatic. In general, amphibian early life stages seem particularly sensitive to environmentally-realistic levels of low pH and metals, but appear more tolerant of TCDD and PCBs.
Another Source of Inequity? How Grid Reinforcement Costs Differ by the Income of EV User Groups

The power demand for electric vehicles in future mobility scenarios may lead to peaks and overloads threatening grid stability. The necessary infrastructure investments vary by the number and model type of vehicles driven and the residents charging preferences. These attributes significantly depend on socio-economic factors such as income. Our power flow simulations predict massive cost asymmetries up to 33-fold in higher-income compared to lower-income neighborhoods. This effect could amount to a cost asymmetry of up to € 14 billion on an EU level. Hence, grid operators will have to prioritize higher-income neighborhoods in their planning. As many grid operators redistribute their costs through an across-the-board electricity price increase for all households, the high infrastructure costs could lead to unwanted inequitable costing allocation. Policymakers should consider countermeasures like dynamic electricity pricing schemes, peak power pricing, or income-based electric vehicle subsidies to ensure energy equity in future mobility scenarios.
Exploring the potential impacts of global change on the woody component of of South African savannas

43 INTRODUCTION . 43 METHODS . 48 Site selection . 48 Measuring tree cover change . 49 Data analysis. 52 RESULTS . 54 Magnitude of total tree cover change . 54 Landuse and tree cover change. 54
In Vitro Characterisation of Intrinsic Properties and Local Synaptic Inputs to Pyramidal Neurons in Macaque Primary Motor Cortex Research Report

Primates (including humans) have a highly developed corticospinal tract, and specialised motor cortical areas which differ in key ways from rodents. Much work on motor cortex has therefore used macaque monkeys as a good animal model for human motor control. However, there is a paucity of data describing the fundamental functional architecture of primate primary motor cortex, which is best addressed with in vitro approaches. In this study we examined the cellular properties and the micro-circuitry of the adult macaque primary motor cortex by carrying out in-vitro intracellular recordings. We aimed to characterise the basic properties of the cortical circuitry by studying the intrinsic properties of its pyramidal neurons and their physiological interconnectivity. We studied the passive and active electrophysiological properties of pyramidal neurons in both superficial and deep cortical layers. Both superficial and deep pyramidal neurons exhibited bursting behaviour that could act as powerful excitation for downstream targets. Synaptic connections were lamina specific. Neurons in the deep layers had convergent excitatory inputs from all cortical layers whereas superficial neurons had only significant inputs from superficial layers. This sheds light on the functional architecture of the primate primary motor cortex and how its output is shaped. We also took the unique opportunity in our recording technique to characterise the relationship between intracellular and extracellular spike waveforms, with implications for cell-type identification in studies in awake behaving A cc ep te d A rt ic le This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. monkey. Our results will aid the interpretation of primate studies into motor control involving extracellular spike recordings and electrical stimulation in primary motor cortex.
Neuropsychiatric disturbances in atypical parkinsonian disorders

: Multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) are the most common atypical parkinsonisms. These disorders are characterized by varying combinations of autonomic, cerebellar and pyramidal system, and cognitive dysfunctions. In this paper, we reviewed the evidence available on the presence and type of neuropsychiatric disturbances in MSA, PSP, and CBD. A MedLine, Excerpta Medica, PsycLit, PsycInfo, and Index Medicus search was performed to identify all articles published on this topic between 1965 and 2018. Neuropsychiatric disturbances including depression, anxiety, agitation, and behavioral abnormalities have been frequently described in these disorders, with depression as the most frequent disturbance. MSA patients show a higher frequency of depressive disorders when compared to healthy controls. An increased frequency of anxiety disorders has also been reported in some patients, and no studies have investigated apathy. PSP patients may have depression, apathy, disinhibition, and to a lesser extent, anxiety and agitation. In CBD, neuropsychiatric disorders are similar to those present in PSP. Hallucinations and delusions are rarely reported in these disorders. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in MSA, PSP, and CBD do not appear to be related to the severity of motor dysfunction and are one of the main factors that determine a low quality of life. The results suggest that neuropsychiatric disturbances should always be assessed in patients with atypical parkinsonisms.
Diagnostic value of shOX2 Dna methylation in lung cancer: a meta-analysis

: The diagnostic value of SHOX2 DNA methylation in patients with lung cancer remains controversial. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess diagnostic accuracy of SHOX2 DNA methylation in the lymph node, bronchial aspirates, pleural effusion, plasma, and tumor tissue for lung cancer. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Ovid, the Cochrane library, and Web of Science databases in May 2015. The diagnostic sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve were pooled using STATA 12.0 software. A total of 2,296 subjects included lung cancer patients in eight studies were recruited in this meta-analysis. The summary estimates for SHOX2 DNA methylation in the diagnosis of lung cancer in these studies were pooled SEN = 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46–0.87), SPE = 0.96 (95% CI: 0.91–0.99), PLR 20.01 (95% CI: 6.96–57.52), NLR 0.31 (95% CI: 0.15–0.64), and DOR 65.11 (95% CI: 13.10–323.61), and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94–0.97). SHOX2 DNA methylation has greater diagnostic value in detecting lung cancer. In addition, consider-ing the potential publication bias and high heterogeneity, further research studies with more well-designed and large sample sizes are needed in the future.
Increased serum Il-17 and decreased serum Il-10 and Il-35 levels correlate with the progression of COPD

Purpose: This study aimed to measure the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-10, and IL-35 in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and disclose the correlations between their expression levels and clinical factors of patients. Methods: A total of 75 patients with stable COPD (47 males and 28 females) and 30 healthy controls (15 males and 15 females) were included in this study. The serum levels of IL-17, IL-10, and IL-35 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlations between their expression levels and clinical factors of patients were determined using linear regression methods. Results: The serum level of IL-17 was upregulated in stable COPD, and increased IL-17 expression was positively correlated with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grading, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score, and long clinical history ( P , 0.05), but negatively correlated with the pulmonary function ( P , 0.05) of patients. The serum levels of IL-10 and IL-35 were downregulated in stable COPD, and decreased IL-10 and IL-35 levels negatively correlated with the smoking status, GOLD grading, mMRC score, and long clinical history ( P , 0.05), but positively correlated with the pulmonary function ( P , 0.05) of patients. Moreover, the level of IL-17 negatively correlated with IL-10 and IL-35, but IL-10 positively correlated with IL-35. Conclusion: The serum levels of IL-17, IL-10, and IL-35 correlated with the clinical factors of COPD, indicating that they can serve as indicators to estimate the progression of COPD. imbalance, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction of the lungs play important roles in the incidence and development of COPD. Abbreviations: COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; GOLD, Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease; IL, interleukin; mMRC, modified British Medical research Council.
Spatial and temporal patterns of exotic species recruitment in a cyclone-damaged tropical forest.

Cyclones are relatively infrequent, cause massive and widespread disturbance to tropical regions and are recognised as important structuring events in tropical forest communities. Extensive defoliation, loss of major branches and multiple treefalls result in a significantly more open canopy providing ideal conditions for establishment and rapid spread of exotic species. Understanding the long-term implications of these major disturbances on invasion, and subsequently on tropical forest composition and structure will be vital to understand likely future changes to native species distributions, community structure and ecosystem function. Severe Tropical Cyclone Larry (category 4) crossed the North Queensland coast of Australia on Monday 20 March 2006. Over the past 31/2 years we have monitored recruitment, growth and mortality of all native and exotic species in an area damaged by the cyclone. We report here on patterns of exotic species recruitment across a damage gradient, and with manipulation of litter and debris loads. We discuss the implications of our results for weed management post-cyclone and highlight potential impacts on native species diversity.
Identification of highly-protective combinations of Plasmodium vivax recombinant proteins for vaccine development

The study of antigenic targets of naturally-acquired immunity is essential to identify and prioritize antigens for further functional characterization. We measured total IgG antibodies to 38 P. vivax antigens, investigating their relationship with prospective risk of malaria in a cohort of 1–3 years old Papua New Guinean children. Using simulated annealing algorithms, the potential protective efficacy of antibodies to multiple antigen-combinations, and the antibody thresholds associated with protection were investigated for the first time. High antibody levels to multiple known and newly identified proteins were strongly associated with protection (IRR 0.44–0.74, p<0.001–0.041). Among five-antigen combinations with the strongest protective effect (>90%), EBP, DBPII, RBP1a, CyRPA, and PVX_081550 were most frequently identified; several of them requiring very low antibody levels to show a protective association. These data identify individual antigens that should be prioritized for further functional testing and establish a clear path to testing a multicomponent P. vivax vaccine.
Anterior cingulate cortex and response conflict: effects of response modality and processing domain.

Studies of a variety of higher cognitive functions consistently activate a region of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), situated posterior to the genu and superior to the corpus callosum. However, it is not clear whether the same ACC region is activated for all response modalities (e.g. vocal and manual) and/or all processing domains (e.g. verbal and spatial). To explore this question, we used rapid event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging and a spatial Stroop task with conditions tapping both verbal and spatial processing. We also employed novel methods that allowed us to acquire the accuracy and reaction times of both manual and vocal responses. We found one large ACC region that demonstrated significant response conflict effects with both vocal and manual responses, and three ACC regions that demonstrated significant response conflict effects with both spatial and verbal processing. We did not find any ACC regions that demonstrated activity selective to either a specific response modality or processing domain. Thus, our results suggest that the same regions of ACC are responsive to conflict arising with both manual and vocal output and with both spatial and verbal processing.
Anterior cingulate cortex and response conflict: effects of frequency, inhibition and errors.

Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) may play a key role in cognitive control by monitoring for the occurrence of response conflict (i.e. simultaneous activation of incompatible response tendencies). Low-frequency responding might provide a minimal condition for eliciting such conflict, as a result of the need to overcome a prepotent response tendency. We predicted that ACC would be selectively engaged during low-frequency responding, irrespective of the specific task situation. To test this hypothesis, we examined ACC activity during the performance of simple choice-discrimination tasks, using rapid event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging. Subjects were scanned while performing three tasks thought to tap different cognitive processes: 'Go/No-go' (response inhibition), 'oddball' (target detection), and two-alternative forced- choice (response selection). Separate conditions manipulated the frequency of relevant task events. Consistent with our hypothesis, the same ACC region was equally responsive to low-frequency events across all three tasks, but did not show differential responding when events occurred with equal frequency. Subregions of the ACC were also identified that showed heightened activity during the response inhibition condition, and on trials in which errors were committed. Task-sensitive activity was also found in right prefrontal and parietal cortex (response inhibition), left superior temporal and tempoparietal cortex (target detection), and supplementary motor area (response selection). Taken together, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that the ACC serves as a generic detector of processing conflict arising when low-frequency responses must be executed, but also leave open the possibility that further functional specialization may occur within ACC subregions.
Computerized screening for cognitive impairment in patients with COPD

Purpose COPD is associated with cognitive impairment. These impairments should be diagnosed, but due to time- and budget-reasons, they are often not investigated. The aim of this study is to examine the viability of a brief computerized cognitive test battery, Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNSVS), in COPD patients. Patients and methods Patients with COPD referred to tertiary pulmonary rehabilitation were included. Cognitive functioning of patients was assessed with CNSVS before pulmonary rehabilitation and compared with age-corrected CNSVS norms. CNSVS is a 30 minute computerized test battery that includes tests of verbal and visual memory, psychomotor speed, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, complex attention, executive functioning, and reaction time. Results CNSVS was fully completed by 205 (93.2%, 105 females, 100 males) of the total group of patients (n=220, 116 females, 104 males). Z-tests showed that COPD patients performed significantly worse than the norms on all CNSVS cognitive domains. Slightly more than half of the patients (51.8%) had impaired functioning on 1 or more cognitive domains. Patients without computer experience performed significantly worse on CNSVS than patients using the computer frequently. Conclusion The completion rate of CNSVS was high and cognitive dysfunctions measured with this screening were similar to the results found in prior research, including paper and pen cognitive tests. These results support the viability of this brief computerized cognitive screening in COPD patients, that may lead to better care for these patients. Cognitive performance of patients with little computer experience should be interpreted carefully. Future research on this issue is needed.
Molecular mechanism of activated T cells in breast cancer

basis for the interaction mechanism studies between BC and immune cells. Methods: The microarray dataset GSE73527 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The common differentially expressed mRNAs (co-DEMs) and the common differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (co-DElncRNAs) were identified between MDA-MB-231 cells and MCF7 activated human T cells, respectively. The RNA–miRNA–lncRNA (ceRNA) network was constructed. Furthermore, the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway and the gene ontology function analyses were performed on co-DEMs. The protein– protein interaction networks and modules were investigated. Results: A total of 639 co-DEMs (such as interleukin-6 [ IL6 ] and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 [ STAT1 ]) were detected in this study. Defense response to other organisms and herpes simplex infection were the most outstanding function and pathway assembled with co-DEMs, respectively. One protein–protein interaction network and three modules were further constructed. A total of 88 mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA relationships such as BTN3A1 -has-mir-20-b-5p- HCP5 were explored in the ceRNA network. Conclusion: Activated T cells may play a crucial role in the defense response to other organism functions and herpes simplex infection pathways by upregulating IL6 and STAT1 , which further affected the progression of BC. The BTN3A1 -has-miR-20b-5p- HCP5 relationship may be the potential interaction mechanism between BC and immune cells. the of T-cell activation survival a between tumor-infiltrating
DECREASED GLUTATHIONE TRANSFERASE LEVELS IN rd 1 / rd 1 MOUSE RETINA : REPLENISHMENT PROTECTS PHOTORECEPTORS IN RETINAL EXPLANTS

Currently much attention is focused on glutathione S transferase (GST)-induced suppression of apoptosis. The objective of our studies was therefore to see if GST isoenzymes rescue photoreceptors in retinal explants from rd1/rd1 mice, in which photoreceptors degenerate rapidly. Eyes from C3H rd1/rd1 and / mice were collected at various time points between postnatal day (PN) 2 and PN28. Localization and content of -GST and -GST was investigated by immunofluorescence and semi-quantitative Western blot analysis, respectively. In addition, PN2 and PN7 retinal explants were cultured till PN28, during which they were treated with 10 ng/ml -GST or -GST. The spatiotemporal expression of both GST isoforms was closely similar: early presence in ganglion cell layer after which staining became restricted to Müller cells (particularly in the endfeet) and horizontal cell fibers in both rd1/rd1 and / . Doublets of -GST and -GST were detected by Western blot analysis. Densitometry of these bands indicated steady reduction of -GST content in rd1/rd1 retina starting from the second postnatal week. When -GST and -GST were added exogenously to rd1/rd1 explants, photoreceptor rescue was produced that was more prominent in PN2 than in PN7 explants and more effective by -GST than -GST. We propose that -GST neuroprotection is mediated by reduction of tissue oxidative stress. © 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IBRO.
Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is the enjoyment of food utilizing all of the senses without judgment. The basic principles of mindful eating involve listening to internal cues of the body (ie, hunger and satiety) to avoid overconsumption and utilizing external cues (reducing portion sizes and distractions while eating, and eating slowly) to assist in achieving awareness. Some practical ways of incorporating mindful eating include chewing food thoroughly before swallowing, drinking water between bites of food, savoring the aroma and taste of food, using smaller plates and bowls, turning off the television and computer while eating, and creating a pleasurable experience around food and eating.
Categorization of sentence recognition for older adults under noisy and time-altered conditions

Purpose While evaluating the speech recognition ability of older adults, the present study aimed to analyze their error types in parts of speech and find error patterns under various conditions of background noise level and speed of speech. Methods Twenty older adults with normal hearing for their age (NHiA) and 20 older adults with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) participated. Their cognitive function was screened as within the normal range (mini-mental state examination scores >25). The SNHL listeners were divided into high performers (SNHL-H; n=12) and low performers (SNHL-L; n=8), based on their achieving word recognition scores above or below 70%, respectively. A sentence recognition test was conducted at four levels of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR; eg, no noise, +6, +3, 0 dB) and four conditions of time alteration (eg, 30% and 15% of compression and expansion) at the most comfortable level for each participant. Results As expected, the three groups showed that the error percentage increased in sentence recognition as either the SNR decreased or the speech rate became faster. Interestingly, a larger performance difference was found between the SNHL-H and SNHL-L groups in the condition of time alteration than in that of background noise. Among the parts of speech, nouns presented the highest error scores for all participants regardless of degree of listening difficulty. The noun errors of the three groups mainly consisted of no response and fail patterns, but substitution and omission were identified as the third pattern of noun error for background noise and fast speech, respectively. Conclusion Deterioration of speech recognition from the hearing threshold and supra-threshold auditory processing was seen in the elderly in difficult listening environments such as background noise and time alteration. Although different group performance ran across the eight experimental conditions, the robustness of noun errors and the error patterns were very similar, which might be extended to a possible clinical application of aural rehabilitation for the elderly population.