Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal variation in reproductive synchrony in Acropora assemblages: Japan vs. Australia

Abstract The annual mass spawning of scleractinian corals on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, is purported to be unprecedented in terms of the taxonomic and geographical scale of spawning synchrony. Here, we compare spawning synchrony both within and among coral species in four regions spanning 10°of latitude on the GBR and compare this with four regions separated by a similar latitudinal range within the Japanese tropical and sub-tropical Archipelago. On the GBR, peak reproductive activity at all latitudes occurred in November whereas there was a clear disjunction in the period of peak reproductive activity among the four regions in Japan, with tropical locations spawning up to 3 months earlier. In Sekesei Lagoon (22°N), a high proportion of Acropora colonies were mature following the full moon in April; at Akajima Island (26°N) peak reproductive activity occurred in May; at Oku (28°N) peak reproductive activity occurred in June and in Amakusa (31°N), reproductive activity likely peaked in July. However, mature colonies of Acropora were found prior to every full moon for at least 5 months at two regions examined in detail (The Whitsundays Islands on the GBR and Akajima Island). While these regions on GBR appear to act more homogeneously than regions over a similar latitudinal range in Japan with respect to the timing of peak reproductive activity, and the proportion of colonies mature was often higher during these peaks, the reproductive season on the GBR is much longer (5 months) than is typically appreciated.
Diagnostic nerve block in prediction of outcome of botulinum toxin treatment for spastic equinovarus foot after stroke: A pilot retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of diagnostic nerve block in predicting the outcome of botulinum toxin type A treatment for spastic equinovarus foot due to chronic stroke. DESIGN Pilot, retrospective, observational study. PATIENTS Fifty chronic stroke patients with spastic equinovarus foot. METHODS Each patient was given diagnostic tibial nerve block (lidocaine 2% perineural injection) assessment followed by botulinum toxin type A inoculation into the same muscles as had been targeted by the nerve block. All patients were evaluated before diagnostic nerve block, after the nerve block, and 4 weeks after botulinum toxin injection. Outcomes were ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion of the affected side, and calf muscle spasticity, measured with the modified Ashworth scale and the Tardieu Scale. RESULTS Significant improvements were measured after diagnostic nerve block and botulinum toxin injection compared with the baseline condition. Diagnostic nerve block led to significantly greater improvements in all outcomes than botulinum toxin injection. CONCLUSION This study confirmed diagnostic nerve block as a valuable screening tool in deciding whether to treat spastic equinovarus with botulinum toxin. However, the results support the evidence that diagnostic nerve block results in a greater reduction in muscle overactivity than does botulinum toxin type A in patients with spastic equinovarus due to stroke.
The importance of the exbB gene for vitamin B12 and ferric iron transport

Ferric iron is extremely insoluble at neutral pH and forms a polymer of ferric hydroxide. This may be one of the reasons why many bacteria excrete iron chelators and why they have evolved high affinity uptake systems for them. In Escherichia coli three ferric iron transport systems have been characterized. Under conditions of iron limitation enterochelin is excreted and the receptor protein FepA for ferric enterochelin is induced in the outer membrane. The fungal sideramine ferrichrome can be taken up via the FhuA (=TonA) protein. In addition there is an inducible ferriccitrate uptake system ( fec gene region)_ After binding of the iron chelate to its outer membrane receptor, the iron is taken up by an energydependent process. At least two gene functions are necessary for its release from the receptor and further uptake, (i) tonB is needed by all three high-affinity uptake systems, and (ii) an iron complex-specific function, assumed to be in the cytoplasmic membrane, is also required: fepB for enterochelin, fhuB for ferrichrome, and fecB for ferric citrate (for review see [1,2]). The tonB gene is particularly interesting as it is also necessary for vitamin B12 uptake. The latter system again involves an outer membrane receptor specified by the btuB gene and a cytoplasmic membrane component controlled by the btuC gene. Most of these outer membrane receptors are used by the group B colicins e.g. B, Ia and M which also depend on the tonB gene function to gain access to their target. Finally, there are the phages T1 and ¢80 which bind to the outer membrane receptor FhuA and need tonB to start the energy-dependent infection process [3]. In all these cases the common denominator for tonB is its involvement in surface receptordependent uptake processes. All the "natural" substrates of tonB contain a chelated metal ion which has to be reduced during the uptake process: Fe(III) to Fe(II) and Co(Ill) to COOI). Whether tonB is really involved in these reductions and if so, how it participates in the uptake of the different colicins and phages is an open question. However, the situation is even more complex since there is evidence that the product of the exbB gene is also involved in at least some of these uptake processes [4]. We have isolated some exbB mutants and re-examined their transport capabilities and their behaviour against colicins and phages. For us the most surprising result was the strong decrease of the uptake of ferrichrome and vitamin B12 in exbB mutants.
Ramblas in south‐east Spain: threatened and valuable ecosystems

1. The term ‘rambla’ defines watercourses with specific geomorphological features that make them different from all other temporary streams. Most ramblas represent extreme habitats for plants and animals that have to be adapted to high salinity and extreme hydrological fluctuations with severe dry periods and floods. Both factors shape the structure and functioning of the whole aquatic ecosystem. 2. Biological communities in ramblas are diverse and rich in endemic species. Habitats of interest within the EU are extensively represented in ramblas and their associated wetlands. Ramblas also fulfil previously unrecognized functional and cultural values, such as helping to control non-point-source pollution in agricultural areas and to provide a variety of historic and educational resources. However, they are a threatened ecosystem because of the diversity of uses and derived impacts. 3. To characterize and describe the diversity of ramblas in south-east Spain, an extensive survey was carried out in 2000–2001 in the province of Murcia. Based on the lithology where ramblas are located, they were grouped in three categories: ramblas of marl, limestone and metamorphic basins. 4. Rambla categories differ in structural parameters, hydrology, water chemistry, biological communities and their vulnerability to a range of human impacts, thus requiring a flexible approach to their management and conservation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproduction in wild reindeer in Norway

Pregnancy status and dressed weights were obtained from female reindeer killed during autumn and winter in five areas in southern Norway. Body weight, mandible length, and lactation status were obtained from females killed during the hunting season in the same areas. Pregnancy rates (P) were predictable from the female dressed weight at rut (W), from the equation P = 1–e[−0.169(W–21)]. In areas where calves become pregnant, yearlings may have a lower pregnancy rate than expected from their weights.
MondoA Is Required for Normal Myogenesis and Regulation of the Skeletal Muscle Glycogen Content in Mice

Background Skeletal muscle is the largest tissue in the human body, and it plays a major role in exerting force and maintaining metabolism homeostasis. The role of muscle transcription factors in the regulation of metabolism is not fully understood. MondoA is a glucose-sensing transcription factor that is highly expressed in skeletal muscle. Previous studies suggest that MondoA can influence systemic metabolism homeostasis. However, the function of MondoA in the skeletal muscle remains unclear. Methods We generated muscle-specific MondoA knockout (MAKO) mice and analyzed the skeletal muscle morphology and glycogen content. Along with skeletal muscle from MAKO mice, C2C12 myocytes transfected with small interfering RNA against MondoA were also used to investigate the role and potential mechanism of MondoA in the development and glycogen metabolism of skeletal muscle. Results MAKO caused muscle fiber atrophy, reduced the proportion of type II fibers compared to type I fibers, and increased the muscle glycogen level. MondoA knockdown inhibited myoblast proliferation, migration, and differentiation by inhibiting the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Further mechanistic experiments revealed that the increased muscle glycogen in MAKO mice was caused by thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) downregulation, which led to upregulation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), potentially increasing glucose uptake. Conclusion MondoA appears to mediate mouse myofiber development, and MondoA decreases the muscle glycogen level. The findings indicate the potential function of MondoA in skeletal muscle, linking the glucose-related transcription factor to myogenesis and skeletal myofiber glycogen metabolism.
The dynamics of humoral immune responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection and the potential for reinfection

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that is the causative agent of coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19). As of 17 April 2020, it has infected 2 114 269 people, resulting in 145 144 deaths. The timing, magnitude and longevity of humoral immunity is not yet understood for SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, understanding this is urgently required to inform the likely future dynamics of the pandemic, to guide strategies to allow relaxation of social distancing measures and to understand how to deploy limiting vaccine doses when they become available to achieve maximum impact. SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh human coronavirus to be described. Four human coronaviruses circulate seasonally and cause common colds. Two other coronaviruses, SARS and MERS, have crossed from animal sources into humans but have not become endemic. Here we review what is known about the human humoral immune response to epidemic SARS CoV and MERS CoV and to the seasonal, endemic coronaviruses. Then we summarize recent, mostly non-peer reviewed, studies into SARS-CoV-2 serology and reinfection in humans and non-human primates and summarize current pressing research needs.
Development, Applications, and Refinement of the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) Child Obesity Prevention Screening

Concerns regarding the continued high prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity have created a need for proactive approaches to behavior change. The Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) screening tool was developed for research and clinical use to identify home environments and behaviors that could predispose youth to increased weight. FNPA scores have been shown to correlate with body mass index (BMI) percentiles in first-grade students and to predict unique variance in change in BMI percentiles from first to second grade. The FNPA has been used for family behavior counseling and is now a standard component of well-child visits throughout the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania. Parents complete the FNPA prior to annual visits, and providers can discuss areas of concern based on screening results. Children of parents who complete the FNPA have shown smaller increases in BMI z-scores over the following year than children of parents who did not complete the FNPA. The FNPA is also used to inform the arrangement of family-centered obesity treatment for children. Recently, the FNPA has undergone a systematic update to ensure its continued relevance and utility. The updated tool is provided, and current and future users can access more information about the tool at myfnpa.org.
Effects of adding the small fish punti (Puntius sophore Hamilton) and/or mola (Amblypharyngodon mola Hamilton) to a polyculture of large carp

This experiment was carried out in the framework of a project to develop a viable fish polyculture technology under Bangladeshi conditions that allows simultaneous fish production of small indigenous species for farm families' consumption and of large carp species as a cash crop. The polyculture included the large carp rohu, catla and mirror carp as cash crop fish, and the small indigenous fish punti and mola as food for the small-scale household. Total large carp stocking density was 10 000 fish ha−1, at a species ratio 1:1:1. Total small fish stocking densities were 0, 25 000 or 50 000 fish ha−1. The objectives were to assess the effects of adding 25 000 punti and/or mola ha−1 on the large carp and environment, and to assess the effects of punti on mola and mola on punti. It was found that catla was not affected by the addition of small fish in any of the combinations tested; rohu was not affected by punti, and mola reduced rohu performance by 30–40% only when punti was not present; mirror carp was not affected by punti, and mola increased mirror carp growth rate and harvesting weight by 25–30% whether punti was present or not; small fish did not significantly affect total yield and food conversion ratio; punti performance was not affected by mola; mola harvesting weight was not affected by punti, while mola harvesting numbers and biomass were reduced by 55–65% by punti. Factor analysis of water quality data identified photosynthesis–respiration and algal biomass– temperature as the main processes governing water quality. Effects of treatment on those water quality factors are analysed, and the fish–water quality relationships discussed. In a parallel polyculture experiment in 25 farm ponds, the performance of large carp species was found to be unaffected by the addition of punti and/or mola. The results indicate that, at the densities tested, punti and mola addition to the large carp polyculture is viable as they do not reduce cash crop production and might be a good food source for the farmer's family.
Surface tension and viscosity of axenic maize and lupin root mucilages

summary In many plants, mucilage permeates the interface between root and soil, yet little is known about its physical properties or its influence on the physical properties of the rhizoasphere. Mucilage was collected from 3–4-d-old, axenically-grown maize (Zea mays L. cv. Freya) and lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L. cv. Merrit) seedlings. Surface tension and viscosity were measured over a range of mucilage hydration, and neutral sugar analyses of the hydrolysed mucilages were obtained by gas chromatography. Surface tension of both maize and lupin mucilage was reduced to ∼ 48 mN m−1 at total solute concentrations > 0.7 mg ml−1, indicating the presence of powerful surfactants. Mucilage viscosity increased with increasing solute concentration and decreasing temperature. At a total solute concentration of 0.7 mg ml−1, the viscosity of maize mucilage at 20 °C was 2.1 mPa s (approx. double that of pure water), increasing to 3.3 mPa s at 5 °C. Both maize and lupin mucilage showed viscoelastic behaviour. The major component of maize mucilage was found to be glucose, but in lupin it was fucose. The surface tension and viscosity results support the idea that mucilage plays a major role in the maintenance of root-soil contact in drying soils. As surface tension decreases, the ability of the mucilage to wet the surrounding soil particles becomes greater. Also, as viscosity and elasticity increase, the resistance to movement of any soil particles in contact with the mucilage increases, a degree of stabilization of the rhizosphere structure is achieved and hydraulic continuity is maintained. It is unclear whether the surfactant is actively secreted by the root or is present simply as a result of leakage from root cells.
Side‐effects of insecticides on two erigonid spider species

The current rearing technique for Erigone atra (Blackwall) and Oedothorax apicatus (Blackwall) (Araneae, Erigonidae) was improved. To reduce time spent rearing on live fruit flies the spiders were kept on a culture of the Collembola species Lepidocyrtus lanuginosus (Gmelin) (Entomobryidae). Side‐effects on spiders of two pyrethroid insecticides (fenvalerate and lambda‐cyhalothrin) and one carbamate insecticide (pirimicarb) were tested. Sensitivity of adults of both sexes and juveniles to insecticides and their influence on the rate of emergence of spiderlings from cocoons were investigated using topical application, spraying or residual contact. LD50 values for adults ranged from 0.49 to 2.52 ng a.i./spider for lambda‐cyhalothrin and from 5.75 to 98.20 ng a.i./spider for fenvalerate. Topical application also resulted in up to a week's delay of web‐building. A moving laboratory spraying equipment was used to spray spiders with different insecticide dosages and water volumes. Pyrethroids sprayed onto adults in webs had stronger effects than pyrethroids sprayed onto sitting or walking spiders on the soil surface. Residual contamination caused higher mortality of spiders after contact with lambda‐cyhalothrin than fenvalerate. In all tests, males were more susceptible to pyrethroids than females; this difference was related to body weight. Mortality rate was higher for E. atra than for O. apicatus. Both pyrethroids were also toxic to spiderlings. Lambda‐cyhalothrin inhibited emergence of E. atra spiderlings from cocoons. Pirimicarb was harmless to both spider species.
The reproductive structures of the Mediterranean alga Laurencia pelagosae (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta)

Reproductive structures of Laurencia pelagosae are described for the first time. Tetrasporangia, in parallel arrangement, are cut off from the mother cells adaxially; antheridial branches, which are unramified, are inserted in depressions lacking a row of axial cells on their bases; cystocarps are sessile and subspherical. The occurrence of secondary pit-connections between epidermal cells and of lenticular thickenings in the walls of medullary cells is documented. The species is included in the new section Pelagosae within the subgenus Laurencia.
Design of vanadium compounds as insulin enhancing agents

Vanadium compounds, in vitro, stimulate glucose uptake and inhibit lipid breakdown, in a manner remarkably reminiscent of insulin’s effects. In vivo, vanadium enhances insulin’s plasma glucose and lipid-lowering properties, leading to normalization of diabetic symptoms in the presence of only minimal endogenous insulin. The coordination chemistry of vanadium has great versatility for adjustment of pharmacological characteristics. Vanadium compounds are generally also very redox active, which is both advantageous and detrimental for optimizing biochemical function. In this perspective, we review and comment on how these properties have been revealed, what questions have arisen along the way, and where future investigations may be headed. While this is not a comprehensive overview of all available compounds touted as ‘insulin enhancing agents’, it will focus on those which are distinctive in some way, or which are representative of the larger library of vanadium compounds, including all currently known relevant oxidation states of vanadium.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Conus quercinus (Neogastropoda: Conidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of cone snail Conus quercinus a kind of worm-hunting sea snails, was performed by next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome is 16,439 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes (12S and 16S rRNA), and one control region. It has overall base composition of A (28.1%), T (38.2%), C (14.7%), and G (18.6%). It shows 75.9% identity with C. capitaneus, which also belongs to worm-hunting sea snail. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted with 22 closely related species to assess their phylogenetic relationship. The complete mitogenome of the C. quercinus provides important DNA molecular data for further phylogeography.
Outcome of indirect competition between two aphid species mediated by responses in their common host plant

1. This study evaluates the potential for indirect competition between two phloem-feeding aphids as mediated by a shared host, pecan Carya illinoensis. In a greenhouse experiment, one of two aphid species, Monellia caryella and Melanocallis caryaefoliae,
Diversidade entre linhagens e importância de caracteres relacionados à longevidade em vaso de linhagens de pimenteiras ornamentais

Apesar de sua reconhecida importância economica e social, a cultura da pimenta ainda e pouco estudada. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a longevidade de linhagens de pimentas pertencentes ao genero Capsicum , quanto a vida util em vaso e a sua variabilidade. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com tres repeticoes e seis tratamentos (linhagens 76, 82, 72, 132, 83 e 134). Apos a frutificacao e maturacao dos frutos, as plantas foram expostas a condicoes simuladas de transporte e posteriormente transferidas para uma sala, tendo sido avaliada diariamente sua capacidade de envelhecimento em vaso. As caracteristicas avaliadas estatisticamente foram o numero de folhas caidas, numero de folhas amarelas, numero de folhas murchas, numero de frutos caidos e longevidade em vaso. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos a analise de variância, com posterior separacao das medias pelo teste Duncan (p? 0.05). A variabilidade genetica foi acessada com base na distância generalizada de Mahalanobis com posterior agrupamento pelo metodo de Tocher. A importância relativa das caracteristicas foi calculada baseando-se no metodo proposto por SINGH. A linhagem 132 foi aquela que apresentou o maior numero de folhas murchas, e as linhagens 83 e 72, os menores numeros. A linhagem 82 foi aquela que apresentou o maior numero de frutos caidos, e para longevidade, destacaram-se as linhagens 82, 132, 83 e 134. Utilizando o metodo de Tocher, foram reunidas no primeiro grupo as linhagens 132, 143 e 75; e no segundo, as linhagens 82 e 72 e 83. Pelo metodo de SINGH, a variavel que mais contribuiu com a divergencia foi o numero de folhas caidas, com 43 %, e a que menos contribuiu foi o numero de folhas amarelas, com 2 %.
Improved estimates of population trends of Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo in England and Wales for effective management of a protected species at the centre of a human–wildlife conflict

Capsule A new method of estimating winter Great Cormorant population trends was developed to improve monitoring. Aims To develop methods of estimating Cormorant population trends with confidence intervals by combining data from different monitoring schemes. Methods Estimates of inland and coastal winter Cormorant populations were made for England and Wales from 1988 to 2010. Annual counts from the Wetland Bird Survey were used, supplemented with Dispersed Waterbird Survey data for inland populations, and Non-Estuarine Coastal Waterbird Survey data for coastal populations. Bootstrapping was undertaken to produce confidence intervals. Results The winter Cormorant population in England and Wales increased by about 59% between 1988 and 2010. The annual trend of the inland population became less positive from 2004 onwards, the year in which numbers controlled under licence greatly increased. Conclusions The improved precision of the new estimates provides a sound basis on which to assess potential population-level effects of licensed control of Cormorants. Although there was an indication that recent declines in the inland population were concurrent with increased control intensity, this can only be considered weak evidence, and such effects may be better considered through intensive research on Cormorant site use and dispersal in relation to control activities.