Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Formica exsecta Nyl. on seed bank and vegetation patterns in a subalpine grassland ecosystem

The mound building ant Formica exsecta Nyl. is widely distributed in grassland ecosystems of the Central European Alps. We studied the impact of these ants on seed bank and vegetation patterns in a 11 ha subalpine grassland, where we counted over 700 active ant mounds. The mounds showed a distinct spatial distribution with most of them being located in tall‐grass, which was rarely visited by ungulates (red deer; Cervus elaphus L.). Heavily grazed short‐grass, in contrast, seemed to be completely avoided by ants as only few mounds were found in this vegetation type. The species composition of the ant mound and grassland seed banks was quite similar, i.e. from 15 common plant species 12 were found in both seed bank types. We found the same proportions of myrmecochorous seeds in ant mound and grassland soil samples. In contrast, the number of seeds was 15 times higher in mound compared with the grassland soil samples. Also, the vegetation growing on ant mounds significantly differed from the vegetation outside the mounds: graminoids dominated on ant mounds, herbaceous and myrmecochorous species in the grassland vegetation. We found significant continuous changes in vegetation composition on gradients from the ant mound centre to 1 m away from the mound edge. Overall, F. exsecta was found to have a considerable impact on seed bank and vegetation patterns in the grassland ecosystem studied. These insects not only altered grassland characteristics in the close surrounding of their mounds, but also seem to affect the entire ecosystem including, for example, the spatial use of the grassland by red deer.
The heme moiety of malaria pigment (β-hematin) mediates the inhibition of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages

Abstract To investigate the effect of the heme moiety of malaria pigment, hemozoin, on phagocyte functions, mouse macrophages were fed with insoluble β-hematin, the synthetic heme-polymer chemically identical to the native pigment, or the soluble monomer, hematin. Production of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1 (IL1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and nitric oxide (NO) was assayed in the supernatants after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. The results indicate that both β-hematin and hematin induce a dose-dependent inhibition of macrophage production of TNFα and NO, but not of IL1. One-hour pretreatment with soluble hematin inhibited production of cytotoxic mediators by more than 50% compared to controls, while 6-hr exposure was necessary for insoluble β-hematin to induce the same level of inhibition. However, the same treatment did not modify the production of TNFα and NO by mouse microglia cell lines. The inhibition was partially counterbalanced by adding sulphydryl group donors such as 2-mercaptoethanol, glutathione, or N -acetyl-cysteine during the preincubation time. The results of the present study confirm the inhibitory role of malaria pigment and show that such effect is due to the heme moiety and may be selective for the production of cytotoxic mediators by specific phagocytes. The implications of these findings in the control of malaria infection and disease and in the pathogenesis of severe malaria are discussed.
Clinical Characteristics of Group G Streptococcal Bacteremia in Taiwan

The results of this retrospective study showed that Group G streptococcal bacteremia was an acute febrile disease with low mortality. Most patients were > 60 y old but there was a strong association between age < 60 y and malignancy. Cases clustered in summer and the most common port of entry was the skin.
Estimates of numbers of kelp gulls and Kerguelen and Antarctic terns breeding at the Prince Edward Islands, 1996/1997–2008/2009

Breeding numbers of Laridae and other surface-nesting seabirds have been monitored at sub-Antarctic Marion Island since 1996/1997 and counts of breeding birds were made at nearby Prince Edward Island in December 2001 and December 2008. Four species are regular breeders at the islands: Subantarctic skua Catharacta antarctica, kelp gull Larus dominicanus, Antarctic tern Sterna vittata and Kerguelen tern S. virgata. The latter three species currently each have populations of below 150 breeding pairs at the islands. Kelp gull numbers appear to be relatively stable though they may have decreased since the 1980s. Kerguelen tern numbers decreased and then recovered at Marion Island, but numbers of the species have declined at Prince Edward Island and it maintains a tenuous foothold there. The small Antarctic tern population appears to be stable.
Effects of a Single Session of Hemodialysis on Hearing Abilities

A prospective study was designed to evaluate the effects of a single session of hemodialysis on the parameters of hearing. We carried out serial audiological tests (tympanometry, pure-tone, speech and high frequency audiometry) in 19 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. Tests were performed on patients 1 h before and 2 and 24 h after a randomly selected session of hemodialysis. The results of audiological tests indicated no significant adverse effect of a single session of hemodialysis on hearing.
Quantitative cellular level analysis of mitochondrial DNA 3243A > G mutations in individual tissues from the archival temporal bones of a MELAS patient

Abstract Conclusion: We could represent the first quantitative analysis of the mutation rate at the cellular level in human inner ear of a patient with MELAS (mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes) by combining laser capture microdissection (LCM) and quantitative real time PCR. Objectives: We previously reported combining LCM and PCR to isolate mtDNA from the cells of specific tissues within a human archival celloidin-embedded temporal bone section without known otological history. Using this method, we quantitatively analyzed the rate of mtDNA 3243A > G mutation in the inner ear of a MELAS patient, and examined the correlation of the mutation rate at the cellular level and their histopathological condition. Methods: We extracted each inner ear organs using LCM from temporal bone sections of a MELAS patient, and studied the mutation rate, which was calculated as the ratio of the amount of mutant mtDNA to the total mtDNA. Results: We found that the mtDNA mutation rate was high in spiral ganglion cells and the saccular macula, but was comparatively low in hair cells of the organ of Corti, the stria vascularis and the facial nerve. With the exception of the stria vascularis, there was a good correlation between the mutation rate and the histological findings.
Predicting Walleye Total Length from Head and Mandible Measurements

Abstract To supplement harvest information on walleye Sander vitreus collected in Lake Erie creel surveys, we assessed whether walleye size structure and growth could be estimated by using total lengths (TL) predicted from measurements of head length (HL) and mandible length (ML). Regression models were developed by using measurements taken from 124 tournament-caught walleyes sampled in late May 2003. In most cases, HL and ML explained more than 90% of the variation in TL (r 2 > 0.90); however, residuals (absolute values) were frequently 10 mm or more. Despite estimation errors, the length-frequency distributions predicted from HL and ML models were not significantly different from observed distributions. Tests of the models with an additional 72 walleyes collected in June 2003 produced similar results. Predicted mean lengths at age for June walleyes ages 2–4 did not differ significantly from mean lengths at age estimated from observed TL. Use of an HL model developed for Minnesota walleyes yielded result.
Pro‐apoptotic bax‐α1 synthesis and evidence for β‐sheet to α‐helix conformational change as triggered by negatively charged lipid membranes

Solid phase synthesis of Bax‐α1, the 25 amino acids domain (14TSSEQIMKTGALLLQGFIQDRAGRM38) of the pro‐apoptotic Bax protein has been accomplished using Fmoc chemistry. A new fast and harmless protocol is described for complete TFA removal from the purified peptide powder leading to a final purity greater than 98% as controlled by 19F‐NMR, UV and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. Secondary structure was determined in various solution and membrane media using UV Circular Dichroism. In water solution, Bax‐α1 is present as a mixture of β‐sheet and unstructured (random coil) conformations. A marked change from β‐sheet to α‐helix secondary structures is observed upon interaction with negatively charged phospholipids vesicles whereas neutral lipid membranes have no significant effect on the aqueous peptide conformation. Results are discussed in terms of Bax binding to mitochondrial membranes. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of GABA transporter inhibition on synaptophysin and synaptotagmin expression in diazepam tolerance

Background. In light of the differential interactions seen between benzodiazepine, GABA transporter (GAT) inhibition and drug tolerance, the locomotor effects of a GAT1-specific inhibitor (SKF89976A) following diazepam tolerance were analysed and compared with the concomitant expression of synaptic vesicle proteins implicated in synaptic plasticity. Methods. Male PVG/OlaHsd rats were chronically dosed with diazepam to produce tolerance, and the expression of mRNA for synaptophysin and synaptotagmin were analysed in the hippocampus by means of in situ hybridisation. The action of the GAT inhibitor SKF89976A on the expression of these mRNAs, and on open field behaviour was subsequently observed. Results. The results show an unexpected sedative effect of GAT-inhibition in diazepam-tolerant rats. The expression data show a significant effect of diazepam treatment on synaptophysin expression, which is reversible by SKF89976A treatment. Conclusions. The increased synaptophysin expression in the hippocampus of diazepam-tolerant rats may indicate a role for modulation of transmitter release, synaptic plasticity and learning in pharmacological tolerance. The reversibility of this effect following acute GAT inhibition suggests a complicated relationship between the benzodiazepine-binding site and other synaptic GABA-binding sites. Furthermore, the sedative behavioural effect of the GAT inhibitor in diazepam-tolerant rats is an unusual observation with implications for the treatment of drug-tolerant individuals.
Evaluation of Radiological Examination for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

The accuracy of radiological examinations has improved and their diagnostic ability has markedly increased. However, the cost of such examinations has also recently become an issue. In this study, the clinical significance of radiological examinations for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was evaluated and the value of their utilization was reconsidered. A total of 1,276 ears of 724 patients who demonstrated unilateral or bilateral SNHL was studied retrospectively. Findings of radiological examinations such as plain X-ray (X-p), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain or the temporal bone were investigated. Temporal bone X-p was usually performed to rule out acoustic tumors (AT). CT was further performed in 119 patients (16.4%) and MRI in 84 patients (11.6%) in total. The reasons or symptoms for further examination such as CT or MRI were X-p findings or auditory symptoms suspicious for AT or vertigo/dizziness suspicious for intracranial disease. Of five cases with AT, two with a small tumor exhibited normal findings for the internal auditory canal on temporal bone X-p. These small ATs were finally confirmed by MRI. MRI could also detect lacunar infarctions, cerebral atrophy and high jugular bulb which might be related to SNHL. These findings confirmed that MRI is very useful for detecting small ATs and suggested that MRI also reveals cerebral vascular insufficiency in patients with SNHL.
Quality evaluation of different types of non‐fish meal diets for yellowtail

SUMMARY: Two feeding experiments were conducted to evaluate the feed quality of non-fish meal diets having the same protein ingredient composition but prepared as different types, and to determine the supplemental effect of crystalline essential amino acids (EAA) on feed utilization by young yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata. Non-fish meal diets formulated with soy protein concentrate, defatted soybean meal, corn gluten meal, meat meal, and krill meal were prepared as either soft dry pellets (SDP) or extruded pellets (EP) by using a large- or a small-sized twin screw extruder under different preparation conditions; or as a single moist pellet (SMP), each with and without EAA mixtures. Commercial yellowtail SDP was used as the control diet. Fish weighing 134 g and 237 g on average were reared with the experimental diets, for 93 (net cages) and 44 (aquariums) days, respectively. The fish fed both the control and test diets were found to have a good appetite. Growth rate and feed gain ratio were highest in the control diet group. The physiological condition of fish fed the control diet was evaluated as superior compared to those on the non-fish meal diets. Among the non-fish meal diet groups, the best performances were obtained for fish fed the SDP type diet with EAA supplement, and performance parameters excelled in the order of SDP, EP and SMP both among the diets with and without supplemental EAA. This suggests that the nutritional quality of non-fish meal diet was affected by the diet preparation method. It also indicates that supplementation of EAA could improve the quality of non-fish meal diets, irrespective of the diet type, probably as a result from the enhancement of feed protein utilization.
Fewer Bacterial Relapses after Oral Treatment with Norfloxacin than with Ceftibuten in Acute Pyelonephritis Initially Treated with Intravenous Cefuroxime

This double-blind, multicentre study was performed at nine centres on a total of 171 patients who presented with fever (> 38.5°C) and signs of acute pyelonephritis. All were initially treated with intravenous cefuroxime. After 2-3 d, when the fever had subsided and urinary culture had revealed growth of Gram-negative bacteria (> 107 colony-forming units per litre), treatment was changed to oral administration of ceftibuten 200 mg b.i. d. or norfloxacin 400 mg b.i. d. for 10 d. The patients were followed for signs of bacterial or clinical relapse 7-14 d after the end of treatment. The initial clinical and bacteriological cure was excellent in both groups, but there were significantly fewer bacterial relapses after oral treatment with norfloxacin than with ceftibuten in acute febrile pyelonephritis initially treated with intravenous cefuroxime. The causal strain was eradicated in 75% of patients (73% of males, 76% of females) in the ceftibuten group and in 89% of patients (94% of males, 85% of females) in the norfloxacin group. The relative frequency of eradication was 0.84 (p < 0.05; 95% confidence interval 0.74-0.97). Adverse events were reported by 47% of the patients in the ceftibuten group and by 38% in the norfloxacin group. This difference was not significant, but diarrhoea or loose stools occurred more frequently in the ceftibuten group.
Site preparation burning to improve southern Appalachian pine-hardwood stands: nitrogen responses in soil, soil water, and streams

Three paired watersheds treated with a fell and burn prescription were studied to determine the effects on soil, soil water, and stream water. Soil nitrification and mineralization were measured by in situ closed-core incubation. Soil water was collected with porous cup lysimeters placed at 30 and 60 cm depths, and water samples were collected from streams draining control and burned areas on one of the three sites. All data were collected for 6 months prior to and 12 months after treatment. Soil ammonium (NH4+) content increased significantly in all three sites after burning, but the magnitude differed greatly among sites. However, there was no change in soil nitrate (NO3−) content. In situ measurements of net mineralization showed increased rates with increasing burn severity. Net nitrification displayed no treatment response. Slight and nonsignificant increases in soil water NO3− concentration occurred after burning in two of the three sites. Stream water NO3− concentrations increased in the one stream.
Molecular Characteristics and Susceptibility to Antibiotics of Serogroup A Neisseria meningitidis Strains Isolated in Senegal in 1999

A total of 22 strains of Neisseria meningitidis isolated from cerebrospinal fluid samples of patients in Dakar, Senegal, in the course of an epidemic of meningococcal meningitis in 1999 were studied. All the strains were serogroup A, serotype 21 : P1.9 and belonged to clonal subgroup III-1. The strains were resistant to sulphonamide, but were susceptible to ampicillin, ceftriaxon and chloramphenicol, which are used in the treatment of cerebrospinal meningitis in Senegal.
Antonyms: A Computer Game to Improve Inhibitory Control of Impulsivity in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

The design of a computer-supported serious game concerning inhibition skills in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is reported. The game consists of a series of activities, each eliciting the tendency to respond in an immediate, inadequate way. The game is based on the Dual Pathway Model of ADHD proposed by Sonuga-Barke. In the game, children must block impulsive tendencies, reflect upon the situation, inhibit irrelevant thoughts, and find the non-intuitive solution. In the game, the player personifies a superhero, who is asked to save a realm on the opposite side of the Earth (Antonyms) where things happen according to the opposite of the usual rules. The hero faces a series of challenges, in the form of mini-games, to free the planet from enemies crossing different scenarios. To succeed in the game, the player should change his/her attitude by thinking before performing any action rather than acting on impulse. The player is induced to be reflective and thoughtful as well. Results from the evaluation of a preliminary version of the serious game are reported. They support the notion that Antonyms is an adequate tool to lead children to inhibit their tendency to behave impulsively.
Expression of resistance to Atherigona soccata in F1 hybrids involving shoot fly-resistant and susceptible cytoplasmic male-sterile and restorer lines of sorghum

In recent years, cytoplasmic male-sterility (CMS) has been recognized as a potential danger to the stability of crop production and resistance to insect pests in sorghum. Therefore, the influence of CMS on the expression of resistance to sorghum shoot fly was studied at the ICRISAT, Patancheru, India using the interlard fishmeal technique. The experimental material consisted of 12 restorer, 12 CMS and the maintainer lines, and their 144 F1 hybrids. Shoot fly-resistant CMS lines were preferred for oviposition and had more damage because of deadhearts than the corresponding maintainer lines. The hybrids based on shoot fly-resistant CMS × resistant restorer lines were significantly less preferred for oviposition than the hybrids based on other cross combinations and exhibited the highest frequency (69.1%) of shoot fly-resistant hybrids. The hybrids based on glossy and trichomed parents had the highest frequency (>90%) of hybrids with glossy and trichome traits, emphasizing the need to transfer these traits into both parents for better expression in the F1 hybrids. The expression pattern of trichome density, leaf glossiness and leaf sheath pigmentation in the F1 hybrids and their parents suggested that the interactions between cytoplasmic and nuclear genes possibly control the expression of traits associated with resistance to sorghum shoot fly in the F1 hybrids.
Consumer Risk Assessment Associated with Intake of Pesticide Residues in Food of Plant Origin from the Retail Market in Poland

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize short- and long-term risk for consumers associated with dietary intake of pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, and other foodstuffs available on the Polish market based on 2010–2013 official surveillance results. Among 779 samples collected from 2010 to 2013 no pesticide residue was found in 39.7% samples while 58.5% contained residues at or below the EU Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). Non-compliances (residues above the respective MRLs) were found in 14 samples (1.8%). Most of the estimated daily intakes were well below 1% of respective acceptable daily intake (ADI) values. The highest intake for children and adults was about 7% and 1.5% of ADI, respectively. For non-compliant results acute risk was characterized. Predicted short-term intakes for children and adults ranged from 0.7% to 425%, and from 0.2% to 100% of respective acute reference dose, respectively. Results of chronic risk characterization show that consumers in Poland are adequately protected; however, incidental cases where residue levels may potentially pose a threat to consumers’ health due to acute exposure cannot be excluded.
Efecto de diferentes dosis de fertilización inorgánica con N, P, K y fuente orgánica (estiércol de broiler) sobre la producción de maíz y la fertilidad del suelo

La disponibilidad de cama de broiler (CB), mezcla de estiercol de broiler sobre viruta, ha aumentado sostenidamente debido a la mayor produccion de carne de ave. El uso de este producto como fertilizante disminuye la contaminacion desde zonas de acumulacion y a la vez mejora la fertilidad de los suelos. En este estudio se comparo el nivel de macronutrientes, pH, materia organica (MO) y conductividad electrica (CE) del suelo y la produccion de MS de maiz (Zea mayz L.), para ensilaje obtenidos con la aplicacion de dos fuentes de N:P2O5:K2O: CB y fertilizantes inorganicos, (urea, superfosfato triple (SFT) y muriato de potasio (KCl)), en suelos de origen volcanico de la VII y VIII Region de Chile, correspondientes a un Vitrandepts y Typic Melanoxerands, respectivamente. En ambas fuentes de N:P2O5:K2O, las dosis evaluadas correspondieron a 192:150:141 y 384:300:282 kg ha? 1. Adicionalmente se evaluaron los contenidos de macronutrientes en las plantas de maiz para ensilaje a la cosecha. Las evaluaciones de fertilidad quimica del suelo se realizaron en las estratas de 0-20 cm en el suelo Vitrandepts, y 0-20 y 20-40 cm en el suelo Typic Melanoxerands. Los resultados obtenidos, posteriores a la cosecha, indicaron que en el suelo Vitrandepts la produccion de MS y el nivel de P Olsen fueron mejorados con la aplicacion de CB, en tanto que el nivel de Mg intercambiable disminuyo con la dosis mas alta de urea. En el suelo Typic Melanoxerands no se obtuvieron diferencias concluyentes para los parametros evaluados, aunque se observo un aumento en el nivel de P Olsen.