Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple anthropogenic stressors cause ecological surprises in boreal lakes

The number of combinations of anthropogenic stressors affecting global change is increasing; however, few studies have empirically tested for their interactive effects on ecosystems. Most importantly, interactions among ecological stressors generate nonadditive effects that cannot be easily predicted based on single‐stressor studies. Here, we corroborate findings from an in situ mesocosm experiment with evidence from a whole‐ecosystem manipulation to demonstrate for the first time that interactions between climate and acidification determine their cumulative impact on the food‐web structure of coldwater lakes. Interactions among warming, drought, and acidification, rather than the sum of their individual effects, best explained significant changes in planktonic consumer and producer biomass over a 23‐year period. Further, these stressors interactively exerted significant synergistic and antagonistic effects on consumers and producers, respectively. The observed prevalence of long‐ and short‐term ecological surprises involving the cumulative impacts of multiple anthropogenic stressors highlights the high degree of uncertainty surrounding current forecasts of the consequences of global change.
The variability of stomatal sensitivity to leaf water potential across tree species indicates a continuum between isohydric and anisohydric behaviours

Summary The relationship between stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf water potential (Ψl) is key to the understanding of plant function under changing climate. The variability among tree species gave rise to selection towards either of two contrasting water management types: isohydric or anisohydric. This study explores the variability of gs to Ψl across tree species. Curves of gs(Ψl) were collected from the scientific literature for 70 woody plant species. The data set is comprised of angiosperm and gymnosperm species from all major forest biomes. The hypothesis that curves from different tree species diverge between isohydric and anisohydric behaviours was tested. Species-specific curves formed a continuum, rather than dichotomy between isohydric and anisohydric, as confirmed by distribution models. Alternatively, the water potential at 50% of the maximum gs (Ψgs50) was used to quantitatively compare between species. A major difference emerged among xylem anatomy classes whereby ring-porous species had higher absolute gs at Ψl < −2 MPa than diffuse-porous and coniferous species. A positive, linear correlation was shown between Ψgs50 and Ψl at 50% loss of xylem conductivity. The results suggest that stomatal sensitivity to leaf water potential strongly relates to xylem characteristics. The use of Ψgs50 offers a quantitative alternative to the current, yet biased, distinction between isohydric and anisohydric species.
Investigation of the Correlation between Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Alexithymia with Tendency to Addiction in Dormitory Resident Female Students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Accepted: 5 Apr, 2016 Abstract Background and Objectives: Addiction is a destructive scourge that severely threatens human society, especially the adolescents and young adults. Individuals' perception and reaction to environmental stimuli and their disability in cognitive processing of emotional information and emotional regulation can propel individuals toward addiction. Hence, this study was performed with the purpose of investigating the correlation between sensory processing sensitivity and alexithymia with tendency to addiction.
Role of Ca2+ transients at the node of the mouse embryo in breaking of left-right symmetry

Left-right (L-R) asymmetric intraciliary calcium transient at the node is the determinant of L-R axis in mice. Immotile cilia sense extracellular signals such as fluid flow, but whether Ca2+ plays a role in flow sensing has been unclear. Here, we examined the role of ciliary Ca2+ in the flow sensing that initiates the breaking of left-right (L-R) symmetry in the mouse embryo. Intraciliary and cytoplasmic Ca2+ transients were detected in the crown cells at the node. These Ca2+ transients showed L-R asymmetry, which was lost in the absence of fluid flow or the PKD2 channel. Further characterization allowed classification of the Ca2+ transients into two types: cilium-derived, L-R-asymmetric transients (type 1) and cilium-independent transients without an L-R bias (type 2). Type 1 intraciliary transients occurred preferentially at the left posterior region of the node, where L-R symmetry breaking takes place. Suppression of intraciliary Ca2+ transients delayed L-R symmetry breaking. Our results implicate cilium-derived Ca2+ transients in crown cells in initiation of L-R symmetry breaking in the mouse embryo.
Preharvest application of methyl jasmonate increases fruit quality and antioxidant capacity in raspberries

Summary The effects of preharvest methyl jasmonate (MJ) application on fruit quality, flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity in black raspberry cv. Jewel (Rubus occidentalis L) and red raspberry cv. Autumn Bliss (Rubus idaeus subsp.) were studied under field condition. Raspberries treated with MJ had higher soluble solids content, total sugars, fructose, glucose, sucrose and lower titratable acids (TAs), malic acid and citric acid than untreated fruit. MJ also significantly enhanced the content of flavonoids and the antioxidant capacities in the fruit. The cv. Jewel had higher soluble solids and lower TAs compared with the cv. Autumn Bliss. On the basis of fresh weight of fruit, ‘Jewel’ also had significantly higher anthocyanin, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity than ‘Autumn Bliss’.
Sleep and physiological systems: a functional perspective

The knowledge of sleep evaluation and its regulation processes has evolved dramatically over the last half-century. Sleep state and the preoccupied view of its obligation to perform positive function for the organism have kept enthusiastic research flourishing. The restoration of macromolecular synthesis and repair players, energy conservation, neural plasticity and synaptogenesis are cellular and biochemical-level functional implications of sleep. The demarcation between molecular, cellular and systemic strata is not mutually exclusive at organism level. Sleep functions have been researched with their focus at each of these strata. The review discusses the systemic-level functions of sleep in brief with special reference to respiration, reproduction, digestion, cardiovascular, endocrine, immune and integumentary systems. Sleep and physiological system relations are usually bidirectional and are operationally mediated by intercellular message transmitters like hormones, cytokines and/or continuum of direct anatomical connections with the neuroanatomy of sleep management.
Interplay of IL6 and CRIM1 on thiopurine-induced neutropenia in leukemic patients with wild-type NUDT15 and TPMT

Background: NUDT15 and TPMT variants are strong genetic determinants of thiopurine-induced hematological toxicity. Despite recent discovery of homozygous CRIM1 effect on thiopurine toxicity, many patients with wild-type NUDT15, TPMT, and CRIM1 still suffer from thiopurine toxicity, and therapeutic failure and relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods: Novel PGx interactions associated with thiopurine toxicity in 320 pediatric ALL patients were investigated using whole-exome sequencing technology for the last-cycle 6-Mercaptopurine dose intensity percentage (DIP) tolerated by pediatric ALL patients. Results: IL6 rs13306435 carriers (N=19) exhibited significantly lower DIP (48.0{+/-}27.3%) than non-carriers (N=209, 69.9{+/-}29.0%| p=0.0016 and 0.0028 by t-test and multiple linear regression, respectively). Of the 19 carriers, seven with both heterozygous IL6 rs13306435 and CRIM1 rs3821169 showed significantly decreased DIP (24.7{+/-}8.9%) than those with IL6 (N=12, 61.6{+/-}25.1%) or CRIM1 (N=94, 68.1{+/-}28.4%) variant only. Both IL6 and CRIM1 variants showed marked inter-ethnic variability. Significant interplay between IL6 and CRIM1 in thiopurine toxicity was suggested. GVB (Gene-wise Variant Burden)-based four-gene-interplay model showed the best odds ratio (8.06) and potential population impact (i.e., relative risk (5.73), population attributable fraction (58%), numbers needed to treat (3.67) and number needed to genotype (12.50)). Conclusions: Interplay of IL6 rs13306435 and CRIM1 rs3821169 was suggested as independent and/or additive genetic determinant of thiopurine toxicity beyond NUDT15 and TPMT in pediatric ALL.
Review: Alternatives to synthetic fungicides for Botrytis cinerea management in vineyards

Botrytis cinerea (Pers.: Fr), the causal agent of botrytis bunch rot, is an important disease of grapevines worldwide, with canopy management and the prophylactic use of fungicides being the most common control methods. The latter has resulted in fungicide resistance and is increasingly raising concerns regarding residues in wine and effects on human and environmental health. Research-led alternatives to this practice are beginning to emerge, including a range of biotic and abiotic treatments that induce vine resistance to B. cinerea and inundative applications of biological control agents such as Trichoderma, Bacillus, Ulocladium and Streptomyces species. Also, habitat manipulation techniques that aim to improve the effectiveness of naturally occurring biological control are being developed using mulches brought into the vineyard, as well as mulched cover crops. These can accelerate decomposition of botrytis mycelium and sclerotia on the vineyard floor in winter. The challenges of these different techniques and the prospects for habitat manipulation for this fungal disease are discussed. Extensive tables on synthetic fungicides, biofungicides, essential oils and plant extracts effective against B. cinerea are included.
Decoding Circadian Rhythm and Epileptic Activities: Clues From Animal Studies

The relationship between circadian rhythm and epilepsy has been recognized for decades. Yet many questions underlying the complex mechanisms of their interaction remain elusive. A better understanding on this topic allows the development of accurate seizure-detection algorithm and alternative precise therapeutic strategies. Preclinical laboratory studies based on epileptic animal models, with controllable epileptogenic pathology and an array of intervention strategies, shed light on the bidirectional effects between circadian rhythm and epileptic seizures as well as their underlying mechanisms. Here, we reviewed findings on the interaction between circadian rhythm and epileptic seizures in the preclinical setting. We present the possible mechanisms at molecular, cellular and circuitry levels. We propose that future experimental designs should take into account the relationship between circadian rhythm and epilepsy as well as the underlying mechanisms in different types of animal models, which may have a translational significance as stepping stones for clinical benefits.
Persistent Effect of Gait Exercise Assist Robot Training on Gait Ability and Lower Limb Function of Patients With Subacute Stroke: A Matched Case–Control Study With Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis

Introduction Gait exercise assist robot (GEAR), a gait rehabilitation robot developed for poststroke gait disorder, has been shown to improve walking speed and to improve the poststroke gait pattern. However, the persistence of its beneficial effect has not been clarified. In this matched case–control study, we assessed the durability of the effectiveness of GEAR training in patients with subacute stroke on the basis of clinical evaluation and three-dimensional (3D) gait analysis. Methods Gait data of 10 patients who underwent GEAR intervention program and 10 patients matched for age, height, sex, affected side, type of stroke, and initial gait ability who underwent conventional therapy were extracted from database. The outcome measures were walk score of Functional Independence Measure (FIM-walk), Stroke Impairment Assessment Set total lower limb motor function score (SIAS-L/E), and 3D gait analysis data (spatiotemporal factors and abnormal gait patter indices) at three time points: baseline, at the end of intervention, and within 1 week before discharge. Results In the GEAR group, the FIM-walk score, SIAS-L/E score, cadence, and single stance time of paretic side at discharge were significantly higher than those at post-training (p < 0.05), whereas the stance time and double support time of the unaffected side, knee extensor thrust, insufficient knee flexion, and external rotated hip of the affected side were significantly lower (p < 005). However, no significant differences in these respects were observed in the control group between the corresponding evaluation time points. Conclusion The results indicated significant improvement in the GEAR group after the training period, with respect to both clinical parameters and the gait pattern indices. This improvement was not evident in the control group after the training period. The results possibly support the effectiveness of GEAR training in conferring persistently efficient gait patterns in patients with poststroke gait disorder. Further studies should investigate the long-term effects of GEAR training in a larger sample.
Insights into thermal resistance of proteins from the intrinsic stability of their α‐helices

To investigate the role of α helices in protein thermostability, we compared energy characteristics of α helices from thermophilic and mesophilic proteins belonging to four protein families of known three‐dimensional structure, for at least one member of each family. The changes in intrinsic free energy of α‐helix formation were estimated using the statistical mechanical theory for describing helix/coil transitions in peptide helices [Munoz, V. , Serrano, L. Nature Struc. Biol. 1:399–409, 1994; Munoz, V. , Serrano, L. J. Mol. Biol. 245:275–296, 1995; Munoz, V. , Serrano, L. J. Mol. Biol. 245:297–308, 1995]. Based on known sequences of mesophilic and thermophilic RecA proteins we found that (1) a high stability of α helices is necessary but is not a sufficient condition for thermostability of RecA proteins, (2) the total helix stability, rather than that of individual helices, is the factor determining protein thermostability, and (3) two facets of intrahelical interactions, the intrinsic helical propensities of amino acids and the side chain–side chain interactions, are the main contributors to protein thermostability. Similar analysis applied to families of L‐lactate dehydrogenases, seryl‐tRNA synthetases, and aspartate amino transferases led us to conclude that an enhanced total stability of α helices is a general feature of many thermophilic proteins. The magnitude of the observed decrease in intrinsic free energy on α‐helix formation of several thermoresistant proteins was found to be sufficient to explain the experimentally determined increase of their thermostability. Free energies of intrahelical interactions of different RecA proteins calculated at three temperatures that are thought to be close to its normal environmental conditions were found to be approximately equal. This indicates that certain flexibility of RecA protein structure is an essential factor for protein function. All RecA proteins analyzed fell into three temperature‐dependent classes of similar α‐helix stability (ΔGint = 45.0 ± 2.0 kcal/mol). These classes were consistent with the natural origin of the proteins. Based on the sequences of protein α helices with optimized arrangement of stabilizing interactions, a natural reserve of RecA protein thermoresistance was estimated to be sufficient for conformational stability of the protein at nearly 200°C. Proteins 29:309–320, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Day Temperature Has a Stronger Effect Than Night Temperature on Anthocyanin and Flavonol Accumulation in ‘Merlot’ (Vitis vinifera L.) Grapes During Ripening

Flavonoids impart color and mouthfeel to grapes and wine and are very sensitive to environmental conditions. Growth chamber experiments were performed to investigate the effect of temperature regimes and the differences between day/night temperatures on anthocyanins and flavonols in Merlot grapes. Among the regimes tested, the ones with diurnal 20°C determined the highest levels of anthocyanins and flavonols. Higher diurnal temperatures decreased those levels but increased the proportion of methoxylated and acylated species. When regimes with the same day temperature but different night temperatures were compared, differences between day/night temperatures did not affect anthocyanins, unless a difference of 25°C between day and night temperatures was imposed. When regimes with the same night temperature but different day temperatures were compared, the regime with higher day temperature had a lower anthocyanin level. No relationships were observed between the effects of temperature regimes on anthocyanin level and the expression of key anthocyanin genes. However, the effects on anthocyanin acylation level were consistent with the effects on the acyltransferase expression, and the effects on flavonol level were consistent with the effects on the expression of key flavonol genes. This study indicates that, in Merlot grapes, anthocyanins and flavonols are mostly sensitive to day temperatures.
RELATION BETWEEN PLASMA LEPTIN LEVEL AND LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN OBESE FEMALES WITH INSULIN RESISTANCE

An association between obesity and cardiac mass has been recognized for almost two decades, whereas the precise nature of the association remains elusive Theoretical consideration have long suggested that it may be mediated at least in part by insulin resistance (Mc, Nutly ,2003). Several studies have found an association between insulin resistance and left ventricular hypertrophy. (Lacobellis et al,2003) In human, production of leptin( an adipocyte – derived peptide), has been linked to obesity, insulin and insulin sensitivity (Leyva et al, 1998) . It was considered that alteration in plasma concentration could constitute an additional component of metabolic syndrome of cardio-vascular risk(Leyva et al, 1998). Aim of the work: The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between obesity, insulin resistance, leptin and left ventricular mass and function in young obese females with insulin resistance. Subjects and methods: Sixty five premenopausal females aged 25-45 years with no history of diabetes or hypertension was participated in this study. Twenty were non obese and forty five were obese . Fasting serum glucose, insulin and leptin were assessed and homeostatic model assessment HOMA-IR score was calculated. According to HOMA-IR obese premenopausal females were divided into 2 subgroups: - Subgroups 1: (Insulin sensitive group or IS group) included 20 obese females with HOMA-IR Subgroup 2: (insulin resistance group or IR group) included 25 obese females with HOMA-IR≥3.8. Echocardiography was done for all females participated in the study to evaluate L.V mass and function. Results: Waist circumference (WC), serum insulin, serum leptin and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in obese group compared to non obese group (p<0.05, <0.05, 2.7 (LVM/h2.7 )were significantly higher in obese group compared to non obese group (p<0.05) and between IR and IS subgroups (p2.7 and serum insulin (p<0.05)and serum leptin (p<0.05) in IS subgroup while the correlation was highly significant between both and fasting leptin (p<0.001) in IR subgroup Conclusion: Obesity is a clinical syndrome associated with hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia and insulin resistance Abnormalities of LV diastolic function and mass occur frequently in obese patients. Hyperleptinemia can be an early sign for left ventricular dysfunction in obese females.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Gene Polymorphisms Predict Clinical Course in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is challenged by significant toxicities that are propagated by systemic inflammation caused by cytotoxic damage. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is key in repair of most tissues and is to a large extent genetically determined. We investigated eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding IGF-1 and its binding protein (IGFBP3) in 543 patients undergoing HSCT to access their impact on systemic inflammation and clinical outcomes. Overall, median serum levels of both IGF-1 and IGFBP3 were found reduced from the referral until 2 years post-HSCT compared with healthy sex- and age-matched individuals, but, for individuals homozygous of the known high-producer minor allele of rs1520220 (IGF1), rs978458 (IGF1), or rs2854744 (IGFBP3) serum levels remained normal during the whole period. In accordance, maximum C-reactive protein levels were lower for these genotypes of IGF1 (rs1520220: median 66 vs. 102 mg/L, P = 0.005 and rs978458: 53 vs. 104 mg/L, P < 0.001), translating into borderline significant superior survival (P = 0.060 for rs1520220) and reduced treatment-related mortality (P = 0.050 for rs978458). In conclusion, we found that three SNPs in the IGF-1 axis with known functional impact were associated with circulating IGF-1 or IGFBP-3 levels also in the setting of HSCT, and predictive of the severity of the toxic-inflammatory response during the treatment.
Acquisition of Demonstratives in English and Spanish

The present work re-evaluates the long-standing claim that demonstratives are among infants’ earliest and most common words. Although demonstratives are deictic words important for joint attention, deictic gestures and non-word vocalizations could serve this function in early language development; the role of demonstratives may have been overestimated. Using extensive data from the CHILDES corpora (Study 1, N = 66, 265 transcripts) and McArthur-Bates CDI database (Study 2, N = 950), the language production of 18- to 24-month-old Spanish- and English-speaking children was analyzed to determine the age and order of acquisition, and frequency of demonstratives. Results indicate that demonstratives do not typically appear before the 50th word and only become frequent from the two-word utterance stage. Corpus data show few differences between Spanish and English, whereas parental report data suggest much later acquisition for demonstratives in English. These findings expand our knowledge of the foundations of deictic communication, and of the methodological challenges of assessing early production of function words.