Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Searching efficiency and the functional response of a pause‐travel forager

1. The feeding rates of many predators and parasitoids exhibit type II functional responses, with a decelerating rate of increase to reach an asymptotic value as the density of their prey or hosts increases. Holling's disc equation describes such relationships and predicts that the asymptotic feeding rate at high prey densities is set by handling time, while the rate at which feeding rate increases with increased prey density is determined by searching efficiency. Searching efficiency and handling time are also parameters in other models which describe the functional response. Models which incorporate functional responses in order to make predictions of the effects of food shortage thus rely upon a clear understanding and accurate quantification of searching efficiency and handling time. 2. Blackbird Turdus merula exhibit a type II functional response and use pause-travel foraging, a foraging technique in which animals search for prey while stationary and then move to capture prey. Pause-travel foraging allows accurate direct measurement of feeding rate and both searching efficiency and handling time. We use Blackbirds as a model species to: (i) compare observed measures of both searching efficiency and handling time with those estimated by statistically fitting the disc equation to the observed functional response; and (ii) investigate alternative measures of searching efficiency derived by the established method where search area is assumed to be circular and a new method that we propose where it is not. 3. We find that the disc equation can adequately explain the functional response of blackbirds feeding on artificial prey. However, this depends critically upon how searching efficiency is measured. Two variations on the previous method of measuring search area (a component of searching efficiency) overestimated searching efficiency, and hence predicted feeding rates higher than those observed. Two variations of our alternative approach produced lower estimates of searching efficiency, closer to that estimated by fitting the disc equation, and hence more accurately predicted feeding rate. Our study shows the limitations of the previous method of measuring searching efficiency, and describes a new method for measuring searching efficiency more accurately.
COMPARATIVE HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF SILYMARIN-PHYLLANTHUS-CHOLINE COMBINATION VERSUS SILYMARIN ALONE IN LIVER DISEASES WITH DIFFERENT DESTRUCTION AND INFLAMMATION STAGES

Chronic liver diseases of the adult represent one of the most important part of the daily medical practice due to a high prevalence and incidence. A number of synthetic as well as plant-based drugs, are used for various liver diseases. Synthetic drugs, although highly effective, come with adverse effects whereas plant-based drugs have a clearly better safety profile. The most studied and used plant-based remedy for hepatic disorders is Silybum marianum seeds extract standardized in silymarin. However, plant-based products are often described as having a lower efficacy which entails the need of higher and multiple doses in a long-time treatment. That is why the idea of a combination between several hepatoprotectives for a synergistic effect rises as logical and necessary. The present research aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the combination silymarin + Phyllanthus niruri extract + choline versus the effect of silymarin alone in higher dose in patients with various hepatic disorders. The patients included in the study were adults diagnosed with different hepatic disorders (viral hepatitis B or C, compensated cirrhosis, steatohepatitis) and then randomized between the two hepatoprotective treatment groups. Hepatoprotective treatments were administered daily for 180 days and the patients were investigated initially and then 3 and 6 months later for specific biomarkers and Fatty liver index (FLI) as a parameter for the degree of hepatic steatosis. The results demonstrated the superior efficacy of silymarin + Phyllanthus niruri extract + choline hepatoprotective combination versus silymarin alone, even if the dose of silymarin in combination was smaller than the dose of silymarin alone. The superior efficacy of the combination in terms of individual parameters was more evident in the group with a more severe pathology, where the degree of inflammation and destruction is higher.
Beauty in Mathematics: Symmetry and Fractality

The most important concepts underlying beauty are the concepts of symmetry and fractality, but the relationship of these concepts has not yet remained clear. For centuries, beauty was understood only as a stable order and symmetry. Synergetic worldview allows us to give a new assessment: beauty can be seen as an attractor, the result of self-organization of nature, or the flight of human thought. On the one hand, fractality can be considered one of the manifestations of symmetry in an expansive sense. On the other hand, symmetry can be considered a manifestation of fractality with a finite number of iterations. Thus, the concepts of symmetry and fractality are closely interrelated. Symmetry reveals in beauty a stable order, and fractality reflects in beauty the result of the self-organization of the chaos of nature or the freedom of human thought. Symmetry and fractality are two opposites, mutually complementing each other, aesthetically and mathematically mutually passing into each other. Thus, symmetry and fractals are the most important concepts for the disclosure of the beauty of the universe, which determine their importance for learning. The concept of self-similarity can serve as a basis for acquaintance with fractals.
Assimilating optical and radar data into the STICS crop model for wheat

Le modele de culture STICS a ete recemment couple avec des modeles de transfert radiatif (RT) dans les domaines optique (du visible au moyen infrarouge) et radar. Ceci permet de simuler l'evolution temporelle de variables obtenues par teledetection au dessus d'un couvert de ble. Cet article presente les premiers resultats d'assimilation de donnees de teledetection dans le modele STICS : la comparaison de donnees de teledetection modelisees aux donnees reelles permet de re-etalonner certains des parametres de STICS, de maniere a contraindre la simulation de l'evolution temporelle des variables du couvert. Une analyse de sensibilite du modele couple STICS+RT permet de selectionner les parametres de STICS ayant le plus d'effet sur les donnees de teledetection simulees, ainsi que sur certaines variables caracteristiques du couvert (indice foliaire et biomasse aerienne). On peut ainsi choisir les parametres devant etre ajustes dans la procedure d'assimilation, afin d'ameliorer la simulation des donnees de teledetection. On compare ensuite les resultats obtenus en assimilant des donnees de teledetection optique, des donnees radar, et simultanement des donnees optiques et radar.
Growth of ZnO nanorods on different substrates using hydrothermal method

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods have been grown on different substrates, i.e. gold film-coated BK-7 glass (Au-film/BK7), microscope glass slide (MGS), silicon oxide film-coated silicon (SiO 2 -film/Si), to investigate the effects of different substrates on its material properties. The growth process was started by dipping substrates in zinc acetate solution to fabricate a seed layer, followed by growing the ZnO nanorods in zinc nitrate tetrahydrate solution based on hydrothermal method at 95 °C for 6 hour. In this process, seed layer and ZnO nanorods were annealed at 350 °C for 2 hours. The characterization results using X-ray diffraction and field effect scanning electron microscope showed that ZnO nanorods were successfully grown homogenously and mostly in vertical direction with hexagonal wurtzite structure. The diameter size of ZnO nanorods was significantly influenced by the type of material substrate. ZnO nanorods on Au-film/BK-7 glass have the smallest diameter size of (239±51) nm, while the average diameter size of ZnO nanorods on MGS is of (269±53) nm and ZnO nanorods on SiO 2 -film/Si have the largest diameter size of (354±80) nm. The effect of substrates on different size of ZnO nanorods may be regarded to the intrinsic thermal conductivity of substrate material. Hence, the synthesis and growth parameters for the different substrates differ from each other and need to be optimized in order to grow ZnO nanostructures
Phosphodiesterase inhibitory coumarinolignoids from Duranta repens

Durantins A-C (1-3), new coumarinolignoids together with three known compounds cleomiscosins A (4), 6,7,8-trimethoxycoumarin (5) and 5,4'-dihydroxy-3,6,7-trimethoxyflavone (6) have been isolated from a CHCl 3 soluble fraction of Duranta repens. Their structures were assigned on the basis of spectral studies. Compounds (1, 3 and 4) showed inhibitory activity against phosphodiesterase enzyme.
A retrospective analysis of suspended solids deposition in Onondaga Lake, New York: Composition, temporal patterns, and drivers

Abstract Hurteau CA, Matthews DA, Effler SW. 2010. A retrospective analysis of suspended solids deposition in Onondaga Lake, New York: Composition, temporal patterns, and drivers. Lake Reserv. Manage. 26:43-53. Long-term and seasonal temporal patterns in the deposition of total (TSS), fixed (FSS) and volatile suspended solids (VSS) were documented for eutrophic Ca2 +-rich Onondaga Lake, New York, for the 1980–2008 interval. Weekly collections were made from sediment traps deployed below the thermocline from April to October in the deepest area of the lake (19.5 m). Downward fluxes of TSS (DFTSS), FSS (DFFSS) and VSS (DFVSS) decreased 42, 38, and 41%, respectively, following closure of a soda ash facility in 1986 that discharged ionic waste to the lake. The DFTSS decreased 47% from 2007 to 2008, driven mostly by lower CaCO3 deposition. Sediment accumulation rates derived from dry weight deposition were estimated to decrease from 0.8 cm/yr during 1980–1986 to 0.4 cm/yr during 1987–2007 to 0.2 cm/yr in 2008. On average, DFCaCO3 accounted for 83% of DFFSS and 69% of DFTSS. The event-like character observed for DFFSS was attributed to variations in CaCO3 precipitation, probably driven by variations in temperature, pH and the availability of nucleation sites. The DFVSS decreased 56% from 2.5 g/m2 · d to 1.1 g/m2 · d over the 1989 to 2008 interval. Decreased phosphorus loading from a municipal wastewater treatment facility explained 67% of the interannual variations in DFVSS. Weekly variations in the DFVSS were generally correlated with chlorophyll levels in the upper waters, and maximum values were observed during major phytoplankton blooms. Seasonal minima of DFVSS and DFFSS occurred during clear water phases, associated with Daphnia grazing, which were observed annually from 1987 to 2002, and again in 2008. Changes in primary production and lake chemistry could have significant effects on the burial of contaminants and microbial metabolism in the sediments.
Effect of the Tumor Suppressor miR-320a on Viability and Functionality of Human Osteosarcoma Cell Lines Compared to Primary Osteoblasts

The miR-320a regulates a number of genes involved in various physiological processes. In particular, it has been reported as a tumor suppressor in several types of human cancers and involved in osteoporotic fracture and osteoblast function. Hence, the role of miR-320a has been evaluated in tumor cells and in primary cells in a separated context, but its effect has never been explored in a comparative manner. The present study aims to evaluate the cellular effects of miR-320a on human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63 and U2OS) compared to that on primary human osteoblasts (hOBs). miR-320a was either overexpressed or inhibited in all cell lines, and cell proliferation and viability were analyzed. Additionally, the effects of miR-320a on matrix mineralization, alkaline phosphatase activity, and oxidative stress were also evaluated in order to assess osteoblast functionality. In osteosarcoma cells, miR-320a overexpression reduced cell viability and proliferation, while in hOB cell viability was not affected and proliferation even was increased. The overexpression of miR-320a in both osteosarcoma cells and hOBs reduced the mineralization capacity. Finally, an increased oxidative stress was detected in all cells after miR-320a overexpression mainly in osteosarcoma. In conclusion, the overexpression of miR-320a increased stress oxidation levels, which could be involved in the reduced osteoblast performance, even though the cell viability was only affected in osteosarcoma cells.
Regulation of the Uncoupling Protein-2 Gene in INS-1 β-Cells by Oleic Acid*

Current evidence suggests that uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) is a regulator of insulin secretion. It is also known that chronic exposure of pancreatic islets to free fatty acids (FFAs) blunts glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and is accompanied by elevated levels of UCP2. However, the mechanisms regulating expression of UCP2 in β-cells are unknown. Here, we show that UCP2 mRNA and protein levels were increased after a 48-h exposure of INS-1(832/13) β-cells to oleic acid (0.5 mm) by activation of the UCP2 promoter. Furthermore, progressive deletions of the mouse UCP2 promoter (from −7.3 kb to +12 bp) indicated that an enhancer region (−86/−44) was responsible for both basal and FFA-stimulated UCP2 gene transcription. This enhancer contains tightly clustered Sp1, sterol regulatory element (SRE), and double E-Box elements. While all three sequence motifs were required for basal activity of the UCP2 promoter, the mutations in either the SRE or the E-Box elements eliminated the response to FFAs. The SRE and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP1) appear to be crucial for the response of the UCP2 gene to FFAs, since overexpression of the nuclear forms of the SREBPs increased UCP2 promoter activity by 7–10-fold and restored the ability of E-Box mutants to respond to oleic acid. These data support a model in which SREBP is the major modulator of UCP2 gene transcription by FFA, while E-Box binding factors play a supportive role.
Estructura Dimensional de la Escala KidsLife, versión Colombia, para la Evaluación de Calidad de Vida en Discapacidad Intelectual

The discussion about the validity of the factor structure of the dimensions that constitute the quality of life (QOL) construct in the field of intellectual disability has highlighted the need to conduct new studies. The aim of this study was to analyze the dimensional structure of the KidsLife Scale, designed upon the basis of the 8-factor QOL model advanced by Schalock and Verdugo Alonso (2007). Using a convenience sample, the scale was administered to the caregivers of 220 people receiving support in specialized institutions. These caregivers' wards were between 4 and 21 years old, had been diagnosed with intellectual disability, and resided in 3 cities in Colombia. The study, of an instrumental nature, was conducted using structural equation modeling, confirmatory factor analysis, construct reliability analysis, average variance extracted, and multiple correlations R2. Working hypotheses based on 5 different models were analyzed. The model composed of 8 interrelated dimensions displayed factor loadings ranging from 0,63 to 0,95, multiple correlations between 0,24 and 0,81, a general reliability value of 0,979, and an average variance extracted greater than 50%, without any second-order dimensions being identified. It is concluded that the proposed KidsLife Scale model positively reports the QOL of people with intellectual disabilities in 3 Colombian cities. New studies are needed to identify the possible existence of second-order factors.
Photosynthetic Performance and Pigment Composition of Leaves from two Tropical Species is Determined by Light Quality

Abstract: A suitable light quantity and quality is essential for optimal photosynthetic metabolism. Using combinations of three lamp types, the impact of the quality of artificial light conditions on the photosynthetic apparatus of leaves developed in growth chambers was analysed. The VIALOX-Planta lamps are quite poor outside the green to orange (520 - 620 nm) wavelength range, while the HQI-BT lamps present a more uniform spectral intensity between 425 and 650 nm (blue to red). The halogen lamps are particularly rich in the red and far red range of the electromagnetic spectra. The lamps also differ in the red: far red ratio, which were 3.07 (VIALOX), 2.06 (HQI-BT) and 1.12 (halogen). Clear positive effects were detected in most of the photosynthetic parameters in relation to light quality, both at stomatal and mesophyll levels. Despite some species-dependent sensitivity to blue and red/far red wavelengths, observed among the studied parameters, the best photosynthetic performances of the test plants (Packyrhizus ahipa and Piata, a hybrid of Coffea dewevrei×Coffea arabica) were obtained almost always with the reinforcement of blue (HQI-BT lamps), red and far red (halogen lamps) wavelengths and with a red: far red ratio closer to that observed in nature. This suggests the involvement of more than one photoreceptor family in photosynthetic performance. Under such light conditions, increases in net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were observed and, despite the moderate effects on photosynthetic capacity, strong effects were observed in the capture and transfer of light energy in the antennae pigments, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II and electron transport. This was related to the striking quantitative and qualitative impacts observed on total chlorophylls and carotenoids, which reached, in some cases, increases of 100 and 200 %, respectively. Among carotenoids, increases as high as 9-fold for α-carotene were observed (P. ahipa), with chlorophyll (a/b), total (chlorophyll/carotenoid) and carotene (α/β) ratios also strongly affected. This would have affected the structure and stability of photosynthetic membranes which, in turn, affected photosynthetic-related processes (e.g., antennae pigments, photosystem II and electron transport efficiencies). This was particularly clear in the HQI + halogen treatment. The results unequivocally show that light quality could remain a clear limiting factor for leaf/plant development under artificial light conditions, which could be overcome using more than one lamp type, with complementary emission spectra.
Carcass and meat quality characteristics of pasture‐fed unbred and once‐bred Hereford × Friesian heifers

Abstract Carcass and meat quality traits of Hereford × Friesian once‐bred ("calved") heifers (n = 15) were compared with those of bred but not pregnant ("empty") heifers (n = 10) and “unbred” heifers (n = 10). Unbred and empty heifers had similar carcass weights (mean = 242 kg), but the mean carcass weight of the calved heifers was 31 kg less (P < 0.001) even though they were 6 months older. Weight‐adjusted dressing‐out percentages were lower (P < 0.05) in calved heifers than in unbred heifers, with values for the empty group being intermediate. Calved heifers had longer carcasses and femur bones than unbred (P < 0.05) and empty (P < 0.001) heifers at the same carcass weight. Hind‐quarter cut yields were highest for the calved group. Measures of fatness adjusted for carcass weight were generally lower for the calved group, but differences were seldom significant. Meat quality was assessed on samples of Longissimus dorsi collected before chilling at c. 90 min post‐mortem and kept above 12°C for 24 h. Beef .
Technological importance and breadth of standard essential patents: A comparison between practicing and non‐practicing entities for mobile telecommunication technologies

Using 23 867 standard essential patents claimed for three different wireless telecommunication standards (GSM, WCDMA, and LTE), this research examined the difference in technological importance and breadth of patents between practicing and non‐practicing entities. We discovered that compared to manufacturers and service providers, organizations who do not appropriate innovation‐derived profits directly from product or service markets tended to have relatively low‐quality but broadly scoped technologies for the claimed standard essential patents. These relationships between the characteristics of inventions and the organizational types were consistently held across different generations of wireless standards as indicated by regressions run for each sample split by generation. Furthermore, the theory and policy implications of our results and arguments are presented herein.
Regulation of the Rat Follicle-Stimulating Hormone β-Subunit Promoter by Activin

FSH is controlled by a variety of positive and negative stimuli, and the unique FSHβ-subunit is a major target for this regulation. Activin is a key modulator of FSHβ transcription and hormone secretion. The signal transduction pathway leading to FSH expression was previously unknown. Here, we show that the transcription factors Smad3 and Smad4 mediate activin-stimulated activity of the rat FSHβ promoter in a pituitary-derived cell line, LβT2. Cells were transiently transfected with the rat FSHβ promoter fused to a luciferase reporter gene (−338rFSHβ-Luc), and a minimal activin-responsive region was identified. Transfection of Smad3, but not the highly related Smad2, led to a ligand-independent stimulation of the FSHβ promoter activity. As expected, activin caused an additional increase of luciferase expression, which was blocked by cotreatment with follistatin. Although Smad4 alone had no effect on FSHβ transcription, it significantly augmented Smad3 and activin-mediated stimulation of the promoter. A pa.
Delay in the Development of the Secondary Palate in Ay/a Mouse Embryos

The effects of the Ay gene on the normal development were investigated by using a inbred strain of C57BL/6 (a/a) and its congenic strain of C57BL/6‐Ay (Ay/a) mice. Three mating groups (female× male), i. e. , group I, a/a × a/a; group II, a/a × Ay/a; and group III, Ay/a × a/a, were set, and the rating of normal development was compared among the groups on gestation days 13, 14, 15 or 16 with special attention to the secondary palate. On day 13, the palates were wide‐open and the palatal shelves were vertical in all embryos in all groups. In group I, both shelves became horizontal in 63.3% of the embryos on day 14. The incidences of embryos having completely closed palates were 95.8% and 100% on days 15 and 16, respectively. In group II, in which half of the embryos were expected to carry the Ay gene, the frequencies of shelf horizontalization on day 14 (31.1%) and of the complete closure on day 15 (74.3%) were significantly lowered as compared with those in group I, although the external morphological rating was comparable. On day 16, however, the palatal closure was completed in almost all embryos. In group III, in which maternal mice as well as half of their embryos carried the Ay gene, the external morphological rating was delayed as compared with that in either group I or II, and the frequencies of shelf horizontalization on day 14 and of the complete closure on day 15 were as low as 10.9% and 39.6%, respectively. The palatal closure was not yet completed in 15.3% of the embryos on day 16. These results indicate that the Ay gene causes a delay in shelf horizontalization and closure of the secondary palate of mouse embryos as compared with the a gene.