Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PII: S0275-5408(99)00056-3

Duane (1926) and von Noorden (1990) reported that the near point of convergence (NPC) was more remote in adults than it was in children, however the few studies that have investigated the age eect of the NPC found no signi®cant change with increasing age (Scobee and Green, 1948; Mellick, 1949; Morgan, 1961). Recently Hayes et al. (1998) found a signi®cant age trend for the NPC break point where kindergarten children (3.322.6 cm) showed better NPC breaks than those of third grade children (4.1 2 2.4 cm) or sixth grade children (4.323.4 cm). The present study, which was completed before Hayes et al. (1998) reported their results, investigated the age eect on the NPC in children from 2 years old onwards to establish the normative value of the NPC in children, especially for pre-school children. We found that the NPC tends to decrease with age in children between the ages of 2 and 17.
PIGMY RATTLESNAKES USE FROG-DERIVED CHEMICAL CUES TO SELECT FORAGING SITES

We performed a field experiment to test the hypothesis that pigmy rattlesnakes select foraging locations based on the presence of prey odor. We established six pairs of parallel transects, each 25 m long; the experimental transect was sprayed with distilled water in which leopard frogs had been housed for 48 h, and the parallel control transect was sprayed only with distilled water. The transects were then censused for the presence of pigmy rattlesnakes at 24-h intervals for the next 96 h. More snakes were found along the experimental transects at all times, and significantly more (P = 0.019, binomial test) were found at 72 h after spraying. Our results indicate that prey odor is at least one of the factors involved in foraging site selection by these sit-and-wait predators.
Forest canopy closure and juvenile emigration by pool-breeding amphibians in Maine

For amphibians that breed in temporary pools, juvenile emigration is an important life-history movement linking the aquatic habitat of larvae to the surrounding upland habitats occupied by maturing animals and adults. However, little is known regarding the habitat preferences and sensitivity to disturbance of newly metamorphosed amphibians. We examined whether selection occurs for closed-canopy forest conditions during emigration by using pitfall traps and drift fences to sample naturally occurring populations of wood frogs (Rand sylvatica) and spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) along recently created forest-clearcut edges in central Maine. Habitat preferences during emigration were further investigated via an experimental approach that quantified movements of newly metamorphosed wood frogs cultured in artificial pools located along an abrupt forest-power line edge. Among natural populations, the abundance of juveniles and adults of both species declined sharply across a gradient running from relatively mature forest-interior habitat (70-90 yr old) to recently clearcut habitat (2-11 yr old). Similarly, in the power line experiment, juvenile wood frogs showed an emigration preference for closed-canopy habitat immediately upon metamorphosis, with the highest capture rates occurring in microhabitats characterized by dense foliage in both the understory and canopy layers. Our results suggest populations of wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and other amphibian species breeding in temporary pools are likely to benefit from efforts to maintain connectivity between upland forest habitats and aquatic breeding sites. Seminatural field experiments provide a valuable manipulative approach for studying the potential effects of habitat fragmentation on populations of migratory amphibians.
Insulin-receptor substrate 1 protects against injury in endothelial cell models of ox-LDL-induced atherosclerosis by inhibiting ER stress/oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis and activating the Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced endothelial cell (EC) injury is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of insulin-receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) on injury to ox-LDL-exposed ECs. For this purpose, thoracic aorta tissues were isolated from rats and cultured to obtain ECs, which were then identified using immunohistochemical staining. IRS-1 overexpression plasmid (pcDNA3.1-IRS-1) and IRS-1-small interfering RNA were synthesized and transfected into ECs pre-exposed to ox-LDL. MTT and TUNEL assays were performed to evaluate the cell proliferative activity and apoptosis. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was determined by a flow cytometry assay. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was conducted to measure the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1 alpha (Ppargcla), phosphoenol-pyruvate carboxykinase 1 (Pck1) and glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit (G6pc) gene transcription levels. Western blot analysis was then performed to determine the IRS-1, forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), phosphorylated (p-)FoxO1, 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), p-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A (eIF2α), CHOP, Akt and p-Akt expression levels. Immunofluorescence staining was used to evaluate p-FoxO1 nuclear localization. The results indicated that IRS-1 significantly enhanced the proliferative activity, whereas it inhibited the apoptosis of ECs in a model of ox-LDL-induced atherosclerosis compared with ECs without IRS-1 treatment (P<0.05). IRS-1 significantly decreased the p-FoxO1/FoxO1 ratio compared with ECs without ox-LDL treatment (P<0.05). IRS-1 significantly downregulated the expression of ER stress biomarkers, including GRP78, CHOP and the p-eIF2α/eIF2α ratio in ox-LDL-exposed ECs compared with ECs without ISR-1 treatment (P<0.05). IRS-1 significantly reduced the intracellular ROS levels in the EC models of ox-LDL-induced atherosclerosis compared with ECs without IRS-1 treatment (P<0.05). Moreover, IRS-1 promoted the phosphorylation of Akt in the EC models of ox-LDL-induced atherosclerosis. IRS-1 also significantly suppressed the transcription of atherosclerosis-associated genes in ox-LDL-exposed ECs compared with ECs without IRS-1 treatment (P<0.05). Furthermore, IRS-1 significantly increased the cytoplasmic localization of p-FoxO1 in EC models of ox-LDL-induced atherosclerosis. On the whole, the findings of the present study demonstrate that IRS-1 exerts protective effects in an EC model of ox-LDL-induced atherosclerosis by inhibiting ER stress/oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis and activating the Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.
Growth and reproductive responses of true mountain mahogany to browsing

True mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus Raf.) compensates for annual growth lost to browsing under conditions of high resource availability. To develop better guidelines for its management for big game winter forage, twig demography was studied under natural herbivory and resource availability inside and outside exclosures at 1 site in the Wasatch Mountains and on 4 sites on the North Slope of the Uinta Mountains, Utah. Annual and previous years' twig lengths, as well as location and numbers of flowers and seeds were diagrammed on branches of browsed and unbrowsed shrubs in the spring or summer and fall between 1996 and 1999. Annual twig growth and flower and seed numbers of both browsed and unbrowsed shrubs were greatest in 1997 or 1998 when precipitation was highest. Utilization of annual growth varied among sites within a year and among years within a site and ranged from 300 % when previous years' growth was browsed. Despite differences in utilization, browsed twigs compensated similarly for length lost to herbivory, so that total twig lengths remained the same over the course of the study. Although twigs on unbrowsed shrubs had less annual growth per unit branch length than those on browsed shrubs, lack of length lost to herbivory resulted in an increase in total twig length over time. Years of high resource availability are important in allowing grazing tolerant shrubs such as true mountain mahogany to compensate for years of heavy utilization. Flower and seed numbers were much higher (P 100 %) even on years of high resource availability. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v56i6_turley
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL QUALITY OF CAMEL MILK

Present study was carried out to investigate the quality of camel milk. A wide variation was observed in the quality of raw camel milk. Specific gravity ranged between 1.014 and 1.017 (1.015±0.001), pH 6.57 and 6.97 (6.77 ± 0.07), and acidity 0.12 and 2.00 (0.18 ±0.01 g per 100 g). Total solids, solids not fat, fat, protein, casein, lactose, ash and chlorides contents ranged between 7.76 and 12.13, 5.56 and 8.29, 1.8 and 5.0, 1.8 and 3.2, 0.78 and 2.76, 2.9 and 4.12, 0.85 to 1.00 0.20 and 0.28 g per 100 g, respectively. While the mean values (g per 100 g) were 9.74 ± 0.49 for TS, 7.12 ± 0.35 for SNF, 2.63 ± 0.40 for fat, 2.54 ± 0.19 for protein, 2.21 ± 0.02 for casein, 3.65 ± 0.16 for lactose, 0.94 ± 0.02 for ash and 0.26± 0.01 for chlorides.
Manual of Basic Techniques in Insect Histology

The Manual of Basic Techniques in Insect Histology is designed as a resource for those researchers that require basic procedures and information essential for the histological display of insects. It is a compilation of procedures and information from many research reports and general texts. The Manual can also serve as a basic laboratory reference or as an essential supplement to lectures in insect histology courses.
The Significance of 8-oxoGsn in Aging-Related Diseases

Aging is a common risk factor for the occurrence and development of many diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, and cancer, among others, and is a key problem threatening the health and life expectancy of the elderly. Oxidative damage is an important mechanism involved in aging. The latest discovery pertaining to oxidative damage is that 8-oxoGsn (8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine), an oxidative damage product of RNA, can represent the level of oxidative stress. The significance of RNA oxidative damage to aging has not been fully explained, but the relationship between the accumulation of 8-oxoGsn, a marker of RNA oxidative damage, and the occurrence of diseases has been confirmed in many aging-related diseases. Studying the aging mechanism, monitoring the aging level of the body and exploring the corresponding countermeasures are of great significance for achieving healthy aging and promoting public health and social development. This article reviews the progress of research on 8-oxoGsn in aging-related diseases.
To Establish and Research Liver Cell Injury Model Induced by LPS

[Objective]To establish in vitro LPS-induced Chang Liver cells damage model. [Method]After received LPS 24h at different concentrations(20,40,60,80,100 μg / ml),Chang Liver cells viability effects were detected by MTT methods,and the AST,ALT,ALP,γ-GT,LDH activity in cell supernatant were measured.The Chang Liver cells morphology changes were showed by Hoechst 33258 staining. [Result] Chang Liver cell viability was significantly reduced with LPS in 80 and 100 μg / ml.AST,ALT,ALP,γ-GT,LDH activity in cell supernatant were increased;the number of cells were reduced;cell morphology was changed showing cell apoptosis with nuclear condensation. [Conclusion] Chang Liver cells co-cultured with 80 μg / ml LPS might be an ideal in vitro model of hepatocellular injury.
Protoporphyrin and Eggshell Strength: Preliminary Findings from a Passerine Bird

Protoporphyrin pigmentation is a common feature of passerine eggshells worldwide, typically giving red to brown coloration. Although these may form a background colour to the egg, protoporphyrin more commonly forms speckles, blotches or patches of colour (maculation) against a white (unpigmented) or blue/green (biliverdin-pigmented) background. Conventional explanations for the presence of such pigmentation have focused on the eggs’ appearance, and include crypsis and strategies to deter brood parasites, such as cuckoos (Cuculidae). More recently, evidence has emerged that there may also be a sexually-selected visual function. However, the pattern of occurrence across taxa and upon and within the eggshell, suggest that non-visual functions may be at least as important, or even the principal function of some pigmentation. In particular, correlations between protoporphyrin maculation, eggshell thickness, rates of water-loss and local calcium availability in the Great Tit (Parus major), suggest that the pigment could serve a structural function. Despite strong circumstantial evidence, however, a direct relationship between eggshell strength and protoporphyrin pigmentation has not previously been available. Here, we present preliminary findings from a comparison of fracture toughness (resistance to fracture) and brittleness of pigmented and unpigmented shell from the same Great Tit eggshells. These suggest that while pigmented shell is as brittle as unpigmented shell, the fracture toughness is significantly greater and more than compensates for the reduced shell thickness observed at a pigment spot. The data also suggest that although the first two principal components of pigmentation influence fracture toughness, neither influences how the material responded to the propagation of a crack through its surface. We suggest that pigmentation provides structural overcompensation for shell thinning caused, for example, by a deficit of dietary calcium, and the reasons for this are discussed.
A Novel Individual-based Determination of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a significant clinical issue. Aging is a risk factor for POCD. It is known that not every patient develops POCD. This situation shall be similar in animals. Determination of POCD is individual-based in humans but group-based in animal studies. This difference prevents effective evaluation of biomarkers and interventions for POCD in preclinical studies. The objective of this study was to determine whether individual animal could be assessed for POCD by a system similar to that for patients. Seven-week old CD1 and 18-month old C57BL/6 male mice were subjected to right carotid arterial exposure under isoflurane anesthesia. Mice were evaluated by Barnes maze and fear conditioning either post-surgery alone or both prior to surgery and post-surgery. Surgery increased the time to identify the target box in Barnes maze when tested one day or 8 days after the training sessions and reduced freezing behavior in fear conditioning test. This phenomenon occurred in 7-week old animals with and without evaluation before the surgery and in 18-month old mice evaluated before and after surgery. Based on the method and criteria used for a human whose cognition was evaluated before and after surgery to assess individual decline of cognition, 7 in 21 mice in the surgical group and 1 in 21 mice in control group of 7-week old mice had cognitive dysfunction. Among 18-month old mice, 13 in 21 mice in the surgical group and 2 in 20 mice in the control group had cognitive dysfunction. The incidence of cognitive dysfunction in mice with surgery was higher than that in control mice no matter whether young adult (P = 0.045) or old mice (P < 0.001) were considered. These results indicate that surgery induces POCD in mice. Individual animal-based assessment can be used to identify animals with POCD.
What are the principles that govern life?

ABSTRACT We know that living matter must behave in accordance with the universal laws of physics and chemistry. However, these laws are insufficient to explain the specific characteristics of the vital phenomenon and, therefore, we need new principles, intrinsic to biology, which are the basis for developing a theoretical framework for understanding life. Here I propose what I call the seven commandments of life (the Vital Order, the Principle of Inexorability, the reformulated Central Dogma, the Tyranny of Time, the Evolutionary Imperative, the Conservative Rule, the Cooperating Thrust) as a set of principles that help us explain the vital phenomenon from an evolutionary perspective. In a metaphorical way, we can consider life like an endless race in which living beings are the runners, who are changing as the race goes on (the evolutionary process), and the commandments the rules.
The effects of sulindac on induction of apoptosis and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and Bcl-2 protein in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Objective To investigate the value of sulindac in chemoprevention and treatment of human hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods The hepatocellular carcinoma cell(HCC) lines (SMMC 7721 and HepG 2) were used in this study. Antiproliferation effects was measured by MTT assay, and apoptosis, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2) and Bcl 2 were detected by Western dot blotting. Results The growth inhibition and apoptosis of HCC cells could be induced by sulindac in a dose and time dependent manner. The effects of growth inhibition and apoptosis induction were different between 2 cell lines. After 24 hours of incubation with sulindac at the concentration of 2 mmol/L and 4 mmol/L, the expression of COX 2 and Bcl 2 were markedly reduced. Conclusions Sulindac could inhibit the growth of two HCC cell lines effectively in vitro by induction of apoptosis, which were associated with the inhibition of COX 2 and Bcl 2 expression.
DISTRIBUTION AND COMBINATION OF HMW-Glutenin subunits IN CHINA WHEATS

Distribution and combination of high molecular weight glutenin subunits(HMW GS)in 393 wheat varieties(including a few lines)planted widely in China were studied.The results indicated that compositions of most HMW GS in China wheats are the same as that abroad.But some special HMW GS(SHMW GS)were also found in China wheats.The frequency and characteristics of all of these HMW GS(or combination types)were probed.
Involvement of Oxytocin Receptor/Erk/MAPK Signaling in the mPFC in Early Life Stress-Induced Autistic-Like Behaviors

The neonatal or infant period is a critical stage for the development of brain neuroplasticity. Early life stresses in the neonatal period, including neonatal maternal separation (NMS), have adverse effects on an increased risk of psychiatric disorders in juveniles and adults. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not largely understood. Here, we found that juvenile rats subjected to 4 h daily NMS during postnatal days 1 to 20 exhibited autistic-like behavioral deficits without impairments in learning and memory functions. Molecular mechanism studies showed that oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in the medial prefrontal cortex of NMS rats was evidently downregulated when compared with control pups, especially in neurons. Erk/MAPK signaling, the downstream coupling signaling of OTXR, was also inhibited in NMS juvenile rats. Treatment with oxytocin could relieve NMS-induced social deficit behaviors and activated phosphorylation of Erk/MAPK signaling. Furthermore, medication with the inhibitor of H3K4 demethylase alleviated the abnormal behaviors in NMS rats and increased the expression of OXTR in the medial prefrontal cortex, which showed an epigenetic mechanism underlying social deficits induced by NMS. Taken together, these findings identified a molecular mechanism by which disruptions of mother–infant interactions influenced later displays of typical social behaviors and suggested the potential for NMS-driven epigenetic tuning of OXTR expression.
Imbalance of Circulating Tfh/Tfr Cells in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Background: Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells are essential for B cell differentiation, germinal center formation, and humoral immune responses. Immunity and inflammation have been thought to be involved in Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we aimed to identify whether circulating Tfh and Tfr (cTfh and cTfr) cells contribute to PD. Methods: Thirty-nine PD patients and 26 health controls (HCs) were enrolled. The numbers of cTfh (CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+) cells and cTfr (CD4+CXCR5+CD25hiCD127low) cells were analyzed via flow cytometry. The serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-21, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were examined by cytometric bead array. Results: The percentage of cTfh cells among CD4+ T cells in PD patients was significantly higher than that in HCs [3.68% (2.64–5.70%) vs. 1.94% (1.32%−2.99%), P < 0.001], while the percentage of cTfr cells among CD4+ T cells in PD patients was slight decreased but without significance [1.05% (0.62–1.54%) vs. 1.3% (0.63–1.90%), P > 0.05]. The percentage of CD19+ B cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly lower in PD patients than in HCs [5.35% (4.13–9.38%) vs. 8.68% (5.61–12.93%), P = 0.014]. The serum concentrations of IL-4, IL-10, IL-21, and TGF-β in PD patients did not differ significantly from those in HCs (P > 0.05). There was a positive trend of the correlation between the number of cTfh and the serum IL-4 concentrations in PD patients (P = 0.032, r = 0.353). There was a positive trend of the correlation between the number of cTfr and the serum IL-10 concentrations in PD patients (P = 0.047, r = 0.328), A positive trend of the correlation were found for the serum concentration of IL-21 with H-Y stage (r = 0.356, P = 0.026) and UPDRS-III score (r = 0.347, P = 0.030). Conclusions: These results indicate that an imbalance of cTfh and cTfr cells may be involved in the chronic progression of PD, and IL-21 may be a biomarker for monitoring the severity of this disease.
Influence of Video Speeds on Visual Behavior and Decision-Making of Amateur Assistant Referees Judging Offside Events

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of manipulating video speeds on visual behavior and decision accuracy of 10 amateur football assistant referees (ARs) when perceived video sequences of 24 possible offside actions on a large screen. An eye tracker was used to analyze participants’ visual behaviors. Signal detection analysis provided further detail of participants’ decision-level accuracy. Participants were required to decide when they perceived a player to be offside during observed sequences with different video speed manipulations (Normal speed, 2 speed, and 3 speed). Results revealed that the manipulation of video speed did not attune emergent gaze patterns differently because participants displayed similar visual behaviors, regardless of speed. However, the normal speed resulted in a higher percentage of correct decisions than the 3 speed. Participants tended toward non-flagging decision bias errors when judging offsides with the 3 speed because they made more misses, than false alarms.