Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observations on the distribution, specificity and pathogenicity of the acanthocephalan Pomphorhynchus laevis (Müller)

The distribution, specificity and pathogenicity of the acanthocephalan Pomphorhynchus laevis (Muller) were studied in the River Avon, Hampshire. The parasite occurred in every fish species, but three categories of hosts could be distinguished. Using growth and maturation as criteria of specificity, only chub Leuciscus cephalus (L.) and barbel Barbus barbus (L.) were recognized as its preferred hosts. Parasites occasionally matured in trout Salmo trutta (L.) and dace Leuciscus leuciscus (L.), but none grew or matured in other host species. Changes in the abundance of P. laevis along the river were related to changes in the abundance of both the intermediate host, Gammarus pulex, and the preferred hosts, and its occurrence in fish to the importance of G. pulex in their diet. In the upper reaches of the River Avon and in other localities populations could be maintained at a low level by parasites maturing in trout, and presence and abundance at any site depended upon the presence and abundance of both intermediate and definitive hosts especially and upon the dietary preferences of the latter. The absence of P. laevis from many parts of Britain is nevertheless still inexplicable. The parasite caused local damage to the intestinal wall of fish, the extent of which varied from species to species, but did not affect host growth rate or cause direct mortality and P. laevis cannot be regarded as an important pathogen in the River Avon or any other British River.
The Ratio of Nitrogen to Phosphorus Resupplied by Herbivores: Zooplankton and the Algal Competitive Arena

The influence of pelagic herbivores on the competitive arena of their prey is examined in three models of herbivore physiology. One hallmark of pelagic herbivory is the rapid and fight cycling of nutrients among algae, herbivores,and the dissolved phase. An implication of this cycling is that the ratio of elements released by the herbivore is a "supply ratio" as defined in resource-competition theory. The nitrogen (N)-to-phosphorus (P) supply ratio depends on the assumptions made regarding grazer physiology. Three alternative models are considered: (1) a constant, mass-specific basal metabolic release of N and P; (2) a constant efficiency of accumulating N and P in grazer biomass; and (3) an adjusting efficiency of N and P accumulation that maintains a homeostatic ratio of N to P (N:P) in the bodies of the grazers. All three models predict a positive correlation between the N:P in the algal pool and that released by the animals. Previously published data provided strong supportive evidence for this relationship. Studies that have used the N-to-P concentration ratio as a proxy for the N-to-P supply ratio are therefore reinforced. The model of basal metabolism is rendered unrealistic by a lack of relationship between the N:P released by grazers and that in the zooplankton pool. The other two models differ only in whether grazers maintain a homeostasis of the N: P in their bodies. A review of the literature together with an analysis of independently gathered data indicate that homeostasis of the N:P is a reasonable constraint but that homeostasis is not strict. Constant accumulation predicts a direct proportionality between the N:P released and the N:P in the algal pool. Homeostasis predicts a curvilinearity in this relationship (though it may be only a shallow bend for some realistic parameters). The curvilinearity is such that imbalances of the N:P in the food compared with that in the zooplankton are accentuated. Comparison of the N:P released calculated from alternatives 2 and 3 with measured values showed good agreement with both models, but especially for the homeostatic one. The homeostatic model is thus the most realistic. Homeostatic grazers appear to establish an unstable equilibrium in the N: P in the algal pool and thus, presumably, in the nutrient-limitation patterns of the algae. Whichever element appears in the food in low relative proportion will be recycled by the grazer with relatively low efficiency. The model of strict homeostasis thus predicts a role for grazers not predicted by other theoretical approaches: grazers cause the nutrient-limitation patterns of their algal prey to diverge. Algal communities receiving their nutrients primarily from homeostatic grazers are expected to become limited by either N or P, but not by both. Suggestive evidence from the literature for such dynamics is cited.
Patterns of Photosynthesis under Natural Environmental Conditions

Net photosynthesis in six different conifers was studies under various natural environmental conditions. Changes in the pattern of photosynthesis on clear days, especially the midday decrease, are apparently primarily controlled by changes in leaf water potential. In noble fir and Scots pine, water potential probably acts mainly through its influence on stomatal movement. In grand fir, Douglas—fir, hemlock ,and Sitka spruce, however, some other mechanism, probably mesophyll resistance to CO2 diffusion, seems to play a more important role. Both mechanisms probably operate concurrently in all species. Daily variations in leaf water potential seem to occur primarily in response to changes in atmospheric moisture, or, more precisely, vapor pressure gradient from leaf to atmosphere. Variation in carbohydrate content, through its influence on solute concentration, may also influence leaf water potential. See full-text article at JSTOR
High Speed Error Log Control Method in In-memory Cluster Computing Platform

Since 2010, in-memory cluster computing platform has been increasingly used in firms and research institutions to analyze large amounts of datasets within a short amount of time. In these methods, unexpected errors cause the load to exceed the assumption for computer infrastructures such as a monitoring system, owing to the execution of multithreading, assigning divided datasets to multiple nodes, and storing them in in-memory spaces. In this research, we propose a method that notifies administrators with only information needed to understand the situation in a short period by eliminating duplications of numerous application error logs for that period and clustering messages using an unsupervised learning k-means method with an in-memory cluster computing framework “Apache Spark. ” By implementing this method, we can demonstrate that it is possible to eliminate duplications of error messages by 93% on an average compared with conventional methods. Further, we can extract significant messages from the application error messages and notify the administrators in an average of 4.2 min from the time of occurrence of the error.
Infusion of Cold Saline into the Carotid Artery Does Not Affect Outcome After Intrastriatal Hemorrhage

Localized brain hypothermia (HYPO) can be achieved by infusing cold saline into the carotid artery of animals and patients. Studies suggest that HYPO improves behavioral and histological outcomes in focal ischemia models. Given that ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) share pathophysiological overlap, we tested whether cold saline infusion is safe and neuroprotective when given during collagenase-induced ICH. Eighty-five adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Experiment 1 investigated brain and body temperature changes associated with a cold saline infusion paradigm that was scaled from patients according to brain weight and blood volume (3 mL/20-minute infusion). Experiment 2 determined whether HYPO aggravated bleeding volume. Experiment 3 investigated if cerebral edema or elemental concentrations were altered by HYPO. We also collected core body temperature and activity data through telemetry. Experiment 4 investigated whether behavioral outcomes (e.g., skilled reaching) and tissue loss were influenced by HYPO. Our HYPO protocol decreased the ipsilateral striatal temperature by ∼0.20°C (p < 0.001), with no other effects. HYPO did not affect hematoma volume (p = 0.64), cerebral edema (p = 0.34), or elemental concentrations (p = 0.49) at 24 hours post-ICH. Although ICH caused persistent behavioral impairments, HYPO did not improve behavioral outcomes (measured by a neurological deficit scale, cylinder, and the staircase test; p > 0.05 for all). Brain tissue loss was not different between groups on day 28 post-ICH (p = 0.90). Although cold saline infusion appears to be safe in the acute post-ICH period, there was no evidence that this therapy improved outcome. However, our treatment protocol was relatively mild and additional interventions might help improve efficacy. Finally, our findings may also speak to the safety of this cooling approach in focal ischemia where hemorrhagic transformation is a risk; future studies on this issue are needed.
Melatonin protects against chronic stress-induced oxidative meiotic defects in mice MII oocytes by regulating SIRT1

ABSTRACT Chronic stress which is common in the current society can be harmful to female reproduction and is associated with oocyte defects. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Herein, by using a mouse model of chronic restraint stress, we demonstrated that chronic stress could induce meiotic spindle abnormalities, chromatin misalignment, mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated ROS levels in oocytes in vivo, all of which were normalized by the administration of melatonin. Consistently, melatonin treatment during in vitro maturation also attenuated the meiotic defects induced by H2O2 by regulating autophagy and SIRT1, which could be abolished by SIRT1 inhibitor, Ex527 and autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1). These data indicate that melatonin can mitigate chronic stress-induced oxidative meiotic defects in mice MII oocytes by regulating SIRT1 and autophagy, providing new understanding for stress-related meiotic errors in MII oocytes and suggesting melatonin and SIRT1 could be new targets for optimizing culture system of oocytes as well as fertility management.
Plasma non‐esterified fatty acid profiles in wild Atlantic salmon during their freshwater migration and spawning

Total plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels increased significantly in adult Atlantic salmon during the first months of their upstream migration and spawning in the Exploits River, Newfoundland, Canada. The highest levels occurred in May and were 5467±270·43 nmol ml−1 for females and 4617±334·70 nmol ml−1 for males. Significantly higher levels were maintained by females compared with males for most of the upstream migration. Between August and October, total plasma NEFA levels declined by 61% in females but only 23% in males. The decline in plasma monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid levels accounted for 74% of the loss of NEFAs in females. Specific plasma NEFAs such as 16: 0 (palmitic), 16: 1 (palmitoleic), 18: 1n9 (oleic) and 20: 5n3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) differed significantly between males and females during migration and spawning. The mean gonadosomatic index (IG) values of females in May and just prior to spawning were 0·37±0·01 and 10·25±0·32, respectively. The rapid decline in the plasma NEFA content of females coincided with the largest increase in their IG (1·85±0·02–10·25±0·32). Corresponding IG values for males were 0·34±0·01 in May and 3·33±0·78 prior to spawning. Plasma NEFA levels of spent salmon did not differ between sexes and were significantly lower than those of salmon preparing to spawn.
TCP1γ Subunit Is Indispensable for Growth and Infectivity of Leishmania donovani

T-complex protein-1 (TCP1) is a ubiquitous group II chaperonin and is known to fold various proteins, such as actin and tubulin. In Leishmania donovani, the γ subunit of TCP1 (LdTCP1γ) has been cloned and characterized. It forms a high-molecular-weight homo-oligomeric complex that performs ATP-dependent protein folding. In the present study, we evaluated the essentiality of the LdTCP1γ gene. Gene replacement studies indicated that LdTCP1γ is essential for parasite survival. ABSTRACT T-complex protein-1 (TCP1) is a ubiquitous group II chaperonin and is known to fold various proteins, such as actin and tubulin. In Leishmania donovani, the γ subunit of TCP1 (LdTCP1γ) has been cloned and characterized. It forms a high-molecular-weight homo-oligomeric complex that performs ATP-dependent protein folding. In the present study, we evaluated the essentiality of the LdTCP1γ gene. Gene replacement studies indicated that LdTCP1γ is essential for parasite survival. The LdTCP1γ single-allele-replacement mutants exhibited slowed growth and decreased infectivity in mouse macrophages compared to the growth and infectivity of the wild-type parasites. Modulation of LdTCP1γ expression in promastigotes also modulated cell cycle progression. Suramin, an antitrypanosomal drug, not only inhibited the luciferase refolding activity of the recombinant LdTCP1γ (rLdTCP1γ) homo-oligomeric complex but also exhibited potential antileishmanial efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. The interaction of suramin and LdTCP1γ was further validated by isothermal titration calorimetry. The study suggests LdTCP1γ as a potential drug target and also provides a framework for the development of a new class of drugs.
Bifunctional Tm3+,Yb3+:GdVO4@SiO2 Core-Shell Nanoparticles in HeLa Cells: Upconversion Luminescence Nanothermometry in the First Biological Window and Biolabelling in the Visible

The bifunctional possibilities of Tm,Yb:GdVO4@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles for temperature sensing by using the near-infrared (NIR)-excited upconversion emissions in the first biological window, and biolabeling through the visible emissions they generate, were investigated. The two emission lines located at 700 and 800 nm, that arise from the thermally coupled 3F2,3 and 3H4 energy levels of Tm3+, were used to develop a luminescent thermometer, operating through the Fluorescence Intensity Ratio (FIR) technique, with a very high thermal relative sensitivity. Moreover, since the inert shell surrounding the luminescent active core allows for dispersal of the nanoparticles in water and biological compatible fluids, we investigated the penetration depth that can be realized in biological tissues with their emissions in the NIR range, achieving a value of 0.8 mm when excited at powers of 50 mW. After their internalization in HeLa cells, a low toxicity was observed and the potentiality for biolabelling in the visible range was demonstrated, which facilitated the identification of the location of the nanoparticles inside the cells, and the temperature determination.
Association Between Malignant Mitral Valve Prolapse and Sudden Cardiac Death: A Review.

Importance Malignant arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) phenotype poses a substantial risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), and an estimated 26 000 individuals in the United States are at risk of SCD per year. Thus, identifying risk-stratification strategies for SCD is imperative. Observations Patients with MVP have a heterogenous clinical spectrum, ranging from a benign course to a devastating complication such as SCD. Some of the high-risk markers of MVP, which are identified electrocardiographically, include inverted or biphasic T waves, QT dispersion, QT prolongation, and premature ventricular contractions originating from the left ventricular outflow tract and papillary muscles. Morphofunctional characteristics of SCD are leaflet thickness of 5 mm or greater, mitral annulus disjunction, paradoxical systolic increase of the mitral annulus diameter, increased tissue Doppler velocity of the mitral annulus, and higher mechanical dispersion on echocardiography and fibrosis identified by late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusions and Relevance Findings from this review suggest that SCD can occur earlier in the course of MVP from complex arrhythmias that are triggered by the repeated tugging and traction of the chordopapillary muscle unit and basal mid-myocardium, even before macrofibrosis can be identified in these regions by late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Some of the newer markers identified by speckle-tracking Doppler, such as mechanical dispersion, myocardial work index, and postsystolic shortening, need further validation in a larger population.
The fimbrial gene cluster of Haemophilus influenzae type b

Haemophilus infuenzae infections are preceded by airway colonization, a process facilitated by fimbriae. Here, we identified the complete fimbrial gene cluster of H. influenzae type b. HifA forms the major subunit. HifB, a periplasmic chaperone, and HifC, an outer membrane usher, are typical assembly genes; their inactivation abolished fimbriae formation. HifD and HifE are putative minor subunits, both participating in fimbriae biogenesis. Inactivation of either one drastically reduced fimbriae expression. HifD represents a novel type of fimbrial subunit with lipoprotein characteristics, pointing to a membrane‐associated function of HifD. Transcription of all fimbrial genes is coregulated through two clustered promoters. The flanking of the fimbrial gene cluster by repetitive extragenic palindromic sequences together with a partial duplication of an adjacent unrelated operon indicated that the cluster was once inserted in the H. influenzae genome as a mobile virulence unit.
A Complex Coronary Artery Fistula as a Potential Cause of Sudden Intraoperative Hemodynamic Compromise: A Case Report

A patient with coronary artery fistula should be considered as high risk for intraoperative hemodynamic decompensation. In this article, we report the case of a 70-year-old man affected by a complex congenital coronary artery fistula defect. The patient underwent general anesthesia for spine surgery with permissive hypotension. The development of sudden intraoperative tachyarrhythmia with hemodynamic instability required immediate resuscitation and interruption of surgery. The claim advanced is that in patients with a coronary artery fistula permissive hypotension might be considered an option only if strictly necessary and real-time cardiac monitoring including transesophageal echocardiography is available to immediately detect and treat acute cardiac impairment.
Study on the Effect of Mutated Bacillus Megaterium in Two-Stage Fermentation of Vitamin C

Bacillus megaterium as a companion strain in two-stage fermentation of vitamin C could secrete some active substances to spur growth of Gluconobacter oxydans to produce 2-KLG. In the fermenting system where Gluconobacter oxydans was combined with GB82-a mutated strain of B. megaterium by ion implantation, the amount of 2-KLG harvested was larger than that produced by the original B. megaterium BP52 [1] being substituted for GB82. In this paper, we studied the effect of the active substances secreted by GB82 to enhance the capability of Gluconobacter oxydans to produce 2-KLG. The supernate of GB82 sampled at different cultivation times all had much more activity to spur Gluconobacter oxydans to yield 2-KLG than that of the original B. megaterium, which might be due to the genetic changes in the active components caused by ion implantation. Furthermore, the active substances of GB82's supernate would lose a part of its activity in extreme environments, which is typical of some proteins.
Growth Hormone is a Growth Factor for the Differentiated Pancreatic β-Cell

The regulation of the growth of the pancreatic β-cell is poorly understood. There are previous indications of a role of GH in the growth and insulin production of the pancreatic islets. In the present study we present evidence for a direct long-term effect of GH on proliferation and insulin biosynthesis of pancreatic β-cells in monolayer culture. In culture medium RPMI 1640 supplemented with 2% normal human serum islets or dissociated islet cells from newborn rats maintained their insulin-producing capacity. When supplemented with 1–1000 ng/ml pituitary or recombinant human GH the islet cells attached, spread out, and proliferated into monolayers mainly consisting of insulin-containing cells. The number of β-cells in S-phase was increased from 0.9–6.5% as determined by immunochemical staining of bromodeoxyuridine incorporated into insulinpositive cells. The increase in cell number was accompanied with a continuous increase in insulin release to the culture medium reaching a 10- 20-fold increase after 2–3 .
Influence of season, sex, and site availability on fisher (Martes pennanti) rest-site selection in the central hardwood forest

We monitored 20 adult fishers (8 males, 12 females) to investigate the effects of season, sex, and site availability on rest-site selection by fishers at the southern extent of their range. Data on rest-site locations (n = 219) and random sites (n = 194) were collected from December 1989 through February 1991. Fishers rested in hardwood, softwood, and mixedwood forest types in proportion to their availability in summer; however, hardwoods were used less than expected in winter. Fishers used nests, cavities, and burrows in proportion to their availability in winter. In summer, however, nests were selected twice as often as expected, cavities were used less than expected, and burrows were not used. Male fishers tended to use larger cavity trees and mixed forest stands more often than females did. In winter, fishers were not restricted to coniferous forest types, as occurs at the northern extent of their range, because moderate snow depths did not restrict movement and prey may have been more available in ot.
Cracked open: exploring attitudes on access to egg freezing

Abstract Egg freezing (EF) technology has improved significantly over the last decade, giving women more choice over their reproductive futures. Despite this advance, EF brings forth contentious ethical and regulatory issues. Policies controlling access to EF vary around the world and there is a lack of consensus about who should have access and what criteria are relevant in making these decisions. This study aimed to identify views of women about access to EF for both “medical” and “non-medical” risks to infertility. An online survey was administered to women aged between 18 and 60 years in Victoria, Australia between April and May 2018. A total of 1,066 individuals initiated the survey. The median age of the participants was 28 years and 81% were <40 years old. Almost all participants (98%) supported access to medical EF in situations where treatments (e.g. chemotherapy) or illnesses threaten fertility. Support for access to EF for non-medical indications was lower; 75% supported EF for “lack of suitable partner”, followed by “financial insecurity to raise a child” (72%) and “career/educational advancement” (65%). Older respondents (aged ≥40 years) were less likely than their younger counterparts to support all indications for non-medical EF. Our findings indicate broad support for EF. However, the variation in support between indications for non-medical EF suggests that individuals do not think about access to EF simply in terms of medical necessity. To reflect public views, future policy may need to consider access to EF beyond the medical/non-medical distinction.