Freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem integrity are under threat from biological invasions. The ＂killer shrimp＂ Dikerogammarus villosus is a highly predatory amphipod that has spread readily across Central Europe an...Freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem integrity are under threat from biological invasions. The ＂killer shrimp＂ Dikerogammarus villosus is a highly predatory amphipod that has spread readily across Central Europe and recently the UK and its arrival has been associated with the significant loss of resident species. Despite this, studies of its behavioral ecology are sparse, even though its be- havior may contribute to its invasion success. For the first time, we investigated antipredator ＂fleeing＂ behavior in D. villosus and how this changed with water temperature. Three key patterns emerged from our analysis. First, within a particular temperature condition there are moderate but consistent among-individual differences in behavior. These are driven by a combination of mean level among-individual differences and within-individual relative consistency in behavior, and pro- vide the key marker for animal personalities. Second, the fleeing responses were not influenced by temperature and third, regardless of temperature, all individuals appeared to habituate to a repeated nondangerous stimulus, indicating a capacity for individual learning. We suggest that the antipreda- tor behavior of D. villosus contributes to its rapid spread and that consistent among-individual differ- ences in behavior may promote biological invasions across heterogeneous conditions. Robustness to changing water temperatures may also be potentially advantageous, particularly in an era of glo- bal climate change, where average temperatures could be elevated and less predictable.展开更多
The presence of "comet-like" radial transport of acetylcholine receptors by actin microfilaments without the participation of myosin motors in the depression of acetylcholine-induced inward chloric current (...The presence of "comet-like" radial transport of acetylcholine receptors by actin microfilaments without the participation of myosin motors in the depression of acetylcholine-induced inward chloric current (ACh-current) in command neurons of defensive behavior of the land snail, Helix lucorum, in a cellular analog of habituation was investigated. For that purpose the effects of CK548, CK-636 (inhibitors of actin-related protein complex Arp2/3, whose activation triggers rapid actin polymerization and the formation of the "comet-like" tail on the actinic filament) and wiskostatin (an N-WASP protein inhibitor, activating Arp2/3) on the depression of ACh-current were studied. The attenuation of ACh-current depression was observed upon the addition of CK548. At the same time, CK-636 and wiskostatin irreversibly strengthened the depression of this current and suppressed its spontaneous recovery. The results of CK-548 action and its mathematical modeling allow suggesting the presence of "comet-like" transport of acetylcholine receptors, initiated by Arp2/3 protein complex in receptor endo and exocytosis in command neurons of Helix lucorum in a cellular analog of habituation. Irreversible inhibition of vital metabolic processes of the neuron by wiskostatin and CK-636, which lead to the decrease in the level of ATP, could have caused irreversible effects of these blockers on current depression.展开更多
Bean cells that have been habituated to grow in a lethal concentration （12 μM） of 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile （dichlobenil or DCB, a cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor） are known to have decreased cellulose content in...Bean cells that have been habituated to grow in a lethal concentration （12 μM） of 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile （dichlobenil or DCB, a cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor） are known to have decreased cellulose content in their cell walls. Xyloglucan, which is bound to cellulose and together with it forms the main loading network of plant cell walls, has also been described to decrease in habituated cells, but whether the change on cellulose affects the xyloglucan structure besides its abundance has not been analyzed. Fragmentation analysis with xyloglucan-specific endoglucanase （XEG） and endocellulase revealed that habituation to DCB caused a change in the fine structure of xyloglucan, namely a decrease in fucosyl residues attached to the galactosyl-xylosyl residues along the glucan backbone. After the removal of herbicide from the medium （dehabituated cells）, xyloglucan recovered its fucosyl residues. In addition, some cello-oligosaccharides could be detected only in habituated cells＇ xyloglucan digested by XEG and endocellulase, corresponding to a glucan co- valently bound or co-precipitated with the hemicelluloses. These results show that structural flexibility of cell walls relies in part on the plasticity of xyloglucan composition and opens up new perspectives to further research in this field.展开更多
For Aristotle creating a virtuous character means habituating a stable emotional state or disposition （hex＆）, which enables the agent to feel and act rightly, and to have the intellectual virtue prudence （phron^si...For Aristotle creating a virtuous character means habituating a stable emotional state or disposition （hex＆）, which enables the agent to feel and act rightly, and to have the intellectual virtue prudence （phron^sis） complete this habituation. But because feeling or emotion （pathos） is a passive state, it is not clear in what way we can make ourselves be affected correctly. This paper tries to solve this apparent difficulty by emphasizing the cognitive power of emotion. It also examines the role of prudence in the acquisition of ethical virtue, supporting an anti-intellectualist understanding of practical motivation.展开更多
This paper is concerned with Aristotle＇s theory of habituation, focusing on the following three issues： （1） the relation between habit and reason, （2） human nature and habituation, and （3） the roles of family ...This paper is concerned with Aristotle＇s theory of habituation, focusing on the following three issues： （1） the relation between habit and reason, （2） human nature and habituation, and （3） the roles of family and politics in habituation. Aristotle＇s theory of habituation has been a topic of interest recently. Yet so far, most debates about this topic are about the first issue. This paper will bring in the second and the third issues, in order to provide a complete picture of the theory. To be more specific, the paper seeks to better understand the following three claims of Aristotle, corresponding to the three issues mentioned above： （1） ＂We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts＂ （NE 1103a34-bl）1. （2） ＂We are adapted by nature to receive virtues, and are made perfect by habit＂ （teleuioumenois de dia tou ethous） （1103a25-26）. （3） ＂One＇s own good cannot exist without household management, nor without a form of government＂ （1142a9-11）.展开更多
Dear Editor,Early pregnancy loss is a condition whose relevance is determined not only by high incidence but also by the frequency of this pathology progressing into habitual miscarriage.According to the American Preg...Dear Editor,Early pregnancy loss is a condition whose relevance is determined not only by high incidence but also by the frequency of this pathology progressing into habitual miscarriage.According to the American Pregnancy Association,non-developing pregnancy(NDP),one of the forms of pregnancy loss,accounts for half of all miscarriages in the early stages[1].展开更多
This longitudinal study investigated how self-management and learning burnout influences the relationship between habitual mobile phone use and subjective well-being amongfirst-year university students.A sample of 1172 ...This longitudinal study investigated how self-management and learning burnout influences the relationship between habitual mobile phone use and subjective well-being amongfirst-year university students.A sample of 1172 Chinese university students participated in a two-wave survey,with data collected six months apart at two time points(T1,T2).The results of Pearson correlation revealed that higher habitual mobile phone use at T1 was associated with lower subjective well-being at T2.Self-management was associated with healthy phone use habits and higher subjective wellbeing.Learning burnout risk was higher with habitual phone usage.Lower self-management and learning burnout at T2 played a chain mediating role between habitual mobile phone use at T1 and subjective well-being at T2 so that subjective well-being was much lower that with either of the variables alone.Overall,thesefindings suggest that habitual mobile phone use is a reliable predictor of college student’s subjective well-being,by their self-management and level of learning burnout over time.This research highlights the long-term impact of habitual mobile phone use on students’subjective well-being and provides valuable insights for developing effective interventions to support students well-being.展开更多
A full habituated cell line C_ 20hi was screened from 2,4_D dependent line (C_ 20D) of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. The investigation involved the cell growth, ajmalicine production and enzyme activity related t...A full habituated cell line C_ 20hi was screened from 2,4_D dependent line (C_ 20D) of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. The investigation involved the cell growth, ajmalicine production and enzyme activity related to indole alkaloid biosynthesis in both cell lines. These results indicated that C_ 20hi cells grew faster than C_ 20D cells, and average ajmalicine content in C_ 20hi cells was 18.4 times more than that in C_ 20D when cultured in the production medium. In the growth medium, average ajmalicine content in C_ 20hi cells was 31.9 times more than that in C_ 20D cells, while the cell growth has no obvious difference. The comparison of enzyme activities in C_ 20hi and C_ 20D cells indicated that tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC), strictosidine synthase (SSS) and geraniol_10_dehydrogenase (G10H) activities have no close relation to ajmalicine accumulation, although the activities of these enzymes were higher when cells were cultured in the production medium than in the growth medium. The C_ 20hi cells are relatively stable in five years of culture.展开更多
Each directed graph with the asymmetric costs defined over its arcs,can be represented by a table,which we call an expansion table.The basic properties of cycles and spanning tables of the expansion table correspondin...Each directed graph with the asymmetric costs defined over its arcs,can be represented by a table,which we call an expansion table.The basic properties of cycles and spanning tables of the expansion table corresponding to the cycles and spanning trees of the directed graph is first explored.An algorithm is then derived to find a minimum spanning table corresponding to a minimum spanning tree in the directed graph.Finally,how to use the algorithm to find the optimal expansion of competence set and related problems are discussed.展开更多
Chronically high occupational exposure to airborne metals like iron can impair olfactory function, but little is known about how low iron status modifies olfactory behavior. To investigate the influence of body iron s...Chronically high occupational exposure to airborne metals like iron can impair olfactory function, but little is known about how low iron status modifies olfactory behavior. To investigate the influence of body iron status, weanling rats were fed a diet with low iron content (4 - 7 ppm) to induce iron deficiency anemia and olfactory behavior was compared to control rats fed an isocaloric diet sufficient in iron (210 - 220 ppm). Iron-deficient rats had prolonged exploratory time for attractive odorants in behavioral olfactory habituation/dishabituation tests, olfactory preference tests and olfactory sensitivity tests compared with control rats. No significant differences were observed for aversive odorants between the two groups. These findings suggest that iron-dependent functions may be involved in controlling and processing of olfactory signal transduction via self and lateral inhibition such that odorant signal remains stronger for longer times prolonging exploratory activity on attractive odorants in the behavioral tests. These findings establish that iron deficiency can modify olfactory behavior.展开更多
Animals living around people may modify their antipredator behavior as a function of proximity to humans,and this response has profound implications for whether or not a population can coexist with humans.We asked whe...Animals living around people may modify their antipredator behavior as a function of proximity to humans,and this response has profound implications for whether or not a population can coexist with humans.We asked whether inland blue-tailed skinks Emoia impar modified their individual antipredator behavior as a function of differential exposure to humans.We conducted multiple consecutive flushes and recorded 2 measures of antipredator response:flight initiation distance(FID),the distance from a threatening stimulus at which an individual flees,and distance fled,the distance an individual fled after a flush.We used a multiple model comparison approach to quantify variation in individual escape behavior across multiple approaches and to test for differences in between-individual variation among populations.We found that individuals tolerated closer approach and fled shorter distances at locations with relatively less human disturbance than at locations with medium and high human disturbance,respectively.In addition,skinks living at high human disturbance sites had less variable FIDs than at low human disturbance sites.Two theories may explain these results.Selection against less favorable phenotypes has reduced behavioral variation in urban habitats and behavioral plasticity allows individuals to flexibly adjust their behavioral patterns in response to human disturbance.These results highlight the importance of studying variation within populations,at the individual level,which may better elucidate the impact that human disturbance has on the behavioral composition of populations.展开更多
Atypical sensory responsivity is widely reported in autistic individuals and is related to elevated functional difficulties.Dynamically,altered initial responses and/or habituation rates could underlie their atypical ...Atypical sensory responsivity is widely reported in autistic individuals and is related to elevated functional difficulties.Dynamically,altered initial responses and/or habituation rates could underlie their atypical averaged responses to repeated sensory stimuli.In this study we aimed to measure the arousal level in response to different types of auditory stimuli and the dynamic change of atypical arousal level using pupillometry in autistic children.In Experiment 1,43 autistic children and 49 neurotypical(NT)children were asked to passively listen to a mild sound and an aversive sound repeatedly.In Experiment 2,39 autistic children and 44 NT children who went through Experiment 1 listened to a gradually emerging non-startling sound and a suddenly emerging startling sound in a random order.We found that the autistic group showed hyper-arousal in response to the aversive sound and the startling sound as reflected by their larger change in pupil area.In comparison,these autistic children demonstrated normal arousal in response to the mild sound and the non-startling sound.Dynamically,the autistic group had a larger peak pupil area change than the NT group in the first trial and a normal habituation rate to the aversive sound.In summary,our results suggest hyper-arousal to aversive and startling stimuli and the role of larger initial responses in hyper-arousal in autism.Minimizing aversive and startling sensory stimuli or gradually increasing the volume of aversive auditory stimuli to allow autistic children to adapt using the principle of habituation is recommended to reduce the arousal level and problematic behaviors of autistic children.展开更多
Background: Concerns for bird collisions with wind turbines affect the deployment of onshore and offshore windpower plants.To avoid delays in consenting processes and to streamline the construction and operation phase...Background: Concerns for bird collisions with wind turbines affect the deployment of onshore and offshore windpower plants.To avoid delays in consenting processes and to streamline the construction and operation phase,functional mitigation measures are required which efficiently reduces bird mortality.Vision is the primary sensory system in birds,which for a number of species also includes the ultraviolet spectrum.Many bird species that are known to collide with offshore wind turbines are sensitive in the violet or ultraviolet spectrum.For species that are mainly active at lower ambient light levels,lighting may deter birds from the lit area.Utilizing(ultra)violet lights may in addition not disturb humans.However,we do not know whether UV-sensitive birds in flight actually respond behaviourally to UV lights.Methods: We therefore tested the efficacy of two types of lights within the violet(400 nm) and ultraviolet(365 nm) spectrum to deter birds from the lit area.These lights were placed vertically and monitored continuously between dusk and dawn using an avian radar system.Results: Relative to control nights,bird flight activity(abundance) was 27% lower when the ultraviolet light was on.Violet light resulted in a 12% decrease in overall abundance,and in addition,a vertical displacement was seen,increasing the average flight altitude by 7 m.Although temporal changes occurred,this effect persisted over the season below 40 m above sea level.Conclusions: Although the results from this pilot study are promising,we argue there still is a long way to go before a potentially functional design to mitigate collisions that has proven to be effective in situ may be in place.展开更多
Background: We investigated the impact of human recreational disturbances on the distribution of birds along a popular nature trail in Sinhararja World Heritage Forest, Sri Lanka. It was hypothesized that visual and n...Background: We investigated the impact of human recreational disturbances on the distribution of birds along a popular nature trail in Sinhararja World Heritage Forest, Sri Lanka. It was hypothesized that visual and noise stimuli caused by the presence of humans affect the distribution of avifauna associated with this nature trail.Methods: Nine circular plots of 25 m fixed-radius laid along the trail(0 m), and 18 plots laid perpendicular to the trail at 75 and 150 m intervals, were studied from March 2013 to January 2014. The degree of human recreational disturbances was assessed in terms of visitor group size(visual disturbance) and their noise level(sound disturbance). These disturbances were categorized along a four-point scale(no human disturbance, low, medium and high disturbance). The relationship between disturbance levels and the abundance of birds was statistically tested.Results: ANOVA results revealed that the abundance of birds differed significantly under various intensities of recreational disturbances at each distance level. A significant negative correlation between abundance of birds and intensity of disturbance at 0 m distance suggests an avoidance of edge habitats by birds in the presence of humans. Abundance of birds increased at the 75 and 150 m distance levels with increasing disturbances occurring at the trail. Significant negative correlations were further observed between disturbance level and the abundance of birds in ground/understory and sub-canopy vertical strata of the forest at 0 m distance.Conclusions: Under high levels of recreational disturbance occurring at this trail, the abundance of birds near the trail declined significantly, while bird abundance in the interior of the forest increased. The sensitivity of individual bird species to visitor disturbances varied with the vertical stratum of the forest they usually occupy. Birds occupying the ground, understory and sub-canopy are particularly sensitive to recreational disturbances while bird species occupying the canopy and above are less vulnerable to recreational disturbances.展开更多
Stress research has gained popularity due to the increased acknowledgement of chronic stress on personal health. With this increased interest, researchers need to assure that the public receives quality, evidence-base...Stress research has gained popularity due to the increased acknowledgement of chronic stress on personal health. With this increased interest, researchers need to assure that the public receives quality, evidence-based solutions. Improvements following a stress reduction intervention are generally assessed by a self-survey pre-post rather than objective biomarkers of stress. There is a need in the literature for a research paradigm utilizing two different stressors to prevent any alteration in post-intervention results due to habituation of the stressor. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and the Beilock Stress Test (BST) are two different stress protocols published in the literature. The present study has three objectives: 1) to compare the efficacy of two different previously documented psychological stressors, the TSST and the BST;2) to compare an invasive measure, serum cortisol, to a non-invasive measure, the galvanic skin response (GSR);and 3) to examine the effects of sex on the response. Fifty-seven college age males (n = 31) and females (n = 26) completed both protocols. Blood samples were collected every 10 min for 110 minutes. Baseline, stressor, and recovery 1, 2, and 3 were averaged for a 20 min period. A 2 (test: BST or TSST) by 2 (sex: male or female) by 5 (trials: baseline, stressor, and recovery 1, 2, and 3) Mixed Plot ANCOVA with repeated measures on test and trial was used to analyze the data. There was not a significant main effect for test or sex for cortisol or the GSR. There was a significant difference for trial for both biomarkers: cortisol F(4,208) = 39.41;and GSR F(4,216) = 15.18. There was also a significant interaction term for sex × trial × test, F(4,208) = 4.51 and for test × trial, F(4,208) = 14.31 for cortisol. The conclusion is that the TSST and the BST can be used as pretest posttest stressors in translational studies assessing the effectiveness of a stress reduction technique if slight modifications are made in the statistical design.展开更多
The serotonergic system in the brain plays a major role in mood and anxiety regulation when exposed to stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Sertraline administration in coping with stres...The serotonergic system in the brain plays a major role in mood and anxiety regulation when exposed to stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Sertraline administration in coping with stress using the behavioural paradigms of the acoustic startle reflex (ASR) and its prepulse inhibition (PPI) in both sexes. Wistar rats were divided into two groups: intact animals and exposed to restraint stress (RS) 3 times per day during 7 days, which were then subdivided into three other groups: injected with Sertraline (5 mg/kg/day) or the drug vehicle saline for 8 consecutive days, and non-injected. ASR and PPI values were analyzed along 4 sessions to determine behavioral changes. Upon it, we also determine the effects of acute immobilization stress analyzing physiological stress indicators in blood. Our data show sex differences in response to stress paradigms. RS affected more intensely males than females, disturbing the males’ growth and the long-term startle habituation that were not affected in females. PPI increased in the vehicle-injected animals when compared to baseline in both sexes, and Sertraline reversed more efficiently it in females. Moreover, despite both sexes exposed to stressful paradigms exhibited a significant increase in serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase enzymes when compared with intact controls, as well as leucopenia, some differences according to sex were found in the haemostatic response to stress. Notably, the repeated injections procedure disturbed the early response to stress, which Sertraline only attenuated in both sexes. Our data suggest that 8-day Sertraline administration is effective in reversing stress-induced changes in some physio-logical parameters, but insufficient to return immunological values to normality.展开更多
We reported a female patient with unrecognized celiac disease and multiple extra intestinal manifestations, mainly related to a deranged immune function, including macroamilasemia, macrolipasemia, IgA nephropathy,thyr...We reported a female patient with unrecognized celiac disease and multiple extra intestinal manifestations, mainly related to a deranged immune function, including macroamilasemia, macrolipasemia, IgA nephropathy,thyroiditis, and anti-b2-glicoprotein-1 antibodies, that disappeared or improved after the implementation of a gluten-free diet.展开更多
Dilatation of the colon and the rectum, which is not attributable to aganglionosis, is a rare finding and can be the result of intractable chronic constipation. We report a rare case of a 29-year-old male patient with...Dilatation of the colon and the rectum, which is not attributable to aganglionosis, is a rare finding and can be the result of intractable chronic constipation. We report a rare case of a 29-year-old male patient with impressive megacolon, in whom Hirschsprung's or Chagas disease was ruled out. In the present case, dilatation of the colon was most likely due to a behavioral disorder with habitual failure of defecation. Chronic stool retention led to a bizarre bulging of the large bowel with displacement of the other abdominal organs and severe occult blood loss. Because of two episodes of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding despite conventional treatment of constipation, a surgical approach for bowel restoration was necessary. Temporary loop ileostomy had to be performed for depressurization of the large bowel and the subsequent possibility for effective antegrade colonic lavage to remove impacted stools. Shortly after the operation, the patient was healthy and could easily manage the handling of the ileostomy. However, the course of the megacolon in this young adult cannot be predicted and the follow-up will have to reveal if regression of this extreme colonic distension with reestablishment of regular rectal perception will occur.展开更多
Objective: In this study the purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of daily bemiparin sodium injection in preventing early pregnancy loss and in achieving live births in pregnant patients, not ahead of 6th week, wh...Objective: In this study the purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of daily bemiparin sodium injection in preventing early pregnancy loss and in achieving live births in pregnant patients, not ahead of 6th week, who are diagnosed with habitual abortion in a case-controlled randomized prospective study. Study Design: In this prospective study, 120 pregnant patients not ahead of 6th week and aged between 21 - 36 and diagnosed with habitual abortion between April 2011 and April 2012 in our clinic were included. Habitual abortion diagnosis criteria was based on patient history of three or more miscarriages before the 20th week and a genetically documented homozygote or heterozygote mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase gene. Results: The rate and the number of live births in the study group was 60 (93.75%) and statistically higher than the control group 32 (57.14%). The difference was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.001). The rate and the number of abortions in the control group was 24 (42.85%) and statistically higher than the study group 4 (6.25%). The difference was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.001). Conclusion: In order to maintain a healthy pregnancy an effective uteroplacental circulation is a must and any defects in haemostasis mechanisms may have an adverse influence. A few non-randomized studies comparing pregnancy results of low dose salycilic acid and low molecular weight heparin usage in patients also show that prophylaxis might be beneficial.展开更多
文摘Freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem integrity are under threat from biological invasions. The ＂killer shrimp＂ Dikerogammarus villosus is a highly predatory amphipod that has spread readily across Central Europe and recently the UK and its arrival has been associated with the significant loss of resident species. Despite this, studies of its behavioral ecology are sparse, even though its be- havior may contribute to its invasion success. For the first time, we investigated antipredator ＂fleeing＂ behavior in D. villosus and how this changed with water temperature. Three key patterns emerged from our analysis. First, within a particular temperature condition there are moderate but consistent among-individual differences in behavior. These are driven by a combination of mean level among-individual differences and within-individual relative consistency in behavior, and pro- vide the key marker for animal personalities. Second, the fleeing responses were not influenced by temperature and third, regardless of temperature, all individuals appeared to habituate to a repeated nondangerous stimulus, indicating a capacity for individual learning. We suggest that the antipreda- tor behavior of D. villosus contributes to its rapid spread and that consistent among-individual differ- ences in behavior may promote biological invasions across heterogeneous conditions. Robustness to changing water temperatures may also be potentially advantageous, particularly in an era of glo- bal climate change, where average temperatures could be elevated and less predictable.
文摘The presence of "comet-like" radial transport of acetylcholine receptors by actin microfilaments without the participation of myosin motors in the depression of acetylcholine-induced inward chloric current (ACh-current) in command neurons of defensive behavior of the land snail, Helix lucorum, in a cellular analog of habituation was investigated. For that purpose the effects of CK548, CK-636 (inhibitors of actin-related protein complex Arp2/3, whose activation triggers rapid actin polymerization and the formation of the "comet-like" tail on the actinic filament) and wiskostatin (an N-WASP protein inhibitor, activating Arp2/3) on the depression of ACh-current were studied. The attenuation of ACh-current depression was observed upon the addition of CK548. At the same time, CK-636 and wiskostatin irreversibly strengthened the depression of this current and suppressed its spontaneous recovery. The results of CK-548 action and its mathematical modeling allow suggesting the presence of "comet-like" transport of acetylcholine receptors, initiated by Arp2/3 protein complex in receptor endo and exocytosis in command neurons of Helix lucorum in a cellular analog of habituation. Irreversible inhibition of vital metabolic processes of the neuron by wiskostatin and CK-636, which lead to the decrease in the level of ATP, could have caused irreversible effects of these blockers on current depression.
文摘Bean cells that have been habituated to grow in a lethal concentration （12 μM） of 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile （dichlobenil or DCB, a cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor） are known to have decreased cellulose content in their cell walls. Xyloglucan, which is bound to cellulose and together with it forms the main loading network of plant cell walls, has also been described to decrease in habituated cells, but whether the change on cellulose affects the xyloglucan structure besides its abundance has not been analyzed. Fragmentation analysis with xyloglucan-specific endoglucanase （XEG） and endocellulase revealed that habituation to DCB caused a change in the fine structure of xyloglucan, namely a decrease in fucosyl residues attached to the galactosyl-xylosyl residues along the glucan backbone. After the removal of herbicide from the medium （dehabituated cells）, xyloglucan recovered its fucosyl residues. In addition, some cello-oligosaccharides could be detected only in habituated cells＇ xyloglucan digested by XEG and endocellulase, corresponding to a glucan co- valently bound or co-precipitated with the hemicelluloses. These results show that structural flexibility of cell walls relies in part on the plasticity of xyloglucan composition and opens up new perspectives to further research in this field.
文摘For Aristotle creating a virtuous character means habituating a stable emotional state or disposition （hex＆）, which enables the agent to feel and act rightly, and to have the intellectual virtue prudence （phron^sis） complete this habituation. But because feeling or emotion （pathos） is a passive state, it is not clear in what way we can make ourselves be affected correctly. This paper tries to solve this apparent difficulty by emphasizing the cognitive power of emotion. It also examines the role of prudence in the acquisition of ethical virtue, supporting an anti-intellectualist understanding of practical motivation.
文摘This paper is concerned with Aristotle＇s theory of habituation, focusing on the following three issues： （1） the relation between habit and reason, （2） human nature and habituation, and （3） the roles of family and politics in habituation. Aristotle＇s theory of habituation has been a topic of interest recently. Yet so far, most debates about this topic are about the first issue. This paper will bring in the second and the third issues, in order to provide a complete picture of the theory. To be more specific, the paper seeks to better understand the following three claims of Aristotle, corresponding to the three issues mentioned above： （1） ＂We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts＂ （NE 1103a34-bl）1. （2） ＂We are adapted by nature to receive virtues, and are made perfect by habit＂ （teleuioumenois de dia tou ethous） （1103a25-26）. （3） ＂One＇s own good cannot exist without household management, nor without a form of government＂ （1142a9-11）.
基金financial support of the Russian Science Foundation(Grant No.23-13-00201)。
文摘Dear Editor,Early pregnancy loss is a condition whose relevance is determined not only by high incidence but also by the frequency of this pathology progressing into habitual miscarriage.According to the American Pregnancy Association,non-developing pregnancy(NDP),one of the forms of pregnancy loss,accounts for half of all miscarriages in the early stages[1].
文摘This longitudinal study investigated how self-management and learning burnout influences the relationship between habitual mobile phone use and subjective well-being amongfirst-year university students.A sample of 1172 Chinese university students participated in a two-wave survey,with data collected six months apart at two time points(T1,T2).The results of Pearson correlation revealed that higher habitual mobile phone use at T1 was associated with lower subjective well-being at T2.Self-management was associated with healthy phone use habits and higher subjective wellbeing.Learning burnout risk was higher with habitual phone usage.Lower self-management and learning burnout at T2 played a chain mediating role between habitual mobile phone use at T1 and subjective well-being at T2 so that subjective well-being was much lower that with either of the variables alone.Overall,thesefindings suggest that habitual mobile phone use is a reliable predictor of college student’s subjective well-being,by their self-management and level of learning burnout over time.This research highlights the long-term impact of habitual mobile phone use on students’subjective well-being and provides valuable insights for developing effective interventions to support students well-being.
文摘A full habituated cell line C_ 20hi was screened from 2,4_D dependent line (C_ 20D) of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. The investigation involved the cell growth, ajmalicine production and enzyme activity related to indole alkaloid biosynthesis in both cell lines. These results indicated that C_ 20hi cells grew faster than C_ 20D cells, and average ajmalicine content in C_ 20hi cells was 18.4 times more than that in C_ 20D when cultured in the production medium. In the growth medium, average ajmalicine content in C_ 20hi cells was 31.9 times more than that in C_ 20D cells, while the cell growth has no obvious difference. The comparison of enzyme activities in C_ 20hi and C_ 20D cells indicated that tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC), strictosidine synthase (SSS) and geraniol_10_dehydrogenase (G10H) activities have no close relation to ajmalicine accumulation, although the activities of these enzymes were higher when cells were cultured in the production medium than in the growth medium. The C_ 20hi cells are relatively stable in five years of culture.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.79870 0 30 )
文摘Each directed graph with the asymmetric costs defined over its arcs,can be represented by a table,which we call an expansion table.The basic properties of cycles and spanning tables of the expansion table corresponding to the cycles and spanning trees of the directed graph is first explored.An algorithm is then derived to find a minimum spanning table corresponding to a minimum spanning tree in the directed graph.Finally,how to use the algorithm to find the optimal expansion of competence set and related problems are discussed.
文摘Chronically high occupational exposure to airborne metals like iron can impair olfactory function, but little is known about how low iron status modifies olfactory behavior. To investigate the influence of body iron status, weanling rats were fed a diet with low iron content (4 - 7 ppm) to induce iron deficiency anemia and olfactory behavior was compared to control rats fed an isocaloric diet sufficient in iron (210 - 220 ppm). Iron-deficient rats had prolonged exploratory time for attractive odorants in behavioral olfactory habituation/dishabituation tests, olfactory preference tests and olfactory sensitivity tests compared with control rats. No significant differences were observed for aversive odorants between the two groups. These findings suggest that iron-dependent functions may be involved in controlling and processing of olfactory signal transduction via self and lateral inhibition such that odorant signal remains stronger for longer times prolonging exploratory activity on attractive odorants in the behavioral tests. These findings establish that iron deficiency can modify olfactory behavior.
文摘Animals living around people may modify their antipredator behavior as a function of proximity to humans,and this response has profound implications for whether or not a population can coexist with humans.We asked whether inland blue-tailed skinks Emoia impar modified their individual antipredator behavior as a function of differential exposure to humans.We conducted multiple consecutive flushes and recorded 2 measures of antipredator response:flight initiation distance(FID),the distance from a threatening stimulus at which an individual flees,and distance fled,the distance an individual fled after a flush.We used a multiple model comparison approach to quantify variation in individual escape behavior across multiple approaches and to test for differences in between-individual variation among populations.We found that individuals tolerated closer approach and fled shorter distances at locations with relatively less human disturbance than at locations with medium and high human disturbance,respectively.In addition,skinks living at high human disturbance sites had less variable FIDs than at low human disturbance sites.Two theories may explain these results.Selection against less favorable phenotypes has reduced behavioral variation in urban habitats and behavioral plasticity allows individuals to flexibly adjust their behavioral patterns in response to human disturbance.These results highlight the importance of studying variation within populations,at the individual level,which may better elucidate the impact that human disturbance has on the behavioral composition of populations.
基金supported by the Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province(No.2019B030335001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32271116)。
文摘Atypical sensory responsivity is widely reported in autistic individuals and is related to elevated functional difficulties.Dynamically,altered initial responses and/or habituation rates could underlie their atypical averaged responses to repeated sensory stimuli.In this study we aimed to measure the arousal level in response to different types of auditory stimuli and the dynamic change of atypical arousal level using pupillometry in autistic children.In Experiment 1,43 autistic children and 49 neurotypical(NT)children were asked to passively listen to a mild sound and an aversive sound repeatedly.In Experiment 2,39 autistic children and 44 NT children who went through Experiment 1 listened to a gradually emerging non-startling sound and a suddenly emerging startling sound in a random order.We found that the autistic group showed hyper-arousal in response to the aversive sound and the startling sound as reflected by their larger change in pupil area.In comparison,these autistic children demonstrated normal arousal in response to the mild sound and the non-startling sound.Dynamically,the autistic group had a larger peak pupil area change than the NT group in the first trial and a normal habituation rate to the aversive sound.In summary,our results suggest hyper-arousal to aversive and startling stimuli and the role of larger initial responses in hyper-arousal in autism.Minimizing aversive and startling sensory stimuli or gradually increasing the volume of aversive auditory stimuli to allow autistic children to adapt using the principle of habituation is recommended to reduce the arousal level and problematic behaviors of autistic children.
基金executed as part of the Innovative Mitigation Tools for Avian Conflicts with wind Turbines(INTACT)projectfinanced by a consortium consisting of the Research Council of Norway(Grant 226241)Vattenfall,Statkraft,Statoil,Energy Norway,Tronder Energi Kraft,Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate and NINA
文摘Background: Concerns for bird collisions with wind turbines affect the deployment of onshore and offshore windpower plants.To avoid delays in consenting processes and to streamline the construction and operation phase,functional mitigation measures are required which efficiently reduces bird mortality.Vision is the primary sensory system in birds,which for a number of species also includes the ultraviolet spectrum.Many bird species that are known to collide with offshore wind turbines are sensitive in the violet or ultraviolet spectrum.For species that are mainly active at lower ambient light levels,lighting may deter birds from the lit area.Utilizing(ultra)violet lights may in addition not disturb humans.However,we do not know whether UV-sensitive birds in flight actually respond behaviourally to UV lights.Methods: We therefore tested the efficacy of two types of lights within the violet(400 nm) and ultraviolet(365 nm) spectrum to deter birds from the lit area.These lights were placed vertically and monitored continuously between dusk and dawn using an avian radar system.Results: Relative to control nights,bird flight activity(abundance) was 27% lower when the ultraviolet light was on.Violet light resulted in a 12% decrease in overall abundance,and in addition,a vertical displacement was seen,increasing the average flight altitude by 7 m.Although temporal changes occurred,this effect persisted over the season below 40 m above sea level.Conclusions: Although the results from this pilot study are promising,we argue there still is a long way to go before a potentially functional design to mitigate collisions that has proven to be effective in situ may be in place.
文摘Background: We investigated the impact of human recreational disturbances on the distribution of birds along a popular nature trail in Sinhararja World Heritage Forest, Sri Lanka. It was hypothesized that visual and noise stimuli caused by the presence of humans affect the distribution of avifauna associated with this nature trail.Methods: Nine circular plots of 25 m fixed-radius laid along the trail(0 m), and 18 plots laid perpendicular to the trail at 75 and 150 m intervals, were studied from March 2013 to January 2014. The degree of human recreational disturbances was assessed in terms of visitor group size(visual disturbance) and their noise level(sound disturbance). These disturbances were categorized along a four-point scale(no human disturbance, low, medium and high disturbance). The relationship between disturbance levels and the abundance of birds was statistically tested.Results: ANOVA results revealed that the abundance of birds differed significantly under various intensities of recreational disturbances at each distance level. A significant negative correlation between abundance of birds and intensity of disturbance at 0 m distance suggests an avoidance of edge habitats by birds in the presence of humans. Abundance of birds increased at the 75 and 150 m distance levels with increasing disturbances occurring at the trail. Significant negative correlations were further observed between disturbance level and the abundance of birds in ground/understory and sub-canopy vertical strata of the forest at 0 m distance.Conclusions: Under high levels of recreational disturbance occurring at this trail, the abundance of birds near the trail declined significantly, while bird abundance in the interior of the forest increased. The sensitivity of individual bird species to visitor disturbances varied with the vertical stratum of the forest they usually occupy. Birds occupying the ground, understory and sub-canopy are particularly sensitive to recreational disturbances while bird species occupying the canopy and above are less vulnerable to recreational disturbances.
文摘Stress research has gained popularity due to the increased acknowledgement of chronic stress on personal health. With this increased interest, researchers need to assure that the public receives quality, evidence-based solutions. Improvements following a stress reduction intervention are generally assessed by a self-survey pre-post rather than objective biomarkers of stress. There is a need in the literature for a research paradigm utilizing two different stressors to prevent any alteration in post-intervention results due to habituation of the stressor. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and the Beilock Stress Test (BST) are two different stress protocols published in the literature. The present study has three objectives: 1) to compare the efficacy of two different previously documented psychological stressors, the TSST and the BST;2) to compare an invasive measure, serum cortisol, to a non-invasive measure, the galvanic skin response (GSR);and 3) to examine the effects of sex on the response. Fifty-seven college age males (n = 31) and females (n = 26) completed both protocols. Blood samples were collected every 10 min for 110 minutes. Baseline, stressor, and recovery 1, 2, and 3 were averaged for a 20 min period. A 2 (test: BST or TSST) by 2 (sex: male or female) by 5 (trials: baseline, stressor, and recovery 1, 2, and 3) Mixed Plot ANCOVA with repeated measures on test and trial was used to analyze the data. There was not a significant main effect for test or sex for cortisol or the GSR. There was a significant difference for trial for both biomarkers: cortisol F(4,208) = 39.41;and GSR F(4,216) = 15.18. There was also a significant interaction term for sex × trial × test, F(4,208) = 4.51 and for test × trial, F(4,208) = 14.31 for cortisol. The conclusion is that the TSST and the BST can be used as pretest posttest stressors in translational studies assessing the effectiveness of a stress reduction technique if slight modifications are made in the statistical design.
基金supported by the University of Salamanca Research Support Grant 2015 to Dr.Dolores E.Lopez
文摘The serotonergic system in the brain plays a major role in mood and anxiety regulation when exposed to stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Sertraline administration in coping with stress using the behavioural paradigms of the acoustic startle reflex (ASR) and its prepulse inhibition (PPI) in both sexes. Wistar rats were divided into two groups: intact animals and exposed to restraint stress (RS) 3 times per day during 7 days, which were then subdivided into three other groups: injected with Sertraline (5 mg/kg/day) or the drug vehicle saline for 8 consecutive days, and non-injected. ASR and PPI values were analyzed along 4 sessions to determine behavioral changes. Upon it, we also determine the effects of acute immobilization stress analyzing physiological stress indicators in blood. Our data show sex differences in response to stress paradigms. RS affected more intensely males than females, disturbing the males’ growth and the long-term startle habituation that were not affected in females. PPI increased in the vehicle-injected animals when compared to baseline in both sexes, and Sertraline reversed more efficiently it in females. Moreover, despite both sexes exposed to stressful paradigms exhibited a significant increase in serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase enzymes when compared with intact controls, as well as leucopenia, some differences according to sex were found in the haemostatic response to stress. Notably, the repeated injections procedure disturbed the early response to stress, which Sertraline only attenuated in both sexes. Our data suggest that 8-day Sertraline administration is effective in reversing stress-induced changes in some physio-logical parameters, but insufficient to return immunological values to normality.
基金grants from the Ministero dell'Istruzione,dell'Università e della Ricerca and the University of Florence
文摘We reported a female patient with unrecognized celiac disease and multiple extra intestinal manifestations, mainly related to a deranged immune function, including macroamilasemia, macrolipasemia, IgA nephropathy,thyroiditis, and anti-b2-glicoprotein-1 antibodies, that disappeared or improved after the implementation of a gluten-free diet.
文摘Dilatation of the colon and the rectum, which is not attributable to aganglionosis, is a rare finding and can be the result of intractable chronic constipation. We report a rare case of a 29-year-old male patient with impressive megacolon, in whom Hirschsprung's or Chagas disease was ruled out. In the present case, dilatation of the colon was most likely due to a behavioral disorder with habitual failure of defecation. Chronic stool retention led to a bizarre bulging of the large bowel with displacement of the other abdominal organs and severe occult blood loss. Because of two episodes of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding despite conventional treatment of constipation, a surgical approach for bowel restoration was necessary. Temporary loop ileostomy had to be performed for depressurization of the large bowel and the subsequent possibility for effective antegrade colonic lavage to remove impacted stools. Shortly after the operation, the patient was healthy and could easily manage the handling of the ileostomy. However, the course of the megacolon in this young adult cannot be predicted and the follow-up will have to reveal if regression of this extreme colonic distension with reestablishment of regular rectal perception will occur.
文摘Objective: In this study the purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of daily bemiparin sodium injection in preventing early pregnancy loss and in achieving live births in pregnant patients, not ahead of 6th week, who are diagnosed with habitual abortion in a case-controlled randomized prospective study. Study Design: In this prospective study, 120 pregnant patients not ahead of 6th week and aged between 21 - 36 and diagnosed with habitual abortion between April 2011 and April 2012 in our clinic were included. Habitual abortion diagnosis criteria was based on patient history of three or more miscarriages before the 20th week and a genetically documented homozygote or heterozygote mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase gene. Results: The rate and the number of live births in the study group was 60 (93.75%) and statistically higher than the control group 32 (57.14%). The difference was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.001). The rate and the number of abortions in the control group was 24 (42.85%) and statistically higher than the study group 4 (6.25%). The difference was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.001). Conclusion: In order to maintain a healthy pregnancy an effective uteroplacental circulation is a must and any defects in haemostasis mechanisms may have an adverse influence. A few non-randomized studies comparing pregnancy results of low dose salycilic acid and low molecular weight heparin usage in patients also show that prophylaxis might be beneficial.
