Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of free water availability on a desert carnivore and herbivore

Abstract Anthropogenic manipulation of finite resources on the landscape to benefit individual species or communities is commonly employed by conservation and management agencies. One such action in arid regions is the construction and maintenance of water developments (i.e., wildlife guzzlers) adding free water on the landscape to buttress local populations, influence animal movements, or affect distributions of certain species of interest. Despite their prevalence, the utility of wildlife guzzlers remains largely untested. We employed a before–after control-impact (BACI) design over a 4-year period on the US Army Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, USA, to determine whether water availability at wildlife guzzlers influenced relative abundance of black-tailed jackrabbits Lepus californicus and relative use of areas near that resource by coyotes Canis latrans, and whether coyote visitations to guzzlers would decrease following elimination of water. Eliminating water availability at guzzlers did not influence jackrabbit relative abundance. Coyote relative use was impacted by water availability, with elimination of water reducing use in areas associated with our treatment, but not with areas associated with our control. Visitations of radio-collared coyotes to guzzlers declined nearly 3-fold following elimination of water. Our study provides the first evidence of a potential direct effect of water sources on a mammalian carnivore in an arid environment, but the ecological relevance of our finding is debatable. Future investigations aimed at determining water effects on terrestrial mammals could expand on our findings by incorporating manipulations of water availability, obtaining absolute estimates of population parameters and vital rates and incorporating fine-scale spatiotemporal data.
Incentive spirometry and positive expiratory pressure improve ventilation and recruitment in postoperative recovery: A randomized crossover study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Impairment of global and regional pulmonary ventilations is a well-known consequence of general anesthesia. Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) or incentive spirometry (IS) is commonly prescribed, albeit their efficacy is poorly demonstrated. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of PEP and IS on lung ventilation and recruitment in patients after surgery involving anesthesia using electrical impedance tomography (EIT). Method: Ten male subjects (age = 61.2 ± 16.3 years; BMI = 25.3 ± 3.8 kg/m2), free of pulmonary disease before being anesthetized, were recruited. Two series of manoeuvers (PEP and volume-oriented IS) were randomly performed with quiet breathing interposed between these phases. Pulmonary ventilation (ΔEELVVT (i − e)) and recruitment (ΔEELI) were evaluated continuously in a semi-seated position during all phases by EIT. Comparisons between rest and treatment were performed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Rest phases were compared by a mixed ANOVA. Bonferroni method was used for post-hoc comparisons. Results: ΔEELVVT (i − e) and ΔEELI were significantly increased by both techniques (+422% [p < 0.001]; +138% [p = 0.040] and +296% [p < 0.001]; +638% [p < 0.001] for PEP and IS, respectively). No difference was observed between both manoeuvers neither on ventilation nor on recruitment. This positive effect disappeared during the quiet breathing phases. Conclusion: IS and PEP improved ventilation and recruitment instantaneously without remnant effect after stopping the exercise.
Comparing deregression methods for genomic prediction of test‐day traits in dairy cattle

We aimed to investigate the performance of three deregression methods (VanRaden, VR; Wiggans, WG; and Garrick, GR) of cows' and bulls' breeding values to be used as pseudophenotypes in the genomic evaluation of test-day dairy production traits. Three scenarios were considered within each deregression method: (i) including only animals with reliability of estimated breeding value (RELEBV ) higher than the average of parent reliability (RELPA ) in the training and validation populations; (ii) including only animals with RELEBV higher than 0.50 in the training and RELEBV higher than RELPA in the validation population; and (iii) including only animals with RELEBV higher than 0.50 in both training and validation populations. Individual random regression coefficients of lactation curves were predicted using the genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP), considering either unweighted or weighted residual variances based on effective records contributions. In summary, VR and WG deregression methods seemed more appropriate for genomic prediction of test-day traits without need for weighting in the genomic analysis, unless large differences in RELEBV between training population animals exist.
Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens as an atypical form of cystic fibrosis: reproductive implications and genetic counseling

Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) is found in 1% to 2% of males with infertility and is present in 6% of obstructive azoospermia cases. Nearly 95% of men with cystic fibrosis (CF, an autosomal recessive disorder) have CBAVD. There are genetic links between CBAVD and CF. Some mutations in the gene encoding cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) can lead to CBAVD as a monosymptomatic form of CF. With the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), especially testicular or epididymal sperm aspiration, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and in vitro fertilization, it is possible that men with CBAVD can produce offspring. Therefore, genetic counseling should be offered to couples undergoing ART to discuss the probability of having offspring that carry CFTR gene mutations. The aim of this review was to present the main cause of CBAVD, to call attention to its implications for assisted reproduction, and to show the importance of genetic counseling for couples where men have CBAVD, as they can have offspring with a lethal disease.
Improved anticoagulant effect of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate orally administered as gastroresistant tablets

Summary Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FucCS) is a potent anticoagulant polysaccharide extracted from sea cucumber. Its anticoagulant activity is attributed to the presence of unique branches of sulfated fucose. Although this glycosaminoglycan exerts an antithrombotic effect following oral administration, high doses are necessary to achieve the maximum effect. The diminished activity of FucCS following oral administration is likely due to its degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and its limited ability to cross the intestinal cell membranes. The latter aspect is particularly difficult to overcome. However, gastroresistant tablet formulation may help limit the degradation of FucCS in the gastrointestinal tract. In the present work, we found that the oral administration of FucCS as gastroresistant tablets produces a more potent and prolonged anticoagulant effect compared with its administration as an aqueous solution, with no significant changes in the bleeding tendency or arterial blood pressure. Experiments using animal models of arterial thrombosis initiated by endothelial injury demonstrated that FucCS delivered as gastro-protective tablets produced a potent antithrombotic effect, whereas its aqueous solution was ineffective. However, there was no significant difference between the effects of FucCS delivered as gastroresistant tablets or as aqueous solution in a venous thrombosis model, likely due to the high dose of thromboplastin used. New oral anticoagulants tested in these experimental models for comparison showed significantly increased bleeding tendencies. Our study provides a framework for developing effective oral anticoagulants based on sulfated polysaccharides from marine organisms. The present results suggest that FucCS is a promising oral anticoagulant. Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Improvement in thermomechanical properties of injection molded nano-modified hybrid biocomposite

Biopolymers and their composites are one of the best alternatives for replacing petroleum-based plastic commodities. The main drawback of biopolymer is its high cost that restricts its applications; however, biopolymers filled with natural fibers are able to reduce cost but suffer lower impact strength and fracture toughness. Nanoclay which has a very high aspect ratio shows a significant effect on mechanical and thermal properties. This article concentrates on hybridization of nanoclay and natural fibers. Mechanical properties show that with the addition of nanoclay, impact strength increases more than 50%; however, other mechanical properties are also increased, which are proved by fractography analysis. Thermal analysis shows that hybrid biocomposite exhibits higher storage modulus, decomposition temperature and higher percentage of crystallinity. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis confirms formation of new bond between nanoclay and polymer matrix which is the main reason for improving thermal and mechanical properties of the hybrid biocomposite.
Estimation of the Botanical Composition of Clover-Grass Leys from RGB Images Using Data Simulation and Fully Convolutional Neural Networks

Optimal fertilization of clover-grass fields relies on knowledge of the clover and grass fractions. This study shows how knowledge can be obtained by analyzing images collected in fields automatically. A fully convolutional neural network was trained to create a pixel-wise classification of clover, grass, and weeds in red, green, and blue (RGB) images of clover-grass mixtures. The estimated clover fractions of the dry matter from the images were found to be highly correlated with the real clover fractions of the dry matter, making this a cheap and non-destructive way of monitoring clover-grass fields. The network was trained solely on simulated top-down images of clover-grass fields. This enables the network to distinguish clover, grass, and weed pixels in real images. The use of simulated images for training reduces the manual labor to a few hours, as compared to more than 3000 h when all the real images are annotated for training. The network was tested on images with varied clover/grass ratios and achieved an overall pixel classification accuracy of 83.4%, while estimating the dry matter clover fraction with a standard deviation of 7.8%.
Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs

Inflammation is a biological response of the immune system that can be triggered by a variety of factors, including pathogens, damaged cells and toxic compounds. These factors may induce acute and/or chronic inflammatory responses in the heart, pancreas, liver, kidney, lung, brain, intestinal tract and reproductive system, potentially leading to tissue damage or disease. Both infectious and non-infectious agents and cell damage activate inflammatory cells and trigger inflammatory signaling pathways, most commonly the NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK-STAT pathways. Here, we review inflammatory responses within organs, focusing on the etiology of inflammation, inflammatory response mechanisms, resolution of inflammation, and organ-specific inflammatory responses.
Cdc73 suppresses genome instability by mediating telomere homeostasis

Defects in the genes encoding the Paf1 complex can cause increased genome instability. Loss of Paf1, Cdc73, and Ctr9, but not Rtf1 or Leo1, caused increased accumulation of gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs). Combining the cdc73Δ mutation with individual deletions of 43 other genes, including TEL1 and YKU80, which are involved in telomere maintenance, resulted in synergistic increases in GCR rates. Whole genome sequence analysis of GCRs indicated that there were reduced relative rates of GCRs mediated by de novo telomere additions and increased rates of translocations and inverted duplications in cdc73Δ single and double mutants. Analysis of telomere lengths and telomeric gene silencing in strains containing different combinations of cdc73Δ, tel1Δ and yku80Δ mutations suggested that combinations of these mutations caused increased defects in telomere maintenance. A deletion analysis of Cdc73 revealed that a central 105 amino acid region was necessary and sufficient for suppressing the defects observed in cdc73Δ strains; this region was required for the binding of Cdc73 to the Paf1 complex through Ctr9 and for nuclear localization of Cdc73. Taken together, these data suggest that the increased GCR rate of cdc73Δ single and double mutants is due to partial telomere dysfunction and that Ctr9 and Paf1 play a central role in the Paf1 complex potentially by scaffolding the Paf1 complex subunits or by mediating recruitment of the Paf1 complex to the different processes it functions in.
Experimental validation of reconfigurable robust Multilevel Multiphase Energy Generation Systems based on the T-type converters

The Multiphase Multilevel Energy Generation Systems (M2EGS) base mainly on utilization of the multiphase machine such e.g. symmetrical, Single Neutral Point (SNP), 6-phase Induction Generator (6IG) that as other multiphase machines displays a feature to operate under phase loss fault condition. This property gives an ability to 'sacrifice' one leg of the generator converter and switch it into the grid converter side in case of its failure within the T-type back-to-back (B2B) topology. Unfortunately, one phase loss in the generator or its converter results in a significant electromagnetic torque ripples that have a negative impact on the machine bearings and elements mounted on its shaft. Then, a proper fault-tolerant algorithm for the generator is necessary. This paper presents the original experimental validation of the full reconfiguration mechanism introduced into the Multiphase Multilevel Energy Generation System (M2EGS). Moreover, a de-rating effect of fault-tolerant operation for the Renewable Energy Source (RES) application is briefly discussed.
Effects of precipitation changes on switchgrass photosynthesis, growth, and biomass: A mesocosm experiment

Climate changes, including chronic changes in precipitation amounts, will influence plant physiology and growth. However, such precipitation effects on switchgrass, a major bioenergy crop, have not been well investigated. We conducted a two-year precipitation simulation experiment using large pots (95 L) in an environmentally controlled greenhouse in Nashville, TN. Five precipitation treatments (ambient precipitation, and -50%, -33%, +33%, and +50% of ambient) were applied in a randomized complete block design with lowland "Alamo" switchgrass plants one year after they were established from tillers. The growing season progression of leaf physiology, tiller number, height, and aboveground biomass were determined each growing season. Precipitation treatments significantly affected leaf physiology, growth, and aboveground biomass. The photosynthetic rates in the wet (+50% and +33%) treatments were significantly enhanced by 15.9% and 8.1%, respectively, than the ambient treatment. Both leaf biomass and plant height were largely increased, resulting in dramatically increases in aboveground biomass by 56.5% and 49.6% in the +50% and +33% treatments, respectively. Compared to the ambient treatment, the drought (-33% and -50%) treatments did not influence leaf physiology, but the -50% treatment significantly reduced leaf biomass by 37.8%, plant height by 16.3%, and aboveground biomass by 38.9%. This study demonstrated that while switchgrass in general is a drought tolerant grass, severe drought significantly reduces Alamo’s growth and biomass, and that high precipitation stimulates its photosynthesis and growth.
INFLUENCE OF POLYMER BLENDING ON CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE OF POLYVINYLIDENE FLUORIDE

The changes in the crystalline structure of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were investigated via preparation of its blends with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in molten states in an internal mixer at 10% to 40 wt% of the last two polymers. In all the blends, an increase in β-crystal content of PVDF was observed at different degrees and different morphologies. Polyvinylidene fluoride blends with PMMA showed a homogeneous morphology, whereas those with PET and PVC showed two-phase morphologies. These were accounted for the solubility parameter differences of the polymers. In the case of PVC the mismatch of processing conditions was found to be the main reason for the observed morphology. The technique of FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the relative β-crystal content of PMMA blend reached 70% at 30 wt% PMMA, whereas PET and PVC achieved 80% β-crystals by only 10 wt% modification. This was attributed to the interactions of the blended polymers with PVDF molecules in amorphous regions or at their interphases. The effects of PVC and PET on the beta-crystal content of PVDF are similar although the blends in the case of PET produce finer morphology as compared with those of PVC. It is desirable to find and maximize the content of PVDF in final piezoelectric article. The technique of WXRD shows limited changes in shape and position of PVDF/PMMA and PVDF/PVC blends spectra and considerable changes in shape of PVDF/PET blends spectra. This is found to be related to the amorphous and semi-crystalline structures of PVC and PET, respectively. Due to the spherical symmetry of the PVDF spherulites the piezoelectric coefficient of the blends are found to be zero.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus in Taiwan 30 years after the commencement of the national vaccination program

Background In this study, the long-term efficacy of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination was assessed using seroprevalence and an age–period–cohort (APC) model of HBV seromarkers among university entrants 30 years after the introduction of the national neonatal HBV vaccination program in Taiwan. Methods In total, data of 17,611 university entrants who underwent university entrance health examinations between 2005 and 2016 were included. The seroprevalence of the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and the levels of the antibody against the HBV surface antigen (anti-HBs) in each year group and sex were calculated. The levels of the antibody against the HBV core antigen were examined only for 2012 and 2016. The APC model was used to analyze the HBV carrier rates. Results The chronic HBV infection (HBsAg positivity) rate decreased from 9.7% in university students born before June 1974 to <1.0% in students born after 1992. The prevalence of anti-HBs positivity declined, particularly between the 1984–1988 cohort (78.2%–53.2%) and the 1990–1994 cohort (60.6%–44.4%). Our APC model revealed that the chronic HBV carrier rate among the student population was affected significantly by age, period, and cohort (P < 0.001). Conclusions HBV vaccination is one of the most effective strategies for preventing HBV infection. However, for complete eradication of HBV infection, the development of strategies that detect vaccination failure more effectively than current strategies do and early implementation of appropriate treatments are both necessary.
FibroChip, a Functional DNA Microarray to Monitor Cellulolytic and Hemicellulolytic Activities of Rumen Microbiota

Ruminants fulfill their energy needs for growth primarily through microbial breakdown of plant biomass in the rumen. Several biotic and abiotic factors influence the efficiency of fiber degradation, which can ultimately impact animal productivity and health. To provide more insight into mechanisms involved in the modulation of fibrolytic activity, a functional DNA microarray targeting genes encoding key enzymes involved in cellulose and hemicellulose degradation by rumen microbiota was designed. Eight carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) families (GH5, GH9, GH10, GH11, GH43, GH48, CE1, and CE6) were selected which represented 392 genes from bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. The DNA microarray, designated as FibroChip, was validated using targets of increasing complexity and demonstrated sensitivity and specificity. In addition, FibroChip was evaluated for its explorative and semi-quantitative potential. Differential expression of CAZyme genes was evidenced in the rumen bacterium Fibrobacter succinogenes S85 grown on wheat straw or cellobiose. FibroChip was used to identify the expressed CAZyme genes from the targeted families in the rumen of a cow fed a mixed diet based on grass silage. Among expressed genes, those encoding GH43, GH5, and GH10 families were the most represented. Most of the F. succinogenes genes detected by the FibroChip were also detected following RNA-seq analysis of RNA transcripts obtained from the rumen fluid sample. Use of the FibroChip also indicated that transcripts of fiber degrading enzymes derived from eukaryotes (protozoa and anaerobic fungi) represented a significant proportion of the total microbial mRNA pool. FibroChip represents a reliable and high-throughput tool that enables researchers to monitor active members of fiber degradation in the rumen.
Effects of Mode Ratio, Ply Orientation and Precracking on the Delamination Toughness of a Laminated Composite

Results are presented from an investigation of the effects of mode ratio, interfacial ply orientation and precracking on the delamination toughness of a graphite/ epoxy composite. Delamination toughness tests were performed on specimens that exhibited growth at 00/00, 15°/15°, 15°/- 150, 30°/30° and 30°/-30° interfaces. Three mode ratios were considered. The double cantilever beam test was utilized for pure mode I, the end-notched flexure test was used for pure mode II, and the symmetrically delaminated single leg bending test was used for a mixed-mode condition, G,,IG, equal to approximately 0.4. All five interfaces were tested in both precracked and non-precracked conditions at each mode ratio. Also, for the 30°/30° and 30°/- 30° interfaces, two different stacking sequences were used to assess the effect of remote ply orientation on the perceived mode I and mode II toughness. For any mode ratio and interface angle, it was found that precracked toughness values were always lower than the corresponding nonprecracked result. No other consistent trends were observed in all of the data. For the mode I tests, the 30/30 interface exhibited the lowest toughness, for the mixed-mode tests, the 0/0 interface produced a minimum toughness, and for mode II no significant effect of interface angle on toughness was observed. These results are interpreted with the aid of recent three dimensional finite element analyses for energy release rate distributions along the delamination front for the different stacking sequences and test geometries. The accuracy of various data reduction techniques are also evaluated, and suggestions are made for future testing.