Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential Movement Patterns of Juvenile Tengmalms Owls (Aegolius funereus) during the Post-Fledging Dependence Period in Two Years with Contrasting Prey Abundance

Fledgling behaviour and movement patterns throughout the post-fledging dependence period (PFDP), especially in relation to changing environmental conditions, have been rarely studied, despite the fact that this period is recognized as of crucial significance in terms of high mortality of juveniles. The PFDP can extend over quite a protracted period, particularly in birds of prey, and a knowledge of the movement patterns of individuals is fundamental for understanding mechanisms underlying survival, habitat use and dispersion. We radiotracked 39 fledglings of the Tengmalm’s owl (Aegolius funereus) in two years with different availability of prey: 2010 (n = 29) and 2011 (n = 10) and obtained 1455 daily locations. Fledglings reached independence on average in 45 days after fledging in 2010 (n = 22) and 57 days in 2011 (n = 6). Within years, the most important measures influencing the distance moved from the nest box were age of fledglings and number of surviving siblings present. Individual home range size and duration of PFDP in particular were dependent on maximal number of siblings seen outside the nest box. In the season with low prey availability fledglings were observed at greater distances from the nest box than in the year with higher prey availability (mean distance: 350 m in 2010 and 650 m in 2011) and occupied larger home ranges (mean: 30.3 ha in 2010 and 57.7 ha in 2011). The main factor causing these differences between years was probably the different availability of prey in these two years, affecting breeding success and post-fledging survivorship of the Tengmalm’s owls.
Methotrexate induces DNA damage and inhibits homologous recombination repair in choriocarcinoma cells

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of sensitivity to methotrexate (MTX) in human choriocarcinoma cells regarding DNA damage response. Methods Two choriocarcinoma cancer cell lines, JAR and JEG-3, were utilized in this study. An MTX-sensitive osteosarcoma cell line MG63, an MTX-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer cell line A2780 and an MTX-resistant cervical adenocarcinoma cell line Hela served as controls. Cell viability assay was carried out to assess MTX sensitivity of cell lines. MTX-induced DNA damage was evaluated by comet assay. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA levels of BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51 and RAD52. The protein levels of γH2AX, RAD 51 and p53 were analyzed by Western blot. Results Remarkable DNA strand breaks were observed in MTX-sensitive cell lines (JAR, JEG-3 and MG63) but not in MTX-resistant cancer cells (A2780 and Hela) after 48 h of MTX treatment. Only in the choriocarcinoma cells, the expression of homologous recombination (HR) repair gene RAD51 was dramatically suppressed by MTX in a dose- and time-dependent manner, accompanied with the increase in p53. Conclusion The MTX-induced DNA strand breaks accompanied by deficiencies in HR repair may contribute to the hypersensitivity to chemotherapy in choriocarcinoma.
Approximation and Monotonicity of the Maximal Invariant Ellipsoid for Discrete-Time Systems by Bounded Controls

An analytic approximation of the maximal invariant ellipsoid for a discrete-time linear system with bounded controls is derived. The approximation is expressed explicitly in terms of the coefficient matrices of the system and the positive definite matrix that represents the shape of the invariant ellipsoid. It is shown that this approximation is very close to the exact maximal invariant ellipsoid obtained by solving either an LMI-based optimization problem or a nonlinear algebraic equation. Furthermore, the necessary and sufficient condition for such an approximation to be equal to the exact maximal invariant ellipsoid is established. On the other hand, the monotonicity of the maximal invariant ellipsoid resulting from the ¿minimal energy control with guaranteed convergence rate¿ problem is established that shows a trade-off between increasing the size of the invariant ellipsoid and increasing the convergence rate of the closed-loop system under a bounded control. Two illustrative examples demonstrate of the effectiveness of the results.
NANOSILVER - AN EFFECTIVE ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT FOR FINISHING OF TEXTILES

This review presents an overview about antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles and then various synthesis approaches such as physical, chemical and biological methods. Silver has been in use since ancient time in the form of metallic silver, silver nitrate, silver sulfadiazine for the treatment of burns, wounds and several bacterial infections. Metallic silver in the form of silver nanoparticles has made a remarkable comeback as a potential antimicrobial agent. The use of silver nanoparticles is also important, as several pathogenic bacteria have developed resistance against various antibiotics. Hence, silver nanoparticles have emerged up with diverse medical applications.
Hanani-Tutte for approximating maps of graphs

We resolve in the affirmative conjectures of Repovs and A. Skopenkov (1998), and M. Skopenkov (2003) generalizing the classical Hanani-Tutte theorem to the setting of approximating maps of graphs on 2-dimensional surfaces by embeddings. Our proof of this result is constructive and almost immediately implies an efficient algorithm for testing if a given piecewise linear map of a graph in a surface is approximable by an embedding. More precisely, an instance of this problem consists of (i) a graph G whose vertices are partitioned into clusters and whose inter-cluster edges are partitioned into bundles, and (ii) a region R of a 2-dimensional compact surface M given as the union of a set of pairwise disjoint discs corresponding to the clusters and a set of pairwise non-intersecting "pipes" corresponding to the bundles, connecting certain pairs of these discs. We are to decide whether G can be embedded inside M so that the vertices in every cluster are drawn in the corresponding disc, the edges in every bundle pass only through its corresponding pipe, and every edge crosses the boundary of each disc at most once.
Morphometric Study Of The Renal Arteries In Saudi Population From Aseer Region Using 3-D MDCT Angiography

The renal artery exhibits wide spectrum of origin variation. The renal artery anatomy plays a considerable role in selecting donors. 3-D angiotomography is the best modality for vascular anatomic evaluation. The aim of the present study was first, to provide morphometric data concerning the renal arteries in people of Aseer region, K.S. A. and second, to establish relationships between those arteries. Methods: Data from a retrospective review were performed using 3-D MDCT angiography of 100 consecutive Saudi patients fulfilled all research criteria and had a readable CTA were selected (54 males and 46 females) with mean age 54.7 ± 5.2 years. Results: The median level of the origin of right renal artery and left renal artery is at the level of the lower third of L1 and the disc between L1 and L2, respectively. The mean of the measured angle of the right renal and left renal arteries is 55o± 7o and 85o ±8o, respectively. There was no difference between the diameters of the main renal arteries. The renal artery diameter had a direct correlation with the angle of origin. The renal artery diameter in kidneys with extra renal artery was significantly lower than those without an extra renal artery. Renal arteries associated with extra renal artery showed greater length. The length of the segment between celiac trunk and the renal arteries was significantly correlated with the length of the abdominal aorta. Conclusion: Understand the position, calibre and angle of the renal arteries, were advantageous to make use of selective arteriography, arterial embolism therapy and plan stent grafts. [Mohamed Atif A. Said Ahmed and Hamed A. Gobran. Morphometric Study Of The Renal Arteries In Saudi Population From Aseer Region Using 3-D Mdct Angiography] J Am Sci 2013;9(3):10 -15]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience. org. 2
Diverse Honeydew-Consuming Fungal Communities Associated with Scale Insects

Sooty mould fungi are ubiquitous, abundant consumers of insect-honeydew that have been little-studied. They form a complex of unrelated fungi that coexist and compete for honeydew, which is a chemically complex resource. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy in combination with T-RFLP community profiling and ITS-based tag-pyrosequencing to extensively describe the sooty mould community associated with the honeydews of two ecologically important New Zealand coelostomidiid scale insects, Coelostomidia wairoensis and Ultracoelostoma brittini. We tested the influence of host plant on the community composition of associated sooty moulds, and undertook limited analyses to examine the influence of scale insect species and geographic location. We report here a previously unknown degree of fungal diversity present in this complex, with pyrosequencing detecting on average 243 operational taxonomic units across the different sooty mould samples. In contrast, T-RFLP detected only a total of 24 different “species” (unique peaks). Nevertheless, both techniques identified similar patterns of diversity suggesting that either method is appropriate for community profiling. The composition of the microbial community associated with individual scale insect species varied although the differences may in part reflect variation in host preference and site. Scanning electron microscopy visualised an intertwined mass of fungal hyphae and fruiting bodies in near-intact physical condition, but was unable to distinguish between the different fungal communities on a morphological level, highlighting the need for molecular research. The substantial diversity revealed for the first time by pyrosequencing and our inability to identify two-thirds of the diversity to further than the fungal division highlights the significant gap in our knowledge of these fungal groups. This study provides a first extensive look at the community diversity of the fungal community closely associated with the keystone insect-honeydew systems of New Zealand’s native forests and suggests there is much to learn about sooty mould communities.
No Control Genes Required: Bayesian Analysis of qRT-PCR Data

Background Model-based analysis of data from quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) is potentially more powerful and versatile than traditional methods. Yet existing model-based approaches cannot properly deal with the higher sampling variances associated with low-abundant targets, nor do they provide a natural way to incorporate assumptions about the stability of control genes directly into the model-fitting process. Results In our method, raw qPCR data are represented as molecule counts, and described using generalized linear mixed models under Poisson-lognormal error. A Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is used to sample from the joint posterior distribution over all model parameters, thereby estimating the effects of all experimental factors on the expression of every gene. The Poisson-based model allows for the correct specification of the mean-variance relationship of the PCR amplification process, and can also glean information from instances of no amplification (zero counts). Our method is very flexible with respect to control genes: any prior knowledge about the expected degree of their stability can be directly incorporated into the model. Yet the method provides sensible answers without such assumptions, or even in the complete absence of control genes. We also present a natural Bayesian analogue of the “classic” analysis, which uses standard data pre-processing steps (logarithmic transformation and multi-gene normalization) but estimates all gene expression changes jointly within a single model. The new methods are considerably more flexible and powerful than the standard delta-delta Ct analysis based on pairwise t-tests. Conclusions Our methodology expands the applicability of the relative-quantification analysis protocol all the way to the lowest-abundance targets, and provides a novel opportunity to analyze qRT-PCR data without making any assumptions concerning target stability. These procedures have been implemented as the MCMC.qpcr package in R.
Impact of Iron and Molybdenum in Mono and Multicrystalline Float-Zone Silicon Solar Cells

This paper investigates the impact of iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo) when they are introduced in the feedstock for mono- and multicrystalline Float-Zone (FZ) silicon (Si) growth. Neutron Activation Analysis shows that the segregation coefficient is in agreement with literature values. Lifetime maps on monocrystalline wafers show a uniform lifetime which decreases with the increase of contamination levels. Multicrystalline wafers show low lifetime areas, corresponding to grain boundaries and highly dislocated areas, which are independent from the contamination levels. Intra grain areas have a higher lifetime which changes with the contamination levels. The solar cells show a reduced diffusion length in multicrystalline uncontaminated cells compare to the monocrystalline uncontaminated. In multicrystalline cells the lowest level of Fe introduced (1012 atm/cm3) has hardly any influence, whereas in the Mo-contaminated cells the impact is visible from the lowest level (1011 atm/cm3). In monocrystalline cells the diffusion length is reduced already at the lowest contamination level of Fe.
Do differences matter? A typology of emerging adult romantic relationship

Romantic relationships among emerging adults (individuals aged 18–25 years) are typically homogenously classified both theoretically and empirically as “exploratory” and “unstable. ” With a sample of college students (N = 340), we examined within-group variation among romantic relationships in emerging adulthood using latent class analyses. Four predictor variables indicated four types of romantic relationships among emerging adult college students: the committers (38%), the casual daters (23%), the settlers (30%), and the volatile daters (8%). Classes varied according to background variables such as gender and infidelity. Additionally, there was class variation for outcome variables such as breakup status and loneliness. Future research and implications are discussed.
Anti-aging effects of M2000 (β-D-mannuronic acid) as a novel immunosuppressive drug on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidative stress parameters in an experimental model

Abstract Background: The anti-aging property of β-D-mannuronic acid (M2000) as a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent was investigated on several determinants relative to the oxidative stress in an animal model. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were used for evaluating the safety and efficacy properties of M2000 on some oxidative stress enzymes, including the following: mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), glutathione S-transferase (GST), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression by real-time PCR. Malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl protein (PCO) (the lipid and protein oxidation marker, respectively), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were tested in serum by biochemical analysis. In addition, cortisol as a steroid hormone was surveyed by chemiluminescence immunoassay after 12 weeks of M2000 consumption. The rats were sacrificed 3 months after daily oral administration of M2000. Results: Our findings revealed the favorable effects of M2000 on several antioxidant enzyme and gene expression, including SOD2, CAT, GPX1, and GST; however, our results were not statistically significant. Moreover, there was no significant difference in MDA and PCO as lipid and protein oxidation markers, TAC, and cortisol compared with the control group following M2000 consumption. A slight weight increase in the M2000-treated group was also observed. Conclusions: Our data showed the anti-aging property of M2000 as a novel designed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with immunosuppressive property on various oxidative stress determinants.
Satisfaction and Improvements in Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes Associated with Telehealth

Summary Background and Significance: End stage renal disease (ESRD) affects approximately 660,000 persons in the US each year, representing a significant financial burden to the health care system and affected individuals. Telehealth approaches to care offer an important means of reducing costs as well as increasing autonomy for patients. Understanding patient satisfaction with telehealth provides a key towards eventual scalability. Materials and Methods: Quarterly surveys were conducted to characterize satisfaction with remote biometric monitoring (RBM) for blood pressure, weight, glucose and peritoneal dialysis (PD)-specific educational online videos for ESRD patients using PD. Results: Of 300 participants, 67% participated in the surveys and provided baseline and at least one follow-up assessment. The majority were 45 to 64 years of age (50.5%), Black (64.5%), married or living with significant other (52.0%), and had more than a high school degree (73.0%). RBM was associated with perceived autonomy and confidence in health care activities and decreased negative perceptions of PD care and ESRD. The majority of participants (80.1%) indicated that they were satisfied or completely satisfied with the system. Participants found that the interface increased confidence, reduced frustration, and related perceptions were significantly and positively altered (p<0.05) for each of the separate telehealth components. Educational videos were well utilized with nearly half of the participants (42.5%) reporting that they watched at least one of the videos, and the majority reporting that the videos seen had an overall positive impact on health. Discussion and Conclusions: Supplementing PD with telehealth has the potential to have a positive impact on patient perceptions of PD care and consequently improve clinical outcomes.
Microstructure and Mechanical Property Development in Superalloy U720LI

Superalloy Udimet 720LITM has been studied and implemented into many production applications. [1,2] Further work has been conducted to assess the nature of the microstructural evolution and mechanical properly development in this alloy. This effort is focussed on thermal processing cycles to tailor gamma-prime distribution and gram boundary morphologies, and subsequent mechanical properties. The results of this work have been compared to previous studies and assessed with regard to basic physical metallurgy understanding of the observed microstructure/property relationships. A new thermal processing route has been established which will allow for an optimmn balance in mechanical properties for this material for potential future applications.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Review Re-evaluating the Role of Tpj in Attentional Control: Contextual Updating?

Keywords: Temporo-parietal junction Attention Ventral attentional control network Theory of mind Inferior parietal cortex a b s t r a c t The right temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) is widely considered as part of a network that reorients attention to task-relevant, but currently unattended stimuli (Corbetta and Shulman, 2002). Despite the prevalence of this theory in cognitive neuroscience, there is little direct evidence for the principal hypothesis that TPJ sends an early reorientation signal that " circuit breaks " attentional processing in regions of the dor-sal attentional network (e.g., the frontal eye fields) or is completely right lateralized during attentional processing. In this review, we examine both functional neuroimaging work on TPJ in the attentional literature as well as anatomical findings. We first critically evaluate the idea that TPJ reorients attention and is right lateralized; we then suggest that TPJ signals might rather reflect post-perceptual processes involved in contextual updating and adjustments of top-down expectations; and then finally discuss how these ideas relate to the electrophysiological (P300) literature, and to TPJ findings in other cognitive and social domains. We conclude that while much work is needed to define the computational functions of regions encapsulated as TPJ, there is now substantial evidence that it is not specialized for stimulus-driven attentional reorienting. ଝ This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
A prospective comparison of octyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (dermabond) and suture for the closure of excisional wounds in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest that the use of octyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive for closure of both traumatic lacerations and incisional surgical wounds results in a cosmetic outcome comparable to that achieved with conventional sutures. To date, no studies have looked at the use of tissue adhesive for higher-tension wounds, such as those created during cutaneous excisional procedures. OBJECTIVE To compare the tissue adhesive octyl cyanoacrylate with standard suture for the closure of excisional wounds in children and adolescents. DESIGN A prospective comparison with blinded assessment of cosmetic outcome. Twenty-eight wounds were closed with monofilament suture and 24 were closed with tissue adhesive. At approximately 2 months, photographs of the incisions were evaluated by 2 dermatologists blinded to the method of skin closure. SUBJECTS Forty-two consecutive patients undergoing excisional dermatologic procedures at Children's Hospital, San Diego, Calif. These 42 patients had a total of 52 wounds that were evaluated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The cosmetic appearance of the wounds at 2 months, based on 2 validated wound scales: the Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale and a visual analog scale. RESULTS There were no differences in early complications between the groups. The suture group scored higher on the visual analog scale (63.3 mm for suture vs 47.8 mm for tissue adhesive), and this difference was statistically significant (P =.02). The suture group also had a higher median score on the Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale, but this difference was not statistically significant (P =.09). CONCLUSION The cosmetic outcome of cutaneous excisional surgery wounds closed with standard suturing was found to be superior to that of wounds closed with octyl cyanoacrylate.