Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Negative density-dependent dispersal in the American black bear (Ursus americanus) revealed by noninvasive sampling and genotyping

Although the dispersal of animals is influenced by a variety of factors, few studies have used a condition-dependent approach to assess it. The mechanisms underlying dispersal are thus poorly known in many species, especially in large mammals. We used 10 microsatellite loci to examine population density effects on sex-specific dispersal behavior in the American black bear, Ursus americanus. We tested whether dispersal increases with population density in both sexes. Fine-scale genetic structure was investigated in each of four sampling areas using Mantel tests and spatial autocorrelation analyses. Our results revealed male-biased dispersal pattern in low-density areas. As population density increased, females appeared to exhibit philopatry at smaller scales. Fine-scale genetic structure for males at higher densities may indicate reduced dispersal distances and delayed dispersal by subadults.
Severe, but not mild heat-shock treatment induces immunogenic cell death in cancer cells

ABSTRACT The mechanisms of immunogenicity underlying mild heat-shock (mHS) treatment < 42°C of tumor cells are largely attributed to the action of heat-shock proteins; however, little is known about the immunogenicity of tumor cells undergoing severe cytotoxic heat-shock treatment (sHS > 43°C). Here, we found that sHS, but not mHS (42°C), induces immunogenic cell death in human cancer cell lines as defined by the induction of ER stress response and ROS generation, cell surface exposure of calreticulin, HSP70 and HSP90, decrease of cell surface CD47, release of ATP and HMGB1. Only sHS-treated tumor cells were efficiently killed and phagocytosed by dendritic cells (DCs), which was partially dependent on cell surface calreticulin. DCs loaded with mHS or sHS-treated tumor cells displayed similar level of maturation and stimulated IFNγ-producing CD8+ T cells without any additional adjuvants in vitro. However, only DCs loaded with sHS-treated tumor cells stimulated antigen-specific CD4+ T cells and induced higher CD8+ T-cell activation and proliferation. sHS-treated murine cells also exposed calreticulin, HSP70 and HSP90 and activated higher DC maturation than mHS treated cells. Vaccination with sHS-treated tumor cells elicited protective immunity in mice. In this study, we defined specific conditions for the sHS treatment of human lung and ovarian tumor cells to arrive at optimal ratio between effective cell death, immunogenicity and content of tumor antigens for immunotherapeutic vaccine generation.
Crossing the reality gap in evolutionary robotics by promoting transferable controllers

The reality gap, that often makes controllers evolved in simulation inefficient once transferred onto the real system, remains a critical issue in Evolutionary Robotics (ER); it prevents ER application to real-world problems. We hypothesize that this gap mainly stems from a conflict between the efficiency of the solutions in simulation and their transferability from simulation to reality: best solutions in simulation often rely on bad simulated phenomena (e.g. the most dynamic ones). This hypothesis leads to a multi-objective formulation of ER in which two main objectives are optimized via a Pareto-based Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm: (1) the fitness and (2) the transferability. To evaluate this second objective, a simulation-to-reality disparity value is approximated for each controller. The proposed method is applied to the evolution of walking controllers for a real 8-DOF quadrupedal robot. It successfully finds efficient and well-transferable controllers with only a few experiments in reality.
of the 23 rd Annual EMBS International Conference , October 25-28 , Istanbul , Turkey RF Safety of Wires in Interventional MRI : Using a Safety Index

SAR ( W W . AbstructWith the rapid growth of interventional MRI, radiofrequency (RF) heating at the tips of guidewires, catheters, and other wire-shaped devices has become an important safety issue. Previous studies have identified some of the variables that affect the relative magnitude of this heating but none could predict the absolute amount of heating to formulate safety margins. This study presents the first theoretical model of wire tip heating that can accurately predict its absolute value. The method of moments was used to find the induced currents on insulated and bare wires that were completely embedded in the tissue. The induced currents caused an amplification of the local specific absorption rate (SAR) distribution near the wire. This SAR gain was combined with a semi-analytic solution to the bioheat transfer equation to generate a safety index. The safety index is a measure of the worst case in vivo temperature change that can occur with the wire in place. It can be used to set limits on the spatial peak SAR of pulse sequences that are used with the interventional wire. Under worst-case conditions with resonant wires in a poorly perfused tissue, only ahout 100 mW/kg/"C spatial peak SAR may be used at 1.5 T. But for 110 cm wires with insulation thickness 230% of the wire radius that are placed in well perfused tissues, normal operating conditions of 4 Wlkg spatial peak SAR are possible at 1.5 T. We propose a simple way to ensure safety when using an interventional wire: set a limit on the SAR of allowable pulse sequences that is a factor of a safety index below the tolerable temperature increase.
Association of Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome With Brain Volumes: Results From the GAIT Study.

BACKGROUND The "motoric cognitive risk" (MCR) syndrome is a newly reported predementia syndrome combining cognitive complaint and slow gait speed. We hypothesized that individuals with MCR syndrome would have lower brain volumes compared with non-MCR individuals. This study aims (i) to compare the cognitive profile of nondemented older community-dwellers with and without MCR syndrome and (ii) to examine association of global and regional brain volumes with MCR syndrome. METHODS A total of 171 individuals (28 MCR and 143 non-MCR) were included in this cross-sectional study. Total white matter abnormalities, total white matter, total cortical and subcortical gray matters, hippocampus, motor cortex, premotor cortex, and prefrontal cortex were examined. Brain volumes were quantified from a three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging using semi-automated software. Age, gender, education level, number of drugs taken daily, use of psychoactive drugs, and cognitive profile were also measured. RESULTS The distribution of cognitively healthy individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment was not different in participants with and without MCR. Multiple logistic regression models showed that smaller volumes of total gray matter (p = .016), total cortical gray matter (p = .010), premotor cortex (p = .018), prefrontal cortex (p = .026), and dorsolateral segment of prefrontal cortex (p = .032) were associated with MCR status. The premotor cortex presented the highest mean difference for brain regional volume between MCR and non-MCR participants (p = .03). CONCLUSIONS The findings revealed similar cognitive profile in MCR and non-MCR participants, and MCR-related smaller global and regional gray matter volumes involving premotor and prefrontal cortices, suggesting that the MCR syndrome may predict cortical neurodegenerative dementia more than subcortical dementia.
Prognostic Value of the New Prostate Cancer International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Groups

Gleason grading is the best independent predictor for prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Recently, a new PCa grading system has been introduced by the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Following studies observed more accurate and simplified grade stratification of the new system. Aim of this study was to compare the prognostic value of the new grade groups compared to the former Gleason Grading and to determine whether re-definition of Gleason Pattern 4 might reduce upgrading from prostate biopsy to radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen. A cohort of men undergoing RP from 2002 to 2015 at the Hospital of Goeppingen (Goeppingen, Germany) was used for this study. In total, 339 pre-operative prostatic biopsies and corresponding RP specimens, as well as additional 203 RP specimens were re-reviewed for Grade Groups according to the ISUP. Biochemical recurrence-free survival (BFS) after surgery was used as endpoint to analyze prognostic significance. Other clinicopathological data included TNM-stage and pre-operative PSA level. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed risk stratification of patients based on both former Gleason Grading and ISUP Grade Groups, and was statistically significant using the log-rank test (p < 0.001). Both grading systems significantly correlated with TNM-stage and pre-operative PSA level (p < 0.001). Higher tumor grade in RP specimen compared to corresponding pre-operative biopsy was observed in 44 and 34.5% of cases considering former Gleason Grading and ISUP Grade Groups, respectively. Both, former Gleason Grading and ISUP Grade Groups predict survival when applied on tumors in prostatic biopsies as well as RP specimens. This is the first validation study on a large representative German community-based cohort to compare the former Gleason Grading with the recently introduced ISUP Grade Groups. Our data indicate that the ISUP Grade Groups do not improve predictive value of PCa grading and might be less sensitive in deciphering tumors with 3 + 4 and 4 + 3 pattern on RP specimen. However, the Grade Group system results less frequently in an upgrading from biopsy to the corresponding RP specimens, indicating a lower risk to miss potentially aggressive tumors not represented on biopsies.
Genetic and Environmental Regulation of Flowering and Runnering in Strawberry

Cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is one of the most important berry crops worldwide. Its wild relative, woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) is also scientifically important, since recent development of molecular tools including genetic transformation methods, genetic maps and genome sequence is making it as one of the leading perennial model plants. Environmental regulation of strawberry reproductive development including flowering and vegetative reproduction through runners has been studied for almost hundred years and is known quite in detail. Most strawberries require short photoperiod and/or low temperature for the induction of flowering, whereas runnering is activated by opposite environmental signals. On the contrary, everbearing genotypes flower continu-ously in long day conditions. Some groundwork on characterization of molecular pathways controlling runnering and the induction of flowering has been done. In these studies, dozens of candidate flowering genes have been identified, the expression patterns for selected genes have been analyzed, and a marker gene for the induction of flowering has been identified. However, reports on detailed functions of the candidate genes are yet to come. Moreover, the role of gibberellin as a major signal regulating runnering, awaits further characteriza-tion. Two gene loci in F. vesca may provide keys to understand underlying regulatory pathways and are therefore major targets of further research. Runnering locus (RL) makes the difference between runnering/non-runnering phenotypes and different alleles of Seasonal flowering locus (SFL) cause seasonal and everbearing flowering habits. This review aims at summarizing the recent progress on molecular control of flowering and runnering in strawberry. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fire Resistance of Concrete Columns Containing Polypropylene and Steel Fibers

One of the new techniques to reduce explosive spalling in concrete subjected to fire is to add a cocktail of polypropylene fibers and steel fibers into the concrete mixture. This method is still in the early stages of development and requires more research to investigate the efficiency of introducing such a combination of fibers in reducing explosive spalling in fire. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an experimental study conducted to investigate the performance of reinforced concrete columns containing steel and polypropylene fibers under different loadings and subjected to severe fire conditions. Two loading levels were investigated representing 0.6 and 0.76 of the ultimate strength limits of ACI 318. Columns containing polypropylene (1 kg/m3) and steel fibers (80kg/m3) showed a higher fire resistance by an average factor of 1.76 compared to columns containing PP fibers (1 kg/m3) only. The paper also assesses the effect of adding steel and polypropylene fibers on the severity of concrete explosion under fire. Measurements of axial displacements and concrete temperatures are presented in this paper. The paper compares the obtained experimental values of the axial displacements with theoretical values calculated using a previously developed simple approach. (13 refs.)
Carbohydrate-restricted diets high in either monounsaturated fat or protein are equally effective at promoting fat loss and improving blood lipids.

BACKGROUND When substituted for carbohydrate in an energy-reduced diet, dietary protein enhances fat loss in women. It is unknown whether the effect is due to increased protein or reduced carbohydrate. OBJECTIVE We compared the effects of 2 isocaloric diets that differed in protein and fat content on weight loss, lipids, appetite regulation, and energy expenditure after test meals. DESIGN This was a parallel, randomized study in which subjects received either a low-fat, high-protein (LF-HP) diet (29 +/- 1% fat, 34 +/- 0.8% protein) or a high-fat, standard-protein (HF-SP) diet (45 +/- 0.6% fat, 18 +/- 0.3% protein) during 12 wk of energy restriction (6 +/- 0.1 MJ/d) and 4 wk of energy balance (7.4 +/- 0.3 MJ/d). Fifty-seven overweight and obese [mean body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 33.8 +/- 0.9] volunteers with insulin concentrations >12 mU/L completed the study. RESULTS Weight loss (LF-HP group, 9.7 +/- 1.1 kg; HF-SP group, 10.2 +/- 1.4 kg; P = 0.78) and fat loss were not significantly different between diet groups even though the subjects desired less to eat after the LF-HP meal (P = 0.02). The decrease in resting energy expenditure was not significantly different between diet groups (LF-HP, -342 +/- 185 kJ/d; HF-SP, -349 +/- 220 kJ/d). The decrease in the thermic effect of feeding with weight loss was smaller in the LF-HP group than in the HF-SP group (-0.3 +/- 1.0% compared with -3.6 +/- 0.7%; P = 0.014). Glucose and insulin responses to test meals improved after weight loss (P < 0.001) with no significant diet effect. Bone turnover, inflammation, and calcium excretion did not change significantly. CONCLUSION The magnitude of weight loss and the improvements in insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease risk factors did not differ significantly between the 2 diets, and neither diet had any detrimental effects on bone turnover or renal function.
Contrasting relatedness patterns in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) with different alliance strategies

Male bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in Shark Bay have one of the most complex male societies outside humans. Two broad mating strategies have been identified in males. In the first strategy, there are two types of alliances: stable‘first–order’ pairs and trios that herd individual females in reproductive condition, and ‘second–order’ teams of two first–order alliances (five or six individuals) that join forces against rivals in contests for females. In the alternative strategy, a ‘super–alliance’ of ca. 14 individuals, males form pairs or trios to herd females, but in contrast to the stable alliances, these pairs and trios are highly labile. Here, we show that males in stable first–order alliances and the derived second–order alliances are often strongly related, so that they may gain inclusive fitness benefits from alliance membership. By contrast, members of the super–alliance are no more closely related than expected by chance. Further, the strength of the association of alliance partners within the super–alliance, as measured by an index of joint participation in consorting a female, was not correlated with their genetic relatedness. Thus, within one population and one sex, it appears that there may be simultaneous operation of more than one mode of group formation.
Kinesio taping does not alter muscle torque, muscle activity or jumping performance in professional soccer players: A randomized, placebo-controlled, blind, clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION Kinesio taping consists of the attachment of a thin elastic tape over specific muscles, the thickness of which is similar to that of the epidermis. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of Kinesio taping and placebo taping on muscle torque, muscle activity and jumping performance soccer players. METHODS Thirty athletes were randomly allocated to two groups (Group A: Kinesio taping and Group B: placebo taping). The participants were instructed to perform the Hop test's and were submitted to an isokinetic evaluation of the knee extensors as well as an electromyographic evaluation of the retus femoris muscle of the dominant lower limb. Next, Kinesio taping was performed for the activation of the rectus femoris muscle in Group A and placebo taping was performed in Group B. The participants were reevaluated 30 minutes after taping and 24 hours after the first evaluation using the same tests. Intra-group and inter-group comparisons were made considering the three evaluation times. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found between groups at any evaluation time regarding the Hop test's, root mean square of the electromyographic signal or peak torque of the knee extensors of the dominant lower limb (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Kinesio taping for the activation of the rectus femoris muscle has no effect on peak muscle torque, muscle activity or jumping performance among soccer players.
Unravelling collembolan life belowground: Stoichiometry, metabolism and release of carbon and nitrogen

This thesis investigated carbon and nitrogen dynamics of soil dwelling Collembola by using direct measurements and stable isotope additions. In an isotope change experiment, collembolans exchanged between 6 and 10% of carbon and nitrogen in their body tissue per day to metabolism and between 0.5 and 2% to reproduction. When collembolans on low and high protein diets were compared, animals on the low protein quality depleted their tissue 15N values relative to those on high quality diet indicating that the nitrogen turnover decreased on the low protein quality diet. In a wheat microcosm investigating source contributions from soil, roots and isotope labelled green manure the mixing model analysis indicated that photosynthate (root derived C) was the main carbon source for collembolans (54–79% of total C) indicating that the rhizosphere channel is very important for collembolans in addition to the detritus based channel.
NEUTRAL HYDROGEN CLOUDS IN THE M81/M82 GROUP

We have observed a 3° × 3° area centered on the M81/M82 group of galaxies using the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope in a search for analogs to the high-velocity clouds of neutral hydrogen found around our Galaxy. The velocity range from −605 to −85 km s−1 and from 25 to 1970 km s−1 was searched for H i clouds. Over the inner 2° × 2° the 7σ detection threshold was 9.6 × 105 M☉. We detect five previously unknown H i clouds associated with the group, as well as numerous associated filamentary H i structures, all lying in the range −105 ⩽ Vhelio ⩽ +280 km s−1. From the small angular distance of the clouds to group members, and the small velocity difference between group members and clouds, we conclude that the clouds are most likely relics of ongoing interactions between galaxies in the group.
Continuous Monitoring of Turning Mobility and Its Association to Falls and Cognitive Function: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND Difficulty turning is a major contributor to mobility disability, falls, and reduced quality of life in older people because it requires dynamic balance control that worsens with age. However, no study has quantified the quality and quantity of turning during normal daily activities in older people. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if quality of turning during daily activities is associated with falls and/or cognitive function. METHODS Thirty-five elderly participants (85 ± 8 years) wore three Opal inertial sensors. Turning and activity rate were measured. Based on retrospective falls, participants were grouped into nonfallers (N = 16), single fallers (N = 12), and recurrent fallers (N = 7). We also determined which turning characteristic predicted falls in the 6 months following the week of monitoring. RESULTS Quality of turning was significantly compromised in recurrent fallers compared with nonfallers (p < .05). In contrast, activity rate and mean number of turns per hour were similar across the three groups. Also, quality of turning during a prescribed test was similar across the three groups. Visuospatial and memory functions and the Tinetti Balance Scores were associated with quality of turning. Future falls were related to an increased variability of number of steps to turn. CONCLUSIONS Continuous monitoring of turning characteristics, while walking during daily activities, is feasible in older people. Turning characteristics during daily life appear to be more sensitive to fall risk than prescribed turning tasks. These findings suggest a slower, less variable, cautious turning strategy in elderly volunteers with a history of falls.
Trajectories of Lower Extremity Physical Performance: Effects on Fractures and Mortality in Older Women.

BACKGROUND Prior studies have only considered one measurement of physical performance in its relationship to fractures and mortality. A single measurement is susceptible to large within-person changes over time, and thus, may not capture the true association between physical performance and the outcomes of interest. METHODS Using data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, we followed 7,015 women enrolled prior to age 80 years who had outcome information beyond this age. Trajectories of walking speed (m/s) and chair stand speed (stands/s) were estimated up to the last visit prior to age 80 years using mixed-effects linear regression. Physical performance at age 80 (PF_age80) was assessed at the last visit prior to age 80 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression and multivariate models adjusted for all other covariates. RESULTS Greatest walking speed decline and chair stand speed decline were both associated with higher risk of hip fracture (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.58 and HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.54, respectively), but not nonspine fractures. Greatest walking speed decline and chair stand speed decline were both associated with a significant 29% (95% CI: 17-42%) and 27% (95% CI: 15-39%) increased risk of mortality, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Greatest declines in walking speed and chair stand speed were both associated with an increased risk of hip fracture and mortality independent of PF_age80 and other important confounders. Both physical performance change and the single physical performance measurement should be considered in the etiology of hip fracture and mortality.