Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microtomographic Parameters and Nanoindentation of the Hoof of Girolando Cattle

The aim of this study was to describe the microstructure of the pigmented and depigmented hoof capsule of Girolando cattle by bi‐ and tridimensional microtomography and nanoindentation, analysing the possible relation between these findings and the susceptibility of such animals to podal diseases. To carry out the microtomography and the nanoindentation, duplicated samples were collected from the dorsal wall, abaxial wall and pre‐bulbar sole of the hoof capsule. Material collection was performed in 40 medial digits of thoracic limbs and 40 lateral digits of pelvic limbs. The bidimensional microtomography showed that the dorsal wall of the thoracic and pelvic limbs presented higher density, followed by the abaxial wall, and finally by the sole, with the lowest density. Moreover, the hoof capsule of cows of Girolando breed is a compact, non‐porous material, and constituted by extratubular and intratubular keratin. By the tridimensional microtomography, it was possible to measure the angles of the corneal tubules in relation to the periople and the claws in the different regions of the hoof capsule, which were 90° for the dorsal wall, 55° for the abaxial wall and 70° for the sole. The tridimensional microtomography also showed corneal tubules of different diameters: 17, 51, 85, 119 and 153 μm. The nanoindentation test, when performed in different regions of the hoof capsule, did not reveal significant difference of Vickers hardness in the evaluated areas. However, we verified a larger elastic module of these regions on the transversal cut of the corneal tubules compared to the longitudinal cut.
Fine-Scale Genetic Response to Landscape Change in a Gliding Mammal

Understanding how populations respond to habitat loss is central to conserving biodiversity. Population genetic approaches enable the identification of the symptoms of population disruption in advance of population collapse. However, the spatio-temporal scales at which population disruption occurs are still too poorly known to effectively conserve biodiversity in the face of human-induced landscape change. We employed microsatellite analysis to examine genetic structure and diversity over small spatial (mostly 1-50 km) and temporal scales (20-50 years) in the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis), a gliding mammal that is commonly subjected to a loss of habitat connectivity. We identified genetically differentiated local populations over distances as little as 3 km and within 30 years of landscape change. Genetically isolated local populations experienced the loss of genetic diversity, and significantly increased mean relatedness, which suggests increased inbreeding. Where tree cover remained, genetic differentiation was less evident. This pattern was repeated in two landscapes located 750 km apart. These results lend support to other recent studies that suggest the loss of habitat connectivity can produce fine-scale population genetic change in a range of taxa. This gives rise to the prediction that many other vertebrates will experience similar genetic changes. Our results suggest the future collapse of local populations of this gliding mammal is likely unless habitat connectivity is maintained or restored. Landscape management must occur on a fine-scale to avert the erosion of biodiversity.
Breeding system, pollinator choice and variation in pollen quality in British herbaceous plants

Summary 1. Although it is well established that different plant species vary considerably in the quality of pollinator rewards they offer, it is unclear how plant reproductive systems, in particular an obligate dependence on insects for pollination, might influence the evolution of pollinator rewards. Moreover, unlike the interaction between nectar reward and pollinator visitation, we have a limited understanding of the way in which pollen quality influences pollinator foraging behaviour. 2. We quantified the pollen protein and amino acid content for 23 NW European plant species. Pollen quality was compared with breeding system (facultative- vs. obligate insect-pollinated). A subset of 18 plants was sampled from a single habitat. For these we compared the proportion of pollen collection visits made by bumblebees with the quality of pollen offered. 3. We found a significant association between pollen quality and reproductive system; pollen of obligate insect-pollinated species contained higher protein content. We also found a significant relationship with pollinator use; plants most frequently visited by pollen-collecting bumblebees produced the highest-quality pollen. 4. We discuss how the close relationship between pollen quality and bumblebee attraction may have important benefits for plant reproductive success. However, we also show how the disruption of this mutualism can have detrimental consequences for plant and pollinator alike.
Computer-aided diagnosis of plus disease in retinal fundus images of preterm infants via measurement of vessel tortuosity

An increase in retinal vessel tortuosity can be indicative of the presence of various diseases including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Accurate detection and measurement of such changes could help in computer-aided diagnosis of plus disease, which warrants treatment of ROP. We present image processing methods for detection and segmentation of retinal vessels, quantification of vessel tortuosity, and diagnostic-decision-making criteria that incorporate the clinical definition of plus-diagnosis. The obtained results using 110 retinal fundus images of preterm infants (91 without plus and 19 with plus) provide high sensitivity = 0.89 (17/19) and excellent specificity = 0.95 (86/91) in the diagnosis of plus disease.
Motor Commands Induce Time Compression for Tactile Stimuli

Saccades cause compression of visual space around the saccadic target, and also a compression of time, both phenomena thought to be related to the problem of maintaining saccadic stability (Morrone et al., 2005; Burr and Morrone, 2011). Interestingly, similar phenomena occur at the time of hand movements, when tactile stimuli are systematically mislocalized in the direction of the movement (Dassonville, 1995; Watanabe et al., 2009). In this study, we measured whether hand movements also cause an alteration of the perceived timing of tactile signals. Human participants compared the temporal separation between two pairs of tactile taps while moving their right hand in response to an auditory cue. The first pair of tactile taps was presented at variable times with respect to movement with a fixed onset asynchrony of 150 ms. Two seconds after test presentation, when the hand was stationary, the second pair of taps was delivered with a variable temporal separation. Tactile stimuli could be delivered to either the right moving or left stationary hand. When the tactile stimuli were presented to the motor effector just before and during movement, their perceived temporal separation was reduced. The time compression was effector-specific, as perceived time was veridical for the left stationary hand. The results indicate that time intervals are compressed around the time of hand movements. As for vision, the mislocalizations of time and space for touch stimuli may be consequences of a mechanism attempting to achieve perceptual stability during tactile exploration of objects, suggesting common strategies within different sensorimotor systems.
The Role of Functional Polymers in Ground Rubber Tire-Polyethylene Composite

Abstract The impact energies of different polyethylene-ground rubber tire (GRT) composites were investigated. All the thermoplastic composites were prepared on a Haake Buchler batch mixer and injection molded test specimens were tested on Rheometrics drop weight instrumented impact tester. Addition of small amounts of functional polymers increases the impact energy of the polyethylene-GRT composite as much as 60%. The percent improvement in the impact energy for linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and the composites prepared from them is greater than for the corresponding high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. Precoating of GRT particles with ethylene-acrylic acid (EAA) copolymers improves the impact energy of the composite, whereas precoating with the other functional polymers does not. An attempt has been made to identify the role of the functional polymers as to whether they act as toughening agents for the polyethylene matrix or coupling agent at the polyethylene-GRT interface. The results s.
Expression of hLAMP‐1‐Positive Particles During Early Heart Development in the Chick

Heart development requires coordinated activity of various factors, the disturbance of which can lead to congenital heart defects. Heart lectin‐associated matrix protein‐1 (hLAMP‐1) is a matrix protein expressed within Hensen's node at Hamburger–Hamilton (HH) stage 4, in the lateral mesoderm by HH stages 5–6 and enhanced within the left pre‐cardiac field at HH stage 7. At HH stages 15–16, hLAMP‐1 expression is observed in the atrioventricular canal and the outflow tract. Also, the role of hLAMP‐1 in induction of mesenchyme formation in chick heart has been well documented. To further elucidate the role of this molecule in heart development, we examined its expression patterns during HH stages 8–14 in the chick. In this regard, we immunostained sections of the heart during HH stages 8–14 with antibodies specific to hLAMP‐1. Our results showed prominent expression of hLAMP‐1‐positive particles in the extracellular matrix associated with the pre‐cardiac mesoderm, the endoderm, ectoderm as well as neuroectoderm at HH stages 8–9. After formation of the linear heart tube at HH stage 10, the expression of hLAMP‐1‐stained particles disappears in those regions of original contact between the endoderm and heart forming fields due to rupture of the dorsal mesocardium while their expression becomes confined to the arterial and venous poles of the heart tube. This expression pattern is maintained until HH stage 14.
Why not nursing? Factors influencing healthcare career choice among Singaporean students.

BACKGROUND Internationally, and particularly in Singapore, health education institutions are facing challenges in attracting school leavers to enter nursing courses. OBJECTIVES To identify the factors influencing the career choice of Singaporean healthcare students and determine the deterrents in choosing nursing as a career choice. DESIGN An exploratory descriptive qualitative study design was used. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-nine healthcare students from three higher education institutions were recruited. METHOD Four nursing and four non-nursing focus groups discussion were held. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Six themes emerged as follows: 'personal interest'; 'prior healthcare exposure'; 'job prospects'; 'academic performance'; 'perceived nature of work'; and 'social influences'. DISCUSSION The personal interests to help and care along with prior healthcare exposures were found to influence the students' choice. Job prospects such as the ease of getting a job, job stability, and job salary were considered. Nursing was perceived as a course for students with poor academic ability. Misconceptions about the nature of work and a lack of social recognition were identified as deterring factors in students' choice of nursing as a career. CONCLUSIONS An understanding of the career decision process among healthcare students enables educational leaders and policy-makers to enhance the focus of nursing recruitment strategies. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND/OR HEALTH POLICY Strategies for nursing recruitment in Singapore must include creating more opportunities for exposure to nursing in early school years, reviewing the admission policies for nursing programmes to attract academically abled students, ensuring that nursing graduates' salaries are comparable with other healthcare graduates, promoting a better understanding on the role of a registered nurse and its career developments, and providing support for those who are interested in nursing but are faced with career decision-making difficulties due to their families.
Anguillicolosis in the short‐finned eel Anguilla australis: Epidemiology and pathogenicity

Abstract A sample of 189 short‐finned eels (Anguilla australis) from four geographical areas in New Zealand were examined for the occurrence of the swimbladder nematode Anguillicola spp. Anguillicola novaezelandiae was found in three of the four localities. Overall, the prevalence was low (<12%) as was the intensity of infection (between 1 and 5 parasites per infected eel). In comparison with data from Europe on a similar host‐parasite system involving congeneric species (Anguilla anguilla‐Anguillicola crassus), it was concluded that the New Zealand short‐finned eels do not greatly suffer from this infection. In particular, no effect of infection on body condition was detected. The damage caused by the parasite to the swimbladder was minimal, even in large silver eels about to undertake a long journey at great depth to reach their spawning grounds in the Pacific. A review of the available literature is presented to update the current knowledge of the distribution of Anguillicola infections in New Zealand.
The Effect of Aquatic Physiotherapy on Low Back Pain in Pregnant Women

This study evaluated the effect of antenatal aquatic physiotherapy sessions on low back pain in pregnant women. Thirty-three subjects (31.8 ± 4.8 years) participated in a prospective, quantitative, repeated measures, within subjects design. Low back pain was measured using a Numerical Rating Scale immediately before and after each session. The subjects significantly improved their post session pain scores by an average of 44%. Pain did not increase significantly from the beginning to the end of the course of sessions as is normally expected in this population, and the number of sessions made no significant difference. This finding suggests that attending once a week may contribute to the management of low back pain for pregnant women.
Gene Therapy With Regulatory T Cells: A Beneficial Alliance

Gene therapy aims to replace a defective or a deficient protein at therapeutic or curative levels. Improved vector designs have enhanced safety, efficacy, and delivery, with potential for lasting treatment. However, innate and adaptive immune responses to the viral vector and transgene product remain obstacles to the establishment of therapeutic efficacy. It is widely accepted that endogenous regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for tolerance induction to the transgene product and in some cases the viral vector. There are two basic strategies to harness the suppressive ability of Tregs: in vivo induction of adaptive Tregs specific to the introduced gene product and concurrent administration of autologous, ex vivo expanded Tregs. The latter may be polyclonal or engineered to direct specificity to the therapeutic antigen. Recent clinical trials have advanced adoptive immunotherapy with Tregs for the treatment of autoimmune disease and in patients receiving cell transplants. Here, we highlight the potential benefit of combining gene therapy with Treg adoptive transfer to achieve a sustained transgene expression. Furthermore, techniques to engineer antigen-specific Treg cell populations, either through reprogramming conventional CD4+ T cells or transferring T cell receptors with known specificity into polyclonal Tregs, are promising in preclinical studies. Thus, based upon these observations and the successful use of chimeric (IgG-based) antigen receptors (CARs) in antigen-specific effector T cells, different types of CAR-Tregs could be added to the repertoire of inhibitory modalities to suppress immune responses to therapeutic cargos of gene therapy vectors. The diverse approaches to harness the ability of Tregs to suppress unwanted immune responses to gene therapy and their perspectives are reviewed in this article.
Ultrastructural Proof of Polyomavirus in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Tumour Cells and Its Absence in Small Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

Background A new virus called the Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) has recently been found in Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). MCC is a rare aggressive small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma primarily derived from the skin, morphologically indistinguishable from small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). So far the actual presence of the virus in MCC tumour cells on a morphological level has not been demonstrated, and the presence of MCPyV in other small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas has not been studied yet. Methodology/Principal Findings We investigated MCC tissue samples from five patients and SCLCs from ten patients for the presence of MCPyV-DNA by PCR and sequencing. Electron microscopy was used to search ultrastructurally for morphological presence of the virus in MCPyV-DNA positive samples. MCPyV was detected in two out of five primary MCCs. In one MCC patient MCPyV-DNA was detected in the primary tumour as well as in the metastasis, strongly suggesting integration of MCPyV in the cellular DNA of the tumour in this patient. In the primary MCC of another patient viral particles in tumour cell nuclei and cytoplasm were identified by electron microscopy, indicating active viral replication in the tumour cells. In none of the SCLCs MCPyV-DNA was detected. Conclusions/Significance Our results strongly suggest that MCPyV is an oncogenic polyomavirus in humans, and is potentially causally related to the development of MCC but not to the morphological similar SCLC.
Evaluation of the Image Quality Index in mosaics

The focus of this study is the evaluation of the Image Quality Index (IQI) in mosaics generated from aerial images collected by a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The software packages used to generate the mosaics were PhotoModeler, PhotoScan and Pix4Dmapper. The mosaic generated by the software PhotoScan was superior to the others visually, but inferior to the software PhotoModeler in relation to the average of the quality indexes calculated. The average values of the IQIs obtained for the mosaics generated by the software packages PhotoModeler, PhotoScan and Pix4Dmapper were 0.98118, 0.94814 and 0.93256, respectively. An analysis of variance was performed but did not present a significant difference.
TIPIC Syndrome: Beyond the Myth of Carotidynia, a New Distinct Unclassified Entity

This study included 47 patients from 10 centers presenting between January 2009 through April 2016with acute neck pain or tenderness and at least 1 cervical image showing unclassified carotid abnormalities. The authors conducted a systematic, retrospective study of their medical charts and diagnostic and follow-up imaging. All patients presented with acute neck pain, and 8 presented with transient neurologic symptoms. Imaging showed an eccentric pericarotidian infiltration in all patients. An intimal soft plaque was noted in 16 patients, and a mild luminal narrowing was noted in 16 patients. The authors conclude that this study improves the description of an unclassified, clinico-radiologic entity, which could be described by the proposed acronym: Transient Perivascular Inflammation of the Carotid artery (TIPIC) syndrome. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The differential diagnosis of acute cervical pain includes nonvascular and vascular causes such as carotid dissection, carotid occlusion, or vasculitis. However, some patients present with unclassified vascular and perivascular changes on imaging previously reported as carotidynia. The aim of our study was to improve the description of this as yet unclassified clinico-radiologic entity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 through April 2016, 47 patients from 10 centers presenting with acute neck pain or tenderness and at least 1 cervical image showing unclassified carotid abnormalities were included. We conducted a systematic, retrospective study of their medical charts and diagnostic and follow-up imaging. Two neuroradiologists independently analyzed the blinded image datasets. RESULTS: The median patient age was 48 years. All patients presented with acute neck pain, and 8 presented with transient neurologic symptoms. Imaging showed an eccentric pericarotidian infiltration in all patients. An intimal soft plaque was noted in 16 patients, and a mild luminal narrowing was noted in 16 patients. Interreader reproducibility was excellent. All patients had complete pain resolution within a median of 13 days. At 3-month follow-up, imaging showed complete disappearance of vascular abnormalities in 8 patients, and a marked decrease in all others. CONCLUSIONS: Our study improved the description of an unclassified, clinico-radiologic entity, which could be described by the proposed acronym: TransIent Perivascular Inflammation of the Carotid artery (TIPIC) syndrome.
Neck circumference: A supplemental tool for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To explore the usefulness of neck circumference as a supplemental tool for diagnosing metabolic syndrome while identifying its cut-off values. METHODS This case-control study was conducted at Dr. Essa's Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre, Karachi, from December 2014 to April 2015, and comprised subjects with and without metabolic syndrome aged between 35 and 65 years regardless of their diabetic status. Evaluation was done for metabolic syndrome by measuring anthropometric, clinical and biochemical parameters according to the criteria proposed by the International Diabetes Federation. Variables in both cases and controls were correlated with neck circumference and its cut-off values were determined for diagnosing metabolic syndrome. SPSS 20 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Of the 215 subjects enrolled, 164(76.28%) were selected. Of them, 83(50.61%) were cases and 81(49.39%) were controls. Moreover, 90(55%) of them were men and 74(45%) were women. The overall mean age was 51.15±10.36 years (range: 35 to 65 years). The mean neck circumference was 36.13±2.14 cm and 31.59±1.18 cm in normal-weight men and women, respectively, compared with 40.0±2.13 cm and 35.75 ± 2.74 cm among obese men and women. The neck circumference correlated best with waist circumference in men (p=0.001) and with body surface area in women (p=0.001). The area under the curve of neck circumference for metabolic syndrome was 0.760 for men (p<0.001) and 0.631 for women (p<0.05). Optimal neck circumference cut-off points to determine metabolic syndrome were >38 cm for men and >34 cm for women. The odds ratio for metabolic syndrome was 12.44 (95% confidence interval: 4.13-37.41) among male cases and controls compared to 3.34 (1.26-8.80) among women. CONCLUSIONS Neck circumference strongly correlated with adiposity indices and had a definite cut-off point. It can therefore be used as a useful adjunct for clinical screening of metabolic syndrome.
Evaluation Criteria for Sparse Matrix Storage Formats

When authors present new storage formats for sparse matrices, they usually focus mainly on a single evaluation criterion, which is the performance of sparse matrix-vector multiplication (SpMV) in FLOPS. Though such an evaluation is essential, it does not allow to directly compare the presented format with its competitors. Moreover, in case that matrices are within an HPC application constructed in different formats, this criterion alone is not sufficient for the key decision whether or not to convert them into the presented format for the SpMV-based application phase. We establish ten evaluation criteria for sparse matrix storage formats, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and provide general suggestions for format authors/evaluators to make their work more valuable for the HPC community.