Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response to Wayne, Nowak, and Phillips and Henry: use of molecular characters in conservation biology

In our recent letter (Dowling et al. 1992), we stated our concerns over two interrelated issues: (1) the use of genetic (i.e., molecular) characters in identifying species and their hybrids, and (2) the role of hybridization in evolution. The letter was stimulated by Wayne and Jenks' (1991) analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in the red wolf, Canis rufus, and subsequent interpretations presented in both the professional (e.g., Gittleman & Pimm 1991) and popular literature (e.g., Rennie 1991). Although consequences for conservation of the red wolf were addressed in those papers, our letter was focused more on the broader implications for conservation of endangered taxa. In this issue, Nowak (1992) and Phillips and Henry (1992) have presented views generally in accord with ours, providing additional behavioral, ecological, morphological, and paleontological evidence supporting distinctiveness of the red wolf and its continued protection under the United States' Endangered Species Act. Nowak concludes that the red wolf is (1) neither the product of ongoing or recent hybridization between coyote (C latrans) and gray wolf (C lupus) nor, (2) a taxon of hybrid origin, but (3) represents a descendant from an intermediate stage in wolf evolution. We concur with his first conclusion but await further data to evaluate the second and third. The only current evidence inconsistent with the last alternative is the lack of distinctiveness among mtDNA sequences from red and gray wolves. Wayne and Jenks (1991) presumably expected differences as predicted from the "standard" rate of mtDNA evolution based on the calibration from primates (Hillis & Moritz 1990). Explanation of such a discordance requires only a reduction in rate of mtDNA evolution in wolves relative to primates, and such rate variation has been documented for a variety of organisms (e.g., Avise et al. 1992; Martin et al. 1992). The most appropriate test of an hybrid origin will be provided by analysis of codominant, single locus, nuclear gene markers alluded to by Phillips and Henry (1992). Also in this issue, Wayne (1992) takes exception to
Matrine prevents the early development of hepatocellular carcinoma like lesions in rat liver

Matrine (C15H24N2O) is an alkaloid extracted from the Chinese herb Sophora flavescens that has anti-fibrotic and anti-cancer properties. The aim of the present study was to determine the chemopreventive effect of matrine on the development of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its possible association with the suppression of the Notch signaling pathway. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, model, low-dose matrine and high-dose matrine groups. The model was established by combining a partial hepatectomy with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) + 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF). Low- and high-dose matrine groups received intragastric administration of matrine (0.25 and 2.5 g/l of matrine, respectively). DEN + 2-AAF injections and hepatectomy were not performed in the control group. All rats were sacrificed 2, 4 and 7 weeks after hepatectomy. HCC-like histopathological lesions were detected using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression levels of α-1-fetoprotein (AFP), albumin (ALB), Notch1 and Hes1 were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Hepatic lobule structure loss, liver tissue necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration, and edema degeneration were observed in the model group. By contrast, hepatocyte cord structure was restored and hepatocyte edema degeneration was significantly reduced after 7 weeks of treatment with matrine. In addition, compared with the model group, matrine reduced the expression of AFP, increased the expression of ALB and reduced the expression of Notch1 and Hes1 (only for high-dose matrine; all P<0.05). The findings suggested that matrine could prevent the early development of HCC-like lesions in a rat model, possibly by modulating Notch pathway activation.
Prevalence of chronic pain and analysis of handgrip strength in institutionalized elderly

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES : Musculoskeletal disor-ders are accentuated with aging. Among these, chronic pain can influence several functional aspects such as handgrip strength, especially in institutionalized elderly. The objective of this study was to check the prevalence of chronic pain and to analyze the handgrip strength in institutionalized elderly. METHODS : A cross-sectional, population-based study was car-ried out at long-term care facilities in Passo Fundo/RS (2016-2018). The population was composed of 281 residents, evaluat-ed for sociodemographic variables (medical records), handgrip strength (manual dynamometry), and chronic pain (self-report). The statistical analysis used the descriptive statistics and the Student t-test of independent samples (p≤0.05). RESULTS : The sample consisted of 173 elderly individuals (80.95±8.94 years). The majority lived in private institutions, were women, widows, with 1 to 8 years of education. The prevalence of chronic pain was 39.3%, and the mean handgrip strength was 7.0±6.42kg (right hand) and 6.24±5.96kg (left hand). The handgrip strength was higher in the groups of elderly men (right and left hands: p=0.000) and non-long-living seniors (right hand: p=0.017; left hand: p=0.002). There was no difference in handgrip strength values between the groups with and without chronic pain (p>0.05). CONCLUSION : Institutionalized elderly present an expressive prevalence of chronic pain and handgrip strength values much lower than expected, being influenced by gender and age.
Influence of Epiretinal Membranes on the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Measured by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Glaucoma

Purpose We investigated changes in the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) following the onset of an epiretinal membrane (ERM) in glaucoma patients. Methods Among regularly monitored glaucoma patients, patients with a newly diagnosed ERM were consecutively enrolled. Before and after the onset of ERM, the RNFL thickness was measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and a visual field examination was performed using a Humphrey field analyzer. Changes in RNFL thickness parameters and global indices of the visual field analyzer were assessed. Results In a total of 28 eyes from 28 patients, the average RNFL thickness increased by a mean of 4.0 ± 7.4 µm (p = 0.009) after ERM onset. There was an increase in the superior, nasal, and temporal quadrant RNFL thicknesses, and the change in the temporal RNFL thickness was significant (14.4 ± 21.2 µm, p < 0.001). However, the inferior RNFL thickness decreased by −0.6 ± 7.5 µm (p = 0.116). In the visual field examination, the mean deviation decreased significantly by −0.8 ± 1.7 dB (p = 0.038), from −14.6 to −15.4 dB. Conclusions A significant increase in average RNFL thickness was detected following ERM onset in glaucoma patients, although there was deterioration of the mean deviation in the visual field. When ERM occurs in glaucoma patients, clinicians should be aware that RNFL thickness measurements obtained with a spectral domain optical coherence tomography may underestimate the status of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Gauge leptoquark as the origin of B-physics anomalies.

The vector leptoquark representation, Uμ ¼ ð3; 1; 2=3Þ, was recently identified as an exceptional single mediator model to address experimental hints on lepton flavor universality violation in semileptonic B-meson decays, both in neutral (b → sμμ) and charged (b → cτν) current processes. Nonetheless, it is well known that massive vectors crave an ultraviolet (UV) completion. We present the first full-fledged UV complete and calculable gauge model which incorporates this scenario while remaining in agreement with all other indirect flavor and electroweak precision measurements, as well as, direct searches at high-pT . The model is based on a new non-Abelian gauge group spontaneously broken at the TeV scale, and a specific flavor structure suppressing flavour violation in ΔF ¼ 2 processes while inducing sizeable semileptonic transitions
Predictors of Induction and Sustainability of Response to Diuretic Therapy in Patients with Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease

Background: Factors involved in individual’s response to loop diuretics in cirrhotic patients with ascites are many, which renders it difficult to austerely predict response to diuretic therapy in those patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors which determine initial response to loop diuretic therapy in those patients and to determine whether such factors can predict a sustained diuresis response. Patients and Methods: One hundred and ten patients with non-malignant chronic liver disease and ascites were treated with IV furosemide in doses according to serum creatinine together with oral spironolactone 50mg twice daily. Before and during the diuretic therapy a set of clinical and laboratory variables were investigated as possible predictive factors influencing the therapeutic response to diuretics. The renal arterial resistive index (RI) (reflecting renal vascular resistance) was estimated with duplex Doppler ultrasonography. Results: Our study revealed statistically significant relation between high ascites grade(p=0.013), higher Child-Pugh class (p< 0.001), higher baseline serum creatinine & lower eGFR (p< 0.001), and high renal resistive index (p=0.002) with poor diuretic response. Conclusion: combining both clinical and laboratory findings together with elevated baseline renal resistive index would be helpful in early identification of the subgroup of patients who are at higher risk of diuretic resistance.
Biotic interactions between Eriopis connexa and Hippodamia variegata, a native and an exotic coccinellid species associated with alfalfa fields in Chile

Human‐assisted introductions, including those in the context of biological control, are considered to be one of the most important factors of global environmental change. However, the mechanisms underlying environmental changes, such as a decrease in the relative abundance of native species, are poorly understood. Since the introduction of the ladybird beetle, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), in Chile in the 1970s for biological control of aphids, a reduction in the relative abundance of the native ladybird beetle Eriopis connexa (Germar) has been noticed. To explore the role of cannibalism, intraguild predation (IGP) or competition as possible mechanisms that might increase dominance of H. variegata over E. connexa, several laboratory experiments were carried out. The native and the exotic species were very similar in their voracity and biotic interactions. Although H. variegata was able to maintain constant reproductive performance, E. connexa reproduction decreased at lower densities of aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The impacts of cannibalism, IGP, and competition exerted by these species were very symmetrical in both larvae and adults. We conclude that these biotic factors may not fully explain the increase in relative abundance of H. variegata. The higher sensitivity of E. connexa to prey patch size, along with other factors such as chemical‐mediated negative interspecific interactions may be operating in alfalfa fields, changing the composition of associated coccinellid assemblages.
The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus contamination in the ambulances and on-call emergency medical service personnel of Kashan city in Iran

Objective: Emergency medical services systems are at the first line of dealing with patients who suffer from various infections. Conducting investigations on the bacterial contamination of emergency ambulances play a crucial role to improve the occupational health of staff as well as the quality of patient care. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and other life treating bacteria in the urban and rural ambulances and their on-call emergency medical service personnel. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 12 front line prehospital emergency urban and rural ambulances in Kashan, Iran, in 2015. A total of 18 sites were sampled in each ambulance and from the nose of personnel. Grown colonies were confirmed based on colony morphology on mannitol salt agar plates, gram stain reaction and biochemical characteristics reactions. Results: The S. aureus contamination was only isolated from the nose of on-call emergency medical service providers of 12 urban and road ambulances, while no sign of contamination was found in 18 sampling sites of these front-line ambulances. Also, further evaluation of these sampling sites revealed the contamination with coagulase-negative staphylococci in all of them and oxygen tank was introduced as the most contaminated site inside the ambulances. Moreover, the prevalence of equipment contamination was significantly higher in urban ambulances. Conclusion: Identifying the rate of pathogens in clinical settings like the pre-hospital ambulance setting is an important issue which should be carefully considered.
Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

Background: Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the most common causes of both maternal and neonatal morbidity. A variety of hematological abnormalities may occur in women with PIH of which thrombocytopenia is the most common. Objectives: This study was done to estimate the incidence of thrombocytopenia in pregnant women diagnosed with PIH and to correlate the severity of PIH with the degree of thrombocytopenia. Materials and Methods: 2 years retrospective study on 100 pregnant women admitted in MVJMC and RH with a diagnosis of PIH from January 2012 to January 2014. Data from case files were collected, compiled, and analyzed. PIH cases were classified into: (1) Gestational hypertension (HTN), (2) mild preeclampsia, (3) severe preeclampsia, (4) eclampsia, (5) hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome. The incidence and severity of thrombocytopenia along with maternal and fetal complications encountered in the five groups were analyzed. Results: Preeclampsia - mild (56%) and severe (36%), accounted for most of the cases followed by eclampsia (6%) and gestational HTN (2%). In the 100 cases, mild thrombocytopenia (41%), moderate thrombocytopenia (29%), severe thrombocytopenia (6%), and normal platelet counts (24%) were encountered. Varying platelet levels were seen in the five groups with 23.4% of severe eclampsia and 50% of eclampsia cases having normal platelet counts and 7.1% of mild preeclampsia cases showing severe thrombocytopenia. Poor maternal outcome was seen 11% cases due to HELLP syndrome, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal death. Poor fetal outcome was seen in 18% cases due to intrauterine growth restriction and perinatal mortality. Conclusion: Platelet count alone cannot be relied upon to assess the severity of PIH. The search for a simple cost effective test for prompt management and prevention of maternal and neonatal morbidity performable in a rural hospital set up still continues.
Satellite-Induced Electron Acceleration and Related Auroras

Several cases of interactions between planetary magnetospheres and satellite atmospheres have been observed in the giant planet magnetospheres. Io, Europa, Ganymede and Enceladus generate observable auroral emissions on their parent planet. This implies an efficient power transfer between the satellite – where the interaction occurs – and the planet – where the emission occurs. In this chapter, we discuss the power generation at the satellite, the transport of energy and momentum along the magnetic field lines via Alfven waves and the transfer of wave power to electrons. We relate the power generated at the satellite to the power of the observed auroral emissions.
MANAGEMENT AND CLINICAL OUTCOME OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS; AT NEPHROLOGY UNIT , ZAGAZIG UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS: A ONE YEAR STUDY.

Amir M. El Okely MD1, Adel A.M. Ghorab MD1, Eman H. Abdelbary MD2 and Mahmoud M. Magdy Mahmoud MSc1. 1. Nephrology unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt. 2. Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt. Manuscript Info Abstract . Manuscript History
Resposta de híbridos simples de milho à redução do espaçamento entre linhas

The objective of this work was to determine the effects of using narrow row spacing on grain yield, grain components and on other agronomic traits of maize single-cross hybrids. Two experiments were conducted in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In the 1997/98 growing season, treatments were composed by two singlecross hybrids (Cargill901 and BraskalbXL212) and four row spacings (40, 60, 80 and 100 cm). In the 1998/99growing season, two single-cross hybrids were tested at two plant densities (50,000 and 65,000pl./ha) and four row spacings (40, 60, 80 and 100 cm). Maize grain yield was influenced by hybrid and plant density. The reduction in row spacing promoted a high grain yield specially for hybrids with a low plant height sown at the density of 50,000pl. /ha.
Occupational noise and age: A longitudinal study of hearing sensitivity as a function of noise exposure and age in South African gold mine workers

Background A relationship exists between occupational noise exposure and age, which remains poorly understood. Objectives The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between hearing loss and age over time. Method Audiological data from 2583 mine workers in South Africa were utilised. Data were received from a non-noise exposed group (NNEG) (n = 951) and a noise exposed group (NEG) (≥85 dBA) (n = 1632). Data comprised a low-frequency average (LFA512) (average of audiological thresholds for 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz and 2 kHz) and high-frequency average (HFA346) (average of audiological thresholds for 3 kHz, 4 kHz and 6 kHz). Data were compared by using mixed-effects regression analysis. Results Base threshold values were higher for the NEG than for the NNEG across frequencies. All year-to-year increases in mean hearing thresholds were statistically significant (p < 0.01). When correcting for age, increases in mean hearing thresholds were higher for the NEG than for the NNEG for HFA346 (3.5 dB vs. 2.9 dB decline over a 4-year period) but similar for LFA512 (0.6 dB vs. 0.7 dB decline). Uncorrected for age, increases in mean hearing thresholds were higher than when age was corrected for. Conclusion Age and occupational noise exposure influence hearing thresholds over time. The continued increase in hearing thresholds of the NEG above that of the NNEG can be related to ineffective noise management programmes and/or the fact that early noise exposure leads to a higher burden of hearing loss over time – even after noise exposure had stopped.
Multi-scale Responses of Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus) to Prescribed Fire

Abstract The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) is a threatened species that occurs in habitats frequently targeted by prescribed burns. There have been reports of massasauga mortality as a result of prescribed fires, but little is known regarding the indirect effects of fire on this species. The objective of this study was to monitor massasaugas during a prescribed fire to assess direct and indirect effects. We initially implanted radio transmitters in 13 massasaugas inhabiting an area targeted for periodic prescribed fires and tracked them following a prescribed fire to determine burn-related mortality and behavioral influences. Data loggers, temperature sensitive paint, and measuring posts were used to record detailed fire data. Of the five snakes on the burn unit at the time, two died as a result of the fire. No differences were observed in daily movements and home range sizes between burn categories (in the burn, same site not in the burn and at a nearby unburned site). Snakes on and off the burn unit at the same site exhibited the same habitat preference for wetland habitats, whereas snakes at the control site preferred herbaceous areas. Slight differences were observed in microhabitat selection related to litter depth, surface light intensity, distance to water, and surface temperature. The snakes did not appear to alter their seasonal activities as a result of the prescribed fire. The results of this study suggest ways to minimize impacts from prescribed fires on massasauga populations.
Chest wall resection and reconstruction for lung cancer: surgical techniques and example of integrated multimodality approach.

Surgery is a mainstay in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Involvement of chest wall accounts for approximately 5–10% of operable NSCLC and in such cases extended resection is needed to maximize chances of durable disease control (1). After surgical removal of involved structures, reconstructive procedures are often necessary to maintain or re-establish thoracic cage stability and function, in order to preserve satisfying long-term functional outcome and cosmesis, while dealing satisfactorily with postoperative outcome (2).
On One Class of Undirected Graph

Introduced the concept of polynomial combinatorial sets in enumerative combinatorics and formulates the problem of finding some element with an easily recognized symptom among elements of a combinatorial set. We build an efficient algorithm to solve this problem. We prove that this algorithm does not fit into the formal definition of an algorithm (e.g. “Turing machine”). It is proved that all NP-complete problems are not polynomial. We consider a countable class of undirected Hamiltonian graphs with an odd number of vertices without loops and multiple edges. We prove one typical feature of such graphs: almost every simple path containing all the vertices of the graph is not Hamiltonian cycle. In other words, in the langage of probability theory, the probability that a randomly selected a simple path in this graph containing all vertices, is Hamiltonian cycle tends to zero with growth of number vertices.
Product innovation and exports: Evidence from Spanish manufacturing

Firm decisions affect performance and survival. Unfortunately, due to severe selection problems it is hard to study this causality. Export decisions, however, have been related to better performing firms, where causality seems to run from good performance to entering export markets. Using the fact that we observe both exporting and non-exporting firms we analyze the effect of innovation on the decision of firms to export. We find for a panel of Spanish manufacturing firms for the period 1990-1999 that product innovation is a very important driver of exports for small non-exporting firms. Our results suggest that product innovation rather than process innovation affects firm productivity, which in turn induces firms to select into the export market.
Influence of Bottom Ash Replacements as Fine Aggregate on the Property of Cellular Concrete with Various Foam Contents

This research focuses on evaluating the feasibility of utilizing bottom ash from coal burning power plants as a fine aggregate in cellular concrete with various foam contents. Flows of all mixtures were controlled within 45 ± 5% and used foam content at 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% by volume of mixture. Bottom ash from Mae Moh power plant in Thailand was used to replace river sand at the rates of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% by volume of sand. Compressive strength, water absorption, and density of cellular concretes were determined at the ages of 7, 14, and 28 days. Nonlinear regression technique was developed to construct the mathematical models for predicting the compressive strength, water absorption, and density of cellular concrete. The results revealed that the density of cellular concrete decreased while the water absorption increased with an increase in replacement level of bottom ash. From the experimental results, it can be concluded that bottom ash can be used as fine aggregate in the cellular concrete. In addition, the nonlinear regression models give very high degree of accuracy ().