Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential for domesticated–wild interbreeding to induce maladaptive phenology across multiple populations of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

We report how aquaculture may negatively alter a critical phenological trait (developmental rate) linked to sur- vival in wild fish populations. At the southern limit of the species range in eastern North America, the persistence of small Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations may be constrained by interbreeding with farmed salmon that escape regularly from intensive aquaculture facilities. Using a common-garden experimental protocol implemented over an 8-year period, we show that embryos of farmed salmon and multigenerational farmed-wild hybrids (F1 ,F 2, wild backcrosses) had slower developmental rates than those of two regional wild populations. In certain cases, our data suggest that hybrid develop- mental rates are sufficiently mismatched to prevailing environmental conditions that they would have reduced survival in the wild. This implies that repeated farmed-wild interbreeding could adversely affect wild populations. Our results there- fore reaffirm previous recommendations that based on the precautionary principle, improved strategies are needed to pre- vent, or to substantially minimize, escapes of aquaculture fishes into wild environments. Resume´ : Nous demontrons comment l'aquaculture peut affecter negativement un trait phenologique essentiel (le taux de developpement) lieala survie des populations sauvages de poissons. Ala limite sud de l'aire de repartition de l'espece dans l'est de l'Amerique du Nord, la persistance de petites populations de saumons atlantiques (Salmo salar) peut etre res- treinte par des croisements avec des saumons d'elevage qui s'echappent regulierement des installations d'aquaculture in- tensive. Al'aide d'un protocole experimental de jardin commun maintenu sur une periode de 8 annees, nous montrons que les embryons de saumons d'elevage et des hybrides de plusieurs generations de saumons sauvages et eleves (retrocroise- ments en nature de F1 et de F2) ont des taux de developpement plus lents que les poissons de deux populations regionales sauvages. Dans certains cas, nos donnees indiquent que les taux de developpement des hybrides sont suffisamment mesap- paries aux conditions prevalentes de l'environnement qu'ils auraient reduit la survie en nature. Ceci donne aentendre que des croisements repetes entre des poissons d'elevage et des poissons sauvages pourraient affecter negativement les popula- tions sauvages. Nos resultats nous amenent donc a reaffirmer les recommandations anterieures basees sur le principe de precaution voulant que des strategies ameliorees soient necessaires pour empecher, ou reduire a un strict minimum, la fuite de poissons d'elevage vers les environnements sauvages. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Comparative Evaluation of Polyclonal Antibodies in the Characterization of Nematocyst Proteins from Australian Irukandji and Chironex fleckeri Species

Carukia barnesi (Cb), Malo kingi (Mk) and Chironex fleckeri (Cf) are dangerous Australian 31 box jellyfish species that provoke distinct and not well understood envenomation syndromes. 32 Specifically, Cb and Mk are small, rare and able to induce a systemic syndrome of generalised 33 muscle pain and catecholamine excess termed “Irukandji syndrome”; Cf has been widely regarded 34 as one of the most venomous organisms in the animal kingdom causing severe sting site pain 35 combined with potentially lethal cardiotoxicity. Building on past studies of major chirodropid and 36 carybdeid species venoms, this study compared the utility of various cubozoan specific antibody 37 reagents to better define the relationships between venom proteins from both exemplar Irukandji 38 species (Cb and Mk) and the archetype C. fleckeri box jellyfish. With the aid of commercial ovine 39 derived Cf-specific antivenom, mouse antibodies reactive to Cb and Mk and rabbit antibodies 40 specific to two Cf toxins (CfTX-1 and 2), as well as human sera, the cross-reactivity of jellyfish 41 species-specific polyclonal antibodies against these three cubozoan venoms was investigated. 42 Immunoblot assays revealed distinc levels of immune recognition across the three species, 43 indicating that Mk specific reagents may bind both Irukandji and Cf venoms. Irukandji venom 44 appears to be antigenic with the exception of a few proteins in the range of 43/46 kDa maybe 45 homologous to CfTX-1 and 2. The implications of such antibody binding for future antivenom 46 development require further investigation. 47 Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 29 August 2018 doi:10.20944/preprints201808.0481. v1 © 2018 by the author(s). Distributed under a Creative Commons CC BY license.
Assessment of HAART Clinical Outcomes and Associated Direct Costs in a Cohort of Patients Receiving Treatment at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in North Central Nigeria

Background: The introduction of HAART has produced dramatic clinical improvements and quality of life in patients living with HIV/AIDS. Financial access to healthcare services is critical for survival. Currently little is known about direct costs to patients before and during regular access to care services. In the absence health insurance direct costs can be a significant barrier to financial access to care services. Objectives: To assess improvements in CD4 cell count and viral load and also determine direct costs associated with various HAART regimens as well as affordability of direct costs. Methods: This cross sectional study has both retrospective and prospective components. A total of 867 out of 5000 case notes that met inclusion criteria were selected by systematic random sampling. Direct costs were obtained from relevant departments and structured questionnaire. Data were entered into SPSS 20 and analyzed using one way anova with post hoc, student t test and Chi square as appropriate. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Results and Discussion: The most prescribed regimens were those containing Zidovudine+Lamivudine+Nevirapin e (Regimen I) and Tenofovir+Lamivudine/Emtricitabine+Efavirenz (Regimen IV) accounting for 38.4% and 49.1% respectively. Improvement in CD4 and viral load is significant across all regiments. The mean direct costs ranged between US$182.9-504.5 per encounter, which makes it highly unaffordable to majority of patients. Conclusion: Clinical improvement across all the HAART regimens is significant. Direct costs are highly unaffordable and this may impact negatively on access to care services.
High-Frequency Alternating Electrical Current: Selective Electromagnetic Tissue Reaction

Radiofrequency surgery, also referred to as electrosurgery, utilizes a high-frequency (HF) alternating electrical current to cut or coagulate biological tissues. HF energy—while targeting a particular tissue—can be applied to induce an electrothermal reaction by converting electrical currents into heat energy, depending on the resistance of the tissue and the density of the current. In contrast to the action mechanisms of electrocautery devices, which generate nonselective thermal injury using a heated metallic probe, radiofrequency devices deliver electromagnetic signals—not heat itself—to induce thermal or non-thermal injury to targeted cellular and subcellular structures. Using a radiofrequency device, HF energy can be emitted to tissues via a monopolar or bipolar mode and via minimally invasive or noninvasive electrodes. These differences in the delivery of HF energy to a particular tissue affect the expected type of reaction. A thermo-selective tissue reaction refers to the selective hyperthermic injury achieved by converting an electrical current into heat energy. An electromagnetic-selective tissue reaction refers to non-thermal, selective tissue reactions achieved via a HF-induced electromagnetic field. For minimally invasive bipolar radiofrequency devices, the use of insulated penetrating electrodes, along with longer HF conduction time and continuous type of HF delivery, maximizes thermo-selective tissue reactions. Meanwhile, for minimally invasive bipolar devices equipped with non-insulated penetrating electrodes, application of shorter HF conduction time and/or pulsed type of HF delivery maximizes electromagnetic-selective tissue reactions.
Osteoporosis in Chronic Pancreatitis Outpatients Associates withSeveral Risk Factors

Background Chronic pancreatitis is associated with risk factors that may negatively affect bone metabolism and increase risk of developing osteoporosis and low energy fractures. We evaluated the association of osteoporosis in Danish chronic pancreatitis patients with a number of predefined risk factors besides pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 67 outpatients conducted at a tertiary referral centre. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan was used to examine bone mineral density for the columnar spine and femoral neck. The primary outcome was to identify risk factors associated with osteoporosis in chronic pancreatitis. Several clinical and demographic parameters, including exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, vitamin-D level, as well as muscle function and strength were analysed for association with bone mineral density. Results The median age of patients was 60 years (IQR 51-68) and 40% were women. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 26.9% in patients compared to 9.1% in Danish citizens (OR 2.4 [95% CI; 1.0-5.7]; P=0.042). Muscle function (Timed Up and Go Test), 25(OH)-Vitamin-D level, and body mass index were independently associated with bone mineral density at the femoral neck (all p<0.001), while diabetes (P=0.03) and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (P=0.006) were independently associated with bone mineral density in the columnar spine. Conclusion The risk of osteoporosis in chronic pancreatitis outpatients associates with several modifiable risk factors in addition to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This information should be implemented in outpatient monitoring strategies to improve bone health and decrease risk of low energy fractures.
A Rationale for Mesoscopic Domain Formation in Biomembranes

Cell plasma membranes display a dramatically rich structural complexity characterized by functional sub-wavelength domains with specific lipid and protein composition. Under favorable experimental conditions, patterned morphologies can also be observed in vitro on model systems such as supported membranes or lipid vesicles. Lipid mixtures separating in liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered phases below a demixing temperature play a pivotal role in this context. Protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions also contribute to membrane shaping by promoting small domains or clusters. Such phase separations displaying characteristic length-scales falling in-between the nanoscopic, molecular scale on the one hand and the macroscopic scale on the other hand, are named mesophases in soft condensed matter physics. In this review, we propose a classification of the diverse mechanisms leading to mesophase separation in biomembranes. We distinguish between mechanisms relying upon equilibrium thermodynamics and those involving out-of-equilibrium mechanisms, notably active membrane recycling. In equilibrium, we especially focus on the many mechanisms that dwell on an up-down symmetry breaking between the upper and lower bilayer leaflets. Symmetry breaking is an ubiquitous mechanism in condensed matter physics at the heart of several important phenomena. In the present case, it can be either spontaneous (domain buckling) or explicit, i.e., due to an external cause (global or local vesicle bending properties). Whenever possible, theoretical predictions and simulation results are confronted to experiments on model systems or living cells, which enables us to identify the most realistic mechanisms from a biological perspective.
Measuring and estimating the impact of innovative human capital on firm performance: is there a role for public policy?

The knowledge-based theory of the firm emphasises the central role of the individual as the source and creator of knowledge (Grant, 1996). Individuals are also key actors in innovation (OECD, 2011; Grossman and Helpman, 1994). Human capital is the aggregation of knowledge and skills (Al-Laham et al., 2011). It promotes growth and development through increased productivity of labour and capital (Mathur, 1999) and is the ‘cement’ that holds “knowledge and innovation systems together” (Soete, 2007, p. 279).
The Relationship between Action Execution, Imagination, and Perception in Children

Action simulation has been proposed as a unifying mechanism for imagination, perception and execution of action. In children, there has been considerable focus on the development of action imagination, although these findings have not been related to other processes that may share similar mechanisms. The purpose of the research reported in this thesis was to examine action imagination and perception (action possibility judgements) from late childhood to adolescence. Accordingly, imagined and perceived movement times (MTs) were compared to actual MTs in a continuous pointing task as a function of age. The critical finding was that differences between actual and imagined MTs remained relatively stable across the age groups, whereas perceived MTs approached actual MTs as a function of age. These findings suggest that although action simulation may be developed in early childhood, action possibility judgements may rely on additional processes that continue to develop in late childhood and adolescence.
Analysis and control of excess leakage currents in nitride-based Schottky diodes based on thin surface barrier model

Using a rigorous computer simulation program for current transport through a Schottky barrier with an arbitrary potential profile, the leakage current mechanism in GaN and AlGaN Schottky diodes was investigated on the basis of the thin surface barrier (TSB) model recently proposed by the authors’ group. Computer simulation assuming various possible defect density distributions was carried out to reproduce the measured temperature dependent current voltage (I–V)-temperature characteristics of the GaN and AlGaN Schottky diodes which showed excessive reverse leakage. By assuming exponentially decaying distributions from surface for defect donors with energy depth of 0.25 eV for GaN and 0.37 eV for Al0.15Ga0. 85N, I–V curves measured by our group as well as reported in the literatures were almost completely reproduced both in forward and reverse direction over a wide temperature range. The defect donors are proposed to be N vacancies or their related complexes that are formed during metal deposition. The resul.
The Mysterious Hypnotic Analgesia: Experimental Evidences

In the last years, the Laboratory of Experimental Hypnosis of the University of Padova and of the Institute Franco Granone of Torino, also in collaboration with the Foundation Hospital San Camillo in Venice, studied the effectiveness and the mechanisms of hypnotic analgesia in non-trigeminal an trigeminal pain. In this paper, the results of our work are summarized, starting from what was already known on the topic and exploring experimentally many different aspects of hypnotic analgesia. All the studies described in the present paper were conducted following scientific protocols and using the methods and means of Galilean science, employing in particular many instruments pertaining to human physiology and belonging to cardiology and neurology. This leads to the demonstration that hypnotic analgesia is an objective, real and measurable phenomenon.
Evaluation of antifungal activity of vitavax and Trichoderma viride against two wheat root rot pathogens

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of applying the chemical “vitavax”, the biological control product “plant guard” and the fungal isolate T. viride to control two wheat root rot pathogens, Drechslera biseptata and Fusarium moniliforme in vitro and in vivo. Methodology and results: Vitavax, plant guard and non-sterilized culture filtrate (NSCF) of Trichoderma viride completely inhibited the growth and sporulation of F. moniliforme when applied at high doses. Hyphal extension and sporulation of D. biseptata ceased in medium amended with higher doses of NSCF of T. viride while amending the culture medium with 4% plant guard completely inhibited sporulation only. Infestation of soil with either pathogen was associated with root rot of wheat seedlings, decreasing emergence of seedlings and low values of growth parameters of wheat root and shoot. Photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates, proteins and phenolic compounds in the host tissues decreased due to infection. Application of chemical and biological control, either alone or in combination, improved the biochemical parameters in the treated seedlings. Mechanisms of action may include induction of host resistance as was observed from the improved emergence and growth of seedlings as well as reduced disease severity. T. viride was most effective in controlling the two pathogens, both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion and application of findings: Chemical and biological control were efficient against root rot pathogens in vitro and in vivo. Application of T. viride alone or in combination with vitavax is a promising approach for managing wheat root rot.
Autocuidado das pessoas com diabetes mellitus que possuem complicações em membros inferiores

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as atividades de autocuidado de pessoas com diabetes mellitus que possuem ulceras e/ou amputacoes em membros inferiores. METODOS: Estudo transversal de abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido em unidades secundaria e terciaria da saude. O instrumento de pesquisa para avaliacao do autocuidado foi o Questionario de Atividades de Autocuidado com o Diabetes, previamente validado para a lingua portuguesa. Aplicou-se esse questionario a uma amostra de conveniencia, composta por 35 pessoas. RESULTADOS: Observou-se um autocuidado desejavel, ou seja, um bom autocuidado, relacionado ao uso da terapia medicamentosa e o contrario para a pratica de atividade fisica. CONCLUSAO: Os dados sugeriram que o acompanhamento continuo dessas pessoas, no cuidado das ulceras, pode contribuir as atividades de autocuidado; a presenca das ulceras limita a pratica da atividade fisica.
Preliminary study on age, growth and reproduction of Mustelus mustelus (Elasmobranchii: Carcharhiniformes: Triakidae) inhabiting the Gulf of Iskenderun, north-eastern Mediterranean Sea

Background. Shark populations within the eastern Mediterranean are declining due to overfishing. Unfortunately, our knowledge on the biology of sharks and specifically dogfishes within eastern Mediterranean is extremely limited due to the lack of landings. Mustelus mustelus (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of such deficiently known cartilaginous fishes and the relevant information on its age and growth in the eastern Mediterranean is missing. The understanding of growth and reproductive behaviour is important for management and conservation of this species. The presently reported study was intended to determine age, growth, and some reproductive parameters of Mustelus mustelus collected in the Gulf of Iskenderun, the north-eastern Mediterranean Sea. Materials and methods. In this study, a total of 155 Mustelus mustelus were caught in the north-eastern Mediterranean Sea between March 2012 and October 2015. Fish age was determined based on band counts of sectioned vertebrae. The periodicity of band pair formation was examined using the marginal increment analysis. Growth parameters for all specimens were then determined by fitting the observed and the length-at-age data using the von Bertalanffy Growth Equation. The size and age at which 50% of both sexes reached maturity was estimated by a logistic model for maximum likelihood process and the gonadosomatic index was determined. Results. The total length and weight of the specimens examined ranged from 44.3 to 162.6 cm and from 241.3 to 12 060 g, respectively. The presently reported study provides new maximum lengths (162.6 cm) for M. mustelus from the north-eastern Mediterranean. The fish studied represented age groups from 0 through 25. The observed sex ratio was 1 ÷ 1.04 (females ÷ males). Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated to be L∞ = 195.13 cm, W∞ = 20 060 g, K = 0.06, and t0 = −4.27 for all specimens. Length–weight relation was found to be W = 0.0027L 3.0054
Obstacles to Attending Treatment in an Urban Mental Health Clinic: A Client’s Perspective Approach to Identifying Factors Influencing Treatment Attendance

The majority of clients seeking, and participating in, mental health treatment face a variety of barriers to their regular attendance; much of the focus, however, has continued to be centered around the experience of the provider and not on the client. The following research investigates the perceptions held by clients in an urban, low income, mental health setting, about what barriers they face. Clients completed a survey asking them to identify, on a likert scale, the degree to which they experienced barriers in several areas as they pertained to their mental health treatment. Clients also identified ways in which they believed they could be aided by the clinic in circumventing their barriers. The research findings, though descriptive in nature, point towards an institutional blind spot that allows for lower income clients to fall through the cracks of the mental health care industry. OBSTACLE TO ATTENDING TREATMENT 3 Obstacles to Attending Treatment in an Urban Mental Health Clinic: A Client’s Perspective Approach to Identifying Factors Influencing Treatment Attendance
Changes in the Factor Structure of the U.S. Economy: Permanent Breaks or Business Cycle Regimes?

The factor structure of the U.S. economy appears to change over time. Unlike previous studies which suggest this is due to permanent structural breaks in factor loadings, I argue instead that the volatility and persistence of factor processes undergo recurring changes related to the business cycle. To capture this, I develop a two-step Markov-switching static factor estimation procedure and apply it to a well-studied U.S. macroeconomic data set. I find strong support for Markov-switching in the factors processes, with switching variances being most dominant. Conditional on Markov-switching factor processes, tests for regime-dependent factor loadings show only moderate evidence of change. Overall, the results support regime-dependent factor processes as the main explanation for the diverging number of estimated factors in empirical applications and challenge the global linearity assumption implicit in large dimensional factor models of the U.S. economy.
In silico cloning and bioinformatic analysis of PEPCK gene in Fusarium oxysporum

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), a critical gluconeogenic enzyme, catalyzes the first committed step in the diversion of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates toward gluconeogenesis. According to the relative conservation of homologous gene, a bioinformatics strategy was applied to clone Fusarium oxysporum phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene (PEPCK) by blasting search of EST database with homologous gene cDNA of Neurospora crassa and identified. Some characters of the PEPCK that were analyzed and predicted by the tools of bioinformatics in the following aspects include the composition of amino acid sequences, physical and chemical properties, O-glycosylation site, hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity, secondary and tertiary structure of the protein and function. These results showed that the full-length of PEPCK was 1771 bp and it contained a complete ORF (1575 bp), encoded 524 amino acids, which is much conserved in ascomycetes. The calculated molecular weight of PEPCK was 58358.2 Da, theoretical pI of 6.84. It has 20 -helices, 37 sheets, and 12 glycosylation sites. It was a hydrophilic and stable protein with active site, ATP -binding site, metalbinding site and substrate-binding site.