Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of oral administration of essential oils on anti-immune stress, antimicrobial properties, and repairing the intestinal damage in broilers challenged by lipopolysaccharide

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of essential oils (carvacrol, thyme, and oregano) on anti-immune stress, antimicrobial properties, and repairing the intestinal damage caused by Salmonella enterica lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in broilers. A total of 100 Ross 308 broilers (21-d-old; 1.10 ± 0.11 kg) were randomly allocated to five groups: T1, basal diet + saline; T2, basal diet + LPS; T3, basal diet + 200 μL carvacrol oils + LPS; T4, basal diet + 200 μL thyme oils + LPS; T5, basal diet + 200 μL oregano oils + LPS, with 20 replicates each, and one chicken per replicate per cage. Those challenged by LPS resulted in an immune stress, which manifests as the abnormal growth (P < 0.05) in immune organs, and the content of immunoglobulin G (P < 0.05), tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05), and the rectum temperature (P < 0.05) increased compared with other groups. The oral administration of essential oils controlled the immune stress to a certain extent. The essential oils could reduce harmful bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (P < 0.05) and Salmonella enumeration (P < 0.05), in vivo of broilers. Meanwhile, the essential oils repaired the intestinal damage, which showed a reduction in the villi height (P < 0.05) and goblet cell (P < 0.05) caused by LPS. In conclusion, the essential oils (carvacrol, thyme, and oregano essential oils) controlled the stress reaction and maintained intestinal health to a certain extent.
Automated detection and evaluation of lumbar discs in MR images

A method for computerized detection of disk pathologies is described. It is based on: (1) automated localization of individual disks in a magnetic resonance (MR) image, (2) analysis of the pattern of changes in grey intensities along the disk, and (3) verification of findings based on the analysis of trends recorded for subsequent images in the study. In preliminary studies there was good correlation between abnormal intensity distribution and clinical evidence of disk abnormalities, suggesting that the method will be useful in automated, unconstrained analysis of MR images of the spine. <<ETX>>
Validating Agent Models Through Virtual Worlds

As the US continues its vigilance against distributed, embedded threats, understanding the political and social structure of these groups becomes paramount for predicting and disrupting their attacks. Agent-based models (ABMs) serve as a powerful tool to study these groups. While the popularity of social network tools (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) has provided extensive communication data, there is a lack of fine-grained behavioral data with which to inform and validate existing ABMs. Virtual worlds, in particular massively multiplayer online games (MMOG), where large numbers of people interact within a complex environment for long periods of time provide an alternative source of data. These environments provide a rich social environment where players engage in a variety of activities observed between real-world groups: collaborating and/or competing with other groups, conducting battles for scarce resources, and trading in a market economy. Strategies employed by player groups surprisingly reflect those seen in present-day conflicts, where players use diplomacy or espionage as their means for accomplishing their goals. In this project, we propose to address the need for fine-grained behavioral data by acquiring and analyzing game data a commercial MMOG, referred to within this report as Game X. The goals of this research were: (1) devising toolsets for analyzing virtual world data to better inform the rules that govern a social ABM and (2) exploring how virtual worlds could serve as a source of data to validate ABMs established for analogous real-world phenomena. During this research, we studied certain patterns of group behavior to compliment social modeling efforts where a significant lack of detailed examples of observed phenomena exists. This report outlines our work examining group behaviors that underly what we have termed the Expression-To-Action (E2A) problem: determining the changes in social contact that lead individuals/groups to engage in a particular behavior. Results from our work indicate that virtual worlds have the potential for serving as a proxy in allocating and populating behaviors that would be used within further agent-based modeling studies.
Anuran Distribution in a Highly Diverse Region of the Atlantic Forest: the Mantiqueira Mountain Range in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract: We present a synthesis of anuran diversity and distribution in the Mantiqueira Mountain Range, one of the largest mountain ranges occurring within the Atlantic Forest biome of Brazil. We assembled a species list based on the examination of 16,893 specimens housed in 10 herpetological collections and data compiled from the literature. We developed minimum convex polygons for each species to determine their degree of association with the mountain range, and assessed distribution patterns considering species presence–absence in nearby geomorphological units. The northern and southern sectors of the mountain range were examined for differences in species composition, accounting for possible effects of the main vegetation types of the range. We recorded 234 anuran species (∼23% of total anuran richness for Brazil), including 143 core species, 89 species of marginal occurrence, and 2 species with an undetermined degree of association because of taxonomic uncertainties. Of these species, 91 were widespread and occur throughout the Atlantic Forest and in other regions, 53 were not widespread but range into neighboring geomorphological units, and 88 were endemic species. The northern and southern sectors of the mountain range differed in species composition, which was influenced by the different vegetation types. Thirty-nine endemic species were restricted to the southern sector, whereas 45 occurred only in the northern sector, indicating that these sectors potentially represent distinct biogeographic units with regard to the anurans. We found 14 species that are listed among the categories of both global and national lists of threatened species and 10 species whose most recent records date from at least 30 yr ago. Our study confirms that the Mantiqueira Range is a critical region for anuran endemism and conservation in the Atlantic Forest, and provides a baseline for future biogeographic, taxonomic, and macroecological studies.
Physiological, biochemical and yield responses of wheat cultivars to deficient water stress

Two similar and concurrent experiments were carried out in the Agricultural Research Center of Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah Branch and Agricultural Research Center of Islamabad during 2016-2017. The experiments were performed in a split-plot format in a randomized complete-block design based on 3 replications. The main plots were assigned to 4 different regimes of irrigation: (I1) full irrigation during the growth period followed by 50% of the soil moisture depletion; (I2) water deficit stress from the start of the flowering stage) Z61 (to the milking stage (Z77) associated with irrigation after 80% of the soil moisture depletion; (I3) water deficit stress from the beginning of the flowering stage(Z61) to the ripening stage (Z93) followed by irrigation after 80% of the soil moisture depletion; and (I4) water deficit stress from the start of the milking stage (Z77) to the ripening stage (Z93) followed by irrigation after 80% of the soil moisture depletion. The 3 cultivars of C1 (Sirvan), C2 (Pishtaz), and C3 (Marv dasht) were treated using the allocated sub-plots. The results revealed that by increasing the drought stress intensities on the wheat cultivars, Grain Yield (GY), Relative Water Content (RWC), and Total Chlorophyll Content (TCC) were decreased except for Proline Content (PC). Sirvan cultivar subjected to the treatment of drought stress (I3) led to the highest reduction in RWC and TCC compared to the control treatment (I1). The results of this study indicated that the wheat cultivars of Islamabad Agricultural Research Center had higher GY (5129 kg.h-1), TCC (58 mg. g-1 fr.wt.), and RWC (92%) values than those of the Agricultural Research Center of Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah branch.
Population genomic analyses reveal a highly differentiated genetic cluster of northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis laingi) in Haida Gwaii

Accurate knowledge of geographic ranges and genetic relationships among populations is important when managing a species or population of conservation concern. In the western Canadian province of British Columbia, a subspecies of the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis laingi) is designated as Threatened under the Canadian Species at Risk Act. Historically, the range of this bird of prey has been ambiguous and its genetic distinctness from the other North American subspecies (Accipiter gentilis atricapillus) has not been well established. Given the uncertainty in using morphological traits to assign individual goshawks to these two subspecies, we analyzed genomic relationships in tens of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms identified using genotyping-bysequencing of high-quality genetic samples. This genome-wide analysis revealed a genetically distinct population of northern goshawks on the archipelago of Haida Gwaii and subtle genetic structuring among the remainder of our sampling sites within North America. Following from this analysis, we developed targeted genotyping assays for ten loci that are highly differentiated between the two main genetic clusters, allowing the addition of hundreds of low-quality samples to our analysis. This additional information confirmed that the distinct genetic cluster on Haida Gwaii is restricted to that archipelago. As the laingi form was originally described as being based in Haida Gwaii, where the type specimen of that form is from, further study (especially of morphological traits) may indicate a need to restrict this name to the Haida Gwaii genetic cluster. Regardless of taxonomic treatment, our finding of a distinct Haida Gwaii genetic cluster along with the small and historically declining population size of the Haida Gwaii population suggests a high risk of extinction of an ecologically and genetically distinct form of northern goshawk. Outside of Haida Gwaii, sampling regions along the coast of BC and southeast Alaska (often considered regions inhabited by laingi) show some subtle differentiation from other North American regions. We anticipate that these results will increase the effectiveness of conservation management of northern goshawks in northwestern North America. More broadly, other conservation-related studies of genetic variation may benefit from the two-step approach we employed that first surveys genomic variation using high-quality samples and then genotypes low-quality samples at particularly informative loci.
Linear CMOS power controller for precision sensor applications

The authors describe the design and implementation of a controlled power source. Its function is to stabilize power over a reasonable range of load variations. A solution using only linear circuit blocks is proposed in order to avoid an analog multiplier. This is achieved by making the power regulation around the nominal operating point and keeping only the first order correcting terms in the compensation equation. The error introduced by this approach is smaller than 0.2% for 10% load variation, which gives a stabilization factor of 50. The circuit was integrated as a driver for the resistor heating element of an air flow sensor cointegrated on the same chip. <<ETX>>
Connexin-43 dependent ATP release mediates macrophage activation during peritonitis

Peritonitis is the consequence of bacterial spillage into a sterile environment by gastrointestinal hollow-organ perforation that may lead to fulminant sepsis. Outcome of peritonitis-induced sepsis critically depends on macrophage activation by extracellular ATP release and associated para- and autocrine signaling via purinergic receptors. Mechanisms that mediate and control ATP release, however, are poorly understood. Here we show that TLR-2 and -4 agonists trigger ATP release via Connexin-43 (CX43) hemichannels in peritoneal macrophages leading to poor survival during sepsis. In humans, CX43 expression was upregulated on macrophages isolated from the peritoneal cavity in patients with intraperitoneal infection but not in healthy controls. Using a murine caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model, we identified increased CX43 expression in activated infiltrating peritoneal, hepatic and pulmonary macrophages. Conditional MAC-CX43 KO Lyz2cre/creCx43flox/flox mice were developed to specifically assess the CX43 impact in macrophages. Both macrophage-specific CX43 deletion (using Lyz2cre/creCx43flox/flox mice) or pharmacological CX43 blockade were associated with reduced cytokine secretion by macrophages in response to LPS and CLP. This was ultimately resulting in increased survival in Lyz2cre/creCx43flox/flox mice and after pharmacological blockade. Specific inhibition of the purinergic receptor P2RY1 abrogated CX43 elicited cytokine responses. In conclusion, inhibition of autocrine ATP signaling via CX43 on macrophages and P2RY1 improves sepsis outcome in experimental peritonitis. Brief Summary Connexin-43-mediated ATP release from macrophages in response to TLR-4 and -2 agonists modulates autocrine activation of macrophages in a P2Y1-dependent manner, ultimately determining sepsis survival.
Evolution of Aminoglycoside Resistance in CTX-M-15 Producing Klebsiella Spp. in Kurdistan Province, Iran

The aim of present investigation was evolution of aminoglycoside resistance in CTX-M-15 producing klebsiella spp. Clinical isolates from general hospitals of Kurdistan Province, Iran. Ninety klebsiella spp. isolates were obtained from different clinical specimens. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern and detection of ESBL producing isolates performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s (CLSI) guidelines. CTX-M-15 gene screened by PCR amplification. Fisher tests was used to analyses by with STATA software program and p-values below 0.05 were considered as significant. Out of 90 clinical isolates the highest and lowest resistance related to cefotaxime and imipenem respectively. The results of detection of ESBL producing isolates showed that 62 isolates (84.4%) were ESBL-positive isolates. Thirty two (42.1%) out of 90 Klebsiella spp. isolates caring CTX-M-15 gene. CTX-M-15 was detected in 56.2% of gentamycin resistance, 34.4% of kanamycin resistance, and 56.2% of amikacin resistance. the present study showed that there was high frequency of CTX-M-15 gene in ESBL producing clinical isolates in Kurdistan Province, Iran. Moreover, there was no statistically significant relationship between CTX-M-15 production and resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics in Klebsiella spp. isolates.
Patrones de estacionalidad de las especies de aves residentes y migratorias de los Pantanos de Villa, Lima, Perú

Resumen En los Pantanos de Villa, Lima, Peru, se han registrado 211 especies de aves que se encuentran comprendidas en 145 generos, 50 familias y 21 ordenes. Con respecto a la estacionalidad, 97 especies son residentes y 114 provienen de otras latitudes, que se dividen en tres grupos: las migratorias, las ocasionales y las introducidas. Las migratorias (82 especies) se diferencian en dos grupos: las que realizan migraciones horizontales, que proceden de la region Neartica (51 especies) y la region Austral (13 especies), y las migratorias verticales que realizan migraciones altitudinales y proceden de los Andes peruanos (18 especies); y las ocasionales (31 especies), que han sido registradas muy pocas veces y que, no siendo migratorias, se les ha reportado en los Pantanos de Villa. La migracion de aves procedentes de la region Neartica tienen un patron de variacion estacional definido de setiembre a marzo. Y los registros de las migraciones de las especies provenientes de la region Austral y la region Altoandina evidencian que los patrones de estacionalidad de las mismas abarcan el periodo comprendido entre mayo y agosto. Palabras clave: aves, Pantanos de Villa, migraciones de aves, patrones de variacion. Abstract In the Villa Swamps, Lima, Peru, 211 species of birds have been registered and are included in 145 genera, 50 families and 21 orders. Regarding the seasonality, 97 species are residents and 114 are from other latitudes, which are divided into three groups: migratory, occasional and introduced. The migratory species (82 species) differ in two groups: those that carry out horizontal migrations, that come from the Nearctic Region (51 species) and the Austral Region (13 species), and the vertical migratory ones that make altitudinal migrations and come from the Peruvian Andes (18 species); and the occasional ones (31 species), which have been registered very rarely and which, although not migratory, have been reported in the Villa Swamps. The migration of birds from the Nearctic Region has a pattern of seasonal variation defined from September to March. And the records of the migrations of the species coming from the Austral Region and the Andean Highlands Region show that the seasonality patterns of them cover the period between May and August. Keywords : birds, Villa Swamps, bird migration, patterns of variation.
A cortical route for face-like pattern processing in human newborns

Humans are endowed with an exceptional ability for detecting faces, a competence that in adults is supported by a set of face-specific cortical patches. Human newborns already shortly after birth preferentially orient to faces even when they are presented in the form of highly schematic geometrical patterns, over perceptually equivalent non-face-like stimuli. The neural substrates underlying this early preference are still largely unexplored. Is the adult face-specific cortical circuit already active at birth, or does its specialization develop slowly as a function of experience and/or maturation? We measured EEG responses in 1-4 days old awake, attentive human newborns to schematic face-like patterns and non-face-like control stimuli, visually presented with a slow oscillatory “peekaboo” dynamics (0.8 Hz) in a frequency-tagging design. Despite the limited duration of newborns’ attention, reliable frequency-tagged responses could be estimated for each stimulus from the peak of the EEG power spectrum at the stimulation frequency. Upright face-like stimuli elicited a significantly stronger frequency-tagged response than inverted face-like controls in a large set of electrodes. Source reconstruction of the underlying cortical activity revealed the recruitment of a partially right-lateralized network comprising lateral occipito-temporal and medial parietal areas largely overlapping with the adult face-processing circuit. This result suggests that the cortical route specialized in face processing is already functional at birth. Significance statement Newborns show a remarkable ability to detect faces even minutes after birth, an ecologically fundamental skill that is instrumental for interacting with their conspecifics. What are the neural bases of this expertise? Using EEG and a slow oscillatory visual stimulation, we identified a reliable response specific to face-like patterns in newborns, which underlying cortical sources largely overlap with the adult face-specific cortical circuit. This suggests that the development of face perception in infants might rely on an early cortical route specialized in face processing already shortly after birth.
Habitat use by the invasive exotic Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and native dove species in the Chamela-Cuixmala region of West Mexico

ABSTRACT Invasive species are one of the main threats to biodiversity, and anthropogenic disturbance facilitates their entry and establishment. In this study, we assessed the presence and abundance of the invasive Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) along a habitat gradient where this species interacts with native doves and pigeons. We found Eurasian Collared-Doves only in habitats modified by human activities, occurring more frequently in urban areas than agricultural fields. Sites with Eurasian Collared-Doves were highly dominated by this species, displaying less diverse dove communities, suggesting that the presence of this invasive species could be a factor contributing to a reduction of dove diversity. Effective management actions are essential to preserve biodiversity in human-modified habitats such as urban areas, and even more so if exotic invader species are present. Controlling Eurasian Collared-Doves' further dispersion could be beneficial to native dove communities in a wide range of habitats.
Pre-stimulus oscillatory activity predicts successful episodic encoding for both young and older adults

Healthy aging is associated with declines in episodic memory performance that are due in part to deficits in encoding. Emerging results from young adult studies suggest that the neural activity during the time-period preceding stimulus presentation is sensitive to episodic memory performance. It is unknown whether age-related declines in episodic memory are due solely to changes in the recruitment of processes elicited by stimuli during encoding or also in processes recruited in anticipation of these stimuli. Here, we recorded oscillatory EEG while young and old participants encoded visual and auditory words that were preceded by cues indicating the stimulus modality. Alpha oscillatory activity preceding and following stimulus onset was predictive of subsequent memory accuracy similarly across age. Frontal beta oscillations linked to semantic elaboration during encoding were reduced by age. Post-stimulus theta power was positively predictive of episodic memory accuracy for old but not young adults, potentially reflecting older adults’ tendency to self-generate associations during encoding. Collectively, these results suggest that the preparatory mobilization of neural processes prior to encoding that benefits episodic memory performance is not affected by age.
REDUCING EROSION IN SORGHUM CROPS WITH MULCHING

ABSTRACT Researches evaluating the use of mulch has contributing to optimize soil management towards sustainability, and improving soil quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of mulching on the reduction of erosion in a soil with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) crops subjected to simulated rainfall and increased soil organic carbon. The experiment was carried out from August to December 2013 under field conditions, using a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of sorghum with mulch, using the local vegetation available in the area; and sorghum without mulch. Simulated rainfalls were performed in three different periods of the crop cycle (initial, intermediate, and final), using a rainfall simulator. The use of mulch in soils with sorghum crops was efficient in improving soil water retention in all phases of the crop, and maintaining soil moisture during the rainfall intervals used, resulting in the absence of plant water loss, and greater contribution to soil organic carbon.