Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Measurements of Local Seismic Rotations by Three Independent Methods

A comparative active experiment that is aimed at collocated measurement of seismic rotation rates along three orthogonal axes by means of three different methods is described. The rotation rates in a short-period range of 6–20 Hz were obtained using three different methods: the 6C Rotaphone sensor system developed by the authors, the commercial R-1 rotational sensor by Eentec, and a small-aperture array of twelve standard velocigraphs in a rectangular arrangement. Those three methods are compared and discussed in detail. A medium-size quarry blast was used as a seismic source. At a distance of approximately 240 m, the rotation rates reached an amplitude of the order of magnitude of 10−4–10−5 rad/s. The array derived rotation rates displayed serious limitations, as clearly documented. The R-1 instruments have shown certain technical problems that partly limit their applicability. The measured rotation rates were compared to the relevant acceleration components according to rotation-to-translation relations. Out of all the three methods, the records best matching the acceleration components were made by Rotaphone. The experiment also revealed that rotation rates in the given short-period range noticeably changed over a distance as short as 2 m.
Niche Overlap of Parasitoids in Host-Parasitoid Systems: Its Consequence to Single Versus Multiple Introduction Controversy in Biological Control

Four kinds of organic-inorganic cementing and coating materials were prepared by a coating method using water as the solvent,and the corresponding cemented and coated fertilizers (B2,PS,F2,and F2F) were produced by disc pelletizer.The tests on the properties of these fertilizers showed that the granulation rate,compression strength,and film-forming rate were B2PSF2F2F.Soil column leaching experiment showed that the curve of accumulated nitrogen-dissolving rate was the gentlest for B2.In 48 days,the accumulated nitrogen-dissolving rate was in the order of B2,54.65%PS,56.16%F2,59.47%,F2F,63.12%. Field experiment showed that compared with the same application amount of NPK,all the test fertilizers had better effects on corn yield,among which,B2 was the best,with the corn yield and fertilizer use efficiency increased by 19.72% and 20.30%,respectively.The yield-increasing effect of other test fertilizers was in the order of PSF2F2F.
Managing hereditary ovarian cancer risk

Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. About 10% of cases are thought to have a hereditary basis, and family history is the strongest known risk factor. In the past, prophylactic oophorectomy has been advocated for women with two or more affected first‐degree relatives. More recently, with the identification of the genes responsible for most hereditary ovarian cancers (BRCA1, BRCA2), oophorectomy can now be offered specifically to women who are mutation carriers. Conversely, noncarriers in these families can be reassured that their risk of ovarian cancer is not increased.
Geographic Patterns of Body-Mass Diversity in Mexican Mammals

At the geographic scale, body mass has been analysed as a correlate of local abundance and area of range, or in terms of latitudinal variations in body mass, both intra- and interspecifically. One productive approach has been the analysis of the frequency distribution of body mass in animal assemblages at different spatial scales. In this paper we use such an approach to describe the geographic patterns of body-mass diversity in the Mexican mammalian fauna. We found contrasting patterns for bats and non-volant species: Non-volant mammals in Mexico followed the already described pattern of a right-skewed distribution of body size at large scales and a more even distribution at smaller scales; bats, in contrast, showed skewed distributions at all scales. Statistical tests based on null models demonstrated that most assemblages of non-volant mammals present higher diversity of body mass than expected by chance, whereas chiropteran assemblages show the variation in body size that would be expected from randomly sampling the whole fauna of the country. Although we found an effect of latitude on body-mass diversity, we also demonstrated that topographic features (peninsulas and mountain ranges) have a strong influence on the patterns of body mass at small scales. Using SHE analysis, a method to decompose the elements of diversity, we studied the scaling of body-mass diversity in south-eastern Mexico and documented subtle patterns that had not been observed in comparisons between biomes and local communities. In particular, we found that at intermediate scales the evenness of the distribution of body mass values remains constant, so diversity is determined chiefly by changes in the number of size classes found in the assemblages. In contrast, at the national level, diversity is comparatively low, despite the presence of all size classes, because of the low evenness, reflected in the highly skewed frequency distribution of body-mass values. Our results show that the body-mass structure of mammalian assemblages is determined by a complex interplay of local and regional processes that act at different spatial and temporal scales.
Female predominant sex ratios and physiological differentiation in arctic willows.

(1) A survey of plants in flower of Salix polaris in Spitsbergen and S. herbacea in Iceland revealed in both species similar female-biased sex ratios of 59:41. (2) Paired observations of leaf resistance in male and female plants of S. polaris showed that the differences between the sexes were not random. Analysis of these differences showed that the sexes responded differently to some as yet unidentified aspect of their environment. (3) No morphological differences were observed between the leaves of male and female plants. (4) The similarity of the degree of female predominance in S. polaris in Spitsbergen and S. herbacea in Iceland suggests that there is an optimal proportion and a common mechanism for the excess of female over male plants. A possible control mechanism is discussed where the advantage gained from increased seed production due to an excess of female plants is progressively reduced as the effective population size diminishes with the departure of the sex ratio from equality. An argument is presented for this optimal ratio being about 60:40.
Welfare Assessment in Calves Fattened According to the “Outdoor Veal Calf” Concept and in Conventional Veal Fattening Operations in Switzerland

Simple Summary Antimicrobial use in humans and animals leads to the selection of resistant bacteria, a serious threat to human and animal health, as such bacteria can lead to treatment failure and death. With the “outdoor veal calf” concept, a novel calf fattening system was developed that allows for reducing antimicrobial use by 80% through improvements in management and housing, such as health check before purchase, short transport, vaccination, quarantine in individual hutches, and fattening in small groups in a roofed, straw-bedded paddock with a group hutch for shelter. In that system, veal calves spend their entire lives outdoors in the fresh air. In our study, we wanted to make sure that the observed reduction in antimicrobial treatments was not achieved at the cost of animal welfare, i.e., that sick animals were not left without treatment in order to obtain better figures for treatment reduction. Our results show that calves in the “outdoor veal calf” system had fewer signs of respiratory and digestive diseases than control calves and that their lungs had fewer lesions of pneumonia than controls after slaughter. Thus, not only was antimicrobial use drastically reduced, but calf health was really improved in the new “outdoor veal calf” system. Abstract The “outdoor veal calf” system was developed to encounter the demand for a veal fattening system that allows for reducing antimicrobial use without impairing animal welfare. Management improvements including direct purchase, short transportation, vaccination, three-week quarantine in individual hutches, and open-air housing in small groups in a roofed, straw-bedded paddock with a group hutch were implemented in a prospective intervention study (1905 calves, 19 intervention and 19 control farms, over one year): antimicrobial use was five times lower in "outdoor veal" farms compared to control farms (p < 0.001), but it was crucial to ensure that antimicrobial treatment reduction was not associated with decreased animal welfare, i.e., that sick animals were not left untreated. Welfare was assessed monthly on the farms, and organs of 339 calves were examined after slaughter. Cough and nasal discharge were observed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) less often in intervention than in control farms, mortality (3.1% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.020) and lung lesion prevalence (26% vs. 46%, p < 0.001) were lower; no group difference was seen in abomasal lesion prevalence (65% vs. 72%). Thus, besides reduced antimicrobial use, calf health and welfare were improved in "outdoor veal calf" farms in comparison to traditional operations.
Knowledge of medical students on organ donation.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the spontaneous knowledge of medical students about organ donation. METHODS 518 students of a medical school in Sao Paulo city, from the first-year to internship, answered an objective questionnaire applied through electronic media to assess their spontaneous theoretical knowledge and organ donation awareness. RESULTS Organs that can be donated after brain death, such as the cornea, kidneys, heart, liver, and lung were mentioned by the students. Regarding in-life transplantation, they answered it was possible to donate mainly the kidney (91.3%), part of the liver (81.1%), and bone marrow (79.7%). Although it was not expressive, we also noted that their knowledge gradually increased as they reached the end of the course. CONCLUSIONS Medical students knowledge on organ donation in life and after death was a little superior to 60%. The students had limited exposure to this subject during the course (<40% of them before the internship). The authors suggest that students should be more exposed to the theme of "organ donation" in the medical curriculum.
On the Intracochlear Location of Straight Electrode Arrays After Cochlear Implantation: How Lateral Are Lateral Wall Electrodes?

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: Cochlear implants are the gold standard for patients with severe sensorineural hearing loss. A focused electrical stimulation of individual spiral ganglion neurons has not been achieved yet because the scala tympani is a fluid-filled compartment and does not offer a matrix for neuritic outgrowth. Coating of the electrode contacts with swelling hydrogels could fill that gap between the electrode array and the medial wall of the cochlea. Therefore, the exact position of the electrode array within the scala tympani has to be known. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of patient data sets. Setting: Tertiary referral center. A total of 95 patients with cochlear implants from one manufacturer were included in this study. The lateral wall, the modiolar wall, and the cochlear implant electrode were segmented using OsiriX MD. For repositioning and reconstructing the respective contours and measuring distances, files were analyzed in MATLAB. The distances from the edge of each electrode contact to the cochlear walls showed no significant differences. But between the different contacts within each patient, there were significant differences. Around 180 degree insertion, electrodes start to get in contact with the lateral wall. The tip of the electrode array was always facing toward the modiolar wall independent of the length of the electrode. We established a method to analyze the position of electrodes within the cochlea.
The Effect of Acidic and Alkaline pH on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Surimi-Based Edible Films Incorporated with Green Tea Extract

The effects of green tea extract (GTE) at acidic and alkaline pH (pH 3 and 11, respectively) on the physico-mechanical, thermal, and water transmission properties of silver carp surimi-based edible films were investigated. Incorporation of GTE significantly (p < 0.05) reduced elongation at break (EAB) but improved tensile strength (TS). Significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the solubility of films and water vapor permeability (WVP) were also perceived in GTE-containing films. Transparency and color were also affected, depending upon the concentration and pH. Films prepared at an acidic pH demonstrated significantly (p < 0.05) improved WVP, transparency, solubility, and thermal stability compared to those prepared at an alkaline pH. The protein pattern of films revealed a strong interaction between phenolic compounds of GTE and surimi proteins as evidenced by the presence of a myosin heavy chain (MCH) at the top of the gel. Generally, the addition of GTE at an acidic pH had significantly (p < 0.05) greater impact on film properties than at an alkaline pH and could offer great potential for surimi protein-based edible films with improved properties.
Some Ecological Aspects of Larval Fishes in Waters off Central Japan

More than 400 towings of surface and sub-surface layers were carried out to obtain informations on the distributional features of larval fish in the waters off central Japan. The results obtained are as follows: (1) More than 72000 individuals of larval fish were collected. Abundance in both number of species and individuals was high during spring to summer and most of these samples were represented by Engraulis japonica, Scomber japonicus, Trachurus japonicus, Myctophum asperum, Thunnus thynnus and Sebastes inermis, given in the order of abundance. (2) Larval forms are classified into the following three types from their vertical distributions; (i) species appearing only at surface layers, (ii) species appearing at layers far below the surface and (iii) species appearing from surface to the depth of some several ten meters. There is an inverse correlation between the depth of distribution of larvae and the degree of development of chromatophores. (3) Larvae of the dominent species are distributed at layers from surface to sub-surface layers and their zones of distribution move up with their growth. The remarkable diurnal changes of distribution of Engraulis japonica at surface layers are caused by vertical migration of larger sized larvae.
Astragalus fasciculifolius manna; antinociceptive, antiinflammatoryand antioxidant properties in mice

Introduction: Inflammation is one of the body›s natural defence mechanisms alongside the cells or tissues damage due to various stimuli or infections. Pain is one of the greatest common symbols associated with different diseases. Therefore, researchers are trying to find new medications that bring patients relief with fewer side effects. Herbal medicine has been used for periods to treat acute and chronic pains. Objectives: This research evaluated the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant properties of Astragalus fasciculifolius manna extract. Materials and Methods: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potency of the extract were determined by xylene test and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Results: Astragalus fasciculifolius manna extract at doses of 400, 800 and 1200 mg/kg significantly reduced acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking (late and early phase) but did not affect mechanical hyperalgesia caused by heat. Moreover, naloxone failed to inhibit the antinociceptive activity of the extract. The extract of A. fasciculifolius manna also exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity against xylene induced ear edema. Treatment of mice with the extract did not improve serum antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: Results of the present research showed that A. fasciculifolius manna can prevent pain and inflammation because of the presence of high amount of saponin.
Endogenous THBD (Thrombomodulin) Mediates Angiogenesis in the Ischemic Brain—Brief Report

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objective: THBD (thrombomodulin) is part of the anticoagulant protein C-system that acts at the endothelium and is involved in anti-inflammatory and barrier-stabilizing processes. A recombinant soluble form of THBD was shown to have protective effects in different organs, but how the endogenous THBD is regulated during ischemia, particularly in the brain is not known to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of THBD, especially in brain endothelial cells, during ischemic stroke. Approach and Results: To induce ischemic brain damage, we occluded the middle cerebral artery of mice. We found an increased endothelial expression of Thbd in the peri-infarct area, whereas in the core of the ischemic tissue Thbd expression was decreased compared with the contralateral side. We generated a novel Cre/loxP-based mouse line that allows for the inducible deletion of Thbd specifically in brain endothelial cells, which worsened stroke outcome 48 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Unexpectedly, we found no signs of increased coagulation, thrombosis, or inflammation in the brain but decreased vessel diameters and impaired angiogenesis in the peri-infarct area that led to a reduced overall vessel length 1 week after stroke induction. Conclusions: Endogenous THBD acts as a protective factor in the brain during ischemic stroke and enhances vessel diameter and proliferation. These previously unknown properties of THBD could offer new opportunities to affect vessel function after ischemia and thereby improve stroke outcome.
Transdiagnostic feasibility trial of internet-based parenting intervention to reduce child behavioural difficulties associated with congenital and neonatal neurodevelopmental risk: introducing I-InTERACT-North

Abstract Objective We examined feasibility and acceptability of an adapted telepsychological parent-child intervention to improve parenting skills and reduce emotional and behavioural difficulties in Canadian families of children at-risk for poor neurodevelopment given congenital or neonatal conditions. Preliminary program efficacy outcomes are also described. Methods Twenty-two families of children between the ages of 3–8 years with histories of neonatal stroke, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and serious congenital and neonatal conditions [(congenital heart disease (CHD) or prematurity)] consented to participate in an adapted telepsychological parenting skills training program (I-InTERACT-North). The program helps parents develop positive parenting skills to improve parenting competence and child behaviour through 7 online psychoeducational modules completed independently and 7 videoconference sessions with a therapist. Videoconference sessions include live coaching to support application of skills. Feasibility (i.e., number of participants eligible, consented, refused), adherence (i.e., completion time, retention rates), acceptability (i.e., website experience questionnaire, therapist and parent semi-structured interviews), and preliminary efficacy (i.e., observational coding of parenting skill, self-reported parent competence, parent-reported child behaviour) data were collected. Results Nineteen of the 22 families (86%) enrolled completed the program in an average of 10 weeks (range: 6-17 weeks). Parents and therapists reported high overall satisfaction with the program (100%), including acceptability of both the online modules (95%) and the videoconference sessions (95%). Parenting confidence (d = 0.45), parenting skill (d = 0 .64), and child behaviour (d = 0.50) significantly improved over the course of the intervention. Conclusions Findings provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of I-InTERACT-North for parents of children with neonatal brain injury.
Interventional Cardiology and Catheter-Based Interventions in Pregnancy

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide and has been increasing in prevalence over the last several decades. Pregnancy is associated with significant hemodynamic changes that can overwhelm the maternal cardiovascular reserve, and may exacerbate previously asymptomatic cardiovascular disease. Complications associated with these may cause substantial harm to both the mother and the fetus, and the management of these conditions is often challenging. Numerous novel treatments and interventions have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of managing these conditions outside of pregnancy. However, there are little data regarding their use in the pregnant population. In this review, we describe the common cardiovascular diseases encountered during pregnancy and discuss their management strategies, with a particular focus on the role of percutaneous, catheter-based therapeutic interventions.
Clinical comparison of an electric-powered ionic toothbrush to a manual toothbrush in plaque reduction: randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the plaque removal efficacy of a newly-developed electric-powered ionic toothbrush vs. a manual toothbrush. MATERIALS AND METHODS Manual or electric-powered ionic toothbrushes were randomly assigned to 30 healthy volunteers divided into two groups (Phase I). After 2-minutes of brushing, all teeth surfaces were stained with a plaque staining solution, and blinded examiners performed scoring using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index. Plaque removal rate was calculated at the central incisors, first premolar, and first molar, as representative teeth, in the maxilla and mandibula. One week following Phase I, the same examinations were repeated in all subjects using another toothbrush (Phase II), as a cross-over design. RESULTS Electric ionic toothbrushes demonstrated a significantly higher plaque removal rate than manual toothbrushes in the premolar and molar areas (p < 0.05). However, in the central incisor area, no statistically significant difference was observed. CONCLUSIONS Compared to manual toothbrushes, electric-powered ionic ones were significantly efficient in removing plaque in the premolar and molar areas.
HISTORICAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE DISTRIBUTION OF MERCURIALIS PERENNIS IN CENTRAL LINCOLNSHIRE

(1) The distribution of Mercurialis perennis in central Lincolnshire is described and analysed mainly in terms of age and origin of the woods and hedges it inhabits. (2) The 154 separate populations are divided into: (a) 119 relict populations, in which Mercurialis could have survived on or near the present location throughout historical times; and (b) 35 colonizing populations, which have probably become established in recent centuries. (3) Survival of Mercurialis in individual ancient woods has not been affected by their area or isolation. Survival in wood-relict hedges may have been greater in those least isolated from ancient woods. (4) Colonization of secondary woods and planted hedges has been slow and mostly restricted to sites close to relict populations. Colonization of more isolated sites has been possible only in districts with freely-drained, alkaline soils. The rate of colonization into larger woods is not significantly faster than that into smaller woods. (5) The long-term history of Mercurialis in central Lincolnshire is reconstructed and the implications for nature conservation are discussed.