Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DISPERSAL IN AN EXPANDING WOLF POPULATION IN FINLAND

Abstract Dispersal influences distribution and genetic structure of animal populations. Dispersal in expanding wolf (Canis lupus) populations is not well documented, especially in Europe, where no studies of dispersal based on marked wolves are available. We studied the dispersal of wolves in Finland, where a peripheral wolf population (160–180 animals) increased and expanded during 1998–2004. We equipped 60 wolves from 8 neighboring wolf pack territories with radio or GPS transmitters in east-central Finland during 1998–2004, and at least 30 wolves (50%) dispersed from the home territory. Additional information was collected by detecting the natal pack of captured wolves with multilocus microsatellite genotyping and paternity analysis. In the study area, the directions formed a sun-ray pattern. Wolves usually departed their home territory as pups and yearlings, and in unimodal seasonal fashion. The dispersal distance (median 98.5, range 35–445 km) did not differ by sex (P = 0.342). Long-distance travelers (>200 km) were found only among wolves that departed at the age of 10–12 months. Survival was linked to the direction of dispersal. All marked wolves that dispersed to reindeer management areas in the north were shot before being able to reproduce, whereas elsewhere, the majority of dispersers (10 of 16) reproduced.
Investigation of the folding pathway of the TEM‐1 β‐lactamase

The TEM‐1 β‐lactamase is a globular protein containing 12 proline residues. The folding mechanism of this enzyme was investigated by kinetic and equilibrium experiments with the help of fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. The equilibrium denaturation of the protein induced by guanidine hydrochloride occurs in two discrete steps, indicating the existence of a thermodynamically stable intermediate state. Thisstate is 5.2 ± 0.4 kcal/mol less stable than the native conformation and 5.7 ± 0.2 kcal/mol more stable than the fully denaturedprotein. This intermediate state exhibits a high content of native secondary structure elements but is devoid of specific tertiary organization; its relation to the “molten globule” is discussed. Refolding kinetic experimentsrevealed the existence of a transient intermediate conformation between thethermodynamically stable intermediate and the native protein. This transient intermediate appears rapidly during the folding reaction. It exhibits a secondary structure content very similar to that of the native protein and has also recovered a significant amount of tertiary organisation. The final refolding step of the TEM‐1 β‐lactamase, leading to the native enzyme, is dominated by two major slow kinetic phases which probablyreflect a very complex process kinetically limited by proline cis/transisomerization. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Social media influence in the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Never before in human history has it been possible to communicate so quickly during a pandemic, social media platforms have been a key piece for the dissemination of information; however, there are multiple advantages and disadvantages that must be considered. Responsible use of these tools can help quickly disseminate important new information, relevant new scientific findings, share diagnostic, treatment, and followup protocols, as well as compare different approaches globally, removing geographic boundaries for the first time in history. In order to use these tools in a responsible and useful way, it is recommended to follow some basic guidelines when sharing information on social networks in the COVID-19 era. In this paper, we summarize the most relevant information on the influence, and advantages, and disadvantages of the use of social networks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The use of chronosequences in studies of ecological succession and soil development

1. Chronosequences and associated space‐for‐time substitutions are an important and often necessary tool for studying temporal dynamics of plant communities and soil development across multiple time‐scales. However, they are often used inappropriately, leading to false conclusions about ecological patterns and processes, which has prompted recent strong criticism of the approach. Here, we evaluate when chronosequences may or may not be appropriate for studying community and ecosystem development.
Effect of Stocking Density and Probiotic Dietary Supplementation on Growth Performance , Feed Conversion and Survival of Postlarvae of the Freshwater Prawn ( Macrobrachium Rosenbergii )

The present study was conducted at the Fish Hatchery Saft Khalid, Behera Governorate, Egypt, for two months in order to investigate the effect of stocking density and probiotic (Ecobiol Aqua) dietary supplementation on growth performance, feed utilization, survival rate and whole body chemical composition of postlarvae of the freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) of an initial weight 0.161g. reared in indoor nursery concrete tanks. A total number of 1350 postlarvae freshwater prawns were divided randomly into 18 concrete tanks (1 m 2 area each) to represent three stocking densities (50; 75 and 100 PL/m 2 ) with or without probiotic supplementation in three replicates each treatment. The experimental prawns were fed during the experimental period (8 weeks) on a diet contained 37.5% crude protein 5times/day at a rate related to the development stage. The treatments applied were D1A; D2A; D3A; D1B; D2B and D3B i.e. densities 50; 75 and 100 animals/m 2 without probiotic and densities 50; 75 and 100 animals/m 2 with supplemental probiotics, respectively. Results obtained are summarized in the following: 1- Water quality parameters tested were within the permissible levels recommended for optimum growth and development of freshwater prawn. 2- Both densities D1 and D2 (50 and 75animals/m 2 ) recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher final weights; total weight gains; specific and relative growth rates compared to the highest density, regardless of the probiotic effect. 3- Probiotic supplementation had insignificant effects on final weight; total weight gain; specific and relative growth rates, regardless of stocking density. 4- Within each stocking density supplementing the diets of freshwater prawn with probiotic improved the survival rate and the improvements were more pronounced at the lower stocking densities. 5- The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) (the lowest) was recorded by D1A group (p<0.05) followed by D2B; D1B; D2A; D3B and D3A, respectively. 6- Neither stocking density nor probiotic supplementation released any significant effects on whole body chemical composition of freshwater prawn. Based on the obtained results, the optimum stocking density of postlarvae M. rosenbergii laid between 50 to 75animals/m 2 and increasing the stocking density more than75/m 2 had negative effects on growth performance parameters. Also the results obtained may lead us to recommend the supplementation of probiotic (Ecobiol Aqua) to postlarvae M. rosenbergii diets in order to improve the survival rate during the nursery period.
Accuracy of dynamic contour tonometry, Goldmann applanation tonometry, and Tono-Pen XL in edematous corneas

Purpose: To investigate in vitro the accuracy of dynamic contour tonometry, Goldmann applanation tonometry, and Tono-Pen XL in edematous corneas. Methods: Experimental study included 20 freshly enucleated porcine eyes. Epithelium was debrided, and eyes were divided in four groups. Groups were immersed in 35%, 40%, 50%, and 60% glycerin solutions for 3 hours. Subsequently, globes were mounted in a special holder, and their intraocular pressure was hydrostatically adjusted. Intraocular pressure was measured by means of dynamic contour tonometry, Goldmann applanation tonometry, and Tono-Pen XL while adjusting true intraocular pressure to 17, 33, and 50 mm Hg. Ultrasound pachymetry was performed. Results: Mean corneal thickness was 914.5 ± 33.3 μm (730–1015 μm). In true intraocular pressure of 33 mm Hg, Goldmann applanation tonometry and dynamic contour tonometry significantly underestimated true intraocular pressure (mean Goldmann applanation tonometry: 14.7 ± 4.8 mm Hg, p < 0.001, mean dynamic contour tonometry: 21.6 ± 6.8, p < 0.001). Tono-Pen XL also underestimated, but difference was not statistically significant (Tono-Pen XL: 27.9 ± 9.7, p = 0.064). In true intraocular pressure of 50 mm Hg, all three methods significantly underestimated (Goldmann applanation tonometry: 17.6 ± 5.3 mm Hg, p < 0.001, dynamic contour tonometry: 26.8 ± 6.3 mm Hg, p < 0.001, Tono-Pen XL: 35.6 ± 8.4 mm Hg, p < 0.001). The error in measured intraocular pressure for each method (true minus measured intraocular pressure) was significantly correlated to true intraocular pressure (p < 0.001). The intraocular pressure measurements of each eye taken under true intraocular pressure of 17 and 33 mm Hg with the three methods were correlated to each other. Measurements taken under intraocular pressure of 50 mmHg were not correlated to each other. Corneal thickness was not correlated to intraocular pressure measurement. Conclusion: Goldmann applanation tonometry, dynamic contour tonometry, and Tono-Pen XL underestimate intraocular pressure when measured under edematous conditions. Tono-Pen XL showed better accuracy, especially in lower true intraocular pressure. The measurement error increases when true intraocular pressure increases in all three methods.
An iterative approach converting extinction enhancement from water uptake to physical growth factor for clay aerosol and the effect of refractive index

Abstract Mineral dust aerosol is present throughout the atmosphere, though the climate impact of this aerosol type is still not well known. One of many factors that contributes to this uncertainty is how water uptake alters the physical and optical character of the aerosol. A sensitive optical technique, cavity ring down spectroscopy, was used to quantify changes in the extinction cross-section with increasing relative humidity for montmorillonite, Na-rich montmorillonite, and illite aerosol. An iterative approach for converting the measured optical extinction enhancement to physical growth factor over increasing relative humidity was employed to quantify the effect of changing both size and refractive index. The method demonstrates an important application of previously retrieved effective refractive indices allowing for the determination of average particle size for the non-spherical particles from simple Mie theory calculations. The changed refractive index and particle size were used to show how these properties combine and interact to alter the distribution between scattering and absorption for the aerosol. The water uptake shifted the calculated single scattering albedo of the aerosol species more toward scattering when both optical and size changes were accounted for, as opposed to just size; limitations on these calculations are discussed. These findings demonstrate the necessity of understanding the effect of optical properties and size together, especially as many climate models do not account for water uptake properties of clay aerosol. Copyright © 2020 American Association for Aerosol Research
Using Range Condition Assessment to Optimize Wildlife Stocking in Tindress Wildlife Sanctuary, Nakuru District, Kenya

Abstract Over 70% of Kenya's wildlife resources occur outside protected areas, in areas where land use practices do not necessarily conform to wildlife conservation standards. Ensuring that land use practices in these areas accommodate wildlife conservation is vital in effectively conserving wildlife in this country. Tindress Farm in Rift Valley offers a good example of a place where economic activities and wildlife conservation can work harmoniously. The farm has set up a 320-ha wildlife sanctuary in the hilly parts of the property to provide a haven for wildlife displaced by human settlements in the surrounding environs. The Tindress Farm management needed to know the diversity and optimum number of wildlife species that the sanctuary could accommodate. This study set out to 1) outline a set of models for objectively calculating wildlife stocking levels and 2) demonstrate the practical use of these models in estimating optimum stocking levels for a specific wildlife sanctuary. After comparing models using forage inventory methods models and utilization-based methods (UM), we opted to use UM models because of their focus on ecological energetics. This study established that the range condition in Tindress Wildlife Sanctuary varied from poor to good (29–69%) and recommended a total stocking density of 158.9 grazer units and 201.4 browser units shared out by the various herbivore species. These estimates remain a best-case scenario. The effects of rainfall, range condition, and condition of the animals should be monitored continuously to allow for adjustments through active adaptive management.
Antegrade intramedullary nailing in proximal humeral fractures: results of 23 cases.

INTRODUCTION the metaepiphyseal fractures of the proximal humerus represent 5% of all fractures and mainly affect elderly patients. The type of treatment remain controversial. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinic and radiographic results of 23 patients affected by two or three fragments fractures of the proximal humerus with or without metaphyseal extension treated with antegrade intramedullary nailing. MATERIALS AND METHODS all patients were clinically evaluated using the "Constant score" (CS) and individual satisfaction was assessed with a visual scale (VS). Moreover, the fracture's healing process and the neck shaft angle (NSA) were assessed radiographically. RESULTS the mean follow-up was 72 months (24-120). Clinical evaluation and individual satisfaction were positive in most cases (mean CS 79,39 and VS 3,17). Worse results were observed in patients over 65 years. DISCUSSION among the different surgical options intramedullary nailing ensures good fracture stability and high consolidation rate. The entry point through the rotator cuff is of main importance as well as proximal nail positioning and choice of the locking screws length. In this study the functional results of the shoulder are worse in the elderly, who are supposed to have already a degenerated rotator cuff. CONCLUSIONS antegrade intramedullary nailing should be considered a valid therapeutic option in this type of fractures. The surgical technique may influence functional results, as consequence of iatrogenic damage of the rotator cuff.
Nutrient enrichment influences the responses of stream macroinvertebrates to disturbance

Abstract The effects of nutrient enrichment on the responses of alpine stream macroinvertebrates to disturbance were studied using 2 field experiments. In experiment 1, individual stones were physically disturbed in 3 different streams at intervals of 0 (i.e., no disturbance), 4, 8, and 16 d over a 32-d period. In experiment 2, nutrients were added to 1 of 2 channels in the same stream, and the same disturbance regime as in experiment 1 was applied in both channels. The stones were collected at the end of each experiment. Periphyton chlorophyll a and ash-free dry mass (experiment 2 only), macroinvertebrate diversity and density, and densities and relative abundances of baetid mayflies, nemourid stoneflies, and chironomid and simuliid dipterans were determined for each stone. In addition, C, N, and P contents of periphyton, benthic organic matter, grazing mayflies, and detritivorous stoneflies and dipterans were determined for each channel in experiment 2. In experiment 1, disturbance frequency affected the relative abundances of baetids, nemourids, chironomids, and simuliids, but no other variable was significantly affected. In experiment 2, disturbance frequency effects in the unfertilized channel were similar to the effects observed in experiment 1, whereas no significant disturbance effects were observed in the fertilized channel. Nutrient enrichment caused a shift in community structure in the fertilized channel, and chironomids constituted >85% of the assemblage. Periphyton, grazing mayflies, and detritivorous chironomids had significantly higher P concentrations and lower molar N:P ratios in the fertilized than in the unfertilized channel. Periphyton N content also was higher in the fertilized channel than in the unfertilized channel. Nutrient enrichment appeared to change the disturbance responses of stream macroinvertebrates by changing the community structure of primary consumers.
Temperature effects on germination of nine Amaranthus species

Abstract Germination of weed seed and time of emergence are greatly affected by temperature. The effects of temperature on seed germination of tumble pigweed, prostrate pigweed, smooth pigweed, Palmer amaranth, Powell amaranth, spiny amaranth, redroot pigweed, common waterhemp, and tall waterhemp were examined under constant and alternating temperature regimens at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 C. Averaged over all temperatures, alternating temperature regimens increased total germination of all species, except Powell amaranth, which germinated similarly under both constant and alternating temperatures. In addition, Powell amaranth seed exhibited the highest total germination across all temperatures compared with the other amaranth species. Prostrate pigweed seed demonstrated the lowest total germination. Optimal temperatures for maximum germination were greater than 20 C for all species, except prostrate pigweed. The alternating temperature regimen centering at 30 C was used to compare the germination rates of the nine species. Palmer amaranth and smooth pigweed attained complete germination on the first day. The rate of germination for these species was much more rapid than the other Amaranthus spp. , which took 3 to 8 d to reach 50% germination. Nomenclature: Common waterhemp, Amaranthus rudis Sauer AMATA; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S.Wats. AMAPA; Powell amaranth, Amaranthus powelli S.Wats. AMAPO; prostrate pigweed, Amaranthus blitoides S.Wats. AMABL; smooth pigweed, Amaranthus hybridus L. AMACH; spiny amaranth, Amaranthus spinosus L. AMASP; redroot pigweed, Amaranthus retroflexus L. AMARE; tall waterhemp, Amaranthus tuberculatus Sauer AMATU; tumble pigweed, Amaranthus albus L. AMAAL.
Dickeya species: an emerging problem for potato production in Europe

Dickeya species (formerly Erwinia chrysanthemi) cause diseases on numerous crop and ornamental plants world-wide. Dickeya spp. (probably D. dianthicola) were first reported on potato in the Netherlands in the 1970s and have since been detected in many other European countries. However, since 2004–5 a new pathogen, with the proposed name ‘D. solani’, has been spreading across Europe via trade in seed tubers and is causing increasing economic losses. Although disease symptoms are often indistinguishable from those of the more established blackleg pathogen Pectobacterium spp. , Dickeya spp. can initiate disease from lower inoculum levels, have a greater ability to spread through the plant’s vascular tissue, are considerably more aggressive, and have higher optimal temperatures for disease development (the latter potentially leading to increased disease problems as Europe’s climate warms). However, they also appear to be less hardy than Pectobacterium spp. in soil and other environments outside the plant. Scotland is currently the only country in Europe to enforce zero tolerance for Dickeya spp. in its potato crop in an attempt to keep its seed tuber industry free from disease. However, there are a number of other ways to control the disease, including seed tuber certification, on-farm methods and the use of diagnostics. For diagnostics, new genomics-based approaches are now being employed to develop D. dianthicola- and ‘D. solani’-specific PCR-based tests for rapid detection and identification. It is hoped that these diagnostics, together with other aspects of ongoing research, will provide invaluable tools and information for controlling this serious threat to potato production.
Predictive methods of electricity price: an application to the Italian electricity market

Price forecasting is a crucial element for the members of the electricity markets and business decision making to maximize their profits. The electricity prices have an impact on the behavior of market participants, and thus, predicting prices for generation companies, and consumers is essential for both the short-term profits in the Day-Ahead, Intra-Day and Ancillary markets, and the long-term benefits in the future planning, investment, and risk management. Therefore, participants in the electricity market need to accurately and effectively predict the price signal to manage market risk. In this paper, different forecasting models have been compared, and the most promising ones have been employed to forecast the short term Italian electricity market clearing price for achieving forecasting accuracy. In particular, simulations are performed for four principal regression methods, including Support Vector Machine, Gaussian Processes Regression, Regression Trees, and Multi-Layer Perceptron. The performance of predicted models is compared through several performance metrics, including MAE, RMSE, R, and the total number of percentage error anomalies. The results indicate the SVM is the best choice for forecasting the electricity market price on the Italian case study.
Survival, and Polyamine Levels in Seven Human Brain Tumor Cell Lines1

Computer graphics modeling and physicochemical studies of spermineDNA interactions, as well as experiments in cell culture, indicate that a polyamine analogue with strong affinity for nucleic acids but poor ability to condense and aggregate DNA in vitro should act as an antiproliferative agent if it can enter cells. On the basis of our studies of polyamine-DNA interactions, we designed a pentamine, l,19-bis(ethylamino)-5,10,15-triazanonadecane (BE-4-4-4-4), that had these characteristics. Measurement of melting temperature and ultraviolet light scattering studies show that the affinity of this analogue for calf-thymus DNA is about 4 times higher than that of speratine, whereas its ability to aggregate DNA is slightly poorer than that of spermine. Studies in U-87 MG, U-251 MG, SF-126, SF-188, SF-763, SF-767, and DAOY human brain tumor cells in tissue culture showed that treatment for more than 96 h with concentrations of 5 /Â? M BE-4-4-4-4 or greater inhibited growth; decreased levels of putrescine, spermidine, and sper mine; and decreased colony-forming ability in all cell lines. The cytotoxicity of the analogue varied among cell lines; DAOY and SF-767 were the most sensitive and the most resistant lines, respectively. In SF-763 cells, growth inhibition by BE-4-4-4-4 could be partially reversed by the addi tion of putrescine, spermidine, or spermine 1 day after BE-4-4-4-4 addi tion, but in U-251 MG cells, growth inhibition was reversed only by spermine and not by other polyamines. When any of the naturally occur ring polyamines was added simultaneously with BE-4-4-4-4, growth inhi bition was completely blocked. The data suggest that a threshold intracellular concentration of BE-4-4-4-4 is needed to manifest the growthinhibitory and cytotoxic effects. In most cell lines, once that threshold level is reached, the growth-inhibitory and cytotoxic properties of the analogue are manifest irrespective of cellular polyamine levels. Further increases in the BE-4-4-4-4 concentration or incubation time reduce the intracellular polyamine levels but do not significantly increase growth inhibition. In U-87 MG and DAOY cells, however, prolonged incubation with higher concentrations of BE-4-4-4-4 causes additional growth inhibition along with depletion of intracellular polyamines. Thus, it appears that polyamine analogues having higher affinity for DNA than natural polyamines can inhibit cell growth even in the presence of natural polyamines, if they are taken up by cells to a sufficient degree to compete with and displace natural polyamines from their binding sites on DNA.