Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Breeding Biology of Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus)

Abstract We monitored 37 Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) nesting attempts at the Boardman Tree Farm (BTF) in north-central Oregon from 2012 to 2015. Nests were initiated from early March to late June and contained an average of 5.7 eggs. Twenty-nine (78%) of the nesting attempts were successful and produced an average of 4.2 fledglings per successful attempt. One male paired with two females and produced 6 fledglings out of 10 eggs. We captured 59 unique nesting adults; 61% of the males (17 of 28) and 58% of the females (18 of 31) were second-year (SY) birds. We captured both adults at 30 nests: both parents were SYs at eight nests, both were after-second-year (ASY) at five nests, the female was SY and the male ASY at eight nests, and the male was SY and the female ASY at nine nests. Considering clutch size and number of young fledged, we found no evidence that pairs composed of SY parents reproduced less successfully than those composed of ASY parents. Sample sizes were small, but neither mean clutch size nor the mean number of young fledged differed significantly among nests of the four combinations of parental ages. One male and two females nested in more than one year; each obtained a new mate the second year. The first female had nested successfully in 2012 and settled in a box 3 km away in 2013; she abandoned her first clutch in 2013 and renested 15 d later in a different box with a male who also had nested successfully in 2012. The other female nested successfully in 2014 and settled in a box 3.7 km away in 2015. Of the 109 banded nestlings that fledged from 2012 to 2014, we encountered only one in a subsequent year through 2015. Our data suggest that breeding-site fidelity and natal philopatry are low in this population, as has been found elsewhere in western North America.
Genome-Wide Identification of RNA Silencing-Related Genes and Their Expressional Analysis in Response to Heat Stress in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an economically important crop cultivated in temperate climates all over the world. Adverse environmental factors negatively affect its survival and productivity. RNA silencing is a conserved pathway involved in the regulation of growth, development and stress responses. The key components of RNA silencing are the Dicer-like proteins (DCLs), Argonautes (AGOs) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RDRs). Despite its economic importance, there is no available comprehensive report on barley RNA silencing machinery and its regulation. In this study, we in silico identified five DCL (HvDCL), eleven AGO (HvAGO) and seven RDR (HvRDR) genes in the barley genome. Genomic localization, phylogenetic analysis, domain organization and functional/catalytic motif identification were also performed. To understand the regulation of RNA silencing, we experimentally analysed the transcriptional changes in response to moderate, persistent or gradient heat stress treatments: transcriptional accumulation of siRNA- but not miRNA-based silencing factor was consistently detected. These results suggest that RNA silencing is dynamically regulated and may be involved in the coordination of development and environmental adaptation in barley. In summary, our work provides information about barley RNA silencing components and will be a ground for the selection of candidate factors and in-depth functional/mechanistic analyses.
Parathyroid Cell Proliferation in Secondary Hyperparathyroidism of Chronic Kidney Disease

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that correlates with morbidity and mortality in uremic patients. It is characterized by high serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and impaired bone and mineral metabolism. The main mechanisms underlying SHP are increased PTH biosynthesis and secretion as well as increased glandular mass. The mechanisms leading to parathyroid cell proliferation in SHP are not fully understood. Reduced expressions of the receptors for calcium and vitamin D contribute to the disinhibition of parathyroid cell proliferation. Activation of transforming growth factor-α-epidermal growth factor receptor (TGF-α-EGFR), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), and cyclooxygenase 2- prostaglandin E2 (Cox2-PGE2) signaling all correlate with parathyroid cell proliferation, underlining their roles in the development of SHP. In addition, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is activated in parathyroid glands of experimental SHP rats. Inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin prevents and corrects the increased parathyroid cell proliferation of SHP. Mice with parathyroid-specific deletion of all miRNAs have a muted increase in serum PTH and fail to increase parathyroid cell proliferation when challenged by CKD, suggesting that miRNA is also necessary for the development of SHP. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanisms of parathyroid cell proliferation in SHP.
SEED SIZE, NITROGEN SUPPLY, AND GROWTH RATE AFFECT TREE SEEDLING SURVIVAL IN DEEP SHADE

Species differences in seedling survival in deeply shaded understories (i.e., shade tolerance) may depend on both seed size and growth rates, but their relative contributions to survival and how they change with time and with variation in light and belowground resource availability is unknown. With a greenhouse experiment we investigated these relationships by examining responses of growth, growth-related morphology, survival, and their interrelationships to a range of nitrogen (3.4 × 10−9–3.4 × 10−3 mol/L N fertilizer solutions) and low light (0.6–7.3% of open sky) availabilities for young seedlings of 10 North American tree species that vary in observational shade tolerance rankings and seed size (Populus tremuloides, Betula papyrifera, Betula alleghaniensis, Acer saccharum, Larix laricina, Pinus banksiana, Pinus resinosa, Pinus strobus, Picea mariana, and Abies balsamea). Within all species, relative growth rate (RGR) and survival increased with light. RGR and survival also increased with N supply but only at the two highest light levels, and then only for the shade-intolerant, broad-leaved Populus and Betula spp. In every species, survival was positively related to RGR. Moreover, each species differed in the relationship of survival to RGR, and these differences were related to seed mass: at any given RGR, large-seeded, shade-tolerant species had higher survival than smaller-seeded, intolerant ones. Across species, in most light and N treatments, seed mass was positively related to young seedling survival, but RGR was not. In very low light the relative benefits of greater seed mass to survival were temporary. As seedlings aged, interspecific mortality rates became more dependent on observational shade tolerance rankings than on seed size, but mortality was still unrelated to RGR. Our results indicate potentially important interactions among light, N, and species that could influence regeneration dynamics. For young seedlings in deeply shaded microsites, N supply does not matter, and only shade-tolerant species survive due, in part, to large seeds and physiological traits other than RGR. In moderate shade, RGR is greater, and survival is high for all species, except that small-seeded, broad-leaved, intolerant species have low survival and RGR at low N supply. This suggests that broad-leaved shade-intolerant species compete more effectively in moderate shade on richer soils than on poorer soils. Although we found that both seed mass and vegetative physiology influenced survival in shade, they did not covary tightly, suggesting that they are under somewhat separate selection pressures.
Age-related Resistance of Diverse Cucurbit Fruit to Infection by Phytophthora capsici

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. disease, developmentally-acquired resistance, Cucurbitaceae, mature-plant resistance ABSTRACT. Phytophthora capsici causes severe losses in vegetable production, including many cucurbit crops. Our previous work showed that cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit are most susceptible to P. capsici when they are very young and rapidly elongating, but develop resistance as they approach full length at 10 to 12 days postpollination (DPP). In this study, fruit from seven additional cucurbit crops representing four species, melon (Cucumis melo), butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), and zucchini, yellow summer squash, acorn squash, and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), were tested for the effect of fruit development on susceptibility to P. capsici. Field-grown fruit of the different crops varied in overall susceptibility. Zucchini and yellow summer squash were the most susceptible, with the majority of fruit exhibiting water-soaking symptoms within 24 hours postinoculation. Fruit from all of the crops exhibited size-related decrease in susceptibility, but to varying degrees. Cucumber had the most pronounced effect. In infested fields, cucumber fruit were found to be most frequently infected at the blossom end. Comparison of the peduncle and blossom end showed a difference in susceptibility along the length of the fruit for cucumber, butternut squash, and zucchini. Greenhouse-grown, hand-pollinated pumpkin, acorn squash, and butternut squash showed an age-related decrease in susceptibility similar to field-grown fruit. For all of these fruit, a pronounced reduction in susceptibility accompanied the transition from the waxy green to green stage at ' 3t o 8 DPP.
Photosynthetic responses of Mojave Desert shrubs to free air CO2 enrichment are greatest during wet years

It has been suggested that desert vegetation will show the strongest response to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide due to strong water limitations in these systems that may be ameliorated by both photosynthetic enhancements and reductions in stomatal conductance. Here, we report the long‐term effect of 55 Pa atmospheric CO2 on photosynthesis and stomatal conductance for three Mojave Desert shrubs of differing leaf phenology (Ambrosia dumosa—drought‐deciduous, Krameria erecta—winter‐deciduous, Larrea tridentata—evergreen). The shrubs were growing in an undisturbed ecosystem fumigated using FACE technology and were measured over a four‐year period that included both above and below‐average precipitation. Daily integrated photosynthesis (Aday) was significantly enhanced by elevated CO2 for all three species, although Krameria erecta showed the greatest enhancements (63% vs. 32% for the other species) enhancements were constant throughout the entire measurement period. Only one species, Larrea tridentata, decreased stomatal conductance by 25–50% in response to elevated CO2, and then only at the onset of the summer dry season and following late summer convective precipitation. Similarly, reductions in the maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco were limited to Larrea during spring. These results suggest that the elevated CO2 response of desert vegetation is a function of complex interactions between species functional types and prevailing environmental conditions. Elevated CO2 did not extend the active growing season into the summer dry season because of overall negligible stomatal conductance responses that did not result in significant water conservation. Overall, we expect the greatest response of desert vegetation during years with above‐average precipitation when the active growing season is not limited to ∼2 months and, consequently, the effects of increased photosynthesis can accumulate over a biologically significant time period.
EXPERIMENTAL SURGERY OF THE NOSE AND SINUSES: I. CHANGES IN THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE EPITHELIUM FOLLOWING VARIATIONS IN VENTILATION

Are there several types of respiratory epithelium in the upper part of the respiratory tract or only one? This question was suggested by the finding of areas in the anterior portion of the nose, which exhibited little if any ciliary activity. 1 These areas were invariably found where the impact on the epithelium of the inspired air was greatest. The preturbinal region, the anterior ends of the middle and inferior turbinates, the anterior portion of the septum, the anterior aspect of spurs and polypi and the tops of ridges on the septum were found to be thus inactive. If the cartilaginous septum was deviated, the inactive spots and spots exhibiting ciliary activity were found distributed on the two sides according to the exposure to inspired air. The exposed spots were inactive and the protected areas active. If a ridge or fold in the cartilaginous septum extended far enough
Long-Term Efficacy of the Workshop Vs. Online SUCCEAT (Supporting Carers of Children and Adolescents with Eating Disorders) Intervention for Parents: A Quasi-Randomised Feasibility Trial

Interventions for main carers of adult patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) can reduce the caregiving burden and increase caregiver skills. However, the effectiveness and feasibility for carers of adolescent patients, the optimal form of the intervention and long-term outcomes are largely unknown. We evaluated the efficacy and feasibility of the “Supporting Carers of Children and Adolescents with Eating Disorders in Austria” (SUCCEAT) workshop vs. online intervention. Main caregivers (parents) of adolescent patients with AN were randomly allocated to a workshop (n = 50) or online version (n = 50). Participants were compared to a non-randomised comparison group (n = 49) receiving multi-family or systemic family therapy. Primary (General Health Questionnaire) and secondary outcomes were obtained at baseline, three-month and 12-month follow-up. Adherence was high for workshop and online participants (6.2 and 6.7 sessions completed out of 8). Intention-to-treat analyses revealed significant pre–post reductions in the primary outcome for the workshop (d = 0.87 (95%conficence interval (CI): 0.48; 1.26)) and online (d = 0.65 (95%CI: 0.31; 0.98)) intervention that were sustained at the 12-month follow-up. There was no significant group difference (p = 0.473). Parental psychopathology and burden decreased and caregiver skills increased in all groups; the improvement of caregiver skills was significantly higher in SUCCEAT participants than in the comparison group. Online interventions for parents of adolescents with AN were equally effective as workshops. The improvements remained stable over time.
Spatio-temporal variation in male white-tailed deer harvest rates in Pennsylvania: Implications for estimating abundance

The performance of 2 popular methods that use age-at-harvest data to estimate abundance of white-tailed deer is contingent on assumptions about variation in estimates of subadult (1.5 yr old) and adult (≥2.5 yr old) male harvest rates. Auxiliary data (e.g., estimates of survival or harvest rates from radiocollared animals) can be used to relax some assumptions, but unless these population parameters exhibit limited temporal or spatial variation, these auxiliary data may not improve accuracy. Unfortunately maintaining sufficient sample sizes of radiocollared deer for parameter estimation in every wildlife management unit (WMU) is not feasible for most state agencies. We monitored the fates of 397 subadult and 225 adult male white-tailed deer across 4 WMUs from 2002 to 2008 using radio telemetry. We investigated spatial and temporal variation in harvest rates and investigated covariates related to the patterns observed. We found that most variation in harvest rates was explained spatially and that adult harvest rates (0.36–0.69) were more variable among study areas than subadult harvest rates (0.26–0.42). We found that hunter effort during the archery and firearms season best explained variation in harvest rates of adult males among WMUs, whereas hunter effort during only the firearms season best explained harvest rates for subadult males. From a population estimation perspective, it is advantageous that most variation was spatial and explained by a readily obtained covariate (hunter effort). However, harvest rates may vary if hunting regulations or hunter behavior change, requiring additional field studies to obtain accurate estimates of harvest rates. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Food chemoprevention and air pollution: the health comes with eating

Abstract Ambient air pollution is known to be an important causative agent of many non-communicable diseases, mainly due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). According to Global Burden Disease study in 2015, the estimated premature deaths caused by PM2.5 were 4.2 million. Besides deaths, airborne pollution’s effect on human health also has dramatic economic and social costs, contributing greatly to disability-adjusted life-year (DALY). To reduce the health impact is necessary a double approach, which includes the improvement of air quality and food chemoprevention, aimed at enhancing the homeostatic abilities of exposed subjects. The scavenging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of nutraceuticals effectively counteract the pathogenic mechanisms common in almost all non-communicable diseases associated with air pollutants. Moreover, several bioactive compounds of food modulate, by epigenetic mechanisms, the metabolism of xenobiotics, favouring conjugation reactions and promoting excretion. This narrative review summarize the numerous pieces of evidence collected in the last decades by observational and experimental studies which underline the chemopreventive role of flavonoids, contained in several fruits and consumer beverages (wine, tea, etc.), and isothiocyanate sulforaphane, contained in the cruciferous vegetables belonging to the genus Brassica. These bioactive compounds, enhancing the individual homeostatic abilities, reduce the harmful effects of airborne pollution.
Therapeutic and Surgical Indications for Patients with Penile Cancer in the COVID-19 era

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this work is to review and synthesize the existing evidence and recommendations regarding to the therapeutic and surgical indications as well as monitoring of patients with Penile Cancer in COVID-19 era and to propose an action protocol to facilitate decision-making. Material and Methods: A non-systematic review of the literature regarding the management of penile cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic was performed until April 30, 2020. We propose our recommendations based on this evidence. Results: Penile cancer is an uncommon but aggressive disease. Prognosis is determined by several characteristics, being the most important the presence of lymph nodes, in which case, treatment should not be delayed. For these reasons, an initial evaluation is mandatory. Priority classifications, based on the oncological outcomes when treatment is delayed, have been made in order to separate deferrable disease from the one that needs high priority treatment. In penile cancer with low risk of progression, surgical treatment can be delayed, but other options must be considered, like topical treatment or laser therapy. In cases with intermediate risk of progression, surgical treatment may be delayed up to three months, but we must consider radiation therapy and brachytherapy as effective options. When feasible, follow-up should by telemonitoring. Conclusions: In the COVID 19 era, initial evaluation of the patient is mandatory. Histological diagnosis with local staging is necessary before offering any therapeutic option. In case of superficial non-invasive disease, topical treatment is effective in absence of lymph node involvement. In selected patients, radiotherapy is an organpreserving approach with good results. Non-deferrable surgical treatment must be performed by an experienced surgeon and as an outpatient procedure when possible. When indicated, iLND should not be delayed since it is decisive for patient survival. Follow-up should be by telemonitoring.
Comparing Stability Indices for Ripening Date and Yield in Blueberry

To determine if any of the available techniques for estimating stability in different environments are useful in blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade and V. corymbosum L.), 14 clones were evaluated in nine environments for ripening date and yield. Type 1 and 2 stability statistics, plots for each genotype mean versus its coefficient of variation ( CV) across environments (genotype grouping), environmental index regression, and cluster analyses were compared. The highest yielding rabbiteye and southern highbush clones across locations were not deemed stable by Type 1 and Type 2 stability statistics, genotype grouping, or environmental regression technique. No evidence of curvilinear response was found. The nonparametric cluster analysis with known cultivars included appears to be most useful compared to other methods of estimating stability used in this study.
Black hole attractors and the entropy function in four‐ and five‐dimensional N = 2 supergravity

In this overview of selected aspects of the black hole attractor mechanism, after introducing the necessary foundations, we examine the relationship between two ways to describe the attractor phenomenon in four‐dimensional N = 2 supergravity: the entropy function and the black hole potential. We also exemplify their practical application to finding solutions to the attractor equations for a conifold prepotential. Next we describe an extension of the original definition of the entropy function to a class of rotating black holes in five‐dimensional N = 2 supergravity based on cubic polynomials, exploiting a connection between four‐ and five‐dimensional black holes. This link allows further the derivation of five‐dimensional first‐order differential flow equations governing the profile of the fields from infinity to the event horizon and construction of non‐supersymmetric interpolating solutions in four dimensions by dimensional reduction. Finally, since four‐dimensional extremal black holes in N = 2 supergravity can be viewed as certain two‐dimensional string compactifications with fluxes, we discuss implications of the conifold example in the context of the entropic principle, which postulates as a probability measure on the space of these string compactifications the exponentiated entropy of the corresponding black holes.
Associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior and urinary oxidized guanine in colorectal cancer patients: Results from the ColoCare Study.

To determine associations between physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and oxidative stress in colorectal cancer patients, ColoCare Study participants in Germany wore an accelerometer 6- and/or 12-months post-surgery. Spearman partial correlations were used to assess associations between PA and urinary concentrations of oxidized guanine, a validated marker of oxidative stress. There were no significant associations between PA or SB and oxidized guanine in n=76 measurements (ng/mgcreatinine; r=0.03, p=0.76 for PA, r=-0.05, p=0.69 for SB). Novelty: Objectively-measured physical activity was not associated with a marker of oxidative stress in colorectal cancer patients.
Reproductive Strategies as Adaptations to Life in Temporally Heterogeneous Environments

This article is an investigation of the ways in which organisms respond to temporal variance in their environments by reproductive pattern. Temporal variance refers specifically to variation in those aspects of environment that more or less directly affect the probabilities of survival of parents and/or their offspring, including predation, food quality and quantity, and aspects of weather. A large body of theory pertaining to "reproductive strategy" exists, which is reviewed here. However, because many recent papers on reproductive attributes of selected species contain reviews of pertinent theory, I intend to direct the major part of my efforts toward investigating the extent to which theoretical conclusions explain natural variation in reproductive pattern and to investigating the role of mathematically defined reproductive strategy in reproductive pattern. Theoretical treatments devised to explain natural variation in reproductive pattern often depend, sometimes with reparameterization, on analysis of means of maximizing fitness, using the basic equation: