Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Viscoelastic properties of lower extremity muscles after elite track cycling sprint events: a case report

Sprint cycling events require a high level of anaerobic capacity and therefore may affect peripheral fatigue throughout exercise-induced muscle damage. In fact, those alterations might decrease power generation. This study was performed on a 23 years old elite track cyclist started in men’s sprint. The measurements included power output (W) and cadence (rpm), lactate concentration (La-), heart rate (bpm), Rated Perceived Exertion scale and viscoelastic properties analysis. The present study have shown a new approach to monitor the muscle properties of the lower extremity after 200m flying start and repeated sprint races. Therefore, we hypothesized that repeated sprint races might lead to alterations in viscoelastic properties of lower extremity muscles. In track cycling, especially sprint events these variations may lead to increasing muscle fatigue. Furthermore, training control and monitoring related to assessment of muscles properties can be a source of counteracting injuries and relieving fatigue.
Likelihood and Inconsistency

Parsimony can be inconsistent, but not maximum likelihood—likelihood advocates often say. This difference and conclusions drawn from it have provided the main reasons advanced by likelihoodists against the use of parsimony. Recent statistical research, however, shows that maximum likelihood estimation of phylogenetic trees can become inconsistent in all but the simplest cases, so that under realistic conditions the consistency of maximum likelihood cannot be assured. If likelihoodists wish to dispose of parsimony, they will have to find another argument.
Plant-size and fruit-position effects on reproductive allocation in Alliaria petiolata (Brassicaceae)

We examined the development of ovules and components of reproductive yield as they related to plant size and fruit position within plants of Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara and Grande from three sites. We found that both factors affected fruit and seed production, and patterns of ovule fate. Larger plants were more fecund than their smaller counterparts, while proximally positioned flowers within an inflorescence produced more seeds. Maternal investment was regulated according to plant mass at two levels: among fruits (small plants had significantly lower fruit-set than did large plants), and within fruits (small plants had significantly fewer ovules and significantly higher proportions of aborted ovules per fruit than did large plants). All absolute measures of reproduction had positive linear relationships with plant size, but a threshold size for flowering was not found. Most proportional measures of reproduction were independent of plant size. Small plants produced the same relative proportions o.
Population Composition, Migration Timing, and Harvest of Columbia River Chinook Salmon in Late Summer and Fall

Abstract We used radiotelemetry to evaluate population composition, run timing, and reservoir harvest patterns for adult Columbia River fall-run Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Chinook salmon (n = 5,886) were collected at Bonneville Dam during August–October over 7 years. We selected for upriver bright (URB) populations en route to interior basin spawning sites because these groups are priority populations for both fisheries and conservation efforts. Run composition varied within and among years, but in all years a relatively large percentage of the earliest migrants returned to upper Columbia River sites and the majority of late-run fish returned to the Columbia River Hanford Reach. Deschutes, Yakima, and Snake River populations typically constituted small (≤17%) but relatively constant proportions of the run throughout each migration season. Population-specific migration timing distributions indicated modest but persistent timing differences among populations, particularly for Hanford Reach and.
Ongrowing of Juvenile Spiny Lobsters, Panulirus Argus (Latreille, 1804) (Decapoda, Palinuridae), in Portable Sea Enclosures

The spiny lobster catch from Bahia de la Ascension, a large bay on the central coast of the Mexican Caribbean, is composed mainly of young adults and large juveniles of Panulirus argus. The fishery in this bay is based on artificial shelters called "casitas". A substantial part of the lobsters found beneath the casitas is of sublegal size (minimum size limit ~ 74 mm carapace length, CL). The possibility of ongrowing sublegal juveniles in portable sea enclosures to maximize the harvestable biomass was explored. The enclosures (3 x 3 x 1 m) were installed in shallow depths in the bay. Juveniles taken from nearby casitas were introduced in the enclosures and kept for different periods. Lobsters were fed with live molluscs and fish remains and were provided with suitable shelters. Experiments were conducted in two stages, in 1992 and 1993. Growth in size (CL) and in harvestable biomass (weight of legal-size lobsters) was examined. Maximum growth rates, lower percentages of mortality, and higher increases in harvestable biomass of lobsters were obtained after about 45 days. Confinement periods longer than 45 days resulted in reduced growth and higher mortality. Observations on lobster behaviour showed an increase in aggressive encounters and dominance displays from the third week of captivity onwards, which could be the main cause for the increase in mortality. The alternative of ongrowing sublegal juveniles for short periods (45 days), in conjuction with the casita system, could help increase the unit value of the catch.
A Comparative Study of Serum non-HDL Cholesterol, CRP and Uric Acid Levels in Metabolic Syndrome

Article History Received: 01.09. 2018 Accepted: 08.09. 2018 Published: 30.09. 2018 Abstract: The study aims to compare between serum non-HDL Cholesterol, CRP and Uric Acid Levels in Metabolic Syndrome. Fifty subjects of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (30 women, 20 men) who confirmed by the ATP III diagnosis criteria and have no any medical treatment were included in the study. Twenty healthy subjects constituted as the control group (13 women, 7 men). Blood samples were obtained after overnight fasting by using standard sampling procedure and measured fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, serum uric acid and CRP levels. Non–HDL-C was calculated by a formula (Non HDL-C = TC HDL-C), C-reactive protein was measured using a commercially available ELISA Kit (Ray Biotech, Inc.) Uric acid level was determined using enzymatic (urease) method. Blood sugar and lipid profile were measured by using standard colorimetric commercial kit. Mean, Standard deviation and unpaired ttest (p value) were applied. A p value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Anthropometric variables (blood pressure, BMI and WC) highly significantly (p<0.0001) increased except age (p=0.37 NS) in MetS (n=50) patients than control (n=30) groups. Lipid profile including TC, TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C showed statistically significantly raised (p<0.0001) whereas HDL-C observed decreased (p<0.0001) in same manners. In case N-HDL-C, CRP and serum uric acid levels were found statistical significantly elevated (p<0.0001) in MetS on comparison with control group. Non-HDL-C may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events in MetS. Monitoring HDL-C concentrations may reduce the cardiovascular risk. Therefore, non-HDL-C and CRP might be useful markers for predicting cardiovascular events in both high-risk and healthy individuals. Serum Uric Acid levels were significantly higher with MetS samples. Uric acid and non HDL cholesterol can be considered as a component of MetS.
Comparison of viability scoring and blood gas analysis as measures of piglet viability

Viability score based on heart rate, colour, muscle tone, respiration, and attempts to stand was correlated with pH (r = 0.82, P = 0.0001), pCO2 (r = − 0.85, P = 0.0001), and pO2 (r = 0.27, P = 0.0001) in 1217 neonatal piglets, indicating that viability score is an excellent measure of the extent of asphyxia suffered by piglets during parturition. Key words: Viability, blood gas, neonatal pig
Active Immunity in Mice against Trichinella spiralis.

The acquisition of immunity against Trichinzella spiralis through recovery from a prior infection with the homologous parasite has been demonstrated in the rat (1), the guinea pig (2), the pig (3), and the monkey (4). Most investigators are agreed that the acquired immunity is directed largely against the intestinal phase of the parasite, although the precise mechanism of the immunity is still obscure. Some believe the immune response is made chiefly or entirely by the tissues of the intestinal wall itself, and that the tissues of the remainder of the body have comparatively little or nothing to do with the immune process. An increased secretion of mucus and increased intestinal peristalsis are presented by those supporting this view as the chief factors operative in the immunity. These workers generally have failed to demonstrate either the passive transfer of immunity with the serum or the development of an inflammatory reaction in the intestinal wall of the immune host, and much of their contention is based upon these negative observations (5). Other investigators, however, consider that a generalized immune response must be made to the parasite before an animal can acquire a substantial degree of immunity, although they feel that this response may, and probably does, act upon the parasite only in strategically disposed sites, of which the intestine is one. In the present paper, the results are offered from a study of acquired immunity to trichiniasis in the albino mouse. Strangely, the mouse has been but little employed in experimental trichiniasis. One of the few reports in which this animal has been used is that by the author and Kaplan of some years ago in which it was shown that rabbit antiserum rich in the specific antibody conferred to mice a partial immunity against trichiniasis (6). It is now shown that mice become actively immune to Trichinella spiralis as a result either of prior infection with the parasite or of vaccination with its antigens. The results are offered with a view to throwing some further light upon the mechanism of immunity in this disease.
Comparison of Multiscale Imaging Methods for Brain Research

A major challenge in neuroscience is how to study structural alterations in the brain. Even small changes in synaptic composition could have severe outcomes for body functions. Many neuropathological diseases are attributable to disorganization of particular synaptic proteins. Yet, to detect and comprehensively describe and evaluate such often rather subtle deviations from the normal physiological status in a detailed and quantitative manner is very challenging. Here, we have compared side-by-side several commercially available light microscopes for their suitability in visualizing synaptic components in larger parts of the brain at low resolution, at extended resolution as well as at super-resolution. Microscopic technologies included stereo, widefield, deconvolution, confocal, and super-resolution set-ups. We also analyzed the impact of adaptive optics, a motorized objective correction collar and CUDA graphics card technology on imaging quality and acquisition speed. Our observations evaluate a basic set of techniques, which allow for multi-color brain imaging from centimeter to nanometer scales. The comparative multi-modal strategy we established can be used as a guide for researchers to select the most appropriate light microscopy method in addressing specific questions in brain research, and we also give insights into recent developments such as optical aberration corrections.
Stroke care during the COVID‐19 pandemic: experience from three large European countries

In order to cope with the exponentially increasing number of patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, European countries made enormous efforts to reorganize medical assistance and several diseases, including stroke, were particularly impacted. We report the experience of stroke neurologists from three European countries (Italy, France and Germany) that faced the pandemic at diverse time points and with different approaches, depending on their resources and healthcare system organization. Pre‐hospital and in‐hospital acute stroke pathways were reorganized to prioritize COVID‐19 management and, in severely affected regions of Italy and France, stroke care was centralized to a limited number of centers, whereas the remaining stroke units were dedicated to patients with COVID‐19. Access to acute stroke diagnostics and time‐dependent therapies was limited or delayed because of reduced capacities of emergency services due to the burden of patients with COVID‐19. A marked reduction in the number of patients presenting with transient ischaemic attack and stroke was noted in the emergency departments of all three countries. Although we only have preliminary data, these conditions may have affected stroke outcome. These indirect effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic could negate the efforts of stroke neurologists over the last few years to improve outcome and reduce mortality of stroke patients. Although the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection rate is slowing down in Europe, the effects of ending lockdown in the next months are unpredictable. It is important for the European and world stroke community to share what has been learned so far to be plan strategies to ensure stroke care in the future and upcoming challenging times.
Using Reinforcement Learning for Real-Time Trajectory Planning of Aerial Multi Agent Systems

Control of aerial multi-agent systems, or drone swarms, is an open problem with many applications in rescue operations and defense. We ﬁnd that Reinforcement Learning approaches, particularly Proximal Policy Optimization, are capable of real-time trajectory planning for these systems. We developed a real-time simulator based on the onboard ﬁrmware (CFsim), and applied existing control models, like Particle Field Controllers (PFCs). Our approach was able to extend PFCs to model an arbitrary number of constraints, such as battery life, time, and collision avoidance. We show that our approach is stable and performing it by providing a real-world demo using Crazyﬂie Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or drones), and a Vicon Motion Capture System.
VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL): Effects of Vitamin D Supplements on Risk of Falls in the US Population

Abstract Context It is unclear whether vitamin D supplementation reduces risk of falls, and results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are conflicting. Objective The objective of this work is to determine whether 2000 IU/day of supplemental vitamin D3 decreases fall risk. Design VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) is a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT including 25 871 adults, randomly assigned November 2011 to March 2014 and treated for 5.3 years (median). Setting This is a nationwide study. Participants Men 50 years or older and women 55 years or older (mean age, 67.1 years) without cancer or cardiovascular disease at baseline participated in this study. Interventions Interventions included vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol; 2000 IU/day) and/or omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day) or respective placebos in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Main Outcome Measures Main outcome measures include 2 or more falls and falls resulting in a doctor or hospital visit. Results Baseline serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level was 77 nmol/L; characteristics were well-balanced between groups. Numbers of participants with 2 or more falls were similar between active and placebo groups (9.8% vs 9.4%). Over 5 years, there were no differences in the proportion having 2 or more falls (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.90-1.05, P = .50), falls resulting in a doctor visit (OR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.94-1.13, P = .46), or resulting in a hospital visit (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.90-1.19, P = .61) between groups. Results did not differ between those with baseline 25(OH)D less than 50 vs 50 nmol/L or greater or other cut points. Conclusion Daily supplemental vitamin D3 vs placebo did not decrease fall risk in generally healthy adults not selected for vitamin D insufficiency. This large RCT does not indicate that supplemental vitamin D should be used for primary prevention of falls in the US population.
Inhibitory effects of Tinospora cordifolia and Rubia cordifolia Linn. on egg albumin-induced experimental allergic conjunctivitis in rats

SUMMARY Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common allergic disease. These diseases are severe & frequentwhich requires search of new treatments. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects ofTinospora cordifolia (TC), Rubia cordifolia Linn. (RC) on experimentally induced allergic conjunctivitis in rats.In this study, dried water soluble extracts of TC and RC. (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. for 7 days)were evaluated for their antiallergic activity in Wistar rats. They were tested for inhibition of eggalbumin-induced vascular permeability, inhibition of histamine release from the rat conjunctivaas well as in histamine content in tears. TC and RC showed significant (P < 0.05) inhibition invascular permeability, inhibition in histamine release from the rat conjunctiva which is reflectedby reduced level of histamine content in tears. The activities were found to be comparable toazelastine hydrochloride. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect on egg albumin-inducedexperimental allergic conjunctivitis in rat may be due to the antihistaminic activity of TC and RC.Our studies provide evidence that TC and RC may be beneficial in the treatment of allergicconjunctivitis.Key words: Mast cell; Allergic conjunctivitis; Histamine release; Vascular permeability;Antihistaminic
Bacterial Hemorrhagic Ascites of Ayu Caused by Pseudomonas sp.

最近全国的に流行しているアユのシュードモナス病の特徴を明らかにすることを目的に, 1994～1995年に徳島県と滋賀県の養殖場の病魚を検査し, 原因菌を分離培養した。 最も特徴的な症状は, 血液の混じった腹水の貯溜で殆ど全ての病魚に認められた。 病原菌は Pseudomonas putida に近い性状を示したが, 色素を産生せず, 硝酸塩を還元するなどの点で定型的な Ps. putida とは異なった。 また, 原因菌に対する抗血清は, Ps. putida とは反応しなかった。 分離菌株の大部分は, API 20NE の数値プロフィルが1-140-457で, 残りの菌株も近似の数値であった。
Parasites Associated with Sachet Drinking Water (Pure Water) in Awka, South-Eastern, Nigeria

A study to ascertain the parasites associated with sachet drinking water, (popularly called “Pure Water” in Nigeria), in Awka, capital of Anambra State, southeast Nigeria was conducted. This was in order to determine the safety and suitability of such water for human consumption. Sachet water is a major source of drinking water for low and middle class Nigerians. The increase in demand of this water has led to the proliferation of industries in this sector, because of the economic benefits derivable from the sale. Samples of differently packaged sachet drinking water were purchased from producers, distributors, marketers and hawkers. Samples were observed macroscopically and pH tested. Using a sterile syringe, 10mls of water was taken from each sample and centrifuged at 2,500rpm per minute. Sediments observed were placed on a glass slide and observed microscopically using x10 and x40 objective lens for a possible parasite ova or cyst. The surface of each sachet of the packaged drinking water was also washed thoroughly and the resulting water was centrifuged and observed microscopically. All the tested water samples met the W.H. O. recommended standard, of being colorless, tasteless, odourless with average pH of 6.93. No parasites were found in the water in the sachets but some parasites were found on the surfaces of the sachets. The surface of the sachets of the packaged water purchased from hawkers had the highest number of parasites {15 (41.7%)}. Identified parasites include cysts of Ascaris lumbricoides (5.6%), Entamoeba histolytica (4.6%), hookworm (2.8), Trichuris trichuria (2.8%) and Giardia lamblia cysts (1.9%). Hawkers possibly play a very significant role (χ2 = 20.21, df =2, p Key words: Nigeria, Parasites, Public health, Sachet drinking water
Classification of Driver Intentions at Roundabouts

Classification of other drivers’ intentions is an important requirement for automated driving. We present two methods to estimate whether a driver leaves a roundabout. The first, like many other approaches to this problem, requires training data of the specific roundabout to extract typical behavior patterns. Afterwards, these patterns are used for classification of other drivers’ intentions. The second approach generates typical behavior patterns from a precise map. Consequently, no training data is required and classification can be performed on arbitrary roundabouts as long as a map is available. Experimental evaluation on a real world dataset of 266 trajectories shows that the performance of the map-based approach is comparable to the datadriven approach. The classification result can be used in a later stage for behavior planning of automated vehicles or driver assistance systems.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of the Essential Oil from Myrtus communis Leaves

Nosocomial pathogens are associated with increased hospital stay lengths and mortality rates. Increasing resistance to antibiotics makes the treatment of these infections more difficult. Novel antimicrobial compounds derived from natural sources may be useful for addressing antiobiotic resistance. The objective of this study is to determine the chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of essential oils from Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae) leaves against pathogens causing nosocomial infections. The chemical composition of essential oil from M. communis leaves was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil against bacteria and fungi was evaluated by broth micro-dilution as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methods. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major constituents of the essential oil were α-pinene (39.2 %), 1,8-cineole (22.0 %), and linalool (18.4 %). The essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against all Gram positive and Gram nega- tive bacteria with MICs in the range of 0.5-32 µL/mL and 8-64 µL/mL, respectively. MICs for the tested clinical and standard fungi were in the range of 0.03-16 µL/mL. The essential oil exhibited strong antibacte- rial and antifungal activities against all the causative agents of nosocomial infections examined, particularly against strains with antibiotic resistance. The essential oil from M. communis leaves is a potential source of novel antimicrobial agents for the treatment of nosocomial infections.