Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture Relaxation, Vigilance Stage, and Autonomic Nervous System Function: A Comparative Study of Their Interrelationships.

Objective: During acupuncture stimulation, autonomic nervous system (ANS) function changes toward being parasympathetic-dominant, with a transient decrease in heart rate (HR). The aim of this research was to determine the relationships between cortical relaxation and vigilance as observed on background electroencephalograms (EEGs), HR, and ANS function during deep acupuncture. Materials and Methods: This comparative study was conducted at Teikyo Heisei University, in Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan, with 27 healthy male volunteers. After resting for 20 minutes, the men received manual acupuncture at LI 10 on the left forearm for 2 minutes at a depth of 15-20 mm at a 1-Hz frequency while undergoing concurrent EEG and electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring. Each subject described his level of comfort during acupuncture. HR; power ratios (normalized units [n.u.]) of EEG alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves; and HR variability (HRV) indices were calculated. Results: In the subgroup who experienced discomfort, delta and theta n.u. were decreased while alpha n.u. were increased, indicating increased vigilance and decreased relaxation. In the subgroup who experienced comfort, there were no significant changes. HRV indices suggested parasympathetic-dominant changes in both subgroups. Weak correlations were observed between a decrease of theta n.u. and sympathetic-dominant changes in HRV indices. Conclusions: Alterations in background EEG activities were not the primary factors changing ANS function to parasympathetic-dominant and decreasing HR, but these alterations related to a weak secondary factor changing ANS function. EEG activity by which cortical relaxation and vigilance were represented was the weak secondary factor changing ANS function during acupuncture; the primary factor might be supraspinal reflection.
Direct and Indirect Estimates of Natural Mortality for the Patagonian Scallop Zygochlamys patagonica

ABSTRACT The adequacy of empirical estimates of natural mortality (M) for the Patagonian scallop Zygochlamys patagonica (King & Broderip, 1832) is assessed against a direct estimate based on catch-at-ago data obtained from fishery research surveys and auxiliary information on fishing effort exerted by the commercial fleet. Based mostly on growth parameter information resulting from the von Bertalanffy equation, we obtained empirical estimates of M based on formulas commonly used in fisheries assessment and quantified variation in their estimates though parametric bootstrapping. The modal values of direct estimates of M was 0.38/y, with a 95% confidence interval in the range 0.09–0.77/y. Estimates obtained with empirical models were close to direct estimates. In particular, a model developed for invertebrate species (Arce's model) was very close both in point values and variability. Our results suggest that for this species, the empirical estimates, which are easily obtainable and broadly used in many fisheries, can be reliably used when no other estimates are available. However, we contend that in other cases their use should be limited to species when the performances of empirical methods were compared with direct evaluations of M.
The Media and their Informative Role in the Face of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Validation of Fear Perception and Magnitude of the Issue (MED-COVID-19)

Introduction: The media play an important role in the dissemination of information on the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, it is important to measure whether the population is receiving information that calms it down, as well as whether such news are in accordance with the magnitude of the issue. Objective: To validate a questionnaire that measures the perception of the media and their informative role in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A validation process for a questionnaire that measures the perception of the magnitude of this issue and whether it generates fear was carried out. The validation was performed by means of a literature search. Moreover, a first version of the scale was developed, which was assessed by 30 experts (physicians, epidemiologists, among others). After this, an exploratory factor analysis and descriptive statistics were performed. Results: Our scale had 13 initial items; however, one of them was eliminated because of its unsatisfactory level of statistical adequacy. Exploratory factorial analysis and parallel analysis suggested three factors. Results of the KMO coefficient (0.833) and the Bartlett’s test of sphericity (4998.5; gl = 66; p 0.4 and robust analyses revealed a satisfactory factorial structure (X2=88.0; p= 0.001; IFC=0.968; GFI=0.992; TLI=0.937; RMSEA=0.123). In the descriptive statistics of the 12 final items, moderate and significant correlations between the items were reported (> 0.5). Conclusion: We generate a scale to validate the perception of how people receive information from the media. Thus, this scale can be used to measure the informative role of the media regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and may even serve for other similar public health emergencies.
Variações da fisionomia, diversidade e composição de guildas da comunidade arbórea em um fragmento de floresta semidecidual em Lavras, MG

The purpose of the present study was to analyze differences in physiognomic structure, species diversity, and species guild composition of the tree community of different sectors of a tropical semideciduous forest fragment. Each sector varies in terms of regeneration phase and exposure to the forest edges. The forest fragment, which has an area of 5.8ha and is situated in Lavras municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil (21°13'40''S; 44°57'50''W), was classified into four sectors and underwent a census of all trees with dbh > 5.0cm. The sectors were compared for tree density and basal area, distribution of heights and diameters, species diversity, and frequency of trees per regeneration, dispersal, and stratification guilds. The sectors that were more lightly disturbed in the past, Tall Interior and Tall Edge, showed higher tree basal areas, lower tree densities (particularly for smaller size classes), and higher proportions of individuals of shade-tolerant tree species and tall tree species, than the more heavily disturbed sectors, Low Interior and Low Edge. These differences indicate that the Tall sectors are at a more advanced regeneration phase. The Edge sectors had higher frequency of trees of anemochorous species than the Interior sectors. Each Edge sector had higher species diversity than its Interior partner. It was concluded that the analyzed parameters may serve as efficient means of assessment of past disturbance severity as well as of present regeneration phase and edge effects.
Exponential fertilization increases nutrient uptake and ectomycorrhizal development of black spruce seedlings

Intensive fertilization may inhibit adequate mycorrhizal development for forest nursery stock production. Containerized black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) seedlings exposed to four fertilization regimes (one conventional and three exponential at 12.5, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg N/seedling, respectively) and two ectomycorrhizal inoculations (Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull. ex St-Amans) Quel. and Laccaria bicolor (R. Mre.) Orton) were grown from seed to assess mycorrhizal formation and nutrition of young trees under intensive greenhouse culture. Exponentially increasing fertilizer additions stimulated ectomycorrhizal development (49-85%) compared with conventional constant-rate fertilization (22-26%). Exponential fertilization also increased seedling N (13-34%) and P (5-18%) uptake, although dry matter production was reduced (17-25%) at the lowest exponential addition rate. Ectomycorrhizal inoculation did not affect seedling biomass but increased uptake of N (6-17%), P (5-20%), and K (4-18%), demonstrating a.
Optimised adaptive control methodology for mode transition of hybrid electric vehicle based on the dynamic characteristics analysis

Mode transition plays an important role in the operation of hybrid electric vehicles. The clutch is a key actuator for mode transition, but friction resulting from its use makes it difficult to achieve seamless mode transition. Moreover, as is usual in an electromechanical coupling system, the hybrid powertrain may exhibit complex dynamic behaviours as operating parameters change during mode transition. This paper considered changes in the clutch friction coefficient, and established a mathematical model of the hybrid powertrain in a parallel-series hybrid electric vehicle (PSHEV) during mode transition. The Routh-Hurwitz criterion and bifurcation theory are introduced to analyse the influence of speed difference on the dynamic characteristics of the hybrid powertrain, and the corresponding instability threshold were given. Furthermore, an optimised adaptive control methodology was proposed to control the dynamic behaviours, and tests on PSHEV were carried out. The results show that the variations of speed difference may lead to the occurrence of Fold and Hopf bifurcations, and that once the speed difference reaches the instability threshold, it may cause the system to enter a chaotic state and exhibit random oscillation. The proposed control methodology can effectively expand the security domain and suppress the oscillation to improve smoothness of mode transition.
Paid Leave and Maternal Depressive Symptoms After Childbirth: The Moderating Role of Perceived Fairness of the Division of Household Labor

We examined whether using paid leave is directly linked to employed mothers’ depressive symptoms. In addition, we examined the moderating effect of employed mothers’ perceived fairness of division of household labor (housework and childcare) on the above association. We collected data from 92 employed mothers who were eligible to take paid leave and returned to the workplace after childbirth in Upstate New York State area. Using hierarchical regression analyses, we found that employed mothers’ paid leave use was not significantly associated with their levels of depressive symptoms. However, perceived fairness of division of household labor moderated the above association. Specifically, when employed mothers took paid leave, they reported lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who did not take leave when they perceived that the division of household labor was fair to them.
Prevalence of botfly (Cuterebra sp.) parasitism in populations of small mammals in eastern Kansas.

-Prevalence of botfly (Cuterebra sp.) parasitism in populations of small mammals was studied in tallgrass prairie of northeastern Kansas during 1985-1987. Four species of rodents, Neotomafloridana, Peromyscus leucopus, P. maniculatus and Reithrodontomys megalotis, were parasitized and all infestations occurred between 1 June and 30 September. Prevalence was greatest in July and August for all species. Proportions of N.floridana (0.31) and P. leucopus (0.24) parasitized were similar and significantly greater than those of P. maniculatus (0.08) and R. megalotis (0.02). Over 95% of the parasitized animals were adults with no differences noted due to sex. Parasitized individuals resided longer on the study area than unparasitized animals for N. floridana, P. leucopus and R. megalotis, but not P. maniculatus. The relationship between residence time and parasitism, as well as higher proportions of infestation for N. floridana and P. leucopus, probably was due to overlap in preferred habitat (woody vegetation in ravines and contiguous lowlands) between adult Cuterebra and these rodents.
Bat flies (Diptera, Streblidae and Nycteribiidae) in a Cerrado area of Goiás State, Brazil

A survey of bat flies was carried out in the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) in the Goias state, Brazil. We collected 227 specimens of seventeen species belonging to nine genera of Streblidae and seven specimens of four species of Basilia Miranda-Ribeiro, 1903 (Nycteribiidae). Except for Paratrichobius longicrus (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1907) (Streblidae), all species are new recorded in Goias.
Mechanics of ostraciiform propulsion

Two hydromechanical models are employed to analyse the motions of the caudal fin of a small specimen of Ostracion lentiginosum (Ostraciidae). Values of the drag coefficient of the body of the fish are inferred by equating the impulse of the thrust force produced over the tail beat cycle with the impulse of the drag force acting on the body over the same period of time. On average, the inferred values for the drag coefficient are within 15% of experimentally determined values. Drag coefficients for ostraciiform fish are an order of magnitude greater than those for streamlined fish. The hydromechanical efficiency of the caudal fin propeller of O. lentiginosum is calculated to be of the order of 0.5. This result is predicted by the hydromechanical theory.
Effect of Replacement of Groundnut Cake with Urea-treated Neem (Azadirachta indica A. juss) Seed Kernel Cake on Nutrient Utilisation in Lambs

The effect of urea treatment on chemical composition of neem seed kernel cake (NSKC) was investigated by soaking the cake in 2.1% urea solution (1.2 l kg -1 NSKC) for five days. The effect on utilisation of nutrients by replacing groundnut cake (GNC) (30%) with urea-treated neem seed kernel cake (UTNSKC) (33%) in a concentrate mixture fed to meet 70% of the protein requirements of lambs (8 males and 8 females), was monitored in a digestibility study. Following urea treatment of NSKC only 9.5% of urea was hydrolysed and the crude protein content of the cake was increased by 6.65%. The tannin content in depulped neem seeds was 37% catechin equivalent. Whereas feeding UTNSKC had no effect on intake of dry matter (72.5 vs 66.3 g/kg BW 0.75 day -1 ) and digestibility of crude fibre (41.3 vs 43.4%), the cake depressed (p<0.01) the percent digestibility of dry matter (63.7 vs 70.2), crude protein (63.2 vs 70.2), nitrogen free extract (73.8 vs 80.5) and gross energy (64.3 vs 69.1). Digestibility of ether extract (75.8 vs 70.9%) was higher (p<0.05) in animals offered UTNSKC. The nutritive value of the composite ration consumed by lambs offered UTNSKC was lower (p<0.01) in terms of total digestible nutrients (64.7 vs 70.2%) and digestible energy (2.8 vs 3.0 Kcal/g DM). Intake of digestible energy (199.8 vs 194.1 Kcal/kg BW 0.75 day -1 ) and retention of nitrogen (7.53 vs 8.23 g day -1 ) and calcium (2.12 vs 1.84 g day -1 ) were comparable on the 2 rations. Animals fed UTNSKC retained less (p<0.01) phosphorus (0.37 vs 1.05 g day -1 ). The results indicate that urea treatment increased the protein level of NSKC whereas feeding the treated cake as a replacement of GNC, lowered the digestibility of nutrients and retention of phosphorus. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 9 : 1273-1277)
Three‐dimensional model of the ligand binding domain of the nuclear receptor for 1α,25‐dihydroxy‐vitamin D3

A three‐dimensional model for residues 142–427 of the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the human nuclear receptor for 1α,25‐dihydroxy‐vitamin D3 [VDR] has been generated based on the X‐ray crystallographic atomic coordinates of the LBD of the rat α1 thyroid receptor (TR). The VDR LBD model is an elongated globular shape comprised of an antiparallel α‐helical triple sandwich topology, made up of 12 α‐helical elements linked by short loop structures; collectively these structural features are similar to the characteristic secondary and tertiary structures for six nuclear receptors with known X‐ray structures. The model has been used to describe the interaction of the conformationally flexible natural hormone, 1α,25‐dihydroxy‐vitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3], and a number of related analogs with the VDR LBD. The optimal orientation of the 1α,25(OH)2D3 in the LBD is with its A‐ring directed towards the interior and its flexible side chain pointing towards and interacting with helix‐12, site of the activation function‐2 domain (AF‐2) of the VDR. Mapping of four natural and one experimental point mutations of the VDR LBD, which result in ligand‐related receptor dysfunction, indicates the close proximity of these amino acids to the bound ligand. J. Cell. Biochem. 74:323–333, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Haematological characteristics of Clarias isheriensis Sydenham

Haematological characteristics of Clarias isheriensis, a freshwater teleost, were established as a ‘working document’ upon which to base more extensive studies. Correlations were found with certain blood factors as functions of the physical parameters of length and weight. Other correlations which were not related to the physical size were also found. Factors which affect the haematological picture offish are discussed.
The Impact of Deterministic Signal Loss on OCT Angiography Measurements

Purpose In this study, we aimed at investigating the impact of deterministic signal loss on image quality and, thus, on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) measurements performed by the RTVue-XR Avanti System. Methods Absorptive filters with different optical densities (ODs) were used to simulate signal loss in a controlled way in 30 eyes from 15 healthy subjects. Scan Quality (SQ), provided by the AngioVue software, was applied as a measure of image quality. Results Assessing the effect of decreased light transmittance on SQ values as well as that of attenuated image quality on OCTA parameters revealed a strong systematic dependence between these quantities. Attenuated image quality was associated with significantly decreased macular and peripapillary vessel density (VD) values, and we calculated a correction factor of 2.27% to 3.97% for a one-unit change in SQ for the different VD parameters. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the influence of systematic changes in image quality on OCTA parameters needs to be considered during patient follow-up in order to make valid assessment of progression. Translational Relevance For accurate evaluation of longitudinal changes in OCTA parameters, equal scan quality or using a correction factor is suggested.
Relationship of Candled Quality of Eggs to Other Quality Measurements

Abstract DETERMINATION of the interior quality of shell eggs is based on candling which, although imperfect, is the only commercially feasible means available at present for such determination. Candled quality is determined on the condition of the shell, air cell, albumen, yolk, and any abnormalities as enumerated by Dice (1952). Shell quality is quite possibly related to the ability of an egg to maintain its interior quality but has not been reported to be related to initial interior quality. Air cell size may or may not be related to the quality of eggs as determined on broken out appearance. The air cell increases in size due to contraction of the liquid contents on cooling and when moisture is lost due to evaporation of water through the pores of the shell. In general, abnormalities are not related to broken out appearance for quality. Occurrence of blood or meat spots does not influence …
A multivariate approach to plant community distribution in the coastal dune zonation of NW Denmark

A near-natural coastal dune system in NW Jutland, Denmark was investigated. The area contains a gradient in natural soil mobility with the highest values in dynamic white dunes dominated by Ammophila arenaria, and low mobility in fixed decalcified dune heath with Empetrum nigrum and Calluna vulgaris. A total of 267 plots was investigated and presence of mosses and rooted vascular plants recorded. Cluster analysis identified five communities: white dune, grey dune, outer dune heath, inner dune heath and humid dune heath. These communities were ordered along two main axes in a Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). The relationship between DCA axes and several environmental variables, including soil characteristics and Ellenberg indicator values, were investigated by correlation. Two major complex gradients underlying compositional variation were identified; one short coenocline with an underlying steep gradient in habitat maturity, soil stability and nutrient-limited productivity, and one longer gradient in water-limited productivity and peat accumulation only applying to the older successional stages. Distance from the coast was an important correlate of several of the measured variables. Microclimatic indices, i.e. heat index and wind index, had limited value as descriptors of community patterns as they were not correlated with the DCA axes or with other environmental variables. However, within communities the microclimatic indices correlated with several explanatory variables. (Less)
Elemental fingerprinting of fish otoliths using ID-ICPMS

: Trace elements incorporated into the growing surface of the fish otolith (ear stone) reflect the physical and chemical characteristics of the ambient water, although not necessarily in a simplistic manner. Since otoliths grow continuously without resorption throughout the life of the fish, fish popu- lation~ growing up in different water masses should produce otoliths of different elemental composition. The otolith elemental composition ('fingerprint') determined with isotope dilution -inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ID-ICPMS) proved to be an effective discriminator of adjacent population~ of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua off the coast of eastern Canada, with sufficient accuracy as a natural tag to determine population identity in a mixed population fishery. Classification of samples collected from the winter cod fishery on the eastern Scotian Shelf indicated that the annual winter migration out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence is more extensive than was previously believed.
Evaluation of Gladiolus Varieties for Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh, India

A study was under taken during 2002-2004 to find out the suitable gladiolus varieties for cultivation in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. There were significant difference among the varieties with respect to vegetative and floral characters. Maximum plant height was recorded in Tilak. Sindhur genotype produced maximum number of leaves per plant. Early flowering was recorded in Meera. Tilak produced long spikes and more number of florets per spike. The large size florets were observed in Meera and Sindhur.
SPERNER FAMILIES, s‐SYSTEMS, AND A THEOREM OF MESHALKIN †

The problems studied in this paper have evolved from ideas developed by Emanuel Sperner in his very interesting paper "Ein Satz Gber Untermengen einer endlichen Menge" [ 5 l . The mise-en-scbne of Sperner's work is a finite set R. A non-empty class 0 of subsets of il is called a "Sperner family"' if no set in @ is a subset of any other set in @. The number of sets in P is called the "size" of 0 and is denoted by 101 . 2 A Sperner family 0 is called a "maximal family" if there does not exist a Sperner family 0 whose size exceeds that of 0 . Since there are only a finite number of Sperner families that can be formed from the points of a, it is plain that there is at least one maximal family. Sperner proved that thece is essentially only one maximal family and determined its size and structure. His theorem is the following: . x