Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vessel traffic affects bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) behaviour in waters surrounding Lampedusa Island, south Italy

Since 2003, as part of the LIFE project ‘Del.Ta. ’ (NAT/IT/000163) a bottlenose dolphin community has been studied in order to assess the impact of increasing boat traffic in the Pelagie Archipelago (Sicily, Italy). During the summer of 2006 and 2008, land-based surveys were carried out at Lampedusa, one of the Archipelago's Islands, at set hours from 6 locations (7 in 2008) in standard weather conditions. Continuous horizon scanning and focal group sampling methods were used to study dolphin presence and behaviour. Dolphin–boat interactions were recorded for each sighting. A total of approximately 559 hours were spent monitoring and 83 sightings were recorded. With regard to the different types of vessels, interaction with sailing boats was always neutral, whereas fast boats caused the interruption of all activities and avoidance behaviour. Positive interaction occasionally occurred with bottom trawling fishing boats. Interactions recorded when fishing and powered engine boats approached within 200 m predominantly resulted in a negative reaction from the dolphins (approximately 70%) and dolphin behaviour was affected in terms of occurrence and patterns. Behavioural analysis showed that the animals reduced the frequency of behaviours related to feeding, social and relaxing activities. The dolphins also increased information-gathering behaviour such as spyhopping. The use of Markovian chain models revealed evidence of disruptions in sub-sequences made up of behaviours often associated with feeding. After boat departures, the animals rarely restarted their previous activity and persistence of this effect could have long-term consequences as a result of non-habituation. Sighting duration also decreased in the presence of vessels. The possible negative long-term effect of the presence of boats may be indicated by the lower mean sighting duration in 2008, when the highest presence of powered engine boats was recorded. In view of the scenario outlined above, local authorities need to enforce the requirement of maintaining a distance of over 200 m away from the animals for all types of boat and also promote regular land-based surveys of vessel impacts for tourist boats and dolphin watching cruises.
EFFECT OF CASPUREA AS A PROTEIN SOURCE REPLACEMENT FOR SOYBEAN MEAL IN DIETS ON PERFORMANCE OF THAI NATIVE X BRAHMAN BEEF CATTLE

× × × Brahman beef cattle (approxi- mately 365 days of age and average live weight of 154.7 ± 26.8 kg) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square arrangement of treatments with four 21-d periods. The treatments were the levels of Caspurea replacement for soybean meal in concentrate at 0, 25, 50, and 75%. Concentrates were formulated to contain 14% CP and were fed at 2.0% BW. All animals were fed ad libitum urea-treated rice straw as roughage. The results showed that the total dry matter intake (5.5, 5.5, 5.2, and 5.3 kgDM/d; P > 0.05) was not significantly different from other dietary treatments. Dry matter digestibility (71.2, 72.1, 71.2, and 67.7%; P < 0.01) was the lowest in 75% replacement diet and ruminal ammonia-N concentration (8.5, 8.8, 9.5, and 13.3 mg%; P < 0.01) was the highest in 75 % replacement diet. Moreover, the total volatile fatty acid (127.4, 123.6, 119.8 and 96.4 mM; P < 0.01), the bacteria population (2.6, 2.5, 2.5 and 2.4 (× 10 10 cell/ml)), the protozoa population (2.2, 2.2, 2.1, and 1.9 (× 10 5 cell/ml)) and nitrogen absorption (65.5, 64.7, 60.6, and 57.7 g/d) were also lowest in 75% replacement diet (P < 0.01), but were not different from 0, 25, and 50% replacement groups. The nitrogen retention (%N intake) (24.1, 23.6, 25.3, and 13.6 g/d) tended to increase in 50% replacement diet (P = 0.05) while, in 0, 25, and 50% replacement diet groups were not different. Blood urea nitrogen (22.5, 23.2, 23.3, and 24.6 mg%; P < 0.01) was the highest in 75% replacement diet and the average daily gain (0.54, 0.52, 0.55, and 0.42 kg/d; P < 0.05) was linearly decreased by Caspurea replacement diet. These results indicate that 50% of the replacement diet by Caspurea for soybean meal in concentrate has positive effects on crossbred Native × Brahman beef cattle production.
Over-expression of miR-223 induces M2 macrophage through glycolysis alteration and attenuates LPS-induced sepsis mouse model, the cell-based therapy in sepsis

The attenuation of hyper-inflammation in sepsis with the administration of anti-inflammatory macrophages is an interesting adjuvant therapy for sepsis. Because the induction of anti-inflammatory macrophages by microRNA (miR), a regulator of mRNA, has been mentioned, the exploration on miR-induced anti-inflammatory macrophages was performed. The over-expression of miR-223 and miR-146a in RAW264.7 induced M2 macrophage-polarization (anti-inflammatory macrophages) as evaluated by the enhanced expression of Arginase-1 and Fizz. However, miR-223 over-expressed cells demonstrated the more potent anti-inflammatory property against LPS stimulation as lesser iNOS expression, lower supernatant IL-6 and higher supernatant IL-10 compared with miR-146a over-expressed cells. Interestingly, LPS stimulation in miR-223 over-expressed cells, compared with LPS-stimulated control cells, demonstrated lower activity of glycolysis pathway and higher mitochondrial respiration, as evaluated by the extracellular flux analysis, and also down-regulated HIF-1α, an important enzyme of glycolysis pathway. In addition, the administration of miR-223 over-expressed macrophages with IL-4 pre-conditioning, but not IL-4 stimulated control cells, attenuated sepsis severity in LPS injected mice as evaluated by serum creatinine, liver enzymes, lung histology and serum cytokines. In conclusion, miR-223 interfered with the glycolysis pathway through the down-regulation of HIF-1α, resulting in the anti-inflammatory status. The over-expression of miR-223 in macrophages prevented the conversion into M1 macrophage polarization after LPS stimulation. The administration of miR-223 over-expressed macrophages, with IL-4 preconditioning, attenuated sepsis severity in LPS model. Hence, a proof of concept in the induction of anti-inflammatory macrophages through the cell-energy interference for sepsis treatment was proposed as a basis of cell-based therapy in sepsis.
COVID-19, Renin-Angiotensin System and Endothelial Dysfunction

The newly emergent novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, has posed a serious threat to global public health and caused worldwide social and economic breakdown. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is expressed in human vascular endothelium, respiratory epithelium, and other cell types, and is thought to be a primary mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 entry and infection. In physiological condition, ACE2 via its carboxypeptidase activity generates angiotensin fragments (Ang 1–9 and Ang 1–7), and plays an essential role in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which is a critical regulator of cardiovascular homeostasis. SARS-CoV-2 via its surface spike glycoprotein interacts with ACE2 and invades the host cells. Once inside the host cells, SARS-CoV-2 induces acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), stimulates immune response (i.e., cytokine storm) and vascular damage. SARS-CoV-2 induced endothelial cell injury could exacerbate endothelial dysfunction, which is a hallmark of aging, hypertension, and obesity, leading to further complications. The pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction and injury offers insights into COVID-19 associated mortality. Here we reviewed the molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the roles of ACE2, RAS signaling, and a possible link between the pre-existing endothelial dysfunction and SARS-CoV-2 induced endothelial injury in COVID-19 associated mortality. We also surveyed the roles of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), including CD209L/L-SIGN and CD209/DC-SIGN in SARS-CoV-2 infection and other related viruses. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of infection, the vascular damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 and pathways involved in the regulation of endothelial dysfunction could lead to new therapeutic strategies against COVID-19.
Locomotor activity patterns of takin (Budorcas taxicolor) in a temperate mountain region

Understanding locomotor activity patterns would reveal key information about an animal’s foraging strategy, energy budget and evolutionary adaptation. We studied the locomotor activity patterns of the takin (Budorcas taxicolor) in a temperate mountain region in China using GPS radio-collar technology from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015. Our research showed that takin had a bimodal crepuscular locomotor activity pattern, with an especially obvious movement peak at dusk. The takins showed significant seasonal differences in their movement rates, with the lowest movement rate in winter. The animals also showed sexual differences in their movement rates. In spring, the female movement rate was significantly higher than that of males during daytime, while during nighttime the movement rate of males was higher than that of females. The male movement rate was significantly higher than that of females in summer. The movement rate of the takins were correlated to microenvironment temperature and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in each season. These findings suggest that takin could adjust locomotor activity levels adapt to reproductive requirements, temperature variation and forage variability.
Riparian Forests as Nutrient Filters in Agricultural Watersheds

Riparian (streamside) vegetation may help control transport of sediments and chemicals to stream channels. Studies of a coastal plain agricultural watershed showed that riparian forest ecosystems are excellent nutrient sinks and buffer the nutrient discharge from surrounding agroecosystems. Nutrient uptake and removal by soil and vegetation in the riparian forest ecosystem prevented outputs from agricultural uplands from reaching the stream channel. The riparian ecosystem can apparently serve as both a shortand long-term nutrient filter and sink if trees are harvested periodically to ensure a net uptake of nutrients. (Accepted for publication 28 November 1983)
Flexural Behavior of Double-Skin Steel Tube Beams Filled with Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composite and Strengthened with CFRP Sheets

The concrete-filled double skin steel tube (CFDST) is a more viable option compared to a concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) due to consisting a hollow section, while degradation is enhanced simply by using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). Hence, the stabilization of a concrete’s ductile strength needs high- performance fiber-reinforced cementitious conmposite. This study investigates the behavior of high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composite-filled double-skin steel tube (HPCFDST) beams strengthened longitudinally with various layers, lengths, and configurtion of CFRP sheets. The findings showed that, with increased CFRP layers, the moment capacity and flexural stiffness values of the retrofitted HPCFDST beams have significantly improved. For an instant, the moment capacity of HPCFDST beams improved by approximately 28.5% and 32.6% when they were wrapped partially along 100% with two and three layers, respectively, compared to the control beam. Moreover, the moment capacity of the HPCFDST beam using two partial layers of CFRP along 75% of its sufficient length was closed to the findings of the beam with two full CFRP layers. For energy absorption, the results showed a vast disparity. Only the two layers with a 100% full length and partial wrapping showed increasing performance over the control. Furthermore, the typical failure mode of HPCFDST beams was observed to be local buckling at the top surface near the point of loading and CFRP rapture at the bottom of effect length.
Performance of Different Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Varieties Suitable Under Garhwal Himalaya Region.

Materials and Methods Radish is one of the most important edible and nutritious root vegetable crops in world. It belongs to the brassicaceae family, which is grown in tropical and temperate region. Radish is most frequently consumed root vegetable in different part of India because root and leaves are rich source of carbohydrate, vitamin A, vitamin C and minerals. The crop generally requires cool weather and abundant sunshine for best growth and development. The optimum temperature for growth and root development is 10-15 ° C. Moreover, the plant grows best when provided with uniform moisture and well drained soil (Choudhary, 2000) The climate and soil condition of Garhwal region allow cultivation wide range of vegetable crop including radish. Shortage of improved germplasm and good quality seed is the main factor for low production and productivity in India and also in valley region of Garhwal Himalaya. The main objective of this study was to compare the growth, yield and quality parameters of different radish varieties and to select the suitable varieties for Garhwal Himalaya condition.
Evaluating the effect of predation mortality on forage species population dynamics in the Northeast US continental shelf ecosystem using multispecies virtual population analysis

Tyrrell, M. C. , Link, J. S. , Moustahfid, H. , and Overholtz, W. J. 2008. Evaluating the effect of predation mortality on forage species population dynamics in the Northeast US continental shelf ecosystem using multispecies virtual population analysis. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1689-1700.An expanded version of multispecies virtual population analysis (MSVPA) is used to analyse the effects of predation by 14 key predators on Atlantic herring and Atlantic mackerel in the Northwest Atlantic ecosystem for the period 1982-2002. For herring, MSVPA produced greater abundance estimates than single-species assessments, especially for the youngest age classes. The average rate of predation mortality for herring aged 0 and 1 was also higher than the standard total natural mortality rate (0.2) for the 21-year time frame (0.84-3.2). The same was true for mackerel in this MSVPA (0.37-1.6). Consumptive removals of herring and mackerel generally increased over time. From 1999 to 2001, the biomass removed by predators exceeded each species' commercial landings. The sum of consumption and landings notably exceeded the multispecies maximum sustainable yield for herring for the years 1995-2002 and for mackerel for the period 1999-2002. We highlight the importance of accounting for predation on forage species in the context of changes to the fish community that have taken place in the Northwest Atlantic over the past few decades.
Pulp handling by vertebrate seed dispersers increases palm seed predation by bruchid beetles in the northern Amazon

1 The simultaneous use of fruits and seeds by invertebrate seed predators and vertebrate seed dispersers produces complex ecological interactions that reduce the predictability of seed fate. 2 Cocosoid palm seeds in the Neotropics are subject to high mortality by bruchid beetle infestation and such attack is the major cause of mortality for seeds of the palm Attalea maripa at our study site in the northern Brazilian Amazon. 3 The exocarp and mesocarp of 1400 fruits were manipulated in different ways to simulate handling by vertebrates. No eggs of the bruchid beetle, Pachymerus cardo, were laid on intact control fruits, while the highest numbers of eggs were received by fruits whose exocarp and mesocarp had been partially removed, as if by primates and rodents (mean of 15.9 and 18.9 eggs fruit−1, respectively, during the peak fruiting season). Fruits with intact mesocarp but no exocarp, and fruits with all mesocarp and exocarp removed, received low numbers of eggs (mean of 4.6 and 6.6 eggs per fruit, respectively, during the peak fruiting season). Thus both exocarp and mesocarp deter oviposition, and removal of these fruit structures increases fruit susceptibility to infestation. 4 Oviposition rates declined as the fruiting season progressed, but oviposition preferences remained the same. Seed mortality was high for any fruit on which eggs were laid. 5 Large rodents and primates, which have been considered among the most effective seed dispersers for large‐seeded Neotropical trees such as palms, actually increased the susceptibility of seeds to bruchid beetle attack. Removal of (intact) seeds by other dispersers may be necessary to ensure seed survival. 6 These results indicate that the reliability of seed dispersers cannot be gauged without a complete understanding of variables that affect seed viability.
Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women of Reproductive Age (MDD-W) Data Collection: Validity of the List-Based and Open Recall Methods as Compared to Weighed Food Record

Minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age (MDD-W) was validated as a population-level proxy of micronutrient adequacy, with indicator data collection proposed as either list-based or open recall. No study has assessed the validity of these two non-quantitative proxy methods against weighed food records (WFR). We assessed the measurement agreement of list-based and open recall methods as compared to WFR (i.e., reference method of individual quantitative dietary assessment) for achieving MDD-W and an ordinal food group diversity score. Applying a non-inferiority design, data were collected from non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Cambodia (n = 430), Ethiopia (n = 431), and Zambia (n = 476). For the pooled sample (n = 1337), proportions achieving MDD-W from both proxy methods were compared to WFR proportion by McNemar’s chi-square tests, Cohen’s kappa, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Ordinal food group diversity (0–10) was compared by Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and weighted kappa. MDD-W food groups that were most frequently misreported (i.e., type I and II errors) by the proxy methods were determined. Our findings indicate statistically significant differences in proportions achieving MDD-W, ordinal food group diversity scores, and ROC curves between both proxy methods and WFR (p < 0.001). List-based and open recall methods overreported women achieving MDD-W by 16 and 10 percentage points, respectively, as compared to WFR (proportion achieving MDD-W: 30%). ICC values between list-based or open recall and WFR were 0.50 and 0.55, respectively. Simple and weighted kappa values both indicated moderate agreement between list-based or open recall against WFR. Food groups most likely to be misreported using proxy methods were beans and peas, dark green leafy vegetables, vitamin A-rich fruit and vegetables, and other fruits. Our study provides statistical evidence for overreporting of both list-based and open recall methods for assessing prevalence of MDD-W or ordinal food group diversity score in women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries. Operationalizing MDD-W through qualitative recall methods should consider potential trade-offs between accuracy and simplicity.
Diallel analysis to study the genetic makeup of spike and yield contributing traits in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)

Five wheat genotypes were crossed in complete diallel fashion for gene action studies of spike length, spikelets per spike, grains per spike, grain weight per spike and grain yield per plant. Analysis of variance reveals significant differences for all the traits. The significant deviation of joint regression value “b” from zero and non significance of “t” square value, suggested the absence of epistasis for all traits which in turn attested fitness of the data for simple additive dominance model. Additive genetic component (D) proved to be significant for all traits under consideration except grain weight spike per spike, but dominant component H 1 and H 2 was higher in magnitude than additive (D) for spike length and grain yield per plant, illustrating the prevalence of dominance genetic effects. The additive genetic component was more imperative for genetic manipulation of number of spikelets per spike and number of grains per spike. Dominant genes at most of the loci were in excess than recessive genes for spike length and grain yield per plant which was firmly supported by the positive value of F and further strengthened by the value of (4DH 1 ) 0.5 +F/ (4DH 1 ) 0.5 -F which was greater than unity for these two traits. The component that was strongly influenced by the environment was spikelets per spike. High magnitude of narrow sense heritability (h 2 n.s ) was noticed for spikelets per spike (79%), and grains per spike (88%) thus illustrated fixable and additive heritable variation for these traits. The operation of over dominance was observed for spike length, grain weight per spike and grain yield per plant, whereas, spikelets per spike and grains per spike were under additive type of gene action with partial dominance, implying that spikelets per spike and grains per spike can significantly be improve by pursuing pedigree method while heterosis can be exploited for spike length, grain weight per spike and grain yield per plant. Key words: Wheat, gene action, genetic parameters, heritability, yield.
Characterization of glutathione proteome in CHO cells and its relationship with productivity and cholesterol synthesis

Glutathione (GSH) plays a central role in the redox balance maintenance in mammalian cells. Previous studies of industrial Chinese hamster ovary cell lines have demonstrated a relationship between GSH metabolism and clone productivity. However, a thorough investigation is required to understand this relationship and potentially highlight new targets for cell engineering. In this study, we have modulated the GSH intracellular content of an industrial cell line under bioprocess conditions to further elucidate the role of the GSH synthesis pathway. Two strategies were used: the variation of cystine supply and the direct inhibition of the GSH synthesis using buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Over time of the bioprocess, a correlation between intracellular GSH and product titer has been observed. Analysis of metabolites uptake/secretion rates and proteome comparison between BSO‐treated cells and nontreated cells has highlighted a slowdown of the tricarboxylic acid cycle leading to a secretion of lactate and alanine in the extracellular environment. Moreover, an adaptation of the GSH‐related proteome has been observed with an upregulation of the regulatory subunit of glutamate–cysteine ligase and a downregulation of a specific GSH transferase subgroup, the Mu family. Surprisingly, the main impact of BSO treatment was observed on a global downregulation of the cholesterol synthesis pathways. As cholesterol is required for protein secretion, it could be the missing piece of the puzzle to finally elucidate the link between GSH synthesis and productivity.
Confirmed occurrence of the longjaw snake eel, Ophisurus serpens (Osteichthyes: Ophichthidae) in Tunisian waters (Central Mediterranean)

The record of a juvenile female Ophisurus serpens in a Tunis Southern Lagoon confirms the occurrence of the species in Tunisian waters. This record constituted the southernmost extension range of O. serpens in the Mediterranean Sea, but also the first record of the species in a perimediterranean lagoon.