Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Actin-inspired feedback couples speed and persistence in a Cellular Potts Model of cell migration

Cell migration is astoundingly diverse. Molecular signatures, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and environmental structures each play their part in shaping cell motion, yielding numerous different cell morphologies and migration modes. Nevertheless, in recent years, a simple unifying law was found to describe cell migration across many different cell types and contexts: faster cells turn less frequently. Given this universal coupling between speed and persistence (UCSP), from a modelling perspective it is important to know whether computational models of cell migration capture this speed-persistence link. Here, we present an in-depth characterisation of an existing Cellular Potts Model (CPM). We first show that this model robustly reproduces the UCSP without having been designed for this task. Instead, we show that this fundamental law of migration emerges spontaneously through a crosstalk of intracellular mechanisms, cell shape, and environmental constraints, resembling the dynamic nature of cell migration in vivo. Our model also reveals how cell shape dynamics can further constrain cell motility by limiting both the speed and persistence a cell can reach, and how a rigid environment such as the skin can restrict cell motility even further. Our results further validate the CPM as a model of cell migration, and shed new light on the speed-persistence coupling that has emerged as a fundamental property of migrating cells. SIGNIFICANCE The universal coupling between speed and persistence (UCSP) is the first general quantitative law describing motility patterns across the versatile spectrum of migrating cells. Here, we show – for the first time – that this migration law emerges spontaneously in an existing, highly popular computational model of cell migration. Studying the UCSP in entirely different model frameworks, not explicitly built with this law in mind, can help uncover how intracellular dynamics, cell shape, and environment interact to produce the diverse motility patterns observed in migrating cells.
Bayesian Causal Inference with Bipartite Record Linkage

In many scenarios, the observational data needed for causal inferences are spread over two data files. In particular, we consider scenarios where one file includes covariates and the treatment measured on one set of individuals, and a second file includes responses measured on another, partially overlapping set of individuals. In the absence of error free direct identifiers like social security numbers, straightforward merging of separate files is not feasible, so that records must be linked using error-prone variables such as names, birth dates, and demographic characteristics. Typical practice in such situations generally follows a two-stage procedure: first link the two files using a probabilistic linkage technique, then make causal inferences with the linked dataset. This does not propagate uncertainty due to imperfect linkages to the causal inference, nor does it leverage relationships among the study variables to improve the quality of the linkages. We propose a hierarchical model for simultaneous Bayesian inference on probabilistic linkage and causal effects that addresses these deficiencies. Using simulation studies and theoretical arguments, we show the hierarchical model can improve the accuracy of estimated treatment effects, as well as the record linkages, compared to the two-stage modeling option. We illustrate the hierarchical model using a causal study of the effects of debit card possession on household spending.
Main title: The effect of tyramine infusion and exercise on blood flow, coagulation and clot microstructure in healthy individuals Short title: The effect of catecholamine’s on coagulation

Background The long term benefits of exercise on the cardiovascular status of a patient have been proven, however, their benefit/risk relationship with exercise intensity is unclear. Furthermore, many thromboembolic diseases such as myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke are associated with profound catecholamine release. In this study we explore the relationship between catecholamine release and hemodynamic changes and their effect on coagulation. Materials and Methods Twelve healthy recreationally active males were recruited. Local anaesthesia was given and catheters were placed under aseptic conditions, in the femoral artery and vein of the experimental leg. The first experiment involved tyramine infusion into the femoral artery at a dose of 1.0 μmol · min-1 · L leg volume-1. The second experiment involved single leg knee-extensor exercise performed at 30 W for 15 min. Venous blood was collected at each time point to assess clot microstructure using the df biomarker. Results and Conclusions Tyramine infusion causes a local noradrenaline release in the leg. The increase in noradrenaline was associated with a significant increase in clot microstructure formation (df increased from 1.692±0.029 to 1.722±0.047,p=0.016). Additionally moderate intensity single leg knee extensor exercise, which minimally alters sympathetic activity, also induced an increases in df (from 1.688±0.025 to 1.723±0.023, p=0.001). This suggests that exercise can alter clot microstructure formation both via an increase in catecholeamine levels and by factors related to muscle activity per se, such as increased blood flow and consequent shear. These findings have implications for recommendations of exercise in patients at risk of cardiovascular events.
Effect of planting date on the yield and proximate composition of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo Linn.) fruit

This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Author OCA designed and monitored the study. Author FMO carried out the study, managed the analyses of the study, managed the literature searches and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript. ABSTRACT This work was aimed at determining the effects of planting date on the yield and proximate composition of pumpkin fruits. The experiment was a randomized complete block design. In the study was used four planting dates (1- 1 st of April; 2- 15 th of April; 3- 1 st of May; 4-15 th of May). The experiment was replicated thrice. Standard analytical methods were used to analyze the fruits for the proximate content. The data collected, were subjected to analysis of variance. Means, where significantly different, were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. Studies were carried out in year 2007 and 2008 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria, with 4 planting dates each. The yields conducted (rainforest tropical region).
A century of turnover: Community dynamics at three timescales

We calculated the observed species turnover of the bird communities on 13 small islands off the coast of the British Isles and the Republic of Ireland for different census intervals. For seven of these islands, the maximum intervals exceeded 80 years. We developed a non-linear, asymptotic model to describe how observed turnover should change with census interval. Our assumptions were traditional ones, based upon the assumption of dynamic equilibrium in familiar island biogeography theory, even though we knew that such equilibrium was rare in these islands. Furthermore, the model considered the average dynamics of the species present and not the dynamics of the individual species. This model showed that neither the observed turnover calculated over different intervals, nor the turnover rate obtained by dividing this observed turnover by the interval, are statistics that permit comparison between islands. Observed turnover increased over time, thus 1-year turnover underestimated the turnovers over a decade or a century. The increase was less than linear, however, so dividing observed turnover by the number of years in its calculation produced a statistic that declined progressively with that number. The model provided a significant overall fit to the data, but underestimated turnover at both the shortest and longest census intervals. We modified the model to reduce the amount of underestimation, by incorporating the long-term changes in the number of species on each island and hence removing the assumption of equilibrium. This non-equilibrium model provided a much improved fit to the data, but it still failed to describe turnover at the very shortest intervals. These, however, are known from other studies to be inflated by individuals-floaters-that nest only once or twice on the islands. The improved, non-equilibrium model made good predictions of the observed turnover over a 4-year interval. These predictions may be used to compare islands, including those for which empirical data on 4-year turnovers are sparse. We divided the non-equilibrium model into an intrinsic and an extrinsic component, representing the influence of within-community and external factors, respectively. Even the intrinsic components of turnover are large, involving differences in species composition of 6-36% between widely separated censuses. How these intrinsic components of turnover vary from island to island is not clear because previous studies have been unable to compare turnover at different time scales. The number of islands in this study was too few for this purpose and we leave a more broadly based comparison for a future paper.
COVID-19 and Guillain-Barre Syndrome: a systematic review of case reports

Background: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a neurological autoimmune disease that can lead to respiratory failure and death. Whether COVID-19 patients are at high risk of GBS is unknown. Through a systematic review of case reports, we aimed to summarize the main features of patients with GBS and COVID-19. Methods: Without any restrictions, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, Scopus, Web of Science and MedXriv (April 23 rd, 2020). Two reviewers screened and studied titles, abstracts and reports. We extracted information to characterize sociodemographic variables, clinical presentation, laboratory results, treatments and outcomes. Results: Eight reports (n=12 patients) of GBS and COVID-19 were identified; one was a Miller Fisher case. The age ranged between 23 and 77 years, and there were more men (9/102). GBS symptoms started between 5 and 24 days after those of COVID-19. The protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid samples ranged between 40 and 193 mg/dl. None of the cerebrospinal fluid samples tested positive for COVID-19. Six patients debuted with ascendant weakness and three with facial weakness. Five patients had favourable evolution, four remained with relevant symptoms or required critical care and one died; the Miller Fisher case had successful resolution. Conclusions: GBS is emerging as a disease that may appear in COVID-19 patients. Although limited, preliminary evidence appears to suggest that GBS occurs after COVID-19 onset. Practitioners and investigators should have GBS in mind as they look after COVID-19 patients and conduct research on novel aspects of COVID-19. Comparison with GBS patients in the context of another viral outbreak (Zika), revealed similarities and differences that deserves further scrutiny and epidemiological studies.
Comparative Study of Fruiting Body Production of some Oyster Mushroom in Two Different Temperatures

Comparative Study of Fruiting Body Production of some Oyster Mushroom in Two Different Temperatures Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) are widely cultivated throughout the world for nutritional as well as for medicinal purposes. To see the effect of temperature on yield, efficiency and protein content of different oyster mushroom, eight oyster mushroom i.e. Pleurotus ostreatus, P. florida, P. sajorcaju, P. eryngii. P. pulmonarius, P. citrinopileatus, P. flabellatus and P. fossulatus were taken. 10% spawn of respective mushroom strains were inoculated in overnight wetted non-sterilized rice straw and kept in two different temperatures (18°C and 25°C). In 18°C all the species produced fruiting bodies whereas in 25°C, all the tested species except P. fossulatus could produce the fruiting bodies. Considering the time as a main factor in fruiting, a new parameter Biological efficiency day-1 (BED) is introduced to better understand the fruiting efficiency in respect to time. It was found that beyond second flushes fruiting was not commercially sustainable. In lower temperature (18˚C) P. florida (ITCC 3308) showed the highest BED value whereas P. pulmonarius showed the highest BED value in higher temperature (25˚C). The protein content of the fruiting bodies varied significantly from species to species though temperature has no such effect. The fruiting life varied from 4-7 days in all the tested mushrooms except P. fossulatus which was much longer (>25 days). In present experimental condition P. fossulatus showed the most temperature sensitivity, P. pulmonarius showed the least temperature sensitivity whereas all the other species showed moderate temperature sensitivity.
Feedback regulation of symbiotic N2 fixation under drought stress

Une large variabilite genetique a ete mise en evidence parmi les especes et cultivars de legumineuses pour la sensibilite de la fixation de N 2 au deficit hydrique. Les especes de legumineuses qui transportent l'azote sous forme d'ureides se sont averees plus sensibles que les especes a amides. Il en a ete deduit qu'un mecanisme de regulation de type « feedback » impliquant les ureides serait responsable de l'inhibition de la fixation de N, par deficit hydrique. Des resultats experimentaux montrant une inhibition de l'activite nitrogenase par l'application d'ureides exogenes constituent une preuve supplementaire en faveur de l'hypothese de regulation « feedback ». Le mecanisme physiologique responsable de l'accumulation des ureides est suppose resulter d'une diminution du catabolisme foliaire des ureides, mais la nature exacte de la molecule chimique impliquee dans le signal reste encore inconnue. Nous avons montre recemment que l'asparagine (Asn) pourrait induire une inhibition de la degradation des ureides dans les feuilles, et par consequent, leur accumulation dans les differents tissus de la plante. Ces resultats soutiennent l'hypothese de l'intervention de Asn comme signal de regulation du metabolisme des ureides et de la fixation symbiotique de N 2 sous deficit hydrique.
A Novel Transversal, Longitudinal Slots with Monopole Leaky Wave Antenna to Enhanced Scanning

Antenna design plays a crucial part in radio engineering to establish transmission and reception of radio waves effectively. The effectiveness of antenna is defined through its improved gain and reduction of losses. Many antennas are designed in a way that enhances its performance. However, there is need for further improvement in its performance. In order to provide good scanning capability, a Substrate Integrated Waveguide based Leaky Wave Antenna (SIW-LWA) is designed in this research study. ROGERS 4350 Substrate is taken as the design material. In this design, straight transverse slots are kept by performing phase delay analysis, and longitudinal slots are placed as parallel components. Furthermore, monopoles are added to the design. Two structures are proposed in this research; the first structure of the antenna includes a monopole in the middle, and the second structure of antenna introduces monopole to the side. The performance analysis of the proposed antenna designed is conducted through simulations and measurements. The results show a reduction in the return loss, increase in the gain value, and a consistent gain level in dB in the radiation pattern of the proposed SIW-LWA.
Spectral analysis of ground thermal image temperatures: what we are learning at Solfatara volcano (Italy)

Abstract. The Solfatara volcano in the Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy), is monitored by different, permanent ground networks handled by INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia), including thermal infrared cameras (TIRNet). The TIRNet network is composed by five stations equipped with FLIR A645SC or A655SC thermal cameras acquiring at nightime infrared scenes of portions of the Solfatara area characterized by significant thermal anomalies. The dataset processed in this work consists of daily maximum temperatures time-series from 25 April 2014 to 31 May 2019, acquired by three TIRNet stations (SF1 and SF2 inside Solfatara crater, and PIS near Pisciarelli boiling mud pool), and also consists of atmospheric pressure and air temperature time-series. Data pre-processing was carried out in order to remove the seasonal components and the influence of the Earth tides to the selected time-series. By using the STL algorithm (Seasonal Decomposition of Time Series by Loess), the time-series were decomposed into three components (seasonal, trend and remainder) to find seasonality and remove it. Then, a harmonic analysis was performed on the de-seasonalized signals in order to identify and remove the long-period tidal constituents (mainly fortnightly and monthly). Finally, Power Spectral Density was calculated by FFT Matlab algorithm, after applying an acausal Butterworth filter, focusing on the [15–120] d band, to check if characteristic periodicities exist for each site. The reliability and significance of the spectral peaks were proved by statistical and empirical methods. We found that most of the residual periodicities are ascribable to ambient factors, while 18.16 d for Pisciarelli site and 88.71 d for Solfatara have a possible endogenous origin.
Simultaneous Moderation Effect of Industry Forces and Firm Resources on Entrepreneurial Orientation: A Case Study of Small Size Hotels in Ghana

This study has attempted to answer the impact of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance of small hotels in Ghana; the moderating effect of industry forces and firms’ resource. Like any other empirical related study, four constructs, namely entrepreneurial orientation, industry forces, firms' resources, and business performance were used. The study adopted a survey research design that involves the use of quantitative sampling techniques for the primary data. A sample size of three hundred and ninety-six (396) owner-managers was emailed with a questionnaire to solicit for their responses. Analysis of the independent dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation showed significant correlations between each of the variables and hotel performance. The strategic use of firms’ resource revealed that it positively moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and business performance. Although the hotel industry is turbulent, the strategic implementation of firms’ resources neutralizes the strength of industry forces on the business performance. Again, strategic implementation of these resources increases business profitability, sales growth, customer retention, and customer satisfaction. The findings of this research contribute both to small business management and measurement theory, as well as providing a basis to guide small business policymakers, educators of hospitality management and hotel managers in general.
Patterns of growth and asymmetry in nestling Tree Swallows

Growth rates of three bilateral characters of nestling Tree Swallows Tachycineta bicolor were monitored to (a) determine the suitability of these characters in assessing fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and (b) test the hypothesis that fluctuating asymmetry of any or all of these characters is correlated with other growth parameters that may be indicative of genetic and/or environmental stress. Examination of the distribution of differences between right and left sides for tarsus, bill, and primary feather measurements reveals either directional asymmetry and/or a significant departure from a normal distribution suggesting that such characters may not be suitable for assessing fluctuating asymmetry. Further, there was little evidence that FA was correlated with any of the three growth parameters calculated from a Richards growth curve or with an overall index of growth performance for individual nestlings. Age-related trends were evident for both tarsus and primary feather asymmetry, with maximum values of asymmetry occurring during the mid or latter part of the nestling period, respectively, and declining before nestlings fledged. Such a pattern may be a normal component of growth not previously reported and related to peak growing periods for those characters.
Impact Assessment-Part 1 Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT , THE COUNCIL , THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS An EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change

COVER NOTE from: Secretary-General of the European Commission, signed by Mr Jordi AYET PUIGARNAU, Director date of receipt: 16 April 2013 to: Mr Uwe CORSEPIUS, Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union No Cion doc. : SWD(2013) 132 final Subject: Commission Staff Working Document Impact Assessment Part 1 accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: An EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change
International Journal of Instruction

The purpose of the study is to discover the relationship between the use of reading strategies and reading achievement among EFL students in Indonesia. It involves 56 EFL university students majoring in English by providing questionnaire of Survey of Reading Strategies (SORS) in order to know the use of reading strategies; and Reading Comprehension Test (RCT) to measure their reading achievement or reading ability. The reading strategies were classified into Global, Problem Solving, and Supporting strategies. Meanwhile, the RCT was 35 multiple choice test items. The findings of the study reveal that (1) the EFL students are active strategies users; they prefer problem-solving strategies more than global and supporting strategies; (2) there is a significant correlation between the overall reading strategy use and the students reading achievement; (3) the problem-solving strategies are the predictive factors of the students’ reading achievement. In conclusion, the more the students apply the problem-solving strategies in reading activities, the better their ability to understanding the texts.
Genetic diversity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) accessions from thirteen regions of Burkina Faso

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a staple food crop for West African countries in general and Burkina Faso in particular. It is mainly grown by small holder farmers for their livelihoods. They grow their landraces which is a mixture of more than two varieties. Unfortunately, the yields of farmer varieties are low compared to improved ones bred by sorghum breeders with the potential up to 3t/ha. The objective of the study was to identify the genetic diversity between improved varieties released by research institutions and farmer accessions at the molecular level. DNA sample were collected from hundred and twenty-three accessions collected from thirteen regions of Burkina Faso. DNA samples were successfully genotyped using a multiplexed complex of 28 microsatellites DNA markers for 110 genotypes. The sorghum genotypes comprised of Guinea, Caudatum and Guinea-Caudatum races. Farmer varieties were defined mainly in Guinea and Guinea-Caudatum races while the improved varieties were mainly Caudatum races. The inbreeding level FIS (the inbreeding level within a given population) for each group improved, farmer varieties varied between -1 1. This shows the autogenous nature of sorghum varieties. Breeding schemes can therefore be designed for improvement of farmer preferred varieties.Keywords: Sorghum Microsatellites, Guinea, Caudatum, Yield, Landraces