Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of northern pintail breeding populations to drought, 1961-92

According to data from the 1960s, northern pintails (Anas acuta) fly north of the Alberta and Saskatchewan prairies during drought resulting in decreasing pintail annual production. Reanalysis of overflight and reduced-production hypotheses using data from 1961-92 indicated that, although the same basic relationships were present, these relationships changed over time. The number of pintails counted in northern survey areas from Alaska through northern Alberta divided by the number in southern areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan was used as an index of overflight (North-South ratio). Variation in total May ponds in southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan accounted for variation in the North-South ratio during the 1960s (r 2 = 0.779, P = 0.004) and 1980s (r 2 = 0.251, P = 0.08), but not during the 1970s (r 2 = 0.001, P = 0.94), generally a period of high total May ponds. Variation in the North-South ratio accounted for variation in pintail production, measured as the age ratio from hunter harvest (harvest-age ratios), during the 1960s (r 2 = 0.688, P = 0.01) but not during the 1970s (r 2 = 0.226, P = 0.14) and 1980s (r 2 = 0.103, P = 0.29). The lack of a relationship between harvest-age and North-South ratios during the 1980s resulted from lower average age ratios during years when large numbers of pintails were in the southern region. Pintail production in prairie-parkland areas may have declined and, in the 1990s, may be equal to production in the northern regions
Associations between adult attachment and vision-related quality of life in visually impaired individuals

ABSTRACT PURPOSE An attachment theory framework approach may allow insight into how social and psychosocial factors interact to impact vision-related quality of life (QoL). In this pilot study, we investigated potential associations between adult attachment style and visual function QoL of visually impaired individuals. METHODS We recruited 38 visually impaired individuals (15 females, 23 males; 51.8 ± 16.0 years). Visual function measures included distance and near visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity. All participants completed: the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ 25) and the Experiences in Close Relationships–Relationships Structures questionnaire. RESULTS Presenting conditions included inherited retinal dystrophy (n = 10), nystagmus (n = 9), glaucoma (n = 7) and other eye conditions (n = 12). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score (45.5 ± 14.7) and attachment-related anxiety (r = −0.352, p = 0.033). The latter correlation still held when controlling for participants’ level of vision (r = −0.352, p = 0.035). Despite the range of conditions and wide age range, these were not significantly correlated with any variable of interest in the current study. CONCLUSION Attachment-related anxiety ought to be taken into account when managing a visually impaired individual. Attachment-based approaches could be used to improve access to support services for visually impaired individuals, as well as self-management of their condition.
Endomycorrhizal status of sugar maple in relation to tree decline and foliar, fine-roots, and soil chemistry in the Beauce region, Quebec

The Beauce region of Quebec has been relentlessly affected by sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) tree decline since the late 1970s. Nutrient disturbances are generally associated with maple decline, but the severity of decline symptoms can vary quite dramatically between individuals within a stand. Possible causes of this variability were investigated, including soil chemistry and endomycorrhization. Within 18 mature sugar maple stands, a comparative study of fine root colonization rate by endomycorrhizal fungi, and foliar, fine-roots, and soil-nutrient status between healthy and declining sugar maple trees was carried out. Three individuals showing a very low degree of decline symptoms (healthy) and three individuals in the vicinity exhibiting severe decline symptoms (declining) were selected in each stand. Although trees of both health classes were K and Ca deficient, the diagnosis revealed that those in the declining group were experiencing a more severe nutrient stress and lower stem radial growth th.
Experimental assessment of microwave ablation computational modeling with MR thermometry.

PURPOSE Computational models are widely used during the design and characterization of microwave ablation (MWA) devices, and have been proposed for pre-treatment planning. Our objective was to assess 3D transient temperature and ablation profiles predicted by MWA computational models with temperature profiles measured experimentally using magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry in ex vivo bovine liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed MWA in ex vivo tissue under MR-guidance using a custom, 2.45 GHz water-cooled applicator. MR thermometry data were acquired for 2 min prior to heating, during 5-10 min microwave exposures, and for 3 min following heating. Fiber-optic temperature sensors were used to validate the accuracy of MR temperature measurements. A total of 13 ablation experiments were conducted using 30 - 50 W applied power at the applicator input. MWA computational models were implemented using the finite element method, and incorporated temperature-dependent changes in tissue physical properties. Model-predicted ablation zone extents were compared against MRI-derived Arrhenius thermal damage maps using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). RESULTS Prior to heating, the observed standard deviation of MR temperature data was in the range of 0.3 - 0.7 °C. Mean absolute error between MR temperature measurements and fiber-optic temperature probes during heating was in the range of 0.5 - 2.8 °C. The mean DSC between model-predicted ablation zones and MRI-derived Arrhenius thermal damage maps for 13 experimental set-ups was 0.95. When comparing simulated and experimentally (i.e. using MRI) measured temperatures, the mean absolute error (MAE %) relative to maximum temperature change was in the range 5 % - 8.5 %. CONCLUSION We developed a system for characterizing 3D transient temperature and ablation profiles with MR thermometry during MWA in ex vivo liver tissue, and applied the system for experimental validation of MWA computational models.
Genomic analysis of porcine circovirus type 2 from southern China

Abstract Background Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is recognized as virulent porcine pathogen and has been linked to porcine circovirus diseases (PCVD). However, there remain many unknowns regarding the spread and epidemic growth of PCV2. Methods To assess the genetic diversity of PCV2 in the southern China, a total of 92 sequences of PCV2 strains from this region were retrieved from GenBank and were subjected to amino acid variation and phylogenetic analyses together with 28 representative sequences, based on the sequence of the ORF2 gene, from different swine‐producing countries. Results All 92 PCV2 strains shared between 93.7% and 100% sequence similarity and could be divided into four genotypes (PCV2a, PCV2b, PCV2d and PCV2h), of which PCV2d had surpassed PCV2b and became the most prevalent PCV2 genotype in this region. Alignment of the deduced amino acid sequences of the capsid protein revealed that the obtained PCV2 strains possess two major heterogenic regions/hypervariable regions (positions 52–68 and 185–191), which were within or close to the epitopic regions in the capsid (Cap) protein. Meanwhile, the 92 PCV2 sequences also show evidence of at least five unique recombination events. Conclusion The data in this study indicate that the PCV2 strains in the southern China are undergoing constant genetic variation and that the predominant strain and its antigenic epitopes in this area have been gradually changing in recent years.
THE RESPONSE OF GROWTH AND BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION TO VARIATIONS IN DAYLENGTH, TEMPERATURE, AND IRRADIANCE IN THE MARINE DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)

The relationships between the growth rate of the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Hustedt) and irradiance, daylength, and temperature were determined in nutrient‐sufficient semicontinuous cultures. The initial slopes of the growth versus total daily irradiance curves were not affected by temperature or daylength. Growth versus irradiance was best modeled as a hyperbolic function at short daylengths and better modeled as an exponential function at longer daylengths. The maximum or light‐saturated growth rates at each daylength were modeled as a hyperbolic function of daylength. This model was extended in a novel manner to include temperature dependence providing a framework that can be used to interpret other experimental data on growth rate versus daylength. The resulting model should be useful in global models of phytoplankton growth. Carbon, nitrogen, and chl a quotas were influenced by daylength, irradiance, and temperature. Both C and N quotas were positive exponential functions of irradiance, whereas N and chl a quotas were significantly greater for cells grown at the lower temperature. The ratio chl a:C quota (chl a:Qc) was a strong negative exponential function of total daily irradiance. Cells grown at 10° C had significantly greater chl a:Qc ratios than those grown at 18° C, and daylength also had a significant positive influence on chl a:Qc. The apparent effect of daylength on chl a:Qc was removed by standardizing chl a:Qc to growth rate (μ), resulting in a temperature‐dependent relationship between chl a:Qc·μ−1 and irradiance that accounted for 95% of the variation in the data.
Opaline silica bodies in the range grasses of southern Alberta

The types and distribution of silica bodies (opaline phytoliths) of 26 species of native and introduced grasses of the range grasslands of southern Alberta are described. The genera examined are Bromus, Festuca, Poa, Koeleria, Deschampsia, Calamagrostis, Phleum, Agropyron, Elymus, Stipa, Danthonia, and Bouteloua. Scale drawings of representative silica bodies for each genus are provided.The observations are discussed in relation to grass taxonomy, and to the overall role of silica in grasses.
COVID‐19 and dengue virus coepidemics in Pakistan: A dangerous combination for an overburdened healthcare system

We have read recent articles regarding co-epidemics/co-infections of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases 1-4 , these reports highlights the impact of co-infections on the health care system. The recent pandemic of COVID-19 caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus - SARS-CoV-2 has taken 378K lives and has spread worldwide infecting over 6.3 million individuals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Taxonomy of the Subtribe Maxillariinae (Orchidaceae, Vandoideae) revised

Abstract A new classification of the subtribe Maxillariinae (Orchidaceae) is proposed. Thirty-seven genera are revised. The Camaridium group is divided into seven genera, Adamanthus, Camaridium, Pseudomaxillaria, Psittacoglossum and three described here: Chaseopsis, Chelyella and Viracocha. Ornithidium s.l. is divided into seven genera: Heterotaxis, Laricorchis,Neo-urbania, Nitidobulbon, Ornithidium, Vazquezella and Aucellia, the latter two described here. 193 new combinations on the species level are validated and the relationships among the genera are briefly discussed. A key to the determination of all genera representing Maxillariinae s. s. is provided.
Changes in oxidative stress parameters in healthy and diseased Holstein cows during the transition period in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

We investigated changes in oxidative stress markers during the transition period in healthy Holstein cows and those with postpartum diseases. Transition control (TC) Holstein cows (n=9) were evaluated for longitudinal changes during the transition period and postpartum diseased (PD) cows with ketosis (n=10), abomasal displacement (n=9), and acute mastitis (n=10) were evaluated in comparison to control cows (n=10). In the TC group, blood samples were collected at 2 weeks prepartum and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postpartum. Milk yield and composition were measured at 2 and 4 weeks postpartum. In the PD group, blood samples were collected at the first day of examination during the 60 days postpartum. Peripheral oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, MDA; potential antioxidant capacity, PAO; and glutathione peroxidase) were measured, and biochemical analyses were performed. In the TC group, MDA increased significantly postpartum and was correlated with milk yield, blood glucose (Glu), free fatty acid (FFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), and aspartate aminotransferase. Compared to the control cows, PD cows with ketosis had significantly higher MDA and significantly lower PAO. Moreover, MDA was significantly correlated with Glu, FFA, and BHB. Postpartum increase in MDA might interact with milk yield and Glu, FFA, and BHB in the TC cows, and postpartum diseases, especially ketosis, might signify its increase and interaction with Glu, FFA, and BHB.
Association between Abdominal Fat Distribution and Free Triiodothyronine in a Euthyroid Population

Background: Obesity is closely related to thyroid hormones; however, the relationship between abdominal fat distribution and thyroid hormones has rarely been explored. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between abdominal fat distribution and free triiodothyronine (FT3) and FT3 to free thyroxine (FT4) ratio (FT3/FT4) in a euthyroid population. Methods: The present study enrolled 1,036 participants (age range 27–81 years; 445 men and 591 women). The visceral fat area (VFA) and the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were determined by magnetic resonance imaging. FT3, FT4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were measured by an electrochemical luminescence immunoassay. Results: In both men and women, SFA increased according to the increase of FT3 and FT3/FT4 tertiles (p for trend <0.05), while VFA did not significantly change. In the multivariate stepwise regression analysis, SFA was independently and positively related to FT3 in both men and women, the standardized β (95% CI) were 0.183 (0.094, 0.272) (p < 0.001) and 0.089 (0.007, 0.171) (p = 0.033), respectively. Moreover, SFA was independently and positively related to FT3/FT4 in men, the standardized β (95% CI) was 0.196 (0.101, 0.290) (p < 0.001). However, VFA was not related to either FT3 or FT3/FT4 in both genders. Conclusions: Abdominal subcutaneous fat was independently related to increased FT3 in a euthyroid population.
Environmental Factors Affecting Flavor of Channel Catfish from Production Ponds

Abstract Environmental variables and the flavor of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were monitored at 3-4-week intervals during 1982 and 1983 in 11 ponds at Browns, Alabama, and during 1983 in five production ponds near Auburn, Alabama. Off-flavor in fish flesh was most severe in late summer when algal and actinomycete activity in ponds was greatest in response to high water temperatures and large daily applications of fish feed. However, some fish from all ponds were not off-flavor. For example, in August 1982, flavor scores for fish from 11 ponds at Browns ranged from 1.6 to 9.5 (a score above 9 indicates no off-flavor). The earthy-musty flavor of geosmin was the most common and intense off-flavor in fish. Regression analyses between environmental variables and flavor scores failed to yield strong or consistent correlations. Blue-green algae and actinomycetes, which are known to produce geosmin and other odorous compounds, were abundant in ponds with off-flavor fish; however, these microorganisms a.
Green algal interactions with physicochemical parameters of some manmade ponds in Zaria, northern Nigeria

Green algal species and their association with physicochemical parameters in some manmade ponds in Zaria, Nigeria were studied from November 2005 to August 2006. Phytoplankton and water samples were collected, preserved and analyzed using standard methods. A total of 27 green algal species divided into 16 families were recorded. Shannon diversity indices ranged from 1.75 to 2.39 in all ponds, dominance index from 0.14 to 0.23 and species evenness 0.56 to 0.64. Closterium sp. and Rhizoclonium hookeri Kuetz. were positively associated with the concentration of Fe, however they were negatively correlated (sensitive) to alkalinity, total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity. Stichococcus bacillaris Naegeli, Staurastrum rotula Nordst. and Sphaeroplea sp. had significant positive relationship with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Mn, and Mo levels in the water. Pseudouvella americana (Snow) Wille. and Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) de Breb. showed a close positive association with alkalinity but were sensitive to Fe, BOD, Mn and Mo. The species reported here showed closed association with physicochemical factors in these ponds.
ASSESSING THE DYNAMICS OF WILD POPULATIONS

Lotka's equations summarizing population dynamics can be approximated by functional models of the survivorship and reproductive curves, incorporating three stages of survival and reproduction, respectively. An abbreviated form uses a single reproductive parameter and two survival values. Survivorship and reproductive curves were fitted to data on northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), domestic and feral sheep, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), grizzly bears (Ursus arctos), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), free-ranging horses, and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Data for 10 species suggest a useful relationship between senescence parameters. A bias due to senescence may lead to serious underestimation of survival rates. Observed annual rates of increase of 18-20% for feral horses, 16% for southern fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella), and 60% for white-tailed deer are compatible with observed population parameters. 43 references, 11 figures, 3 tables.
On the Determinants of Extinction

We have extended the analyses of Pimm et al. on the risks of extinction to include attributes of the environment, as well as species characteristics, as potential determinants of the risk of extinction. We find their earlier conclusion that large-bodied species are at greater risk of extinction at high population sizes is not supported by the data, nor is the contention that more variable populations are at greater risk of extinction. Our analyses suggest that small populations of small-bodied birds on oceanic islands are more vulnerable to extinction than are large populations of large-bodied birds on more protected islands. Moreover, a significant interaction of body size with type of island (channel vs. oceanic island) indicates that body size influences time to extinction differently depending on the type of island. The potentially complex interactions among determinants of extinction suggested by these data and analyses indicate that conservation policies will need to consider the intricate interactions among characteristics of both the species and the environment. Furthermore, our analysis illustrates the inability of current models to account for any more than about 45% of the variance in extinctions of populations from an extensive data set on bird populations from small islands surrounding Britain. Thus, the ability of models to predict the risk of extinction of particular species on particular islands is still very limited. Policy concerning the management of reintroduced species, therefore, should include data from the species and environments in question as well as model predictions of the risk of extinction.
Checklist of Stomatopoda (Malacostraca: Hoplocarida) deposited in the MOUFPE collection, with a new record from Brazil

A total of 39 species of Stomatopoda were previously reported from marine and estuarine habitats of Brazilian waters. The present checklist is based on material deposited in the crustacean collection of Museu de Oceanografia Petronio Alves Coelho, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, city of Recife, Brazil (MOUFPE). The collection, deriving primarily from the northern and northeastern coast of Brazil, includes 667 samples and 1.301 specimens, distributed in four superfamilies, seven families, 14 genera and 33 species, including one holotype and two paratype. Apparent distribution gaps for five-species were filled. Two Brazilian endemic species had their southern geographical ranges increased (Neogonodactylus moraisi (Fausto Filho & Lemos de Castro, 1973) and Nannosquilla dacostai Manning, 1970) and one was recorded for the first time from northeast Brazilian waters [Alima neptuni (Linnaeus, 1768)]. There are now 42 species of Stomatopoda recorded from the Brazilian coast.
Afternoon School Start Times Are Associated with a Lack of Both Social Jetlag and Sleep Deprivation in Adolescents

The delayed circadian timing of adolescents creates a conflict with early school start times (SSTs). We used wrist actimetry to compare sleep parameters and routine nighttime activities in middle school students attending either a morning (0700 to 1200 h) or an afternoon (1230 to 1730 h) school shift. On school days, students from both shifts (n = 21 for morning shift, n = 20 for afternoon shift, ages 12-14 years) had a similar sleep onset, but morning-shift students had an earlier sleep offset and a 1 h 45 min shorter sleep duration than their afternoon peers, who slept the recommended 8 to 10 h of daily sleep. Only morning-shift students had afternoon naps, but this afternoon sleep was not sufficient to overcome sleep deprivation. On weekends, sleep onsets and offsets did not differ between shifts. Because only morning-shift students woke up later and slept longer (2 h 3 min) on weekends, they were also the only ones who experienced social jetlag. Daily surveys on their nighttime (from 1800 to 0600 h) activities indicated there was no difference between shifts in the time spent on leisure or using electronic media during school days, but students from both shifts spent more time in these activities during the weekend. Our study confirms that early SST in adolescents is associated with sleep deprivation and suggests that schedules that start much later than typically considered may be needed to eliminate sleep deprivation in adolescents.
The effect of food dry matter intake on endogenous ileal amino acid excretion determined under peptide alimentation in the 50 kg liveweight pig

The daily ileal excretion of amino acids was measured at different food dry matter intakes for the 50 kg liveweight pig under conditions of peptide alimentation. The experiment comprised two cross-over design trials each involving four pairs of entire male pigs fitted with simple T-cannulae at the terminal ileum and fed a hydrolysed casein semi-synthetic diet. Each pair of pigs received one of four sequences of food dry matter intake arranged in a Latin square design, namely 0.06, 0.08, 0.10 and 0.12 (Trial 1) and 0.05, 0.07, 0.09 and 0.11 (Trial 2) of metabolic body weight (W0.75) day−1. Each pig received the diet at its described level of intake for 8 days, with continuous 24 h collection of ileal digesta on the fifth and eighth days. Chromic oxide was included in the diet to permit correction of ileal flows to complete digesta collection. Pooled digesta from each pig at each level of dry matter intake were centrifuged and ultrafiltered and the high-molecular-weight fraction was analysed for amino acid and nitrogen contents. There were significant (P < 0.05) linear relationships between endogenous ileal amino acid, nitrogen and dry matter excretion (mg day−1) and food dry matter intake (g day−1) except for lysine, glutamic acid and phenylalanine which increased in a curvilinear manner (P < 0.05). The results indicate that dietary dry matter intake influences endogenous excretion from the ileum. The relationships, determined under physiological conditions, provide preliminary data on the magnitude of small intestinal amino acid loss in the young growing pig.