Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing stand inventories for large areas based on photo-interpretation and laser scanning by means of cost-plus-loss analyses

Evaluations of inventory methods usually end when precision and bias are quantified. Additional information on the appropriateness of a method may be provided through cost-plus-loss analyses, where the total costs are calculated as the sum of net present value (NPV) losses, i.e. expected economic losses as a result of future incorrect decisions due to errors in measurements, and inventory costs. The aim of the study was to compare inventories of basal area, dominant height and number of trees per hectare based on photo-interpretation and laser scanning from two sites in Norway by means of cost-plus-loss analyses. In general, more precise estimates were found for laser scanning than for photo-interpretation, while the biases were about equally distributed between the two methods. On average for the two sites, the inventory costs, NPV losses and total costs for photo-interpretation were about 6, 49 and 54 euros ha−1, respectively, while they were 11, 13 and 25 euros ha−1 for laser scanning. The data used for the comparison were limited to two sites and 77 stands, and certain simplifying assumptions were made in the cost-plus-loss analyses. Still, there is reason to believe that the results of the study are of general validity with respect to the main conclusion when comparing the two methods.
Extremely female-biased sex ratio and lethal male-male combat in a parasitoid wasp, Melittobia australica (Eulophidae)

Melittobia australica (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a gregarious ectoparasitoid of the prepupae and pupae of solitary wasps and bees. The males never disperse from their natal patch, and mating takes place only on the host from which they emerged. We measured the offspring sex ratio of M. australica with differing foundress numbers and examined combat between emerged males. The offspring sex ratios were extremely female biased and almost independent of foundress number in all cases. The population of M. australica used in the experiment was infected with the cytoplasmically inherited symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia. However, although Wolbachia is a potential sex-ratio distorter, noninfected individuals showed the same sex ratio patterns as the Wolbachia-infected individuals. An arena experiment showed that younger males were almost always killed by older males that had eclosed earlier. These results suggested that lethal male--male combat is an additional factor distorting the sex ratio toward a more female-biased sex ratio. This provides a new perspective on current local mate competition models. Copyright 2003.
Food organisms and feeding habits of larval and juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus at Ohama Beach in Hiuchi-Nada, the central Seto Inland Sea, Japan

ABSTRACT: The abundance of food organisms and feeding habits of larval and juvenile Japanese flounder were examined during the period from May to August in 1999, 2000 and 2001 at the sandy Ohama beach, the central Seto Inland Sea. The food organisms collected with a sledge net consisted of 40 families from 18 orders, dominated by mysids, crangonids and gammarids. The mean densities of mysids, crangonid shrimp (Crangon spp.), gammarids and fish were 2.74, 6.74, 2.91 and 0.15 individuals/m2, respectively. The main prey of the flounder (n = 202; range of total length 9.80–75.95 mm) was mysids and small crangonid shrimp (<14 mm in body length). Prey fish availability was low, as the density of fish was low. The small crangonid shrimp was abundant, and the large crangonid shrimp, which could prey on larval flounder, was not abundant. The crangonid shrimp was important not as a predator for the flounder but as prey. The flounder preferred epifaunal mysids, Nipponomysis ornata and Anisomysis ijimai, to sand-burrowing mysids, Iiella oshimai, and avoided crangonid shrimp.
Differential Accumulation of Carbohydrates in Alfalfa Cultivars of Contrasting Winterhardiness

Soluble sugar composition and starch reserves are significantly altered during cold hardening of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). We characterized the relationship between carbohydrate composition of the crown and freezing tolerance in cultivars of contrasting winterhardiness during their acclimation to low temperature under controlled (two cultivars) and natural hardening conditions (three cultivars in 1991–1992 and six cultivars in 1992–1993). During hardening under environmentally controlled conditions, freezing tolerance and crown levels of soluble sugars increased significantly with a concomitant decrease in starch. Differences in freezing tolerance between a cold-tolerant and a cold-sensitive cultivar were closely associated to the accumulation of the oligosaccharides raffinose and stachyose but were not related to the levels of sucrose. Incubation of prehardened plants at subzero temperatures (−2°C) increased freezing tolerance and promoted higher accumulations of sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose and further reduction in starch levels. Under natural hardening conditions, sucrose concentration in crowns was poorly related to the differences in midwinter levels of freezing tolerance between cultivars. Stachyose and raffinose accumulated later in fall than sucrose and reached higher levels in winterhardy than in nonhardy cultivars. Our results show that the accumulation of sucrose, stachyose, and raffinose and the decrease in glucose, fructose, and starch levels are temporally related to the development of freezing tolerance in alfalfa. However, differences in the maximum level of freezing tolerance between nonhardy and winterhardy cultivars are better related to the capacity of the plants to accumulate stachyose and raffinose than to accumulate sucrose. Contribution no. 491 of the Station Recherches de Sainte-Foy.
Frequency-Dependent Intrinsic Electrophysiological Functional Architecture of the Human Verbal Language Network

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allowed the spatial characterization of the resting-state verbal language network (vLN). While other resting-state networks (RSNs) were matched with their electrophysiological equivalents at rest and could be spectrally defined, such correspondence is lacking for the vLN. This magnetoencephalography (MEG) study aimed at defining the spatio-spectral characteristics of the neuromagnetic intrinsic functional architecture of the vLN. Neuromagnetic activity was recorded at rest in 100 right-handed healthy adults (age range: 18–41 years). Band-limited power envelope correlations were performed within and across frequency bands (θ, α, β, and low γ) from a seed region placed in the left Broca’s area, using static orthogonalization as leakage correction. K-means clustering was used to segregate spatio-spectral clusters of resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC). Remarkably, unlike other RSNs, within-frequency long-range rsFC from the left Broca’s area was not driven by one main carrying frequency but was characterized by a specific spatio-spectral pattern segregated along the ventral (predominantly θ and α) and dorsal (β and low-γ bands) vLN streams. In contrast, spatial patterns of cross-frequency vLN functional integration were spectrally more widespread and involved multiple frequency bands. Moreover, the static intrinsic functional architecture of the neuromagnetic human vLN involved clearly left-hemisphere-dominant vLN interactions as well as cross-network interactions with the executive control network and postero-medial nodes of the DMN. Overall, this study highlighted the involvement of multiple modes of within and cross-frequency power envelope couplings at the basis of long-range electrophysiological vLN functional integration. As such, it lays the foundation for future works aimed at understanding the pathophysiology of language-related disorders.
The Shape of a Vehicle Windshield Affects Reaction Time and Brain Activity During a Target Detection Task

Background: Achieving clear visibility through a windshield is one of the crucial factors in manufacturing a safe and comfortable vehicle. The optic flow (OF) through the windshield has been reported to divert attention and could impair visibility. Although a growing number of behavioral and neuroimaging studies have assessed drivers’ attention in various driving scenarios, there is still little evidence of a relationship between OF, windshield shape, and driver’s attentional efficacy. The purpose of this research was to examine this relationship. Methods: First, we quantified the OF across the windshield in a simulated driving scenario with either of two types of the windshield (a tilted or vertical pillar) at different speeds (60 km/h or 160 km/h) and found more upward OF along the tilted pillar than along the vertical pillar. Therefore, we hypothesized that the predominance of upward OF around the windshield along a tilted pillar could distract a driver and that we could observe the corresponding neural activity. Magnetic resonance scans were then obtained while the subjects performed a visual detection task while watching the driving scene used in the OF analysis. The subjects were required to press a button as rapidly as possible when a target appeared at one of five positions (leftmost, left, center, right, and rightmost). Results: We found that the reaction time (RT) on exposure to a tilted pillar was longer than that on exposure to a vertical pillar in the leftmost and rightmost conditions. Furthermore, there was more brain activity in the precuneus when the pillar was tilted than when it was vertical in the rightmost condition near the pillar. In a separate analysis, activation in the precuneus was found to reflect relative changes in the amount of upward OF when the target was at the rightmost position. Conclusions: Overall, these observations suggest that activation in the precuneus may reflect extraneous cognitive load driven by upward OF along the pillar and could distract visual attention. The findings of this study highlight the value of a cognitive neuroscientific approach to research and development in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry.
Detecting Prognosis Risk Biomarkers for Colon Cancer Through Multi-Omics-Based Prognostic Analysis and Target Regulation Simulation Modeling

Background Colon cancer is one of the most common health threats for humans since its high morbidity and mortality. Detecting potential prognosis risk biomarkers (PRBs) is essential for the improvement of therapeutic strategies and drug development. Currently, although an integrated prognostic analysis of multi-omics for colon cancer is insufficient, it has been reported to be valuable for improving PRBs’ detection in other cancer types. Aim This study aims to detect potential PRBs for colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) samples through the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) by integrating muti-omics. Materials and Methods The multi-omics-based prognostic analysis (MPA) model was first constructed to systemically analyze the prognosis of colon cancer based on four-omics data of gene expression, exon expression, DNA methylation and somatic mutations on COAD samples. Then, the essential features related to prognosis were functionally annotated through protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and cancer-related pathways. Moreover, the significance of those essential prognostic features were further confirmed by the target regulation simulation (TRS) model. Finally, an independent testing dataset, as well as the single cell-based expression dataset were utilized to validate the generality and repeatability of PRBs detected in this study. Results By integrating the result of MPA modeling, as well the PPI network, integrated pathway and TRS modeling, essential features with gene symbols such as EPB41, PSMA1, FGFR3, MRAS, LEP, C7orf46, LOC285000, LBP, ZNF35, SLC30A3, LECT2, RNF7, and DYNC1I1 were identified as PRBs which provide high potential as drug targets for COAD treatment. Validation on the independent testing dataset demonstrated that these PRBs could be applied to distinguish the prognosis of COAD patients. Moreover, the prognosis of patients with different clinical conditions could also be distinguished by the above PRBs. Conclusions The MPA and TRS models constructed in this paper, as well as the PPI network and integrated pathway analysis, could not only help detect PRBs as potential therapeutic targets for COAD patients but also make it a paradigm for the prognostic analysis of other cancers.
Male coloration and species recognition in sympatric flycatchers

Currently favoured views for explaining ornaments in males emphasize female preference such that females benefit from increased offspring production, good genes of the offspring, or the attractiveness of sons. Results from long-term studies in the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca suggest that factors associated with species recognition may also be important for male coloration. In sympatry the collared flycatcher F. albicollis is dominant in competition for nesting sites over the pied flycatcher. Bright pied flycatcher males resemble collared flycatcher males and suffer from interspecific interference, whereas dull and female-like males can acquire nesting sites close to those of the collared flycatcher. (A similar aggression release mechanism had previously been suggested to influence the evolution of colour differences in coral reef fishes.) Additionally, the risk of hybridization was low for the dullest pied flycatcher males, resurrecting the idea that avoiding mating with wrong species might currently be under selection. Thus interspecific effects related to species recognition can probably explain the dull plumage colour of pied flycatcher males in sympatry. In allopatry, intraspecific sexual selection for bright coloration in males seems to be weak, and even a low level of gene flow between sympatric and allopatric populations may maintain the high variation in this highly heritable trait.
A molecular re-examination of speciation in the intertidal red alga Mastocarpus stellatus (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) in Europe

Mastocarpus stellatus is a common intertidal red alga in the north Atlantic. Previous work showed that the species was divided into at least two breeding groups in the northeastern Atlantic, a northern one (absent in Spain and Portugal) and a southern one, which were almost completely inter-sterile. It also showed that, in laboratory culture, at least two types of life history were evident in this species (a sexual one and a ‘direct’ one). The distribution of these life histories appeared to have a north–south distribution. We have used molecular markers to confirm these results and expand the sampling in certain populations. Organellar markers showed that the breeding groups have different plastid and mitochondria haplotypes and appear to be distributed along a north–south gradient. Populations in southern England and northern France (Brittany) have mixed northern and southern breeding groups, except for the Rade du Brest, as was shown previously from culture studies. Results also show that most asexual plants have a plastid haplotype corresponding to the northern breeding group and a mitochondrial haplotype corresponding to the southern breeding group, a possible case of differential organellar inheritance and hybrid formation of an asexual life history. These results using molecular markers support previous conclusions and again emphasize the high levels of genetic variation in marine algae in Brittany.
A review of the ecology and management of Ranunculus acris subsp. acris in pasture

Summary Ranunculus acris subsp. acris is widespread in pastures across Europe. In New Zealand, it persists in dairy pastures throughout the country, despite the annual use of herbicides, causing a loss in the national yield of milk solids estimated at NZ$156 million in the 2001–2002 milking season. Its persistence appears to be due in part to the production of a blistering agent, protoanemonin, which deters grazing animals, combined with evolved resistance to herbicides and a resilience imparted by a stout rhizome supporting dormant axillary buds. The latter enables regeneration after damage inflicted by herbicides, fungi and other control agents, and facilitates lateral spread and asexual reproduction. Its persistence in dairy pastures may also be influenced by plants recruiting from seeds which are formed annually subject to the availability of insect pollinators. Based on a review of observations and experiments conducted mainly in Europe and New Zealand, we propose a detailed life-cycle model for R. acris. This provides the basis for a matrix population model that will identify the life-cycle stages that contribute most to population growth and, hence, the extent to which each of these would need to be targeted for improved management in dairy pastures in New Zealand.
Can Stem Cells Beat COVID-19: Advancing Stem Cells and Extracellular Vesicles Toward Mainstream Medicine for Lung Injuries Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infections

A number of medicines are currently under investigation for the treatment of COVID-19 disease including anti-viral, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory agents. While these treatments can improve patient's recovery and survival, these therapeutic strategies do not lead to unequivocal restoration of the lung damage inflicted by this disease. Stem cell therapies and, more recently, their secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs), are emerging as new promising treatments, which could attenuate inflammation but also regenerate the lung damage caused by COVID-19. Stem cells exert their immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, and reparative therapeutic effects likely through their EVs, and therefore, could be beneficial, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, in people with COVID-19. In this review article, we outline the mechanisms of cytokine storm and lung damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus leading to COVID-19 disease and how mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secreted EVs can be utilized to tackle this damage by harnessing their regenerative properties, which gives them potential enhanced clinical utility compared to other investigated pharmacological treatments. There are currently 17 clinical trials evaluating the therapeutic potential of MSCs for the treatment of COVID-19, the majority of which are administered intravenously with only one clinical trial testing MSC-derived exosomes via inhalation route. While we wait for the outcomes from these trials to be reported, here we emphasize opportunities and risks associated with these therapies, as well as delineate the major roadblocks to progressing these promising curative therapies toward mainstream treatment for COVID-19.
Selective Targeting of TNF Receptors as a Novel Therapeutic Approach

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a central regulator of immunity. Due to its dominant pro-inflammatory effects, drugs that neutralize TNF were developed and are clinically used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. However, despite their clinical success the use of anti-TNF drugs is limited, in part due to unwanted, severe side effects and in some diseases its use even is contraindicative. With gaining knowledge about the signaling mechanisms of TNF and the differential role of the two TNF receptors (TNFR), alternative therapeutic concepts based on receptor selective intervention have led to the development of novel protein therapeutics targeting TNFR1 with antagonists and TNFR2 with agonists. These antibodies and bio-engineered ligands are currently in preclinical and early clinical stages of development. Preclinical data obtained in different disease models show that selective targeting of TNFRs has therapeutic potential and may be superior to global TNF blockade in several disease indications.
Women Undergoing Hormonal Treatments for Infertility: A Systematic Review on Psychopathology and Newly Diagnosed Mood and Psychotic Disorders

Background The association between infertility treatments and mental disorders has been poorly addressed. This work aims to review current evidence on the psychopathological effects of hormonal treatments used for infertility on women and the occurrence of newly diagnosed mood and psychotic disorders. Methods A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov databases from inception until September 2019. Clinical trials on hormone treatments for infertility in patients with mood or psychotic disorders, as well as those evaluating the onset of symptoms, were included. Selected studies were published in English, Spanish, and Dutch language peer-reviewed journals. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Observational studies and case reports were excluded. Effect sizes for changes in depressive symptoms were calculated with Hedges’g and Cohen’s d confidence intervals. A meta-analysis was not performed due to the heterogeneity of hormonal compounds in protocols. Results From 1,281 retrieved records, nine trials were included; all of them were conducted in non-clinical populations. Four trials compared Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and GnRH antagonists, showing a better mood profile for hormonal protocols including antagonists in one trial. Two trials compared protocols using GnRH agonists/antagonists versus natural cycle protocols (without gonadotropin stimulation), with a better mood profile (less depressive symptoms) in those protocols without gonadotropin stimulation. Other studies compared long and short protocols of GnRH agonists (no differences); two GnRH agonists, buserelin, and goserelin (no differences); and two patterns of clomiphene vs placebo administration (no differences). None of the selected studies investigated the risk of relapse in women with a previous diagnosis of depressive or psychotic disorders. When exploring pre-post changes in depressive symptoms, effect sizes suggested mild mood worsenings for most protocols (effect sizes ≤ -0.4), with the following pattern (worse to better): GnRH agonist > GnRH antagonist > no gonadotropin stimulation. Conclusions This is the first systematic review exploring the psychopathological effects of hormonal infertility treatments. Our study suggests that protocols without gonadotropin stimulation show a better mood profile when compared to those using GnRH antagonists or GnRH agonists. Future studies need to include patients with major mood and psychotic disorders.
Improving voting technology is hard: the trust-legitimacy-participation loop and related problems

Experience shows that the best technology is not always adopted. In the security arena no technology has to stand a harder challenge or has higher consequences for changing society by failure than voting technology. Best technology in voting is defined by accuracy, security, and integrity. But trust prescribes what technology we use. In practice, voting technology choices are driven by what people are politically comfortable with or by initiatives administrators can take trying out technology someone has made for them. This paper analyses how this kind of "trust" plays out: its influencers and consequences, such as a negative trust-legitimacy-participation-incentive loop. The paper then lays out problems that developers of improved systems face. The analysis is underscored by examples, especially drawing from issues faced by a recent experiment on the implementation of multiple voting systems in parallel.