Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reintroduced mowing can counteract biodiversity loss in abandoned meadows

Habitat loss is one of the primary environmental causes of biodiversity decline across scales; locally to globally. Ecological restoration is acknowledged as an important tool to counteract this negative trend. The semi-natural calcareous sand dune meadows in south-western Norway are known for their high species diversity, much like similar habitats of high conservation value across Europe today. The recent cessation of grazing has caused a decline in several endangered species associated with these habitats due to the advancement of secondary succession. We conducted a long-term restoration experiment in semi-natural dune meadows over 16 years to examine if current trends in biodiversity loss could be reversed and at what time-scale restoration measures take effect. Three treatments were applied; mowing annually, mowing bi-annually, and a control (no mowing). In fields mown annually species richness increased significantly over time. However, the response was slow and significant effects were first seen after year 10. Fields mown bi-annually also showed a similar trend but the response was more variable. Several characteristic meadow species were favoured by annual mowing while they declined in the control fields. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a compositional shift, indicating the re-arrangement/-establishment of typical meadow vegetation in the mown sites, contrasting the further successional development in the control. Our results demonstrate the importance of long-term data in supporting good evidence-based management. Annual mowing is effectively restoring this unique habitat, but restoration efforts need to be sustained over many years to show positive effects.
A randomized trial of the effects of rigid contact lenses on myopia progression.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (RGPs) and soft contact lenses (SCLs) on myopia progression in children. METHODS We randomly assigned 116 subjects to wear RGPs or SCLs. Subjects underwent cycloplegic autorefraction, keratometry, and A-scan ultrasonographic axial length measurements at each annual visit. All analyses were conducted according to the original randomization assignment. The primary outcome measure was the 3-year change in spherical equivalent cycloplegic autorefraction. RESULTS The mean +/- SD spherical equivalent cycloplegic refractive error progressed -1.56 +/- 0.95 diopters (D) for RGP wearers and -2.19 +/- 0.89 D for the SCL wearers during the 3 years of the study (analysis of covariance [ANCOVA], P<.001). The axial growth of the eyes was not significantly different between treatment groups (ANCOVA, P = .57). The steep corneal meridian of the RGP wearers steepened 0.62 +/- 0.60 D, and that of the SCL wearers steepened 0.88 +/- 0.57 D during the 3 years (ANCOVA, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS The RGP wearers' myopia progressed less than that of the SCL wearers. The corneal curvature of the SCL wearers steepened more than that of the RGP wearers, but the axial growth was not significantly different between the groups. Most refractive error treatment effect was limited to the first year of the trial. The results of the study provide information for eye care practitioners to share with their patients, but they do not indicate that RGPs should be prescribed primarily for myopia control.
Going beyond panaceas

In the context of governance of human–environment interactions, a panacea refers to a blueprint for a single type of governance system (e.g., government ownership, privatization, community property) that is applied to all environmental problems. The aim of this special feature is to provide theoretical analysis and empirical evidence to caution against the tendency, when confronted with pervasive uncertainty, to believe that scholars can generate simple models of linked social–ecological systems and deduce general solutions to the overuse of resources. Practitioners and scholars who fall into panacea traps falsely assume that all problems of resource governance can be represented by a small set of simple models, because they falsely perceive that the preferences and perceptions of most resource users are the same. Readers of this special feature will become acquainted with many cases in which panaceas fail. The articles provide an excellent overview of why they fail. Furthermore, the articles in this special feature address how scholars and public officials can increase the prospects for future sustainable resource use by facilitating a diagnostic approach in selecting appropriate starting points for governance and monitoring, as well as by learning from the outcomes of new policies and adapting in light of effective feedback.
A NEW EPOXY EMBEDMENT FOR ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

A new epoxy embedding mixture has been developed utilizing Maraglas 655 and Cardolite NC-513 with benzyldimethylamine (BDMA) as a curing agent. This epoxy mixture permits cellular preservation comparable to that obtained with Epon 812, ease of preparation of tissues, a wide range of miscibility, low viscosity, and, most important, ease of sectioning on a Porter-Blum microtome. In contrast to Epon-812-embedded tissues, Maraglas-Cardolite-embedded tissues can be sectioned in large dimensions with ease and consistent results without "chatter. " No background granularity is detectable with high magnification study of Maraglas-Cardolite-embedded tissues. This epoxy is readily stained with lead hydroxide and is relatively stable in the electron beam.
Development of a novel, cell‐based chemical screen to identify inhibitors of intraphagosomal lipolysis in macrophages

Macrophages play a central role in tissue homeostasis and the immune system. Their primary function is to internalize cellular debris and microorganisms for degradation within their phagosomes. In this context, their capacity to process and sequester lipids such as triacylglycerides and cholesteryl esters makes them key players in circulatory diseases, such as atheroclerosis. To discover new inhibitors of lipolytic processing within the phagosomal system of the macrophage, we have developed a novel, cell‐based assay suitable for high‐throughput screening. We employed particles carrying a fluorogenic triglyceride substrate and a calibration fluor to screen for inhibitors of phagosomal lipolysis. A panel of secondary assays were employed to discriminate between lipase inhibitors and compounds that perturbed general phagosomal trafficking events. This process enabled us to identify a new structural class of pyrazole‐methanone compounds that directly inhibit lysosomal and lipoprotein lipase activity. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
THE USE OF L-MOMENTS IN THE MODELLING OF DEPRIVATION FOR THE POPULATION AGED OVER 50 IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

In the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) the European population aged over 50 is of interest; SHARE provides a multidisciplinary approach that delivers the comprehensive picture of the ageing process in Europe. In the fifth wave of the survey (carried out in 2013) two composite indicators of deprivation are evaluated. The answers to the selected questions (11 items for the material deprivation index and 15 items for the social deprivation index) from the survey are weighted into two composite indices with values transformed to the interval from 0 to 1. In the contribution, the empirical distributions of these indices in the Czech Republic are analysed and dependence on gender and size of household is treated. A mixture of two normal distributions for social inclusion index and a mixture of one discrete and two normal distributions for the index of material deprivation are fitted into the data. The models identify two homogenous subpopulations for social deprivation index and for positive values of material deprivation. 40 percent of respondents without any material deprivation were found in our data in comparison with less than 1 percent for the social deprivation index. Maximum likelihood estimates are compared to estimates obtained by the moment method based on robust moments.
Analyzation of Relationships among Search Queries for Extracting the Complicated Contexts in Web Exploration

Complicated Web exploration involving trial and error is quite important in intellectual creative activities. To successfully conduct such exploration, each user needs to satisfactorily understand the results and circumstances (i.e., contexts) of his/her own exploration. However, the contexts are difficult for a user to understand since queries and the pages obtained with them increase rapidly as exploration progresses. In this research, we were aiming at developing methods for visualizing the contexts so that a user can easily understand them. This paper mainly describes methods for clustering queries and extracting the transitions of search queries by analyzing the relationships between the clusters of queries. Moreover, this paper also describes a prototype of context map with some screenshots.
Boosting Steerable Features for 2D Face Recognition on IV² Database

: In this paper, a novel approach for 2D face recognition is proposed, based on local feature extraction through a multi-resolution multi-orientation linear method: Steerable Pyramid (SP) and on a feature selection and classification by means of a non-linear method: Adaboost. Many strategies have been elaborated and tested on IV² database including challenging variability such as pose, expression, illumination and quality. To show the robustness of the method, it was compared to five algorithms submitted to the first evaluation campaign on 2D face recognition using IV² database. Proposed algorithm is almost among the two best ones.
Work-time optimal k-merge algorithms on the PRAM

The k-merge problem, given a collection of k, (2/spl les/k/spl les/n), sorted sequences of total length a asks to merge them into a new sorted sequence. The main contribution of the work is to propose simple and intuitive work-time optimal algorithms for the k-merge problem on two PRAM models. Specifically their k-merge algorithms perform O(nlogk) work and run in O(log n) time on the EREW-PRAM and in O (log log n+log k) time on the CREW-PRAM, respectively.
A standard protocol for documenting modern and fossil ichnological data

The collection and dissemination of vertebrate ichnological data is struggling to keep up with techniques that are becoming commonplace in the wider palaeontological field. A standard protocol is required to ensure that data is recorded, presented and archived in a manner that will be useful both to contemporary researchers, and to future generations. Primarily, our aim is to make the 3D capture of ichnological data standard practice, and to provide guidance on how such 3D data can be communicated effectively (both via the literature and other means) and archived openly and in perpetuity. We recommend capture of 3D data, and the presentation of said data in the form of photographs, false‐colour images, and interpretive drawings. Raw data (3D models of traces) should always be provided in a form usable by other researchers (i.e. in an open format). If adopted by the field as a whole, the result will be a more robust and uniform literature, supplemented by unparalleled availability of datasets for future workers.
In vitro effects of tetraiodothyroacetic acid combined with X-irradiation on basal cell carcinoma cells

ABSTRACT We investigated radiosensitization in an untreated basal cell carcinoma (TE.354.T) cell line and post-pretreatment with tetraiodothyroacetic acid (tetrac) X 1 h at 37°C, 0.2 and 2.0 µM tetrac. Radioresistant TE.354. T cells were grown in modified medium containing fibroblast growth factor-2, stem cell factor-1 and a reduced calcium level. We also added reproductively inactivated (30 Gy) “feeder cells” to the medium. The in vitro doubling time was 34.1 h, and the colony forming efficiency was 5.09 percent. These results were therefore suitable for clonogenic radiation survival assessment. The 250 kVp X-ray survival curve of control TE.354. T cells showed linear-quadratic survival parameters of αX-ray = 0.201 Gy−1 and βX-ray = 0.125 Gy−2. Tetrac concentrations of either 0.2 or 2.0 µM produced αX-ray and βX-ray parameters of 2.010 and 0.282 Gy−1 and 2.050 and 0.837 Gy−2, respectively. The surviving fraction at 2 Gy (SF2) for control cells was 0.581, while values for 0.2 and 2.0 µM tetrac were 0.281 and 0.024. The SF2 data show that tetrac concentrations of 0.2 and 2.0 µM sensitize otherwise radioresistant TE.354. T cells by factors of 2.1 and 24.0, respectively. Thus, radioresistant basal cell carcinoma cells may be radiosensitized pharmacologically by exposure to tetrac.
A key predistribution scheme for sensor networks using deployment knowledge

To achieve security in wireless sensor networks, it is important to be able to encrypt messages sent among sensor nodes. Keys for encryption purposes must be agreed upon by communicating nodes. Due to resource constraints, achieving such key agreement in wireless sensor networks is nontrivial. Many key agreement schemes used in general networks, such as Diffie-Hellman and public-key-based schemes, are not suitable for wireless sensor networks. Predistribution of secret keys for all pairs of nodes is not viable due to the large amount of memory used when the network size is large. Recently, a random key predistribution scheme and its improvements have been proposed. A common assumption made by these random key predistribution schemes is that no deployment knowledge is available. Noticing that, in many practical scenarios, certain deployment knowledge may be available a priori, we propose a novel random key predistribution scheme that exploits deployment knowledge and avoids unnecessary key assignments. We show that the performance (including connectivity, memory usage, and network resilience against node capture) of sensor networks can be substantially improved with the use of our proposed scheme. The scheme and its detailed performance evaluation are presented in this paper.
Staging classification of aortic stenosis based on the extent of cardiac damage

Abstract Aims In patients with aortic stenosis (AS), risk stratification for aortic valve replacement (AVR) relies mainly on valve-related factors, symptoms and co-morbidities. We sought to evaluate the prognostic impact of a newly-defined staging classification characterizing the extent of extravalvular (extra-aortic valve) cardiac damage among patients with severe AS undergoing AVR. Methods and results Patients with severe AS from the PARTNER 2 trials were pooled and classified according to the presence or absence of cardiac damage as detected by echocardiography prior to AVR: no extravalvular cardiac damage (Stage 0), left ventricular damage (Stage 1), left atrial or mitral valve damage (Stage 2), pulmonary vasculature or tricuspid valve damage (Stage 3), or right ventricular damage (Stage 4). One-year outcomes were compared using Kaplan–Meier techniques and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify 1-year predictors of mortality. In 1661 patients with sufficient echocardiographic data to allow staging, 47 (2.8%) patients were classified as Stage 0, 212 (12.8%) as Stage 1, 844 (50.8%) as Stage 2, 413 (24.9%) as Stage 3, and 145 (8.7%) as Stage 4. One-year mortality was 4.4% in Stage 0, 9.2% in Stage 1, 14.4% in Stage 2, 21.3% in Stage 3, and 24.5% in Stage 4 (Ptrend < 0.0001). The extent of cardiac damage was independently associated with increased mortality after AVR (HR 1.46 per each increment in stage, 95% confidence interval 1.27–1.67, P < 0.0001). Conclusion This newly described staging classification objectively characterizes the extent of cardiac damage associated with AS and has important prognostic implications for clinical outcomes after AVR.
Critical appraisal of lurasidone in the management of schizophrenia

Lurasidone is a new atypical antipsychotic in the benzoisothiazoles class of chemicals. Like most second-generation antipsychotics it is a full antagonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, and is a partial agonist at 5-HT1A receptors, a property shared by some but not all older agents. It has much greater affinity for 5-HT7 subtype receptors than other atypical antipsychotics. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that lurasidone is reasonably rapidly absorbed, with bioavailability appearing to be increased by food. Lurasidone undergoes extensive metabolism to a number of metabolites, some of which retain pharmacological activities. Metabolism is mainly by CYP3A4, resulting in steady-state concentrations that vary between individuals and are potentially affected by strong inducers and inhibitors of this enzyme. Short-term clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of lurasidone in acute schizophrenia, with doses of 40 and 80 mg/day giving significant improvements from baseline in the PANSS and BPRS scores. The most common adverse events are nausea, vomiting, akathisia, dizziness, and sedation, with minimal increases in the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Lurasidone did not raise the risk of QTc interval prolongation, although additional studies are required. Long-term trials are also needed to assess the risk of new-onset diabetes. Ongoing trials in patients with bipolar disorder are being completed but, again, efficacy and safety have been investigated only in a few short-term clinical trials.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Effectors of Peroxisome Biogenesis

Peroxisomes are intracellular organelles that house a number of diverse metabolic processes, notably those required for β-oxidation of fatty acids. Peroxisomes biogenesis can be induced by the presence of peroxisome proliferators, including fatty acids, which activate complex cellular programs that underlie the induction process. Here, we used multi-parameter quantitative phenotype analyses of an arrayed mutant collection of yeast cells induced to proliferate peroxisomes, to establish a comprehensive inventory of genes required for peroxisome induction and function. The assays employed include growth in the presence of fatty acids, and confocal imaging and flow cytometry through the induction process. In addition to the classical phenotypes associated with loss of peroxisomal functions, these studies identified 169 genes required for robust signaling, transcription, normal peroxisomal development and morphologies, and transmission of peroxisomes to daughter cells. These gene products are localized throughout the cell, and many have indirect connections to peroxisome function. By integration with extant data sets, we present a total of 211 genes linked to peroxisome biogenesis and highlight the complex networks through which information flows during peroxisome biogenesis and function.
RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 7: Clinical guidelines.

OBJECTIVE To present a series of evidence-based, consensus guidelines for veterinary CPR in dogs and cats. DESIGN Standardized, systematic evaluation of the literature, categorization of relevant articles according to level of evidence and quality, and development of consensus on conclusions for application of the concepts to clinical practice. Questions in five domains were examined: Preparedness and Prevention, Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, Monitoring, and Post-Cardiac Arrest Care. Standardized worksheet templates were used for each question, and the results reviewed by the domain members, by the RECOVER committee, and opened for comments by veterinary professionals for 4 weeks. Clinical guidelines were devised from these findings and again reviewed and commented on by the different entities within RECOVER as well as by veterinary professionals. SETTING Academia, referral practice and general practice. RESULTS A total of 74 worksheets were prepared to evaluate questions across the five domains. A series of 101 individual clinical guidelines were generated. In addition, a CPR algorithm, resuscitation drug-dosing scheme, and postcardiac arrest care algorithm were developed. CONCLUSIONS Although many knowledge gaps were identified, specific clinical guidelines for small animal veterinary CPR were generated from this evidence-based process. Future work is needed to objectively evaluate the effects of these new clinical guidelines on CPR outcome, and to address the knowledge gaps identified through this process.
A molecular investigation of true dominance in Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is thought to show true dominance, since subjects with two mutant alleles have been reported to have similar ages at onset of disease compared to heterozygous sibs. We have investigated this phenomenon using a cell culture model. Protein aggregate formation was used as an indicator for pathology, as intraneuronal huntingtin inclusions are associated with pathology in vitro and in vivo. We showed that cytoplasmic and nuclear aggregates are formed by constructs comprising part of exon 1 of huntingtin with 41, 51, 66, or 72 CAG repeats, in a rate that correlates with repeat number. No inclusions were seen with 21 CAG repeat constructs. Mutant and wild type huntingtin fragments can be sequestered into inclusions seeded by a mutant huntingtin. Wild type huntingtin did not enhance or interfere with protein aggregation. The rate of protein aggregation was dose dependent for all mutant constructs tested. These experiments suggested a model for the dominance observed in HD; the decrease in the age at onset of a mutant homozygote may be small compared to the variance in the age at onset for that specific repeat number in heterozygotes. Our experiments also provide a model, which may explain the different repeat size ranges seen in patients and healthy controls for the different polyglutamine diseases.
Holocene Vegetation and Climate Dynamics in the Altai Mountains and Surrounding Areas

A comprehensive understanding of the regional vegetation responses to long‐term climate change will help to forecast Earth system dynamics. Based on a new well‐dated pollen data set from Kanas Lake and a review on the published pollen records in and around the Altai Mountains, the regional vegetation dynamics and forcing mechanisms are discussed. In the Altai Mountains, the forest optimum occurred during 10–7 ka for the upper forest zone and the tree line decline and/or ecological shifts were caused by climatic cooling from around 7 ka. In the lower forest zone, the forest reached an optimum in the middle Holocene, and then increased openness of the forest, possibly caused by both climate cooling and human activities, took place in the late Holocene. In the lower basins or plains around the Altai Mountains, the development of protograssland or forest benefited from increasing humidity in the middle to late Holocene.