Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms determining the spatial distribution of microtine predators on the Arctic tundra

1. We studied the spatial distribution of avian microtine predators using data from 19 study areas on the tundra of northern Siberia. 2. Numbers of snowy owls, and long-tailed skuas and pomarine skuas depended strongly on lemming density. However, a significant relationship between lemming density and number of rough-legged buzzards appeared first after removal of the effect of snowy owl abundance on the distribution of rough-legged buzzards. 3. We applied a recently developed method (Manly 1995) to examine co-occurrences of species and found that rough-legged buzzards and snowy owls did not co-occur while snowy owls, long-tailed skuas and pomarine skuas did. 4. There are large differences in nest construction and chick behaviour between rough-legged buzzards and the three other species. Moreover, the snow owl is a polyphagous predator preying also on large birds including raptor chicks. Therefore, we propose that reduced risk of nest predation favours rough-legged buzzards nesting away from snowy owls. 5. Variations in abundance of the two lemming species did not seem to influence the distributions of snowy owls and rough-legged buzzards. Neither was it likely that latitudinally related factors such as breeding season length affected the distribution of rough-legged buzzards.
The Trichocomataceae: Ascomycetes with Aspergillus, Paecilomyces, and Penicillium imperfect states

The Trichocomataceae Fischer is discussed and shown to be the appropriate family for species of cleistothecial Ascomycetes with Aspergillus, Paecilomyces, and Penicillium imperfect states. The name Eurotiaceae Clem, and Shear is shown to be a later synonym for the Trichocomataceae and the name Aspergillaceae Link to be illegitimate when applied to Ascomycete perfect states. Included in the Trichocomataceae are the following genera: Byssochlamys Westling, Dactylomyces Sopp, Dichlaena Mont. and Dur. , Emericella Berk, and Br. , Eupenicillium Ludwig, Eurotium Link ex Fr. , Gymnoeurotium gen. nov. (type species: Aspergillus athecius Raper and Fennell), Hamigera Stolk and Samson, Harpezomyces gen. nov. (type species: Aspergillus chrysellus Kwon and Fennell), Hemicarpenteles Sarbhoy and Elphick, Neosartorya gen. nov. (type species: Aspergillus fischeri Wehmer), Penicilliopsis Solms-Laubach, Petromyces gen. nov. (type species: P. alliaceus Malloch and Cain), Sporophormis gen. nov. (type species: Aspergillus spinulo.
Patrones de distribución y tasas de bioerosión del erizo Centrostephanus coronatus(Diadematoida: Diadematidae), en el arrecife de Playa Blanca, Pacífico colombiano

Regular sea-urchins are one of the main bioeroding organisms affecting coral reefs around the world. The abundance, distribution and bioerosion rate of the sea-urchin Centrostephanus coronatus, were determined in different reef zones of Playa Blanca fringing reef (Gorgona Island, Colombian pacific coast) during 1997 and 1998. The erosion rates were determined calcinating the gut content of the sea-urchins to eliminate all organic components and preserve the inorganic portion of calcium carbonate. C. coronatus showed the highest densities towards the central zones of the reef (plain-crest and front) (12.4 ind/m2; range 0-48 ind/m2). The highest mean bioerosion rate was 0.103 kgCaCO3/m2/yr in the reef plain-crest (0-0.69 kgCaCO3/m2/yr). In the other zones, (back reef and reef front) the mean bioerosion rates were 0.071 (range 0-0.39) and 0.052 (range 0-0.31) kgCaCO3/m2/yr respectively. According to the present data, it can be seen that the destruction of coralline skeletons, produced in this reef by sea-urchins is rather low, compared with the abrasion caused by these organisms in other places of the world. However, the combined action of C. coronatus and other bioeroding organisms (borers and grazers), along with some adverse environmental factors to corals, can be causing a negative balance between normal processes of reef accretion-destruction in Gorgona Island reefs.
Age-specific growth, survival, and population dynamics of female Australian fur seals

Postsealing population recovery rates of fur seals and sea lions have differed markedly, perhaps owing to habitat type. Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus Wood Jones, 1925) employ a benthic foraging mode similar to sea lions, and have exhibited similarly slow population recovery. Nonetheless, the population doubled in recent decades, suggesting a recent change in demographic rates. In the present study, the frequency and size of known-age females (n = 297) were used to create body growth and survivorship models. These were compared with models obtained in the 1970s before the recent population increase. Body growth, which is relatively rapid in comparison to other fur seal species, remains unchanged since the 1970s, suggesting that density-dependent effects are absent despite the population increases. Adult survival rates (weighted mean: 0.885) have increased greatly since the 1970s and are the likely mechanism of the recent increases. Total population abundance was estimated to be 4.5.
Length–weight relationships and reproductive characteristics of the crowned seahorse (Hippocampus coronatus) in eelgrass beds (Zostera marina) of Dongdae Bay, Korea

Abstract This study provides novel information regarding the length–weight relationships (LWRs) and reproductive characteristics of the crowned seahorse (Hippocampus coronatus) living along the southern coast of Korea. Specimens of H. coronatus were collected from an eelgrass bed in Dongdae Bay, Korea, during September 2006–August 2007. In total, 133 specimens were collected (76 females, 57 males) and their lengths ranged from 2.41 to 9.31 cm and 2.41 to 9.32 cm for females and males, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the sex ratio of specimens collected in this study and the theoretical 1:1 ratio (χ2-test, P > 0.05). All LWRs were highly correlated (r2 > 0.941, P < 0.001), and the overall slopes of the length–weight regressions were 3.067 for females, 2.808 for males and 2.955 for both sexes. Size at first sexual maturity was 6.93 and 7.33 cm in length for females and males, respectively. Monthly changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) indicated that the spawning period was from June to November. Total number of eggs ranged from 56 to 163 with mature eggs from 4 to 56, and the number of brood in the pouches of males ranged from 12 to 46.
Hybrid zones between two genetically differentiated forms of the pond frog Rana lessonae in southern Italy

Two distinct population groups of the pond frog Rana lessonae were detected in peninsular Italy and Sicily by multilocus electrophoresis: one group inhabits the peninsula down to northern Calabria, the second occurs in southern Calabria and on Sicily. Fixed alternative alleles distinguish the two groups at 5 of the 25 loci examined; marked allele frequency differences were observed at two additional loci. On average, the two groups differ by a Nei's standard genetic distance of 0.4. A wide hybrid zone (about 120 km) occurs between the two groups, with high genotypic diversity and absence of pure parental genotypes in central Calabria. Patterns of allozyme variation suggest that at least two distinct contact and hybridization events occurred, one in the Catanzaro, the other in the Crati‐Sibari plains, about 70 km to the north. Geological evidence indicates that these areas correspond to two main marine‐flooded grabens that would have repeatedly interrupted or reduced genetic exchange during Plio‐Pleistocene times. The finding of a fixed difference at the Mdhp‐1 locus between Sicilian and Calabrian R. lessonae witnesses their continuing differentiation following their last separation by definitive opening of the Strait of Messina, about 50 000 years ago. The wide hybrid zone, the diversity of genotypes and the agreement with Hardy‐Weinberg expectations suggest complete hybrid fertility. Different patterns of introgression were observed at the various loci. The pattern of allelic variation at loci in R. lessonae is paralleled by the pattern of variation in lessonae genomes of the sympatric hemiclonal hybrid Rana esculenta, into which lessonae genomes are introduced each generation as a result of hybridogenesis.
Extensive Mandibular Odontogenic Keratocysts Associated with Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome Treated with Carnoy's Solution versus Marsupialization

The inherent proliferative capacity of the cystic lining of odontogenic keratocysts and tendency to recur with enucleation led to more aggressive management being widely recommended. Larger lesions preclude the possibility of resection. A case is reported in which extensive odontogenic keratocysts involve almost the entire mandibular medulla of a patient with basal cell nevus syndrome, illustrating the importance of customising treatment to accommodate the clinical and radiographic presentation of individual cases. The clinical outcome of using Carnoy's solution versus marsupialization is radiographically demonstrated in this case. Diagnostic criteria for basal cell nevus syndrome and treatment modalities of odontogenic keratocysts are discussed.
Number of keratinocytes and melanocytes in cell suspensions obtained from partial-thickness epidermal cuts and suction blister roofs for vitiligo treatment: a prospective randomized comparative study

Background Treatment of vitiligo not responding to conventional therapies involves the replacement of the absent melanocytes by surgical maneuvers, including minigrafting and cultured and noncultured cell suspension grafting. Cell suspensions were prepared from epidermal cuts or suction blister roofs. Success of these grafts depends on the transplanted cells. Objective The aim was to compare the number of melanocytes and keratinocytes in suspensions prepared from suction blister roofs vs that of epidermal cuts obtained by Thiersch knife. Patients and methods The study was carried out on twenty patients with nonsegmental vitiligo attending the outpatient clinic of El-Minia University Hospital. They were randomly divided into two groups to be treated by autologous noncultured cellular grafting. One group was treated using cellular suspensions prepared from epidermal cuts and the other obtained by suction blister roofs. The mean number of keratinocytes and melanocytes was estimated using certain equations, and the presence of melanocytes was confirmed by special stains. Results Despite that the number of melanocytes was slightly less in group 2 compared with group 1, there was no statistically significant difference between total epidermal cells or melanocytes’ numbers of both groups (P>0.05). Conclusion This is the first report to compare the number of epidermal cells and melanocytes in the suspensions obtained from partial-thickness epidermal cuts and suction blister roofs as a source of noncultured cell suspension for the treatment of vitiligo. Both groups were comparable in the melanocytes’ numbers, so both sources could be used for noncultured cellular grafting in vitiligo.
Clinical Study on the Minimally Invasive-Guided Genioplasty Using Piezosurgery and 3D Printed Surgical Guide

Introduction: A retrospective clinical study was performed regarding the minimally invasive-guided genioplasty technique (MIGG technique) described in a previous clinical note. The aims of this clinical study were to study the incidence of immediate complications with this technique compared with a control group using a nonminimally genioplasty technique, to validate the accuracy of the three-dimensional (3D) printed cutting guide, and to evaluate the duration of the surgery and the satisfaction of the surgeons with this technique. Materials and Methods: One controlled group, including 56 patients, operated with a classical genioplasty and one group, including 24 patients operated with the MIGG technique. The inclusion criteria were patients from 18 years old benefiting from orthognathic surgery for dysmorphic maxillofacial disorders, sleep apneas, or posttraumatic malocclusion; operated by the three same surgeons. A database was retrospectively made, including the demographics parameters, the indication, the type and the duration of surgery, the incidence of complication, and the type of complication. The accuracy of the cutting guide was also studied by the comparison of two distances in the MIGG group on the preoperative surgical simulation and on the postoperative cephalometric radiography. A satisfaction survey for the surgeons of the department regarding the MIGG technique was also analyzed. Conclusion: No statistical difference was found in the incidence of complications between the MIGG group and the control group. Using a guide does not cause more surgical infection. The protection of the inferior alveolar nerve is obvious. The absence of statistical difference is due to the fact that the majority of patients also benefited from the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy during surgery. The 3D-cutting guide used is very accurate: There is indeed no significative difference in the measurements A and B before and after the genioplasty. The MIGG technique is thus a predictable, safe, and easy-to-use technique that should be used routinely by maxillofacial surgeons. It combines the latest technologies in piezosurgery and in 3D-guided surgery by the creation of a validated-accurate 3D-printed cutting guide. This technique is affordable by the use of open-source program and a desktop fused deposit Modeling 3D-printer. Finally, the comfort of the surgeon is improved, and the operating time is decreased.
The Retromandibular Transparotid Approach for Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condylar Fractures

Introduction: The retromandibular transparotid approach is most useful for condylar and subcondylar fractures and provides the best access to the joint and ascending ramus. The study aims at evaluating the ease of access and outcomes encountered on using the retromandibular transparotid approach to access the fracture site for the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of condylar and sub-condylar fractures. Materials and Methods: An observational clinical study was carried out among 10 patients with unilateral and bilateral condylar fracture requiring ORIF. Maximal interincisal mouth opening, facial swelling, occlusal discrepancy, facial nerve injury, scar formation, and acceptability and complications including wound dehiscence, infection, and sialocele/salivary fistula were assessed and measured preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: There was a notable improvement in mouth opening and facial nerve weakness. Postoperative intermaxillary fixation was done with selective patients who had a discrepancy in their occlusion. Preoperatively, swelling was present in four patients (40%) out of 10 patients studied. There was no incidence of sialocele/salivary fistula in any of the cases studied. Conclusion: Retromandibular transparotid incision is technique sensitive and thorough knowledge about the retromandibular area is must for good results and minimal morbidity. The cosmetic results are good in this approach, as well as the facial nerve injury were less in this without any permanent damages.
CBCT Evaluation of the Vital Mandibular Interforaminal Anatomical Structures

Background: Oral implants are considered safe in the mandibular anterior region, but complications often occur if vital structures such as inferior alveolar nerve, mandibular incisive canal (MIC), anterior mental loop (AL), or mental foramen (MF) are not properly identified. Aim: The aim was to evaluate vital anatomical structures in the mandibular interforaminal region and to investigate sexual dimorphism and differences with respect to left and right side regions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Eighty CBCT scans (forty male and forty female) were analyzed for MF position and shape, presence and measurement of AL and MIC (both in mm), emergence patterns of mandibular canal, and symmetry of MF and AL. A pilot study was conducted on five patients to determine interobserver reliability among two oral and maxillofacial radiologists, considered for interpretation of CBCT images. All the scans were taken by CS 9300, CBCT machine adjusted at 80 kVp, 15 mA, voxel size 0.3 × 0.3 × 0.3, and field of view of 10 × 5 (mandible only). The acquired images were reconstructed into multiplanar views (axial, panoramic, and cross-sectional) for evaluation. Results: The mean age of the study population was 42.64 ± 16.22 years, with males noted with slightly higher age. Position 4 of MF (below the apex of the second premolar) was noted the most on the right side, whereas position 3 (between the first and second premolars) was noted on the left side, with 75% of symmetrical MF position. The oval-shaped MF was most common among both genders and sides. The prevalence of MIC was noted in 93.75% of patients with a mean length of 12.09 ± 5.95 mm. The prevalence of AL was 53.13%, with a mean length of 1.07 ± 1.42 mm. No statistically significant sexual dimorphism (P > 0.05) was found between genders or sides for all the evaluated interforaminal parameters. Conclusion: CBCT evaluation of vital anatomical structures needs to be elicited before planning an interforaminal placement of implants, and no sexual dimorphism was found regarding them.
Effects of Wetland Management on Carrying Capacity of Diving Ducks and Shorebirds in a Coastal Estuary

Abstract With global loss of natural wetlands, managed wetlands increasingly support energy requirements for wintering shorebirds and waterfowl. Despite numerous studies of avian bioenergetics in freshwater systems, less is known of the energetic capacity of estuarine systems. In San Francisco Bay, managed saline ponds converted from former commercial salt evaporation ponds form part of the largest wetland restoration project on the Pacific coast of North America. A daily-ration model was applied to assess carrying capacity for diving ducks and shorebirds during four winter seasons (2007–2010) in seasonal and circulation ponds, each in two salinity classes. Diving ducks comprised an estimated 35,450 ± 1,559 ( ± SE) in average years and 45,458 ± 1,653 in peak years with > 95% in circulation ponds. Shorebirds comprised 64,253 ± 14,838 ( ± SE) in average years and 108,171 ± 4,854 in peak years with > 64% in seasonal ponds. Macroinvertebrate energy density was highest in mesohaline (5–30 ppt) circulation ponds and lowest in seasonal ponds for both guilds. Energy requirements for diving ducks in mesohaline followed by low-hyperhaline (30–80 ppt) circulation ponds were mostly met by available prey energy. Available energy for shorebirds was substantially less than they required in seasonal ponds but exceeded their needs in mesohaline circulation ponds. Mesohaline circulation ponds supported 9,443 ± 1,649 ( ± SE) shorebird use-days·ha-1 of accessible habitat and 2,297 ± 402 diving duck use-days·ha-1 of accessible habitat, twice the capacity of low-hyperhaline circulation ponds and greater than five times that of seasonal ponds for both guilds. Our results indicated that reducing salinity to mesohaline levels and altering water depth to increase accessibility substantially increased energy available for these species in estuarine managed ponds.
Radiographic benefit of incorporating the inflection between the cervical and thoracic curves in fusion constructs for surgical cervical deformity patients

Purpose: The aim is to assess the relationship between cervicothoracic inflection point and baseline disability, as well as the relationship between clinical outcomes and pre- to postoperative changes in inflection point. Methods: Cervical deformity (CD) patients with baseline and 3-month (3M) postoperative radiographic, clinical, and inflection data were grouped by region of inflection point: C6 or above, C6-C7 to C7-T1, T1, or below. Inflection was defined as: Distal-most level where cervical lordosis (CL) changes to thoracic kyphosis (TK). Differences in alignment and patient factors across pre- and postoperative inflection point groups were assessed, as were outcomes by the inclusion of inflection in the CD-corrective fusion construct. Results: A total of 108 patients were included. Preoperative inflection breakdown: C6 or above (42%), C6-C7 to C7-T1 (44%), T1 or below (15%). Surgery was associated with a caudal migration of inflection by 3M: C6 or above (8%), C6-C7 to C7-T1 (58%), T1 or below (33%). For patients with preoperative inflection T1 or below, the inclusion of inflection in the fusion construct was associated with improvements in horizontal gaze (McGregor's Slope included: −11.3° vs. not included: 1.6°, P = 0.038). The inclusion of preoperative inflection in fusion was associated with the superior cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) changes for C6-C7 to C7-T1 patients (−5.2 mm vs. 3.2 mm, P = 0.018). The location of postoperative inflection was associated with variation in 3M alignment: Inflection C6 or above was associated with less Pelvic Tilt (PT), PT and a trend of larger cSVA. Location of inflection or inclusion in fusion was not associated with reoperation or distal junctional kyphosis. Conclusions: Incorporating the inflection point between CL and TK in the fusion construct was associated with superior restoration of cervical alignment and horizontal gaze for surgical CD patients.
Assessment of obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance in idiopathic hirsutism: a case–control study

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic hirsutism (IH) are the most common causes of hirsutism. Obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance are common findings in PCOS. It is not confirmed whether patients with IH also have similar metabolic consequences or not. Objective To investigate and assess obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance in women with IH. Patients and methods A total of 75 women were enrolled in three groups: group A included 25 PCOS cases, group B included 25 IH cases, and group C included 25 healthy, age-matched women who are unrelated to groups A and B. Height, body weight, BMI, and waist circumference were measured. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, fasting blood sugar, and fasting serum insulin were assessed. Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and the presence of metabolic syndrome were evaluated. Results Hirsutism score, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein were significantly higher in IH and PCOS cases compared with controls (P<0.05 for all). High-density lipoprotein was significantly lower in IH and PCOS cases compared with controls (P<0.05 for both). Serum insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in IH and PCOS cases compared with controls (P<0.05 for both). No significant difference was detected among the three groups regarding the presence of metabolic syndrome (P>0.05). Hirsutism score, fasting blood sugar, and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in PCOS cases compared with IH cases (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion IH is associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, with the risk of development of cardiovascular disease.