Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Documenting Cmpleteness, Species-Area Relations, and the Species-Abundance Distribution of a Regional Flora

Four data sets containing randomly distributed species observations were computer generated. Each data set was characterized by a different species-abundance distribution: (1) the distribution of rare vascular plants in the southern Appalachians, (2) a uniform distribution, (3) a Poisson distribution, and (4) a truncated lognormal distri- bution. A computerized sampling methodology (Miller 1986) recorded the statistically signif- icant and unique species-area relations distinguishing each data set. The most robust species-area relations (i.e., highest r2 adjusted values) typified the rare southern Appalachian plant distribution and the truncated canonical lognormal distribution. A method is presented for obtaining a reliable estimate of the total number of species characterizing a taxonomic group within a region. This method is based on analyses of the accumulation of new species vs. the accumulation of observations recorded from a sampling of each of the data sets. A statistically robust negative exponential model was fitted to each of these accumulation distributions. From this model, 195 rare vascular plant species were predicted to inhabit the central southern Appalachians region. This estimate was in close agreement with the actual total of 188 species determined from 150 yr of field observations. Thus, this method of fitting the data from a set of species observations to the negative exponential model provided an estimate of the total number of species for a taxonomic category (rare vascular plants) and a region (southern Appalachians).
Evaluation of the radioprotective action of anserine along with zinc in albino rats exposed to gamma- radiation

Administration of dietary antioxidants has been suggested to protect against the subsequent liver tissue damage. The present data to explore the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of anserine nitrate and /or zinc chloride against γ-irradiation induced hepatotoxicity. Healthy male albino rats were exposed to γ-irradiation from Co60 gamma cell 3500 at dose level (5.7 Gy) at a dose rate 2.67 rad/sec after 24 h and 14 days on the liver and to determine both prophylactic and therapeutic role of intraperitoneally administrated. Exposure to γ- irradiation induced a significant increase in levels of ALP, ALT and AST, while levels of glucose, total proteins, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, total, direct and indirect bilirubin and serum fractions were significantly decreased except for total lipids level which was almost not affected. Administration of anserine and/or zinc prior or after radiation exposure was found to offer protection against γ-irradiation induced hepatocellular damage and oxidative stress in rats, probably by exerting a protective effect against hepatocellular necrosis via its free radical scavenging and membrane stabilizing ability.
The impact of intra- and interspecific interactions on young-of-the-year brook charr, in temperate lakes

The abundance, growth, spatial distribution, and feeding habits of five allopatric brook charr, Salvelinus fontinalis, populations (young-of-the-year, 0+ juveniles; YOY) were compared with five other populations living sympatrically with white sucker, Catostomus commersoni. The study was made in oligotrophic lakes of the Laurentian Shield (Quebec, Canada) during three sampling periods in 1989 (July, August and September). The abundance of YOY charr was significantly higher in allopatric than in sympatric populations (45·3 ± 3·8 vs 3·4 ± 3·8 fish/lake caught in 1773 m2 of gillnets; P<0·005). The mean length of YOY charr did not differ among allopatric and sympatric populations at each sampling period; July: 60·2 ± 3·0 vs 60·0 ± 4·5 mm; August: 61·9 ± 4·5 vs 63·2 ± 4·1 mm; September: 77·9 ± 8·7 vs 77·3 ± 7·8 mm respectively. Horizontal distribution of allopatric YOY charr did not differ from that of sympatric charr, 65% of the fish being captured within the first 2 m depth and the rest between 2 and 7 m depth. In contrast, the vertical distribution of allopatric YOY charr from both communities was significantly different; 81% of allopatric charr were captured within 0·5 m from the substrate compared to 64% for sympatric charr (P<0·001). Differences in vertical distribution of the fish were related to differences in diet; allopatric charr fed mainly on benthic and large planktonic organisms whereas sympatric charr fed less on these organisms and more on terrestrial organisms. In the lake where YOY charr were most abundant, individuals were spatially segregated into two groups; one ‘littoral’, found in 0–2m depth, and one ‘profundal’, found in 3–6 m depth. Growth, condition, and feeding habits of charr from the two groups were different, especially during the last sampling period.
Modelling Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in Mice: Classical and Emerging Approaches

High-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (HGSC) is the most aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer. The identification of germline and somatic mutations along with genomic information unveiled by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other studies has laid the foundation for establishing preclinical models with high fidelity to the molecular features of HGSC. Notwithstanding such progress, the field of HGSC research still lacks a model that is both robust and widely accessible. In this review, we discuss the recent advancements and utility of HGSC genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) to date. Further analysis and critique on alternative approaches to modelling HGSC considers technological advancements in somatic gene editing and modelling prototypic organs, capable of tumorigenesis, on a chip.
Attenuation of Dupuytren’s fibrosis via targeting of the STAT1 modulated IL-13Rα1 response

Targeting STAT pathways may offer previously unidentified approaches in the management of fibrotic disorders. Fibrotic disorders represent common complex disease pathologies that are therapeutically challenging. Inflammation is associated with numerous fibrotic pathogeneses; however, its role in the multifaceted mechanisms of fibrosis remains unclear. IL-13 is implicated in aberrant responses involved in fibrotic disease, and we aimed to understand its role in the inflammatory processes of a common fibrotic disorder, Dupuytren’s disease. We demonstrated T-cells produced IFN-g, which induced IL-13 secretion from mast cells and up-regulated IL-13Ra1 on fibroblasts, rendering them more reactive to IL-13. Consequently, diseased myofibroblasts demonstrated enhanced fibroproliferative effects upon IL-13 stimulation. We established IFN-g and IL-13 responses involved STAT dependent pathways, and STAT targeting (tofacitinib) could inhibit IL-13 production from mast cells, IL-13Ra1 up-regulation in fibroblasts and fibroproliferative effects of IL-13 on diseased myofibroblasts. Accordingly, utilizing Dupuytren’s as an accessible human model of fibrosis, we propose targeting STAT pathways may offer previously unidentified therapeutic approaches in the management of fibrotic disease.
Communication, collaboration and contagion: “Virtualisation” of anatomy during COVID‐19

COVID‐19 has generated a global need for technologies that enable communication, collaboration, education and scientific discourse whilst maintaining physical distance. University closures due to COVID‐19 and physical distancing measures disrupt academic activities that previously occurred face‐to‐face. Restrictions placed on universities due to COVID‐19 have precluded most conventional forms of education, assessment, research and scientific discourse. Anatomists now require valid, robust and easy‐to‐use communication tools to facilitate remote teaching, learning and research. Recent advances in communication, video conferencing and digital technologies may facilitate continuity of teaching and research activities. Examples include highly‐interactive video conferencing technology, collaborative tools, social media and networking platforms. In this narrative review, we examine the utility of these technologies in supporting effective communication and professional activities of anatomists during COVID‐19 and after.
Weaknesses in the plant competition hypothesis for fairy circle formation and evidence supporting the sand termite hypothesis

N O R B E R T J U E R G E N S, 1 K E L L Y E . P . V L I E G H E, 2 C L A E R I N B O H N, 1 B I R G I T E R N I, 3 F E L I C I T A S G U N T E R, 1 J E N S O L D E L A N D, 1 B A R B A R A R U D O L P H 1 and M I K E D . P I C K E R 2 1Division Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants (BEE), Biocenter Klein Flottbek, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, 2Department Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa and 3Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Succession of various insect pollinators/visitors visiting on niger crop ( Guizotia abyssinica cass.)

Studies on the succession of various insect pollinators/ visitors on niger crop was undertaken during the Rabi 2011-12. Total 15 species of insect pollinators/ visitors were found visiting on niger flowers. Amongst the pollinators/visitors, Apis cerana indica appeared first on niger flower followed by Apis florea, Danaus chrysippus, Eristalis sp. , Pelopidas mathias, Apis dorsata, Musca domestica, Nazara virudula, Dysdercus cingulatus, Leptocorisa acuta, Amata passelis, Chrysomya bezziana, Coccinella septumpunctata, Vespa cincta and sarcophaga sp. They were found visiting on niger flower throughout the bloomimg period.
Correlation and path coefficient analysis in a partial diallel cross of yellow sarson (Brassica campestris Linn. var. Yellow sarson Prain)

Correlation and path coefficients were studied among the parents, F 1s and F 2s through partial diallel analysis in yellow sarson for 11 characters. The seed yield/plant showed highly significant positive correlations with days to maturity, plant height, primary branches/plant, secondary branches/plant, seeds/siliqua, siliquae/plant and 1000-seed weight. Siliquae/plant showed high positive direct effect on seed yield/plant followed by 1000-seed weight and seeds/siliqua. The studies suggested that selection for siliquae/plant, 1000-seed weight and seeds/siliqua is important to evolve high yielding genotypes of yellow sarson.
Quasi-Periodic Leaky-Wave Antenna based on Substrate Integrated Waveguide and Liquid Crystal Technologies

A quasi-periodic leaky-wave antenna (LWA) based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) and liquid crystal (LC) technologies is presented in this paper for single-frequency dynamic beam steering. The antenna works based on the fundamental space harmonic (${n}$=0) in the frequency band from 10.2 GHz to 12.5 GHz. The transversal slots are etched on the top copper plane to achieve radiation in the forward upper region of space. A very thin layer of nematic LC cell is placed underneath the substrate, which is then biased with an external electric field. The dielectric properties of the LC are controlled by the strength of the bias electric field. As a result, the main beam of the antenna pattern is deflected by an angle which depends on the bias voltage. The angular scanning range depends on the dielectric anisotropy of the LC compound and the substrate-toLC thickness ratio. Simulation results based on the ANSYS HFSS commercial software are used in order to numerically verify the design concept.
Agronomic Analysis of the Performance of Spring and winter cereal-legume Intercrops in Organic Farming

The advantages of intercropping compared to sole cropping have mainly been studied in spring intercrops but rarely in winter intercrops. Our objective was to compare the agronomic performance of spring and winter intercrops, paying particular attention to grain yield and its variability, and to biotic and abiotic stresses. Field trials were carried out on organic farms during a three-year period in France. Yields were higher for winter than spring crops. A net intercropping effect (i.e. yield gain) was observed for intercrops compared to monocrops in both winter and spring crops. The cereal grain protein content did not differ significantly between spring and winter crops, and was increased both in spring and winter intercrops compared to monocrops. Weed biomass was higher under spring crops. Ear and pod diseases were greater in winter crops but did not differ from those observed in monocrops. These results help to demonstrate the value of these cropping systems in low-input farming.
Genetics of Growth and Reproduction in the Turkey 4. Strain Crossing For Improvement of Growth and Reproduction

Abstract THERE are several methods which turkey breeders might use to improve reproductive efficiency of turkeys. Among these are (1) selection for increased egg production alone; (2) tandem selection for fast growth rate and high egg production; and (3) selecting one line for increased growth rate and another for increased egg production, then crossing males of the growth line with females of the egg line to obtain a desirable offspring. McCartney et al. (1968) and Nestor (1971) recently reported on the use of the first two methods above as a means of improving reproduction. Selection for increased egg production alone resulted in large increases in egg production the first few generations with little loss in body weight. In later generations, response to selection diminished and a major loss in body weight occurred. The loss in body weight was recovered by two generations of selection for increased 16-week body weight, but a…
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Ligands Reduce Neuronal Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression and Cell DeathIn Vivo

Expression of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in brain may contribute to neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Expression of iNOS can be induced in cerebellar granule cells (CGCs)in vivo as well as in vitro, allowing these cells to be used to study regulation of neuronal iNOS expression. We report here that microinjection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma into rat cerebellum induced iNOS expression in CGCs and subsequent cell death assessed by staining for DNA fragmentation. Co-injection of three structurally distinct agonists of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), including the antidiabetic thiazolidinedione troglitazone, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen, and the prostanoid 15-deoxy-Δ12,14 prostaglandin J2, reduced both iNOS expression and cell death, whereas co-injection of the selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor NS-398 had no effect. These data demonstrate that PPARγ agonists can modulate inflammatory responses in brain. Because sustained medication with NSAIDs reduces the risk and delays the onset of AD, these results further suggest that NSAIDs provide therapeutic value by binding to PPARγ present in AD brain, thereby preventing iNOS expression and neuronal cell death.
Muscle parvalbumin isoforms of Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus longifilis and Chrysichthys auratus: Isolation, characterization and expression during development

The white-muscle parvalbumin isoforms of Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus longifilis and Chrysichthys auratus were purified and their physicochemical parameters determined. The three catfish isoforms are distinct but those of C. gariepinus and H. longifilis are more similar. In the course of development, the successive appearance of larval and adult parvalbumins was observed. Larval isoforms (PA I, PA IIa, PA IIb) displayed a lower isoelectric point (pI) and molecular mass than adult ones (PA IIc, PA IIIa, PA IIIb, PA III, PA IV). The PA IIa isoform appeared as an omnipresent typical larval isoform. PA IIb appeared mostly larval, being insignificant in adult specimens; its physicochemical features were the same in the three catfish species. In Chrysichthys auratus, there were three PA II isoforms, one appearing as an adult isoform (PA IIc). The fact that the two types of parvalbumin isoforms appear at different times should reflect specific physiological needs (mobility, feeding) of different developmental stages.
Changing Behavior and Making it Stick

A sustainable planet is not possible without patterns of conserving behavior. The resource-costly life-styles that are characteristic of the current scene present a historic challenge. Never before have so many behaviors needed to change in so short a time. More challenging is that they must stay changed. For many reasons the techniques commonly used to promote conservation behavior are more reliable at modulating short-term behavior than at achieving durable change. The perceived urgency of environmental problems tends to make immediate behavior change the major focus. But of equal importance is the stability of behavior once changed. Thus one goal of conservation behavior research is to discover techniques that change individual behavior while minimizing or eliminating the need for repeated intervention. This article categerorizes behavior change techniques first by their informational or motivational nature and second by the source of the change: derived from others or gained by direct personal involvement. Evaluating selected techniques using five proposed dimensions suggests why durable behavior change has been so hard to achieve. Research implications are discussed.
Changes of quality characteristics of pepino fruit (Solanum muricatum Ait) during convective drying

Quality assessment of pepino fruit preserved through convective dehydration was investigated in this work. The effect of process temperature (50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 °C) on physicochemical properties, colour, non-enzymatic browning, vitamin C, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and firmness of the fruit were considered. When comparing the fresh with the corresponding dehydrated pepino samples, it was shown that the drying conditions resulted in important reductions of proteins and crude fibres. Discoloration of fruit was noticeable for all treatments due to effects of non-enzymatic browning and changes in chromatic coordinates leading to a modification of the original colour. Regarding vitamin C and total phenolic content, an increase of drying temperature resulted in a considerable reduction of both initial compounds contents. Antioxidant activity showed an important decrease especially at low temperatures (e.g. 50 °C). Softening of the dried product was observed for all the treatments indicating structural modifications of the fruit due to thermal process.
Temperature is sufficient to condition a flavor preference for a cold-paired solution in rats.

Increasing evidence suggests that stimulus temperature modifies taste signaling. However, understanding how temperature modifies taste-driven behavior is difficult to separate as we must first understand how temperature alone modifies behavior. Previous work has suggested that cold water is more rewarding and "satiating" than warm water, and water above orolingual temperature is avoided in brief-access testing. We explored the strength of cold water preference and warm water avoidance by asking: 1) if cold temperature alone was sufficient to condition a flavor preference, and 2) if avoidance of warm stimuli is driven by novelty. We addressed these questions using custom-designed equipment that allows us to monitor and maintain solution temperatures. We conducted 2-bottle preference tests, after pairing Kool-Aid flavors with 10°C or 40°C. Rats preferred the flavor paired with cold temperature, both while it was cold and for one day while solutions were presented at 22°C. We then examined the role of novelty in avoidance of 40°C. Rats were maintained on 10, 22 or 40°C water in their home cage to increase familiarity with the temperatures. Rats were then subject to a series of brief-access taste tests to water or sucrose at 10-40°C. Rats that had 40°C experience licked more to 40°C water, but not sucrose, during brief-access testing. In a series of two-bottle preference tests, rats maintained on 40°C water had a decreased preference for 10°C water when paired opposite 40°C water. Together, these data contribute to our understanding of orosensory-driven behavior with water at different temperatures.
The association of the serum levels of myostatin, follistatin, and interleukin-6 with sarcopenia, and their impacts on survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/Aims The role of serum myokine levels in sarcopenia and the outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are not clear. This study investigated the serum levels of myostatin, follistatin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in HCC patients and their association with sarcopenia and survival. Methods Using prospectively collected pretreatment samples from 238 HCC patients in a hospital from 2012 to 2015, the serum levels of 3 myokines were determined and compared to 50 samples from age and sex-matched healthy controls. Sarcopenia was evaluated using the psoas muscle index (PMI) measured at the third lumbar level in the computed tomography, and clinical data were collected until 2017. Results The median levels of the 3 myokines for the male and female HCC patients were as follow: myostatin (3,979.3 and 2,976.3 pg/mL), follistatin (2,118.5 and 2,174.6 pg/mL), and IL-6 (2.5 and 2.7 pg/mL), respectively. Those in the HCC patients were all significantly higher than in the healthy controls. In the HCC patient, the median PMI was 4.43 (males) and 2.17 cm2/m2 (females) with a sarcopenic prevalence of 56.4%. The serum levels of myostatin, IL-6 and follistatin in the HCC patients showed a positive, negative, and no correlation with PMI, respectively. The serum follistatin level was an independent factor for poor survival in HCC patients. Conclusions The serum levels of myostatin, follistatin, and IL-6 and their correlation with sarcopenia and survival were presented in HCC patients for the first time. The role of the serum follistatin level as a poor prognostic biomarker warrants further study.
Cerebral cavernous malformations are driven by ADAMTS5 proteolysis of versican

CCMs arise due to increased MEKK3-KLF2/4 signaling in brain endothelial cells, but the downstream mechanisms of CCM formation remain unclear. Hong et al. show that expression of the ADAMTS5 protease and proteolytic cleavage of the matrix proteoglycan versican by CCM-deficient endothelial cells contribute to CCM formation.
Characteristics Analysis of a Square Loop-based Artificial Magnetic Conductor

This paper demonstrates the effect on equivalent circuit modeling of a square loop artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) when strip width of one of the edge of the loop is varied. The unit cell dimensions, the inter-element spacing, the substrate properties and wave incident angles are considered for circuit model simulations and variations are explored. The square loop with different strip widths is chosen, in order to analyze the effect on TE and TM incident wave. Different correction factors for permittivity are required to validate modeling with measurements in TE and TM wave propagation through AMC. Rejection bands obtained for TE and TM wave are different and do not overlap with each other. The results obtained from the circuit simulations are compared and validated with the electromagnetic full wave simulations results and measurements done with compact UWB antenna in an anechoic environment.