Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-staged bilateral Globus Pallidus Internus deep brain stimulation lead revision using intraoperative MRI: a case report and literature review

Abstract Background Deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead revision due to suboptimal therapy is common but there is no standardised protocol. We describe a novel technique using iMRI to perform concurrent new Globus Pallidus Internus (GPi) DBS lead implantation and old lead removal in a dystonia patient. Case-description: A 60-year-old woman with medication and neurotoxin-refractory isolated cervical dystonia underwent awake bilateral GPi DBS surgery with MER-guided lead implantation. She initially had a favourable response but later reported suboptimal benefit despite reprogramming. MRI demonstrated suboptimal lead placement and MRI-guided revision surgery under general anesthesia was planned. The goal was to place new leads superior and medial to the existing leads. Using a 1.5 T iMRI and the ClearPoint® NeuroNavigation system, new leads were placed through the existing burr holes, into the new targets with radial errors < 0.08mm bilaterally without crossing the old leads. The old leads were then removed and the new leads connected to the existing pulse generator. The patient tolerated the procedure well and had improved side-effect profile at all contacts at 1-month follow-up. Conclusions Non-staged iMRI-guided DBS revision surgery under general anesthesia is technically feasible and is an alternative strategy to a staged iMRI-guided revision surgery or an awake MER-guided revision surgery in select patients.
Stomach contents of brown bears Ursus arctos in Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract We determined the seasonal food habits of brown bears Ursus arctos in three regions of Hokkaido, Japan, over eight years (1991–1998) by analysing the stomach contents of 556 bears killed for nuisance control or sport hunting. Seasonally dominant food items changed from herbaceous plants (61–80% in volume) in spring, to herbaceous plants (53–97% in volume) and ants (0–18% in volume) in early summer, crops (32–46% in volume) and herbaceous plants (26–31% in volume) in late summer, and berries (25–39% in volume), acorns and nuts (8-16% in volume) in autumn. These diet shifts were consistent among the three investigated regions. Crop depredation by brown bears in late summer occurred extensively in Hokkaido and was probably driven by a shortage of alternative food sources during this season. The proportion of sika deer Cervus nippon yesoensis in the diet increased during the 1990s in eastern Hokkaido (25.2% in frequency), where bears consumed deer throughout the year. Bears probably acquired deer meat from carcasses left in the fields after the deer were shot for nuisance control and sport hunting. In the Oshima Peninsula of southern Hokkaido, bears consumed large amounts of anthropogenic waste (16% in frequency).
Replacement Value of Cashew-nut Meal for Soyabean Meal in Finishing Broiler Chickens

In a 5 week feeding trial, cashewnut meal was substituted for Soyabean meal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% and the diets were respectively designated as diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in a completely randomized design. Body weight changes, feed intake, feed-to-gain ratio and the economics of production were investigated. The feed-to-gain ratio was significantly (p<0.05) influenced while other parameters were not. Diet 3 gave the best value (2.24) followed closely by diets 4 (2.25) and 2 (2.28) respectively, while diet 1 had the poorest value (2.53) followed by diet 5 (2.40). The mean daily feed intake numerically improved as the percent cashewnut meal substitution increased from 0 to 100%. Birds fed diet 4 had the highest value (120.58g) while birds fed diet 1 had the least value (115.84g). The mean total body weight gain (g) was highest (2214g) for birds fed diet 3 while birds fed diet 1 had the least value (1878.00g). The cost/kg diet (N) decreased as the dietary inclusion of the test ingredient increased from 0 to 100%. At the end of the trial, the highest marginal revenue was obtained from birds fed diet 4 (N415.32). This was closely followed by birds fed diets 3, 5, 2 and 1. Cashewnut meal is therefore recommended as a substitute for the expensive conventional plant proteins at 25, 50 and 75% levels.
64 Element Active Phased Array as Focal Plane Array Feed for Reflector Antennas for mm-Wave Wireless Communications

Reflector antennas are utilized in a lot of applications that require a high gain antenna system. Conventionally, the reflector antenna is fed by a single radiating element, making the direction of the beam fixed. Using a focal plane array (FPA) as feeding mechanism, the magnitude and direction of the resulting beam can be controlled electronically. Using an in-house developed tool, the amplitude and phase settings for a 28 GHz active phased array antenna are determined in order to mimic the ideal feeding pattern for a certain reflector. The far-field of the FPA in combination with the reflector antenna is determined for a scan angle of 0° and 3°.
One-to-one tuition in a conservatoire: the perceptions of instrumental and vocal teachers

One-to-one instrumental/vocal tuition forms a core part of the professional education offered to undergraduate and postgraduate music students in a conservatoire. However, whilst anecdotal evidence is plentiful, there is little research underpinning its practices. This article provides an analysis of the perceptions of 20 principal study teachers in a conservatoire in the UK about one-to-one tuition, its aims, processes and context. Findings emphasized the isolation of these teachers in their practice, and suggested that this might be problematic particularly given the intensity and complexity of the relationships formed between teacher and student. Furthermore, tension was evident between teachers' aspirations of facilitating student autonomy and self-confidence in learning and the processes of teaching they described, where the transmission of technical and musical skills, largely through teacher-led reflection-inaction, was often paramount. In this context, the dynamics of power invested in the one-to-one relationship suggested that whilst the potential of detailed shared reflection-in-action in one-to-one tuition was great, the relationship could also inhibit the development of self-responsibility and of an individual artistic voice, both of which were so prized by the teachers.
Taxonomic Revisions in the Polyphyletic Genus Tabebuia s. l. (Bignoniaceae)

Abstract Recent molecular studies have shown Tabebuia to be polyphyletic, thus necessitating taxonomic revision. These revisions are made here by resurrecting two genera to contain segregate clades of Tabebuia. Roseodendron Miranda consists of the two species with spathaceous calices of similar texture to the corolla. Handroanthus Mattos comprises the principally yellow flowered species with an indumentum of hairs covering the leaves and calyx. The species of Handroanthus are also characterized by having extremely dense wood containing copious quantities of lapachol. Tabebuia is restricted to those species with white to red or rarely yellow flowers and having an indumentum of stalked or sessile lepidote scales. The following new combinations are published: Handroanthus arianeae (A. H. Gentry) S. Grose, H. billbergii (Bur. & K. Schum). S. Grose subsp. billbergii, H. billbergii subsp. ampla (A. H. Gentry) S. Grose, H. botelhensis (A. H. Gentry) S. Grose, H. bureavii (Sandwith) S. Grose, H. catarinensis (A. H. Gentry) S. Grose, H. chrysanthus (Jacq.) S. Grose subsp. chrysanthus, H. chrysanthus subsp. meridionalis (A. H. Gentry) S. Grose, H. chrysanthus subsp. pluvicolus (A. H. Gentry) S. Grose, H. coralibe (Standl.) S. Grose, H. cristatus (A. H. Gentry) S. Grose, H. guayacan (Seemann) S. Grose, H. incanus (A. H. Gentry) S. Grose, H. lapacho (K. Schum.) S. Grose, H. pulcherrimus (Sandwith) S. Grose, H. pumilus (A. H. Gentry) S. Grose, H. riodocensis (A. H. Gentry) S. Grose, H. selachidentatus (A. H. Gentry) S. Grose, H. serratifolius (Vahl) S. Grose, H. spongiosus (Rizzini) S. Grose, H. subtilis (Sprague & Sandwith) S. Grose and H. uleanus (Kraenzl.) S. Grose.
The Miocene floras of Iceland and their significance for late Cainozoic North Atlantic biogeography

A large number of plant macrofossils from several Middle to Upper Miocene localities from Iceland have been studied. The fossil material includes four ferns and fern allies, seven conifers, and about 40 species of flowering plants. Betula islandica and Salix gruberi are described as new species. Coniferous twigs previously ascribed to the genus Sequoia are shown to belong to Cryptomeria based on macro-morphological and epidermal features. Fossil plants from Iceland are compared with coeval fossil taxa from Europe and North America and with living plants. The main finding is that the Miocene flora of Iceland belongs to a widespread Neogene northern hemispheric floral type including plants whose representatives are restricted to East Asia, North America and to western Eurasia at the present time. Previously inferred conspicuous similarities to North American modern equivalents appear to be misleading. The type of vegetation in four plant-bearing sedimentary formations from the late Mid Miocene to Late Miocene, the 12 Ma Brjanslaekur-Selja Formation, the 10 Ma Trollatunga-Gautshamar Formation, the 9–8 Ma Skarðsstrond-Mokollsdalur Formation, and the 7–6 Ma Hreðavatn-Stafholt Formation, corresponds to a humid temperate broadleaved (deciduous)–coniferous mixed forest dominated by Betulaceae, Fagaceae and Acer. Changes in species composition in the sedimentary formations reflect a shift from warm temperate (Cfa climate) to cool temperate (Cfb climate) conditions from the late Mid Miocene to the latest Miocene. This shift was connected to repeated phases of extinction and colonization. Specifically, one set of thermophilic taxa including Magnolia, Liriodendron, Sassafras and Comptonia went extinct between 12 and 10 Ma, and appears to have been replaced by another set of thermophilic taxa in the 10 Ma formation (Juglandaceae aff. Pterocarya/Cyclocarya, Rhododendron ponticum type). The 9–8 and 7–6 Ma formations are characterized by taxa that migrated to Iceland from Europe, such as Fagus gussonii, Betula cristata and Pterocarya fraxinifolia type. Although there is convincing evidence that plants colonized Iceland both from North America and Europe until 12 Ma, migration in the younger formations (9–8, 7–6 Ma) is suggested to have occurred mainly from Europe. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 149, 369–417.
The Impact of Vitamin B6 Supplementation on Experimental Colitis and Colonic Mucosal DNA Content in Female Rats Fed High Sucrose Diet

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic replacing disorder of the gastrointestinal tract by inflammation and tissue damage. The present study aimed to evaluate the possible efficacy of vitamin B6, and its protective mechanisms on colitic female rat model fed on diet containing 30% sucrose. Rats were divided into 3 experimental groups as colitic, colitic and sucrose 30%, colitic and sucrose 30% and vitamin B6 as pyridoxal-5-phosphate (60mg/kg diet) beside a normal control group. Colitis was induced in experimental groups by intrarectal injection of 10mg 2,4,6 trinitrobenzen sulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in 50% ethanol. Colonic injury and inflammation were evaluated by a significant increase in colonic enzymatic activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and alkaline phophatase (ALP) and colonic body weight ratio. On the other hand, colonic glutathione-S-transferase GST and glutathione peroxidase GPx activities as well as serum nitric oxide NO levels showed a significant increase demonstrating oxidative stress. Results showed that, addition of sucrose on the diet of colitic rats increased the colonic inflammation as represented by a marked increase in colonic enzymatic activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and alkaline phosphates (ALP) and colonic body weight ratio, whereas no significant change was observed in colon glutathione-S-transferase GST and glutathione peroxidase GPx activities in sucrose fed group when compared to colitic group. Results showed that, vitamin B6 treatment was proved to be efficient in mitigating the experimental colitis as it significantly reduced the colon/body weight ratio and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and restored colonic glutathione-S-transferase GST and glutathione peroxidase GPx activities and serum nitric oxide NO level. It is clear that TNBS is a potent DNA damaging agent and alters colon DNA content. Supplementation of sucrose in the diet of colitic rats induced additional DNA changes in the colon mucosal cells of rats, while vitamin B6 supplementation protects colon DNA against damage.
The Evolutionary and Mathematical Demography of the Turtle Chrysemys picta

A mark—recapture study of a population of painted turtles, Chrysemys picta, started by O. J. Sexton between 1953 and 1957 was continued between 1968 and 1973. Life tables are constructed and a demographic history of the population is suggested. Males mature during their 4th yr and first breed at age five. Females mature at age seven and lay two clutches of about 6 to 7 eggs each year. Mortality is about 92% between laying and the arrival of the hatchlings at the pond. Juvenile and adult mortality is at a constant exponential rate of about 0.15 for males and 0.18 for females each year. Raccoons, Procyon lotor, are an important predator during spring migrations. There is no indication of senescence; females over 30 yr old are still reproductive. Between 1954 and 1972 the population's size has been reduced from an estimated 981 to about 186 animals. This has been accompanied by a decrease in mean generation time from 12.35 to 10.70 yr. Survivorship from laying to arrival at the pond has more than doubled, but adult survivorship has decreased. These changes are attributed to an increased predation rate resulting from a reduction in the number of safe basking sites. A hypothetical population was simulated by recurrent use of a population projection matrix, derived from the 1954 life table, to demonstrate the stability characteristics of this long—lived, iteroparous species. The evolution of this life history is interpreted as an adaptation to a highly uncertain probability of nest success and an effective predator defense in the adult stage.
Teores elevados de Polônio-210 em plantas aquáticas da restinga de Carapebus, RJ

210Po concentrations have been determined in one green alga and in five freshwater plants grown in a pond of the Carapebus restinga (State of Rio de Janeiro). The alga Chara sp showed elevated concentration of 210Po, similar to that observed for marine algae. All the other plants had the lowest concentration of 210Po in the stems and the highest in the roots. Intermediate values were observed in the leaves. The unexpected high concentration of 210Po in the roots, even superior to reported values for roots of plants from high radioactive background areas, must be due to the elevated levels of this radionuclide in associated soils that are known to be rich in humic organic material. There seem to have been no translocation of this radionuclide from the roots to the other parts of the plants.
Metazachlor residues in soil and rape seed

The purpose of the work was to analyse metazachlor contamination of the soil and metazachlor contamination of rape seeds. Monitoring tests were carried out during the 2010-2012 time period, on winter and spring oilseed rape fields located in south-western Poland. Soil and seed samples were collected at harvest time. The determination of metazachlor residues was conducted using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC/ECD). Based on the analysis of a total of 59 soil samples and 59 rape seed samples, metazachlor residue was detected in 45% of the soil samples of winter oilseed rape and in 71% of the soil samples of spring oilseed rape. Metazachlor contamination of rape seed was detected in 29% of winter rape samples and in 53% of spring rape samples. The concentration of assayed residue did not exceed 0.0005-0.0102 mg/kg. There were significantly higher amounts of metazachlor residue determined for the soil and seed samples of spring oilseed rape. None of the analyzed samples of oilseed rape seed showed a residue content exceeding the Maximum Residue Level (MRL).
Genome‐scale modeling for Bacillus coagulans to understand the metabolic characteristics

Lactic acid is widely used in many industries, especially in the production of poly‐lactic acid. Bacillus coagulans is a promising lactic acid producer in industrial fermentation due to its thermophilic property. In this study, we developed the first genome‐scale metabolic model (GEM) of B. coagulans iBag597, together with an enzyme‐constrained model ec‐iBag597. We measured strain‐specific biomass composition and integrated the data into a biomass equation. Then, we validated iBag597 against experimental data generated in this study, including amino acid requirements and carbon source utilization, showing that simulations were generally consistent with the experimental results. Subsequently, we carried out chemostats to investigate the effects of specific growth rate and culture pH on metabolism of B. coagulans. Meanwhile, we used iBag597 to estimate the intracellular metabolic fluxes for those conditions. The results showed that B. coagulans was capable of generating ATP via multiple pathways, and switched among them in response to various conditions. With ec‐iBag597, we estimated the protein cost and protein efficiency for each ATP‐producing pathway to investigate the switches. Our models pave the way for systems biology of B. coagulans, and our findings suggest that maintaining a proper growth rate and selecting an optimal pH are beneficial for lactate fermentation.
Resistance to clover scorch disease (Kabatiella caulivora) among accessions of purple clover (Trifolium purpureum) and its relationship to the eco-geography of collection sites

Visual ratings of disease reaction to a mixture of races 1 and 2 of clover scorch (Kabatiella caulivora) were conducted on inoculated field plots of 206 accessions of Trifolium purpureum (191 var. purpureum and 15 var. pamphyllicum) collected from the Mediterranean basin and surrounding regions. Disease severity scores of the resistant check, cv. Denmark subterranean clover (T. subterraneum), were clearly differentiated from the susceptible check, cv. Paratta purple clover. Nearly 33% of the accessions were resistant to both races. Resistant plants tended to flower later and originate from higher latitudes, where K. caulivora is more widespread. The results of this investigation led to development of ELECTRA™, the first cultivar of purple clover with resistance to both races of K. caulivora.
Predictive modeling and spatial mapping of fish distributions in small streams of the Canadian Rocky Mountain foothills

We developed an automated procedure for modeling spatial distribution of fish occurrence using logistic regression models and geographic information system (GIS) tools. Predictors were measured from a digital elevation model (DEM) and stream layers. We evaluated the accuracy of GIS measures of reach slope through a comparison with field measures. Resource selection function models were used to explain presence-absence of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), rainbow trout, (Oncorhynchus mykiss), nonnative brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), and all fishes. Our models were extrapolated based on low, medium, and high levels of probability to produce reach-scale maps across 12 000 km2. We attempted to improve models by adding land-use variables; however, the terrain best suited to road building and harvest also contained the habitat selected by rainbow trout, whereas bull trout generally selected terrain too steep for land use. These confounding factors emphasize the need for process-based investigations in .
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on General and Central Obesity: Results from 20 Randomized Controlled Trials Involving Apparently Healthy Populations

Background: The obesity pandemic has been paralleled by a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD). There is growing epidemiological evidence linking low vitamin D status with obesity events. In addition, observational studies also show that obesity may increase the risk of VDD. However, there is insufficient knowledge to understand whether there is a causality between the two. Moreover, the impact of vitamin D supplementation on obesity indices has shown inconsistent outcomes. Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to assess whether vitamin D supplementation modified general and central obesity indices in apparently healthy populations. Methods: A systematic retrieval of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was undertaken using Pubmed, Embase, Web of Knowledge and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the changes in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) from baseline. Results: Twenty RCTs involving 3,153 participants reporting either BMI, WC, WHR or 25(OH)D met the inclusion criteria. When compared with placebo, vitamin D supplementation had no significant decreases in BMI (WMD = –0.09 kg/m2, 95% CI –0.19 to 0.01, p = 0.08), WC (WMD = –0.71 cm, 95% CI –1.58 to 0.16, p = 0.112) or WHR (WMD = 0.00, 95% CI –0.01 to 0.01, p = 0.749). However, in the subgroups of females, Asia region studies and intervention duration ≥6 months, a beneficial and significant reduction in BMI and WC was noted (all p < 0.026). On the other hand, pooled results showed that there was a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D levels (WMD = 13.20 ng/mL, 95% CI 9.83–16.58, p < 0.001) after vitamin D intervention. No publication bias was found in our study. Conclusions: Overall, supplementation with vitamin D produced no significant effect on the BMI, WC or WHR of healthy adults.