Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Embryonic stages and eye-specific gene expression of the local cyprinoid fish Anabarilius grahami in Fuxian Lake, China

Anabarilius grahami is a cyprinoid fish endemic to Fuxian Lake, Yunnan, China. In this study, a comprehensive staging series of A. grahami was produced. The embryonic development of A. grahami was divided into six main periods: zygote period, cleavage period, blastula period, gastrula period, segmentation period and hatching period. Its embryonic development is essentially similar to that of zebrafish Danio rerio but relatively slower. The expression patterns of A. grahami sox2, pax6a, six3a and rx2 genes were also cloned and checked during eye development. The four genes showed similar expression patterns to their D. rerio homologues, suggesting the evolutionary conservation of the regulatory network of eye development. # 2008 The Authors Journal compilation # 2008 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles
Characteristics and stability of sensorimotor activity driven by isolated-muscle group activation in a human with tetraplegia

The topography and temporal stability of movement representations in sensorimotor cortex underlie the quality and durability of neural decoders for brain machine interface (BMI) technology. While single- and multi-unit activity (SUA and MUA) in sensorimotor cortex has been used to characterize the layout of the sensorimotor map, quantifying its stability has not been done outside of injury or targeted interventions. Here we aimed to characterize 1) the bilateral sensorimotor body map associated to isolated muscle group contractions and 2) the stability of multiunit firing responses for a single muscle (the extensor carpi radialis, ECR) over short (minutes) and long (days) time intervals. We concurrently recorded surface electromyograms (EMG) and MUA in a participant with incomplete high-spinal-cord injury as he executed (or attempted to execute) different metronome-paced, isolated muscle group contractions. Furthermore, for 8 recording sessions over 2 months, we characterized the sensorimotor map associated to ECR motions both within and across sessions. For each measurement period, we compared the stability of somatotopy (defined by the number of the channels on which a response was consistently detected) and firing pattern stability for each responsive channel. Stability was calculated for each channel in peri-EMG or peri-cue windows using both mean MUA firing rates and the full time-varying responses (i.e., MUA ''shape''). First, we found that cortical representations of isolated group muscle contractions overlapped, even for muscles from disparate body regions such as facial and distal leg muscles; this was the case for both intact and de-efferented muscles, in both motor and sensory channels. Second, the spatial stability of somatotopy significantly changed over the course of both minutes and days, with the consistency between sessions decreasing across longer bouts of time. Firing pattern stabilities showed distinct profiles; mean MUA firing rates became less stable over time whereas MUA shape remained consistent. Interestingly, sensory channels were overall more consistent than motor channels in terms of spatial stability, mean MUA firing rates, and MUA shape. Our findings suggest that the encoding of muscle-driven specific activity in sensorimotor cortex at the level of MUA is redundant and widespread with complex spatial and temporal characteristics. These findings extend our understanding of how sensorimotor cortex represents movements, which could be leveraged for the design of non-traditional BMI approaches.
Glasshouse screening for biological control agents of Phytophthora cactorum on apple (Malus domestica)

Abstract In glasshouse trials, 504 fungi and 120 bacteria and actinomycetes were evaluated for their ability to control root rot of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) seedlings caused by Phytophthora cactorum (Lebert & Cohn) Schroeter. Ten fungi consistently reduced apple seedling mortality in two screens. In a further seedling screen, disease caused by P. cactorum was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in pots treated with Microsphaeropsis sp. F15, Oidiodendron sp. F762, Paecilomyces sp. F46, Penicillium sp. F120, T. koningii F176, F929, and F950, and T. harzianum TW. 178 (1–30% incidence) compared with the pathogen control (71% incidence). Five isolates provided control statistically equivalent (P < 0.05) to that obtained by the fungicide treatment (metalaxyl + mancozeb). In a separate bacterial screen, Flavobacterium sp. B219 significantly reduced seedling mortality (15%) compared with the pathogen control (77%). This bacterium provided 65% disease control of P. cactorum on MM 106 apple rootstocks over a 14‐week period (statistically equivalent to the fungicide) and significantly increased rootstock height, total fresh weight, and rootstock dry weights. Although 10 fungal treatments also provided a level of disease control (25–73%) on rootstocks after 14 weeks, only Penicillium sp. F120 (73%) gave significant control. Across all trials, Flavobacterium sp. B219, Oidiodendron sp. F762, and T. harzianum TW.178 consistently provided control that was statistically equivalent to the fungicide treatment.
Reduced Gene Dosage of Histone H4 Prevents CENP-A Mislocalization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mislocalization of the centromeric histone H3 variant (Cse4 in budding yeast, CID in flies, CENP-A in humans) to non-centromeric regions contributes to chromosomal instability (CIN) in yeast, fly, and human cells. Overexpression and mislocalization of CENP-A has been observed in cancers, however, the mechanisms that facilitate the mislocalization of overexpressed CENP-A have not been fully explored. Defects in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of overexpressed Cse4 (GALCSE4) leads to its mislocalization and synthetic dosage lethality (SDL) in mutants for E3 ubiquitin ligases (Psh1, Slx5, SCFMet30, SCFCdc4), Doa1, Hir2, and Cdc7. In contrast, defects in sumoylation of GALcse4K215/216/A/R prevent its mislocalization and do not cause SDL in a psh1Δ strain. Here, we used a genome-wide screen to identify factors that facilitate the mislocalization of overexpressed Cse4 by characterizing suppressors of the psh1Δ GALCSE4 SDL. Deletions of histone H4 alleles (HHF1 or HHF2), which were among the most prominent suppressors, also suppress slx5Δ, cdc4-1, doa1Δ, hir2Δ, and cdc7-4 GALCSE4 SDL. Reduced dosage of H4 contributes to defects in sumoylation and reduced mislocalization of overexpressed Cse4. We determined that the hhf1-20, cse4-102, and cse4-111 mutants, which are defective in the Cse4-H4 interaction, also exhibit reduced sumoylation of Cse4 and do not display psh1Δ GALCSE4 SDL. In summary, we have identified genes that contribute to the mislocalization of overexpressed Cse4 and defined a role for the gene dosage of H4 in facilitating Cse4 sumoylation and mislocalization to non-centromeric regions, contributing to SDL when Cse4 is overexpressed in mutant strains.
Light- and Elevated Temperature-Induced Degradation (LeTID): The Past, the Present and what Lies Ahead

Lightand elevated temperature-induced degradation (LeTID) has, in recent years, captured the attention of the global silicon photovoltaics industry. With over 180 publications and countless conference presentations from more than 40 universities, research institutes and manufacturers alike (see Fig. 1), there has been a range of studies conducted to understand the behaviours, kinetics, mitigation strategies and root cause of the defect. In this talk, we will provide a condensed review of the current global progress on LeTID research, highlighting recent theories, models, mitigation strategies and implications on the future of commercial silicon solar cells.
Spatiotemporal distribution and habitat use of commercial demersal species in the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Generalized additive models (GAMs) were applied to investigate the influence of spatial (subarea), temporal (season) and environmental variables (substrate characteristics, depth, temperature and salinity) on the relative abundance of 27 demersal species of commercial importance in the Aegean Sea. Twelve species exhibited decreasing population density with increasing depth, whereas the abundance of the remaining species peaked at intermediate depths. Most of the species were mainly distributed on the continental shelf and upper continental slope. The dry weight percentage of sand in the sediment was included as an important predictor in the best models of all species with a lifecycle closely related to the substrate (flatfish, skates, gurnards, mullets, anglers, scorpionfish) and in most benthopelagic species (seven of 12). The weight percentage of carbonates in the sediment was also included in the best models of most species (19 of 27). Seasonal patterns in the relative abundance of species were observed, related in most cases to the seasonal differentiation of temperature and salinity gradients. During the period of water stratification (summer and autumn) the influence of temperature or salinity on fish abundance was always greater than during the period of vertical mixing (winter). The present results are discussed in the light of fostering the current perception as to factors influencing the spatiotemporal distribution of fish, which is a prerequisite for the sustainable exploitation of commercial stocks.
Release of phosphorus from biological nutrient removal sludges: A study of sludge pretreatment methods to optimize phosphorus release for subsequent recovery purposes

As part of on-going studies related to developmentimplementation of new technologies and approaches for enhancing recovery of phosphorus from municipal wastes, the effectiveness of various methods of pretreating waste activated sludges (WASs) from a biological nutrient removal (BNR) process was investigated to determine suitable methods for maximizing phosphorus release. The additions of a strong base (NaOH), strong acid (HCl), organic acid (citric acid), and sodium acetate to waste sludge all facilitated the release of phosphate into solution. The maximum phosphate release was obtained by adding 4.9 mmole/L (~400 mg/L) of acetate to an intermittently mixed digester. Excess amounts of acetate did not further increase the phosphate concentrations. Acetate addition, which triggers carbon storage, a unique characteristic of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) processes, releases internally stored phosphate compounds and is recommended as a method for releasing phosphates from EBPR sludges. Along w.
A survey of ACCase inhibitor resistant wild oat in a high risk township in Manitoba

A survey was conducted in a township near Treherne, Manitoba to determine the frequency of Group 1 resistant wild oat in 30 randomly selected cereal fields. On average, 61% of the 30 fields were sprayed annually with ACCase inhibitor (Group 1) herbicides from 1983 to 1993. Wild oat were sampled at 80-m intervals on a predefined grid pattern across whole fields. Wild oat densities were recorded and seeds were collected from 0.25 m−2 quadrats. Seeds were also collected from conspicuous wild oat patches occurring outside the spaced quadrats. Plants were determined to be susceptible or resistant to fenoxaprop-P and/or sethoxydim using a seed bioassay procedure. Results from the structured survey indicated that resistant wild oat occurred in nine fields. Densities in quadrats containing resistant wild oat were generally higher than in quadrats with susceptible wild oat. By combining the results of the structured survey with the patch collection, resistance was detected in 20 out of the 30 fields. While resista.
Keeping up with the neighbours: using a genetic measurement of dispersal and species distribution modelling to assess the impact of climate change on an Australian arid zone gecko (Gehyra variegata)

During this century rapid climate change will have a profound effect on global biodiversity, and species survival will be contingent on their ability to adapt or disperse. Species distribution models are a popular tool for gauging how the distribution of favourable climate may change over space and time. Evaluating the level of dispersal between the current distribution and potential future distribution of a species is a key to predicting their survival, but rarely estimated. Here we applied species distribution models and a genetic estimate of dispersal to quantitatively assess dispersal to new distributions in the timescale imposed by future climate change.
Effects of human disturbance on spatial and temporal feeding patterns of Blackbird Turdus merula in urban parks in Madrid, Spain

We studied how human presence in three urban parks in Madrid (Spain) might affect Blackbird densities by changing feeding behaviour patterns. Our specific purposes were: (a) to ascertain the effect of park visitors on Blackbird feeding behaviour; (b) to analyse the influence of human disturbance on foraging success; and (c) to determine how humans affect Blackbird spatial and temporal patterns of habitat use. Pedestrians were the main source of flushing responses in all sampled parks, followed by Magpies Pica pica and dogs accompanying visitors. Blackbird responses to visitors entailed more time being vigilant and moving away from people and less time searching for food (decreasing food intake), a response that remained constant in the three parks. The number of pedestrians was positively correlated with Blackbird distance to pathways and negatively correlated with distance to protective cover. The number of active birds decreased with increase in the number of pedestrians during the day. Blackbird density was negatively related to the number of visitors per park. Our results confirmed that human disturbance negatively affects Blackbird feeding strategies in urban parks, ultimately modifying spatial and temporal patterns of habitat selection and abundance. Since such responses could also affect densities of other urban species by the same process, we propose some management measures to decrease the levels of disturbance as well as to enhance the recreational use of urban parks.
On linyphiid spiders from Java, Indonesia, with the description of three new genera and four new species (Araneae: Linyphiidae)

Abstract: Three new genera and four new species are described from Java, Indonesia: Javagone gen. nov., with Javagone maribaya sp. nov. as the type species; Javanaria gen. nov., with Javanaria gracilipes sp. nov. as the type species; Javanyphia gen. nov., with Javanyphia gede sp. nov. as the type species, and Parameioneta javaensis sp. nov. A new synonym and a new combination are proposed: Walckenaeria caobangensis Tu & Li, 2004 syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Nasoona asocialis (Wunderlich, 1974), Parameioneta sulawesi (Tanasevitch, in Tanasevitch & Stenchly, 2012) comb. nov. is transferred from Maorineta Millidge, 1988. The linyphiid fauna of Java (including the new species described here) contains 20 species, is characterized as Oriental, demonstrates weak relations to the East Asian Palaearctic fauna and does not show any relations to the rich linyphiid fauna of the neighboring Australian Region. An annotated list of the Javanese linyphiids is given and the zoogeographical composition of the fauna is briefly discussed.
Hydrometallurgical Process for Selective Extraction of Nd and Rare-Earth Metals from End-of-Life Hard Disk Drives NdFeB Magnet Scrap

This paper proposed a recycling process for neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnet scrap from the end-of-life (EOL) of hard disk drives by using hydrometallurgical process. Initial chemical composition of NdFeB magnet scrap was consisted of 25.37%Nd, 6.53%Pr, 0.90%Co, 3.63%B and 63.57%Fe. After de-magnetization and crushing into proper size, magnet scraps were directly leached by H2SO4 solution. More than 90% dissolved into acid solution with remaining small amount of residuals and Ni-coated metal. Neodymium precipitated from leached solution by pH-control to the optimum condition at pH 0.6 using NaOH solution. Solid Nd-precipitates XRD pattern was observed in form of NaNd (SO4)2. (H2O) and FeSO4. (H2O). Elemental analysis of Nd-precipitates by WD-XRF. The precipitates contained 26.50%Nd, 8.46%Pr and 1.19%Fe. In order to elimination of Fe, Nd-precipitates was leached by using H2SO4 solution to dissolve FeSO4. (H2O) into acid solution to obtain high concentration of Nd and rare-earth metals (REMs) compound. As a result, XRD pattern of Nd-compound after Fe-removal confirmed that the high purity NaNd (SO4)2. (H2O) compound was obtained. The final composition of precipitates analyzed by WD-XRF was 26.36%Nd, 8.13%Pr with Fe as low as 0.14%Fe.
Changes in Yield and Carbon Isotope Discrimination of Italian and Spanish Durum Wheat during the 20th Century

This study evaluates the breeding of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) during the 20th century with respect to yield and grain carbon isotope discrimination (A), and their relationship with plant height, harvest index (HI), days from sowing to anthesis, and days from anthesis to maturity. Twenty-four cultivars released before 1945 (old), between 1950 and 1985 (intermediate), and between 1988 and 2000 (modern), and previously characterized by whether dwarfing genes were present (semidwarf) or absent (tall), were selected from germplasm obtained in Italy and Spain. Experiments were conducted in six environments with average yields ranging from to 2113 to 4827 kg ha -1 . The total absolute genetic gain in yield across countries from before 1945 to 2000 was 20 kg ha -1 yr -1 (51% of increase), which represents a relative genetic gain of 0.61% yr -1 . Yield gains led to a loss of stability. The mean increase in Δ 13 C was 6% (0.014%o yr -1 or 0.09% yr -1 ). Early heading and a long grain-filling period were correlated with high yields in the tall cultivars. Increased plant height and low Δ 13 C values were associated with high yields for the semidwarf cultivars, while a long grain-filling period was not advantageous for semidwarf cultivars.
Influence of genetic background and plant age on expression of the potato late blight resistance gene Rpi‐phu1 during incompatible interactions with Phytophthora infestans

The goal of this study was to determine the expression profile of a late blight resistance gene, Rpi-phu1, after challenge with an incompatible Phytophthora infestans isolate. Relative expression levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, before as well as 1, 3 and 5 days after contact with the pathogen. Plants tested included diploid and tetraploid breeding lines with the gene in different genetic backgrounds and plants of a chosen breeding line at different developmental stages. All tested potato breeding lines with the Rpi-phu1 gene were highly resistant to P. infestans and so was the line tested at different developmental stages. No significant changes were detected in Rpi-phu1 transcript level after pathogen challenge in any of the tested tetraploid potato lines. However, Rpi-phu1 transcription in diploid lines was enhanced by contact with P. infestans. Basal expression of the Rpi-phu1 gene was significantly lower in the youngest, 3-week-old plants than in 6-week-old plants. Nevertheless, 1 day after inoculation with the pathogen, transcript levels in these plants were slightly greater than in 6-week-old plants, indicating that plant age can influence transcription of the Rpi-phu1 gene, but that this does not affect late blight resistance.
Quantitative Evaluation of a New Posturo-Locomotor Phenotype in a Rodent Model of Acute Unilateral Vestibulopathy

Vestibular pathologies are difficult to diagnose. Existing devices make it possible to quantify and follow the evolution of posturo-locomotor symptoms following vestibular loss in static conditions. However, today, there are no diagnostic tools allowing the quantitative and spontaneous analysis of these symptoms in dynamic situations. With this in mind, we used an open-field video tracking test aiming at identifying specific posturo-locomotor markers in a rodent model of vestibular pathology. Using Ethovision XT 14 software (Noldus), we identified and quantified several behavioral parameters typical of unilateral vestibular lesions in a rat model of vestibular pathology. The unilateral vestibular neurectomy (UVN) rat model reproduces the symptoms of acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy in humans. Our data show deficits in locomotion velocity, distance traveled and animal mobility in the first day after the injury. We also highlighted alterations in several parameters, such as head and body acceleration, locomotor pattern, and position of the body, as well as “circling” behavior after vestibular loss. Here, we provide an enriched posturo-locomotor phenotype specific to full and irreversible unilateral vestibular loss. This test helps to strengthen the quantitative evaluation of vestibular disorders in unilateral vestibular lesion rat model. It may also be useful for testing pharmacological compounds promoting the restoration of balance. Transfer of these novel evaluation parameters to human pathology may improve the diagnosis of acute unilateral vestibulopathies and could better follow the evolution of the symptoms upon pharmacological and physical rehabilitation.
The Clinical Value of 18F-FDG-PET in Autoimmune Encephalitis Associated With LGI1 Antibody

Purpose: The metabolic patterns of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) in autoimmune encephalitis associated with leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 antibody (LGI1 AE) are still unclear. We performed a cohort study to investigate the clinical metabolic characteristics and diagnostic value based on 18F-FDG-PET in patients with LGI1 AE. Materials and Methods: A total of 34 patients including 18 patients (53%) in the acute phase and 16 patients (47%) in the chronic phase who were diagnosed with LGI1 AE were retrospectively analyzed from October 2014 to June 2018 at the Department of Neurology in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, the Capital Medical University. The clinical data were collected by searching through electronic medical records. Results: The initial 18F-FDG-PET scan indicated a significant abnormal metabolic pattern in 31 LGI1 AE patients (91%), whereas only 20 patients (59%) showed an abnormal MRI signal (P < 0.05). The 18F-FDG-PET metabolic pattern was reversible after treatment; most of the patients showed an almost normal uptake of 18F-FDG-PET after discharge. Regarding the spatial distribution, the abnormal metabolic pattern in LGI1 AE subjects exhibiting hypermetabolism was specifically located in the basal ganglia (BG) and medial temporal lobe (MTL). BG hypermetabolism was observed in 28 subjects (82%), and 68% of patients showed MTL hypermetabolism. A total of 17 patients (50%) exhibited faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS), and the remaining subjects showed non-FBDS symptoms (50 and 50%). BG-only hypermetabolism was detected in seven subjects in the FBDS subgroup (7/16) but in only one subject in the non-FBDS subgroup (1/15) (44 vs. 7%, P < 0.05). Conclusion: 18F-FDG-PET imaging was more sensitive than MRI in the diagnosis of LGI1 AE. Isolated BG hypermetabolism was more frequently observed in subjects with FBDS, suggesting the potential involvement of the BG.
Structure–Toxicity Relationships for the Fathead Minnow, Pimephales promelas: Narcotic Industrial Chemicals

Narcosis is a reversible state of arrested activity of protoplasmic structures caused by a wide variety of organic chemicals. This nonspecific mode of toxic action was found predominant in acute toxicity studies of industrial chemicals and fish. This paper presents 96-h LC50 values for 65 industrial chemicals including alcohols, ketones, ethers, alkyl halides, and substituted benzenes. The common mode of action permitted the development of a structure–toxicity relationship as follows: log LC50 = −0.94 log P + 0.94 log (0.000068P + 1) −1.25 where P is the n-octanol/water partition coefficient. The data show that the toxicity of the chemicals to fish is directly comparable with the toxicity in mammals when expressed as chemical activity.