Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Territoriality of the otter Lutra lutra L.

Otters were studied by reading tracks and signs in fresh water habitats in Southern Sweden, in 1958-1966. 1. The populations in winter consisted of 30-40% resident territory holders, about the same proportion of temporary residents or transients and 25-38% young of the year. The rate of reproduction of otters is low. Most probably some females do not breed every year. The density of otters in the areas studied was one otter per 0.7-1.0 km2 area of water or one individual per 2-3 km length of lake shore, and one otter per 5 km length of a stream. 2. Otters display territorial behaviour which is shown by signal activity, dispersion pattern and movements of the otters. 3. The adult dog otters maintain territories which have an individual character, their size and location depending on the qualities of the dogs. The boundaries are overlapping zones where territorial conflicts occur continuously. 4. The females with cubs (family groups) exploit territories separately. The areas are probably fixed and situated within the dog otters' territories. Territorial conflicts between the family groups are rare, after the areas have been
Integrin specificity as a novel strategy for enhancing transplanted stem cell survival and tissue repair in vivo

Hydrogels are an attractive class of materials for cell encapsulation due to properties that mimic the extracellular matrix such as high water content and simple diffusion of waste and nutrients, minimal adverse host reactions, relatively mild reaction conditions, and opportunity for minimally invasive delivery as injectable carriers. Due to their defined chemical compositions, synthetic polymers can be prepared in reproducible and predictable fashions and can be modified to tune material properties such as degradation rate, mechanical properties, and shape/configuration large advantages over natural polymers that display heterogeneity and structural complexity that renders modifications difficult. The lack of cell adhesion sites on most synthetic polymers yields the opportunity for engineering specificity into the material by incorporating cell adhesive sites or growth factors, independently of substrate mechanical properties. In this aim, we have engineered an integrin-specific stem cell microenvironment using biomimetic adhesive ligands using a novel hydrogel chemistry without the use of cytotoxic photoinitiators and UV light. We have shown that we can control material properties of the matrix independently of ligand peptide and tune material properties such as storage modulus by varying hydrogel parameters. Ligand-functionalized hydrogels exhibited binding specificity to target integrins, and we observed differences in cell morphology in 3-D due to ligand activity while maintaining high cell viability. In addition, integrinspecific hydrogels supported for FAK activation and upregulated osteoblastic
Occurrence of Beko Disease Caused by Microsporidium seriolae (Microspora) in Hatchery-Reared JuvenileYellowtail

Hatchery-produced juvenile yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) were transferred from an indoor tank to sea netpens on June 20, June 30, July 10 and July 31, 1995 (4 groups), and each group was monitored at about 10 day intervals for Microsporidium seriolae, the causative agent of beko disease. Water temperature gradually increased during the study period, ranging from 20.8 to 30.2°C. In the first 3 fish groups, almost all fish were found to be infected. However, prevalence of infection in the last fish group was much lower than in the other groups. Groups which were transferred later attained their maximum prevalence of infection within a shorter period. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of water temperature and fish size on the development of M. seriolae in juvenile yellowtail. Two different fish size classes (average body weight 0.3 g and 22.0 g) were infected with M. seriolae to a similar extent. In the histological examination, the development of M. seriolae and host recovery were accelerated in fish reared at 25°C compared to those kept at 20°C.
Recherches techniques sur des bronzes de Gaule romaine, II.

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On the theory of birth, death and diffusion processes

Several authors have recently discussed the asymptotic properties of stochastic populations which diffuse randomly throughout a given region. Sevast'yanov ([8], [9]) has investigated the extinction probability of a Markovian population in a compact region with an absorbing boundary, his analysis being in terms of “generation times”. Adke and Moyal have considered the spatial dispersion of a population which multiplies according to a simple time-dependent birth-and-death process and undergoes Gaussian diffusion on the real line ([2] and [3]) or on a finite interval with reflecting boundaries [1]. A serious limitation in Adke and Moyal's asymptotic results is that they are conditional upon a finite number of survivors. Moyal [7] has also obtained some basic formulae for a Markovian population diffusing through a general space.
Experimental Inducibility of Supernumerary Phantom Limbs: A Series of Virtual Reality Experiments

Supernumerary phantom limb (SPL) is a rare neuropsychiatric syndrome, under which patients perceive more limbs than they anatomically possess (e.g., two instead of only one right arm). Remarkably, the concurrent limb percepts can thereby differ in respect to their primarily experienced modality, for instance, that one kinesthetic and one moving limb are experienced. Although SPLs are well-documented after various neuropsychiatric conditions, their neurocognitive pathomechanisms remain elusive. Therefore, an experimental paradigm by which such aberrant body misperceptions could be transiently induced and systematically investigated in healthy participants would be helpful. Inspired by the virtual hand illusion, we developed a virtual supernumerary limb illusion (SLI) version, in which two embodiable virtual hands are presented to the participant via a head-mounted display. One virtual hand is thereby presented medially and the other laterally aside the participant's hidden real hand. Using this general setup, we examined the inducibility of a SLI in three consecutive experiments: Experiment 1 explored by which induction type (visuotactile congruency, visuothermal congruency, and visuomotor congruency) SLI experiences can be induced most robustly, Experiment 2 explored whether SLIs can be induced by a combination of these induction types, and Experiment 3 explored how visuoproprioceptive congruency influences the inducibility of a SLI. Sense of ownership toward the virtual hands was systematically assessed by means of experience sampling and by an implicit electrodermal embodiment measure. Results reveal a robust effect of stronger sense of ownership toward the medially than laterally presented virtual hand, while only a subgroup of participants (on average, across experiments: ~ 25%) reported concomitant sense of ownership toward both virtual hands (i.e., a full-blown SLI experience). The highest SLI responder rate (~63%) was observed for the combined application of visuotactile and visuothermal congruency, whereas a combined application of visuothermal and visuoproprioceptive congruency induced the lowest SLI responder rate (~4%). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that although under specific experimental conditions, a majority of participants can be made to experience a SLI, under most conditions, sense of ownership is only experienced toward one virtual hand. This indicates that multiple type-identical limb percepts are avoided to be co-instantiated by our brain, wherever possible.
New localities and habitat preferences of common milkweed Asclepias syriaca L. in Toruń (Central Poland)

The paper presents the location and general description of habitats and plant communities with common milkweed occurring within the city limits of Torun. The data set comprised new localities of this species as well as those where Asclepias syriaca has been observed for several years but the sites have not been described in the ecological literature. Releves made at these sites were compared with those described by Puchalka et al. (2013) from three sites of Asclepias syriaca in Torun. A larger set of new sites included in the analysis allows for a more accurate description of the impact exerted by some ecological factors, e.g. afforestation, on the growth of the studied species. As evidenced by the new sites of Asclepias syriaca found recently in Torun and the surrounding area, it is necessary to monitor the dynamics of the population and to undertake the research on the impact of common milkweed on plant communities.
Approximate Genome-Based Kernel Models for Large Data Sets Including Main Effects and Interactions

The rapid development of molecular markers and sequencing technologies has made it possible to use genomic prediction (GP) and selection (GS) in animal and plant breeding. However, when the number of observations (n) is large (thousands or millions), computational difficulties when handling these large genomic kernel relationship matrices (inverting and decomposing) increase exponentially. This problem increases when genomic × environment interaction and multi-trait kernels are included in the model. In this research we propose selecting a small number of lines m(m < n) for constructing an approximate kernel of lower rank than the original and thus exponentially decreasing the required computing time. First, we describe the full genomic method for single environment (FGSE) with a covariance matrix (kernel) including all n lines. Second, we select m lines and approximate the original kernel for the single environment model (APSE). Similarly, but including main effects and G × E, we explain a full genomic method with genotype × environment model (FGGE), and including m lines, we approximated the kernel method with G × E (APGE). We applied the proposed method to two different wheat data sets of different sizes (n) using the standard linear kernel Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Predictor (GBLUP) and also using eigen value decomposition. In both data sets, we compared the prediction performance and computing time for FGSE versus APSE; we also compared FGGE versus APGE. Results showed a competitive prediction performance of the approximated methods with a significant reduction in computing time. Genomic prediction accuracy depends on the decay of the eigenvalues (amount of variance information loss) of the original kernel as well as on the size of the selected lines m.
Impact of Graded Passive Cycling on Hemodynamics, Cerebral Blood Flow, and Cardiac Function in Septic ICU Patients

Background: In-bed passive cycling is considered a safe and feasible early mobilization technique in intensive care unit (ICU) patients who are unable to exercise actively. However, the impact of varying intensity of passive cycling on perfusion and function of ischemia-prone organs is unknown. In this study, we assessed the impact of a graded passive cycling protocol on hemodynamics, cerebral blood flow, and cardiac function in a cohort of septic ICU patients. Methods: In consecutive patients presenting with sepsis, we measured global hemodynamic indices, middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv), and cardiac function in response to a graded increase in passive cycling cadence. Using 5-min stages, we increased cadence from 5 to 55 RPM in increments of 10 RPM, preceded and followed by 5 min baseline and recovery periods at 0 RPM. The mean values obtained during the last 2 min of each stage were compared within and between subjects for all metrics using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Ten septic patients (six males) completed the protocol. Across patients, there was a 5.2% reduction in MCAv from baseline at cycling cadences of 25–45 RPM with a dose-dependent decrease of MCAv of > 10% in four of the 10 patients enrolled. There was a 16% increase in total peripheral resistance from baseline at peak cadence of 55 RPMs and no changes in any other measured hemodynamic parameters. Patient responses to passive cycling varied between patients in terms of magnitude, direction of change, and the cycling cadence at which these changes occurred. Conclusions: In septic patients, graded passive cycling is associated with dose-dependent decreases in cerebral blood flow, increases in total peripheral resistance, and either improvement or worsening of left ventricular function. The magnitude and cadence threshold of these responses vary between patients. Future studies should establish whether these changes are associated with clinical outcomes, including cognitive impairment, vasopressor use, and functional outcomes.
Indications and Outcomes for Arthroscopic Hip Labral Reconstruction With Autografts: A Systematic Review

Background: The acetabular labrum plays a major role in hip function and stability. The gold standard treatment for labral tears is labral repair, but in cases where tissue is not amenable to repair, reconstruction has been demonstrated to provide superior outcomes compared to debridement. Many types of grafts have been used for reconstruction with good to excellent outcomes. Autograft options include iliotibial band (ITB), semitendinosus, and indirect head of the rectus femoris tendon, while allografts have included fascia lata and gracilis tendon allografts. Questions/Purposes: As allografts are not always readily available and have some inherent disadvantages, the aims of this systematic review were to assess (1) indications for labral reconstruction and (2) summarize outcomes, complications, and reoperation rates after arthroscopic labral reconstruction with autografts. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, and Google Scholar) to identify studies reporting outcomes for arthroscopic labral reconstruction utilizing autografts, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Study design, patient demographics, autograft choice, complications, donor site morbidity, reoperation rates, conversion to arthroplasty, and patient reported outcomes were extracted and reported. Results: Seven studies were identified for inclusion with a total of 402 patients (173 females, age range 16–72, follow-up range 12–120 months). The most commonly reported functional outcome score was the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), which was reported in six of seven studies. Preoperative mHHS ranged from 56 to 67.3 and improved postoperatively to a range of 81.4–97.8. Conversion to total hip arthroplasty and reoperation rates ranged from 0 to 13.2% and 0 to 11%, respectively. The most common indication for labral reconstruction was an irreparable labrum. Autografts utilized included ITB, hamstring tendons, indirect head of rectus femoris, and capsular tissue. Conclusions: Arthroscopic autograft reconstruction of the acetabular labrum results in significant improvement in the short- and mid-term patient reported outcomes, for properly selected patients presenting with pain and functional limitation in the hip due to an irreparable labral injury.
Long Longitudinal Tract Lesion Contributes to the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

Background: The degenerative pattern of white matter (WM) microstructures during Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its relationship with cognitive function have not yet been clarified. The present research aimed to explore the alterations of the WM microstructure and its impact on amnestic mild cognitive (aMCI) and AD patients. Mechanical learning methods were used to explore the validity of WM microstructure lesions on the classification in AD spectrum disease. Methods: Neuropsychological data and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) images were collected from 28 AD subjects, 31 aMCI subjects, and 27 normal controls (NC). Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) were used to extract diffusion parameters in WM tracts. We performed ANOVA analysis to compare diffusion parameters and clinical features among the three groups. Partial correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between diffusion metrics and cognitive functions controlling for age, gender, and years of education. Additionally, we performed the support vector machine (SVM) classification to determine the discriminative ability of DTI metrics in the differentiation of aMCI and AD patients from controls. Results: As compared to controls or aMCI patients, AD patients displayed widespread WM lesions, including in the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculi, and superior longitudinal fasciculus. Significant correlations between fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusion (RD) of the long longitudinal tract and memory deficits were found in aMCI and AD groups, respectively. Furthermore, through SVM classification, we found DTI indicators generated by FA and MD parameters can effectively distinguish AD patients from the control group with accuracy rates of up to 89 and 85%, respectively. Conclusion: The WM microstructure is extensively disrupted in AD patients, and the WM integrity of the long longitudinal tract is closely related to memory, which would hold potential value for monitoring the progression of AD. The method of classification based on SVM and WM damage features may be objectively helpful to the classification of AD diseases.
Comparing the Infection Biology of Plasmodiophora brassicae in Clubroot Susceptible and Resistant Hosts and Non-hosts

The potential infection biology of Plasmodiophora brassicae in resistant hosts and non-hosts is still not completely understood. Clubroot resistance assay on European clubroot differentials (ECD) set revealed that ECD10 (Brassica napus) and ECD4 (Brassica rapa) show a complete resistance to the tested P. brassicae isolate in contrast to highly susceptible hosts Westar (B. napus) and ECD5 (B. rapa). Previously, we used fluorescent probe-based confocal microscopy (FCM) to refine the life cycle of P. brassicae and indicate the important time points during its infection in Arabidopsis. Here, we used FCM to systematically investigate the infection of P. brassicae in two resistant host species ECD10 and ECD4 and two non-host crops wheat and barley at each indicated time points, compared with two susceptible hosts Westar and ECD5. We found that P. brassicae can initiate the primary infection phase and produce uninucleate primary plasmodia in both resistant hosts and non-hosts just like susceptible hosts at 2 days post-inoculation (dpi). Importantly, P. brassicae can develop into zoosporangia and secondary zoospores and release the secondary zoospores from the zoosporangia in resistant hosts at 7 dpi, comparable to susceptible hosts. However, during the secondary infection phase, no secondary plasmodium was detected in the cortical cells of both resistant hosts in contrast to massive secondary plasmodia present in the cortex tissue of two susceptible hosts leading to root swelling at 15 dpi. In both non-host crops, only uninucleate primary plasmodia were observed throughout roots at 7 and 15 dpi. Quantitative PCR based on DNA revealed that the biomass of P. brassicae has no significant increase from 2 dpi in non-host plants and from 7 dpi in resistant host plants, compared to the huge biomass increase in susceptible host plants from 2 to 25 dpi. Our study reveals that the primary infection phase in the root epidermis and the secondary infection phase in the cortex tissue are, respectively, blocked in non-hosts and resistant hosts, contributing to understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying clubroot non-host and host resistance.
The Relationship Between Cognitive Status and Known Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Recent literature has reported a higher occurrence of cognitive impairment among individuals with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) compared to older adults with normal vision. This pilot study explored potential links between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AMD and cognitive status. Individuals with AMD (N = 21) and controls (N = 18) were genotyped for the SNPs CFHY402H, ARMS2A69S and FADS1 rs174547. Cognitive status was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The two groups differed significantly on which subscales were most difficult. The control group had difficulty with delayed recall while those with AMD had difficulty on delayed recall in addition to abstraction and orientation. Homozygous carriers of the FADS1 rs174547 SNP had significantly lower scores than heterozygotes or non-carriers on the MoCA. The results suggest that the FADS1 SNP may play a role in visual impairment/cognitive impairment comorbidity as reflected in the poorer cognitive scores among homozygotes with AMD compared to those carrying only one, or no copies of the SNP.
Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients Exhibit Distinctive Alterations in the Gut Microbiota

Previous studies have shown that gut microbiota can affect human immune system in many ways. Our aim was to investigate quantitative differences in fecal bacterial compositions of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients compared to those of healthy children, so as to identify individual bacterial species that are related to the etiology of ALL. We recruited 81 subjects, including 58 patients with ALL and 23 healthy controls. Fecal samples were collected and examined by 16S rRNA quantitative arrays and bioinformatics analysis. Both Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and Non-metric Multidimensional scaling (NMDS) demonstrated that the microbial composition of ALL patients deviated from the tight cluster of healthy controls. Multiple bacterial species exhibited significant changes (e.g., Roseburia faecis, Edwardsiella tarda, and Fusobacterium naviforme) in the ALL samples. Some of the differentially abundant taxa were correlated with the level of interleukin-10. The ALL cases could be efficiently distinguished from healthy controls by the random forest model based on differential species (area under ROC curve = 0.843). Taken together, the composition of gut microbiota differed from healthy controls to pediatric ALL patients. Our study identified a series of ALL-related species in the gut microbiota, providing a new direction for future studies aiming to understand the host-gut microbiota interplay in ALL pathogenesis.