Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE SOIL MICROFUNGI OF UPLAND BOREAL FOREST AT CANDLE LAKE, SASKATCHEWAN

SUMMARY The soil microfungi of upland boreal forest at Candle Lake, Saskatchewan, were surveyed by using a dilution plate technique. Altogether 113 taxonomic entities were isolated, most of these being quantitatively rare forms. The most prevalent species found were Mortierella vinacea, M. isabellina, M. ramanniana, Pullularia pullulans, Trichoderma viride, T. album, Chrysosporium sp. , Penicillium frequentans, P. pinetorum and P. kapuscinskii. Together these accounted for over 60% of the total isolates. The microfungi showed a pattern of continuous variation among the forest communities sampled, but it was not possible to demonstrate a clear correlation between the composition of microfungal communities and the dominant vegetation. The results are discussed particularly in relation to comparable surveys of microfungi that have been carried out in Wisconsin.
The Gift of Pride: How Humble Leadership Affects Subordinate's Feelings of Pride and Tacit Knowledge Sharing

The purpose of this research was to explore how humble leadership affects subordinates' feelings of pride and tacit knowledge sharing, and whether face need can moderate the relationship between them. An online questionnaire survey on employees from four private enterprises finally produced 208 valid cases. The results show that humble leadership promotes subordinates' tacit knowledge sharing through their feelings of pride. This paper extends the current research in terms of leadership and tacit knowledge sharing, also emphasize the importance of employee's pride and face need in workplace and discusses the practical implications of these findings.
Interpopulation Variation in Phenotypic Plasticity in the Speckled Wood Butterfly, Pararge aegeria

The speckled wood butterfly shows marked geographic population differences in life-history traits and this makes it an interesting species in which to investigate genetic variation in phenotypic plasticity. We used a variation of a reciprocal-transplant experiment, but with no control of maternal effect, to investigate interpopulation variation in 3 UK populations collected in Hampshire, Snowdonia (2 altitudes) and Argyll. We attempted to mimic some of the features of the collection sites using constant temperature rooms maintained at 14°C, 17°C and 20°C. The method exposed major differences between populations from different latitudes in reaction norms for body size and developmental period. We had expected that each population would outperform the others at the temperature closest to its home environment, but this expectation was only partly fulfilled. Reasons for this are discussed. The populations did not conform to the size cline found in Sweden, and the largest individuals were found in the North. There was no evidence of any effect of altitude, as suggested by Thompson, on life-history traits in the Snowdonia population. As found elsewhere in Europe, females were consistently larger than males, but there was no sexual dimorphism in development period. Although the smallest butterflies emerged at the highest rearing temperature in accordance with the general pattern of ectotherms, insects reared at 14°C were smaller than those reared at 17°C.
Diabetic Foot Problems During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Center: The Emergency Among the Emergencies

As a consequence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, profound changes in daily lives have occurred. In Italy, the exponential spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection required extraordinary measures to limit viral transmission, leading to an almost complete lockdown of the country (1). The mandatory lockdown significantly affected patients with chronic diseases, including people with diabetes and diabetic foot ulceration (DFU), which represents a heavy burden for health care systems in terms of mortality and reduced quality of life (1,2). The interruption of preventive education, early treatment, and diagnosis may have led to increased hospitalization of patients with severe DFU at high amputation risk (3). The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical features and amputation risk of individuals with diabetes and DFU admitted to a tertiary care center during the COVID-19 lockdown compared with a population admitted in the first 5 months of 2019. Patients with diabetes and DFU admitted to the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at the Teaching Hospital of University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” (Naples, Italy) from 9 March 2020 to 18 May 2020 were included in this study. This cohort was compared with a population of patients admitted …
On the power of Chatterjee’s rank correlation

Chatterjee (2021+) introduced a simple new rank correlation coefficient that has attracted much recent attention. The coefficient has the unusual appeal that it not only estimates a population quantity first proposed by Dette et al. (2013) that is zero if and only if the underlying pair of random variables is independent, but also is asymptotically normal under independence. This paper compares Chatterjee’s new correlation coefficient to three established rank correlations that also facilitate consistent tests of independence, namely, Hoeffding’s D, Blum–Kiefer– Rosenblatt’s R, and Bergsma–Dassios–Yanagimoto’s τ *. We contrast their computational efficiency in light of recent advances, and investigate their power against local rotation and mixture alternatives. Our main results show that Chatterjee’s coefficient is unfortunately rate sub-optimal compared to D, R, and τ *. The situation is more subtle for a related earlier estimator of Dette et al. (2013). These results favor D, R, and τ * over Chatterjee’s new correlation coefficient for the purpose of testing independence.
CHANGES OVER TWENTY-ONE YEARS IN THE KOLOMBANGARA RAIN FORESTS

The results of the first 6.6 years of study have shown that the distribution and population structure of the twelve common big tree species reflect past disturbance history. The question addressed in this paper is whether over the total 21.3 years the forests are in equilibrium or not, that is to say, has the amount of disturbance (monitored as canopy structure) been sufficient up to November 1985, to maintain the populations as they were at July 1964
Gene flow and fine-scale spatial genetic structure in Cabralea canjerana (Meliaceae), a common tree species from the Brazilian Atlantic forest

Abstract: The Atlantic forest is the biome most severely affected by deforestation in Brazil. Cabralea canjerana spp. canjerana is a dioecious tree species with widespread distribution in the Neotropical region. This species is considered a model to ascertain population ecology parameters for endangered plant species from the Atlantic forest. Fine-scale spatial genetic structure and pollen-mediated gene flow are crucial information in landscape genetics and evolutionary ecology. A total of 192 adults and 121 offspring were sampled in seven C. canjerana populations in the Southern Minas Gerais State, Brazil, to assess whether pollen-mediated gene flow is able to prevent spatial genetic structure within and among Atlantic forest fragments. Several molecular ecology parameters were estimated using microsatellite loci. High levels of genetic diversity (HE = 0.732) and moderate population structure (θ = 0.133) were recorded. No significant association between kinship and spatial distance amongst individuals within each population (Sp = 0.000109) was detected. Current pollen-mediated gene flow occurs mainly within forest fragments, probably due to short-distance flights of the pollinator of C. canjerana, and also the forest fragmentation may have restricted flight distance. The high levels of genetic differentiation found amongst the seven sites sampled demonstrated how habitat fragmentation affects the gene flow process in natural areas.
Role of Mitofusins and Mitophagy in Life or Death Decisions

Mitochondria entail an incredible dynamism in their morphology, impacting death signaling and selective elimination of the damaged organelles. In turn, by recycling the superfluous or malfunctioning mitochondria, mostly prevalent during aging, mitophagy contributes to maintain a healthy mitochondrial network. Mitofusins locate at the outer mitochondrial membrane and control the plastic behavior of mitochondria, by mediating fusion events. Besides deciding on mitochondrial interconnectivity, mitofusin 2 regulates physical contacts between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, but also serves as a decisive docking platform for mitophagy and apoptosis effectors. Thus, mitofusins integrate multiple bidirectional inputs from and into mitochondria and ensure proper energetic and metabolic cellular performance. Here, we review the role of mitofusins and mitophagy at the cross-road between life and apoptotic death decisions. Furthermore, we highlight the impact of this interplay on disease, focusing on how mitofusin 2 and mitophagy affect non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Pasture-Based Dairying in Michigan: Farmer Practices and Needs

We report results of a survey designed to assess the information needs of Michigan dairy farmers currently using pasture as part of their management system. Differences were found among farmers in the extent to which they use conserved feed to supplement pasture. Similarities existed among farmers in challenges, information needs, and information sources. Findings suggest several initiatives, including website development, pasture walks, and workshops, that can be used by educators to reach this target audience.
Repeatability estimates of body weight and shank length in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica)

Weekly body weight and shank length records of 2,591 quails were used to estimate the repeatability of body weight and shank length in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Variance components between individual quails, error variance among the quails and standard error were computed using Microsoft Excel computer package. The results showed that average body weight of quail ranged from 7.482g at hatching to 203.508g (Seventh week) while the shank length ranged from 1.424cm at hatch to 3.619cm (Seventh week). The result showed that Japanese quails had high repeatability estimate at all weeks of age for the body weight ranging from 0.929 to 0.989. Similarly, the repeatability of body weight gain ranged from 0.753 to 0.883. Also, the repeatability estimates for shank length at all weeks of age were also high ranging from 0.879 to 0.997. The repeatability estimates for shank length increment ranged from low estimate value of 0.0968 at the 2nd week of age to high value of 0.713 at the 7th week of age. In conclusion, the result showed that fewer records are required to characterize body weight and shank length growth performance potential of Japanese quail and that Japanese quails can be selected for these growth performance traits at early stages of their life. Keywords: Japanese quail, Repeatability, Body weight, Shank Length.
Effects of food limitation and sexual cannibalism on reproductive output of the nuseryweb spider Dolomedes triton (Araneae : Pisauridae)

Reproductive output of free-ranging females of Dolomedes triton was not constrained by natural food limits in relation to that of sated spiders held in field cages. A two-year study revealed both seasonal and annual variation in egg number and egg-sac development time that was driven by factors other than food availability. There was a strong, positive correlation between egg numbers in first and second egg-sacs; some females produced three egg sacs under field conditions. In an experiment using field cages, reproductive output was affected by food availability to adults, female body size measured as carapace width, and by interaction between these two variables. Under both ambient field conditions and experimentally maintained satiation, fecundity increased linearly with carapace width. However, larger females failed to achieve their full, reproductive potential when food was scarce, although reproductive output of smaller females was unaffected. Females of D. triton allowed to feed on their mates did not show increased reproductive output or rate and thus do not receive any special nutrient supplements through sexual cannibalism.
Why Muslims join the Muslim wing of the RSS

ABSTRACT The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) – the paramilitary corps that animates the contemporary Indian Hindu nationalist movement – increasingly relies on its Muslim wing to bolster its denials of extremism. The RSS claims hold that crowds of Muslims join its Muslim wing, the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, through organic nationalist awakenings that imply tacit acceptance of the RSS’ Hindu nationalist agenda. Based on a year of interview-based research in North and West India with more than 80 Manch members, defectors, critics and leaders, I provide empirical evidence that challenges the claim that the RSS is winning over Muslim minds. Instead, I suggest that Muslims join for largely instrumental reasons; for material reward and security, but also to rebuke traditional Muslim centres of power and to draw close to the charismatic leadership of Manch leader Indresh Kumar. While discussions of motivations are famously fraught, I rely on interviews not to conclusively list membership motivations, but to assess the claims made by the RSS. As Hindu nationalists consolidate and intensify their activities after the 2019 general election, understanding how the RSS does or does not ‘win over’ India’s Muslim communities is necessary groundwork to address the position of minorities in a Hindu nationalist future.
Epidemiology of Classical Swine Fever in Japan—A Descriptive Analysis of the Outbreaks in 2018–2019

This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of classical swine fever (CSF) outbreaks in Japan. The first case was confirmed in September 2018, 26 years after the last known case. Outbreaks occurred on 39 farms, 34 commercial farms, and 5 non-commercial farms, between September 2018 and August 2019. In this study, a descriptive analysis was conducted of the epidemiological data on the characteristics of the affected farms, clinical manifestations, intra-farm transmission, association with infected wild boars, and control measures implemented on the farms. Twenty-eight of the 34 affected commercial farms were farrow-to-finish farms. It was assumed that the major risk factors were frequent human-pig interactions and the movement of pigs between farms. Fever and leukopenia were commonly observed in infected pigs. In 12 out of 18 farms where clinical manifestations among fattening pigs was the reason for notification, death was the most frequent clinical manifestation, but the proportion of dead animals did not exceed 0.5% of the total number of animals at most of the affected farms. Therefore, the clinical form of CSF in Japan was considered to be sub-acute. Twenty-three of the 29 farms (79%) with pigs at multiple stages (i.e., piglets, fattening pigs, and sows), had infection across the multiple stages. Many of these farms were within 5 km of the site where the first infected wild boars had been discovered, suggesting that infected wild boars were the source of infection. Infections still occurred at farms that had implemented measures at their farm boundaries to prevent the introduction of the virus into their farms, such as disinfection of vehicles and people, changing boots of the workers, and installation of perimeter fences. It is necessary to continue to strengthen biosecurity measures for farms located in areas with infected wild boars and to continue monitoring the distribution of infected wild boars so that any abnormalities can be reported and inspected at an early stage.
Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized Neonates With Hypofibrinogenemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Neonatal hypofibrinogenemia is often asymptomatic but can manifest as hemorrhage. Objective: This study was conducted to characterize clinical characteristics of neonates with hypofibrinogenemia and identify factors associated with hemorrhage. Methods: This was a retrospective study of neonates with plasma fibrinogen level (FIB) ≤1.0 g/L who were hospitalized at the Neonatology Department, People's Hospital, Chongqing, China, from January 2012 to December 2017. Based on severity, patients were grouped into severe, moderate, and mild hypofibrinogenemia (FIB < 0.5 g/L, 0.5 g/L ≤ FIB < 0.7 g/L, and 0.7 g/L ≤ FIB ≤ 1.0 g/L, respectively). Clinical characteristics associated with hemorrhage were analyzed. Results: Among 330 neonates, 52.7% showed mild hypofibrinogenemia, 25.5% had moderate hypofibrinogenemia, and 21.8% had severe hypofibrinogenemia. Severe hypofibrinogenemia was not associated with gestational age, but the mild form was frequent in neonates with low/normal birthweight (P = 0.018). Approximately 80.6% of neonates presented hypofibrinogenemia as variable combinations of thrombocytopenia or coagulopathies. Hemorrhage occurred in 38.8% of the cases, 60.9% of which were mild. Hemorrhage manifested as puncture site bleeding (47.7%) or spontaneous skin/mucous membrane bleeding (34.2%). The degree of hypofibrinogenemia was not associated with the severity or occurrence of hemorrhage. Among patients with hypofibrinogenemia and bleeding, 53.4% of the cases with coagulopathies showed mild hemorrhage, 85.7% of the cases with thrombocytopenia had moderate bleeding, while 53.8% of the cases with coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia showed severe hemorrhage. Conclusion: Neonatal hypofibrinogenemia is often comorbid and occurs with thrombocytopenia and/or coagulopathies. Although hemorrhage is not associated with the degree of hypofibrinogenemia, it may be severe when hypofibrinogenemia co-occurs with coagulopathies and/or thrombocytopenia.
A Novel, Orally Delivered Antibody Therapy and Its Potential to Prevent Clostridioides difficile Infection in Pre-clinical Models

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a toxin-mediated infection in the gut and a major burden on healthcare facilities worldwide. We rationalized that it would be beneficial to design an antibody therapy that is delivered to, and is active at the site of toxin production, rather than neutralizing the circulating and luminal toxins after significant damage of the layers of the intestines has occurred. Here we describe a highly potent therapeutic, OraCAb, with high antibody titers and a formulation that protects the antibodies from digestion/inactivation in the gastrointestinal tract. The potential of OraCAb to prevent CDI in an in vivo hamster model and an in vitro human colon model was assessed. In the hamster model we optimized the ratio of the antibodies against each of the toxins produced by C. difficile (Toxins A and B). The concentration of immunoglobulins that is effective in a hamster model of CDI was determined. A highly significant difference in animal survival for those given an optimized OraCAb formulation versus an untreated control group was observed. This is the first study testing the effect of oral antibodies for treatment of CDI in an in vitro gut model seeded with a human fecal inoculum. Treatment with OraCAb successfully neutralized toxin production and did not interfere with the colonic microbiota in this model. Also, treatment with a combination of vancomycin and OraCAb prevented simulated CDI recurrence, unlike vancomycin therapy alone. These data demonstrate the efficacy of OraCAb formulation for the treatment of CDI in pre-clinical models.
Sex Differences and Long-Term Outcome in Patients With Pacemakers

Introduction: Evidence of sex-related differences in patients with pacemakers regarding comorbidities is insufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of cardiovascular comorbidities and sex category with properties of pacemaker implantation, pacemaker follow-up, and long-term survival. Methods: This retrospective, single-center cohort study consisted of 6,362 pacemaker-patients (39.7% female) enrolled between May 2000 and April 2015. Functional pacemaker parameters were registered at regular pacemaker controls. Survival status and cause of death were analyzed in relation to comorbidities, implanted pacing devices, and echocardiography. Survival analyses were plotted for a 10-year follow-up. Results: Patients with hypertension or hyperlipidemia had higher rates of implantations due to sick sinus syndrome (28.6 vs. 25.5% without hypertension, P < 0.001; 30.7 vs. 25.7% without hyperlipidemia, P < 0.001), while endocarditis was associated with higher rates of implantations due to AV block (46.7 vs. 33.4%, P < 0.001). Patients with valvular heart disease had higher rates of pacemaker implantation due to bradycardic atrial fibrillation (24.9 vs. 21.0% without valvular heart disease, P < 0.001). Ventricular pacing threshold increased in both sexes during the follow-up and was higher in women in the final follow-up (0.94 vs. 0.91 V in men, P = 0.002). During the 10-years follow-up, 6.1% of women and 8.6% of men underwent lead replacement (P = 0.054). Device and lead replacement rates were increased if the comorbidities coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, valvular heart disease, previous stroke/TIA, atrial arrhythmias, chronic kidney disease, or endocarditis were present. Diabetes and previous CABG increase the rates of device replacement, but not the rate of lead replacement. Severe tricuspid regurgitation after implantation of pacemaker was present in more men than women (14.4 vs. 6.1%, P < 0.001). In a multivariate COX regression, the following variables were associated with independent decrease of 10-year survival: hypertension (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.09–1.64), chronic kidney disease (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.53–2.19), tricuspid regurgitation after pacemaker implantation (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.26–1.74). Survival was independently increased in female sex (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.99) and hyperlipidemia (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67–0.97). Conclusions: Cardiovascular comorbidities influenced significantly pacemaker implantations and long-term outcome. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Unique identifier: NCT03388281.