Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Diet and Microhabitat Use of Red-legged Salamanders (Plethodon shermani) in Southwestern North Carolina

The selection of a foraging habitat may be driven by food availability or by the cost associated with the use of that habitat. This basic tradeoff can lead individuals in the same population to occupy different habitats in response to perceived risk levels. In the southeastern United States, plethodontid salamanders are often observed climbing vegetation, which represents a potential foraging habitat. We examined whether diet composition of the Red-legged Salamander, Plethodon shermani, differed between salamanders found on vegetation and on the ground surface. Contrary to the results of a previous study, we found that the overall number and mass of prey items did not differ between salamanders in these two microhabitats. Furthermore, we found no evidence that the relative use of different prey categories varied in relation to a salamander's selected microhabitat. Although salamanders of all body sizes had consumed a diverse range of prey items, we found evidence of an ontogenetic shift in prey utilization, with smaller salamanders consuming a significantly greater number of prey items than larger salamanders while there was no relationship between body size and mass of prey consumed.
EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF CROTON ROXBURGHII BALAK. (EUPHORBIACEAE) LEAVES

Antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of Croton roxburghii Balak. (Euphorbiaceae) leaves, in different concentrations (5ig/ml, 25ig/ml, 50ig/ml, 100ig/ml, 250ig/ml), was carried out as a part of search for new antimicrobial substance against important human pathogens. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were carried out against six human pathogens like, two Gram positive bacteria namely B.subtilis & S.aureus, two Gram negative bacteria namely E.coli & K.pneumoniae and two fungal strains namely A.flavus & C.albicans, by disc diffusion method following standard procedures. The zone of inhibition of the extract was compared with that of different standard drugs like Streptomycin, Cifpodoxime and Gentamycin, for antibacterial activity while Amphotericin, Fluconazole and Clotrimazole, for antifungal activity. The observed results (zone of inhibition) showed that methanol extract of Croton roxburghii leaves possess effective antibacterial and antifungal activities against all tested organisms comparable with that of standard drugs.
Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) and Tumor Response as Biomarkers of Nivolumab Monotherapy in Third- or Later-line Setting for Advanced Gastric Cancer

Background/Aim: This study aimed to seek clinical biomarkers of nivolumab monotherapy for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) of which efficacy is limited. We focused on Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), which reflects systemic inflammatory and nutritional status as well as disease control by chemotherapy immediately before nivolumab (DCBC). Patients and Methods: AGC patients with measurable lesions who were treated with nivolumab in the third- or later-line were included. DCBC was defined as a best overall response of complete response (CR), partial response, stable disease, or non-CR/non-progressive disease achieved by chemotherapy immediately before nivolumab. Results: Eighty patients were analyzed. Among the various clinical factors, multivariable analysis revealed that a GPS of 2 was significantly associated with a shorter overall survival and DCBC was significantly associated with a longer progression-free survival. Conclusion: We present the potential of GPS and DCBC as efficient biomarkers of nivolumab for AGC, that warrants further evaluation.
DETECTION AND PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIP OF PAPAYA RINGSPOT VIRUS-P IN PAKISTAN

Four commercial papaya orchards in the Sindh province of Pakistan were surveyed for the presence of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) in February and May of 2012. Leaf samples with mottling, yellowing and dark streaking were collected from trees with fruits showing concentric C-shaped rings and tested by ELISA with virus-specific antibodies. Results showed that 70 samples tested positive to PRSV, nine of which were characterized by RTPCR using primers designed in the sequence encoding the nuclear inclusion b (NIb) and the coat protein (CP) genes. Phylogenetic analyses of the partial coat protein sequence showed a close relationship of the isolates from Pakistan to one other and to an isolate from India (99% identity) but a relative divergence with other isolates from different geographical locations. This is the first report of PRSV on papaya in Pakistan.
Characterization and Comparison of SLAM/CD150 in Free-Ranging Coyotes, Raccoons, and Skunks in Illinois for Elucidation of Canine Distemper Virus Disease

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a cause of significant disease in canids and increasingly recognized as a multi-host pathogen, particularly of non-canid families within Carnivora. CDV outbreaks in sympatric mesocarnivores are routinely diagnosed in the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois. CDV is diagnosed more commonly and the disease more severe in raccoons and striped skunks than in coyotes. Research in other species suggests host cell receptors may play a role in variable disease outcome, particularly, the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) located on lymphoid cells. To evaluate receptor differences, partial SLAM genes were sequenced, and predicted amino acid (AA) sequences and structural models of the proposed viral interface assessed. Of 263 aligned nucleotide base pairs, 36 differed between species with 24/36 differences between canid and non-canids. Raccoon and skunk predicted AA sequences had higher homology than coyote and raccoon/skunk sequences and 8/11 residue differences were between coyote and raccoons/skunks. Though protein structure was similar, few residue differences were associated with charge and electrostatic potential surface alterations between canids and non-canids. RNAScope®(Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Silicon Valley, USA) ISH revealed low levels of expression that did not differ significantly between species or tissue type. Results suggest that differences in host receptors may impact species-specific disease manifestation.
Detection and molecular characterization of Polymyxa betae, transmitting agent of sugar beet rhizomania disease, in Iran

The plasmodiophorid Polymyxa betae is considered as the only natural transmitting agent of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), the most devastating agent of sugar beet fields throughout the world. To evaluate for the first time the genetic diversity of P. betae isolated from different autumn and spring sugar beet fields, and also to detect the presence of virus in these isolates, susceptible sugar beet plants (cv. Regina) were grown in soil samples collected from 10 different regions of Iran. P. betae detection was carried out using root microscopic observations, DAS-ELISA, and PCR-based methods. Results showed the presence of plasmodiophorids in all soil samples. Complementary assays also revealed the presence of viruses in soil samples collected from Khorasan Razavi, Fars, Hamadan and Kermanshah regions. The genetic diversity was evaluated through comparing glutathione-S-transferase nucleotide sequences amplified by PCR with the Internal Transcribed Spacers region. Results showed no significant differences in nucleotide
Two-Photon Microperimetry: A Media Opacity-Independent Retinal Function Assay

Humans perceive light in the visible portion of electromagnetic radiation. However, visible light is scattered and attenuated by optical media opacities. Because all conventional visual function tests rely on visible light, test results are reduced in patients with optical media opacities like corneal scars, cataracts, and vitreous hemorrhages. Infrared (IR) light has greater penetrance through tissue than visible light. Two-photon IR visual stimulation, a recently pioneered technology, should enable testing of retinal visual function and produce results that are less susceptible to media opacities. The effects of simulated media opacities on visual performance in young healthy volunteers and the change in visual function in healthy phakic patients of two age ranges (20-40 and 60-80-year-old) were studied using conventional testing and 2-photon infrared visual stimulation. All subjects completed visual function testing using cone contrast threshold (CCT) testing, conventional microperimetry, visible light microperimetry from a novel device (2PM-Vis), and infrared 2-photon microperimetry (2PM-IR). Retinal sensitivity measured by 2PM-IR demonstrated lower variability than all other devices relying on visible spectrum stimuli. Retinal sensitivity decreased proportionally with the transmittance of light through each filter. CCT scores and retinal sensitivity decreased with age in all testing modalities. Visible spectrum testing modalities demonstrated larger test result differences between young and old patient cohorts; this difference was inversely proportional to the wavelength of the visual function test. 2PM-IR mitigates media opacities which may mask small differences in retinal sensitivity when tested with conventional visual function testing devices. One Sentence Summary Two photon infrared visual function testing produces results that are less susceptible to media opacities than conventional tests.
Effect of non-structural carbohydrate dietary content on the productive performance of Sarda primiparous ewes

Abstract In order to enhance our knowledge of milk sheep rationing, 30 Sarda primiparous ewes, for which single birth was diagnosed by ultrasonography prior to lambing, were divided into two homogeneous groups (L-NSC and H-NSC) and fed isoproteic diets containing different amounts of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC, 36 vs 40 % DM). The lambs were weighed both at birth (between February and March 2002) and at sale (about one month later) in order to estimate milk produced by their mothers during the lactation period, by using a specific equation developed on Sarda ewes. Individual milk yield and quality were then monitored monthly until the ewes dried off (July 2002). Our results showed that group H-NSC (which received the diet with the highest NSC content) was associated to the highest milk yield (P<0.01) during the suckling period. In contrast, in the milking period group L-NSC showed significantly higher (P<0.05) mean milk yield (996.2 vs 899.8 g/d) and fat and protein corrected milk yield (979.6 vs 877.7 g/d). Dietary treatments did not significantly affect milk composition. In conclusion, considering the milk production of each group as a function of the lactation month, group H-NSC had its best performance during the first two months of lactation, while group L-NSC was more productive during the remaining months. Also the percentage of protein, fat and casein of the milk during milking showed a similar trend. While the latter parameters were higher in the H-NSC group during the first two months of milking, from the 4th control onward higher levels were observed in the L-NSC group. These results suggest, at least for Sarda primiparous ewes, the adoption of diets with different contents of non-structural carbohydrates according to the productive period (40 %, DM basis, in the first two months of lactation, 36 %, DM basis, in subsequent months).
Book review: Conteh J (2012) Teaching bilingual and eal learners in primary schools

collaboration with a parent or carer. There is potential for a child with AS to come back to this book and to reflect and remind themselves of strategies when they experience a problem. There is a short introductory section about understanding AS, but the bulk of the book focuses on activities for children with AS, i.e. self-help, coping with sensory challenges, social awareness and interaction, and coping with ICT issues such as mobile phones and the internet. The colour layout of the book is attractive to children, with three of the sections described above linked to a character: the brain guru, the sensory detective, and the social scientist. Key points and information are generally presented in accessible format, contained inside shapes to delineate different points, with consideration given to vocabulary content and length and complexity of syntax and grammar. The section on social awareness and interaction is, in my opinion, the most successful part of the toolkit. Understanding who you are and how to interact with others can often be the most difficult challenges faced by a child with AS, and the activities and approaches in this section provide children and their families with practical ideas, such as an ‘emoto-meter’ to identify how child feels using coloured test tubes. Keeping a ‘feelings log’, written either by the child or by the parent, to help link emotions and actions and provide a frame of reference for discussion is presented well. How to construct a social storyboard is explained clearly, with a supporting example. The section on self-help (the ‘brain guru’ section) is also a strong aspect. It gives a child some manageable and useful ideas about how to start with an aim and how to break it into achievable steps; it uses a seed, leaf and tree analogy as a means of recording. Using the ‘catalogue of success’ approach, either independently or with a parent, can provide a child with AS with a record of his or her successes to boost self confidence and to put more difficult days into perspective. The sensory section of the toolkit has a useful sensory profile, which can be used to explore what an individual is sensitive to, what it feels like, and what he or she could do about it with his or her family. The rest of this section is primarily focused on a sensory agility course, which I feel has limited impact. The author is the founder and trustee of AS Active (http://www.asactive.org), a community project set up and run by and for families of children with AS. I would recommend this book to families of children with AS. It has a number of relevant activities for AS children to develop coping techniques, build upon their strengths and celebrate their successes. The book is positive in its approach and is accessible to all.
Late changes in blood–brain barrier permeability in a rat tMCAO model of stroke detected by gadolinium-enhanced MRI

ABSTRACT Objectives After cerebral ischaemia the blood–brain barrier (BBB) may be compromised and this has been observed in both clinical and preclinical studies. The timing of BBB disruption after ischaemia has long been considered to be biphasic, however some groups contest this view. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the BBB permeability timecourse in a rat model at both acute and chronic time points Methods Unilateral transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) was performed in 15 male Sprague Dawley rats. Change in T1-weighted MR signal before and after an injection of gadolinium-based contrast agent was calculated voxelwise to derive a BBB permeability index (BBBPI) at both early (6 h, 12 h, and 24 h) and late (7 and 14 days) time points. Results As expected, BBBPI in the non-lesioned ROI was not significantly different from pre-occlusion baseline at any time point. However, BBBPI in the ipsilateral (lesioned) ROI was statistically different to baseline at day 7 (p < 0.001) and day 14 (p < 0.01) post-tMCAO. There was a small, but not-significant increase in BBBPI in the earlier phase (at 6 hours). Discussion Our results indicate a significant late opening of the BBB. This is important as the majority of previous studies have only characterised an early acute BBB permeability in ischemia. However, the later period of increased permeability may indicate an optimal time for drug delivery across the BBB, when it is especially suited to drugs targeting delayed processes.
Genetic heterogeneity in natural beds of the razor clam Ensis siliqua revealed by microsatellites

The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic diversity and population structure in the razor clam Ensis siliqua along the European Atlantic coast taking into account their recent history of exploitation and the ‘Prestige' oil spill. To this end we examined the genetic variability of microsatellite markers in 211 razor clams from five populations in Ireland, Portugal and Spain. Microsatellite data revealed a low genetic differentiation between the Spanish and Portuguese populations (FST = 0–0.032) and a moderate differentiation of these populations and the Irish samples (FST = 0.071–0.100). Although we observed changes in genetic diversity in accordance with the level of exploitation and the distribution of the oil spill, these changes were mild and not significant after Bonferroni correction. This could be the result of a genuine low impact, lack of statistical power and/or the capacity of this species to recolonize quickly after the impact of anthropogenic stressors. Supporting the latter argument we found a significant temporal heterogeneity of allelic frequencies in samples coming from the same sampling locality that could be attributed to the movement of adults or larvae from unaffected source populations.
Sensor-Aided V2X Beam Tracking for Connected Automated Driving: Distributed Architecture and Processing Algorithms

This paper focuses on ultra-reliable low-latency Vehicle-to-Anything (V2X) communications able to meet the extreme requirements of high Levels of Automation (LoA) use cases. We introduce a system architecture and processing algorithms for the alignment of highly collimated V2X beams based either on millimeter-Wave (mmW) or Free-Space Optics (FSO). Beam-based V2X communications mainly suffer from blockage and pointing misalignment issues. This work focuses on the latter case, which is addressed by proposing a V2X architecture that enables a sensor-aided beam-tracking strategy to counteract the detrimental effect of vibrations and tilting dynamics. A parallel low-rate, low-latency, and reliable control link, in fact, is used to exchange data on vehicle kinematics (i.e., position and orientation) that assists the beam-pointing along the line-of-sight between V2X transceivers (i.e., the dominant multipath component for mmW, or the direct link for FSO). This link can be based on sub-6 GHz V2X communication, as in 5G frequency range 1 (FR1). Performance assessments are carried out to validate the robustness of the proposed methodology in coping with misalignment induced by vehicle dynamics. Numerical results show that highly directional mmW and/or FSO communications are promising candidates for massive data-rate vehicular communications even in high mobility scenarios.
Which materialism? Questioning the matrix of psychology, neurology, psychoanalysis, and ideology critique

Juxtaposing the materialistic claims of the neurological turn in the psy-sciences in conjunction with the seemingly opposed virtual turn in society more broadly, this article explores the quadruple matrix of psychology/psychoanalysis/neurology/ideology critique. Assuming the challenge of materialism (“il faut absolutement être materialiste”), the various vicissitudes to which the components of the matrix are subjected to as they become trapped within the materialist–virtual vortex, are explored. It is argued that the failure to adopt a true materialist stance causes the various components of the matrix to collapse into one another. The central question of the paper: “can a psychoanalytic materialistic perspective offer a way out? ” is answered, largely via a critical dialogue with Adrian Johnston, by arguing that psychoanalysis deals with a decentred materiality, a materiality of the object a.
Consistency of Hearing Aid Setting Preference in Simulated Real-World Environments: Implications for Trainable Hearing Aids

Trainable hearing aids let users fine-tune their hearing aid settings in their own listening environment: Based on consistent user-adjustments and information about the acoustic environment, the trainable aids will change environment-specific settings to the user’s preference. A requirement for effective fine-tuning is consistency of preference for similar settings in similar environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate consistency of preference for settings differing in intensity, gain-frequency slope, and directionality when listening in simulated real-world environments and to determine if participants with more consistent preferences could be identified based on profile measures. A total of 52 adults (63–88 years) with hearing varying from normal to a moderate sensorineural hearing loss selected their preferred setting from pairs differing in intensity (3 or 6 dB), gain-frequency slope (±1.3 or ± 2.7 dB/octave), or directionality (omnidirectional vs. cardioid) in four simulated real-world environments: traffic noise, a monologue in traffic noise at 5 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and a dialogue in café noise at 5 and at 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Forced-choice comparisons were made 10 times for each combination of pairs of settings and environment. Participants also completed nine psychoacoustic, cognitive, and personality measures. Consistency of preference, defined by a setting preferred at least 9 out of 10 times, varied across participants. More participants obtained consistent preferences for larger differences between settings and less difficult environments. The profile measures did not predict consistency of preference. Trainable aid users could benefit from counselling to ensure realistic expectations for particular adjustments and listening situations.
Comparison of prevalence and associated factors of depressive disorder between patients with head and neck cancer and those with lung cancer at a tertiary hospital in Taiwan: a cross-sectional study

Objective Depression is a common comorbidity in cancer patients. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and associated factors of depressive disorder between patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and those with lung cancer (LC). Design This study used a cross-sectional design with consecutive sampling. Setting A medical centre (Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan). Participants Patients for the study were recruited from the HNC and LC outpatient clinic and inpatient ward from March 2016 to February 2018. Patients with HNC and LC were enrolled and assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome was psychiatric diagnoses assessed using the MINI. The secondary outcomes were psychological well-being assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Numeric Pain Rating Scale and the List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire. Results In total, 113 HNC patients and 104 LC patients were recruited for the study. The most common psychiatric comorbidity of HNC patients was alcohol use disorder (49.6%), followed by adjustment disorder (20.4%) and depressive disorder (11.5%). The most common psychiatric comorbidity of LC patients was depressive disorder (25.0%), followed by adjustment disorder (17.3%), alcohol use disorder (3.8%) and insomnia disorder (3.8%). Among HNC patients, a self-harm history was positively associated with depression (OR=11.91; 95% CI, 1.47 to 96.83), and a higher educational level was negatively associated with depression (OR=0.77; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.91). Among LC patients, severity of stressor (OR=2.78; 95% CI, 1.50 to 5.15) and severity of anxiety (OR=1.18; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.34) were two significant factors associated with depression. Conclusion We reported the prevalence and associated factors of depression between patients with HNC and those with LC. Clinicians should be aware of this comorbidity and the associated risk factors, and conduct intervention programmes to prevent these cancer patients from developing depression.