Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assimilation efficiencies of chemical contaminants in aquatic invertebrates: A synthesis

Assimilation efficiencies of contaminants from ingested food are critical for understanding chemical accumulation and trophic transfer in aquatic invertebrates. Assimilation efficiency is a first‐order physiological parameter that can be used to systematically compare the bioavailability of different contaminants from different foods. The various techniques used to measure contaminant assimilation efficiencies are reviewed. Pulse‐chase feeding techniques and the application of gamma‐emitting radiotracers have been invaluable in measuring metal assimilation efficiencies in aquatic animals. Uniform radiolabeling of food is required to measure assimilation, but this can be difficult when sediments are the food source. Biological factors that influence contaminant assimilation include food quantity and quality, partitioning of contaminants in the food particles, and digestive physiology of the animals. Other factors influencing assimilation include the behavior of the chemical within the animal's gut and its associations with different geochemical fractions in food particles. Assimilation efficiency is a critical parameter to determine (and to make predictions of) bioaccumulation of chemicals from dietary exposure. Robust estimates of assimilation efficiency coupled with estimates of aqueous uptake can be used to determine the relative importance of aqueous and dietary exposures. For bioaccumulation of metals from sediments, additional studies are required to test whether metals bound to the acid‐volatile sulfide fraction of sediments can be available to benthic deposit‐feeding invertebrates. Most assimilation efficiency studies have focused on chemical transfer in organisms at the bottom of the food chain; additional studies are required to examine chemical transfer at higher trophic levels.
MATERNITY ROOST SITE SELECTION OF LONG-EARED MYOTIS, MYOTIS EVOTIS

Abstract Bat conservation is hindered by a lack of geographic-specific knowledge of characteristics of roost sites used by reproductive females. We examined roost selection by reproductive female Myotis evotis (long-eared myotis) in the Channeled Scablands of northeastern Washington. We used radiotelemetry to locate 35 roosts of reproductive female Myotis evotis. Habitat variables were measured for each roost itself and at a 0.1-ha microplot and 78-ha macroplot surrounding each roost. We measured habitat variables at random 0.1-ha microplots in the vicinity of each roost and at general random 0.1-ha microplots and 78-ha macroplots. Thirty-four roosts were found in crevices in small basalt rock formations. All radiomarked bats switched roosts at least once and roost switching apparently involved the entire colony. The average number of switches was 3.3 with an average of 2 days between roost switches. The distance traveled between day roosts averaged 148.9 m. Compared to random plots, roosts were in more open, rocky habitats, closer to edge of forest stands, and relatively distant from sources of permanent water.
2BALANCE: a cognitive-motor dual-task protocol for individuals with vestibular dysfunction

Introduction Aside from primary vestibular symptoms such as vertigo and dizziness, persons with vestibular dysfunction frequently express cognitive and motor problems. These symptoms have mainly been assessed in single-task setting, which might not represent activities of daily living accurately. Therefore, a dual-task protocol, consisting of the simultaneous performance of cognitive and motor tasks, was developed. This protocol assesses cognitive and motor performance in general, as well as cognitive-motor interference in specific. Methods and analysis The motor component of the 2BALANCE protocol consists of a static and dynamic postural task. These motor tasks are combined with different cognitive tasks assessing visuospatial cognition, processing speed, working memory and response inhibition. First, test–retest reliability will be assessed with an interval of 2 weeks in a group of young adults. Second, the 2BALANCE protocol will be validated in persons with bilateral vestibulopathy. Finally, the protocol will be implemented in persons with unilateral vestibular loss. Discussion and conclusions The 2BALANCE project aims to elucidate the impact of vestibular dysfunction on cognitive and motor performance in dual-task setting. This protocol represents everyday situations better than single-task protocols, as dual-tasks such as reading street signs while walking are often encountered during daily activities. Ultimately, this project could enable individualised and holistic clinical care in these patients, taking into account single as well as dual-task performance. Ethics and dissemination The current study was approved by the ethics committee of Ghent University Hospital on 5 July 2019 with registration number B670201940465. All research findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at vestibular as well as multidisciplinary international conferences and meetings. Trials registration number NCT04126798, pre-results phase.
Understanding food westernisation and other contemporary drivers of adult, adolescent and child nutrition quality in urban Vietnam

Abstract Objective: To examine the association between consumption of western foods purchased and consumed away from home and measures of nutrition quality: average daily caloric intake and macronutrient (carbohydrates, fat and protein) shares, for urban consumers in Vietnam, a country undergoing economic transition. Design: Cross-sectional observational data were collected using household surveys and 24-h food diaries. Outcome variables were individual average daily caloric intake and shares of calories from macronutrients: carbohydrates, fat and protein. The key explanatory variable was individual daily share of calories from western food purchased and consumed away from home. Ordinary least squares and multivariate regression analyses were used to examine the association between the outcome variables: caloric intake and macronutrient shares and the share of calories from western food consumed away from home. Setting: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Participants: In total, 1685 households and 4997 individuals, including adults (aged $$ \ge $$ 18 years), adolescents (aged 10–17 years) and children (aged 0–9 years). Results: The share of calories from western food away from home was significantly associated with higher caloric intake among male and female adults (P < 0·01), adolescents (P < 0·01) and male children (P < 0·10) and was associated with higher shares of fat for male and female adults (P < 0·01), adolescents (P < 0·01) and male children (P < 0·01). Conclusions: Policymakers must be conscious of the numerous factors associated with poor nutrition quality, especially in younger Vietnamese individuals. Relevant interventions targeting at risk groups are required if nutrition improvement is a long-term goal.
Development of the MPOB Fast Transfer Technique (MoFaTT) system for maintenance and maturation of oil palm culture aggregates.

The MPOB Fast Transfer Technique (MoFaTT) in Liquid Culture System was developed as a rapid and convenient method for liquid media replenishment during maintenance and maturation of cultures. The system was developed with the aim to further improve the efficiency of the liquid culture system. Oil palm cultures can be maintained for three to four months, and replenishment of medium can be done on the shaker at any desired time. The usefulness of the MoFaTT is not just the rate of multiplication or proliferation of cultures but also the efficiency of the system compared to the conventional maintenance of cultures in individual shake flasks. Some of the benefits offered are a reduction in medium replenishment steps and the time consumed, on-site medium replenishment and improved practicality of the system.
Association between different coping styles and health-related quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease: a cross-sectional study

Objective To describe overlapping coping strategies in people with Parkinson’s disease. Design Cross-sectional, cohort study. Setting Monocentric, inpatient and outpatient, university hospital. Participants Two-hundred participants enrolled, 162 patients with Parkinson’s disease (without dementia) analysed. Primary and secondary outcome measures Prevalence of different coping styles according to the German Essen Coping Questionnaire. Association between coping, sociodemographic and clinical parameters (Movement Disorder Society (MDS)-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), non-motor symptoms questionnaire (NMS-Quest), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), Beck depression inventory (BDI) and health-related quality of life (Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36))). Results In comparison with patients who employed a passive coping style, patients using an active form of coping were characterised by a shorter disease duration (p=0.017), fewer motor impairments (MDS-UPDRS II p=0.040, MDS-UPDRS III p=0.003), a lower non-motor burden (NMS-Quest p=0.048), better cognitive function (MoCA p=0.036) and fewer depressive symptoms (BDI p<0.001). From the 162 participants, 24% showed an overlap of active and passive coping strategies. The most common combination was acting/problem-oriented coping and distance and self-promotion. In comparison with patients who employed passive coping, the group with an overlapping coping style was characterised by a shorter disease duration (p=0.023) and lower depressive burden (p=0.001). In comparison with patients who employed active coping, the overlap group was characterised by poorer cognitive function (p=0.045). The SF-36 values of the overlap group were between those of the active and passive coping groups. Conclusion Knowledge about overlapping coping strategies is relevant to the implementation of strategies to promote active and healthy coping.
Study of Inkjet-Printed Silver Films Based on Nanoparticles and Metal-Organic Decomposition Inks with Different Curing Methods

Currently, inkjet printing conductive films have attracted more and more attention in the field of electronic device. Here, the inkjet-printed silver thin films based on nanoparticles (NP) ink and metal-organic decomposition (MOD) ink were cured by the UV curing method and heat curing method. We not only compared the electrical resistivity and adhesion strength of two types of silver films, but also studied the effect of different curing methods on silver films. The silver films based on NP ink had good adhesion strength with a lowest electrical resistivity of 3.7 × 10−8 Ω·m. However, the silver film based on MOD ink had terrible adhesion strength with a lowest electrical resistivity of 2 × 10−8 Ω·m. Furthermore, we found a simple way to improve the terrible adhesion strength of silver films based on MOD ink and tried to figure out the mechanisms. This work offers a further understanding of the different performances of two types of silver films with different curing methods.
Factors affecting morphogenesis in tissue culture of linseed fl ax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Linum usitatissimum L.) Linum usitatissimum

Factors infl uencing the morphogenic capability of linseed fl ax cultivars 'Lirina', 'Barbara' and 'Szaphir' in tissue culture were determined. Two different types of explants (stem segments and hypocotyls) of the three genotypes were cultivated in nutrient media differing in their macro and micro salts concentration and different levels of growth regulators. Our results showed, that callus induction, root formation and shoot regeneration was possible in all types of nutrient media. However, the intensity of morphogenesis was affected not only by the used exogenous growth regulators, but also by the type of explant and genotype. Hypocotyls from all tested genotypes were more responsive in shoot induction than stem segments on all tested media. Calli, shoots and roots were derived at the same time from tested explants in all media depending on the genotype. The best morphogenetic capabilities were demonstrated for cultivar 'Szaphir'. For all cultivars the largest number of shoots was produced on MSB 5 nutrient medium supplemented with cytokinin 6-(y-y-dimethylallylamine)purine (2.0 mg 1 -1
Breeding Habitat Preferences of Major Culicoides Species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Germany

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera, Ceratopognidae) are demonstrably or putatively involved in the transmission of both bluetongue (BTV) and Schmallenberg viruses (SBV) in Central Europe. Although these insects are ubiquitous in Europe, relatively little is known about their requirements in terms of breeding habitats and substrates. Culicoides species composition and relative abundance in potential breeding habitats were therefore studied at various locations in Northeastern Germany and one location in Western Germany by emergence trap collections. Forty-three potential breeding sites were analyzed in ten landscape structures, with 28,091 adult biting midges emerging from them. Among these, 2116 specimens belonged to the genus Culicoides. Species of the culicoid subgenus Avaritia were most abundant (70.6% of all specimens) and widespread (91.6% of all sites), while the subgenus Culicoides accounted for 15.6% of the specimens registered but emerged from 70.8% of all sites sampled. Culicoides species of other subgenera were collected in 75.0% of all studied sites, with a relative abundance of 8.7%. The results indicate that various types of dung, but probably also some landscape habitats, offer suitable substrates for the development of potential Culicoides vector species. Adaptations in dung management on farms and landscape design and use might therefore be appropriate approaches to reduce the risk of BTV or SBV transmission.
Development of Antibody Immuno-PET/SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals for Imaging of Oncological Disorders—An Update

Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are molecular imaging strategies that typically use radioactively labeled ligands to selectively visualize molecular targets. The nanomolar sensitivity of PET and SPECT combined with the high specificity and affinity of monoclonal antibodies have shown great potential in oncology imaging. Over the past decades a wide range of radio-isotopes have been developed into immuno-SPECT/PET imaging agents, made possible by novel conjugation strategies (e.g., site-specific labeling, click chemistry) and optimization and development of novel radiochemistry procedures. In addition, new strategies such as pretargeting and the use of antibody fragments have entered the field of immuno-PET/SPECT expanding the range of imaging applications. Non-invasive imaging techniques revealing tumor antigen biodistribution, expression and heterogeneity have the potential to contribute to disease diagnosis, therapy selection, patient stratification and therapy response prediction achieving personalized treatments for each patient and therefore assisting in clinical decision making.
The lichenicolous species of Odontotrema (Syn. Lethariicola) (Ascomycota, Ostropales)

Abstract The genus Lethariicola is shown to be a synonym of Odontotrema. Fifteen lichenicolous species are recognized: O. bryoriae sp. nov. (on Bryoria), O. cuculare comb. nov. (on Parmeliopsis hyperopta), O. figulinum comb. nov. (on Lecanora polytropa) O. intermedium sp. nov. (on Thamnolia), O. lecanorae sp. nov. (on Lecanora), O. melaneliae sp. nov. (on Melanelia), O. ochrolechiae sp. nov. (on Ochrolechia), O. pertusariae sp. nov. (on Pertusaria hymenea), O. rhizocarpicola sp. nov. (on Rhizocarpon) O. santessonii sp. nov. (on Thamnolia), O. sipei comb. nov. (on Letharia), O. thamnoliae sp. nov. (on Thamnolia), and three undescribed species on Lecanora, Mycoblastus and Usnea. The type of O. cuculare has two distinct lichenicolous species of Odontotrema, and the name is lectotypified on the species growing on Parmeliopsis. A key is given to all lichenicolous species of Odontotrema and Paralethariicola.
Die künstliche Besamung beim Schwein in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland

Inhalt: Es wird die Entwicklung und der gegenwartige Stand der Schweinebesamung in der BRD dargelegt. Itn Jahre 1969 wwrden von den bestehenden 6 Stationen uber 20 000 Erstbesamungen durchgefuhrt. Eine starkere Verbreitung dieser Zuchtmethode ist erst dann zu erwarten, wenn noch bessere Methoden der Samenkonservierung, der Brunstdiagnose, der Zyklussynchronisatiora zur Verfugung stehen und wenn die Besamung von den Tierhaltern selbst vorgenommen werden kann. Es wird vorgescblagen, die Besamung in den Herdbuchzuchten und den Ferkelerzeugerbetrieben in Zukunft starker und gezielter mit gepruften Altebern und eigenleistungsgepruften Jungebern anzuwenden, um dadurch den zuchterischen Fortschritt zu verbessern und zu beschleunigen bzw. den zuchterischen Fortschritt der Herdbuchzucht schneller als bisher auf die Landeszucht zu ubertragen. Contents: The development and the current situation of artificial insemination in pigs in the Federal Kepublic are described. In 1969 the six insemination centres carried out more than 20,000 first inseminations. This method of breeding is expected to become more widespread when better methods are available for the conservation of semen, for the detection of oestrus and for synchronisation of the cycle, and also when insemination can be performed by the animal owners themselves. It is suggested that in the future insemination should be used more frequently in thc stud-book breeding herds and by the piglet-producing organisations by employing semen of proven old boars and of young progeny-tested boars. This would improve and facilitate progress in breeding, and speed its transfer from stud-book herds to commercial producers.
Effect of Blanching Plus Fermentation on Selected Functional Properties of Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Powders

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of blanching followed by fermentation of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) with commercial meat starter cultures on the functional properties of powders produced from the larvae. Full fat and defatted powder samples were prepared from non-fermented and fermented mealworm pastes. Then the crude protein, crude fat, and dry matter contents, pH, bulk density, colour, water and oil binding capacity, foaming capacity and stability, emulsion capacity and stability, protein solubility, quantity of free amino groups, and protein composition of the powders were evaluated. Regardless of the starter culture used, the blanching plus fermentation process reduced the crude and soluble protein contents of the full fat powders and in general impaired their water and oil binding, foaming, and emulsifying properties. Defatting of the powders improved most functional properties studied. The o-phthaldialdehyde assay revealed that the amount of free amino groups was higher in the fermented powders while sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the soluble proteins of the fermented powders were composed of molecules of lower molecular mass compared to non-fermented powders. As molecular sizes of the soluble proteins decreased, it was clear that the protein structure was also modified by the fermentation process, which in turn led to changes in functional properties. In general, it was concluded that fermentation of mealworms with blanching as a pre-treatment does not contribute to the functional properties studied in this work. Nevertheless, the results confirmed that the properties of non-fermented powders are comparable to other food protein sources.
Tissue Damage Caused by Impaired Phagocytosis of Dead Cells: A Previously Unrecognized Adverse Effect Contributing to the Pathogenesis of γδ T Cells in Legionella Pneumonia

IL-17 plays a critical role in the immunological control of various infectious diseases; its function has been investigated in the removal of both extracellular and intracellular bacteria. Our group previously revealed the importance of IL-17 in neutrophil migration following Legionella infection by using IL-17AF knockout mice; however, aside from neutrophil infiltration, alternative causes for the reduced survival of these mice have not been characterized. In this study, we found that γδ T cells in IL-17AF knockout mice were markedly increased and produced the cytotoxic substances granzyme B and perforin. Moreover, the elimination of γδ T cells from these mice, via an anti-TCRδ Ab, caused a substantial reduction in the level of lactate dehydrogenase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, indicating that γδ T cells contribute to lung tissue damage. Moreover, although cells lysed by cytotoxic substances are typically eliminated by phagocytic cells, in IL-17AF knockout mice, lung homeostasis was not maintained because of a decrease in phagocytic cells that impaired the clearance of dead cells. Our results indicate that increased γδ T cells in IL-17AF knockout mice help eliminate Legionella by releasing cytotoxic substances and lysing infected cells; however, this results in tissue damage due to insufficient removal of dead cells by phagocytic cells. This study enhances our understanding of the protective response against Legionella and provides insights into γδ T cell–mediated protective immunity against various infectious diseases.
A Cascaded Multi-Stepped Split Ring Resonator Inspired Bandpass Filter for S-Band Applications

The paper presents a reconfigurable design of microwave bandpass filter inspired by two cascaded multistepped split ring resonators. The structure has an overall dimension of 32 mm× 20 mm, designed on RO4350B substrate of relative permittivity (�r = 3.6) and height 0.762 mm. A varactor diode connected between the two split ring resonators provides a change in structure electrical length required for the coarse tuning of frequency response. The designed filter offers frequency response between 2.8 GHz to 3.6 GHz depending on the reverse bias voltage of the diode. Keywordsbandpass, biasing circuit, multi-stepped split ring resonator, reconfigurable, varactor diode
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: clinical and biochemical findings in Brazilian patients

Abstract Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) or RSH syndrome comprises multiple congenital anomalies and mental retar-dation.Theunderlyingdefectisadeficiencyintheactivityof 7 -sterolreductase,whichdecreasescholesterolandin-creases 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) levels. Our aim was to identify and evaluate the frequency of SLOSmanifestations in a group of Brazilian patients. Based on our own data and those reported previously, we present asimple method that allows the estimation of probabilities favoring the diagnosis of SLOS. We evaluated 30 patientsclinically and determined their plasma levels of cholesterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol. In 11 patients, the diagnosiswas confirmed by ultraviolet spectrophotometry (UV). Of 19 patients with normal laboratory results, 17 showed ahighprobabilityfavoringthediagnosisofSLOS.Themostsignificantsignsandsymptomsobservedinover2/3ofthebiochemically confirmed cases were mental retardation (10/11), delayed neuropsychomotor development (10/11),syndactyly of 2