Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nested assemblages of Orthoptera species in the Netherlands: the importance of habitat features and life‐history traits

Aim Species communities often exhibit nestedness, the species found in species‐poor sites representing subsets of richer ones. In the Netherlands, where intensification of land use has led to severe fragmentation of nature, we examined the degree of nestedness in the distribution of Orthoptera species. An assessment was made of how environmental conditions and species life‐history traits are related to this pattern, and how variation in sampling intensity across sites may influence the observed degree of nestedness.
Partial Response Signaling for Circular Convolution Based Filter Bank Multi-Carrier System Adopting Quadrature Amplitude Modulation

A circular convolution-based filter bank multi-carrier system adopting quadrature amplitude modulation (CQAM-FBMC) that utilizes partial response signaling (PRS), referred to as the PRS-CQAM-FBMC system, is proposed and analyzed. The proposed PRS-CQAM-FBMC system has fully overlapped FBMC symbols without the time shifts and the transition time through the circular convolution filter banks in the time domain and the improved localization property by the PRS of the poorly localized QAM-FBMC symbols in the frequency domain. Therefore, the PRS-CQAM-FBMC system can achieve higher spectral efficiency than the conventional QAM-FBMC system in short-packet transmission scenarios. The analyses and simulation results show that the symbol error rate performances of the PRS-CQAM-FBMC system without cyclic prefix are robust in additive white Gaussian channels and multi-path fading channels. Moreover, the PRS-CQAM-FBMC system with the improved localization property by PRS can further provide enhanced spectral efficiency by more than 10%.
Survivorship in Two Coastal Populations of Gopherus berlandieri

Abstract We studied two closely situated (6.4 km distance) coastal populations of the Gopherus berlandieri in Cameron County, Texas. The Yturria Ranch population was monitored from 1972 through 1987, and the Reed Ranch population was monitored from 1977 through 1987. Tortoises were located by searching between grid lines 18.3 m apart that encompassed 3.3 ha on the Yturria Ranch and 2.0 ha on the Reed Ranch. Nine (3.7%) of 244 tortoises marked on the Yturria Ranch and 16 (10.5%) of 151 marked on the Reed Ranch died during the study. Timing of known deaths were distinctly different for the two sites, with nine tortoises found dead on the Yturria Ranch from 1983–87, whereas all known tortoise deaths occurred on the Reed Ranch from 1977–79. Annual survivorship estimates were higher for males and females on the Yturria Ranch, but survivorships at both sites were similar. Abundance of prickly pear (Opuntia engelmannii), on which tortoises feed, on the Yturria Ranch site may have contributed to a higher survivorship by providing high water content biomass during droughts and by providing cover that reduced predation.
A Predictive Model for Temporal Artery Biopsy in the Setting of Suspected Giant Cell Arteritis: A Validation Study

Purpose: A previously published predictive model based on threshold parameters for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, c-reactive protein, and platelet count demonstrated that 40% of patients who underwent biopsy may not have required it. The current study was performed to evaluate the model’s performance on an independent data set. Methods: This is a retrospective consecutive series of patients undergoing temporal artery biopsy (TAB) in a single health region in Canada. The model was applied to a multicenter cohort of patients undergoing TAB by a variety of surgical services. A centralized pathological database serving multiple institutions and surgical services was used to identify patients undergoing TAB. Results: Over a 7-year period, patients undergoing TAB were identified via a central pathological database. Those who had concurrent illnesses which would likely affect erythrocyte sedimentation rate, c-reactive protein, and platelet count, patients on steroids for >2 weeks by the time of biopsy, and those with missing serum markers were excluded. The previously developed model was applied to the 222 patients enrolled. The model correctly identified 29% of patients with a pretest probability of 0% for a positive biopsy and 9% with a pretest probability of 100%, suggesting that in total, 38% of patients could have avoided TAB. Conclusion: The results of this independent data set support the previously published predictive formula. Utilizing a simple, clinically applicable predictive model of the pretest probabilities, approximately 38% of TAB currently being performed may be avoided. The results suggest that evaluation with a prospective multicentre study would be appropriate. In a series of 222 patients with suspected giant cell arteritis, a simple predictive model based on serum markers would have obviated the need for temporal artery biopsy in 38%.
PTEN dephosphorylates Abi1 to promote epithelial morphogenesis

The tumor suppressor PTEN is essential for epithelial morphogenesis. Qi et al. identify Abi1, a core adaptor protein in the WAVE regulatory complex, as a new PTEN substrate. PTEN dephosphorylates Abi1 and causes Abi1 degradation through calpains and thus down-regulates the WAVE regulatory complex to induce epithelial differentiation and polarization.
Social Capital and Preferences for Aging in Place Among Older Adults Living in Rural Northeast China

The present study examines the association between cognitive social capital and structural social capital and aging-in-place among older adults living in rural Northeastern Chinese communities. Data were derived from a survey conducted in Dongliao County, Jilin Province, China, in late 2019. A quota sampling approach was used to recruit 458 respondents aged 60 years and older. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the proposed model. The results show that the measurement models of cognitive social capital and structural social capital were established in rural Chinese communities. Structural social capital was found to have a higher effect on aging in place than cognitive social capital (structural social capital: β = 0.241, p < 0.001; cognitive social capital: β = 0.118, p < 0.05). The findings highlight the crucial role both cognitive and structural social capital play in affecting the preference for aging in place among older rural Chinese adults. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.
Combining neurofeedback with source estimation: Evaluation of an sLORETA neurofeedback protocol for chronic tinnitus treatment

Background: Alpha/delta neurofeedback has been shown to be a potential treatment option for chronic subjective tinnitus. Traditional neurofeedback approaches working with a handful of surface electrodes have been criticized, however, due to their low spatial specificity. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate an innovative tomographic neurofeedback protocol that combines neural activity measured across the whole scalp with sLORETA source estimation. Methods: Forty-eight tinnitus patients participated in 15 neurofeedback training sessions as well as extensive pre, post, and follow-up testing. Patients were randomly assigned to either a tomographic (TONF) or a traditional electrode-based neurofeedback (NTNF) group. Main outcome measures of this study were defined as tinnitus-related distress measured with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ), tinnitus loudness, and resting-state EEG activity in trained frequency bands. Results: For both groups a significant reduction of tinnitus-related distress and tinnitus loudness was found. While distress changes remained persistent irrespective of group, loudness levels returned to baseline in the follow-up period. No significant between-group differences between the 2 neurofeedback applications (TONF vs. NTNF) were found, which suggests a similar contribution to symptom improvement. The trained alpha/delta ratio increased significantly over the course of the training and remained stable in the follow-up period. This effect was found irrespective of group on both surface and source levels with no meaningful differences between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Our study shows that a tomographic alpha/delta protocol should be considered a promising addition to tinnitus treatment but that more individually specific neurofeedback protocols should be developed.
Antecedents and outcomes of brand love

The study of the factors that lead consumers to feel brand love has been becoming of increased importance, knowing that consumers develop emotional and passionate relationships with brands today. The purpose of our study is to identify the main determinants and relational consequences of apple brand love. Based on a sample of 215 respondents, the model of structural equations was used. The results showed that experience, identification and satisfaction with the brand are essential for consumers to feel love for apple brand. Already brand prestige and experience and identification with the brand proved to be crucial in obtaining satisfaction with the apple brand. In turn, love and satisfaction with the apple brand generate loyalty and positive word of mouth. Finally, loyal consumers speak positively of the apple brand.
MALE BEHAVIORS OF SOCIALLY MONOGAMOUS TIBETAN EARED-PHEASANTS DURING THE BREEDING SEASON

Abstract The social behavior of free-living male Tibetan Eared-pheasants (Crossoptilon harmani) is described during their breeding season at a site near Lhasa, Tibet. Four types of male-male interactions were identified. (1) Mate guarding. A male maintained vigilance behavior near his partner. (2) Evading. A male urged the female to avoid other breeding males. (3) Lateral display. A male laterally presented his body to another male and the latter postured submissively. On a few occasions, displaying males escaped alone and dominant males attempted to copulate with mates of these males. (4) Driving. A male violently drove off any males that came too near his mate. These behavioral types emerged as pair members associated in groups in early spring, became extensive as pair bonds intensified, and disappeared with hatching. Paired males occasionally displayed to subadult males, but no display activity was observed between subadult males. These interactions were unidirectional for a group in which all male members were individually identified and revealed a linear dominance hierarchy among the males. I believe that mate-guarding was to detect and evading was to escape the high-ranking males, which potentially obtained (through displaying to lower-ranking males) extra-pair copulations. Advertising quality to impress/intimidate opponents and to attract additional females is likely the underlying reason for male-male display. My observations provide an interesting example of how males behaviorally respond to conflict between gregariousness and maintenance in a socially monogamous mating system.
Changes in carotenoid composition in different developmental stages of copepods: Pseudocalanus acuspes Giesbrecht and Acartia spp.

d.w. , respectively. Significant changes were observed in the proportion of carotenoids of separate developmental groups. Astaxanthin and canthaxanthin occurred in all developmental groups, with the evident dominance of astaxanthin. However, copepodid groups I–III, and especially IV–V including adults, showed an increased proportion of astaxanthin esters. This suggests that astaxanthin is the main active carotenoid in copepod metabolism. It acts most probably as an efficient free radical quencher and may be involved in rapid metabolism of stored lipids in mostly unfeeding young nauplii. The feeding stages (late nauplii and copepodids I–III and IV–V) are evidently able to metabolize this pigment by esterification and further degradation.
Evaluation of a six‐dye multiplex composed of 27 markers for forensic analysis and databasing

Short tandem repeat (STR) markers play a significant role in genetic applications and have proved to be effective for the personal identification in forensic medicine. In this study, a six‐dye multiplex composed of 23 autosomal STR loci (TH01, D3S1358, Penta D, D6S1043, D21S11, TPOX, D1S1656, D12S391, Penta E, D10S1248, D22S1045, D19S433, D8S1179, D2S1338, D2S441, D18S51, vWA, FGA, D16S539, CSF1PO, D13S317, D5S818, D7S820), one Y chromosome STR (DYS391), two internal quality control markers (Quality Sensor QS1 and QS2), and Amelogenin was evaluated.
Shale Gas Development and Community Distress: Evidence from England

This research examines psychosocial stress associated with shale gas development through the narratives of residents and the Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R). We carried out our research in three of England’s communities impacted by shale gas development. To gather data, we conducted qualitative interviews and engaged in participant observation in all three communities and conducted a quantitative survey of residents. From our qualitative interviews it was apparent that the residents we spoke with experienced significant levels of stress associated with shale gas development in each community. Importantly, residents reported that stress was not only a reaction to development, but a consequence of interacting with industry and decision makers. Our quantitative findings suggest that a significant portion of residents 14.1% living near the shale gas sites reported high levels of stress (i.e., scoring 24 or more points) even while the mean IES-R score of residents living around the site is relatively low (i.e., 9.6; 95% CI 7.5–11.7). We conclude that the experiences, of the three English communities, reported in the qualitative interviews and quantitative survey are consistent with the reports of stress in the United States for those residents who live in shale gas communities. We therefore suggest that psychosocial stress is an important negative externality, which needs to be taken seriously by local planning officers and local planning committees when considering exploration and development permits for shale gas.
Field Study on the Immunological Response and Protective Effect of a Licensed Autogenous Vaccine to Control Streptococcus suis Infections in Post-Weaned Piglets

Streptococcus suis is one of the most important bacterial pathogens in weaned piglets and responsible for serious economic losses to the swine industry. Currently, mostly autogenous vaccines composed of killed bacteria (bacterins) are available. However, immunological and protective data from field studies are missing. We report for the first time a comparative field study on the immunological response induced by an autogenous vaccine applied to either piglets or sows in a farm with recurrent S. suis problems. (I) Piglets from non-vaccinated sows received an autogenous bacterin during the first week and at three weeks of age. (II) Sows received the vaccine at five and three weeks pre-farrowing and piglets were non-vaccinated. Levels, isotype profile and opsonophagocytosis capacity of the serum antibodies induced by vaccination were evaluated. Vaccination of piglets failed to induce an active immune response. Vaccination of sows induced a significant increase in anti-S. suis antibodies, mainly composed of IgG1. However, isotype switching was modulated by the S. suis serotype included in the vaccine formulation. Despite this antibody increase in vaccinated sows, transfer of maternal immunity to piglets was not different from the control group (i.e., piglets from non-vaccinated sows). Notably, levels of maternal antibodies in piglets were already very high with marked opsonophagocytosis capacity at one week of age, independently of the vaccination program. However, their levels decreased by three weeks of age, indicating possible absence of antibodies in the post-weaning high-risk period. These observations correlated with lack of clinical protection in the farm. Overall, a piglet or a sow vaccination program herein mostly failed to induce lasting protection in nursery piglets. An improvement of vaccine formulation or an optimized program may be required.
Role of Apolipoprotein D and its homologs, in normal and pathological aging, in Drosophila melanogaster

The free radical theory of aging is probably the most enduring one to date. It stipulates that, in the process of normal cellular function, in particular due to oxygen-based respiration, reactive oxygen species are formed. These constantly put a strain on the cell, damaging lipids in the membranes, causing protein aggregation and loss-of-function, or mutations in the genome. Over time, this accumulated damage overcomes the repair potential of a given cell, and scaled up to an entire organism, results in the deterioration seen in normal aging. Under these assumptions, age-related pathologies are only an acceleration of the process in a given tissue, leading to the emergence of the pathology over the noise of normal aging. In the past decade, invertebrates such as Drosophila melanogaster and C. elegans have provided invaluable insight into these processes and the canonical pathways that regulate them. This success is owed in part to the power of the genetic tools available, to their relatively short lifespans, and to the wide arrays of phenotypes that can be studied. We set out to study a particular protein, Glaz, whose overexpression enables fruitflies to live 30% longer than normal. This protein was identified as a hit from a screen looking at an accelerated aging paradigm, placing fruitflies in 100% oxygen. While an interesting protein in its own right, it was through its homology with mammalian Apolipoprotein D (ApoD), that our interest was truly piqued. ApoD and its homologs turn out to be fascinating proteins, upregulated by various stresses and in age-related diseases such as cancers and Alzheimer’s. We showed, in our model organism of choice, that this upregulation is part of a beneficial stress response. Understanding and harnessing its functions can only help provide therapeutic approaches for a wide range of disorders.
Low Cost and Compact FMCW 24 GHz Radar Applications for Snowpack and Ice Thickness Measurements

Monitoring the evolution of snow on the ground and lake ice—two of the most important components of the changing northern environment—is essential. In this paper, we describe a lightweight, compact and autonomous 24 GHz frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar system for freshwater ice thickness and snow mass (snow water equivalent, SWE) measurements. Although FMCW radars have a long-established history, the novelty of this research lies in that we take advantage the availability of a new generation of low cost and low power requirement units that facilitates the monitoring of snow and ice at remote locations. Test performance (accuracy and limitations) is presented for five different applications, all using an automatic operating mode with improved signal processing: (1) In situ lake ice thickness measurements giving 2 cm accuracy up to ≈1 m ice thickness and a radar resolution of 4 cm; (2) remotely piloted aircraft-based lake ice thickness from low-altitude flight at 5 m; (3) in situ dry SWE measurements based on known snow depth, giving 13% accuracy (RMSE 20%) over boreal forest, subarctic taiga and Arctic tundra, with a measurement capability of up to 3 m in snowpack thickness; (4) continuous monitoring of surface snow density under particular Antarctic conditions; (5) continuous SWE monitoring through the winter with a synchronized and collocated snow depth sensor (ultrasonic or LiDAR sensor), giving 13.5% bias and 25 mm root mean square difference (RMSD) (10%) for dry snow. The need for detection processing for wet snow, which strongly absorbs radar signals, is discussed. An appendix provides 24 GHz simulated effective refractive index and penetration depth as a function of a wide range of density, temperature and wetness for ice and snow.
High Refractive-Index Hybrids Consisting of Water-Soluble Matrices with Bipyridine-Modified Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane and Lanthanoid Cations

We report high refractive-index (RI) films composed of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (SSQ) matrices and various lanthanoid cations. The SSQ matrices were constructed from octaammonium SSQ by connecting with bipyridine dicarboxylic acid, which is expected to capture cations. By modulating the feed ratio between SSQ and dicarboxylic acid, the series of the SSQ matrices were obtained with variable cross-linking ratios among the SSQ units. Thin transparent films were able to be prepared through the drop-casting method with the aqueous mixtures containing SSQ matrices and various kinds of lanthanoid salts up to 40 wt %. From RI measurements, it was revealed that the increase of the amount of the metal ion can significantly lift up the RI values. In particular, critical losses of Abbe numbers, which theoretically have the trade-off relationship toward increases in RI values, were hardly detected. This effect could be obtained by cation assembly in local spots that are assisted by SSQ.
The Theoretical Biologist's Toolbox: Quantitative Methods for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Preface 1. Four examples and a metaphor 2. Topics from ordinary and partial differential equations 3. Probability and some statistics 4. The evolutionary ecology of parasitoids 5. The population biology of disease 6. An introduction to some of the problems of sustainable fisheries 7. The basics of stochastic population dynamics 8. Applications of stochastic population dynamics to ecology, evolution and biodemography.
Bottomland Vegetation Distribution along Passage Creek, Virginia, in Relation to Fluvial Landforms

Persistent distribution patterns of woody vegetation within the bottomland forest of Passage Creek, Virginia, were related to fluvial landforms, channel geometry, streamflow characteristics, and sediment—size characteristics. Vegetation patterns were determined from species presence as observed in transects and traverses on landforms developed along the stream. Distinct species distributional patterns were found on four common fluvial geomorphic landforms: depositional bar, active—channel shelf, floodplain, and terrace. Independent hydrologic characteristics (flow duration and flood frequency) were determined for each of the landforms. Vegetation data were analyzed by binary discriminant analysis, principal components analysis, and detrended correspondence analysis. Results and related field observations suggest that certain species are significantly associated with specific fluvial landforms. Vegetation patterns appear to develop more as a result of hydrologic processes associated with each fluvial landform rather than from sediment—size characteristics. Flood disturbance may be an important factor in maintaining the vegetation patterns, which may therefore be used as indicators for particular hydrogeomorphic site conditions.