Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of the Global Positioning System for Locating Radio-Tagged Fish from Aircraft

Abstract Tracking from aircraft is a method commonly used to locate radio-tagged animals, and it typically involves observers who assign locations of detected animals in relation to physical landmarks. A technique that uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver instead of observers was developed and tested during 1993 to identify locations of radio-tagged adult rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss during aerial tracking in the Yakima River drainage in Washington. The technique was effective under both ideal and adverse weather conditions. Tracking flights that used the GPS receiver were more efficient, more accurate, safer, and less expensive than traditional tracking flights that require observers to estimate locations by using visual landmarks.
The influence of arbuscular mycorrhizae on the relationship between plant diversity and productivity

Ecological theory predicts a positive and asymptotic relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem productivity based on the ability of more diverse plant communities to use limiting resources more fully. This is supported by recent empirical evidence. Additionally, in natural ecosystems, plant productivity is often a function of the presence and composition of mycorrhizal associations. Yet, the effect of mycorrhizal fungi on the relationship between plant diversity and productivity has not been investigated. We predict that in the presence of AMF, productivity will saturate at lower levels of species richness because AMF increase the ability of plant species to utilize nutrient resources. In this study we manipulated old-field plant species richness in the presence and absence of two species of AMF. We found that in the absence of AMF, the relationship between plant species richness and productivity is positive and linear. However, in the presence of AMF, the relationship is positive but asymptotic, even though the maximum plant biomass was significantly different between the two AMF treatments. This is consistent with the hypothesis that AMF increase the redundancy of plant species in the productivity of plant communities, and indicates that these symbionts must be considered in future investigations of plant biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Analysis of occupational accidents among nurses working in hospitals based on safety climate and safety performance: a Bayesian network analysis

Purpose. This study aimed to analyze causal relationships among safety climate dimensions, safety performance dimensions and occupational accidents for nurses working in hospitals. Methods. Data were gathered from questionnaires filled in by nurses from three public hospitals. To analyze interactions among variables, a Bayesian network (BN) analysis was conducted. Using the function of BN ‘belief updating’, variables with the highest influences on occupational accidents were determined. Results. A total of 211 nurses participated in this study. They were mainly female and married. The results showed that 39.3% of nurses experienced occupational accidents during the last 12 months before the study. Less than half of the nurses had an acceptable safety performance. Safety participation had the highest influence on occupational accidents, followed by safety compliance. Reporting of errors had the highest score among the safety climate dimensions. Training of nurses was necessary for improving both safety compliance and safety participation, and thereby reducing occupational accidents. Conclusion. The effect of safety participation on occupational accidents among nurses was higher than that of safety compliance. Among the safety climate dimensions, supervisors’ attitude to safety and safety training had the highest effects on both nurses’ safety performance and occupational accidents.
Biogeographic distributions and environmental controls of stream diatoms in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago

Streams are amongst the most sensitive ecosystems in Arctic regions to environmental change. Although diatoms are excellent indicators of environmental change, little information is available about stream diatom distributions across the vast Canadian High Arctic. We sampled 42 streams from nine islands in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago to study their diatom floras and evaluate the influences of biogeographic and environmental variables on species distributions. Highly divergent diatom communities were identified, with 100% species overturn between the most dissimilar communities. Taxa including Hannaea arcus (Ehrenberg) Patrick were characteristic of streams from all regions; other common taxa included Nitzschia perminuta (Grunow) Peragallo, Rossithidium petersenii (Hustedt) Round & Bukhtiyarova, Achnanthidium minutissimum (Kutzing) Czarnecki, and Eucocconeis laevis (Ostrup) H. Lange-Bertalot. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that diatom assemblages were significantly related to differences in.
REGENERATION OF IMMATURE AND MATURE EMBRYOS FROM DIVERSE SETS OF WHEAT GENOTYPES USING MEDIA CONTAINING DIFFERENT AUXINS

The effect of explant type (immature vs. mature embryos) and two auxin types (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid vs. Dicamba) on the callogenesis and plant regeneration ability of 26 wheat cultivars was studied. In general, the callus induction, plant regeneration and shoot formation frequencies were higher in mature embryo-derived cultures as compared to immature ones on media originally developed for mature wheat embryo cultures. In both culture types, the auxin Dicamba was found to be more efficient, especially when mature embryos were cultured. The separation of means using Duncan’s multiple range test revealed the best in vitro response, in terms of the frequency of callus regeneration, in the cultivar Astella for both immature and mature embryo cultures. This cultivar gave very promising results, suggesting that it could be used in the future for further tissue culture investigations and as a donor material for genetic transformation experiments in wheat. Correlation analyses revealed significant simila.
Modified Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection Procedure for Limited Rectal Prolapse: A Viable Alternative to the Delorme Operation

Purpose. The optimal surgical approach for full-thickness rectal prolapse (FTRP) remains controversial. In China, patients with limited FTRP (<5 cm in length) are usually managed by perineal surgery. We retrospectively assessed the outcome of Delorme’s procedure and compared it with modified stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR). Methods. The study was conducted in 2 public tertiary referral centers in China with modified STARR or Delorme's procedure performed by experienced surgeons. Outcomes assessed recurrence, operative times, blood loss, complications, length of hospital stay, and continence and constipation scoring. Results. Between December 2012 and May 2019, 65 patients were assessed, including 48 with modified STARR (group 1) and 17 with Delorme’s procedure (group 2). The median follow-up was 22 months (range, 3-86 months). The mean operative time for group 1 was 37.4 ± 17.5 minutes vs 74.3 ± 30.6 minutes for group 2 (P < .001). The blood loss for group 1 was significantly lower than that for group 2 (17.4 ± 15.9 mL vs 27.8 ± 16.7 mL, respectively; P = .028). There was no significant difference between groups in recurrence (group 1 18.8% vs group 2 23.5%; P = .944) with no effect of operation type. Both procedures showed improvement in constipation and continence scoring with a similar impact. Conclusions. Modified STARR and the Delorme operation are comparable in managing limited FTRP with superior results in operative time and blood loss for STARR.
Nutrient dynamics of a human-impacted pine forest in a MAB Reserve of subtropical China

The effects of litter and understory harvesting by local people on the nutrient cycle in a pine forest in Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve (DHSBR) of subtropical China were studied by quantifying nutrient distribution, recycling, and loss in the ecosystem. The total nutrient standing stocks were estimated to be 2066 kg ha-' for N, 282 kg ha-' for P, 541 kg ha-' for K, 491 kg ha-' for Ca, and 151 kg ha-' for Mg. Most of these nutrients were contained in the top 10 cm of soil (72 to 94%). The total quantity of nutrients in the production of litterfall and understory were: 43.5 kg ha-' yr-' for N, 1.7 kg ha-' yr-' for P, 16.1 kg ha-' yr-' for K, 10.9 kg ha-' yr-' for Ca, and 2.7 kg ha-' yr-' for Mg. The harvest practice removed substantial quantities of these nutrients, 44 to 73 percent of the amount in litter and understory production, a rate that appeared to exceed most nutrient inputs from atmospheric deposition. In addition to the direct removal of nutrients, the harvest practice also reduced the active soil organic matter pool thus reducing nutrient mineralization and soil nutrient availability. An alternative system of tree harvest and replanting, combined with litter removal only, was proposed that reduced by one-third or more the present nutrient removals.
Automated mammographic density measurement using Quantra™: comparison with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiology synoptic scale

Abstract. Purpose: This technology evaluation study assesses the limits of agreement between the mammographic density (MD) measurement of Quantra™ from different breasts and mammographic views and its agreement with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) synoptic scale. Approach: MD of 800 women was assessed by Quantra™ and seven radiologists using the RANZCR synoptic scale. Bland–Altman analysis was used to assess the limits of agreement between Quantra™ MD measures from both breasts and mammographic views. The agreement between Quantra™ and the RANZCR synoptic scale was assessed using weighted kappa (Kw). The receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess the performance of Quantra™ in reproducing RANZCR MD ratings. Results: There was no significant bias in the mean MD of Quantra™ from both breasts: left versus right craniocaudal (CC) views (B = − 0.14; p = 0.36) and right versus left mediolateral oblique (MLO) (B = − 0.021; p = 0.18). However, MD measures from the same breast but different views showed significant bias: right CC versus right MLO (B = 0.064; p < 0.0001) and left CC versus left MLO (B = 0.56; p < 0.0001). Quantra™ demonstrated substantial agreement with the RANZCR synoptic scale on four- and two-category scales (Kw = 0.62; 0.59 to 0.66 and 0.76; 0.72 to 0.81, respectively). Quantra™ better reproduced the RANZCR synoptic scale on a two-category scale (AUC = 0.88; 0.84 to 0.91) than a four-category scale (AUC = 0.62; 0.58 to 0.67 to 0.78; 0.74 to 0.82). Conclusions: Quantra™ reproduces MD classification using the RANZCR synoptic scale on a two-category scale and should help in identification of women with dense breasts who may need adjunctive imaging for early detection of breast cancer.
National temporal trends and determinants of cost of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Introduction In recent decades, there has been a shift in the management of aortic abdominal aneurysm from open intervention (open aortic aneurysm repair) to an endovascular approach (endovascular aortic aneurysm repair). This shift has yielded clinical as well as socioeconomic reverberations. In our current study, we aim to analyze these effects brought about by the switch to endovascular treatment and to scrutinize the determinants of cost variations between the two treatment modalities. Methods The National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample database was queried for clinical data ranging from 2001 to 2013 using International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes for open and endovascular aortic repair. Clinical parameters and financial data related to the two treatment modalities were analyzed. Temporal trends of index hospitalization costs were determined. Multivariate linear regression was used to characterize determinants of cost for endovascular aneurysm repair and open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Results A total of 128,154 aortic repairs were captured in our analysis, including 62,871 open repairs and 65,283 endovascular repairs. Over the assessed time period, there has been a decrease in the cost of elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair from $34,975.62 to $31,384.90, a $3,590.72 difference (p < 0.01), while the cost of open aortic repair has increased from $37,427.77 to $43,640.79 by 2013, a $6,212.79 increase (p < 0.01). The cost of open aortic aneurysm repair disproportionately increased at urban teaching hospitals, where by 2013, it costs $50,205.59, compared to $34,676.46 at urban nonteaching hospitals, and $34,696.97 at rural institutions. Urban teaching hospitals were found to perform an increasing proportion of complex open aneurysm repairs, involving concomitant renal and visceral bypass procedures. On multivariate analysis, strong determinants of cost increase for both endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and open aortic aneurysm repair are rupture status, prolonged length of stay, occurrence of complications, and the need for disposition to a nursing facility or another acute care institution. Conclusion As the vascular community has shifted from an open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm to an endovascular approach, a number of unforeseen clinical and economic effects were noted. We have characterized these ramifications to help guide further clinical decision and resource allocation.
Characterisation and Comparison of Microbial Populations in Swine Faeces and Manure Storage Pits by 16S rDNA Gene Sequence Analyses

Abstract Odour emanating from anaerobic lagoons and swine production facilities has increased the tension among rural neighbors and among urban and rural residents. Storage of swine manure is associated with the production of a variety of odorous compounds, including ammonia, organic acids and alcohols, and sulphides. Although the generation of these chemicals is the result of microbiological activity, little is known about the types of microorganisms responsible for their production. We have initiated an approach to determine and compare the bacterial populations present in both pig faeces and manure storage pits. Total DNA was isolated from both of these ecosystems. DNA sequence analyses of PCR amplified 16S rDNA genes derived from eubacterial sequences were carried out. Similarity analyses of the 16S sequences indicated the presence of primarily low G + C Gram-positive bacteria, such as Clostridium sp. , Streptococcus sp. , and Lactobacillus sp. in both ecosystems. Many of the sequences were from unidentified microorganisms. These results indicate that the primary eubacteria identified in swine faeces and manure pits are low G + C, Gram-positive bacteria.
Assembly of the TCR/CD3 complex: CD3ϵ/δ and CD3ϵ/γ dimers associate indistinctly with both TCRα and TCRβ chains. Evidence for a double TCR heterodimer model

The TCR/CD3 complex is composed of six subunits which are expressed on the cell surface in a coordinate fashion after assembly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The TCR/CD3 complex is assembled after a series of pairwise interactions involving the formation of dimers of CD3ϵ with either CD3γ or CD3δ. These dimers assemble with TCRα and TCRβ chains, and finally, the CD3ζ homodimer is added to allow export of the full complex from the ER. A model has been proposed suggesting that during assembly the CD3ϵ/CD3γ dimer interacts exclusively with TCRβ and the CD3ϵ/CD3δ dimer with TCRα to form a complex with a single TCRα/β heterodimer. We show in this study, by immunoprecipitation and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, that in the human T cell line Jurkat as well as in total human thymocytes, this preferential interaction does not occur and instead, the CD3ϵ/CD3γ and CD3ϵ/CD3δ dimers associate with both TCR chains simultaneously and indistinctly. These data are confirmed by the analysis of the TCRα‐negative T cell line MOLT‐4 in which TCRβ is found separately associated with CD3ϵ/CD3γ and with CD3ϵ/CD3δ dimers. Indirectly, our results support a model of stoichiometry in which two TCRα/β heterodimers are present in a TCR/CD3 complex. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation with anti‐CD3γ and anti‐CD3δ antibodies from 1 % NP40 and 1 % Brij96 cell lysates showed that these subunits form independent partial complexes which are cross‐linked through the CD3ζ homodimer. This suggests that CD3ζ mediates the interaction between both TCRα/β heterodimers contained in the double TCR complex. Further proof for this hypothesis is obtained after analysis of a Jurkat cell transfectant containing a point mutation in the transmembrane domain of TCRβ that impairs the association of CD3ζ. In this mutant cell line, unlike a control line with wild‐type TCRβ, the CD3γ‐ and CD3δ‐containing complexes were found completely independent. Altogether, these results support a model of TCR/CD3 assembly and stoichiometry in which two TCR‐α/β heterodimers form two hemicomplexes containing either CD3ϵ/γ or CD3ϵ/δ dimers which become associated via the CD3ζ homodimer.
Development and proof of concept of immersive virtual reality system to evaluate near and far space neglect in individuals after stroke: A brief report.

BACKGROUND Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is defined as impaired attention to sensory stimuli on one side. The symptoms can exist for near and far spaces combined or independently. Thus, it is important to evaluate both possibilities in a clinical environment. OBJECTIVE To develop a tractable immersive virtual reality (iVR) system that can evaluate both near and far space neglect along with a proof of concept study to determine whether near and far spatial neglect could be described in an actual patient with USN. METHODS An object-detecting task was developed in a three-dimensional virtual reality space. Examiner recorded the positional data of objects that were recognized by the patient with USN using coordinate data. RESULTS The system could be used to detect near and far space neglects in a patient with USN. No side effects such as vertigo were seen during measurement. This patient showed that the angle for recognition was significantly larger for near space than far space, and exhibited a tendency for the angle of recognition to increase with lower height. CONCLUSIONS Our proof of concept study indicated the possibility of applying an evaluation system that separates far and near space neglect using iVR.
The Influence of Evidence-Based Exercise and Age Reattribution on Physical Function in Hispanic Older Adults: Results From the ¡Caminemos! Randomized Controlled Trial

Older Hispanics routinely exhibit unhealthy beliefs about “normal” aging trajectories, particularly related to exercise and physical function. We evaluated the prospective effects of age reattribution on physical function in older Hispanics. Participants (n = 565, ≥60 years) were randomly assigned into (a) treatment group—attribution-retraining, or (b) control group—health education. Each group separately engaged in four weekly 1-hr group discussions and 1-hr exercise classes, followed by monthly maintenance sessions. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) measured physical function throughout the 24-month intervention. No significant difference in physical function between intervention arms was evident over time. However, both groups experienced significant improvements in physical function at 24 months (β = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.16, 0.70]). Participating in the exercise intervention was associated with improvements in physical function, although no additional gains were apparent for age attribution-retraining. Future research should consider strengthening or modifying intervention content for age reattribution or dosage received.
Foraging activity and night-roost usage in the Japanese greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum nippon

Nocturnal activity, foraging behavior and night-roost usage in Rhinolophus ferrumequinum nippon were examined using bat-detectors, radio transmitters and fluorescent tags. Emergence from the cave roost began around dusk from March to November. The mean emergence time averaged 14 min after sunset, and the principal foraging period was within a few hours after sunset. The main foraging style was flycatching (perch-hunting). The height of the branches used by bats as feeding or roosting sites averaged 4.1 m above the ground. The length of bat's stay per feeding site averaged 6.6 min. In June, August and September, once the bats emerged, they seldom returned to the cave until just before sunrise, but in July, lactating females returned to the cave before midnight. In November, most of the bats returned to the cave about two hrs after sunset. Home range of adult females averaged 1.5 ha, and they foraged mainly in open forests, woodland paths or forest edges. The distances traveled to their main foraging sites averaged 0.87 km. Maximum-recorded distance traveled was 2.3 km during one night, and they hunted up to a distance of 2.0 km from the cave. Bats used specific night roosts, and their roosting bouts in the night roosts extended for about six hrs in April and varied from one to five hrs in June and October.
Effects of Azospirillum inoculation on root infection and nitrogen incorporation in wheat

In two field experiments, wheat was inoculated with various strains of Azospirillum spp. The two A. brasilense nir− strains isolated from surface-sterilized wheat roots increased the number of Azospirillum in surface-sterilized roots, plant dry matter, and percent N. The total N accumulated in plant tops at heading stage was increased by 30% in the first experiment (strain Sp 107 st) and by 51 and 89% (strains Sp 107 st and Sp 245, respectively) in the second experiment. The Azospirillum numbers (MPN) in chloramine-t treated roots were correlated with total nitrogen accumulation in plant tops (r = 0.92**). Numbers of Azospirillum in nonsterilized roots did not correlate with total plant N accumulation.
Role of NGS and SNP genotyping methods in sugarcane improvement programs

Abstract Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is one of the most economically significant crops because of its high sucrose content and it is a promising biomass feedstock for biofuel production. Sugarcane genome sequencing and analysis is a difficult task due to its heterozygosity and polyploidy. Long sequence read technologies, PacBio Single-Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) sequencing, the Illumina TruSeq, and the Oxford Nanopore sequencing could solve the problem of genome assembly. On the applications side, next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies played a major role in the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the development of low to high throughput genotyping platforms. The two mainstream high throughput genotyping platforms are the SNP microarray and genotyping by sequencing (GBS). This paper reviews the NGS in sugarcane genomics, genotyping methodologies, and the choice of these methods. Array-based SNP genotyping is robust, provides consistent SNPs, and relatively easier downstream data analysis. The GBS method identifies large scale SNPs across the germplasm. A combination of targeted GBS and array-based genotyping methods should be used to increase the accuracy of genomic selection and marker-assisted breeding.