Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Invasive brook trout disrupt the diel activity and aggregation patterns of native brown trout

In European streams, native brown trout (Salmo trutta) feed primarily on aquatic prey but consume a higher proportion of terrestrial prey in sympatry with non-native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). This is a rare example of diet convergence that may be associated with changes in diel activity or aggregation pattern by brown trout in sympatry. We recorded the activity and positions of brown trout from two origins and in two competition modes (allopatry versus sympatry, four combinations) placed in replicated stream enclosures for 29 days to test these hypotheses. Brown trout originating from or placed in sympatry were more diurnal and aggregated than those originating from or placed in allopatry. Changes in the diel activity of brown trout placed in a novel competition mode occurred progressively throughout the study. Thus, brown trout show strong behavioral flexibility in response to the non-native competitor and can revert to allopatric behavior when brook trout is removed from the system. These behavioral adjustments may have unsuspected effects on food webs and ecosystem functioning, which deserve further attention.
Sexually Dimorphic Plumage Characteristics in the Northern Black Swift

most published accounts of the northern Black swift (Cypseloides niger borealis) contain disagreements and inaccuracies concerning the species’ sexual dimorphism in plumage. these reports represent small sample sizes and are not based on birds recaptured and followed over time. in our study, to gain a better understanding of dimorphic plumage characteristics, we captured swifts at four breeding colonies in the rocky mountains from 2004 through 2017. We banded breeding adults, recorded eight metrics (wing chord, flat wing, length of the outermost [r5] and innermost [r1] rectrices, the difference in these lengths, length of white tipping on the abdomen and undertail coverts, and weight), and photographed the birds’ underparts. We followed these characteristics in birds recaptured for up to 13 years. the difference in the mean depth of the tail fork (r5 – r1) was the most definitive plumage characteristic distinguishing the sexes of adults, being accurate in 95% of the birds examined. With few exceptions, males had only slight white tipping of the abdominal feathers and undertail coverts, whereas females had significantly longer white tipping on those feathers. individuals that were recaptured did not change appreciably over time in wing chord, depth of tail fork, or degree of white tipping on the abdomen and undertail coverts. this is the largest and longest study of sexual dimorphism in the northern Black swift and clarifies previous misinterpretations of these characteristics. Differences between the plumages of adult male and female northern Black swifts (Cypseloides niger borealis) have been debated since 1857, when the type specimen was collected at simiahmoo Bay, Puget sound, Washington territory (Kennerly 1857). starting with this initial description, observers drew varying conclusions about how the plumage varied with sex and age. the purpose of our project was to identify sexually dimorphic plumage characteristics in adult Black swifts. some previous observers concluded, from freshly collected or museum specimens, that adult male and female Black swifts are indistinguishable by plumage. Drew (1882), swarth (1911, 1912, 1924), and Brooks (1917, 1924) all indicated that adult female Black swifts are indistinguishable from adult males. marín and stiles (1992) agreed with Drew (1882) and Brooks (1924), stating that fully adult birds show no sexual dimorphism. many observers have used the white tipping of the abdominal feathers and undertail coverts as a method of sexing and aging Black swifts. Drew (1882), swarth (1911, 1912), and Brooks (1917) stated that as the birds age, the white tips of the ventral feathers disappear completely. rathbun (1925) concluded that there is a seasonal variation in the markings of the
The Hippo network kinase STK38 contributes to protein homeostasis by inhibiting BAG3-mediated autophagy

Chaperone-assisted selective autophagy (CASA) initiated by the cochaperone Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) represents an important mechanism for the disposal of misfolded and damaged proteins in mammalian cells. Under mechanical stress, the cochaperone cooperates with the small heat shock protein HSPB8 and the cytoskeleton-associated protein SYNPO2 to degrade force-unfolded forms of the actin-crosslinking protein filamin. This is essential for muscle maintenance in flies, fish, mice and men. Here, we identify the serine/threonine protein kinase 38 (STK38), which is part of the Hippo signaling network, as a novel interactor of BAG3. STK38 was previously shown to facilitate cytoskeleton assembly and to promote mitophagy as well as starvation and detachment induced autophagy. Significantly, our study reveals that STK38 exerts an inhibitory activity on BAG3-mediated autophagy. Inhibition relies on a disruption of the functional interplay of BAG3 with HSPB8 and SYNPO2 upon direct binding of STK38 to the cochaperone. Of note, STK38 attenuates CASA independently of its kinase activity, whereas previously established regulatory functions of STK38 involve target phosphorylation. The ability to exert different modes of regulation on central protein homeostasis (proteostasis) machineries apparently allows STK38 to coordinate the execution of diverse macroautophagy pathways and to balance cytoskeleton assembly and degradation.
Numeric Analysis of Custom-Made Dental Implants

An additively manufactured titanium rehabilitation device was studied, and the existing part was modernized using finite element analysis. Computer Tomography (CT) was utilized for framework design and an implant was developed that perfectly fitted the retrieved bone surface of the patient. Mechanical properties of the implant were studied and checked with finite element analysis. The aim of the study was to reduce the total volume of the titanium implant, thus, to reduce the amount of foreign material implanted into the patient. Finite element analysis was carried out using Ansys software.
Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Dnopherula yuanmowensis (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and its phylogenetic implications

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Dnopherula yuanmowensis was sequenced and characterized in our study. The mitogenome is a circular molecule of 15,629 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and an A + T-rich region, as in other grasshoppers. The AT content of the overall base composition is 74.9%. Phylogenetic reconstruction using both Bayesian Inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) validated the taxonomic status of D. yuanmowensis, placing it in the monophyletic Gomphocerinae.
Distribution and Genetic Diversity of the Rare Plant Veratrum woodii (Liliales: Melanthiaceae) in Georgia: A Preliminary Study with AFLP Fingerprint Data

Abstract Veratrum woodii, a long-lived herbaceous perennial species, has a fragmented distribution with populations scattered in the southeastern and lower midwestern USA. In Georgia, the species has a protection status of rare. This preliminary study focused on verifying historic and/or unvouchered populations in Georgia and characterizing variation and genetic structure within and among all populations in the state. We analyzed AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) data as dominantly inherited markers for 16 populations sampled from Georgia, Florida, and Missouri. Our results suggest that this species overall has relatively low levels of genetic diversity and that differentiation among populations is comparable to species with similar life history traits. Measures of genetic diversity, such as mean He, indicate that variation of populations has some partitioning between disjunct northern and southern Georgia (and Florida) populations. However, our analyses imply that watershed assignment, rather than geographic distance, provides a better explanation for variation and population structure. We hypothesize that southern relict populations in Georgia may have served as refugia during Pleistocene glaciations. We conclude that life-history characteristics, low levels of genetic variation, and suppression of ecological disturbance collectively jeopardize populations of Veratrum woodii in Georgia.
Evaluation of circulating endothelial progenitor cells by multicolor flow cytometry in chronic kidney disease patients

Endothelial dysfunction and impaired endothelial regenerative capacity play a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, which is one of the major causes of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) may be an indicator of vascular damage, while circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) may be a biomarker for vascular repair. However, the simultaneously evaluation of CEC and EPC circulating levels and its relation were not previously examined in CKD population. A blood sample (18ml) of healthy subjects (n=10), early CKD (n=10) and advanced CKD patients (n=10) was used for the isolation of early and late EPCs, CECs, and hematopoietic cells, identified by flow cytometry (BD FACSCantoTM II system) using a combination of fluorochrome-conjugated primary antibodies: CD31-PE, CD45-APC Cy7, CD34-FITC, CD117-PerCp Cy5.5, CD133-APC, CD146-Pacific Blue, and CD309-PECy7. Exclusion of dead cells was done according to a fixable viability dye staining. This eightcolor staining flow cytometry optimized protocol allowed us to accurate simultaneously identify EPCs, CECs and hematopoietic cells. In addition, it was also possible to distinguish the two subpopulations of EPCs, early and late EPCs subpopulation, by CD45intCD31+CD34+CD117-CD133+CD309-CD146and CD45intCD31+CD34+CD117-CD133-CD309+CD146multiple labeling, respectively. Moreover, the identification of CECs and hematopoietic cells was performed by CD45-CD31+CD34-/lowCD117-CD133-CD309-CD146+ and CD34+CD117+, respectively. The levels of CECs were non-significantly increased in early CKD (312.06 ± 91.34) and advanced CKD patients (191.43±49.86) in comparison with control group (103.23±24.13). By contrast, the levels of circulating early EPCs were significantly reduced in advanced CKD population (17.03±3.23) in comparison with early CKD (32.31±4.97), p=0.04 and control group (36.25 ± 6.16), p=0.03. In addition the levels of late EPCs were significantly reduced in both advanced (6.60±1.89), p=0.01, and early CKD groups (8.42±2.58), p=0.01 compared with control group (91.54±29.06). These results were accompanied by a dramatically reduction in the recruitment, differentiation and regenerative capacity indexes in CKD population. Taken together, these results suggest an imbalance in the process of endothelial repairment in CKD population, and further propose that the indexes of recruitment, differentiation and regenerative capacity of EPCs, may help to select the patients to benefit from guiding intervention strategies to improve cardiovascular health by inducing vascular protection.
Model-based investigation on the effects of spatial evenness, and size selection in thinning of Picea abies stands

ABSTRACT Size and spatial distribution of trees are important for forest stand growth, but the extent to which it matters in thinning operations, in terms of wood production and stand economy, has rarely been documented. Here we investigate how the choice of spatial evenness and tree-size distribution of residual trees impacts wood production and stand economy. A spatially explicit individual-based growth model was used, in conjunction with empirical cost functions for harvesting and forwarding, to calculate net production and net present value for different thinning operations in Norway spruce stands in Northern Sweden. The in silico thinning operations were defined by three variables: (1) spatial evenness after thinning, (2) tree size preference for harvesting, and (3) basal area reduction. We found that thinning that increases spatial evenness increases net production and net present value by around 2.0%, compared to the worst case. When changing the spatial evenness in conjunction with size preference we could observe an improvement of the net production and net present value up to 8.0%. The magnitude of impact differed greatly between the stands (from 1.7% to 8.0%) and was highest in the stand with the lowest stem density.
Adaptations by Zostera marina Dominated Seagrass Meadows in Response to Water Quality and Climate Forcing

Global assessments of seagrass declines have documented accelerating rates of loss due to anthropogenic sediment and nutrient loadings, resulting in poor water quality. More recently, global temperature increases have emerged as additional major stressors. Seagrass changes in the Chesapeake Bay, USA provide important examples of not only the effects of human disturbance and climate forcing on seagrass loss, but also meadow recovery and resiliency. In the York River sub-tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, the meadows have been monitored intensively using annual aerial imagery, monthly transect surveys, and continuous water quality measurements. Here, Zostera marina has been demonstrating a shift in its historical growth patterns, with its biomass peaking earlier in the growing season and summer declines beginning earlier. We found an increasing trend in the length of the most stressful high temperature summer period, increasing by 22 days since 1950. Over the past 20 years, Z. marina’s abundance has exhibited periods of decline followed by recovery, with recovery years associated with greater spring water clarity and less time spent at water temperatures > 28 °C. Although human disturbance and climatic factors have been altering these seagrass meadows, resilience has been evident by an increase in reproductive output and regrowth from Z. marina seedlings following declines, as well as expansions of Ruppia maritima into areas previously dominated by Z. marina.
Detection of broiler feeds contamination with Aflatoxins using rapid immunochromatographic test strips

Twenty pellet broiler feed samples (started or finished) were collected through October to December 2013, from 12 broiler flocks and 8 feed mills in Nineveh governorate, for the detection of Aflatoxins residue using total Aflatoxins rapid test strips kit. Results show that 3 (15%) of the feed samples were positive while 17 feed samples (85%) were negative to residual Aflatoxin.
The life cycle of a southern hemisphere cricket Bobilla poene (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) and variation in its size, sex ratio and egg production

Life cycles of southern hemisphere crickets are poorly studied compared with their northern hemisphere counterparts. The life cycle and associated traits of Bobilla poene Otte & Alexander (1983) (Nemobiinae) were investigated based on pitfall trap samples collected monthly for 12 months at lowland (320 m) and montane (800 m) locations in Tasmania, the southernmost state of Australia (42–43°S). Unlike most other Gryllidae, B. poene has a semivoltine life cycle overwintering as an egg during its first winter followed by nymphs and then adults in subsequent winters. There was some evidence to suggest that a small proportion of the populations completed development from egg to adult within 1 year (i.e. univoltine). The proportion of adult females with eggs present was high (>70%) for all months except December when there was a greater proportion of adult females with no eggs present. Mean number of eggs per female was largest from mid‐summer to early autumn. Spermatheca diameter increased in size from December to May. Aspects of B. poene life cycle differed between locations. At the lowland location, most crickets (92%) overwintered as A3 instars and adults, whereas at the montane location, most crickets (87%) overwintered as A3 and A4 instars. Head width, femur length, body length and spermatheca diameter were larger at the lowland location than at the montane location, but forewing and ovipositor lengths did not differ in size between locations. A small proportion (1.2%) of montane adult crickets was long winged, and none were recorded at the lowland location. Sex ratios were generally similar at both locations and varied throughout the year. For most of the year, the sex ratios for the A2, A1 and adult stages were female biased. During spring and early summer, sex ratios were male biased or close to parity. This variation in sex ratios is consistent with the concepts of protandry and adaptive growth, with males maturing earlier than females and at a smaller size. The range of climates and altitudes available in Tasmania, where B. poene occurs widely, offers opportunities for further investigation of life cycle variation within this species.
Value system and life satisfaction: exploration of well-being amongst Indian students

This paper proposes to establish a connection between two variables - Value System and Life Satisfaction - amongst Indian students. Ten value types are measured based on Schwartz's Theory of Basic Values. A value, defined by Milton Rokeach (1973) is ‘an enduring belief that a specific mode of conduct or end-state of existence is personally or socially preferable to an opposite or converse mode of conduct or end-state of existence’. While the dependent variable, as in life satisfaction refers to how comfortable an individual is with regards to the social, economic, religious/spiritual and personal aspects of their lives. The data was collected from 100 college-going students using the random sampling technique. For the purpose, two paper-pencil tests were used. One of the two tools was The Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) by Shalom Schwartz (2001), which is used to measure an individual's value system. It comprises of 40 items and 10 variables, which include conformity, tradition, benevolence, universalism, self-direction, stimulation, hedonism, achievement, power and security. While the second instrument used was Sense of Coherence Scale from the "Satisfaction With Life Scale" (1985) which measures life satisfaction of an individual. It consists of 29 items and one factor, which is life satisfaction itself. Analysis of the collected data was done using Excel and SPSS. To analyze the collected data, a correlation was used. All of the values exhibited a negative correlation with life satisfaction. However, the correlation coefficient of stimulation, achievement, power, and security in comparison to life satisfaction was found to be the lowest.
Behind a personalized therapy with immune check-point inhibitors in metastatic bladder cancer: ready for a primetime?

© Translational Andrology and Urology. All rights reserved. Immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of patients with urothelial carcinoma are recently under extensive research. Until now, the strongest evidence concerns advanced metastatic cases. In this setting, ICIs can be used as a first-line therapy in cisplatin-ineligible patients or as a second-line therapy in patients progressing after cisplatin-based systemic therapy (1). However, limitations of published studies, effectiveness in a limited patient populations, drug accelerated registrations based on phase II studies, novel phenomena in the course of treatment, different safety profiles and many other aspects make us careful in drawing clinical conclusions and dampen enthusiasm associated with a novel therapeutic option in this field of “no progress for many years”. We read with great interest recent EAU-ESMO consensus statements in the management of advanced and variant bladder cancer (2). In a great part of the document, experts address important and actual clinical problems related to ICIs. Experts correctly point to the most pressing problems in this field, namely the phenomenon of pseudo-progression (PP), predictive biomarkers and the role of conventional chemotherapy in this new therapeutic era. As we agree with rationale behind presented statements, we think that some of them need further discussion.
The relationship between neural variability and neural oscillations

Neural activity fluctuates over time, creating considerable variability across trials. This trial-by-trial neural variability is dramatically reduced (“quenched”) after the presentation of sensory stimuli. Likewise, the power of neural oscillations, primarily in the alpha-beta band, is also reduced. Despite their similarity, these phenomena have been discussed independently. We hypothesized that the two phenomena are tightly coupled. To test this, we examined magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings of healthy subjects viewing repeated presentations of a visual stimulus. The timing, amplitude, and spatial topography of variability-quenching and power suppression were remarkably similar. Neural variability quenching was eliminated by excluding the alpha-beta band from the recordings, but not by excluding other frequency-bands. Moreover, individual magnitudes of alpha-beta band power explained 86% of between-subject differences in variability quenching. In contrast, inter-trial-phase-coherence (ITPC) was not correlated with variability quenching. These results reveal that neural variability quenching reflects stimulus-induced changes in the power of alpha-beta band oscillations.
Spatial distribution and geochemical characterization of Icelandic mantle end-members

Radiogenic isotopic ratios and major element contents in Icelandic volcanics are used to evaluate mantle end-member compositions and their spatial distribution in the Icelandic mantle. A database, entitled the Icelandic Volcanics Isotopic Database (IVID), which includes previously reported 87 Sr/ 86 Sr, ε Nd , ε Hf , 206 Pb/ 204 Pb, 207 Pb/ 204 Pb, 208 Pb/ 204 Pb, 187 Os/ 188 Os, 3 He/ 4 He, δ 18 O and U-Th decay series isotopic ratios measured in Icelandic volcanics, was compiled. Major and trace element contents were also included in the IVID. Isotopic ratios were evaluated, and filtered based on improvements in analytical methods, major element chemistry and other sample characteristics. The filtered database was used to map the radiogenic isotopic composition of Icelandic volcanics by creating isoscapes superimposed on a map of Iceland. Spatial analyses demonstrate that volcanics from the off-rift volcanic zones tend to be geochemically more enriched (higher 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and 206 Pb/ 204 Pb and lower 143 Nd/ 144 Nd and 176 Hf/ 177 Hf) in their radiogenic isotopic composition than volcanics from the axial rift zones. High-MgO (≥ 8 wt%) volcanics demonstrate correlations between major elements and isotopic ratios, where the more enriched off-rift volcanic zone volcanics are characterized by higher TiO 2 , Na 2 O, K 2 O, FeO T and K 2 O/TiO 2 and lower, SiO 2 , CaO and Na 2 O/TiO 2 . PRIMELT calculations demonstrate that the enriched off-rift volcanic zone volcanics are generally produced at lower temperatures and by lower melt fractions, consistent with preferential sampling of geochemically enriched and fertile “blobs” at lower degrees of melting; more geochemically depleted volcanics on the axial rift zones show higher degrees of melting at higher temperatures, consistent with dilution of enriched blob melts by melts of more depleted and refractory mantle. Isotopically distinct components have been identified in the Icelandic mantle and 3 He/ 4 He is used to estimate which components are part of the Icelandic mantle plume and which components are decoupled from the plume. Mixing of distinct mantle