Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Butterfly wing morphology variation in the British Isles: the influence of climate, behavioural posture and the hostplant-habitat

Gradients (isophenes) in modifications of butterfly wing morphology (colour, pattern, size) to the north and west of Britain are shown to correlate closely with contemporary environmental gradients, whereas their alleged formation as infra-specific units in Devensian refugia off western Britain is unsubstantiated. A model is described which explains the transformation in phenotypes in relationship to climate, especially ambient temperatures and radiation levels. In cooler, less predictable summer conditions to the north and west, selection has favoured modifications in adult phenotypes that maintain efficiency in thermoregulation, mate advertisement and predator escape. The form that wing modifications take depends mainly on basking posture (lateral, dorsal-absorption and reflectance), which determines the allocation and interaction of functions on different wing surfaces. It is also dependent on hostplant-habitat structure, which influences thermal stability and the milieu of predators and conspecifics, and other behavioural norms (mate-locating behaviour) and biological attributes (size, robustness, speed and mode of flight, chemical defences) which affect their relationships with predators and conspecifics. The significance of Quaternary palaeoenvironments to phenetic transformations is discussed as is the relevance of the model to the development of phenotypes in arctic endemic butterflies. Differences in phenotypes of butterflies which occupy arctic and temperate montane environments are also predicted by the model.
Immunoreactive Insulin-Like Growth Factor in Plasma during Pre- and Post-Partum Periods of Thoroughbred Mares from which the Newborn were Removed: its Pattern, Physiological Function and Relation to Other Hormones

Plasma concentrations of immunoreactive (ir-) insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were measured in 9 pregnant mares from 30 days before foaling to Day 7 after ovulation of the first post-partum estrus (foal heat) in order to characterize its pattern and investigate its possible role in mares during that time. A marked increase in plasma concentrations of ir-IGF-I was observed during the last month of pregnancy. After foaling, ir-IGF-I sustained its high concentration for the first week after parturition and it gradually decreased thereafter. Throughout the observation period of the current study, a significant positive correlation between ir-IGF-I and FSH (r=0.58, p<0.05) was found. The significant increase in ir-IGF-I and FSH shortly prior to parturition may be responsible for the rapid resumption of ovarian activity in mares and the initiation of foal heat in thoroughbred mares. Statistically significant positive correlation between ir-IGF-I, FSH and ir-inhibin levels observed in the current study confirm the previous suggestion that ir-inhibin secreted during late pregnancy in mares may be biologically inactive.
Cognitive orientation in rehabilitation and neuropsychological outcome after traumatic brain injury

This study evaluated the ability of the Orientation Log (O-Log) to predict cognitive outcome at rehabilitation discharge, as well as future neuropsychological outcome. The hypothesis was that patients who demonstrated better orientation upon admission would achieve superior functional cognitive outcome at discharge and on subsequent neuropsychological assessment. Sixty individuals receiving inpatient rehabilitation following a new-onset TBI participated. Orientation data was collected using the O-Log during morning bedside rounds. Outcome data was collected at 6 and 12 months post-injury. Significant correlations were found between the O-log and measures of memory, executive functioning, basic verbal skills, and estimated intellectual ability. When compared to the other predictor variables, step-wise multiple regression analyses revealed that the minimum O-Log score was the primary significant predictor of performance on six neuropsychological and functional outcome measures. Results of this study suggest that evaluating orientation with the O-Log during acute rehabilitation may reflect level of injury severity and aid in predicting cognitive outcome.
The Spectrum of Infections by Fusarium Species on Codiaeum Variegatum (L.) Blume Cultivars as Influenced by Fructose Specific Lectin

This study sought to have an insight into the mechanism of action of diseases responsible for the susceptible Codiaeum variegatum (garden croton) leaves induced by Fusarium species and the clinical importance of the d isease resistant types. The plants were obtained fro m the Babcock University Germp lasm Repository. Therefore, phytopathogenic Fusarium species were isolated fro m three diseased susceptible cult ivars of C. variegatum (ovalifolium, royal-like and punctatum). Accordingly, lect in was isolated, purified and characterized fro m the leaves of a resistant garden croton cultivar (royal), and further evaluated for antifungal act ivity using isolates of Fusarium lateritium and F. semitectum obtained fro m the three diseased cultivars . The heamagglutinating activity of the purified lect in was non selective to type of blood group (A, B, A B and O) and was inhib ited by fructose, sialic acid, and copper sulphate, but was enhanced by galactose, calciu m chloride, sodium chloride and magnesium chloride. Optimu m heamagglutinating activ ity of the lectin was achieved at 30- 40℃ and pH 5.0-6.0. The lectin exh ibited antifungal activity against the two Fusarium species in a non-concentration dependent manner. It is therefore concluded that Fusarium species are major phytopathogens of the garden croton plant and their spectrum of pathogenicity is dependent on the presence or absence of lectins. In addition, the resistant cultivar of C. variegatum (cv. royal) used in this study may be a suitable candidate for the prevention and treatment of fungal infections.
Are there better Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitors for chronic myeloid leukaemia than imatinib?

The Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitor imatinib is the standard treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Some subjects with CML do not respond to, or are intolerant of, imatinib. Nilotinib and dasatinib were initially developed to treat these subjects, and were shown to be effective. They are now being trialled as initial ‘inib’ treatment for CML. The objective was to evaluate the recent Phase III clinical trials comparing nilotinib or dasatinib with imatinib in newly diagnosed CML. Nilotinib and dasatinib were shown to give a higher rate of complete cytogenic and major molecular responses than imatinib over 1 year. They should be considered as first choice in the treatment of subjects who develop CML. However, there are still major limitations to the populations with which these ‘inib’ drugs can be used, and how they can be used.
Insulin encapsulation

Many researchers all over the world are exploring various methods to find better insulin delivery routes for diabetic patients. Microencapsulation in biodegradable polymeric matrices is the source of developing new insulin formulations. This paper will attempt to explain the techniques utilized for insulin microencapsulation, their specifications and the parameters that influence the process. This review takes a closer look at recent researches and methods that have been reported in this decade.
Registration of Functional and Anatomical MRI: Accuracy Assessment and Application in Navigated Neurosurgery

Objective: A procedure for acquisition, automated registration, and fusion of functional and anatomical magnetic resonance images is presented. Its accuracy is quantitatively assessed using a publicly available gold standard. A patient case is used to illustrate the technique's clinical usefulness in image-guided neurosurgery. Materials and Methods: Before and after functional MRI (fMRI) acquisition, additional anatomical images were acquired at spatial locations identical to those of the functional images (5–10 slices) for the purpose of voxel-based image registration. Registration accuracy of the anatomical volumes and high-resolution 3D MRI volumes (MP-RAGE imaging) was quantified using adapted data (8 patients) originating from the Vanderbilt Retrospective Registration Evaluation Project (NIH project 1 R01 NS33926–02). Selecting three subsets of slices from that data (5 slices/6 mm slice distance, 10 slices/3 mm distance, and 10 slices/6 mm distance), the small number of images available from fMRI acquisition was taken into account. Accuracies in registering these sparse data sets were then compared to the accuracy achieved using complete data. For clinical patient data (16 patients), fMRI images were fused with MP-RAGE images, thereby integrating anatomical images with information about the locations of functional areas. The resulting images were used for planning and navigation during tumor resections using an operating microscope (MKM, Zeiss). Results: Quantitative analysis showed no loss of registration accuracy due to a reduced number of slices, regardless of whether 5 or 10 slices were used. For small-volume coverage in the anatomical images (thickness 24 mm), registration of one patient failed, and this could easily be identified by visual inspection. No failures were experienced when 54 mm was covered. In the clinical environment, all 16 interventions using fused fMRI and MRI data were successful.
Hotel Property Characteristics and Occupancy Rate

Abstract Hotel attributes or characteristics have been widely studied with relation to customer preference. However, hotel characteristics’ effect on the hotel occupancy rate has not yet been studied, despite its significance to the hotel operation. Thus, this study examined the hotel characteristics and their influence on the hotel room occupancy rate among super deluxe 1st class hotels in Seoul, Korea. Using hedonic pricing method, the results indicated that price of the room, conglomerate connection and casino facility have negative relationship with the occupancy rate, while CBD location positively affect hotel occupancy rate. Current study also identified that hotel size has an inverted U-shape curvilinear relationship with the occupancy rate. Implications for the hotel industry and suggestions for future research are discussed.
The State of the Adriatic Sea Centered on the Small Pelagic Fish Populations

The paper provides an overview of the state of the small pelagic fish in the Adriatic Sea. The North Adriatic is reviewed for the 1976–1998 period and the South Adriatic for the 1987–1998 period. First the fluctuations in time and in space of the pelagic biomass, as a whole and per species, are presented. Then the dramatic collapse of anchovy stock and its apparent association with the decrease of surface temperature is discussed. Finally the changes of the anchovy and sardine catches are compared and analysed with respect to their abundances in the sea. The conclusion is that acoustic and satellite methods are able to provide a large amount of information on the variability in the pelagic populations; this is essential for an appropriate management of these resources. There is still a need, however, to refine the methods and to integrate this kind of information with further environmental data (including natural predators).
Quantum yield and photosynthetic parameters of marine microalgae from the southern Arctic Ocean, Svalbard

The quantum yield and photosynthetic parameters of phytoplankton and sea ice microalgal communities were assessed from the Arctic Ocean and fjords of northern Svalbard. The phytoplankton community in Fram Strait was dominated by Phaeocystis while on Norskebanken it was dominated by diatoms. The quantum yield showed maximum values of 0·64 at 20–40 m below the surface and were consistent with nutrient replete waters elsewhere. Sea ice infiltration communities were widespread and dominated by Phaeocystis. This is the first record of an Arctic infiltration ice community. Quantum yields were relatively low (0·247). Bottom ice communities, which were dominated by Nitzschia frigida, were extremely restricted and had moderate quantum yields (0·427). Communities growing on multiyear ice had quantum yields of only 0·126. All ice communities were well adapted to their light environment.
Specificity of α-amylase and trypsin inhibitor proteins in wheat against insect pests

Abstract Insect pest infestation is a major cause of crop loss during storage. However, the use of chemical pesticides results in environmental pollution and may cause allergic reactions when consumed. The inhibition of insect digestive enzymes with potential proteinaceous or non-proteinaceous inhibitors could be an effective alternative approach to control infestations. In the present study, we evaluated the specificity of the inhibitor proteins α-amylase and trypsin in 54 genotypes of wheat (Triticum aestivum) against the digestive amylases of the wheat storage insects Rhyzopertha dominica and Tenebrio molitor, human salivary amylase, porcine pancreatic amylase and bovine trypsin. We found that these proteinaceous inhibitors vary in their expression between genotypes, and identified six genotypes in which inhibitor activity was high against the insects but low against human salivary and pancreatic amylase. These findings will significantly aid the selection of wheat genotypes with potential resistance against storage insects and minimum health concerns for humans.
Change in body mass during breeding in Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica

Capsule The body mass of female Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) varies cyclically in relation to breeding attempts within breeding seasons. Aim To determine whether body mass declines in relation to the progress of incubation in female and male Barn Swallows and whether this differs between breeding attempts within a season. Methods Adult Swallows were caught and ringed at breeding sites as part of a long-term study to estimate survival rates. Measurements of body mass and size at the time of ringing were analysed in relation to the start of incubation, defined from detailed observations of the progress of breeding at each site. Results Wing length, hour of weighing, and time from the start of incubation contributed significantly to variation in female body mass. Body mass peaked 3 days before the start of incubation and declined linearly by 0.115 g per day during incubation and brood rearing in both breeding attempts within a season. For males, body mass declined by 0.026 g per day from the start of incubation during the first breeding attempt, but this was not apparent for the smaller sample of males in the second breeding attempt, possibly because such breeding-related changes may be masked by premigratory increases in mass later in the breeding season. Conclusion The body mass of female Swallows varied cyclically during the breeding season in relation to breeding attempts and there were clear differences between male and female Swallows in the magnitude of body mass changes as breeding progressed.
Injury severity and neuropsychological and balance outcomes of four college athletes

Recent evidence suggests significant short-term neurocognitive deficits following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) in sports. However, sequelae of mild head injuries is complicated by many factors including a history of multiple head injuries and injury severity. Few studies have considered the influence these variables may have on proper classification of a MTBI and their meaning for return-toplay guidelines. This study presents the short-term neuropsychological and balance outcomes of four college athletes who sustained mild head injuries of different severity (grade I, grade II, grade III and multiple head injured with a grade II based on American Academy of Neurology guidelines). The results demonstrated that self-report symptoms of concussion were slow to resolve in the grade III and multiple concussed individuals. For neuropsychological testing, Trails A & B, Symbol Digit Modalities Test and Digits Span Backwards were the most sensitive in identifying differences between the injuries. For balance assessments using the Neurocom Smart Balance System, the Sensory Organization Test and Reaction Time were also important variables in detecting differences among the various injuries. When these data are used together, it can assist physicians in determining safe return-to-play for athletes who sustain MTBI. There are contradindications in the numerous grading systems and return-to-play guidelines for MTBI. The results from this study provides new evidence which can be assimilated into a valid grading scale for MTBI sustained in sport.
Functional outcome for African Americans and Hispanics treated at a traumatic brain injury model systems centre

Objective: To describe the demographics, incidence and functional outcome for African Americans and Hispanics treated at a traumatic brain injury (TBI) model systems centre. Design: Retrospective data analysis of patients admitted to an acute inpatient rehabilitation national TBI model systems centre. Setting: A tertiary care university medical centre participating in the NIDRR Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems project. Subjects: Eighty-seven patients with TBI admitted to a Model Systems acute intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation setting between 1989-1999. Information was extracted from the National TBI Model Systems data base for demographics such as age, race, education, gender, marital and employment status, sponsorship, injury aetiology and severity. Outcome measures: Functional outcome was determined using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and the Disability Rating Scale (DRS) at the time of admission and discharge. Results: Descriptive statistics were completed using SPSS. African American (94.3%) and Hispanic (5.7%) patients were injured most often as a result of motor vehicle accidents (48.8%). Males comprised 86.2% of this population, which had an average age of 34.5 years (SD = 13.1). On admission, average GCS score was 7.8 (SD = 3.6), average DRS was 13.5 (SD = 5.8), and average FIM total score was 49.8 (SD = 26.5). Average length of unconsciousness was 5.2 days (SD = 27.9), while average length of post-traumatic amnesia was 41.9 days (SD = 59.3). At the time of injury, 78.2% of the patients were not married. The majority of patients (97.7%) had private residences and 88.5% returned to their original home. Most patients had at least a high school education or passed a high school equivalent exam (49.4%) and were employed (70.1%) at the time of injury. Only 7% of the patients had a history of prior TBI. With regard to substance use, only 34.2% of patients reported pre-morbid illicit drug use. However, 50.5% met criteria for heavy or moderate alcohol use rates. Only 35.6% of patients reported a pre-morbid history of arrests, with the average number of arrests equal to 4.5 (SD = 10.2). Within this population, the number of drug or alcohol related arrests was 4.8 (SD = 13.5). Conclusions: Unmarried African American males, with an average age of 35 years, predominated at this institution. The primary mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accidents. The majority of patients had, at least, a high school education or passed an equivalency exam, were employed at the time of their injury and were discharged to their prior private residence. While half of the patients met criteria for moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption, only one-third of the patients reported a history of premorbid illicit drug use. This descriptive analysis supports the need for further investigation of minority populations that sustain TBI and will enhance the accuracy of implications that minority status may have on functional outcome.
Application of subtraction hybridization for the development of a Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoli and Rhizobium tropici group-specific DNA probe

A combined subtraction hybridization and polymerase chain reaction/amplification technique was used to develop a DNA probe which was specific for the Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoli and the Rhizobium tropici group. Total genomic DNA preparations from Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii, Rhizobium sp. , Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Rhizobium fredii, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium ssp. and Rhizobium meliloti were pooled and used as subtracter DNA against total genomic DNA from the Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseolo strain KIM5s. Only one round of subtraction hybridization at 65°C was necessary to remove all cross-hybridizing sequences. Dot blot hybridizations with total genomic DNA of the eight subtracter organisms and 29 bacteria of different groups confirmed the high specificity of the isolated DNA sequences. Dot blot hybridizations and total genomic DNA from ten different R. Leguminosarum biovar phaseoli and R. tropici strains resulted in strong hybridization signals for all strains tested. The DNA probe for the R. tropici and R. leguminosarum biovar phaseoli group was used for dot blot hybridization with DNA extracts from three tropical and one boreal soil. When correlated with data from Most Probable Number analyses the probe was capable of detecting as low as 3 × 104 homologous indigenous rhizobia per g soil. The technique offers great benefits for the development of DNA probes for monitoring bacterial populations in environmental samples.
Correlates of depression in adults with severe traumatic brain injury and their carers

Although it is generally accepted that social support plays a role in the maintenance of psychological well-being, there has been relatively little direct investigation of the role that social support may play in affecting post-injury depressive symptoms and mediating the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Consequently, social support was selected as the framework within which to investigate possible indicators of depression in adults with severe TBI and their carers. The authors were interested in the degree of association between social support and the criterion variable of depression in the context of demographic and disability-related variables that have been identified as significant correlates of depression. Thirty-five adults with severe TBI (PTA > 7 days) and their primary carers participated in the study. Time post-injury ranged from 3.5-10 years and all the participants were living in the community. Fifty-seven per cent of the adults with TBI and 60% of their carers were classified as showing significant symptoms of depression. As hypothesized, social support contributed significantly to the prediction of depression. In particular, strong-tie support appeared to be an important indicator of well-being for both the participants with TBI and their carers.
Psychiatric treatment outcome following traumatic brain injury

The relationship between self-reported history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychiatric treatment outcome was investigated. TBI was hypothesized to be frequent, associated with cognitive deficits on neuropsychological testing, and less amenable to standard psychiatric treatment. Subjects were 42 psychiatric patients with a self-reported history of TBI and 25 psychiatricpatients with no TBI history. Subjects received approximately 2 weeks of inpatient psychiatric treatment. Subjects received neuropsychological testing and completed the Brief Symptom Inventory weekly. TBI was frequent (66% of subjects); multiple injuries were common. Neuropsychological performance was generally average in both groups with few group differences. Subjects, on average, reported significantly decreased psychiatric symtoms on discharge. However, the TBI group appeared to improve less than the control group; group status was a significant predictor of treatment outcome. Implications of results for assessment and treatment of psychiatric disorders in patients with a history of TBI are discussed.