Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of microhabitat preferences on kelp gull Larus dominicanus breeding performance

We examined microhabitat preferences and their adaptiveness for the kelp gull Larus dominicanus in one of its largest colonies in Patagonia. We quantified 13 habitat variables at 104 and 92 nest-sites and at 70 and 60 random points in 1998 and 1999, respectively. We recorded egg laying dates, hatching success, number of chicks fledged and breeding success at 92 of these nests in each of the study seasons. Compared to random points, nest sites had more vegetation cover and were closer to the nearest available bush, but they were located further from the nearest clearing for flight take-off, all variables included in the “vegetation” principal component. Nests were built on substrates with lower slopes and higher percentages of silt-clay, but with lower percentages of rock. In both years, hatching success, number of chicks fledged and breeding success were related positively to the vegetation principal component. Substrate slope and composition contributed to explain the variation in hatching and breeding success in 1998 and 1999, respectively. Our study shows that some kelp gull breeding parameters are affected by nest-site habitat characteristics. These associations were in most cases influenced by the timing of breeding, with earlier breeders being more successful. Vegetation effects and substrate characteristics were important variables in distinguishing random sites from nest sites, and in explaining variation in breeding performance, showing that their habitat preferences are adaptive and allowing us to detect both the pattern and process in kelp gull habitat selection.
Détermination expérimentale du sexe et de l’âge chez le renard roux ( Vulpes vulpes) : Validité et reproductibilité des techniques choisies

La validite et la reproduetibilite de deux mothodes experimentales d'estimation du sexe et de Tage chez le renard roux sont analyses. La diagnose du sexe se fait par recherche de la chromatine sexuelle (corpuscule de Barr) sur caique de corne d'Ammon coloro ä rhematoxyline de Harris. La determination de Tage se fait par comptage des stries d'accroissement du cement sur coupe de canines inforieures docalcifiees et colored ä l'hemalun de Meyer. Chacune des methodes proposees offre une precision satisfaisante pour autoriser leur utilisation lors d'otudes demographiques chez le renard roux.
miR-203 affects esophageal cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion by targeting MAP3K1

miR-203 has been indicated to be a tumor suppressor in esophageal cancer, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which it functions are not fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory activities of microRNA (miR)-203 in esophageal cancer. The miR-203 mimic/inhibitor, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase 1 (MAP3K1) overexpression plasmid and MAP3K1 small interfering (si)RNA were transfected into TE-1 cells. miR-203 and MAP3K1 mRNA expression were detected via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis, while MAP3K1 protein expression was detected via western blot analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to determine whether MAP3K1 was a direct target of miR-203. Cell proliferation and invasion abilities were assessed via MTT and Matrigel assays, respectively. Cell apoptosis was analyzed via flow cytometry, Caspase 8/3 Assay kits and western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that MAP3K1 was a direct target of miR-203. Overexpression of MAP3K1 reversed the suppressed cell proliferation and invasion abilities induced by miR-203 mimic, as well as the inhibitory effect of miR-203 mimic on cell apoptosis. Furthermore, MAP3K1 siRNA weakened the effect of miR-203 inhibitor on cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion.
Carbonic anhydrase and CO2 concentrating mechanisms in microalgae and cyanobacteria

Among the microbial phototrophs, those belonging to the cyanobacteria utilize CO2 and HCO−3 for photosynthesis. Some Chlorophyceae mainly take up CO2 in photosynthesis, and others, which have carbonic anhydrase (CA) on their cell surface can utilize HCO−3 as well as CO2. Kinetic studies revealed that most of the HCO−3 is utilized after this ion is converted to CO2 via CA located on the cell surface. Therefore, the actual molecular species which crosses the plasmalemma is mostly free CO2. There is apparent variation in the mode of utilization of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) for photosynthesis in microalgae in other classes. The apparent Km(CO2) values for photosynthesis in most microalgae grown in ordinary air (low-CO2 cells) are as low as in terrestrial C4 plants, although the algal cells fix CO2 via the C3 pathway. In contrast, the apparent Km(CO2) values in cells grown on CO2-enriched air (high-CO2 cells) are as high as those in the terrestrial C3 plants. Most low-CO2 cells show low photorespiration; a low CO2 compensation point, low rates of glycolate excretion and no or low O2 inhibition of photosynthesis. These results indicate that the efficiency of DIC utilization for photosynthesis in low-CO2 cells is very high. The activity of CA in low-CO2 cells is higher than that in high-CO2 cells, while no difference has been confirmed in the activities of other photosynthetic enzymes between low- and high-CO2 cells. In addition, low-CO2 cells can accumulate large amounts of DIC internally, indicating the existence of CO2-concentrating mechanisms in these cells. When CA activity or CO2 concentrating ability is reduced by inhibitors or by mutation, the apparent Km(CO2) values for photosynthesis and the rate of photorespiration increased notably. These results indicate that the high efficiency of DIC utilization in low-CO2 cells depends on both CA and a CO2-concentrating mechanism. It is concluded that CA facilitates the diffusion of DIC from outside the cells to the site(s) of the carboxylation reaction and the concentration of DIC is achieved via an active transporter.
Extent and nature of cyanide-shyness in some opulations of Australian brushtail possums in New Zealand

The proportion of possums with cyanide-shyness was assessed in four populations and ranged from 12 to 54%. These results supported anecdotal evidence of cyanide-shyness and showed that the problem could be significant in some populations. Non-toxic baiting with rhodamine dye as a marker indicated that more than 90% of possums were willing to accept the bait material, and pen trials showed that possums were able to eat the bait material but reject the cyanide paste placed in the bait. Shyness was therefore not a result of bait aversion but of direct rejection of the toxin. Attempts to induce shyness in possums by feeding them sublethal doses of cyanide, and the history of cyanide use in the trial areas, support the theory that at least in some areas cyanide-shyness is not a result of previous exposure (learned aversion) but of primary aversion. Current research to produce cyanide formulations with low emission rates of hydrogen cyanide aims to make the toxin effective even in areas where cyanide-shyness has developed.
Morphological and physiological aspects of takeoff aptitudes of female common eiders (Somateria mollissima) during the pre-laying period

In many bird species, follicular growth and the accumulation of body reserves may impair flight takeoff capability of breeding females. The pre-laying period in common eiders, Somateria mollissima (L., 1758), is characterized by a dramatic sex-specific takeoff impairment, and we tested the hypothesis that pre-laying female common eiders compensate to diminish or delay their takeoff impairment. We addressed our question at three organizational levels: (1) measurement of wing morphology, (2) mass of flight musculature, and (3) measurement of the activity of key enzymes of aerobic and glycolytic capacity in one locomotor muscle and one structural muscle. All measurements were performed on individuals of both sexes. We found that wing area was similar between sexes despite males being structurally larger. Our results also indicate that female mass gain is partly compensated by higher pectoralis mass, while the catalytic capacity of the tissue remains unchanged. We conclude that females diminish and delay thei.
Mapping tree genera using discrete LiDAR and geometric tree metrics

Los mapas de generos de arboles son utiles para el inventario forestal, planificacion urbana y el mantenimiento de la infraestructura de lineas de transmision. Se presenta un estudio de caso de uso de datos LiDAR de alta densidad para el mapeo de generos de arboles a lo largo del derecho de paso (ROW) de un corredor de linea de transmision. El objetivo de la investigacion fue identificar arboles individuales que mostraban o poseian una amenaza potencial a la infraestructura de la linea de transmision. Mediante el uso de mapas tridimensionales de LiDAR se derivaron metricas de arboles que estan relacionadas con la geometria de estos (formas del arbol). Por ejemplo, la direccion del crecimiento dominante de los arboles es util para identificar arboles que crecen inclinados hacia las lineas de transmision. Tambien se derivaron otras metricas geometricas que son utiles para determinar los generos de los arboles, tales como altura, forma de la copa, tamano y estructura de ramas. El area de estudio se ubico al norte de Thessalon, Ontario, Canada, a lo largo de los principales corredores de ROW y en los bosques aledanos. Los atributos geometricos usados para la clasificacion de los generos fueron categorizados en cinco amplias clases: 1) lineas, 2) agrupamiento, 3) volumenes, 4) amortiguamiento en 3D de puntos, y 5) forma general del arbol que provee parametros como una entrada para el clasificador forestal aleatorio.
Synthetic photometric landmarks used for absolute navigation near an asteroid

Abstract The need for autonomous location estimation in the form of optical navigation is an essential requirement for forthcoming deep space missions. While crater-based navigation might work well with larger bodies littered with craters, small sub-kilometer bodies do not necessarily have them. We have developed a new pose estimation method for absolute navigation based on photometric local feature extraction techniques thus making it suitable for missions that cannot rely on craters. The algorithm can be used by a navigation filter in conjunction with relative pose estimation such as visual odometry for additional robustness and accuracy. To estimate the position and orientation of the spacecraft in the asteroid-fixed coordinate frame, it uses navigation camera images in combination with other readily available information, such as orientation relative to the stars and the current time for an initial estimate of the asteroid rotation state. Evaluation of the algorithm when using different feature extractors is performed, on one hand, using Monte Carlo simulations and, on the other hand, using actual images taken by the Rosetta spacecraft orbiting the comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. Our analysis, where four different feature extraction methods (AKAZE, ORB, SIFT, SURF) were compared, showed that AKAZE is most promising in terms of stability and accuracy.
Serum Vitamin D, Sleep Pattern and Cardiometabolic Diseases: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective Although poor sleep health and vitamin D deficiency may be associated with diabetes and hypertension, whether this association shows a trend depending on vitamin D concentration is unclear. Subjects and Methods We analyzed data from 10,742 participants (4997 men) from the 2007–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Abnormal sleep pattern (ie, short sleep duration, sleep complaint, and/or sleep disorder), lifestyle factors, serum vitamin D level, and the status of diabetes and hypertension were assessed. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Serum vitamin D significantly interacted with short sleep duration and abnormal sleep pattern (both p = 0.003) on the association with diabetes in men. Short sleep duration (OR: 1.82, 95% CI = 1.29, 2.57) and abnormal sleep pattern (OR: 1.95, 95% CI = 1.38, 2.77) were associated with diabetes in men with serum vitamin D of >75 nmol/L. Serum vitamin D significantly interacted with sleep complaint on the association with hypertension in men and women (both p < 0.05). The magnitude of association between sleep complaint and hypertension in men was stronger when serum vitamin D level was <50 nmol/L (OR: 2.26, 95% CI = 1.57, 3.25) than when the level was >75 nmol/L (OR: 1.28, 95% CI = 0.90, 1.83). Similarly, the magnitude of association between sleep complaint and hypertension in women was stronger when serum vitamin D level was <50 nmol/L (OR: 2.09, 95% CI = 1.53, 2.86) than when the level was >75 nmol/L (OR: 1.64, 95% CI = 0.98, 2.72). No significant interactions were observed between serum vitamin D level and other sleep variables. Conclusion Abnormal sleep pattern is associated with a high risk of diabetes and hypertension. The relationship between sleep complaint and hypertension may be strong in people with vitamin D deficiency, and this observation should be verified by prospective studies.
Undernutrition and laterality of the corpus luteum affects gene expression in oviduct and uterus of pregnant ewes

The effect of undernutrition on gene expression of progesterone and oestrogen receptors (PGR and ESR1), and insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF1 and IGF2) in the uterus and oviducts of ewes on day 5 after oestrus was investigated. The effect of the side of the uterus/oviduct regarding the ovary bearing a corpus luteum (CL) (ipsi vs. contralateral) was also analyzed. Fourteen oestrous synchronized ewes were fed either 1.5 (C, n = 7) or 0.5 (L, n = 7) times their maintenance requirements from the onset of the hormonal treatment (day ‐14), till slaughter on day 5 postoestrus. Oviducts and samples of uterus were collected and their gene expression studied by real time RT-PCR. Undernourished ewes had greater PGR expression in the oviduct than control ewes, but lower expression of IGF1 in uterus and of IGF2 in oviducts. The ipsilateral oviduct presented lower expression of PGR, ESR1 and IGF2 mRNA than the contralateral one, but this did not occur in the uterus. In conclusion, there is an effect of undernutrition on gene expression that is transcript and organ dependent (uterus/oviduct). This work reports for the first time that growth factors and sex steroid receptor expression on day 5 after oestrus vary depending on the side of the CL-bearing ovary and the region of the reproductive tract.
Fiber recognition with machine learning methods by fiber tensile fracture via acoustic emission method

Energy release usually accompanies the single-fiber tensile fracture, and can be monitored using acoustic emission technology. Generated during the process of molecular structure fracture of various fibers, the acoustic emission signals can be extracted to identify different fracture types of fiber, which is especially important to the yarn formation process. In this study, a low-noise fiber-stretching device was employed to process the weak-intensity signal generated during fiber tensile fracture; in addition, the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT), principal component analysis (PCA) and least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) algorithms were combined to identify the collected acoustic emission signals of polyester and cotton fibers. At the same time, it was verified that compared with the single-fiber breaking acoustic emission signal obtained by the electronic single-fiber strength tester, the signal acquisition device based on pneumatic components proposed in this paper can significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal. According to the algorithm recognition results, the recognition rate of the two fibers increased from 74% to 95%. The experimental results indicate successful measurements of different fractures of two types of fiber.
Extended SWIR high performance and high definition colloidal quantum dot imagers

We present, for the first time, solution processed colloidal quantum dot extended short wavelength infrared (eSWIR) 1920 x 1080 format cameras sensitive from 300 nm to 2100 nm wavelengths at a pitch of 15 microns. We describe the performance of this high-definition imager using EMVA1288 machine vision testing and demonstrate pixel detectivities of 1 x1012 Jones and 32 fA of dark current when operating at room temperature [1]. These results show this monolithically integrated detector technology has sensitivity superior to most traditional epitaxial IR sensors employed in the 1700 to 2100 nm band [2]. The straightforward and scalable fabrication processes employed have enabled the first commercially available room temperature 2.1 MP camera with sensitivity out to 2.1 um.
Use of nattokinase, a subtilisin-like serine proteinase, to accelerate proteolysis in Cheddar cheese during ripening

La nattokinase, une serine protease semblable a la substilisine produite par Bacillus natto, est presente dans le natto, produit fermente traditionnel japonais a base de soja. Le but de cette etude etait d'etudier les effets d'une preparation semi-purifiee de nattokinase ajoutee au lait de fabrication a raison de 80, 160 ou 320 μg·mL -1 sur la proteolyse du cheddar au cours de l'affinage. Les niveaux d'azote soluble a pH 4,6 augmentaient avec le temps d'affinage et avec le niveau de nattokinase ajoute. Plus specifiquement, une hydrolyse accrue des caseines α s1 et β etait observee dans les fromages experimentaux. Lorsque les niveaux d'addition de nattokinase augmentaient, on observait une production accrue de peptides a mobilite electrophoretique inferieure a celle des caseines y. L'analyse en composante principale des chromatogrammes RP-HPLC des fractions de fromage solubles dans l'ethanol a 70 % (v/v) differenciait clairement les fromages selon le niveau de nattokinase. Les niveaux de la plupart des acides amines libres etaient superieurs dans les fromages experimentaux par rapport au controle, cependant l'augmentation n'etait pas proportionnelle au taux d'addition de nattokinase. Globalement, l'utilisation de nattokinase comme enzyme exogene accelerait la proteolyse primaire dans le cheddar et augmentait la presence de la plupart des acides amines libres servant de substrat a plusieurs reactions catalytiques, ce qui en retour peut affecter la flaveur du fromage.
Feasibility of Ni/Ti and Ni/GF cathodes in microbial electrolysis cells for hydrogen production from fermentation effluent: A step toward real application

The low cost, low over‐potential loss, good catalytic properties for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), high corrosion stability, commercially available, and could be applied in pH‐neutral solution and ambient temperature are important properties for the cathode materials when it is applied in microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) technology. This study has two‐pronged objectives: the first is to investigate the feasibility of titanium (Ti) and graphite felt (GF) coated with nickel (Ni), and the second is to generate hydrogen from the fermentation effluent (FE). The electrodeposition (ED) method was used to deposit Ni catalyst onto Ti (Ni/Ti) and GF (Ni/GF) surfaces. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy were used to characterize the cathode morphology and element composition. The catalytic properties of Ni/Ti and Ni/GF could be evaluated using the linear sweep voltammetry tests. The maximum volumetric H2 production rates of MEC using Ni/Ti and Ni/GF cathodes were obtained at 0.39 ± 0.01 and 0.33 ± 0.03 m3 H2 m−3 d−1 respectively. The Ni/Ti and Ni/GF cathodes could be used as alternative cathodes while producing hydrogen from FE.
Teachers’ views on classroom-based assessment: an exploratory study at an Islamic boarding school in Indonesia

ABSTRACT This study explores six secondary school English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ views on classroom-based assessment at an Islamic boarding school in Lombok, Indonesia. Researching teacher views is important as a significant curriculum reform which mandates teachers’ use of formative assessment practices within the classroom is planned for implementation by the Indonesian government in 2020. Results from this study found that teachers tended to view classroom-based assessment from summative rather than formative perspectives. A strong emphasis was placed on assessing students’ attitudes and behaviour in classrooms alongside their academic ability. Grades and test scores were also seen as a way to hold students accountable to their teachers and parents for their learning and achievement. This article highlights the challenges of implementing formative assessment practices within the classroom in a traditional, hierarchical society.
Investigation on the Effect of Gate Dielectric and Other Device Parameters on Digital Performance of Silicene Nanoribbon Tunnel FET

In this article, silicene nanoribbon (SiNR)-based tunneling field effect transistor (TFET) is investigated for low power digital applications. A comprehensive study on the role of gate dielectric and device parameters, such as drain doping, channel length of SiNR TFETs, are carried out to see the performance of digital applications. To achieve higher <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}_{ \mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON}}/{I}_{ \mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle OFF}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> ratio and lower subthreshold swing (SS), a detailed investigation is carried out on the equivalent oxide thickness (EOT), channel length, and doping of drain. A digital performance metric comparison of SiNR TFETs with germanium–silicon (Ge-Si), monolayer graphene nanoribbon (MLGNR), and bilayer graphene nanoribbon (BLGNR) TFETs has been performed. It is concluded that SiNR TFETs made of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> gate dielectric with 0.86 nm effective oxide thickness, 0.5 mM (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$8\,\times \,10^{12}\,\,cm^{-2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) drain doping concentration, and 5 mM (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$8\,\times \,10^{13}\,\,cm^{-2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) source doping concentration exhibits lower intrinsic delay, higher <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}_{ \mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, higher <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}_{ \mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON}}/{I}_{ \mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle OFF}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> ratio, and lower SS at 25 nm channel length.
The Fry Paradigm: Its Significance for Contemporary Ecology

Abstract A basic premise of the Fry paradigm is that a system is a passage of energy channeled through form, and form is a pattern of forces. A living system, whether an organism or an ecosystem, is a manifestation of this process, which may be observed at any given level of hierarchical organization with a metric appropriate to the emergent properties characteristic of that level. A number of consequences flow from this premise that carry significant implications for the study of living systems. Some of these consequences are explored here, particularly those relevant to the study of synecology. With the advent of concepts such as dissipative systems and hierarchy theory, many ecologists now take for granted a conceptual framework that must have seemed lonely intellectual terrain when first explored by Fry.