Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Habitat-Specific Density and Diet of Rapidly Expanding Invasive Red Lionfish, Pterois volitans, Populations in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Invasive Indo-Pacific red lionfish, Pterois volitans, were first reported in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM) in summer 2010. To examine potential impacts on native reef fish communities, lionfish density and size distributions were estimated from fall 2010 to fall 2013 with a remotely operated vehicle at natural (n = 16) and artificial (n = 22) reef sites. Lionfish (n = 934) also were sampled via spearfishing to examine effects of habitat type, season, and fish size on their diet and trophic ecology. There was an exponential increase in lionfish density at both natural and artificial reefs over the study period. By fall 2013, mean lionfish density at artificial reefs (14.7 fish 100 m−2) was two orders of magnitude higher than at natural reefs (0.49 fish 100 m−2), and already was among the highest reported in the western Atlantic. Lionfish diet was significantly different among habitats, seasons, and size classes, with smaller (<250 mm total length) fish consuming more benthic invertebrates and the diet of lionfish sampled from artificial reefs being composed predominantly of non-reef associated prey. The ontogenetic shift in lionfish feeding ecology was consistent with δ15N values of white muscle tissue that were positively related to total length. Overall, diet results indicate lionfish are generalist mesopredators in the nGOM that become more piscivorous at larger size. However, lionfish diet was much more varied at artificial reef sites where they clearly were foraging on open substrates away from reef structure. These results have important implications for tracking the lionfish invasion in the nGOM, as well as estimating potential direct and indirect impacts on native reef fish communities in this region.
FREM: fast and robust EM clustering for large data sets

Clustering is a fundamental Data Mining technique. This article presents an improved EM algorithm to cluster large data sets having high dimensionality, noise and zero variance problems. The algorithm incorporates improvements to increase the quality of solutions and speed. In general the algorithm can find a good clustering solution in 3 scans over the data set. Alternatively, it can be run until it converges. The algorithm has a few parameters that are easy to set and have defaults for most cases. The proposed algorithm is compared against the standard EM algorithm and the On-Line EM algorithm.
Session 1: Feeding and infant development Breast-feeding and immune function

The newborn receives, via the placenta, maternal IgG antibodies against the microbes present in its surroundings, but such antibodies have a pro-inflammatory action, initiating the complement system and phagocytes. Although the host defence mechanisms of the neonate that involve inflammatory reactivity are somewhat inefficient, this defence system can still have catabolic effects. Breast-feeding compensates for this relative inefficiency of host defence in the neonate by providing considerable amounts of secretory IgA antibodies directed particularly against the microbial flora of the mother and her environment. These antibodies bind the microbes that are appearing on the infant's mucosal membranes, preventing activation of the pro-inflammatory defence. The major milk protein lactoferrin can destroy microbes and reduce inflammatory responses. The non-absorbed milk oligosaccharides block attachment of microbes to the infant's mucosae, preventing infections. The milk may contain anti-secretory factor, which is anti-inflammatory, preventing mastitis in mothers and diarrhoea in infants. Numerous additional factors in the milk are of unknown function, although IL-7 is linked to the larger size of the thymus and the enhanced development of intestinal Tγδ lymphocytes in breast-fed compared with non-breast-fed infants. Several additional components in the milk may help to explain why breast-feeding can reduce infant mortality, protecting against neonatal septicaemia and meningitis. It is therefore important to start breast-feeding immediately. Protection is also apparent against diarrhoea, respiratory infections and otitis media. There may be protection against urinary tract infections and necrotizing enterocolitis, and possibly also against allergy and certain other immunological diseases, and tumours. In conclusion, breast-feeding provides a very broad multifactorial anti-inflammatory defence for the infant.
COHORT PROFILE Cohort Profile : The International Collaboration of Incident HIV and Hepatitis C in Injecting Cohorts ( InC 3 ) Study

The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, Tufts Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Cluster Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, Netherlands and Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Center for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Infection With the Secondary Tsetse-Endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius (Enterobacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae) Influences Parasitism in Glossina pallidipes (Diptera: Glossinidae)

Abstract The establishment of infection with three Trypanosoma spp (Gruby) (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), specifically Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Plimmer and Bradford), T. b. rhodesiense (Stephen and Fatham) and T. congolense (Broden) was evaluated in Glossina pallidipes (Austen) (Diptera: Glossinidae) that either harbored or were uninfected by the endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius (Dale and Maudlin) (Enterobacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae). Temporal variation of co-infection with T. b. rhodesiense and S. glossinidius was also assessed. The results show that both S. glossinidius infection ( χ2 = 1.134, df = 2, P = 0.567) and trypanosome infection rate ( χ2 = 1.85, df = 2, P = 0.397) were comparable across the three infection groups. A significant association was observed between the presence of S. glossinidius and concurrent trypanosome infection with T. b. rhodesiense ( P = 0.0009) and T. congolense ( P = 0.0074) but not with T. b. brucei ( P = 0.5491). The time-series experiment revealed a slight decrease in the incidence of S. glossinidius infection with increasing fly age, which may infer a fitness cost associated with Sodalis infection. The present findings contribute to research on the feasibility of S. glossinidius -based paratransgenic approaches in tsetse and trypanosomiasis control, in particular relating to G. pallidipes control.
Extent of recovery in the first 12 months of complex regional pain syndrome type‐1: A prospective study

The literature concerning the outcomes of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is contradictory, with some studies suggesting high rates of symptom resolution, whilst others demonstrate that CRPS symptoms can persist and lead to significant disability. The aim of the present study was to carefully document the extent of recovery from each of the signs and symptoms of CRPS.
Rubberwood Fiber Treatment by Laccase Enzyme and Its Application in Medium Density Fiberboard

In this work physico-chemical properties of rubber wood fiber were analyzed after laccase treatment and evaluated the performance of medium density fiberboard (MDF) fabricated from the treated fiber. In a single parameter study, two different times i.e. 60 min and 120 min of laccase treatment were applied at constant temperature, enzyme concentration and pH. After the pulp treatment, fibers were sieved out and transferred in to autoclave at 121 °C for 15 min to stop further enzyme reaction. Treated fiber was dried in electric oven drier at 80-90°C for 24 hr to dry up the fiber until constant moisture content. Crystallinity index of the fiber was measured by X-ray diffraction method and it was observed maximum up to 14% higher compared to untreated fiber. The treated fiber was further analyzed for FE-SEM, TGA and compared with untreated fiber in order to evaluate its properties. Fiber treated with enzyme exhibited superiority in fiber surface structure and thermal degradation over untreated fibers. The MDF prepared from improved crystalline fiber showed improved physical and mechanical properties as compared to the MDF from untreated fiber.
Beta-blockers in COPD: time for reappraisal

The combined effects on the heart of smoking and hypoxaemia may contribute to an increased cardiovascular burden in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The use of beta-blockers in COPD has been proposed because of their known cardioprotective effects as well as reducing heart rate and improving systolic function. Despite the proven cardiac benefits of beta-blockers post-myocardial infarction and in heart failure they remain underused due to concerns regarding potential bronchoconstriction, even with cardioselective drugs. Initiating treatment with beta-blockers requires dose titration and monitoring over a period of weeks, and beta-blockers may be less well tolerated in older patients with COPD who have other comorbidities. Medium-term prospective placebo-controlled safety studies in COPD are warranted to reassure prescribers regarding the pulmonary and cardiac tolerability of beta-blockers as well as evaluating their potential interaction with concomitant inhaled long-acting bronchodilator therapy. Several retrospective observational studies have shown impressive reductions in mortality and exacerbations conferred by beta-blockers in COPD. However, this requires confirmation from long-term prospective placebo-controlled randomised controlled trials. The real challenge is to establish whether beta-blockers confer benefits on mortality and exacerbations in all patients with COPD, including those with silent cardiovascular disease where the situation is less clear. Beta-blockers are used for heart failure and myocardial infarction but remain underused in COPD despite guidelines http://ow.ly/gbvY301wCUA
Immunoporosis: Immunology of Osteoporosis—Role of T Cells

The role of immune system in various bone pathologies, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis is now well established. This had led to the emergence of a modern field of systems biology called as osteoimmunology, an integrated research between fields of immunology and bone biology under one umbrella. Osteoporosis is one of the most common inflammatory bone loss condition with more than 200 million individuals affected worldwide. T helper (Th) cells along with various other immune cells are major players involved in bone homeostasis. In the present review, we specifically discuss the role of various defined T lymphocyte subsets (Th cells comprising Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, regulatory T cells, follicular helper T cells, natural killer T cells, γδ T cells, and CD8+ T cells) in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis. The study of the specific role of immune system in osteoporosis has now been proposed by our group as “immunoporosis: the immunology of osteoporosis” with special emphasis on the role of various subsets of T lymphocytes. The establishment of this new field had been need of the hour due to the emergence of novel roles of various T cell lymphocytes in accelerated bone loss observed during osteoporosis. Activated T cells either directly or indirectly through the secretion of various cytokines and factors modulate bone health and thereby regulate bone remodeling. Several studies have summarized the role of inflammation in pathogenesis of osteoporosis but very few reports had delineated the precise role of various T cell subsets in the pathobiology of osteoporosis. The present review thus for the first time clearly highlights and summarizes the role of various T lymphocytes in the development and pathophysiology of osteoporosis, giving birth to a new field of biology termed as “immunoporosis”. This novel field will thus provide an overview of the nexus between the cellular components of both bone and immune systems, responsible for the observed bone loss in osteoporosis. A molecular insight into the upcoming and novel field of immunoporosis would thus leads to development of innovative approaches for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Heavy Environmental Pressure in Campania and Other Italian Regions: A Short Review of Available Evidence

The area of Naples and Campania region, in Italy, are experiencing the dramatic consequences of diffuse and illegal waste dumping, resulting in possible threats to human health. This area has been referred to as the “Land of Fires” because of the common practice of waste burning. International interest in the Campania “waste emergency” has triggered several epidemiological studies. This article is aimed at highlighting the body of evidence available concerning human and environmental contamination in the Campania region, and considers the possible lack of comparable knowledge about the situation in other areas suffering from high environmental pollution. We analyzed the results of studies addressing environmental pollution and population health in the Campania region, starting from the most recent reviews on this topic, and compared their findings with those concerning other regions. We reviewed 18 studies of epidemiological/cancer surveillance and human or animal biomonitoring. These studies show worrying results, which could be considered comparable to those available for other Italian areas impacted by heavy industrial activities. The release of environmental contaminants associated with waste incineration and waste disposal in landfills poses a risk to public health, as shown by a number of studies (although not conclusively). The current knowledge available for the Campania region is better than that available for other areas which are facing similar problems due to anthropic activities, including illegal waste trafficking. Thus, Naples and Campania could represent a valuable setting to develop general models for studies of environmental and human contamination.
Lung transplant outcome prediction using UNOS data

We analyze lung transplant data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) program with the aim of developing accurate risk prediction models for mortality within 1 year of lung transplant using data mining techniques. The data used in this study is de-identified and consists of 62 predictor attributes, and 1-year posttranplant survial outcome for patients who underwent lung transplant between the years 2005 and 2009. Our dataset had 5,319 such patient instances. Several data mining classification techniques were used on this data along with various data mining optimizations and validations to build predictive models for the abovementioned outcome. Prediction results were evaluated using c-statistic metric, and the highest c-statistic obtained was 0.68. Further, we also applied feature selection techniques to reduce the number of attributes in the model from 50 to 8, without any degradation in c-statistic. The final model was also found to outperform logistic regression, which is the most commonly used technique in predictive healthcare informatics. We believe that the resulting predictive model on the reduced dataset can be quite useful to integrate in a risk calculator to aid both physicians and patients in risk assessment.
Uses of X-ray 3D-Computed-Tomography to Monitor the Development of Garlic Shooting Inside the Intact Cloves

X-ray high resolution three-dimensional computed tomography (XHR3DCT) is a non-invasive technique to monitor the inner morphology of an object. It permits to obtain a series of horizontal stack of the structure that allows its 3D reconstruction of images by a computer post-processing analysis. This technology is commonly used for medical analysis on human or rarely on animals and its utilization in the plant field has been recently discussed. As we are engaged in the investigation on the possibility to use XHR3DCT for monitoring the storage quality and/or post-harvest development of fresh produces such as vegetables, here we report on minimal demonstration performed on garlic bulbs. In particular, immediately after the harvest from the soil, cloves of garlic bulbs have been maintained under different conditions differed in temperature and humidity, with and without irradiation by red (660 nm) or infra-red (735 nm) lights. At an intermediate time, some cloves have been non-invasively monitored by XHR3DCT to predict the changes in the size (volume) of growing inner shoots (sprouts). To determine the sprout volume based on the XHR3DCT-scanned images, several mathematical approaches have been tested. With approximation of the garlic sprout shape as a parabolic cone, estimation of shoot volume could be readily achieved. By analyzing the inner shoot size in garlic clove kept under different conditions, increase in the shoot size under red light or under higher temperature and relative humidity could be monitored non-invasively, suggesting that XHR3DCT can be used for monitoring of inner structure within the clove of garlic without damaging the samples. Future applications of this technique in during post-harvest managements of a wide range of fresh produces are expected.
Density-Dependence in Space and Time: Opposite Synchronous Variations in Population Distribution and Body Condition in the Baltic Sea Sprat (Sprattus sprattus) over Three Decades

Spatio-temporal density-dependent processes are crucial regulatory factors for natural populations. However, there is a lack of studies addressing spatial density-dependence in fish growth. A previous investigation has suggested spatio-temporal density-dependence in body condition of Baltic sprat. Here, we used different techniques, such as centre of gravity, distance, and homogeneity indices, to better characterize the spatial and temporal variations in sprat density and body condition in the Baltic Proper. Our results evidenced a negative spatio-temporal co-variation between the centres of gravity of density and maximum condition. In the 1980s-early 1990s both centres were located in the middle of the Baltic Proper. From the mid 1990s the centres progressively separated in space, as the sprat population moved towards the north-eastern Baltic Proper, and the centre of maximum condition towards the south-western areas. Moreover, at low abundances, sprat density and condition were homogeneously distributed in space, whereas at high abundances both density and condition showed pronounced geographical gradients. The ecological processes potentially explaining the observed patterns were discussed in the light of the Ideal Free Distribution theory. We provide evidence that the shift in the spatial distribution of cod, the main predator of sprat, has been the main factor triggering the overall spatial changes in sprat density, and thus condition, during the past thirty years. The spatial indices shown here, synthesizing the spatio-temporal patterns of fish distribution, can support the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
CALL Translational Research in Acute Lung Injury and Pulmonary Fibrosis Surfactant dysfunction during overexpression of TGF- (cid:2) 1 precedes proﬁbrotic lung remodeling in vivo

Surfactant dysfunction during overexpression of TGF- (cid:2) 1 precedes proﬁbrotic lung remodeling in vivo. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 310: L1260–L1271, 2016. Transforming growth factor- (cid:2) 1 (TGF- (cid:2) 1) is involved in regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and ﬁbrogenesis, inducing myoﬁbroblast migration and increasing extracellular matrix synthesis. Here, TGF- (cid:2) 1 effects on pulmonary structure and function were analyzed. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of TGF- (cid:2) 1 in mice lungs was performed and evaluated by design-based stereology, invasive pulmonary function testing, and detailed analyses of the surfactant system 1 and 2 wk after gene transfer. After 1 wk decreased static compliance was linked with a dramatic alveolar derecruitment without edema formation or increase in the volume of septal wall tissue or collagen ﬁbrils. Abnormally high surface tension correlated with downregulation of surfactant proteins B and C. TTF-1 expression was reduced, and, using PLA (proximity ligand assay) technology, we found Smad3 and TTF-1 form-ing complexes in vivo, which are normally translocated into the nucleus of the alveolar epithelial type II cells (AE2C) but in the presence of TGF- (cid:2) 1 remain in the cytoplasm. AE2C show altered morphology, resulting in loss of total apical surface area per lung and polarity. These changes of AE2C were progressive 2 wk after gene transfer and correlated with lung compliance. Although static lung compliance remained low, the volume of septal wall tissue and collagen ﬁbrils increased 2 wk after gene transfer. In this animal model, the primary effect of TGF- (cid:2) 1 signaling in the lung is downregulation of surfactant proteins, high surface tension, alveolar derecruitment, and mechanical stress, which precede ﬁbrotic tissue remodeling and progressive loss of AE2C polarity. Initial TTF-1 dysfunction is potentially linked to downregulation of surfactant proteins.
Broadband Variations of Isosceles Triangular Microstrip Antennas: Analyzing the Broadband Response

In this article, variations of isosceles-triangular microstrip antennas (ITMSAs) are analyzed for their broadband response. Specifically, results show that an increased isosceles angle optimizes the spacing between the TM10 and TM11 resonant modes of an isosceles patch, yielding a maximum bandwidth (BW) of more than 0.8 GHz (>55%). A further increase in the BW of the isosceles patch is obtained by using its rectangular-slot- or U-slot-cut variations. The slot optimizes the spacing of the third-order TM20 mode with respect to the TM10 and TM11 modes, increasing the BW almost to 1 GHz (~65%). In addition, the proposed ITMSAs show a broadside radiation pattern with a peak gain of more than 8 dBi.