Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Site characteristics of red spruce witness tree locations in the uplands of West Virginia, USA

Abstract Knowledge, both of the historical range of spruce-dominated forests and associated site conditions, is needed by land managers to help define restoration goals and potential sites for restoration. We used an existing digital database of witness trees listed in deeds from 1752 to 1899 to compare characteristics of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) sites to non-red spruce sites to gain an understanding of historical spruce-dominated forests in West Virginia. The analysis revealed that red spruce witness trees were found at significantly higher elevations than non-spruce witness trees across the study area. However, spruce witness trees in the Western Allegheny Mountains subsection were found at significantly lower elevations than non-spruce witness trees. Indicator species analysis determined red spruce to be associated with toe slopes, benches, and valleys, although most locations were on side slopes. Across the entire study area, red spruce witness trees were more likely to be found on northeastern aspects and on acidic and frigid soils of the Mandy series. Historically, red spruce was associated with American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), birch (Betula L.), and hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière). This information should be used to guide red spruce restoration efforts and shows that a range of ecological settings should be considered when setting goals and implementing active management.
The Effect of Variation of Fitness

In a species in equilibrium variation is mainly due to two causes. Some deleterious genes are being weeded out by selection at the same rate as they are produced by mutation. Others are preserved because the heterozygous form is fitter than either homozygote. In the former case the loss of fitness in the species is roughly equal to the sum of all mutation rates and is probably of the order of 5 per cent. It is suggested that this loss of fitness is the price paid by a species for its capacity for further evolution.
Hepatopancreatic brush border lysis (HBL) -- a new bacterial disease of the shrimp Palaemon elegans

Hepatopancreatic brush border lys~s (HBL) is a new bacterial disease of Palaernon elegans found in 1 shnmp from a rock pool of the northern Adriatic Sea. The HBL bacteria are Gram-negative, elongate and slightly cunled, and measure up to 7 X 0.2 pm. They were observed only extracellularly in the lumina of hepatopancreatic tubules. The grade of infection varied considerably among the tubules. A typical cytopathological feature of HBL infection is the unusual end-toend contact of bacteria with individual microvilli which eventually induces rupture of the microvillous border. The bacteria in the lumen may live on the discharged contents of such lysed cells. Only R-cells and F-cells are contacted and lysed and not B-cells.
Fused Filament Fabrication of PEEK: A Review of Process-Structure-Property Relationships

Poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic polymer with potential for use in a variety of metal replacement applications due to its high strength to weight ratio. This combination of properties makes it an ideal material for use in the production of bespoke replacement parts for out-of-earth manufacturing purposes, in particular on the International Space Station (ISS). Additive manufacturing (AM) may be employed for the production of these parts, as it has enabled new fabrication pathways for articles with complex design considerations. However, AM of PEEK via fused filament fabrication (FFF) encounters significant challenges, mostly stemming from the semi crystalline nature of PEEK and its associated high melting temperature. This makes PEEK highly susceptible to changes in processing conditions which leads to a large reported variation in the literature on the final performance of PEEK. This has limited the adaption of FFF printing of PEEK in space applications where quality assurance and reproducibility are paramount. In recent years, several research studies have examined the effect of printing parameters on the performance of the 3D-printed PEEK parts. The aim of the current review is to provide comprehensive information in relation to the process-structure-property relationships in FFF 3D-printing of PEEK to provide a clear baseline to the research community and assesses its potential for space applications, including out-of-earth manufacturing.
Paddling time parameters and paddling efficiency with the increase in stroke rate in kayaking

ABSTRACT The paddling stroke rate (SR) is one of the key determinants of flat water kayak performance. The aim of this study was to analyse the way in which the kayak paddler changes the duration of the water and aerial phases due to the increase in stroke rate. Ten elite kayak paddlers (five males and five females) were analysed performing 200 m on-water trials in an individual kayak (K1), at four different stroke rates (60, 80, 100 strokes per minute and race pace). The duration of the water and aerial phases, SR and impulse were computed based on the data collected using the FPaddle system. Results corroborate the importance of reaching higher SR to increase kayak velocity (r = 0.904, p < 0.001). Both water and aerial phase durations correlated negatively with SR (r = −0.929, p < 0.001; R = −0.909, p < 0.001, respectively). However, with the first, the correlation was linear (r 2 = 0.883), and for the second, the trend of relationship was curvilinear (r 2 = 0.893). Due to differences in correlation, the results suggest that at high SR (above 120 strokes per minute) to continue increasing SR it will be more productive to reduce the duration of the water phase.
The molecular regulation of stilbene phytoalexin biosynthesis in Vitis vinifera during grape berry development

The molecular regulation of stilbene phytoalexin biosynthesis in developing Vitis vinifera L. grape berries was investigated using a UV induction system. Berries were collected at 1, 5, 10 and 16 weeks post-flowering from the cultivars Shiraz, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and the skins analysed for resveratrol production following irradiation with UV-C light. The rate and maximal level of resveratrol accumulation increased markedly in berries sampled from 1–5 weeks post-flowering and then dramatically declined in maturing berries sampled from 10–16 weeks post-flowering in all cultivars. In berries sampled at 1 and 5 weeks post-flowering, maximal levels of resveratrol accumulation were recorded at incubation periods of 24 and 48 h respectively whereas maximal resveratrol levels were not recorded in week 16 berry skins until 72 h after UV-treatment. Gene expression analysis indicated that stilbene synthase (STS) mRNA accumulated within 4–8 h of UV treatment in berries sampled at 1 and 5 weeks post-flowering, but did not increase in week 16 berries until 24–48 h following UV-irradiation. Furthermore, the overall level of STS gene expression declined in berries sampled 10–16 weeks post-flowering. The results demonstrate that inducible stilbene accumulation in ripening grape berries is highly regulated at the level of STS gene transcription. This decline in inducible STS gene expression may be a major factor contributing to the increased susceptibility of ripening grape berries to Botrytis cinerea infection.
Studies on genetic parameter estimation and sire selection to ultrasound measurement traits of Hanwoo.

Division of Applied Life Science, GyeongSang National UniversityABSTRACTThis study is conducted to use the real-time ultrasound measurement data of Hanwoo as basic data being available to improvement. We used the ultrasound measurement data of 1,125 heads of performance tested cattle and the carcass data after castrating at about 12 months of age, fattened to 30 months, and then sold. For 921 heads of progeny tested cattle, we used test data and slaughter data. Heritabilities of ultrasound data for longissimus muscle area and backfat thickness measured at 12 months of age were estimated as 0.57 and- 0.41, respectively, and at 24 months of age, it was 0.57 and- 0.60, respectively, with high heritability. However, in estimation value of heritability containing ultrasound measurement for percent intramuscular fat, it showed low and medium heritability as 0.14 at 12 months of age and 0.22 at 24 months of age for each. The longissimus muscle area, backfat thickness, and percent intramuscular fat of ultrasound measure traits and longissimus muscle area, backfat thickness, marbling score of carcass traits genetic correlation of at 12 months of age were estimated as 0.616, 0.544, 0.501, respectively and at 24 months of age, it showed high genetic correlation as 0.894, 0.937, 0.263, respectively. As a result of ranking correlation between selection index by using weight, carcass traits at 12 months of age and selection index based on ultrasound measurement data which has high genetic correlation, in data of ultrasound measurement at 12 months of age, it showed high ranking correlation as that selection index of young bull was 0.140 and that of proven bull was 0.843. (Key words : Hanwoo, Real-time ultrasound measurement, Heritability, Genetic correlation, Rank correlation)
Short-term Debt in Spanish SMEs

This article analyses the debt maturity structure of small and medium-sized firms in terms of the risk and return trade-off associated with the use of short-term loans. The sample covers 11,533 small and medium-sized Spanish manufacturing firms over the period from 1997 to 2001.The results show that short-term loans are more common in firms with greater financial strength, greater financial flexibility, and major growth options, and when the interest cost differential between short- and long-term loans is more pronounced. Additionally, the size of the firm seems to have an influence on the level of short-term loans; short-term borrowing levels are higher in the smaller firms.
Saccharification with Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Pleurotus ostreatus enzymatic extracts of pretreated banana waste

Lignocellulosic biomass has a great potential as raw material for second and third generation biofuels since it is the most abundant carbohydrate on earth and the main component of agricultural waste; however, saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass is crucial for the establishment of a carbohydratebased economy. The use of fungal enzymes is the preferred procedure for lignocellulosic saccharification. Fungi such as basidiomycetes (e.g Phanerochaete chrysosporium) produce cellulolytic/hemicellulolytic and ligninolytic enzymes, which are responsible for lignocellulose degradation. In this study the saccharification of banana flour prepared from pseudostem and green non commercial-grade fruit (1:1), two of the main agro-waste of banana industry was investigated. The material was pretreated by physical and chemical processes including drying and grinding, followed by 3% HCl or 3% NaOH hydrolysis, or a sequential pretreatment with 3% HCl first and then 3% NaOH and heated at 121°C, at 15 Lb/in 2 for 15 min. The highest concentration of reducing sugars (RS) was obtained with acid hydrolysis (42.41 gL -1 ). Crude cellulolytic-ligninolytic enzymatic extracts from Pleurotus ostreatus and P. chrysosporium cultured on banana waste as the only carbon source were prepared and used for the saccharification. Surprisingly, P. chrysosporium crude extract produced a decrease in RS (2.27 gL -1 ). Although P. ostreatus cellulose activity (17,777.78 UL -1 ) was almost half compared to P. chrysosporium’s (31,296.30 UL -1 ), the former produced an increment in the release of RS (63.65 gL -1 ). In Mexico, banana is one of the main crops and generates large agricultural waste after harvest. According to the results obtained with acid-heat pretreatment followed by saccharification with P. ostreatus enzymatic crude extract, banana agro-waste can be considered as a potential feedstock for RS-based bioproducts like bioethanol. Key words : Banana waste, lignocellulosic, pretreatments, saccharification, reducing sugars.
Age structure changes indicate direct and indirect population impacts in illegally harvested black rhino

Overharvesting affects the size and growth of wildlife populations and can impact population trajectories. Overharvesting can also severely alter population structure and may result in changes in spatial organisation, social dynamics and recruitment. Understanding the relationship between overharvesting and population growth is therefore crucial for the recovery of exploited species. The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis; black rhino) is a long-lived megaherbivore native to sub-Saharan Africa, listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Since 2009, the targeted illegal killing of rhino for their horns has escalated dramatically in South Africa. Given their slow life trajectories, spatial structure and social dynamics, black rhino may be susceptible to both direct and indirect impacts of overharvesting. Our study compared black rhino demography before and during extensive poaching to understand the impact of illegal killing. The population exhibited significant changes in age structure after four years of heavy poaching; these changes were primarily explained by a decrease in the proportion of calves over time. Population projections incorporating both direct poaching removals and decreased fecundity/recruitment were most similar to the observed demographic profile in 2018, suggesting that indirect impacts are also contributing to the observed population trajectory. These indirect impacts are likely a result of decreased density, through processes such as reduced mate-finding, population disturbance and/or increased calf predation. This study illustrates the combined effect of direct and indirect impacts on an endangered species, providing a more comprehensive approach by which to evaluate exploited populations.
Modeling of vascular space occupancy and BOLD functional MRI from first principles using real microvascular angiograms

The vascular space occupancy (VASO) is a functional MRI technique for probing cerebral blood volume changes noninvasively, including during neuronal activation in humans. An important consideration when implementing VASO is the BOLD effect in the signal. Assessing the physical origin of this BOLD contamination and the capabilities of correction methods could improve the quantification of cerebral blood volume changes with VASO.
Hazards of nicotine on the uterus of albino rat and the possible ameliorative role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Introductions: Smoking is an important cause of increased mortality and morbidity in the developing countries. Nicotine in cigarette smoke is one of the toxic substances which impair the fertility.So, the aim of this work was to study the histological changes induced by nicotine hydrogen tartrate on the endometrium of albino rat and the possible ameliorative effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Material and Methods: Forty females of Wister albino rats in the normal estrous cycle were selected and used for the experiment. The experimental animals were randomly divided into four groups, each one including 10 female rats. The experiment period was extended to four weeks.Group I was (control group). Group II (Nicotine treated group) was subcutaneously (SC) injected by nicotine hydrogen tartrate as 8 mg/rat three times/week for four weeks. Group III (Nicotine and hCG) was subcutaneously injected with the previous dose of nicotine together with hCG (pregnyl). HCG was subcutaneously injected as 2 IU/rat/day for four weeks. Group IV (hCG group) was subcutaneously injected only with hCG as 2.0 IU/rat/day for four weeks. The specimens were prepared for light and scanning electron microscopic examinations, and morphometric measurements.Results: Nicotine induced decrease in the thickness of the endometrium. The height of the surface epithelium was decreased, the endometrial stromal cells were disrupted and had congested blood vessels. The endometrial glands became small and atrophied. The endometrium showed apparent increase in collagen fibers, a weak PAS reaction and highly positive immunohistochemical staining KI 67. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed flattening of the surface epithelial cells with absent apical microvilli and apparent decrease in the number of pits of the glands. Concomitant administration of nicotine and hCG showed marked improvement in the structures of the endometrium as compared with that of the nicotine-treated group.Conclusion: Nicotine altered the structure of the endometrium and concomitant administration of hCG with nicotine improved it.
BMI1-Mediated Pemetrexed Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Is Associated with Increased SP1 Activation and Cancer Stemness

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the therapeutic strategies include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) account for around 85% of cases of lung cancers. Pemetrexed is an antifolate agent that is currently used as the second line chemotherapy drug in the treatment of advanced NSCLC patients with a response rate of 20–40%. The search for any combination therapy to improve the efficacy of pemetrexed is required. The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is considered as the main reason for drug resistance of cancers. In this study, we first found that pemetrexed-resistant NSCLC cells derived from A549 cells displayed higher CSC activity in comparison to the parental cells. The expression of CSC related proteins, such as BMI1 or CD44, and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature was elevated in pemetrexed-resistant NSCLC cells. We next discovered that the overexpression of BMI1 in A549 cells caused the pemetrexed resistance and inhibition of BMI1 by a small molecule inhibitor, PTC-209, or transducing of BMI1-specific shRNAs suppressed cell growth and the expression of thymidylate synthase (TS) in pemetrexed-resistant A549 cells. We further identified that BMI1 positively regulated SP1 expression and treatment of mithramycin A, a SP1 inhibitor, inhibited cell proliferation, as well as TS expression, of pemetrexed-resistant A549 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of BMI1 in A549 cells also caused the activation of EMT in and the enhancement of CSC activity. Finally, we demonstrated that pretreatment of PTC-209 in mice bearing pemetrexed-resistant A549 tumors sensitized them to pemetrexed treatment and the expression of Ki-67, BMI1, and SP1 expression in tumor tissues was observed to be reduced. In conclusion, BMI1 expression level mediates pemetrexed sensitivity of NSCLC cells and the inhibition of BMI1 will be an effective strategy in NSCLC patients when pemetrexed resistance has developed.
Seasonal development of Scots pine under climatic warming: effects on photosynthetic production

In boreal conditions under climatic warming, photosynthesis will start earlier in the spring than it does in the present climate. As a first approximation this phenomenon would increase the annual photosynthetic production of boreal conifers, as they can use the high amounts of incoming solar radiation prevailing during spring to a greater extent than in the present climate. However, the recovery of photosynthesis is accompanied by a simultaneous dehardening of the needles. Thus, climatic warming may also cause a premature dehardening of the needles during spring. This may result in needle losses caused by frost damage; so climatic warming may also decrease the annual photosynthetic production of boreal conifers. Using computer simulations with ecophysiological models, these counteracting effects of climatic warming on photosynthetic production were studied in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees growing in southern Finland. The results show that because of our insufficient understanding of the environm.
Use of Nutrition Risk in Critically ill (NUTRIC) scoring system for nutritional risk assessment and prognosis prediction in critically ill neurological patients: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND Critically ill patients who are hospitalized in neurological intensive care unit (NICU) are largely susceptible to nutritional risk. However, only a limited number of studies have investigated the applicable assessment tool in NICU. METHODS This was a prospective observational study conducted in a single-center NICU. A total of 140 adult patients who were hospitalized for more than 24 hours were enrolled. The Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002), Nutrition Risk in the Critically ill (NUTRIC) and modified NUTRIC (mNUTRIC) scores were applied for the assessment of nutritional risk. Analyses of multivariable logistic regression were performed by considering a 28-day mortality as the outcome of interest. RESULTS Nutritional risk was commonly identified in NICU patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that patient's age ≥ 60 years old, hospital infection, mechanical ventilation, and high nutritional risk (mNUTRIC score ≥5) independently increased 28-day mortality in NICU patients. For subgroups of patients with a prolonged length of stay (LOS), high nutritional risk (mNUTRIC score ≥5) has always been an independent risk factor of 28-day mortality. Both NUTRIC and mNUTRIC scores were able to predict 28-day mortality with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of 0.857 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.786-0.928) and 0.856 (95% CI 0.786-0.927), respectively. CONCLUSION The mNUTRIC scoring system is not only a useful tool for nutritional risk assessment but, importantly, it is independently related to the risk of 28-day mortality in NICU patients. Therefore, mNUTRIC scoring is an appropriate tool for nutritional risk assessment and prognosis prediction of NICU patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
On the osteology and phylogenetic affinities of the Pseudasturidae–Lower Eocene stem-group representatives of parrots (Aves, Psittaciformes)

The osteology of the early Eocene (about 50 mya) avian taxon Pseudasturidae Mayr, 1998 is revised and its phylogenetic affinities are analysed. Members of the Pseudasturidae are known from abundant and excellently preserved skeletal material, both complete skeletons on slabs as well as isolated, three-dimensional bones. Although this taxon is thus among the best represented of all small early Tertiary birds, its systematic affinities were unknown so far. Derived osteological characters which are visible in newly recognized specimens from the Lower Eocene London Clay of England most convincingly support classification of the Pseudasturidae into the Psittaciformes (parrots). Both, in overall morphology and in terms of derived characters, the tarsometatarsus of the Pseudasturidae closely resembles that of the Eocene Quercypsittidae, which were assigned to the Psittaciformes by Mourer-Chauvire (1992). The Pseudasturidae are considered to be stem-group representatives of the Psittaciformes and the sister taxon of all other known psittaciform birds. The Eocene taxon lacks the specialized bill morphology of crown-group Psittaciformes of the Psittacidae. Several other osteological differences between the Pseudasturidae and the Psittacidae probably are also functionally correlated with the specialized feeding technique of the latter. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2002, 136, 715–729.