Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A three‐dimensional perspective of Daphnia’s swimming behavior with and without predator cues

Behavioral adaptations play an important role in predator–prey interactions as they reduce predation risk. Prey organisms have therefore evolved a tremendous variability in behavioral adaptations. In case of small crustaceans of the genus Daphnia, which are common and important herbivores transferring energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels, such as predatory fish, and insects, altered migration patterns, swarming, or adaptive swimming speeds may increase survival rates. However, hitherto it has been difficult to analyze predator‐induced behavioral adaptations as the small body size, as well as the low contrast between the transparent animals and their environment, most often impede behavioral movement analysis of individual animals. Therefore, we worked with a newly established technique providing higher contrast. We tagged daphniids with fluorescent nanoparticles and used a three‐dimensional movement analysis system. We analyzed behavioral defense strategies of Daphnia clones from three species against different types of predators by measuring their behavior in presence and absence of predator cues. We analyzed swimming speed, depth selection, and motion patterns of Daphnia, as well as swarming behavior. We observed differences in the general swimming behavior in all analyzed aspects and show that daphniids change their behavioral strategies in the presence of predator cues, e.g., decrease their swimming speed as well as their vertical position or increase their nearest neighbor distance. Based on the observed changes in behavioral patterns, we conclude that the swimming behavior of daphniids may play an important role as inducible defense strategy that has the potential to improve prey survival chances.
Understanding the Regulation and Biological Function of the ComRS Competence Signaling System in Streptococcus mutans

Genetic competence provides bacteria with an opportunity to increase genetic diversity by allowing the acquisition of novel traits that can confer virulence or a survival advantage. The oral biofilm, containing a diverse microbiota at close proximity, is an ideal environment for this form of genetic exchange. Several oral streptococci have been demonstrated to engage in DNA uptake from their environment by the process of genetic transformation. In the cariogenic organism, Streptococcus mutans, competence for transformation is regulated by the ComRS peptide signaling system, comprised of the ComR transcriptional regulator and the ComS pre-peptide required to produce the mature ComX-inducting peptide, XIP. XIP in conjunction with ComR activates the ComX alternate sigma factor critical for DNA uptake and recombination. In this study, we examined the molecular pathways and biological functions of the ComRS regulon in S. mutans. We demonstrated a novel role for ComRS in competence-associated self-lysis. Further analysis of the global transcriptome in response to XIP revealed a role for XIP in the regulation of bacteriocin genes, encoding antimicrobial peptides used by bacteria to lyse closely related species. The coordination of competence development and cell lysis may ensure availability of eDNA for DNA uptake by the competent subpopulation. Aside
INCREASING OF STORAGE PERIOD ALTERS EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT AND HATCHING CHARACTERISTICS OF PEKIN DUCK EGGS

This research was performed to determine the effects of storage period on embryo development and hatching characteristics in Pekin ducks. A total of 360 Pekin duck eggs was divided into four groups as 5-7 d, 8-10 d, 11-13 d and 14-16 d storage period and each group were stored at 15-18 oC. Eggs were incubated at 37,5°C and a relative humidity of 55 to 60% during the first 24 days of incubation. These eggs were transferred into hatching machine for the last four days. A hatcher temperature of 37.0°C and a relative humidity of 72% were provided during hatching period. The effects of storage period on embryo development, embryonic mortality, hatchability of fertile eggs, hatchability of total eggs and chick hatching weight were significant (P<0.01). Results showed that a longer storage period caused a decline in yolk absorption and therefore decline of embryo growth parameters including body weight and length during incubation period. Hatchability declined with increasing of storage duration, and a storage period less than 7 d appeared to be the best for maximum hatchability. Egg weight loss increased with increased storage length (P<0.01), and the chick weight tended to decline in relation with storage period longer than 5-7 days.
Longitudinal lipid trends and adverse outcomes in patients with CKD: a 13-year observational cohort study[S]

Studies on the effects of longitudinal lipid trajectories on end-stage renal disease (ESRD) development and deaths among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited. We conducted a registry-based prospective study using data from a 13-year multidisciplinary pre-ESRD care program. The final study population comprised 4,647 patients with CKD. Using group-based trajectory modeling, we dichotomized longitudinal trajectories of total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglyceride (TG), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C). Time to ESRD or death was analyzed using multiple Cox regression. At baseline, higher levels of T-CHO and LDL-C were associated with rapid progression to ESRD, whereas only HDL-C was positively associated with all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06–1.36; P-value, 0.005]. Compared with those with a normal T-CHO trajectory, the fully adjusted HR of patients with a high T-CHO trajectory for ESRD risk was 1.21 (P-value, 0.019). Subgroup analysis showed that a high TG trajectory was associated with a 49% increase in mortality risk in CKD patients without diabetes (P-value for interaction, 0.012). In contrast to what was observed based on baseline HDL-C, patients with a trajectory of frequent hypo-HDL cholesterolemia had higher risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 1.53; P-value, 0.014). Thus, only T-CHO, both at baseline and over the longitudinal course, demonstrated a significant potential risk of incident ESRD. The inconsistency in the observed directions of association between baseline levels and longitudinal trajectories of HDL-C warrants further research to unveil specific pathogenic mechanisms underlying the HDL-C metabolism in patients with CKD.
THEORY AND APPLICATION OF QUANTUM MOLECULAR DYNAMICS

This book provides a detailed presentation of modern quantum theories for treating the reaction dynamics of small molecular systems. Its main focus is on the recent development of successful quantum dynamics theories and computational methods for studying the molecular reactive scattering process, with specific applications given in detail for a number of benchmark chemical reaction systems in the gas phase and the gas surface. In contrast to traditional books on collision in physics focusing on abstract theory for nonreactive scattering, this book deals with both the development and the application of the modern reactive or rearrangement scattering theory, and is written in a fashion in which the development of the reactive scattering theory is closely coupled with its computational aspects for practical applications for realistic molecular reactions. The volume includes such topics as methods for calculating rovibrational states of molecules, fundamental quantum theory for scattering (nonreactive and reactive), modern time-independent computational methods for reactive scattering, general time-dependent wave packet methods for reactive scattering, dynamics theory of chemical reactions, dynamics of molecular fragmentation, semiclassical description of quantum mechanics, and also some useful appendices.The book is intended for the reader to not only understand the molecular reaction dynamics from the fundamental scattering theory, but also utilize the provided computational methodologies in their practical applications. It should benefit graduate students and researchers in the field of chemical physics.
GENETIC DISSECTION OF LOW-N TRAITS USING TRIPLE TEST CROSS ANALYSIS IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

Low-N maize is bred for its ability to tolerate low soil nitrogen (N) by growing and producing grain that compares appreciably to conventional varieties. This experiment was conducted to study the genetic effects of grain yield and other agronomic traits in Low-N maize using triple test cross analysis. Twelve low-N open pollinated maize varieties were converted to the inbred line after six generations of selfing and used for the experiment. Two inbred lines along with their F 1 were used as testers for ten inbred lines in a triple test cross pattern to generate 30 crosses and along with their parents and testers to make a total of 43 entries which were evaluated at the Teaching and Research Farms of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti during in 2017. The design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data was collected on plant height, ear height, days to 50% anthesis, days to 50% silking, the incidence of Curvularia leaf spot, blight, plant aspect, ear aspect, ear rot, stay green, cob per plant, ear weight, grain moisture content and grain yield. All data was subjected to analysis of variance and complete genetic estimates made. Additive and dominants were significant (P<0.05) for all traits, however, epitasis estimates were not significant for all the traits. The degree of dominance component indicated partial dominance for all the traits. Correlation coefficients for days to 50% anthesis and 50% silking, plant height, ear height, number of cob per plant and grain yield were positive and significant (P<0.05). Since both additive and dominance gene actions were important for low-N traits, the use of reciprocal recurrent selection procedure can be adopted in incorporating the trait into elite maize varieties.
Dynamic causal modeling for calcium imaging data reveals differential effective connectivity for sensory processing in a barrel cortical column

Multi-photon calcium imaging (CaI) is an important tool to assess activity among neural populations within a column in the sensory cortex. However, the complex asymmetrical interactions among neural populations, termed effective connectivity, cannot be directly assessed by measuring the activity of each neuron using CaI but calls for computational modeling. To estimate effective connectivity among neural populations, we proposed a dynamic causal model (DCM) for CaI by combining a convolution-based dynamic neural state model and a dynamic calcium ion concentration model for CaI signals. After conducting a simulation study to evaluate DCM for CaI, we applied it to an experimental CaI data measured at the layer 2/3 of a barrel cortical column that differentially responds to hit and error whisking trails in mice. We first identified neural populations and constructed computational models with intrinsic connectivity of neural populations within the layer 2/3 of the barrel cortex and extrinsic connectivity with latent external modes. Bayesian model inversion and comparison shows that a top-down model with latent inhibitory and excitatory external modes explains the observed CaI signals during hit and error trials better than any other model, with a single external mode or without any latent modes. The best model also showed differential intrinsic and extrinsic effective connectivity between hit and error trials (corresponding to the bottom-up and top-down processes) in the functional hierarchical architecture. Both simulation and experimental results suggest the usefulness of DCM for CaI in terms of exploration of the hierarchical interactions among neural populations observed in CaI.
A novel growth factor-dependent thermogenic brown adipocyte cell line from defined precursor cells

Molecular pathways regulating brown adipocyte formation and metabolism can be exploited as targets for the treatment of obesity and disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism such as type-2 diabetes. Investigations in this direction require adequate cell models for brown adipocytes and their precursors. We report the establishment of a novel clonal cell line derived from defined Lin−Sca1+ adipocyte precursors from murine interscapular brown fat. In contrast to most currently available lines, immortalization was achieved by serial passaging without viral or genetic manipulation. Instead, the media were supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor, which was required for the maintenance of stable long-term growth and immature morphology. BATkl2 cells differentiated to adipocytes with high efficiency upon standard adipogenic induction independently of PPARg agonists and even at higher passage numbers. BATkl2 adipocytes showed readily detectable Uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) protein expression and acutely responded to norepinephrine with increased Ucp1 mRNA expression, lipolysis and uncoupled mitochondrial respiration. Highly efficient siRNA-mediated knockdown was demonstrated in the growth state as well as in differentiating adipocytes, whereas plasmid DNA transfection was achieved in immature cells. These features make the BATkl2 cell line an attractive brown (pre)-adipocyte cell model.
It's time to listen: there is much to be learned from the sounds of tropical ecosystems

Knowledge that can be gained from acoustic data collection in tropical ecosystems is low‐hanging fruit. There is every reason to record and with every day, there are fewer excuses not to do it. In recent years, the cost of acoustic recorders has decreased substantially (some can be purchased for under US$50, e.g., Hill et al. 2018) and the technology needed to store and analyze acoustic data is continuously improving (e.g., Corrada Bravo et al. 2017, Xie et al. 2017). Soundscape recordings provide a permanent record of a site at a given time and contain a wealth of invaluable and irreplaceable information. Although challenges remain, failure to collect acoustic data now in tropical ecosystems would represent a failure to future generations of tropical researchers and the citizens that benefit from ecological research. In this commentary, we (1) argue for the need to increase acoustic monitoring in tropical systems; (2) describe the types of research questions and conservation issues that can be addressed with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) using both short‐ and long‐term data in terrestrial and freshwater habitats; and (3) present an initial plan for establishing a global repository of tropical recordings.
Influence of rearing conditions and birth season on calf welfare in the first month of life

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of farm conditions and season of birth on body mass, respiratory system diseases and diarrhea occurrence, and mortality during the first month of calves? life. The study was conducted on two tie-stall-system farms with intensive milk production and similar nutrition of dairy cows, but with differences in rearing conditions of calves in the first week of life. The calves were tied on lying area with straw as bedding material (farm A) or free in individual boxes with straw bedding (farm B). In the first consumption, they take 1-2 L of colostrum produced by their mother or by another cow (farm A), or 2.5-3 L of colostrum produced by their mother or by another cow or frozen colostrum (farm B). According to the results, average body mass of calves was significantly higher on farm B than of those on farm A at all ages (on birth, at 8 days, and 30 days). Mortality rate and diarrhea occurrence in calves were higher on farm B, while respiratory system diseases incidence was higher on farm A. All observed welfare indicators were very significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by farm conditions and birth season.
High-quality multispectral image generation using Conditional GANs

In this paper, we demonstrate the use of a Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (cGAN) framework for producing high-fidelity, multispectral aerial imagery using low-fidelity imagery of the same kind as input. The motivation behind is that it is easier, faster, and often less costly to produce low-fidelity images than high-fidelity images using the various available techniques, such as physics-driven synthetic image generation models. Once the cGAN network is trained and tuned in a supervised manner on a data set of paired low- and high-quality aerial images, it can then be used to enhance new, lower-quality baseline images of similar type to produce more realistic, high-fidelity multispectral image data. This approach can potentially save significant time and effort compared to traditional approaches of producing multispectral images.
Lead and Cadmium Levels in musculature of Wild and Farmed Tilapia Fish sold in Assiut City, Egypt

The objective of current study was to assess and compare the concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in flesh of wild and farmed Tilapia fish available in markets in Assiut city, Egypt. A total of 66 Tilapia fish samples (36 wild and 30 farmed) were randomly collected from the markets and Pb and Cd concentrations were determined in their flesh using Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer. Mean values for Pb and Cd in wild and farmed Tilapia were 1.507±0.180 & 0.379±0.053; and 2.178±0.260 & 0.437±0.084 mg kg-1 (wet basis), respectively. Most of the wild (80.6 & 83.3%) and farmed (90.0 & 80.0%) samples exceeded the permissible limit set by Egyptian standards for Pb and Cd, respectively. In conclusion, flesh of either wild or farmed Tilapia from markets in Assiut city, constitute a potential public health hazard for lead and cadmium toxicity. Farmed Tilapia is more dangerous in this respect.
L'anisotropie magnétique perpendiculaire induite par oxydation et recuit thermique : de la structure au magnétisme

Dans le domaine des couches minces (epaisseur~A) associant un metal magnetique (Fe, Co, Ni) et un element non magnetique (essentiellement metallique ou isolant), de remarquables proprietes physiques (aimantation, transport) necessitent des caracterisations structurales fines. En particulier, citons le cas de jonctions tunnel (metal/isolant/metal) a aimantation perpendiculaire qui sont en cours d'etude au laboratoire Spintec (UMR8191 (CEA/CNRS/UJF). Ces nanomateriaux sont deposes par voie physique (pulverisation cathodique) au sein de ce laboratoire. Ces nanostructures sont egalement sondees par diffraction aux rayons X au sein de l'Institut Neel (UPR 2940) via une collaboration entre Spintec et une equipe de cet Institut (Surface, interfaces et nanostructures du Departement MCMF, Matiere Condensee, Materiaux, et Fonctions). Ces mesures de reflectivite X constituent la sonde privilegiee de choix dans la cadre de cette these. D'autres voies sont egalement exploitees: a l'aide des moyens de rayonnement synchrotron tels que la spectroscopie d'absorption de rayons X : EXAFS, XANES et XMCD. La these aura pour but d'etudier experimentalement ces phenomenes en couches continues sur ces empilements a jonction tunnel avec aimantation perpendiculaire. Plus precisement, le travail de these permettra de comprendre les mesures magnetiques (effectuees a l'institut Neel notamment par magnetometrie SQUID et HALL a basse temperature) grâce a une batterie de mesures structurales (diffraction aux rayons X, rasant, figures de poles, reflectivite, absorption X …). Notamment, l'influence des parametres de depot (types de couches, epaisseurs, recuits) du materiau sont etudiees via la collaboration entre les differents groupes de recherche precedemment cites. Cette thematique s'inscrit d'une part dans le cadre de travaux menes a Spintec et dedies a la recherche de nouveaux materiaux a forte valeur ajoutee industrielle (sur le stockage d'information a ultrahaute densite sur media discrets par exemple). Elle s'inscrit d'autre part dans le renforcement de liens entre recherches fondamentales (laboratoire propre du CNRS comme l'institut Neel) et appliquees (CEA), avec un recours aux solides competences en caracterisations structurales et magnetiques de l'Institut Neel.
Construcción de paz territorial: La apuesta de unicomfacauca, como institución de educación superior en el departamento del Cauca, Colombia

espanolEste trabajo propone una reflexion sobre la institucionalizacion de la Catedra de Paz en los planes de estudio de las instituciones de educacion superior, considerando la siguiente pregunta: ? Cuales deberian ser los criterios institucionales sobre los cuales deberia articularse la Catedra de Paz para cumplir con las regulaciones incluidas en la Ley 1732 de 2014 “Por la cual se establece la Catedra de la Paz en todas las instituciones educativas del pais”? Se analiza el importante papel que tienen las instituciones de educacion superior en este momento historico, llamado por algunos posconflictos y por otros post-acuerdo, por su propia dinamica multifactorial que afecta los entornos universitarios en algunas regiones del pais como el departamento del Cauca. Dentro de esos entornos, la nocion de coexistencia pacifica ha tomado otra dimension, abriendose a conceptos como el pluralismo ideologico, la diversidad etnica y cultural vinculados a la libertad de expresion, ensenanza y aprendizaje. La reflexion tendra como objeto de estudio la inclusion de la Catedra de Paz en la Universidad Comfacauca, Colombia y la forma en que esa inclusion ha contribuido a la construccion de la paz territorial. EnglishThis work proposes a reflection on the institutionalization of the “Program on Peace” into the curricula’s of higher education institutions, considering the following question: What should be the institutional criteria on which the program of peace should be articulated to comply with the regulations included into the Law 1732 of 2014 by which the “Program on Peace” becomes mandatory in all education institutions in Colombia? The important role that higher education institutions have in this historical moment -called by some post-conflict, and by others post-agreement- is analyzed because it shows its own multifactorial dynamics impacting university environments in some regions of the country as the department of Cauca. Within those environments, the notion of peaceful coexistence has taken another dimension, opening up to concepts such as ideological pluralism, ethnic and cultural diversity linked to freedom of expression, teaching and learning. The reflection will have as an object of study the inclusion of the program on peace in the university Comfacauca, Colombia and the way how that inclusion has contributed to the building of territorial peace.
Flora das cangas da Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brasil: Malpighiaceae

Resumo Nesse trabalho apresentamos o tratamento florístico de Malpighiaceae para as cangas da Serra dos Carajás, incluindo comentários taxonômicos para todas as espécies, além de ilustrações e fotografias. Encontramos na área de estudo 14 espécies, pertencentes aos gêneros Banisteriopsis (3 spp.), Byrsonima (3 spp.), Coleostachys (1 sp.), Diplopterys (1 sp.), Heteropterys (3 spp.), Niedenzuella (1 sp.), Peixotoa (1 sp.) e Stigmaphyllon (1 sp.). Heteropterys trigoniifolia, Niedenzuella acutifolia e Peixotoa reticulata são pela primeira vez registradas para o estado do Pará.