Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Restoration of Movement Patterns of the Hawaiian Goose

Abstract We used visual observations of banded individuals and satellite telemetry from 2007 to 2011 on Hawai‘i Island to document movement patterns of the Hawaiian Goose (Branta sandvicensis), commonly known as Nēnē. Visual observations of numbered leg bands identified >19% and ≤10% of 323 geese at one of two breeding sites and one of two distant non-breeding areas during 2007–2011. We used satellite telemetry to document movement patterns of 10 male Nēnē from 2009 to 2011, and log-linear models to quantify the magnitude and individual differences in altitudinal migration. Two subpopulations of Nēnē moved 974.4 m (95% CI ± 22.0) and 226.4 m (95% CI ± 40.7) in elevation between seasons on average, from high-elevation shrublands during the non-breeding season of May–August, to lower-elevation breeding and molting areas in September–April. Traditional movement patterns were thought to be lost until recently, but the movement pattern we documented with satellite telemetry was similar to altitudinal migration described by early naturalists in Hawai‘i prior to the severe population decline of Nēnē in the 20th century.
Effects of Dietary Boric Acid Supplementation on Performance, Eggshell Quality and Some Serum Parameters in Aged Laying Hens

The effects of dietary boric acid (BA) supplementation on feed consumption, feed efficiency, egg production, egg weight, eggshell thickness, eggshell breaking strength, and some serum parameters (Ca, P, and Mg) were examined in 100 layer hens at 60 weeks of age. Commercial corn-soy-based layer diets were formulated as basal diets for the control treatment. Basal diets were supplemented with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BA (H3BO3), respectively, in experimental groups I, II, and III. In total, 4 dietary treatments were employed in the experiment. The experiment lasted 75 days. Feed efficiency and egg production values were not affected significantly by dietary treatments during the experiment (P > 0.05). However, layer hens that received diets supplemented with BA had better feed consumption, egg weight, percentage of cracked eggs, and egg shell quality (eggshell thickness, eggshell breaking strength) than the control group. Additionally, serum Mg levels were significantly (P < 0.01) increased by BA supplementation. It was concluded that dietary boron supplementation has positive effects on mineral balance, and therefore reduces the percentage of cracked eggs by improving eggshell thickness and egg shell breaking strength in aged laying hens.
Molecular Autograph of Maturase-K Gene in Isodon rugosus (Lamiaceae)

Abstract Molecular autograph of trn/mat-K gene was used as one of the important candidate marker in addressing the questions of systematics and barcoding of medicinal plants. Features of trn/mat-K gene in Isodon rugosus (Lamiaceae) were assessed for the first time (NCBI GenBank Accession Number: MH939199.1). Sequence of 756 bp length was amplified by the universal matK primers (matK472F and matK1248R) in the cpDNA of the plant. It was reported to contain trnK gene (>1….50; >746….756), partial sequence; and matK gene (>51….745), partial coding DNA sequence. Alignment search and analysis showed that only nine different Isodon species are currently available for matK sequences with repeated copy of submissions in GenBank. The matK sequences of I. rugosus was reported with 34.2 (G + C)% and 17 variable sites (VS), out of which seven were singleton (ST) and 10 sites were species-specific parsimoniously-informative (PI) that could be used to differentiate I. rugosus from other species as well as to authenticate the taxon. Phylogenetic analysis resulted into monophyletic clustering of I. rugosus near to the clade having I. coetsa by both maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum parsimony (MP) methods. Clades obtained in ML tree were more informative as compared to MP tree.
Lifespan regulation in α/β posterior neurons of the fly mushroom bodies by Rab27

Brain function has been implicated to control the aging process and modulate lifespan. However, continuous efforts remain for the identification of the minimal sufficient brain region and the underlying mechanism for neuronal regulation of longevity. Here, we show that the Drosophila lifespan is modulated by rab27 functioning in a small subset of neurons of the mushroom bodies (MB), a brain structure that shares analogous functions with mammalian hippocampus and hypothalamus. Depleting rab27 in the α/βp neurons of the MB is sufficient to extend lifespan, enhance systemic stress responses, and alter energy homeostasis, all without trade‐offs in major life functions. Within the α/βp neurons, rab27KO causes the mislocalization of phosphorylated S6K thus attenuates TOR signaling, resulting in decreased protein synthesis and reduced neuronal activity. Consistently, expression of dominant‐negative S6K in the α/βp neurons increases lifespan. Furthermore, the expression of phospho‐mimetic S6 in α/βp neurons of rab27KO rescued local protein synthesis and reversed lifespan extension. These findings demonstrate that inhibiting TOR‐mediated protein synthesis in α/βp neurons is sufficient to promote longevity.
Annual variation in survival and reproduction of the primitively eusocial sweat bee Halictus ligatus (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

We studied a nesting aggregation of the primitively eusocial sweat bee Halictus ligatus near Victoria in southern Ontario during the summers of 1984, 1990, and 1991. Differences in local weather patterns from year to year had marked effects on bee demography and behaviour, belying previous conclusions about "typical" social organization in this aggregation. In 1990, comparatively cool, rainy weather resulted in high nest-failure and low brood-survival rates, while in 1984 and 1991, relatively dry, warm weather had the opposite effect. In 1984 and 1990, spring nest initiation was synchronous and the emergence periods of the first (worker) and second (reproductive) broods were temporally distinct. In 1991, exceedingly warm spring weather caused asynchrony in the timing of nest initiation, accelerated brood and colony development, and continuous brood production. In 1984 and 1990, a few males were produced in the first brood but most were produced in the second brood several weeks later. In 1991, continuous .
Sediment Bacterial Community Structure under the Influence of Different Domestic Sewage Types

Sediment bacterial communities are critical to the biogeochemical cycle in river ecosystems, but our understanding of the relationship between sediment bacterial communities and their specific input streams in rivers remains insufficient. In this study, we analyzed the sediment bacterial community structure in a local river receiving discharge of urban domestic sewage by applying Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the bacterial communities of sediments samples of different pollution types had similar dominant phyla, mainly Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi and Firmicutes, but their relative abundances were different. Moreover, there were great differences at the genus level. For example, the genus Bacillus showed statistically significant differences in the hotel site. The clustering of bacterial communities at various sites and the dominant families (i.e., Nocardioidaceae, and Sphingomonadaceae) observed in the residential quarter differed from other sites. This result suggested that environmentally induced species sorting greatly influenced the sediment bacterial community composition. The bacterial co- occurrence patterns showed that the river bacteria had a nonrandom modular structure. Microbial taxonomy from the same module had strong ecological links (such as the nitrogenium cycle and degradation of organic pollutants). Additionally, PICRUSt metabolic inference analysis showed the most important function of river bacterial communities under the influence of different types of domestic sewage was metabolism (e.g., genes related to xenobiotic degradation predominated in residential quarter samples). In general, our results emphasize that the adaptive changes and interactions in the bacterial community structure of river sediment represent responses to different exogenous pollution sources.
Nonlinearity in interspecific interactions in response to climate change: Cod and haddock as an example

Climate change has profound ecological effects, yet our understanding of how trophic interactions among species are affected by climate change is still patchy. The sympatric Atlantic haddock and cod are co‐occurring across the North Atlantic. They compete for food at younger stages and thereafter the former is preyed by the latter. Climate change might affect the interaction and coexistence of these two species. Particularly, the increase in sea temperature (ST) has been shown to affect distribution, population growth and trophic interactions in marine systems. We used 33‐year long time series of haddock and cod abundances estimates from two data sources (acoustic and trawl survey) to analyse the dynamic effect of climate on the coexistence of these two sympatric species in the Arcto‐Boreal Barents Sea. Using a Bayesian state‐space threshold model, we demonstrated that long‐term climate variation, as expressed by changes of ST, affected species demography through different influences on density‐independent processes. The interaction between cod and haddock has shifted in the last two decades due to an increase in ST, altering the equilibrium abundances and the dynamics of the system. During warm years (ST over ca. 4°C), the increase in the cod abundance negatively affected haddock abundance while it did not during cold years. This change in interactions therefore changed the equilibrium population size with a higher population size during warm years. Our analyses show that long‐term climate change in the Arcto‐Boreal system can generate differences in the equilibrium conditions of species assemblages.
Quantitative determination of human serum testosterone via isotope dilution ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Quantification of testosterone serves an important role in the differential diagnosis of androgen-related endocrine diseases. Mass spectrometry exhibits higher accuracy and lower variability than immunoassays, especially at low testosterone concentrations. The present study developed and validated an isotope dilution ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of human serum testosterone. The serum was equilibrated with an isotopic internal standard and treated with acidic buffer to release hormones from their binding proteins. Testosterone was extracted via two serial liquid-liquid extractions. In the first stage, the lipid fractions from an acidic buffer solution were isolated using ethyl acetate and n-hexane. The organic phase was evaporated and reconstituted in a basic buffer solution. In the second stage, the polar impurities of n-hexane extraction were removed. Total testosterone in serum was quantified via ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode with positive electrospray ionization. The coefficient of variation of the method for intra- and inter-assay was 2.13% (1.40–2.77%) and 3.44% (3.06–3.66%), respectively. The recovery ranged from 94.32 to 108.60% for different samples. The limit of detection was 0.50 ng/dl and the linear range was from 1.00 to 1,000.00 ng/dl. In addition, the extraction efficiency in three different levels of quality control of the serum ranged from 85.02 to 93.29%. Moreover, structural analogues were investigated and were not indicated to affect the quantification of testosterone. The present method may enable quantification of testosterone in a clinical setting with high precision and accuracy.
COMPOSITIONAL AND MINERAL PROFILING OF ZINGIBER OFFICINALE

Zingiber officinale is a medicinal herb that is used all around the word as spice. The mandate of current study was to explore the nutritional worth of ginger because of its easily availability and mostly use. The raw materials were analyzed for the proximate like moisture, fat, protein, fiber, ash & NFE and mineral profile. The composition profiling of Zingiber officinale indicated moisture, protein, fat, fiber, ash and nitrogen free extract as 75.14±13.9, 8.43±0.32, 5.35±0.17, 3.14±0.13, 2.60±0.09 and 5.37±0.18%, respectively. Moreover, Zingiber officinale contained appreciable amount of minerals especially potassium 410.91±13.97, magnesium 45.02±1.80, phosphorus 32.56±1.24, calcium 15.76±0.57, manganese 0.70±0.04, copper 0.58±0.02, iron 0.54±0.03 and zinc 0.33±0.01 mg/100g, respectively. However, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium and sodium were present in meager amounts.
Deoxyshikonin inhibits cisplatin resistance of non–small‐cell lung cancer cells by repressing Akt‐mediated ABCB1 expression and function

Drug resistance is a large challenge for the treatment of non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Deoxyshikonin is the naphthoquinol compound with anticancer activity. However, the role and mechanism of deoxyshikonin in cisplatin resistance of NSCLC remain poorly understood. Cell viability was assessed using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry and caspase‐3 activity. We found that cisplatin‐resistant A549/cis and H1299/cis cells had higher cisplatin resistance than A549 and H1299 cells, respectively. Deoxyshikonin contributed to cisplatin‐induced viability inhibition and apoptosis in A549/cis and H1299/cis cells. Moreover, deoxyshikonin inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and the expression and function of ATP‐binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1). Activation of protein kinase B (Akt) pathway attenuated the effect of deoxyshikonin on cisplatin resistance and ABCB1 expression and function in A549/cis and H1299/cis cells. In conclusion, deoxyshikonin suppressed cisplatin resistance in cisplatin‐resistant NSCLC cells by repressing Akt signaling‐mediated ABCB1 expression.
Allometric growth of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in slow- and fast-growing young chickens.

Allometric growth of body macrominerals was examined in slow-growing laying-type cock - erels (SG) and in fast-growing male broiler hybrids (FG) during the growing period from hatch to day 22. Allometric coefficients for dry matter, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in relation to body weight were 1.091, 1.427, 1.383, 1.284, 0.843, and 1.097 for SG chickens and 1.075, 1.276, 1.233, 1.216, 0.943, and 1.144 for FG chickens, respectively. Allometric coefficients describing the relationships of Ca, P, Mg, Na, and K with dry matter weight were 1.302, 1.260, 1.172, 0.772, and 0.998 for SG chickens and 1.185, 1.143, 1.127, 0.878, and 1.059 for FG chickens, respectively. High allometric coefficients for Ca, P, and Mg in both genotypes likely indicate a rapid growth of skeletal tissues which requires an adequate mineral nutrition during this period of growth. The deposition of Ca and P relative to dry matter was higher (P < 0.05) and that of Na lower (P < 0.01) in SG chickens thus suggesting that the relative growth of these minerals may be affected by genotype.
A Systematic Review of Higher Education Academics’ Use of Microblogging for Professional Development: Case of Twitter

Abstract The paper presents a systematic literature review of empirical studies on the use of Twitter by higher education academics for professional development. Using content and thematic analyses, this review addressed four research questions related to study characteristics, theoretical and methodological approaches, and the type of professional development activities engaged. The results show that Twitter has been studied from several perspectives using various methodological approaches. The review revealed several limitations, including the paucity of research addressing gender, cultural and geographic differences. Limited use of theory is also observed. Five themes emerged identifying the ways Twitter was used for professional development: 1) academic backchannel, 2) networking, 3) information and resource sharing, 4) keeping updated, 5) public engagement and social commentary. Overall, the literature review suggests Twitter supports some aspects of professional development. However, several issues remain outstanding and in need of further research, including ethical approaches and practices of researchers related to data collection and use.
Probiotic Bifidobacterium breve in Improving Cognitive Functions of Older Adults with Suspected Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Probiotics use has been associated with modulation of inflammation and considered as a possible intervention for CNS diseases such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Objective: We aimed to test the effect of the probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium breve A1 (MCC1274), to restore cognition in a physically healthy, suspected MCI population. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 80 healthy older adults suffering from MCI were divided into two even groups to receive once daily either probiotic (B. breve A1, 2×1010 CFU) or placebo for 16 weeks using a computer-generated algorithm. Cognitive functions were assessed by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Japanese version of the MCI Screen (JMCIS) tests before and after the study as primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. Results: 79 participants completed the study, and no adverse events were observed. RBANS total score was significantly improved in probiotic group compared with placebo (mean between-group difference 11.3 [95% CI 6.7 to 15.8]; p < 0.0001) after 16 weeks of consumption, in particular with significant improvement in domain scores of immediate memory, visuospatial/constructional, and delayed memory (p < 0.0001), in both intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and per-protocol (PP) analysis. JMCIS score was also improved versus placebo in ITT analysis (p = 0.052) and PP analysis (p = 0.036). Conclusion: Study results indicate B. breve A1 is a safe and effective approach for improving memory functions of suspected MCI subjects.
EVOLUTION OF HELPING BEHAVIOR IN COOPERATIVELY BREEDING BIRDS

▪ Abstract It has recently been argued that the paradox of helping behavior in birds has been solved (73). This optimism may be premature. I argue that there is no obvious dichotomy between cooperative societies based on natal philopatry and the formation of extended families, and those formed via recruitment of unrelated individuals into coalitions. Tests of the effect of helping behavior suggest that kinship may have been overemphasized for male helpers but underestimated for females. The first studies applying molecular techniques to resolve genealogy in these societies suggest that reproductive sharing occurs commonly across all types of social organization. Incest avoidance may be an important constraint on sharing in families, but molecular techniques have thus far been inappropriate to assess its importance. The interests of males and female helpers may be quite different because females often have less opportunity to inherit a territory vacancy on the death of the breeder, less opportunity to cour.
Kaspar in the wild: Experiences from deploying a small humanoid robot in a nursery school for children with autism

Abstract This article describes a long-term study evaluating the use of the humanoid robot Kaspar in a specialist nursery for children with autism. The robot was used as a tool in the hands of teachers or volunteers, in the absence of the research team on-site. On average each child spent 16.53 months in the study. Staff and volunteers at the nursery were trained in using Kaspar and were using it in their day-to-day activities in the nursery. Our study combines an “in the wild” approach with a rigorous approach of collecting and including users’ feedback during an iterative evaluation and design cycle of the robot. This article focuses on the design of the study and the results from several interviews with the robot’s users. We also show results from the children’s developmental assessments by the teachers prior to and after the study. Results suggest a marked beneficial effect for the children from interacting with Kaspar. We highlight the challenges of transferring experimental technologies like Kaspar from a research setting into everyday practice in general and making it part of the day-to-day running of a nursery school in particular. Feedback from users led subsequently to many changes being made to Kaspar’s hardware and software. This type of invaluable feedback can only be gained in such long-term field studies.
Management and follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer not submitted to radioiodine treatment: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION The treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been changing. In low (LR) and intermediate (IR) risk DTC, surgery is becoming more conservative and the usefulness of radioiodine (131I) has been questioned. An increasing number of patients are treated with lobectomy or total thyroidectomy (TTx), but without 131I. Consequently, the management and the follow-up of these patients need to be revised. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We reviewed the available data about the management of these growing categories of patients. We focused on the emerging roles of the conventional tools in the follow-up [thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and neck ultrasound (US)]. Moreover, we evaluated the changes in the use of levothyroxine (L-T4) therapy, and the role of the ongoing risk re-stratification. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Tg, TgAb and neck US continue to represent the cornerstone of the follow-up, however, a change in their interpretation is needed. In particular, the absolute value of Tg and TgAb lost their clinical meaning, while their trend over time acquired a greater value. At variance, the diagnostic role of neck US is becoming very relevant for the early identification of the local recurrences. In addition, L-T4 therapy should be personalized according with the type of surgery, the age of patients and their co-morbidities. CONCLUSIONS Management of DTC treated with lobectomy or TTx but without 131I is worldwide changing. The evidences suggest that in this setting of patients with LR or IR of recurrences, a relaxed surveillance could represent the most reasonable choice.
Effects of acid rainfall on juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) antipredator behaviour: loss of chemical alarm function and potential survival consequences during predation

Many organisms rely on chemosensory cues to mediate predation risks. Recent studies have demonstrated impaired chemosensory detection ability under weak acidification. Because rainfall may lead to episodic acidification of surface water, we assessed the effects of acid rain on chemosensory alarm functions. Under natural conditions, we quantified alarm behaviour of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) exposed to conspecific chemical alarm cues before and following rainfall. Before rainfall, salmon were capable of an alarm response in the study streams. After rainfall, salmon from Devil's Brook did not respond to the alarm cues whereas the detection of salmon from Catamaran Brook (a comparable stream having higher acid neutralising capacity) was maintained. To relate these findings to predator-prey encounters, we performed a second experiment where we staged encounters between prey (rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss) and predator (largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides) exposed to acidified and unacidified rainbow trout chemical alarm cues. Trout exposed to acidified alarm cues survived for a significantly shorter amount of time than trout exposed to unacidified alarm cues, whereas no difference in overall predator behaviour was observed. Our results suggest that episodic acidification in small nursery streams may disrupt the chemical information mediated by the chemical alarm cues that can translate into higher survival costs for prey.