Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extraction and Evaluation of Knowledge Entities from Scientific Documents: EEKE2020

The goal of this workshop is to engage the related communities in open problems in the extraction and evaluation of knowledge entities from scientific documents. This workshop entitles this cutting-edge and cross-disciplinary direction Extraction and Evaluation of Knowledge Entity (EEKE), highlighting the development of intelligent methods for identifying knowledge claims in scientific documents, and promoting the application of knowledge entities. The website of this workshop is at: https://eeke2020.github. io/.
Can SSVEP be modulated by tDCS?

Introduction: Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) is one of the representative reactive BCI paradigms [1]; however, it has been frequently reported that non-negligible numbers of individuals have difficulty in using SSVEP-based BCI systems due to the low signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of SSVEP responses for specific stimulation frequencies. Many studies have strived to overcome the so-called “BCI illiteracy ” issue by introducing new visual stimuli or classification algorithms, but it still remains a challenging issue to be addressed for the commercialization of SSVEP-based BCI. In this study, inspired by a recent report that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate visual evoked potentials [2], we investigated whether the representative features of SSVEP-based BCIs such as SNR, amplitude, and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) coefficient can be modulated by tDCS, especially for individuals with low-SNR SSVEP. Materials, Methods and Results: Twenty healthy subjects volunteered to participate in our study, three of whom were excluded due to severe noises and artifacts included in the recorded EEG data. Each participant participated in two double-blinded experiments - an actual tDCS experiment (2-mA anodal stimulation for 20 min, anode: Iz, cathode: Cz) and a sham tDCS experiment (2-mA anodal stimulation for 1 min) - conducted on different days. The second experiment was conducted at least one month after the first experiment in order to avoid any possible training effect and post-tDCS effect. On each day, SSVEP responses were recorded right before and after the randomly assigned actual or sham tDCS session, using six EEG electrodes (Oz, O1, O2, POz, PO3 and
Tipos y formas de ambientes de dormir de majás (Cuniculus paca) en la cuenca alta del río Itaya

This report deals with paca sleeping dens (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766). The study was conducted between August 2006 and April 2007 and is based on detailed observations. Results indicate that this rodent uses holes in the ground or in fallen trees as sleeping dens. Each of these sleeping dens had two or more orifices and an internal cavity for the "diurnal sleep”. Typically, one orifice was for common use and the rest for the circumstantial escape. According to their form, their localization in the ground, and the number and location of orifices, sleeping dens were classified into four types, of which type A was the most common. The results also indicate a greater concentration of sleeping dens in temporary flooded gallery forest.
Temperature stress and survival ability of Mediterranean sclerophyllous plants

ABSTRACT The Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summer periods, and low winter temperatures and episodic frosts in northern, altitudinal and continental districts, demands from evergreen broadleaved woody plants an adequate and flexible acclimation to the climatic constraints. In this brief survey on some responses of Mediterranean sclerophylls to temperature stress, the following is presented and discussed: criteria for cold and heat limits of photosynthetic function; winter depression and summer photoinactivation of photosynthesis; peculiar patterns of tissue freezing of scleromorphous leaves and limits of frost resistance of various plant parts and ontogenetic stages; heat impairment of chloroplasts and thermotolerance of sclerophyllous species; survival capacity and recovery after damage. Risks of damage to plants in relation to stressful temperatures in Mediterranean regions are estimated. Cold stress and drought stress indices, according to Mitrakos (1980), have been applied to characterise different localities in Italy. Additionally, a heat stress index for the Mediterranean region is proposed. Future research topics are suggested.
Clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis patients in the United States versus China

Objective: To characterize and compare the disease manifestations between patients with sarcoidosis in China versus the United States using the World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous disease (WASOG) instrument. Methods: Clinical data and disease manifestations were reviewed from sarcoidosis patients from the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (China) and University of Cincinnati Medical Center (US). Results: 481 Chinese patients and 522 US patients with sarcoidosis were studied. Extra-pulmonary sarcoidosis was observed more frequently in US patients than Chinese patients. Chinese patients were more likely to develop hypercalcemia or hypercalcuria (23%) compared to US patients (14%) (χ2=18.342, P<0.001), and US White patients were more likely to experience hypercalcemia or hypercalcuria (20%) compared to US Black patients (7.6%) (χ2=16.230, P<0.001). However, Black patients were more likely to have eye involvement (39%) than White patients (26%) (χ2=10.986, P=0.001). Additionally, US patients witnessed more advanced Stage 3 or 4 chest x-ray patterns and lower predicted FVC% and DLCO% compared to Chinese patients (both P<0.001). Conclusion: Compared to US sarcoidosis patients, Chinese patients were older at diagnosis and experienced a lower frequency of extra thoracic involvement, higher incidence of hypercalcemia or hypercalcuria, and less severe lung involvement. These differences were mostly due to the African American patients seen in the US sarcoidosis clinic. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2017; 34: 209-216)
The prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in Norway

Norway represents the northern limit in the geographical distribution of Ixodes ricinus ticks in Europe. During the last decade an expansion of the range of this tick further north and at higher altitudes has been detected. This could affect the spread of Borre­lia burgdorferi sensu lato pathogens in new territories and increase the risk of human infection in the country. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in I. ricinus ticks in different localities of Norway. Ticks were collected in 24 locations from northwest to southeast Norway during spring– summer 2004 and 2006–2008. We used fla gene as a target for amplification of spirochete DNA. Multiplex PCR based on ospA gene of B. burgdorferi s.l. was used for species identification. The heterogeneity of B. garinii strains was investigated using ospA -based sequencing analysis. B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 171 (7.2%) out of 2360 I. ricinus ticks analyzed. The infection rate varied from zero to 32% in the investigated locations. Infection rate in adults (11.9%) was significantly higher than in nymphs (4.7%). The overall infection rate in ticks from western Norway (4.0%) was significantly lower than in those from southern Norway (10%). Four B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies were identified, and the most common was B. afzelii (71.9.0%), followed by B. garinii (12.9%), B. burgdorferi s.s. (7%) and B. valaisiana (1.2%). A total of eight (4.8%) of the infected ticks harboured mixed infections . Phylogenetic relationship between B. garinii strains and their cor­respondence to OspA serotype types was compared with the sequences registered in GenBank database. Five genotypes of B. garinii derived from ticks were identified. The most frequent was OspA type 6.
Effects of Some Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on Graft Union of Grapevine

ABSTRACT In this study, effects of topical applications of three plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains (Pseudomonas BA8, Bacillus BA16 and Bacillus OSU142) on graft union were evaluated in terms of success rate, callusing rate, callusing degree and full callusing rate on four different rootstock-scion combinations including 41B-Beyaz Çavuş, 41B-Italia, 5BB-Beyaz Çavuş and 5BB-Italia. The results showed that in general all of the bacterial strains had significant effects on all parameters tested in all rootstock-scion combinations compared with the control. Application of Pseudomonas BA8 in 41B-Beyaz Çavuş, Bacillus OSU142 in 41B-Italia, Pseudomonas BA8 in 5BB-Beyaz Çavuş, and Bacillus BA16 and Bacillus OSU142 in 5BB-Italia combination increased the success rate (83.3%, 93.3%, 80.0% and 86.7%, respectively) compared with the control (23.3%, 80.0%, 60.0% and 70.0%, respectively). Application of PGPR also increased the callusing rate, callusing degree and full callusing rate in all rootstock-scion combinations compared with control. Among the bacteria strains tested, Pseudomonas BA8 was the most effective PGPR strain which can be used for graft union of grapevine grown in commercial, sustainable or organic agriculture.
Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) as a Fish Toxicant

Abstract Juglone, a biologically active chemical occurring in various parts of walnut trees, was tested for its toxicity to fish. The 96-hour LC50 values obtained from static bioassays at 12 C range from 27 to 88 parts per billion for rainbow trout, northern pike, goldfish, carp, white suckers, black bullheads, channel catfish, green sunfish and bluegills. The toxicity of juglone to rainbow trout and bluegills was not altered significantly in waters of different temperature or hardness. Standard (pH = 7.4) and buffered (pH = 9.0) solutions of juglone aged for one week effectively killed rainbow trout although approximately three times as much juglone was required at the higher pH. According to other investigators, juglone is easily reduced to less toxic components by factors in the natural environment. However, juglone is sufficiently persistent to eliminate target fish prior to its degradation.
HABITAT USE AND PRODUCTIVITY OF SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS NESTING IN AN URBAN AREA

Abstract We measured productivity and vegetation parameters of habitat quality at 16 Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) nests in and near the greater Montreal area in order to evaluate nesting habitat use and its possible relationship to reproductive success in an urban setting. Mean clutch size was 4.4 and hatching success was 3.8 eggs per nest. At least one egg hatched in 11 of 16 nests (68.8%), 10 (62.5%) pairs raised young to a bandable age (≥10 days old), and 8 (50%) pairs successfully produced at least one fledgling. Immature individuals comprised 33.3% of male and 38.5% of female breeders. Mean values in the habitat assessment included nest tree height, 14.0 m; tree density, 955/ha; total canopy cover, 88.1%; coniferous cover, 39.7%; mean dbh, 17.6 cm; and distance to the nearest forest opening, 19.7 m. Sharp-shinned Hawks nested in a range of forest types, from mature conifer plantations to young, almost purely deciduous stands, and this population exhibited considerable flexibility with respect to most of the habitat features that we measured. Their use of older stands with more deciduous cover than those used by conspecifics elsewhere may reflect regional differences in habitat availability as well as in the abundance of competitor species. Breeding in an urbanized area does not seem to be detrimental to Sharp-shinned Hawks, as evidenced by this population’s relatively large proportion of immature breeders and normal productivity, which appeared to be independent of all the assessed parameters of habitat quality.
The impact of a self-management educational program coordinated through WhatsApp on diabetes control

Background: Social media can effectively mediate digital health interventions and thus, overcome barriers associated with face-to-face interaction. Objective: To assess the impact of patient-centered diabetes education program administered through WhatsApp on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, assess the correlation, if any, between health literacy and numeracy on intervention outcomes Methods: During an ‘intervention phase’ spread over six months, target diabetic patients (N=109) received structured education through WhatsApp as per the American Association of Diabetes Educators Self-Care Behaviors recommendations. The control group with an equal number of participants received ‘usual care’ provided by health professionals void of the social media intervention. Changes in HbA1c levels were recorded thrice (at baseline, 3 and 6 months) for the test group and twice (baseline and 6 months) for the control group. Change in HbA1c values were compared and statistical significance was defined at p<0.05. Baseline health literacy and diabetes numeracy were assessed for both groups (N=218) using the Literacy Assessment for Diabetes (LAD), and the Diabetes Numeracy Test (DNT), respectively, and values were correlated with HbA1c change p<0.05. Participants’ satisfaction with the intervention was also assessed. Results: The average age of respondents was 41.98 (SD 15.05) years, with a diabetes history of 10.2 (SD 8.5) years. At baseline, the average HbA1c in the control and test groups were 8.4 (SD 1.06) and 8.5 (SD 1.29), respectively. After six months, a significant drop in HbA1c value was noticed in intervention group (7.7; SD 1.35; p= 0.001); with no significance in the control group (8.4; SD 1.32; p=0.032, paired t-test). Moreover, the reduction in HbA1c was more in the test group (0.7%) than the control group (0.1%) with a difference of 0.6% which is considered clinically significant. There was no significant correlation between LAD score and HbA1c at baseline (r=-0.203, p=0.064), 3 months (r=-0.123, p=0.266) and 6 months (r=-0.106, p= 0.337) Pearson correlation. A similar result was observed with DNT, where DNT score and HbA1c at baseline, 3 months and 6 months showed no correlation (r=0.112, 0.959 and 0.886; respectively) with HbA1c levels. Eighty percent of the respondents found the social media intervention ‘beneficial’ and suggested it be used long term. Conclusions: Diabetes education via WhatsApp showed promising outcomes regardless of the level of patients’ health literacy or numeracy.
Structural Basis of Activin Receptor-Like Kinase 2 (R206H) Inhibition by Bis-heteroaryl Pyrazole-Based Inhibitors for the Treatment of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Identified by the Integration of Ligand-Based and Structure-Based Drug Design Approaches

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare but severe genetic disorder in which acute inflammation elicits progressive heterotopic ossification in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Classic FOP is caused by the R206H mutation in ALK2/ACVR1. While several activin receptor-like kinase 2 (ALK2) inhibitors were found to be efficacious in animal models of FOP, most of the ALK2 (R206H) inhibitors lacked sufficient oral bioavailability for efficacy. Previously, the synthesis of a series of novel bis-heteroaryl pyrazole-based ALK2 (R206H) inhibitors that achieved both substantial potency and an improved ADMET profile was reported. In the present study, the detailed procedure of the in silico approach employed to identify the initial bis-heteroaryl pyrazole-based ALK2 (R206H) inhibitor RK-59638 and the analysis of the ALK2 (R206H) RK-59638 complex structure to guide the synthetic optimization of the chemical series, obtaining RK-71807 showing improved potency and metabolic stability, were described. According to the initial in silico screening, the screening efficiencies and chemical diversity of the hit compounds of both ligand-based and structure-based methods were evaluated. Then, X-ray structures of ALK2 (R206H) and the inhibitors were analyzed to assess the structure–activity relationships of the synthesized compounds. The 3D-RISM analysis indicated the existence of the additional hydrogen bond via water molecules restricting the attachment point in the pyrazole scaffold. The quantum mechanics calculation of the newly determined ALK2 (R206H) RK-71807 complex structure using a fragment molecular orbital method and pair interaction energy decomposition analysis was employed to evaluate the interaction energies between the inhibitor and each of the amino acid residues and decompose them to electrostatic, exchange-repulsion, and charge transfer energies. The pattern of decomposed interaction energies was then compared to that formed by RK-59638 and LDN-193189 to investigate the structural basis of ALK2 (R206H) inhibition.
The association between health-related quality of life and disease progression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a prospective cohort study

Background and objective: Generally, a disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurement is more useful than generic measures in assessing perceived physical and mental health characteristic of a particular disease. The idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)-specific version of St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ-I) has been recently developed for patients with IPF. We proposed to evaluate associations between the SGRQ-I and other clinical indices, as well as its prognostic value in patients with IPF. Methods: Fifty-two patients with IPF were recruited in this prospective cohort study. HRQOL was assessed using the SGRQ-I and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form, dyspnea using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, and psychological status using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). We then evaluated the relationship between the SGRQ-I and other clinical measures, as well as one-year clinical deterioration defined as a hospital admission due to respiratory exacerbation or all-cause death. Results: Stepwise multiple-regression analyses revealed that the mMRC dyspnea scale, the HADS anxiety or depression, and minimum oxygen saturation during a six-minute walk test significantly contributed to the Total and three components of the SGRQ-I. In multivariate Cox proportional-hazards analyses, the Total score of SGRQ-I predicted clinical deterioration independent of forced vital capacity, the six-minute walk distance, or partial pressure of arterial oxygen on room air. Conclusions: The SGRQ-I is a multidisciplinary instrument representing physical, functional and psychological impairments in patients with IPF. The SGRQ-I is a significant predictor of short-term disease progression independent of physiological measurements. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2017; 34: 226-235)
Chave de identificação dos Ctenophora da costa brasileira

Abstract Oliveira, O.M. P., Mianzan, H. , Migotto, A.E. & Marques, A.C. Identiﬁ cation key for the ctenophores from Brazilian coast. Biota Neotrop. Sep/Dez 2007 vol. 7, no. 3 http://www.biotaneotropica. org.br/v7n3/pt/abstract? identiﬁ cation-key+bn03507032007. ISSN 1676-0603.Although ctenophores are abundant and ecologically important in the marine environment, they are poorly known in the Brazilian coast. The present study is a taxonomic key for the ctenophores from the Brazilian coast. It aims to help students and non-specialist researchers with the identiﬁ cation of those organisms. Collecting, preserving and photographing methods are described. Characters that distinguish the thirteen species registered in Brazilian marine territories are presented. Keywords: Ctenophora, comb-jelly, zooplankton, gelatinous plankton, pelagial, benthos, Brazil. Resumo Oliveira, O.M. P., Mianzan, H. , Migotto, A.E. & Marques, A.C. Chave de identiﬁ cacao dos Ctenophora da costa brasileira. Biota Neotrop.
The emerging role of epigenetics and miRNAs in endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a complex and multifactoral disease with the evidence indicating that its pathophysiology is fractured and separated, often leading to it being referred to as the ‘disease of theories’. Here we present evidence on the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms, defined as heritable changes in gene expression brought about independently of nucleotide sequence, as a novel contributory factor and possible new avenue of investigation into endometriosis. A search of literature databases was carried out to identify publications relevant to the subject of endometriosis with particular focus on the field of epigenetics. Any publication on the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology of endometriosis was then reviewed with a focus on the disruption of methylation, alteration of miRNA patterns and imprinting. Further considerations were given to evidence on the use of epigenetic therapy for endometriosis and future areas of investigation. The evidence reviewed conclusively shows that epigenet.
Age determination of the perennial herb Lilium polyphyllum (Liliaceae)

This study aims to determine the age of individual plants of the perennial herb Lilium polyphyllum in its natural habitats. Plant age was successfully estimated as the number of years a seed takes to produce the first stem plus the number of remnants of old shoots visible on the basal plates of the bulbs. Plant age as well as morphological features of shoots and bulbs were recorded at one temperate and one high altitude site. There were significant differences between the sites with respect to plant height, leaf number, bulb diameter and weight. The results show that individuals of similar age differ in morphology between temperate and high altitude sites. At both sites, all flowering plants of L. polyphyllum were 10–12 years old.
Fluid surface tension evaluation using capillary wave measurement with optical coherence tomography

The surface tension of biological fluids is an important parameter because the mechanical properties of fluids are closely linked with hematological diseases and other pathophysiologies. Capillary waves are associated with fluid mechanical properties. Here, we propose a method that utilizes the acoustic radiation force (ARF) to generate propagating waves and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the wave motion. This ARF-OCT method is capable of evaluating the surface tension of fluids, water and porcine whole blood in this study, based on the dispersion relation of capillary waves. Two-dimensional Fourier transforms were used to decompose frequency components of wave motion images to obtain a k-space representation and estimate the wave phase velocity. The phase velocity of capillary waves was obtained from the experimental results and compared to theoretical calculations. The surface tensions of water and porcine whole blood were determined from the experimental results. We first report that capillary waves measured with OCT can be a new promising modality for measuring the surface tension of fluids. The proposed method could be used to differentiate actual pathologic fluids or blood from those taken from healthy subjects and as a biomarker in future biomedical applications.