Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anterior Cingulate Cortex Glutamate Levels Are Related to Response to Initial Antipsychotic Treatment in Drug-Naive First-Episode Schizophrenia Patients

The glutamatergic system has previously been shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and the mechanisms of action of antipsychotic treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the levels of glutamate (Glu) or Glu/total creatine (Glu/Cr+PCr) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and psychiatric symptoms as well as the response to antipsychotic treatment. We performed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H–MRS) to measure Glu and Glu/Cr+PCr in the ACC of 35 drug-naïve first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and 40 well-matched healthy controls (HCs). After scanning, we treated the patients with risperidone for eight weeks. Remission status was based on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores at week 8. At baseline, there were no significant differences in the levels of Glu or Glu/Cr+PCr in the ACC between drug-naïve FES patients and HCs. Lower baseline levels of Glu/Cr+PCr but not Glu in the ACC were associated with more severe negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Compared to the remission group (RM), the non-remission group (NRM) had lower baseline ACC Glu levels (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that ACC Glu levels may be related to the severity of symptoms in the early stages of schizophrenia and therefore may be a marker with which to evaluate the treatment effect of antipsychotics in schizophrenia patients.
Systematic Variations in Inshore Bathymetry

To specify and characterize systematic regional variations in inshore bathymetry, the eigenvectors of 504 profiles of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts were calculated. The first three eigenvectors calculated account for over 97% of the topographic variance. The first eigenvector represents nearly linear departures from the mean; the second and third eigenvectors represent curvilinear bathymetrie variation; i.e., bar/trough morphology. The orthogonality of the linear slope and curvilinear bar/trough forms does not support the concept of a functional relationship between slope and the frequency of bars. In addition no relationship was revealed between inshore bar/trough morphology and offshore slope within nine miles (14 km) of the shoreline.
Decentralized but Globally Coordinated Biodiversity Data

Centralized biodiversity data aggregation is too often failing societal needs due to pervasive and systemic data quality deficiencies. We argue for a novel approach that embodies the spirit of the Web (“small pieces loosely joined”) through the decentralized coordination of data across scientific languages and communities. The upfront cost of decentralization can be offset by the long-term benefit of achieving sustained expert engagement, higher-quality data products, and ultimately more societal impact for biodiversity data. Our decentralized approach encourages the emergence and evolution of multiple self-identifying communities of practice that are regionally, taxonomically, or institutionally localized. Each community is empowered to control the social and informational design and versioning of their local data infrastructures and signals. With no single aggregator to exert centralized control over biodiversity data, decentralization generates loosely connected networks of mid-level aggregators. Global coordination is nevertheless feasible through automatable data sharing agreements that enable efficient propagation and translation of biodiversity data across communities. The decentralized model also poses novel integration challenges, among which the explicit and continuous articulation of conflicting systematic classifications and phylogenies remain the most challenging. We discuss the development of available solutions, challenges, and outline next steps: the global effort of coordination should focus on developing shared languages for data signal translation, as opposed to homogenizing the data signal itself.
How Do Cortical Excitatory Neurons Terminate Their Migration at the Right Place? Critical Roles of Environmental Elements

Interactions between neurons and their environment are crucial for proper termination of neuronal migration during brain development. In this review, we first introduce the migration behavior of cortical excitatory neurons from neurogenesis to migration termination, focusing on morphological and behavioral changes. We then describe possible requirements for environmental elements, including extracellular matrix proteins and Cajal–Retzius cells in the marginal zone, radial glial cells, and neighboring neurons, to ensure proper migration termination of these neurons at their final destinations. The requirements appear to be highly linked to sequential and/or concurrent changes in adhesiveness of migrating neurons and their surroundings, which allow the neurons to reach their final positions, detach from substrates, and establish stable laminar structures.
Anti-inflammatory Activity of Heat-killed Probiotic, Lactobacillus pentosus S-PT84 in a C57BL/6J Mouse Model with LPS-induced Low-grade Chronic Inflammation

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF HEAT-KILLED PROBIOTIC, LACTOBACILLUS PENTOSUS S-PT84 IN A C57BL/6J MOUSE MODLE WITH LPSINDUCED LOW-GRADE CHRONIC INFLAMMATION Yuhan Zeng Advisor: University of Guelph, 2017 Professor Yoshinori Mine This study is aimed to identify the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of the heatkilled probiotic, Lactobacillus pentosus S-PT84, in a mouse model with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic low-grade chronic inflammation. The persistent increase of intestinal permeability contributes to the development of intestinal inflammation and systemic inflammation. Systemic low-grade chronic inflammation is tightly related to insulin resistance and metabolic diseases. Pre-treatment of Lactobacillus pentosus S-PT84 decreased the production of proinflammatory mediators, TNF-α and MCP-1, and stimulated the production of anti-inflammatory mediator, adiponectin in plasma by increasing the protein expression of peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) in the white adipose tissues. Lactobacillus pentosus S-PT84 maintained the structural integrity of intestines and homeostasis of intestinal permeability via modulating the expression of tight junction proteins. The intact integrity of mucosal barrier reduced the entrance and content of inflammatory stimulants in the circulating system. Moreover, Lactobacillus pentosus S-PT84 exerted the protective effects on preventing the insulin resistance by increasing the insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and protein expression of insulin receptor subset-1 (IRS-1). This study provides an evidence that Lactobacillus pentosus S-PT84 possesses antiinflammatory properties and exerts beneficial functions to prevent systemic low-grade chronic inflammation and reduces the risk of developing insulin resistance and associated metabolic
Plutonic Perthites

Pegmatitic perthites have been studied to a far greater extent than plutonic types. The terminology and theories adequately applied to intergrown feldspars in pegmatites have been indiscriminately transferred to similar kinds in deep-seated igneous rocks with resulting confusion. The present paper is the result of a study of plutonic perthites. Definite relationships exist between bleb shape-sizes and origin. The small ones are due to exsolution; the large, irregular blebs which occur close to and on the margins of the grains, and obviously cut the host, are due to replacement. There are, however, many types that are the result of both processes. Exsolution, at relatively high temperatures, produces small, well-oriented blebs, which at lower temperatures are redistributed, enlarged, and replaced by introduced solutions. Comparison with bleb shape-sizes in pegmatites is made. Complete correlation is not possible at the present time. It may be it does not exist. Criteria for the recognition of various types are given.
Frações granulométricas da matéria orgânica do solo em consórcio de milho safrinha com capim-marandu sob fontes de nitrogênio

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of off-season corn intercropped with Urochloa brizantha 'Marandu' and of nitrogen sources on the granulometric fractions of soil organic matter under a no-tillage system. The treatments were arranged in a 2x4 factorial arrangement – two types of corn cultivation (with or without pasture) and four nitrogen sources (without nitrogen, urea, ammonium sulfate+urea, and ammonium sulfate) –, in randomized complete blocks with four replicates. The experiment was carried out from 2005 to 2013. Soil sampling was performed in 2013, after corn harvest in fall/winter, at four depths: 0–5, 5–10, 10–20, and 20–40 cm. Total (TOC), labile (LC), particulate (POC), and mineral-associated organic carbon (MOC) contents were determined. The intercropping of corn with U. brizantha 'Marandu' results in a higher concentration of TOC, LC, and POC than single corn cultivated in fall/winter. Ammonium sulfate+urea increases TOC contents at the 0–5-cm depth, but decreases them at the 20–40-cm depth, besides increasing the MOC contents at all depths. The highest total, labile, and particulate organic carbon contents are observed at the 0–5 and 5–10-cm depths.
Self-Lubrication for Long Runout Landslides

comparable to that of a turbulent stream: The velocity gradient is greatest in the boundary layer, or Campbell's low-density layer, near the bottom. The debris particles in the bulk of moving mass are, however, not cemented together, they move into one another and collide like water molecules in a river. For debris streams in turbulent motion, the Reynolds number of the sturzstrom should be larger than 103, and their equivalent kinematic viscosity can be calculated on the basis of
Short communication Regulation of transduction efficiency by pegylation of baculovirus vector in vitro and in vivo

In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was coupled to baculovirus to regulate transduction efficiency of baculovirus in vitro and in vivo. The degree of pegylation in virions was measured by the loss of free amines via a fluorescamine-based assay. The efficiency of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression was used to monitor transduction efficiency. As the results, the transduction efficiency in pegylated baculovirus was decreased with an increase of pegylation in baculovirus in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the transduction efficiency of the pegylated baculovirus for the lung and brain was increased compared with baculovirus itself possibly owing to increased stability of baculovirus by pegylation.
Sent to the Corner: xylem vessel anatomy not surface area determines megaphyll hydraulics in Cecropia obtusa Trécul (Urticaceae)

Corners rule predicts a positive correlation between leaf dimensions and the cross-sectional area of the primary stem. Although this relationship is usually explained by hydraulic and mechanical requirements, these hypotheses have never been tested empirically. However, Corner’s rule is tricky to investigate since rapid secondary growth of the stem prevents a rigorous link being established between a given leaf and the supporting stem. We chose a twig-like leaf model since petiole anatomy is only linked to the attached lamina. We tested the hypothesis that anatomical adjustments to hydraulic requirements related to vessel size enable reduced investment in tissue in the framework of Corner’s rule. We conducted a functional, mechanistic and intraspecific investigation of Cecropia obtusa Trécul, a Neotropical pioneer tree, by integrating morphological, anatomical and theoretical hydraulic traits around the lamina-petiole size relationship. The twig-like structure of the leaf and the strong lamina-petiole correlation of this model tree species made it possible to use the leaf-level model for a rigorous investigation of the functional implications of Corner’s rule. We found a positive correlation between petiole size, lamina size, the ratio of mean vessel area to vessel frequency in the petiole xylem and theoretical specific conductivity in the petiole xylem. Hydraulic function supports Corner’s rule to a lesser extent than previously thought. Variations in vessel dimensions mainly drive xylem hydraulic performances and avoid disproportionate petiole cross-sections to answer to hydraulic requirements associated with lamina size.
Observed Resiliency of Little Brown Myotis to Long-Term White-Nose Syndrome Exposure

Abstract White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease that has killed millions of bats in eastern North America and has steadily been spreading across the continent. Little brown myotis Myotis lucifugus populations have experienced extensive declines; however, some localized populations have remained resilient, with bats surviving multiple years past initial WNS exposure. These persistent populations may be critical to species recovery, and understanding mechanisms leading to this long-term survival and persistence may provide insight into overall bat and disease management. We monitored a maternity colony of little brown myotis on Fort Drum Military Installation in northern New York between 2006 and 2017 to determine basic demographic parameters and find evidence of what may be leading to resiliency and persistence at this site. Total colony size declined by approximately 88% from 2008 to 2010 due primarily to impacts of WNS. Counts of all adults returning to the colony stabilized during 2010–2014 (mean = 94, .
Counselling Cognitive Behaviour to Improve Self-Regulation in Student Learning Activities at Christian Junior High School West Mapanget Manado

The quality of ability by self-regulation is an important aspect which allows humans to survive and develop. The purpose of this study is to improve self-regulation skills in learning activities through the behavioural cognitive counselling of an experimental group. The study was conducted with a randomised pre-test post-test control group design. The subjects are second-grade students from the Christian Junior High School West Mapanget Manado, in the academic year of 2019–2020, who had low self-regulation. Self-regulation was measured by using the Miller and Brown design scale, which consists of seven aspects: receiving, evaluating, triggering, searching, formulating, implementing, and assessing. The data numbers were analysed using the Mann Whitney U Two Independent Sample Test. Whereas, the verbal data used a conversation analysis method through counselling records (verbatim). The analysis results of the experimental group showed the process of counselling cognitive behaviour can improve the self-regulation of the research subjects. In this case, the treated subjects. Several recommendations are suggested, as follows: (1) school counsellors need to explore cognitive behavioural counselling implementation for students’ advancement; (2) junior high school principals should provide adequate school counselling services; and (3) in terms of advanced researchers, counselling cognitive behaviour was used to help improve other psychological aspects, such as self-esteem.
Object tracking using motion flow projection for pan-tilt configuration

We propose a new object tracking model for two degrees of freedom mechanism. Our model uses a reverse projection from a camera plane to a world plane. Here, the model takes advantage of optic flow technique by re-projecting the flow vectors from the image space into world space. A pan-tilt (PT) mounting system is used to verify the performance of our model and maintain the tracked object within a region of interest (ROI). This system contains two servo motors to enable a webcam rotating along PT axes. The PT rotation angles are estimated based on a rigid transformation of the the optic flow vectors in which an idealized translation matrix followed by two rotational matrices around PT axes are used. Our model was tested and evaluated using different objects with different motions. The results reveal that our model can keep the target object within a certain region in the camera view.
POVERTY, FOOD SECURITY AND SELF-CONSUMPTION IN THE EXTRATIVIST RESERVE (RESEX) CHICO MENDES POBREZA, SEGURANÇA ALIMENTAR E AUTOCONSUMO NA RESERVA

This paper aims to evaluate the food security and self-consumption condition of families settled in the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve (RESEX) in the last two decades. Specifically, we seek to identify poverty levels and income distribution and their relationship with food security and selfconsumption. We work with the methodology of the Project of Socioeconomic Analysis of Basic Rural Family Production Systems of the State of Acre (ASPF), led by the Federal University of Acre (UFAC), which developed indicators and indexes of economic results that reflect the reality of small farmers. In addition, we estimated the Gini index, which is commonly used to measure the level of income inequality. The results indicate that even after 20 years of implementation of RESEX Chico Mendes, there are still high levels of food insecurity, resulting from the increased dependence on purchased goods in the market and, especially, the reduction in the level of self-consumption. In addition, it was found that the maintenance of income inequality among settled families and the increase of poverty and extreme poverty levels in the recent period, which underscores the urgent need to elaborate an agenda that reformulates policies already implemented and the formulation of new measures to ensure food safety.
Immune Responses to a Live Virus Vaccine Candidate and Protection against Pseudorabies Virus Infection

A comparative study of three Malaysian pseudorabies virus (PrV) isolates, one Malaysian PrV strain and one American reference PrV was carried out using restriction endonucleases. Variations were observed among these viruses when their DNAs were digested with only Kpn I and BamH I enzymes. The Malaysian strain (PrV-mA1p) showed restriction pattern which was different from its parental virus. An obvious differences were observed between the reference virus and the Malaysian PrVs. When the SDS-PAGE technique was employed, no significant variations in protein profiles of the PrVs but variations in their immunogenic proteins were observed when they were reacted against homologous and heterologous antisera in Western blotting. The viruses were suggested to belong to the same serologic sub-type using SNT and ELISA tests. Experiments in mice demonstrated that all the viruses were pathogenic to various extents while PrV-mAlp was found to be non-pathogenic even when mice were infected with 108 p.f. u. The study showed that 100% protection was obtained following immunization of mice with at least 105 p.f. u. However, the protection level was highly dose and route of immunization dependent. Antibody (Ab) responses to PrV-mAlp were correlated with the protection levels obtained and demonstrated to persist in mouse serum for five consecutive months. Low levels of neutralizing Ab (N-Ab) were detected in mice following immunization with PrV-mAlp depending on the dose and route of inoculation. They were correlated with the protection levels but not with the ELISA Ab titres. Higher DTH responses were observed in mice immunized with PrV-mAlp especially via intranasal route (i.n.). A second dose of immunization slightly increased the DTH response. A significant (p<0.05) increase of PrV-mAlp growth was observed in mice tissues treated with immunosuppressive agents. However, the highest virus titres were detected in cyclophosphamide (CPS)treated mice followed by dexamethasone (DXM)- and flumethasone (FLM)treated mice. A significant (p<0.0l) decline in Ab titres following treatment of mice with all the drugs was noted. However, the highest decline was observed in CPS-treated mice. PrV-mA1p was reactivated in low titres from latently infected nervous tissues of mice using CPS and DXM but not from respiratory tissues. Increases in the protection levels and Ab responses were observed in mice immunized with the algammulin-adjuvanated PrV-mAlp. PrV-mAlp was also found to be non-pathogenic for swine following inoculation of piglets with up to 108 p.f. u. but displayed high levels of immunogenicity in piglets, hence the virus was highly suitable to be proposed as a live virus vaccine against PrV infection.
Riverscape Genetics: Insights Into the Drivers of Divergence in Coastal Brazilian Fishes

Aim: Patterns of genetic variation within freshwater fish populations may reflect the historical impact of climate change on either sea-level or environmental conditions. Sea-level changes enlarged paleodrainages and so connecting currently isolated rivers, whereas changes in environmental conditions reduced forest cover and may have constrained the movement of fish specialised to this habitat. We assayed genetic variation in Hollandichthys multifasciatus, a freshwater fish endemic to the Atlantic Forest of coastal Brazil, to test the relative importance of these factors in shaping current patterns of genetic divergence. Location: River drainages along the southeastern Brazilian coast. Methods: GIS was used to reconstruct paleodrainages during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Niche modelling was used to infer areas of stability for the southern Atlantic Forest sensu stricto (present and LGM). The contribution of river connections inside or outside areas of stability was evaluated using a calibrated phylogeny, analyses of molecular variance, and Bayesian skyline plots from two mtDNA loci. Results: Analyses of 182 individuals from 26 populations and 12 paleodrainages indicated that structure associated with paleodrainages explains 75% of the genetic variation among populations, with estimated divergence times occurring within the Pleistocene. The variation explained by paleodrainages and estimated population sizes was unrelated to the ecological stability of the region. Main Conclusions: This study demonstrates the importance of Pleistocene paleodrainages in structuring genetic divergence patterns. The analyses suggest that past connections due to sea level retreat played a significant role in the diversification of the ichthyofauna along the
International Remittances, Domestic Remittances, and Income Inequality in the Dominican Republic

Inequality decomposition techniques are used to analyze the different impacts of domestic and international remittances on household income inequality in the Dominican Republic. Domestic remittances seem more likely to be equalizing than international remittances. The negative marginal effect on inequality of domestic remittances is more prominent among rural households, and in particular among landless rural households, while the negative marginal effect on inequality of international remittances is more prominent among urban households, and in particular outside of the Santo Domingo area. Stronger marginal effects of remittances were found among female-headed households, the elderly and the less educated. Both domestic and international remittances are higher among female-headed households and the elderly. Education is associated with lower domestic remittances and higher international remittances, probably reflecting the role of education in promoting international versus domestic migration. An increase in schooling increases inequality through domestic remittances and decreases inequality through international remittances, while a reduction in household size reduces inequality through both domestic and international remittances. This analysis highlights the importance of the distinction between domestic and international remittances as drivers of inequality as well as the importance of identifying and quantifying the determinants of remittances and their subsequent impact on inequality.