Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A functional analysis of vegetation dynamics in abandoned and restored limestone grasslands

Abstract Question: How do various plant functional groups and types are related to regeneration of limestone grasslands and to temporal changes in cover of trees and shrubs? Which mechanisms are responsible for changes in differently treated grasslands? Location: Southern Poland, 50° 01′N, 19° 50′E. Methods: A 12-year restoration experiment after the clearing of a 35-yr-old secondary pine wood developed on limestone grassland, and a parallel observation of succession in neighbouring abandoned grassland were carried out. Changes in cover of species with different functional traits and established strategies in relation to time and cover of shrub layer were analysed using multiple linear regression. Results: Over 12 years the composition and cover of species changed in the studied grasslands, but significant differences still occurred between the old grassland and the grassland restored in former wood gaps and that developed in former closed wood. Despite the very close proximity of the old grassland, the composition of restored grasslands was still much determined by initial conditions. In these grasslands, the cover of Festuco-Brometea species was significantly lower than in the old grassland. In all sites, the cover of species with large leaves and with leaves distributed regularly along the stem, and the cover of CS strategists increased. With increasing shrub cover in restored grasslands, the cover of annuals and biennials, tall species, and R and CS strategists decreased. Conclusions: Limited availability of seeds seems the principal reason for the weak regeneration of xerothermic limestone grasslands. Trees and shrubs inhibit the developed of both early successional species and perennials occurring in established communities. They significantly hinder regeneration of grasslands and should be cut every five or six years. Nomenclature: Tutin et al. (1964–1980).
Long‐term pheromone‐mediated mating disruption of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella, in a flourmill

Several studies have indicated that mating disruption (MD) successfully reduces population densities of stored product moths, for example, the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). However, practical issues, such as finding control plots, replication, and lack of similarity between replicates, often incur problems in full‐scale investigations and often draw focus from the added results. We here present results from long‐term monitoring of E. kuehniella populations in two similar flourmills in Poland, one treated with pheromone for MD and one left untreated and used as control. Pheromone‐mediated MD was applied during 2 years. Thirty pheromone dispensers (one per 100 m3 factory volume), each releasing about 2 mg (Z,E)‐9,12‐tetradecadienyl acetate per day, were used. Pheromone‐baited traps were used to monitor the moth populations in the MD mill and in a nearby untreated mill. The reduction in trap catch during the MD treatment was about 90% or more, compared with the untreated mill or pre‐treatment periods of the MD mill. The reduction was larger during the 2nd year of MD than during the 1st year. These results contribute to the picture that MD is an effective method to control moth species infesting stored products.
Ascoma development in the marine ascomycete Corollospora gracilis (Halosphaeriales, Hypocreomycetidae, Sordariomycetes)

Abstract Ascoma initials in the marine ascomycete Corollospora gracilis (Halosphaeriales) are formed from a coiled ascogonium following antheridium-ascogonium conjugation. Dikaryotic ascogenous initial cells derived from the distal end of the ascogonial coil produce ascogenous hyphae that then form the hymenium. Basal regions of the ascogonial coil and the initial investing hyphae form the sterile centrum tissue including the plug, separation layer, and centrum pseudoparenchyma. Pit-connections of the centrum pseudoparenchyma are normal ascomycetous septa. Thick-walled, non-melanized plug cells and a thin melanized separation layer form at the base of the ostiolar canal to delimit the centrum from the external environment. The subiculum that attaches the ascomata to sand grains is comprised of aggregated hyphopodia and mucilage.
Effects of Synthetic Pyrethroids on Major Insect and Mite Pests of Apple

Seasonal applications of synthetic pyrethroids for major apple insects were generally effective in the range of 1.5–12 g AI/100 liters. Pyrethroids gave better control of plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), in the field than expected from mortality evaluations in the laboratory. Observed behavioral effects such as reduction in curculio feeding, adult lethargy, and avoidance reactions can contribute to total effect of crop protection. Seasonal applications of pyrethroids led to general resurgence of European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), in each year of use. Laboratory tests with the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, showed changes in feeding behavior in response to fenvalerate.
Elastic Half Space under Axisymmetric Surface Loading and Influence of Couple Stresses

This paper presents the complete elastic field of a half space under axisymmetric surface loads by taking the influence of material microstructures into account. A well-known couple stress theory is adopted to handle such small scale effect and the resulting governing equations are solved by the method of Hankel integral transform. A selected numerical quadrature is then applied to efficiently evaluate all involved integrals. A set of results is also reported to not only confirm the validity of established solutions but also demonstrate the capability of the selected mathematical model to simulate the size-dependent characteristic of the predicted response when the external and internal length scales are comparable.
Covariation of Life-History Traits in Lacertid Lizards: A Comparative Study

We analyzed patterns of life-history covariation within a clade of lacertid lizards, using the method of phylogenetically independent contrasts. Examination of allometric relations and correlations among life-history traits showed that species within this clade can be arranged along a single, multivariate axis. At one end of this continuum are small-sized species that mature early, have small clutches of relatively large young, may have multiple broods per year, and have short adult lives. At the other extreme are the larger lacertids with the opposite suite of traits. Much of this pattern can be deduced from two relations: the increase of adult life span with adult body size and the negative allometry of offspring size. After the effects of body size were statistically removed, residuals of adult life span and age at sexual maturity were positively correlated, whereas residuals of the number and size of offspring were negatively correlated. The detection of these size-free relations supports an interpretation of coadaptive adjustments among life-history variables. The pattern of life-history covariation in lacertid lizards differs fundamentally from the "fast-slow" continuum. This gradient reflects a negative association between adult life span and fecundity, whereas both variables are positively correlated among species of lacertid lizards.
The Influence of Hardening Curve on the Shape and Size of the Neck of Specimen in Tensile Test

The article is devoted to the testing of samples for tensile, namely the formation of the neck. The objective of the study is to establish the qualitative level of influence of the nature of the hardening curve of the material on the shape and size of the neck. By using computer simulation, testing of samples of the two test materials, selected so as to provide the possibility of direct comparisons, forming the necks of the same diameter in the minimum section and the section near the neck, is worked over. It is found that the nature of the hardening curve determines the shape and size of the neck, including the radius of its curvature. This makes it possible to recover the hardening curve for large values of the strain. At the same time, it is established that the equation of the forming neck is invariant to the nature of the hardening curve of the material.
Structural Aspects of Digestion of Escherichia coli in Tetrahymena1

Tetrahymena pyriformis ingested Escherichia coli for 15–20 min and the fine structure of food vacuoles was analyzed 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min after uptake began. From this analysis, eight vacuolar stages could be defined, and three to four stages were found in each sample. Stage 1 represents forming and newly detached vacuoles with a random distribution of bacteria. Stage 2 is the “dehydration” vacuole in which the bacteria are compacted and a few may lyse. Stage 3, corresponding to the acid phosphatase-positive stage, has an electron-dense vacuolar matrix revealing components of lysed bacteria and the translucent coat of intact bacteria. Stage 4 is the “halo” stage where centrally located, intact bacteria are surrounded by lysed material being removed by pinocytic activity of the vacuolar membrane. Stage 5 represents lysis of bacteria remaining intact until this stage; the stage is apparently followed by a second stage 4. Stage 6 contains few bacterial profiles in a smeared homogeneous mass. Stage 7 contains numerous vesicular membranous structures which apparently become transferred to the cytoplasm as such. Stage 8 represents defecation vacuoles derived from fusion of smaller vacuoles. The main findings are as follows: I) Bacterial lysis may occur during acidification of the vacuole prior to fusion with lysosomes. II) Digestion of bacteria apparently occurs in “bursts” as indicated by the extended time that vacuoles in stages 4 and 5 are present. III) Bacterial membranous structures seem to be transferred directly to the cytoplasm of Tetrahymena. IV) Mass defecation occurs 2 h after uptake begins.
On the Inoculation and Phase Formation of Zr47.5Cu45.5Al5Co2 and Zr65Cu15Al10Ni10 Bulk Metallic Glass Matrix Composites

Bulk metallic glass matrix composites have emerged as new potential material for structural engineering applications owing to their superior strength, hardness and high elastic strain limit. However, their behaviour is dubious. They manifest brittleness and inferior ductility which limit their applications. Various methods have been proposed to overcome this problem. Out of these, introduction of foreign particles (inoculants) during solidification have been proposed as most effective. In this study, an effort has been made to delimit this drawback. A systematic tale has been presented which explain the evolution of microstructure in Zr47.5Cu45. 5Al5Co2 and Zr65Cu15Al10Ni10 bulk metallic glass matrix composites with varying percentage of ZrC inoculant as analysed by secondary electron and back scatter electron imaging of as cast unetched samples. A support is provided to hypothesis that inoculation remain successful in promoting phase formation and crystallinity and improve toughness.
Establishment of Artificial Accelerogram for Structural Analysis according to the Earthquake Characteristics of Vietnam

This paper presents the method of establishing artificial accelerogram for analysis and calculation of structures in accordance with seismic characteristics and earthquake risk in one specific construction areas in Vietnam. The artificial accelerogram allow to analyze nonlinear or linear dynamic behavior of the structures in time series in accordance with Vietnam National Standards for Design of structures for earthquake resistances (TCVN 9386: 2012) and seismic parameters specified in Vietnam Building Code on Natural Physical and Climatic Data for Construction (QCVN 02:2009-BXD). The accelerograms are also used as input parameters for shaking table tests by Vietnam's most modern sharking table at the Vietnam Institute for Building Science and Technology.
Growth performance and organ development in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. parr fed genetically modified (GM) soybean and maize

Although the inclusion of genetically modified (GM) plants in diets fed to fish is a contentious issue, there are few empirical data. The present study addressed nutritional value and potential risks of four maize types (two traditional and two GM maize varieties) and two soy types (one traditional and one Roundup Ready® soy) included at moderate levels in diets fed to Atlantic salmon parr (initial mean weight ± SD; 0.21 ± 0.02 g) during the first 8 months of feeding (March to October), which included the parr-smolt transformation. The GM-maize varieties [Dekalb 1 (D1) and Pioneer 1 (P1)] were hybrids of traditional maize variants [Dekalb 2 (D2) and Pioneer 2 (P2)] and the GM maize MON810®. Four maize diets, two soy diets and one Standard fishmeal-based diet were formulated and fed to fish in triplicate. The maize diets were formulated with 121 g kg−1 GM maize (P1 and D1) or 121 g kg−1 of the traditional untransformed line (nGM-maize, P2 and D2) and the soy diets were formulated with 125 g kg−1 GM soy or 125 g kg−1 of the traditional untransformed line (nGM-soy), all of equivalent nutrient composition. All diets supported good growth and showed no evidence of diet-related mortality. Based on samplings every 6th week, growth was within the normal range and at conclusion of the study body weight did not differ among any of the treatments (range 101–116 g). Besides minor differences on heptatosomatic index (HSI), plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) values and thermal growth coefficient (TGC), body composition, relative organ weights, plasma nutrient concentrations and enzyme activities did not vary among treatments at any sampling. The present findings indicate that the inclusion of GM plants at the given level in salmonid diets poses little, or no, adverse risk to the health of first feeding Atlantic salmon parr and promote normal growth. The paper presents the production related data of this feeding study. Results regarding structure and function of intestinal segments and intestinal organs are presented in Sanden et al.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Phase Equilibria in the FeO-MgO-Al2O3 System

Thermodynamic modeling of coordinates of phase diagrams’ liquidus lines of the FeO–MgO, FeO–Al2O3, MgO–Al2O3 systems and coordinates of phase diagram’s liquidus surface of the FeO–MgO–Al2O3 system has been carried out. In the course of work, a thermodynamic model which describes activity of oxide melt had been selected for each of the systems; energy parameters of the model have been determined. Regions of thermodynamic stability of solid phases which are at equilibrium with the oxide melt have been determined. Results of the modeling have been compared with experimental data existing in the literature. Modeling technique has also allowed evaluating enthalpies and entropies of FeAl2O4 and MgAl2O4 compounds’ formation out of components of the oxide melt. The obtained results are of interest for steelmaking industry processes when determining the melt temperature of a slag containing oxides of iron, magnesium and aluminum.
The Effects of Alkaline Earth Metals on the Structure of Sodium Borosilicate Glasses: 11B and 29Si NMR Study

The effect of substitution of alkaline earth metals for sodium on the structure of alkali borosilicate glasses had been studied using the solid-state 11B and 29Si NMR spectroscopy. NMR spectra enable to evaluate the relative mole fractions of different silicon and boron structural units in studied samples. The obtained results demonstrate that alkaline earth metals increase the polymerization degree of the silicon structural units at the expense of de-polymerization of the boron units. The reason for these changes is preferential coordination of sodium and alkaline earth metals to the boron units, that increases strongly for the studied alkaline earth metals.
Cholera Toxin Production in Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Biotype Strains in Single-Phase Culture

Vibrio cholerae O1 serogroup strains have been classified into classical and El Tor biotypes. Cholera, a life-threatening diarrheal disease, can be caused by either biotype through the cholera toxin (CT) that they produce. To increase our knowledge of the pathogenicity of bacteria, we must understand the toxigenicity of bacteria. CT production by classical biotype strains in simple single-phase cell cultures has been established; however, special culture media and growth conditions that are not appropriate for mass production of CT are required to facilitate CT production in El Tor biotype strains. In this report, we produced CT in El Tor biotype strains using simple media and single-phase culture conditions. A single point mutation in ToxT, a transcriptional activator of toxin co-regulated pilus (TCP) and CT, enabled the El Tor biotype strains to produce CT in similar quantities as classical biotype strains in single-phase laboratory culture conditions. CT production capacity varied between El Tor biotype strains. Wave 2 and 3 atypical El Tor strains tended to produce more CT than prototype Wave 1 strains. Wave 2 and 3 strains lack neutral fermentation; however, the capacity for neutral fermentation was not associated with significant differences in CT production by El Tor biotype strains. The Wave 3 strain that caused the 2010 cholera outbreak in Haiti produced CT only when neutral fermentation was abolished. The disparity in CT production between the seventh cholera pandemic strains highlight the differences in virulence between strains and the cause of population changes in V. cholerae.
Incidence and Patterns of Congenital Heart Disease Among Jordanian Infants, a Cohort Study From a University Tertiary Center

Background: Data is limited about the incidence of congenital heart disease in Jordan. The goal of this study is to determine the incidence and patterns of congenital heart diseases (CHD) among Jordanian infants evaluated at King Abdullah University Hospital. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all infants who had an echocardiogram evaluation in the 3-years period July 2016–June 2019. All included infants had a 2-dimentional echocardiogram with a Doppler vascular study performed by the same cardiologist. Infants with a structural congenital heart disease were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 1,028 infants were evaluated at the cardiology department during the study period. Eight hundred and sixty-five had an abnormal echo finding. Two hundred and ninety-eighth were diagnosed with CHD. The incidence of CHD was 25 per 1000 live births. Fifty one percent were premature infants. The majority of cases were mild CHD. Patent ductus arteriosus was the most common acyanotic lesion followed by ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect with a prevalence of 44, 25, and 25%, respectively. Cyanotic CHD constituted 6% of all CHD. Tetralogy of Fallott was the most common cyanotic CHD. The main indication for referral was hearing a heart murmur during physical examination. Conclusion: Although the incidence of CHD in our cohort was relatively high, the majority of cases were acyanotic mild CHD with favorable prognosis. A wider population-based study is needed to evaluate the incidence and better understand the patterns and distribution of CHD at a national level.
Functional Analysis of Sugars in Modulating Bacterial Communities and Metabolomics Profiles of Medicago sativa Silage

This study explored the effects of four sugar source treatments, including no sugar (CON), fructose (FRU), pectin (PEC), and starch (STA), on the microbiota and metabolome of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) silage. The bacterial community was determined via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The metabolome was analyzed using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/TOF-MS). After 60 days of fermentation, the pH values in FRU and PEC were lower than those in STA and CON. FRU had a greater lactic acid concentration compared to STA and CON. Weissella (47.44%) and Lactobacillus (42.13%) were the dominant species in all four groups. The abundance of Pediococcus was lower, and the abundance of Leuconostoc, Pantoea, and Microbacterium was higher, in FRU compared to CON. The abundance of norank_f__Bacteroidales_S24-7_group was higher, and the abundance of Turicibacter was lower, in both FRU and PEC than in CON. Leuconostoc was negatively correlated with the pH value, and Pediococcus was positively correlated with the pH value. No microbiomes were detected as discriminative features between STA and CON. The addition of FRU and PEC presented more peptides, such as Leu–Val–Thr, Leu–Phe, Ile–Pro–Ile, Val–Trp, and Ile–Leu–Leu but a lower abundance of metabolites for triterpene glycosides including sanchinoside B1, medicagenic acid, betavulgaroside IV, and prosapogenin compared to CON. The addition of PEC presented more phenyllactic acid compared to CON. Our study demonstrated that the addition of pectin and fructose improved the quality of alfalfa silage mainly by promoting Leuconostoc, Pantoea, and Microbacterium, and inhibiting Pediococcus in FRU, and promoting norank_f__Bacteroidales_S24-7_group and inhibiting Turicibacter in both FRU and PEC; this was due to altered metabolic profiles resulting from antifungal activity and decreased triterpene glycoside accumulation. This study improves our understanding of ensiling mechanisms related to the contributions of sugar.
Genotyping Reveals High Clonal Diversity and Widespread Genotypes of Candida Causing Candidemia at Distant Geographical Areas

The objectives of this study were to gain further insight on Candida genotype distribution and percentage of clustered isolates between hospitals and to identify potential clusters involving different hospitals and cities. We aim to genotype Candida spp. isolates causing candidemia in patients admitted to 16 hospitals in Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Brazil. Eight hundred and eighty-four isolates (Candida albicans, n = 534; C. parapsilosis, n = 282; and C. tropicalis, n = 68) were genotyped using species-specific microsatellite markers. CDC3, EF3, HIS3, CAI, CAIII, and CAVI were used for C. albicans, Ctrm1, Ctrm10, Ctrm12, Ctrm21, Ctrm24, and Ctrm28 for C. tropicalis, and CP1, CP4a, CP6, and B for C. parapsilosis. Genotypes were classified as singletons (genotype only found once) or clusters (same genotype infecting two or more patients). Clusters were defined as intra-hospital (involving patients admitted to a single hospital), intra-ward (involving patients admitted to the same hospital ward) or widespread (involving patients admitted to different hospitals). The percentage of clusters and the proportion of patients involved in clusters among species, genotypic diversity and distribution of genetic diversity were assessed. Seven hundred and twenty-three genotypes were detected, 78 (11%) being clusters, most of which (57.7%; n = 45/78) were intra-hospital clusters including intra-ward ones (42.2%; n = 19/45). The proportion of clusters was not statistically different between species, but the percentage of patients in clusters varied among hospitals. A number of genotypes (7.2%; 52/723) were widespread (found at different hospitals), comprising 66.7% (52/78) of clusters, and involved patients at hospitals in the same city (n = 21) or in different cities (n = 31). Only one C. parapsilosis cluster was a widespread genotype found in all four countries. Around 11% of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis isolates causing candidemia are clusters that may result from patient-to-patient transmission, widespread genotypes commonly found in unrelated patients, or insufficient microsatellite typing genetic discrimination.