Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Planktonic Foraminifera as Oceanographic Proxies: Comparison of Biogeographic Classifications Using Some Southwest Pacific Core-Top Faunas

The distribution of planktonic foraminifera, as free-floating protists, is largely controlled by hydrography. Their death assemblages in surficial sediments provide proxy data on upper water mass properties for paleoceanography. Techniques for mapping faunal distributions for this purpose are compared in a study of 35 core-top samples that span the Subtropical Front in the Southwest Pacific. Faunas are analyzed by taxon composition, order of dominant taxa, and abundance. Taxon composition (presence-absence data) and dominant taxa (ordinal data) recognize groups of sites that approximate major water mass distributions (cool subtropical water, subantarctic water) and clearly define the location of the Subtropical Front. Quantitative data (relative abundances) more closely reflect the success of taxa in upper water mass niches. This information resolves groups of sites that reflect differences in intrawater mass hydrography. Comparisons suggest that abundance data should provide much better oceanographic resolution globally than the widely used ordinal biogeographic classification that identifies only Tropical, Subtropical Transitional, Subpolar and Polar provinces. As the data are strongly structured by variance in the abundance of Globigerina bulloides, Globorotalia inflata, Neogloboquadrina incompta, and Neogloboquadrina pachyderma, comparable classifications result from most clustering strategies. Principal coordinates analysis best represents the configuration of sites in two dimensions.
Children’s Use of Generic Labels, Discreteness, and Stability to Form a Novel Category

ABSTRACT Children hold rich essentialist beliefs about natural and social categories, representing them as discrete (mutually exclusive with sharp boundaries) and stable (with membership remaining constant over an individual’s lifespan). Children use essential categories to make inductive inferences about individuals. How do children determine what categories to consider essential and to use as an inductive base? Although much research has demonstrated children’s use of labels to form categories, here we explore whether children might also use the observed discreteness or stability of a trait to form categories based on that trait. In the present study, we taught children about novel creatures and provided them with a cue (discreteness, stability, labels, or no cue) to form texture categories rather than shape or color categories. Experiment 1 found that children (4–6 years, n = 140) used labels but not discreteness or stability cues to form texture categories more often than at baseline. Experiment 2 (5–6 years, n = 152) found that children who later recognized the stability and discreteness cues used them to form categories more often than those who did not later recognize the cues, but were still overall less likely to use these cues than to use labels cues. Results underscore the unique importance of labels as a cue for category formation and suggest that children do not readily rely on the stability and discreteness of a trait to form animate categories despite readily inferring that such categories are stable and discrete. Implications for natural and social category representations are discussed.
REVIEW: Rye Arabinoxylans: Molecular Structure, Physicochemical Properties and Physiological Effects in the Gastrointestinal Tract

ABSTRACT Arabinoxylans (AX) are the main dietary fiber (DF) polysaccharides in rye where they represent ≈55% of the total polysaccharides. Rye AX consist of a backbone of (1→4)-β-d-xylopyranosyl residues (X) mainly substituted with α-l-arabinofuranosyl residues (A) to varying degrees at the O-2 position, the O-3 position, or both. The A/X ratio of total AX is 0.49–0.82 and extractable AX ratio is 0.34–0.85 in different studies. AX also contain small amounts of ferulate residues bound to arabinose as esters at its O-5 position. The weight average molecular weight varies from 40,000 to 900,000 with an average of ≈200,000. AX influence physiology in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract. The complex molecular structure of rye AX makes them resistant against microbial modification in the small intestine; consequently, rye AX have a much higher influence on the viscosity in the small intestinal digesta than does β-glucan from oats and barley. In spite of that, it has not been possible in studies wit.
Effects of long-term fertiliser regime on soil organic carbon and its labile fractions under double cropping rice system of southern China

ABSTRACT This study was designed to explore changes in soil bulk density, soil organic carbon content, soil organic carbon stock and soil labile organic carbon fractions under 34 years fertilizer regime in the double-cropping rice system of southern China. The experiment including five fertilizer treatments: chemical fertilizer alone (MF), rice straw residue and chemical fertilizer (RF), 30% organic manure and 70% chemical fertilizer (LOM), 60% organic manure and 40% chemical fertilizer (HOM), and without fertilizer input as control (CK). The results showed that soil bulk density in the 0-20 cm soil layer with long-term fertilizer treatments were significantly decreased compared to CK treatment. The soil organic carbon content and stock with RF, LOM and HOM treatments were significantly higher than that of MF and CK treatments. These results confirmed by the soil carbon management index which were significantly increased with RF, LOM and HOM treatments. As a result, combined application of organic manure with chemical fertilizer is a benefit nutrient management for improving soil organic carbon content and stock, soil carbon management index in paddy field of southern China.
Otolith microstructure of three larval gadids in the Gulf of Maine, with inferences on early life history

A detailed analysis of the assumptions underlying the application of otolith microstructure was undertaken for three gadid species from the Gulf of Maine. Daily increment counts provided a precise and accurate index of age in cod (Gadus morhua) and appeared to do so in haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus). However, the widths of increments formed shortly after hatch in cod and haddock otoliths approached the resolution limit of light microscopy, resulting in an underestimation of age by 2–3 d for all fish. Daily increments were also formed in the otoliths of pollock (Pollachius virens) but, perhaps because of more severe resolution problems, the microstructure associated with the early larval stage was unclear. Factors that could confound growth back-calculation efforts included differing otolith length – larval length relationships among samples and an inverse correlation between hatch check diameter and temperature. Estimates of hatch date and growth rate developed in this study were not affected by sligh.
Real‐time warming of Alpine streams: (re)defining invertebrates' temperature preferences

The accelerating climate crisis intensifies environmental changes in high‐altitude ecosystems worldwide, with rising air temperature among the main stressors. While past research in alpine streams has primarily focused on how retreating glaciers might affect the ecology of glacier‐fed streams on the long run, observations of real‐time alterations of water temperature in such pristine environments are rare. Using long‐term measurements of water temperature (2010–2017) together with datasets on benthic invertebrate communities from 18 glacial and nonglacial alpine and subalpine streams in the European Alps, we illustrate significant ecological relationships of water temperature regimes and the identity of benthic communities and forecast changes thereof due to considerable warming of stream water. Besides reporting multiannual warming of all observed streams during summer with a mean rate of 2.5(±0.6)°C decade−1, this work redefines temperature optima and ranges using robust regression modelling and thereby identifies potential winners and losers among the invertebrate species. We conclude that the various invertebrate taxa in alpine stream networks will respond differently to thermal alterations and that the herein modelled temperature ranges of invertebrates is an essential step towards the understanding of future shifts in species distributions and success.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Spine Surgeons Worldwide

Study Design: Cross-sectional, international survey. Objectives: The current study addressed the multi-dimensional impact of COVID-19 upon healthcare professionals, particularly spine surgeons, worldwide. Secondly, it aimed to identify geographical variations and similarities. Methods: A multi-dimensional survey was distributed to surgeons worldwide. Questions were categorized into domains: demographics, COVID-19 observations, preparedness, personal impact, patient care, and future perceptions. Results: 902 spine surgeons representing 7 global regions completed the survey. 36.8% reported co-morbidities. Of those that underwent viral testing, 15.8% tested positive for COVID-19, and testing likelihood was region-dependent; however, 7.2% would not disclose their infection to their patients. Family health concerns were greatest stressor globally (76.0%), with anxiety levels moderately high. Loss of income, clinical practice and current surgical management were region-dependent, whereby 50.4% indicated personal-protective-equipment were not adequate. 82.3% envisioned a change in their clinical practice as a result of COVID-19. More than 33% of clinical practice was via telemedicine. Research output and teaching/training impact was similar globally. 96.9% were interested in online medical education. 94.7% expressed a need for formal, international guidelines to manage COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: In this first, international study to assess the impact of COVID-19 on surgeons worldwide, we identified overall/regional variations and infection rate. The study raises awareness of the needs and challenges of surgeons that will serve as the foundation to establish interventions and guidelines to face future public health crises.
Effects of non-genetic factors on performance traits of Kashmir Merino sheep

Data on 462 ewe lambs pertaining to newly developed Kashmir Merino by crossing Gaddi, Bhakarwal, Poonchi, Rambouillet and Merino over the six years (2005-2010) at Hardushiva, Sopore, Kashmir, J&K state were studied. The averages were 2.56 kg, 13.06 kg, 14.60 months, 19.60 months, 1.37 kg, 4.78 cm and 21.01 µ for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), age at first fertile service (AFFS), age at first lambing (AFL), greasy fleece weight (GFW), staple length (SL) and fiber diameter (FD), respectively. The least squares means were 2.82 kg, 13.31 kg, 14.74 months, 19.74 months, 1.4 kg, 5.22 cm and 20. 95µ for BW, WW, AFFS, AFL, GF, SL and FD, respectively. The highest CV (%) was obtained for SL (26.65%). The effect of season of lambing was found significant on weaning weight and staple length. However, no definite trend was observed over the year and season of lambing for all the traits with the exception of birth weight and fiber diameter where decreasing and increasing trends were obtained respectionly over the season of lambing.
Life-History Characteristics of an Age-Validated Established Invasive African Sharptooth Catfish, Clarias gariepinus, Population in a Warm-Temperate African Impoundment

It has been suggested that the invasive, omnivorous Clarias garipienus is capable of rapid invasions and long-term persistence in recently inhabited freshwater systems. To test this hypothesis, the life history of the established, extralimital Darlington Dam (33°10′31″S, 25°09′13″E) population was investigated. By counting post-fluorescent mark increments on otoliths from 21 chemically tagged wild fish recaptured 244–537 days later, the deposition of growth zones, comprising alternating opaque and translucent bands, was validated as annual. Examination of sectioned otoliths from 175 fish revealed that the oldest fish, two males of 840 and 1074 mm total length (TL), were 25 years old - 10 years older than previously described for any C. gariepinus population. The oldest female was 885 mm TL and 21 years old. Lengthat- age was subsequently described using the von Bertalanffy growth model. Combined-sex growth was best described as Lt = 931.7 ( 1 - exp(-0.15(t +2.43))) mm TL. Total mortality (Z) was calculate.
Investigation of physicochemical condition to stabilize phosphatidylcholine-liposome enclosing fluorescent calcein and its exploitation for analysis of pore formation with Cry1A toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis

Liposome was prepared using phosphatidylcholine (PC), and calcein, a fluorescent chemical, was simultaneously enclosed within the liposome (PC-Lipo). The stability of PC-Lipo in its ability to retain calcein was evaluated under various conditions. PC-Lipo lost stability at pH 6 and pH 11–13, but was stable in the range of pH 8.3–10. PC-Lipo was stable in the temperature range of 15–30°C, but lost the stability acutely at 35°C. Ionic strength, given as the concentration of NaCl, also affects its stability, and a higher concentration of NaCl, i.e., more than 150 mM, induced a higher leak of calcein from PC-Lipo. The optimal conditions to achieve stable PC-Lipo were employed to characterize the differences in pore formation with Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac toxins. These toxins were reacted with PC-Lipo under these optimal conditions, and the affinity and maximum speed of Cry1Ab to form pores on PC-Lipo was shown to be highest. Here we show these conditions and evidence of the usefulness of PC-Lipo to investigate the mode of action of Cry1A toxins.
Abundance, maturity and growth of the krill species Thysanoessa inermis and T. longicaudata in the Barents Sea

Thysanoessa inermis and 7. longicaudata were the dominant krill species observed in the western and central Barents Sea between 1984 and 1992. Both species are typically boreal and subarctic, and were found in very low abundances in the Arctic water masses in the northern Barents Sea. High abundances (up to 100 to 200 ind. m-2) of 7. inermis and T. longicaudata were found in the slope and adjoining deep waters south and south east of the Svalbard Bank. The main spawning times of T inermis and T longicaudata occurred in May-June and coincided with the spring phytoplankton bloom. 7. inermis has a life span of 3 to 4 yr, while 7. longicaudata can live up to 2 yr. Growth took place from late winter to aut'umn; a marked negative growth occurred during the late autumn and winter periods. The seasonally oscillating von Bertalanffy growth function gave a reasonably good fit to the growth curves. Coinciding with a strong reduction In the older capelin stock between 1984 and 1987, there was a subsequent increase in the abundance and biomass of T. inermis and 7 longicaudata. A decrease in krill abundance and biomass was observed to correspond with the rapid recovery and growth of capelin stock up to 1991. This indicates a clear predator-prey interrelationship between planktivorous capelin and krill in the Barents Sea and suggests that the krill populations are to a large extent controlled by predation.
A Defined and Scalable Peptide-Based Platform for the Generation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocytes

Astrocytes comprise the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system (CNS) and play critical roles in maintaining neural tissue homeostasis. In addition, astrocyte dysfunction and death has been implicated in numerous neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). As such, there is much interest in using human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived astrocytes for drug screening, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine applications. However, current protocols for generation of astrocytes from hPSCs are limited by the use of undefined xenogeneic components and two-dimensional (2D) culture surfaces, which limits their downstream applications where large-quantities of cells generated under defined conditions are required. Here, we report the use of a completely synthetic, peptide-based substrate that allows for the differentiation of highly pure populations of astrocytes from several independent hPSC lines, including those derived from patients with neurodegenerative disease. This substrate, which we demonstrate is compatible with both conventional 2D culture formats and scalable microcarrier (MC)-based technologies, leads to the generation of cells that express high levels of canonical astrocytic markers as well as display properties characteristic of functionally mature cells including production of apolipoprotein E (ApoE), responsiveness to inflammatory stimuli, ability to take up amyloid-β (Aβ), and appearance of robust calcium transients. Finally, we show that these astrocytes can be cryopreserved without any loss of functionality. In the future, we anticipate that these methods will enable the development of bioprocesses for the production of hPSC-derived astrocytes needed for biomedical research and clinical applications.
Composição, abundância e riqueza de Calliphoridae (Diptera) das matas e clareiras com diferentes coberturas vegetais da Base de Extração Petrolífera, bacia do Rio Urucu, Coari, Amazonas

This research was carried out in the oil extraction field located in Urucu River Basin, Coari, State of Amazonas, Brazil, during the months of April, June and October of 2007. A total of 16 areas were sampled, 12 of them were gaps and four forests, arranged in four environments (gaps litlle-recovered, gaps semi-recovered, gaps well-recovered and preserved forest). A total of 7,215 calliphorid flies was captured belonging to 16 species and only one species, Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830), represented 88.06% of this total. The abundance patterns of the family were not different among the environments, however they were different for the following species: Eumesembrinella randa (Walker, 1849), Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Rondani, 1850) and Paralucilia adespota Dear, 1985 The estimated richness was significantly different between the environments and showed two groups: I, gaps litlle-recovered (C1) and gaps semi-recovered (C2); II, gaps well-recovered (C3) and preserved forest (MT).
Fermentation patterns and nutrient contents of forb-containing silages and their effects on microbial fermentation in the artificial rumen system RUSITEC

SUMMARY Grassland forbs are important constituents of swards under low-input management. The hypothesis tested was that herbage from unfertilized swards consisting of a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), white clover (Trifolium repens), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and ribwort (Plantago lanceolata) (treatment GCF) would exert a significant effect on the composition and quality of silage for rumen microbes compared with herbage from nitrogen-fertilized (50 kg N/ha/cut) pure ryegrass swards (treatment GN) or unfertilized ryegrass white clover swards (treatment GC). GCF had average proportions of clover and forb of 0·21 and 0·58, respectively. The crude protein and fibre fractions declined and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) increased from GN over GC to GCF. Irrespective of cutting date (spring and summer), GN showed extremely high ammonia (NH3) concentrations, whereas GCF resulted in the highest concentrations of lactic acid coinciding with the lowest contents of butyric acid and ethanol. The ratios between the soluble and less soluble N fractions decreased in the order GN>GC>GCF. A similar sequence was observed in RUSITEC for the apparent disappearance rates of crude protein and fibre fractions. The concentration of NH3-N in the fermenter fluid declined in the order GN>GC>GCF. GCF produced less short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) than GN and GC. Microbial nitrogen (MN) flow was not significantly different between treatments but tended to decline in the order GN>GC>GCF, whereas the proportion of MN originating from NH3-N increased inversely. The efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was unaffected by the different silages. It is concluded that forb-rich swards are suitable for the preparation of high quality silages. There is a need for further investigation into postruminal availability and suitable supplementation for such silages in order to fully exploit their potential for improving the efficiency of nitrogen utilization in ruminant nutrition.
The analysis of the regional disproportions in the labor market in the Republic of Serbia

The subject of research are regional disproportions in the labor market in Serbia. The purpose of this study is: 1) to identify Serbian low-paid industrial sectors, as well as 2) to examine regional differences in wages of workers. To achieve these goals, we were used official data of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia on employment and wage distribution by sector of activity. Based on methodology suggested by Nestic et al. (2018), we were identified 7 low-paid industrial sectors in Serbia. Paired-Sample T Test results indicate significant disproportion in wages of workers according to regions. The results obtained indicate the necessity of giving more space to issues of regional disproportions by economic policy-makers.
Phylogeny of the Zoroasteridae (Zorocallina; Forcipulatida): evolutionary events in deep-sea Asteroidea displaying Palaeozoic features

Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, MRC 163, PO Box 37012, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA Received March 2006; accepted for publication August 2006The Zoroasteridae comprise a small but widespread family of asteroids distributed throughout the deep sea.Although poorly understood, they are often collected in the hundreds, suggesting that they occupy important eco-logical roles. A phylogenetic analysis including 24 terminal taxa and 70 morphological characters was performed,resulting in a single most-parsimonious tree. The tree separated zoroasterids with open, reticulate skeletons (e.g.Myxoderma) as more basal than those with more heavily armored, imbricate skeletons (e.g. Zoroaster), which weremore derived. In addition to agreement with established genera, a new genus is supported by the phylogeny as thesister taxon to Myxoderma. The cladistic analysis was performed in conjunction with a revisionary survey of zoro-asterid species, resulting in taxonomic changes to species in nearly every genus. Bathymetric and physiographicshifts were observed between the reticulate and imbricate zoroasterid clades. Zoroasterids possess a single marginalplate series, which occurs in basal sister-group neoasteroids (crown-group asteroids). Phylogenetic results suggestthat the morphololgical resemblance between zoroasterids and Palaeozoic taxa, such as Calliasterella, is convergentbut a paraphyletic Zoroasteride cannot be rejected and remains consistent with basal crown-group afﬁnities. Although the phylogenetic position of the Eocene Zoroaster aff. fulgens was not strongly supported, its presencewithin a derived cluster of Zoroaster spp. suggests a relatively recent (i.e. Cenozoic) diversiﬁcation into the deep sea.Taxonomic revisions, and geographical and bathymetric range extensions are also included. © 2007 The LinneanSociety of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 150, 177–210.