Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is ecological segregation in a pair of sympatric coregonines supported by divergent feeding efficiencies

Some of the sympatric species pairs commonly described in temperate freshwater fishes provide evidence for ecological specialization driven by competition for food resources as a potential prerequisite of subsequent sympatric spe- ciation. In the postglacial Lake Stechlin (Germany), two sympatric coregonines coexist, common vendace (Coregonus al- bula) and endemic dwarf-sized Fontane cisco (Coregonus fontanae). The species segregate vertically along the light intensity and prey density gradients of their pelagic environment. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the species might show differences in their foraging efficiency associated with these environmental gradients. We investigated the feeding behaviour by measuring the functional response of both species to Daphnia magna at various prey densities (0.25-8 indi- vidualsL -1 ) and light intensities (0.005-5 lx) at a deep blue light spectrum to simulate their natural habitat. Decreasing light intensity and prey density significantly depressed consumption rates in both species. Overall, we observed only weak differences in feeding behaviour, which indicates that the species are functionally similar, coexisting planktivores. Resume´ : Quelques-unes des paires d'especes sympatriques couramment decrites chez les poissons d'eau douce des regions temperees montrent des signes de specialisation ecologique relieeala competition pour les ressources alimentaires, ce qui est potentiellement une condition prealable pour une speciation sympatrique subsequente. Dans le lac Stechlin (Allemagne), un lac post-glaciaire, coexistent deux coregonines sympatriques, le coregone blanc (Coregonus albula) et le coregone de Fon- tane (Coregonus fontanae), une espece endemique naine. Il y a segregation verticale des especes le long des gradients d'in- tensitelumineuse et de densitede proies dans leur milieu pelagique. C'est pourquoi, nous formulons l'hypothese selon laquelle les especes devraient montrer des differences d'efficacitede recherche de nourriture en relation avec ces gradients environnementaux. Nous avons etudieleur comportement alimentaire en mesurant la reponse fonctionnelle des deux especes aDaphnia magna adiverses densites de proies (0,25-8 individualsL -1 ) et sous differentes intensites lumineuses (0,005-5 lx) dans un spectre de lumiere bleu fonceafin de simuler leur habitat naturel. Une intensitelumineuse et une densitede proies decroissantes reduisent les taux de consommation chez les deux especes. Globalement, nous n'observons que de legeres dif- ferences de comportement alimentaire, ce qui indique que les especes sont des planctonophages qui coexistent tout en affi- chant un fonctionnement similaire. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Feeding and oviposition preference of Frankliniella occidentalis for crops and weeds in Kenyan French bean fields

Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is an important pest of French beans in Kenya. However, information on the feeding activity and oviposition preference of WFT on crop and weed hosts associated with French beans in Kenya and other parts of the world is lacking. To determine the feeding and oviposition preference of WFT for crop and weed plants commonly encountered in French bean fields in Kenya, no‐choice and choice experiments were conducted using four important crop and weed plants. Among the crop plants tested, highest feeding and oviposition activity of WFT was recorded on courgette/zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) and French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Spinach beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) were of relatively minor importance for feeding and oviposition. Among the weeds tested, gallant soldier (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.) was the most preferred host plant for feeding and oviposition compared with Chinese lantern (Nicandra physaloides L.), wild crucifer (Erucastrum arabicum Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) and pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.). Phaseolus vulgaris was the most preferred host for feeding and oviposition in the presence of G. parviflora, E. arabicum and A. hybridus. A positive correlation between the number of feeding punctures and the number of eggs oviposited by WFT on crop and weed plants was observed. The results of this study show that P. vulgaris, C. pepo and G. parviflora are both relatively good feeding and oviposition hosts of WFT. Cucurbita pepo and G. parviflora may serve as potential sources of WFT outbreaks within French bean fields.
Beneficial effects of Camelina sativa oil on behavioural (memory, anxiety, depression and social-related) manifestations and oxidative stress parameters in a mice model of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal impairment, which includes also a variety of psychological and psychiatric comorbidities. The oxidative stress was earlier reported as presenting an important part of the IBS complex pathophysiology. In the present study, we determined the fatty acids profile and thereafter the effects of Camelina sativa Madalina variety cold pressed oil in a zymosan-induced model of IBS. We are showing here some facilitatory effects of the Camelina sativa oil in this context, both on the behavioral and oxidative stress-related actions. Thus, all these results are suggesting some beneficial effects for the present Camelina sativa oil used in this study on behavioural (memory, anxiety, depression and social-related) manifestations and oxidative stress parameters in a zymosan-induced mice model of irritable bowel syndrome. This could be relevant for the connections between the physiological manifestations in IBS and its depressive-like or anxiolytic-like manifestations. In conclusion, Camelina sativa oil exerted facilitatory effects on both the behavioral (short memory, as tested in the Y maze task, anxiety-tested in the elevated plsu maze, depression, as observed in the forced swimming test and social-dominance test) and oxidative stress-related actions (mainly manifested through a general increase of the two main antioxidant enzymes determined here: superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as a decrease in the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde).
Attachment to suspended particles may improve foraging and reduce predation risk for tintinnid ciliates

We describe a new behavior of planktonic ciliates. The field‐collected tintinnid Eutintinnus inquilinus attached with its lorica to a range of surfaces, including particulate aggregates. Most tintinnids remained attached with the aboral end of their lorica when well fed. On starvation, many tintinnids detached and resumed a free‐swimming life. We hypothesize that the adhesive property of the lorica has evolved as an adaptation to attach to suspended aggregates or other seston particles. Attached E. inquilinus have a feeding rate that is 80% higher than freeswimming individuals because of the change in the fluid dynamics of the feeding current for attached E. inquilinus, which leads to steeper velocity gradients and higher flow rates close to the lorica. This mechanism will also operate for swimming suspension feeders attached to smaller particles that significantly increase the hydrodynamic drag. Selection for traits that enhance the velocity gradients in feeding currents of small plankton may be common and may partly shape behavioral patterns and functional morphology. When exposed to the calanoid copepod Acartia clausi, populations of E. inquilinus were less susceptible to predation than another Eutintinnus species of similar morphology but that were entirely free swimming.
Short-course versus long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer: preliminary results of a randomized controlled trial

Purpose Colorectal cancer is becoming an increasing concern in the middle-aged population of Iran. This study aimed to compare the preliminary results of short-course and long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy treatment for rectal cancer patients. Materials and Methods In this clinical trial we recruited patients with rectal adenocarcinoma located from 5 cm to 15 cm above the anal verge. Patients in group I (short-course) received three-dimensional conformational radiotherapy with a dose of 25 Gy/5 fractions in 1 week plus concurrent XELOX regimen (capecitabine 625 mg/m2 from day 1–5 twice daily and oxaliplatin 50 mg/m2 on day 1 once daily). Patients in group II (long-course) received a total dose of 50–50.4 Gy/25–28 fractions for 5 to 5.5 weeks plus capecitabine 825 mg/m2 twice daily. Both groups underwent consolidation chemotherapy followed by delayed surgery at least 8 weeks after radiotherapy completion. The pathological response was assessed with tumor regression grade. Results In this preliminary report on complications and pathological response, 66 patients were randomized into two study groups. Mean duration of radiotherapy in groups I and II was 5 ± 1 days (range, 5 to 8 days) and 38 ± 6 days (range, 30 to 58 days). The median follow-up was 18 months. Pathological complete response was achieved in 32.3% and 23.1% of patients in the short-course and long-course groups, respectively (p = 0.558). Overall, acute grade 3 or higher treatment-related toxicities occurred in 24.2% and 22.2% of patients in group I and II, respectively (p = 0.551). No acute grade 4 or 5 adverse events were observed in either group except one grade 4 hematologic toxicity that was seen in group II. Within one month of surgery, no significant difference was seen regarding grade ≥3 postoperative complications (p = 0.333). Conclusion For patients with rectal cancer located at least 5 cm above the anal verge, short-course radiotherapy with concurrent and consolidation chemotherapy and delayed surgery is not different in terms of acute toxicity, postoperative morbidity, complete resection, and pathological response compared to long-course chemoradiotherapy.
Using social media as a cost‐effective resource in the photo‐identification of a coastal bottlenose dolphin community

Bottlenose dolphins encountered around the Irish coast are considered part of a wide-ranging coastal community; however, knowledge on the significance of the north of Ireland for this species is limited by a lack of dedicated effort. Through social media, the opportunity now exists to gather large volumes of citizen science data in the form of high-quality images, potentially extending the spatial and temporal scope of photo-identification studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate social media as a data resource for photo-identification studies and to provide a preliminary assessment of bottlenose dolphins in the north of Ireland. Specifically, the study sought to examine the photo-identification data for spatial clustering. The study identified 54 well-marked individuals and provided evidence of potential year-round occurrence, with successful re-sightings throughout the study period (2007–2016). There was a geographic concentration of re-sightings along the north of Ireland, suggestive of interannual site fidelity. These results provide scientific rationale for strategically targeting the north of Ireland in future research on the Irish coastal community. For effective conservation of the bottlenose dolphin it is imperative that scientific research, and resultant management objectives, consider wide-ranging communities such as the Irish coastal community. Our research highlights data collection via social media as a cost-effective and scientifically valuable tool in the photo-identification of coastal cetaceans. We recommend that this method is used in research on low-density and wide-ranging coastal cetaceans.
Enhancement of Piperidine Alkaloid Contents by Lactic Acid Fermentation of Mulberry Leaves (Morus alba L.)

This study was carried out to investigate solid-state fermentation method using cellulolytic lactic acid bacte- ria Lactobacillus plantarum TO-2100 in order to increase piperidine alkaloid contents in mulberry leaves. Piperidine alka- loid, one type of which include 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), is known to inhibit α-glycosidase activities. Using this strain, the optimal solid-state fermentation conditions on mulberry leaves powder were found as the following: initial moisture content, temperature and relative humidity were 20%, 30 ~ 35℃ and 60 ~ 70%, respectively, and the fermentation time was 72 hrs. The piperidine alkaloid contents in the fermented mulberry leaves were 2.86% on dry powder, which is 7-fold increase from that of non-fermented mulberry leaves. The 1-deoxynojirimycin contents after applying preparative thin layer chromatog- raphy were 2.02% on dry powder, which is 8 times higher than that of non-fermented mulberry leaves. α-Glycosidase activ- ities was inhibited by 65.7 ~ 84.7% with 3 ~ 5% treatments of hot-water extracts of the fermented mulberry leaves, compared to 16.2 ~ 40.2% with 3 ~ 5% treatments of hot-water extracts of non-fermented mulberry leaves. Therefore, the results suggest that solid-state fermentation method does indeed increase of piperidine alkaloid contents on mulberry leaves.
Adjustment of Field Cage Methodology for Testing Food Attractants for Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract To select efficient baits to attract fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), the use of field cages represents a good compromise between laboratory and outdoor studies. Nevertheless, the methodological details of such experiments up to now have had little attention. To assess the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the efficiency of food attractants for Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), a series of methodological experiments were conducted in field cages with McPhail traps. Baited traps should initially be randomly placed and furthermore regularly rotated to lower the influence of climatic conditions. During an experiment lasting 8 h, the presence of already captured flies did not influence the attractiveness of the traps. The presence of potted host plants in the field cage allowed for better dispersion of the flies and enhanced the discrimination potential of the experiment. Moreover, yellow traps should be painted black to limit visual bias. Finally, in the conditions of these experiments, the sex of tested flies and the diet given to them during rearing, with or without protein, had no influence on the qualitative results of choice experiments. However, these factors greatly influenced the total amount of captured flies: protein-deprived females were more responsive than all others. Furthermore, whether the tested flies were sexually mature had a significant influence on their responsiveness to protein baits. These results are discussed to establish recommendations for further field cages experiments.
Tourist attitudes to mega-event sponsors: Where does patriotism fit?

The sponsoring of mega-events enables organizations to capitalize on the power of sport to stimulate passionate brand identifications among attendees. However, a critical issue that has not been addressed by scholars is whether the effects of sponsoring mega-events such as the Olympics by a foreign brand will resemble the equivalent sponsorship by a domestic counterpart. In particular, few scholars have investigated attendee perceptions of congruities between event sponsor and self-sponsor brand favorability emanating from an overseas country with where there are longstanding tensions and from home. This study investigated attendees at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, a city with a long history of patriotic nationalism directed against Japan. The researchers identify that self-domestic sponsor congruity mediates the impact of patriotism among domestic attendees on their favorability toward domestic brands. Self-foreign sponsor congruity moderates the impact of event liking on favorability, even in the case of sponsors from a country with hostile connotations. The study has managerial implications for targeting and localization strategies by sponsor brands both domestic and overseas. It is proposed that foreign brand sponsors of mega-events should pursue local brand adaption through the incorporation local narratives with which residents can identify.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Association for Growth and Nutrients Assimilation of Pharagmites japonica and Polygonum cuspidatum Plants Growing on River Bank Soil

ABSTRACT Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth, nutrient absorption, and inoculation effectiveness of AMF on pioneer plants Pharagmites japonica (C4) and Polygonum cuspidatum (C3) were evaluated by performing a pot experiment in a greenhouse at Saitama University, Japan. AMF spores were collected from the commercial product, Serakinkon. The average colonization levels of P. japonica and P. cuspidatum were 24–33% and 0.2–0.5% respectively and no colonization was found in sterilized soil treatment. AMF colonization increased the plant dry mass, phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) concentrations of P. japonica’s roots, stems, and leaves when AMF applied with natural and sterilized soil compared with only sterilized and natural soil. This was a significant effect for N-loss minimization from soil. Maximum value showed when P. japonica was grown with natural soil in combination with AMF whereas P. cuspidatum showed very less or a negative response to AMF colonization in all cases.
Range edges and the molecular divergence of Greya moth populations

Aim We investigated the geographical pattern of genetic divergence and demographic history in the prodoxid moth Greya obscura throughout its entire geographical range in far western North America and compared it to the geographical patterns found in a previously studied species, Greya politella, which co‐occurs over the same range, in the same habitats, and on the same host plants.
Optimization Algorithms in Visual Cryptography

- Visual Cryptography is a cryptographic technique which intends to hide a secret within images. These images are encrypted into n shares and decrypted without computer calculations. In this work, we briefly describe a new proposed ( n , n ) Secret Sharing Scheme for grayscale/color images. We will approach the problem by two main algorithms: the algorithm of Cheng et al. and the deterministic ( n , n ) algorithm of Wang et al. We will modify them such that new obtained secret sharing scheme becomes more efficient and more secure. The scheme uses XOR operation sharing images, algebraic function for creating a secret image for authentication, while the size of the original image and shadows are the same. In the paper, we will make use of Cantor function, which makes possible the generation of respective codes for each participant.
Insect Behavioral and Morphological Defenses Against Parasitoids

Herbivorous insects vary enormously in their vulnerability to parasitoids. Some are attacked by two or three parasitoid species, others by 20 or more (77). Importation of a single parasitoid species has been sufficient to control some pest species. In contrast, other herbivores remain pests despite successful establishment of 10 or more imported parasitoid species (24). One approach to understanding variation in insect vulnerability to parasitoids is to study characteristics of host species that provide protection against the search, attack, or development of parasitoids. These host traits can be grouped accordingly into three major categories:
Determination of free amino acids, organic acids, and nucleotides in 29 elegant spices

Abstract Spices can be used in cooking to enhance the flavor of food. In order to systematically summarize and discuss the flavor components of 29 elegant spices, the free amino acids, nucleotides, and organic acids in these spices were detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Cluster analysis was carried out to classify the 29 elegant spices based on similar data. The results showed considerable variations in the total free amino acids (1.12‒31.59 g/kg), organic acids (9.63‒71.90 g/kg), and nucleotides (0.03‒2.72 g/kg) in the elegant spices. Nine of the amino acids, especially glutamic acid and arginine, were found to have a taste active value (TAV) greater than 1. The TAVs of the 5′‐nucleotides, succinic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, and ascorbic acid were all >1. The equivalent umami concentration (EUC) of sweet marjoram was 83.69 g MSG/100 g. The 29 elegant spices were divided into two categories according to cluster analysis of the EUC. Oregano fell into one category, and the remaining 28 spices fell into the other category.
Effects of Dextran on the Activity and Stability of Dextransucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides

La dextransucrase de Leuconostoc mesenteroides est une enzyme trimerique qui contribue a l'addition de residus glycosyles sur les polymeres de Dextran. Elle est inductible par des sucroses, c'est pourquoi son activite et sa thermostabilite sont etudiees lorsqu'elle est sous forme libre ou complexee a des dextrans
The Relationship between Bullying, Sexual Violence and Substance Use among Adolescents in the United States: Cross-sectional Study

Purpose: This study explored the relationship between bullying, sexual violence and substance use among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 14,765 adolescents using the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) survey was conducted. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, with substance use as the outcome and bullying and sexual violence as explanatory variables in separate models. Results: The odds of substance in bisexual adolescence was twice as heterosexuals [AOR: 2.00; 95%CI: 1.26-3.22]. Adolescents who experienced electronic bullying had 67% higher odds of substance use than those who did not experience electronic bullying [AOR: 1.67; 95%CI: 1.09-2.55]. Also, adolescents who had experienced sexual violence were had higher odds of reporting substance use than those who had not experienced sexual violence [AOR: 1.68; 95%CI: 1.15-2.45]. Additionally, those who had experienced either school bullying or electronic bullying reported higher rates of sexual violence than those who had not experienced any bullying. Conclusion: We found a strong association between bullying, sexual violence, and substance use. A multifaceted approach is needed to resolve these problems effectively.
The influence of year-to-year variations in winter weather on the dynamics of Daphnia and Eudiaptomus in Esthwaite Water, Cumbria

Summary 1. Micro-crustacea of the genus Daphnia and Eudiaptomus have evolved different physiological mechanisms for coping with life in a rapidly changing environment. In this paper, we analyse some of the physical and biological factors influencing the winter abundance of the two species in a small lake (Esthwaite Water in Cumbria). 2. The results demonstrate that much of the year-to-year variation in their relative abundance can be related to long-term changes in the weather. The highest numbers of Daphnia were typically found in cold, calm winters when small flagellates were relatively abundant. In contrast, the highest numbers of Eudiaptomus were found in mild, windy winters when the phytoplankton community was dominated by colonial diatoms. 3. Year-to-year variations in the winter abundance of Eudiaptomushad no effect on their subsequent development but the numbers of overwintering Daphnia had a significant effect on the size of their first spring ‘cohort’. The most important factor influencing the overwintering performance of the two species was the water temperature. 4. Winter air temperatures over much of Europe are influenced by the atmospheric pressure variation known as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Winter water temperatures in Esthwaite Water were strongly correlated with this empirical index and there was a significant positive correlation between the NAO and the number of overwintering Eudiaptomus.