Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biotypic Status of Russian Wheat Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) Populations in the United States

Baseline information on the biotypic status of Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov), populations in the United States prior to the commercial planting of Russian wheat aphid-resistant small grains is reported. Ten Russian wheat aphid clones, collected from 5 states, were evaluated for biotypic variation on 4 wheat, Triticum aestivwm L. , and 2 barley, Hordeum vulgare L. , gernplasm entries. Although minor statistical differences were detected in measurements of chlorosis, root weight, aphid numbers, and aphid weight among some clones, host responses to Russian wheat aphid infestation among the 10 clones were similar. No genotypic differences were detected among the aphid clones based on random amplified polymorphic DNA profiles. Ten years after its introduction to the United States and before the commercial release of resistant cultivars, the Russian wheat aphid has not exhibited biotypic variation like that found in another cereal aphid, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani). It has been previously shown that Russian wheat aphid populations from other parts of the world exhibit considerable biotypic variation. Thus, with the threat of future introductions into the United States, Russian wheat aphid should be periodically monitored for biotypic variation, before and after the deployment of resistant cultivars.
A New Species of Rhabdias (Nematoda: Rhabditida: Rhabdiasidae) from Miyakojima Island, Okinawa, Japan

A new nematode species that is lung parasitic to a bufonid toad, Rhabdias kafunata sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Miyakojima island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Although the new species was previously identified as R. incerta Wilkie, 1930, it is clearly distinguishable from that species by the characteristics of body proportion, buccal capsule, and esophagus. Additionally, the new species differs from other congeners inhabiting East Asia and the Russian Far East in the following features: longer body length, cup-like buccal capsule, longer esophagus length, presence of thickened anterior muscular part in esophagus, cuticular inflation less prominent in region posterior to small cephalic cuticular inflation, middle part of body and tail tip, and tail long and tapering. Partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 12S rDNA genes were provided as DNA barcodes for the new species.
BISON AND HEREFORD STEER DIGESTION OF SEDGE HAY

The digestibility of sedge hay was measured in six bison (Bison bison) steers and six Hereford (Bos taurus) steers in two total fecal collection trials. The digestion coefficients of all nutrients, except lignin, were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in bison than in cattle. For bison and cattle, respectively, overall mean apparent digestibility coefficients, expressed as a percent, were: dry matter, 51.3 and 46.0; crude protein, 38.3 and 27.6; crude fat, 64.2 and 54.4; neutral detergent fiber, 54.7 and 50.0; acid detergent fiber, 47.0 and 42.4; hemicellulose, 67.1 and 61.7; lignin, 25.2 and 18.7; and gross energy, 50.6 and 45.3. Acid-insoluble ash and lignin were not suitable internal indicators for making species comparisons of digestibilities because of the greater apparent digestion of the indicators by bison. During the summer fecal collection trial, mean daily dry matter intakes of bison and cattle were 1.6% and 1.4% of body weight, respectively. During the winter trial, the mean daily dry matter in.
Long-term effects of site preparation and postplanting vegetation control on Picea glauca survival, growth and predicted yield in boreal British Columbia

Abstract The 19–20-year effects of mechanical site preparation, windrow burning, chemical site preparation, and postplanting vegetation control on survival and growth of planted white spruce are reported from two boreal sites in British Columbia, Canada. Survival differed between treatments at both sites, but was relatively good (≥77%) even in untreated plots. Current data regarding the proportion of spruce that were physically overtopped by vegetation and previous results from related soils and vegetation studies suggest that lasting reductions in tall shrub and aspen abundance were more important to spruce growth than early microenvironmental effects associated with manipulating the rooting environment. At Inga Lake, postplanting vegetation control produced a 13-fold increase in spruce volume over the control after 19 years, which was statistically equivalent to increases resulting from fine mixing, plow-inverting and windrow burning site preparation treatments. At Iron Creek, chemical site preparation and plow-inverting quadrupled spruce volume, whereas mounding, patch scarification and disc trenching were ineffective. Growth and yield simulations using treatment-specific site index curves for Inga Lake suggested that rotation length could be shortened by 12–16 years through the use of site preparation or postplanting vegetation control. However, untreated areas, due to the relatively good survival of white spruce at age 19, were predicted to produce equivalent volume if left to grow to mean annual increment culmination age.
Effects of alginate oligosaccharides treatment on preservation and fresh-keeping mechanism of shrimp during frozen storage

On this study, we investigated the influence of alginate oligosaccharides (ADS) coating on the quality of white shrimp ( P. vannamei ) at 4 ± 1 °C. We measured shrimp quality by surveying changes in certain properties, such as sensory quality, the microbiota, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), pH, and sensory characteristics. Compared to control group, ADS coating effectively stopped the growth of bacteria and decreased the formation of TVB-N (from 40% down to 30%). The pH of samples treated with ADS was visibly lower than that of the control group. The sensory quality of the ADS coated shrimp resembled microbial and physicochemical properties, and the acceptability was improved. Furthermore, we found the abundance of spoilage microorganisms, such as Shewanella and Pseudoalteromonas , in ADS coated groups is reduced compared to control groups. All these results suggest that our ADS coating treatment may improve storage and preservation of frozen shrimp. significant differences be seen
Changes in contribution of white clover to canopy structure in perennial ryegrass/white clover swards in response to N fertilizer

Twelve plots were laid down on an existing perennial ryegrass/white clover sward, one plot in each of six replicated blocks receiving 100 kg N ha−1 (100N) and one plot receiving no N (0N). Biomass, canopy development (stratified cuts and point quadrat records at 2–4-week intervals) and changes in stolon population density were recorded during one 8-week regrowth period (25 July–23 September) to investigate the likely causes of N effects on white clover in mixed swards. Over the period, N fertilizer resulted in an increase of 74% in perennial ryegrass biomass and a reduction of 24% in white clover biomass. There was also a reduction of 44% in stolon growing point density, mainly due to lower density of younger stolon branches. White clover's contribution to the upper three leaf area index (LAI) units (taken as an estimate of the proportion of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intercepted) was, on average, 70% at 0N producing 74% of the sward biomass, compared with 46% contribution to interception and 37% contribution to biomass at 100N. While there was no evidence of overtopping, it is concluded that N fertilizer application increased the LAI of perennial ryegrass in the upper layers of the canopy thereby reducing the share of available PAR to white clover. This, coupled with a lower radiation use efficiency at high N and lower population density, results in white clover's reduced performance in mixed swards receiving N fertilizer.
Vertical micro-distribution of psammonic ciliates and their relationship to physical and chemical parameters in two lakes of different trophic status

The aim of this study was to examine the community structure and vertical micro-distribution of psammonic ciliates in two lakes of different trophic status in eastern Poland. Additionally, the size and trophic structure of these microorganisms, and the influence of physical and chemical water parameters on their abundance, were analysed. Psammon samples were collected during spring, summer, and autumn of 2010. In each of the lakes samples were collected in the euarenal, higroarenal, and hydroarenal zones of the psammolittoral. In order to determine the micro-vertical distribution of ciliates, each sample was divided into two sub-samples: the upper part (0–1cm) and the lower part (1–2cm). The species diversity of ciliates decreased with depth. The tendency was particularly clear in mesotrophic lakes. Irrespective of the lake’s trophic type and arenal zones, significantly higher numbers and biomass of ciliates were recorded in the surface layer of the psammolittoral. The upper layer of sand was dominated by omnivorous taxa, whereas the deeper layer showed increases in the proportions of bacterivore species. The factors limiting the occurrence of ciliates are mainly concentrations of total organic carbon and nutrients.
Distributional responses to flow disturbance by a stream-dwelling snail

This study examines how flow disturbance influences distributions of the snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum, a common grazer in New Zealand streams, at the drainage basin, substratum, and rock face scales. We analyzed survey data from 48 streams across New Zealand to relate snail densities to hydrological patterns and conducted experiments in a laboratory flow tank and in artificial streams in field conditions to evaluate refugium effects of different substrate types in high flows. The survey showed that local densities were significantly inversely related to flood frequency, suggesting flow disturbance influenced regional distributions of P. antipodarum. The survey also revealed that lake-fed streams and low-gradient streams in foothill regions tended to have fewer, less severe floods and higher snail densities than high-gradient (>1%) streams in mountain and foothill regions. Results from both the flow tank and artificial stream experiments showed that finer-grained substrates provided better refugium from dislodgment conditions than larger substrates (i.e., cobbles) when bed sediments were artificially stabilized. In the flow tank where velocities were incrementally increased, dislodgment rates of snails were significantly lower on artificial gravels than on artificial cobbles or bedrock. Snails moved to low-velocity patches (i.e., crevices) on all substrates as current velocities increased. However, more snails accumulated in crevices between gravels and pebbles than between cobbles; the relatively high turbulence between cobbles, in part, contributed to high dislodgment rates from this substrate. Similar differences in dislodgment vulnerability and flow refugium effects were observed in experiments using real substrates in artificial streams in field conditions. A substrate size-flood duration experiment showed that significantly more snails were dislodged from cobbles and pebbles than from gravels and that more were dislodged in longer-lasting high discharge events (30 min) than in brief ones (1 min). Another experiment in which snails were transported downstream (1, 3, 6 or 9 m) from non-stabilized substrate patches similarly showed that snail dislodgment and mortality rates were generally higher from cobbles than from gravels and pebbles. Like other studies, we found that larger substrate particles were less likely to move than smaller ones (gravels) under similar hydraulic conditions. However, we discovered that the best refugium conditions for resisting dislodgment are not necessarily linked to larger substrate size. Our findings also suggest that flooding may alter local densities of snails by moving and relocating snails rather than by killing them. The observed patterns of distributions of these snails appear to result from complex interactions between hydrological. hydraulic features and substrate architecture.
EFFECT OF LIGHT CURING MODES ON POLYMERISATION SHRINKAGE AND MARGINAL INTEGRITY OF DIFFERENT FLOWABLE BULK-FILL COMPOSITES (IN VITRO STUDY)

Introduction: Bulk-Fill flowable composites are low viscosity materials with reduced percentage of inorganic fillers, leading to more shrinkage but with minimal stress contraction, maintaining the marginal seal of the restoration. Objectives: To evaluate the polymerization shrinkage and marginal integrity of two flowable bulk-fill composites cured by different light curing modes at different curing distances. Materials and methods: Two types of flowable bulk-fill composites (Tetric EvoFlow, CLEARFIL AP-X Flow) were tested. For shrinkage test, 30 cylindrical specimens (5 mm diameter x 2 mm thickness) were prepared from each type of composite. For marginal integrity evaluation, 30 class II occluso-mesial cavities (3 mm width x 2.5 mm depth at the occlusal box and 3 mm width x 1.5 mm depth x 1 mm occluso-cervical height of the proximal box) were prepared and restored from each type of composite. The composites were cured using three LED light curing modes for 10 seconds (high mode at 1200 mW/cm2, low mode at 650 mW/cm2andsoft-start mode at 650 up to 1200 mW/cm2 for 5 seconds then at 1200 mW/cm2 for 5 seconds) at two curing distances (0 mm, 3 mm). Strain gauge was used to measure the shrinkage. Stereomicroscope was used to evaluate the microleakage and scanning electron microscope was used to measure the gap width. Data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson’s Chi square tests. Results: Tetric EvoFlow showed less marginal gap values than CLEARFIL AP-X Flow. Soft-start and high modes showed less microleakage and gap than low mode.0 mm distance showed less shrinkage and microleakage in soft-start and high modes than low mode. 3 mm distance showed less gap proximally in soft-start and low modes than high mode. Conclusions: Different LED light curing modes and distances showed comparable results of shrinkage, microleakage and gap values for both composites tested.
Effects Influencing Pedestrian–Vehicle Crash Frequency by Severity Level: A Case Study of Seoul Metropolitan City, South Korea

This study aimed to determine how built environments affect pedestrian–vehicle collisions. The study examined pedestrian–vehicular crashes that occurred between 2013 and 2015 in Seoul, Korea, by comparing and analyzing different effects of the built environment on pedestrian–vehicle crashes. Specifically, the study analyzed built environment attributes, land use environment, housing types, road environment, and traffic characteristics to determine how these factors affect the severity of pedestrian injury. The results of the statistical analysis appear to infer that the built environment attributes had dissimilar impacts on pedestrian collisions, depending on the injury severity. In general, both incapacitating and non-incapacitating injuries appear to be more likely to be caused by the built environment than fatal and possible injuries. These results highlight the need to consider injury severity when implementing more effective interventions and strategies for ensuring pedestrian safety. However, because of the small sample size, an expanded research project regarding this issue should be considered, as it would contribute to the development and implementation of effective policies and interventions for pedestrian safety in Korea. This study therefore offers practical information regarding the development of such an expanded study to inform future traffic safety policies in Seoul to establish a “safe walking city. ”
SCANNINING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF BORON AND FISH OIL ON HEALING OF EXTRACTION SOCKETS IN RATS

Introduction: Great incidence of complications have been reported tooth extraction. Many materials and drugs were used previously to cover extraction socket in an attempt to enhance healing or prevent post-operative complications. Several studies suggested that Boron and fish oil affect many of the biological processes during bone healing by influencing cell membrane function. Thus, they affect cellular responses to cytokines and hormones, including those involved in bone growth and turnover in rats. Objective: of the study: To evaluate the effect of boron and fish oil on alveolar bone healing after tooth extraction in rats using Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive x-ray analysis [EDXA] and serum alkaline phosphatase analysis. Materials and Methods: forty-five adult male albino rats (120-150 gm in weight) were used in this study. Extraction of the lower 1st molar was performed in all animals then they were randomly divided into 3 equal groups; Group I (control ) including 15 rats fed on normal diet, Group II (boron) including 15 rats receiving normal diet and boron supplementation (3 mg/kg boron diluted in 3.5 ± 4 ml distilled water) daily, Group III (fish oil) including 15 rats receiving normal diet and fish oil supplementation (65 mg/kg fish oil) daily. The animals were sacrificed after 2 weeks and the effect of boron and fish oil was evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive x-ray analysis and Serum alkaline phosphatase level analysis. The data obtained was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: After 2 weeks of extraction, scanning Electron Microscopic results revealed an increase in trabecular bone thickness with regular bone surface, and uniform osteocyte lacunae in Group II (boron) in comparison to group I (control ) and Group III (fish oil) and these results were proved by EDXA which showed increase in Ca level in group II than group I and group III. On the other hand, serum alkaline phosphatase analysis showed that group III (fish oil) has the higher level of ALP after 2 weeks of the experiment. Conclusion: Boron and fish oil systemic administration have a positive effect on socket healing and bone structure and composition in rats.
Expression Patterns of Genes and Enzymes Involved in Sugar Catabolism in Industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains Displaying Novel Fermentation Characteristics

The utilisation of maltose or sucrose by a selection of nine brewing, baking or laboratory strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was either repressible, constitutive or absent. Overall fermentation rate showed a good correlation with maximum specific maltose transport rate (R 2 = 0.79), but a poor correlation with maximum maltase activity (R 2 = 0.34), implying that transport rather than hydrolysis of maltose was a rate-limiting step determining fermentation performance. The genetic basis for differences seen between the strains in terms of fermentation kinetics was investigated. All strains were found to possess genomic sequences detectable with probes for the MAL11 (AGTI), MAL31 permease genes and the SUC2 invertase gene, however, the loci present and the pattern of expression of these and other MAL genes varied widely. From comparisons of sugar utilisation and gene expression patterns, constitutive maltose utilisation in strain NCYC 1681 was best explained by AGT1 expression. Such expression of AGT1 was not, however, mirrored by changes in the pattern of expression of the transcriptional activator(s) (MALx3). Patterns of sucrose utilisation were poorly predicted by the kinetics of SUC2 gene expression, indicating that other SUC loci may be of greater importance.
Investigation into Thai high school learners' self-regulated learning skills, self-efficacy and writing performance

This study aimed to investigate Thai high school students’ reported use of SRL strategies and their self-efficacy and to explore the effects of two psychological determinants in writing performance. Data were gathered from 768 Thai high school students in six high schools located in Southern Thailand. Convenience sampling was used in this study. The research instruments included self-report surveys to examine their reported use of SRL strategies and perceived self-efficacy and a given–topic essay writing test to evaluate their writing performance. The results revealed that grade level and writing proficiency were important factors influencing students’ reported use of SRL strategies. Multiple regression analyses showed that SRL strategies and self-efficacy had a positive effect on students’ writing performance.
Echinococcus granulosus (Cestoda: Taeniidae) infections and moose – wolf population dynamics in southwestern Quebec

The prevalence, mean number, and mean total weight of Echinococcus granulosus cysts in the lungs of moose increased with moose density in southwestern Quebec. Such responses in the level of infection were documented in areas of 0.17, 0.23, and 0.37 moose/km2. The increase of E. granulosus infection in moose was attributed to higher densities of wolves, the definitive host of this parasite, as well as an accompanying increase in the rate of wolf predation upon moose. The aggregated distribution of this parasite within the moose population is considered to reflect the highly heterogeneous use of space by wolves and the consequent aggregated distribution of parasite eggs within the environment. A possible regulatory effect of E. granulosus infections on moose numbers is discussed.
An elastic net penalized small area model combining unit- and area-level data for regional hypertension prevalence estimation

Hypertension is a highly prevalent cardiovascular disease. It marks a considerable cost factor to many national health systems. Despite its prevalence, regional disease distributions are often unknown and must be estimated from survey data. However, health surveys frequently lack in regional observations due to limited resources. Obtained prevalence estimates suffer from unacceptably large sampling variances and are not reliable. Small area estimation solves this problem by linking auxiliary data from multiple regions in suitable regression models. Typically, either unit- or area-level observations are considered for this purpose. But with respect to hypertension, both levels should be used. Hypertension has characteristic comorbidities and is strongly related to lifestyle features, which are unit-level information. It is also correlated with socioeconomic indicators that are usually measured on the area-level. But the level combination is challenging as it requires multi-level model parameter estimation from small samples. We use a multi-level small area model with level-specific penalization to overcome this issue. Model parameter estimation is performed via stochastic coordinate gradient descent. A jackknife estimator of the mean squared error is presented. The methodology is applied to combine health survey data and administrative records to estimate regional hypertension prevalence in Germany.