Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CLIMATE AND SILVICULTURAL IMPLICATIONS IN MODIFYING STAND COMPOSITION IN MIXED FIR-PINE STANDS

ABSTRACT A growing concern exists over the decreasing proportion of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees in mixed Trojan fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani [Asch. & Sint. Ex Boiss] Coode & Cullen)-Scots pine forests in northern Turkey. Given the changes in mean annual temperature and annual precipitation for the last 40 years in the region, understanding of the sensitivity of Trojan fir and Scots pine trees to changing climate seems to be critical so that better management strategies can be developed against the potential climate extremes of the future in the region. Moreover, our knowledge on the influence of current silvicultural methods on seedling density and growth in these forests is limited. Therefore, in this study, the growth response (i.e., radial growth) of Trojan fir and Scots pine trees to the changing climate were examined. In addition, the influence of current silvicultural practices on seedling growth and density in these forests was also monitored. Trojan fir appeared more sensitive to the climatic variables (i.e., temperature and precipitation) than Scots pine in the region. It was also found that the current silvicultural practices might favor Trojan fir over Scots pine in these forests. Natural dynamics and current silvicultural implications would benefit Trojan fir, however, given the species’ potential sensitivity to the changing climate, current silvicultural approaches can be modified to favor Scots pine, and to increase the resilience of these forests against climate extremes expected in the region’s future.
Assessment of bone charcoal dusts of six species of mammal for the postharvest control of Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) infestations of cowpea seeds: can the charcoal dust affect seed viability in laboratory and in field?

The possibility that bone charcoal dusts of some species of mammal will control the major insect pest of stored cowpea seeds and the implications on seed viability (after pest control process) were investigated in the laboratory at ambient temperature (30 ± 3°C) and relative humidity (70 ± 5%) and in field. Standard entomological and agronomical techniques were used. The results showed that at 1.0% w/w dosage, the bone charcoal dusts of Ovis aries and Bos taurus were more effective than permethrin standard insecticide in killing adult Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. infesting cowpea seeds in storage. Bos taurus had a faster action speed than permethrin at 1.0% w/w. At 1.5% w/w of dust, all the species of mammal investigated deterred oviposition considerably in C. maculatus females, whereas only the bone charcoal dusts of O. aries and Sus scrofa were comparable with permethrin in suppressing adult emergence and seed damage; S. scrofa only was comparable with permethrin in reducing larval density. Bone charcoal dusts of O. aries and S. scrofa require chemical and olfactory analyses to know if they might have caused irritation to the insects and disrupted insect circadian rhythm, affecting behaviour and mating activities, adversely. The bone charcoal dusts of the six species of mammal at a highest test dose of 1.5% w/w allowed high seed viability in both laboratory and field. The study recommends the use of bone charcoal dusts of O. aries and S. scrofa at economical- and quality-favourable dose 1.5% w/w for managers seeking to control C. maculatus insect attacking cowpea seeds in storage. The transitive components of the bones, abrasion of the insect epicuticle lipid layer by the charcoal dust, and combustion-related toxic factors were responsible for the insecticidal activities of the bone charcoal dusts of the mammals.
Mechanisms of Weed Suppression in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Canola (Brassica napus L.) in Southeastern Australia

Herbicide resistance in both grasses and broadleaf weeds is on the rise across Australia, with an increasing number of cropping weeds experiencing resistance to multiple herbicides. One contributing factor to this issue is the adoption of conservation agriculture (CA). CA is a system of residue management that avoids the use of cultivation for the establishment of annual broadacre crops. Another contributing factor is poor management of herbicide mode of action strategies in broadacre farming. One key tool for integrated weed management (IWM) strategies is the use of competitive grain crop cultivars and postharvest crop residues, which can effectively suppress, or delay weed seedling emergence and provide an initial advantage for the crop in terms of early weed suppression. The ability of various dual-purpose grazing or non-grazing grain crops and their residues to suppress weeds until subsequent planting the following year was compared in two successive field experiments in the Riverina region of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. We evaluated 1) the impact of residues of several grain crops on winter and postharvest summer annual weed establishment from 2012 to 2014 and 2) in-crop and post-harvest weed suppression in 2014-2015 using a genetically diverse set of canola cultivars, including those found to be highly weed-suppressive in the first trial. Replicated field trials were established in Wagga Wagga, in a moderate rainfall zone (mean 572 mm/year) from 2012 to 2015 using commercially available crop cultivars. Differences in in-crop weed infestation and post-harvest crop fallows associated with grain crop cultivar and species were observed in each of three years. Significant weed suppression associated with grazing and non-grazing wheat residues was observed after harvest, with grazing Journal of Crop Protection 77 wheat exhibiting significant suppression of fleabane and witchgrass up to 130 days postharvest. Grazing and non-grazing canola provided strong and significant suppression of fleabane and witchgrass for up to 140 days following harvest. Grazing cereal cultivars were generally more suppressive of weeds than non-grazing cultivars. Early vigour and ability to intercept light and accumulate biomass resulted in suppression of incrop weed growth in canola trials, with GT-50 the most weed suppressive canola cultivar. Weed biomass differed with cultivar in both years and appeared to be inversely related to early crop vigour, suggesting the importance of crop biomass in regulating weed competition in the crop. Cultivars CB Taurus and GT50 were consistently the most weed suppressive when residues remained in plots 150 days post-harvest. These results indicate that the establishment of certain species and cultivars of grain crops may effectively suppress weed growth both in-crop and post-harvest, in the absence of post-emergent herbicides. In addition, the choice of canola cultivar for desired weed suppression impacts the subsequent ability of the crop and its residues to successfully interfere with weed growth.
Combining capacity and heterosis in eggplant hybrids under high temperatures

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to estimate the combinatorial capacity and heterosis of eggplant hybrids under high temperature conditions. Seven genitors, twelve hybrid combinations, originated from a partial diallel, and the Ciça F1 hybrid, as control, were evaluated. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in randomized block design with four replications, from April to December 2017. The assessed traits related to high temperatures were pollen viability (PV) and fruit fixation index (FFI); the morphoagronomic traits were number of fruits per plant (NFP), fruit weight (FWe), production per plant (PP), fruit length (FL), fruit width (FWi), fruit length/width ratio (FLWR) and plant height (PH). The variance analysis showed greater participation of the additive gene effects in relation to the non-additive gene effects in most traits, except for PV. The genitors CNPH 141, CNPH 135, CNPH 109 and CNPH 51 stood out with favorable gene effects to obtain genotypes tolerant to high temperatures, since they present good general combining ability (GCA) for the traits FFI, NFP and PP. The 1x4 and 3x4 hybrids presented positive estimates for both GCA and specific combining ability (SCA), demonstrating a greater potential to be used in breeding to increase the FFI, NFP and PP, under high temperatures. The 1x4, 1x5 and 1x6 hybrids expressed positive heterosis for most analyzed traits. The 1x4 hybrid stood out for the highest averages for PV, FFI, NFP and PP. For FWe, FL, FWi and FLWR, both positive and negative heterosis were observed, as consequence of the phenotypic variability of the genitors for these traits and suggests the possibility of selection for different sizes and formats.
Phylogenetic relationships of the cuscuses (Diprotodontia : Phalangeridae) of island Southeast Asia and Melanesia based on the mitochondrial ND2 gene

The species-level systematics of the marsupial family Phalangeridae, particularly Phalanger, are poorly understood, due partly to the family’s wide distribution across Australia, New Guinea, eastern Indonesia, and surrounding islands. In order to refine the species-level systematics of Phalangeridae, and improve our understanding of their evolution, we generated 36 mitochondrial ND2 DNA sequences from multiple species and sample localities. We combined our new data with available sequences and produced the most comprehensive molecular phylogeny for Phalangeridae to date. Our analyses (1) strongly support the monophyly of the three phalangerid subfamilies (Trichosurinae, Ailuropinae, Phalangerinae); (2) reveal the need to re-examine all specimens currently identified as ‘Phalanger orientalis’; and (3) suggest the elevation of the Solomon Island P. orientalis subspecies to species level (P. breviceps Thomas, 1888). In addition, samples of P. orientalis from Timor formed a clade, consistent with an introduction by humans from a single source population. However, further research on east Indonesian P. orientalis populations will be required to test this hypothesis, resolve inconsistencies in divergence time estimates, and locate the source population and taxonomic status of the Timor P. orientalis.
Factors Affecting Ferritin Level in Children of 6 to 59 Months in the Eastern Region of Cameroon

Aim: Ferritin reflects total iron storage and is also the first laboratory index to decline with iron deficiency. It may be less accurate in children with infectious or inﬂammatory conditions as an acute phase reactant. Considering the fact that Cameroonian children live in malaria endemic and high risk hookworm infection area, our objective was to study factors affecting Ferritin level including socio-demographic data, child nutrition, anaemia and inflammatory status. Study Design: A case control study was carried out with anaemic children as cases and non-anaemic as controls. Place and Duration: Paediatric and laboratory units of the Bertoua regional Hospital, from November 2018 to January 2019. Methodology: A case control study was carried out in children of 6 to 59 months attending the Bertoua regional hospital. Data were collected and blood distributed in EDTA and dry tubes for full blood count, C - reactive protein (CRP) and Ferritin analysis. Obtained data were analysed with SPSS 21.0 using Pearson’s Chi Square test. Results: 126 children were included, 63 anaemic (Haemoglobin<11 g/dL) as cases and 63 non anaemic as controls. The Mean age of children was 27.3+/- 15.4 months, the mean haemoglobin was 10.4+/- 1.6 g/dL. Ferritin as state by WHO for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia, was below 30 μg/L in 3.2% independently of anaemic status. Inflammation tested by CRP occurred in 37.3% of children. When the ferritin cut-off value was shifted to 50 μg/L, Ferritin was low in 9.5% thus approaching the stated frequency of iron deficiency obtained recentlyin Cameroon. Mean Ferritin level was 346.5 μg/L. Conclusion: The relatively high level of Ferritin showed that iron storage seems to remain intact in most children despite anaemic or inflammatory status. The level of Ferritin in children is highly dependent on haem iron consumption and food diversification also has a role to play.
Genetic Analysis and Gene Mapping for a Short-Petiole Mutant in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

Short petiole is a valuable trait for the improvement of plant canopy of ideotypes with high yield. Here, we identified a soybean mutant line derived short petiole (dsp) with extremely short petiole in the field, which is obviously different from most short-petiole lines identified previously. Genetic analysis on 941 F2 individuals and subsequent segregation analysis of 184 F2:3 and 172 F3:4 families revealed that the dsp mutant was controlled by two recessive genes, named as dsp1 and dsp2. Map-based cloning showed that these two recessive genes were located on two nonhomologous regions of chromosome 07 and chromosome 11, of which the dsp1 locus was mapped at a physical interval of 550.5-Kb on chromosome 07 near to centromere with flanking markers as BARCSOYSSR_07_0787 and BARCSOYSSR_07_0808; whereas, the dsp2 locus was mapped to a 263.3-Kb region on chromosome 11 with BARCSOYSSR_11_0037 and BARCSOYSSR_11_0043 as flanking markers. A total of 36 and 33 gene models were located within the physical genomic interval of dsp1 and dsp2 loci, respectively. In conclusion, the present study identified markers linked with genomic regions responsible for short-petiole phenotype of soybean, which can be effectively used to develop ideal soybean cultivars through marker-assisted breeding.
Comparative genomics and full-length Tprk profiling of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum reinfection

Developing a vaccine against Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, remains a public health priority. Syphilis vaccine design efforts have been complicated by lack of an in vitro T. pallidum culture system, prolific antigenic variation in outer membrane protein TprK, and lack of functional annotation for nearly half of the genes. Understanding the genetic basis of T. pallidum reinfection can provide insights into variation among strains that escape cross-protective immunity. Here, we present comparative genomic sequencing and deep, full-length tprK profiling of two T. pallidum isolates from blood from the same patient that were collected six years apart. Notably, this patient was diagnosed with syphilis four times, with two of these episodes meeting the definition of neurosyphilis, during this interval. Outside of the highly variable tprK gene, we identified 14 coding changes in 13 genes. Nine of these genes putatively localized to the periplasmic or outer membrane spaces, consistent with a potential role in serological immunoevasion. Using a newly developed full-length tprK deep sequencing protocol, we profiled the diversity of this gene that far outpaces the rest of the genome. Intriguingly, we found that the reinfecting isolate demonstrated less diversity across each tprK variable region compared to the isolate from the first infection. Notably, the two isolates did not share any full-length TprK sequences. Our results are consistent with an immunodominant-evasion model in which the diversity of TprK explains the ability of T. pallidum to successfully reinfect individuals, even when they have been infected with the organism multiple times. Author Summary The causative agent of syphilis, Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, is capable of repeat infections in people, suggesting that the human immune response does not develop sufficiently broad or long-lasting immunity to cover treponemal diversity. Here, we examined the genomes from two blood-derived isolates of T. pallidum derived 6 years apart from a patient who had syphilis four times during the same period to understand the genetic basis of reinfection. We found a paucity of coding changes across the genome outside of the highly variable tprK gene. Using deep profiling of the full-length tprK gene, we found surprisingly that the two isolates did not share any full-length TprK sequences.
Intercropping oilseed rape as a potential relay crop for enhancing the biological control of green peach aphids and aphid‐transmitted virus diseases

Tobacco viruses transmitted by green peach aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), cause severe disease in flue‐cured tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae), in China and throughout the world. Field experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017 in Longyan City, Fujian Province, China, to determine whether M. persicae and aphid‐transmitted virus diseases are affected by intercropping of oilseed rape, Brassica napus L. (Brassicaceae), in tobacco fields. The results showed that, compared with those in monocultured fields, the densities of M. persicae and winged aphids in intercropped fields significantly decreased in both 2016 and 2017. In particular, the appearance of winged aphids was delayed by ca. 7 days. Moreover, the densities of Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae), a parasitoid of the aphid, significantly increased in 2016 and 2017. Accordingly, the incidence rates of aphid‐transmitted virus diseases (those caused by the cucumber mosaic virus, potato virus Y, and tobacco etch virus) significantly decreased in the intercropped fields in 2016 and 2017. Tobacco yields and monetary value significantly increased in 2016 (by 10–25 and 14–29%, respectively) and 2017 (by 17–22 and 22–34%, respectively). Consequently, our results suggest that intercropping oilseed rape in tobacco fields is a good approach to regulating and controlling aphids and tobacco mosaic viruses, for example potyvirus, and this intercropping can help control aphid‐transmitted virus diseases in tobacco.
Characteristics of recurrent emergency department visits within 72 hours of visits for the same or related complaints

We aimed to investigate the characteristics of recurrent emergency department visits within 72 hours for the same or related complaints. Recurrent visits were defined as any repeated visits to the emergency department within the first 72 hours of discharge after the first admission with the same or similar complaints. The study population included patients revisiting the emergency department within 72 hours after the first visit. Recurrent visit files were screened from the Hospital Information Management System, and data were compared between the first and second visits. Of the 83,578 patients included, 1,952 (2.3%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thus, the revisit rate was 2.3%. Emergency Department triage scores showed no significant differences between the visits, but 2 patients with triage scores of 4 in the first visit subsequently had triage score of 1 in the recurrent visits. In addition, the presence of comorbidities was found to be significantly associated with revisit and hospitalization. Measuring and evaluating the causes of revisits to the emergency department allow assessment of hospital quality. We believe that to reduce the revisit rate, prolonged emergency room observation is necessary, particularly for patients with comorbidities and those presenting complaints related to the cardiovascular system, oncology, and respiratory system. Further, morbidity and mortality rates will consequently decrease.
Gall-inducing Thysanoptera (Phlaeothripidae) on Acacia Phyllodes in Australia: Host-plant Relations and Keys to Genera and Species

The available biological information on the association, unique to Australia, between gall-inducing thrips and the phyllodes of Acacia species is summarised. Identification keys to the three genera and 21 gall-inducing species involved are presented, together with descriptions of nine new species (Kladothrips harpophyllae, Kladothrips maslini, Kladothrips xiphius, Oncothrips morrisi, Oncothrips schwarzi, Oncothrips sterni, Oncothrips torus, Onychothrips pilbara and Onychothrips zygus).
Perceived Strengths and Weaknesses of Highly Realistic Training and Live Tissue Training for Navy Corpsmen

Abstract : The U.S. Navy currently employs two types of trauma care training for Navy corpsmen: highly realistic training and live tissue training. Highly realistic training is a scenario-based training method that is uniquely crafted to replicate real-life combat settings. Live tissue training involves the use of live specimens (typically pigs or goats) to practice specific hands-on medical skills. The objective of this study was to obtain subjective information regarding the perceived effectiveness and the strengths and weaknesses of highly realistic training and live tissue training. The sample consisted of 25 Navy service members assigned to the Independent Duty Corpsman School, Surface Warfare Medical Institute in San Diego, CA. Participants completed brief surveys and semi-structured interviews. Results showed that participants perceived both types of training as equally effective on most dimensions. However, some unique strengths and weakness were reported for each type of training. While live tissue training may be better for practicing specific medical skills, highly realistic training may be better for preparing corpsmen for high stress, operational settings. Additional research is needed to improve highly realistic training and to extend its use to other military medical provider populations.
LXXV The Posterior Cricoarytenoid as an Inspiratory Muscle

Surgical repair of the severed recurrent laryngeal nerve is one example of several clinical problems whose solution depends heavily on a knowledge of the neurophysiology of the larynx. Although the surgically divided nerve has been successfully repaired, restitution of laryngeal function has usually been thwarted by "misdirected regeneration. " Since the trunk of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) carries some nerve fibers that supply the adductor muscles and some that supply the abductor, and since no practical method exists for aligning these fibers at the plane of repair, it is inevitable that even a successful anastomosis will result in some abductor impulses being delivered to the adductor muscles and vice versa. This usually results in purposeless contractions of the laryngeal muscles, or even in adduction of the vocal cord on inspiration. '
Preparing for the 3D data deluge: real time structural search at the scale of the PDB and beyond

Detection of protein structure similarity is a central challenge in structural bioinformatics. Comparisons are usually performed at the polypeptide chain level, however the functional form of a protein within the cell is often an oligomer. This fact, together with recent growth of oligomeric structures in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), demands more efficient approaches to oligomeric assembly alignment/retrieval. Traditional methods use atom level information, which can be complicated by the presence of topological permutations within a polypeptide chain and/or subunit rearrangements. These challenges can be overcome by comparing electron density maps directly. But, brute force alignment of electron density distributions is a compute intensive search problem. We developed a 3D Zernike moment normalization procedure to orient electron density maps and assess similarity with unprecedented speed. Similarity searching with this approach enables real-time retrieval of proteins/protein assemblies resembling a target, from PDB or user input, together with resulting alignments (http://shape.rcsb.org).