Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Myxomycetes of the nature reserve near Wałbrzych (SW Poland). II. Dependence on the substrate and seasonality

Results confirm domination of the occurrence of slime moulds on decaying wood of Fagus (33 taxa), as well as on Tilia (31). The list of species found on wood of Acer pseudoplatanus was extended up to 18. In such a specific microhabitat as litter 33 taxa were found, and among them abundant occurrence of Diachea leucopodia and Diderma testaceum was conspicuous. Dependence of the occurrence of myxomycetes on climatic conditions is manifeted by various periods of "fructification" of particular species. August and September were the most favourable months (49 taxa each) while July was the worst one (30 taxa). Slime moulds inhabiting litter had their maximum from June to August.
Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) Markers and Pedigree Information to Assess Genetic Diversity and Relatedness Within Raspberry Genotypes

ABSTRACT Genetic diversity and relatedness among nine North American red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivars and four Canadian breeding lines were studied using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers and pedigree analysis. Eighteen primers generated 306 polymorphic ISSR-PCR bands. Cluster analysis by the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) revealed a substantial degree of genetic diversity among the 13 genotypes, similarity values ranged from 24% to 49% that were in agreement with the principal coordinate (PCO) analysis. Geographical distribution for the place of breeding program explained only 1.0% of total variation as revealed by analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). The UPGMA clustering for coancestry identified 3% to 25% similarity among the nine cultivars. The correlation coefficient between the genetic similarity values calculated from the Jaccard-based ISSR data and pairwise coefficients of coancestry of nine cultivars was positive but insignificant. The ISSR markers detected a sufficient degree of polymorphism to differentiate among raspberry genotypes, making this technology valuable for cultivar identification and for the more efficient choice of parents in the current raspberry breeding program.
Acid-base balance and blood gases in calves in relation to age and nutrition

We conducted an extended study of acid-base balance indices and values of blood gases in six healthy calves from the 3rd to 24th week of age. e calves were kept in common rearing conditions. e study included the feeding of three types of diets - milk (milk replacer), transition to solid diet (milk replacer, hay, concentrates), and solid diet (hay, concentrates). Arterial blood was collected in the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 18th, and 24th weeks of age. e samples were analysed for blood pH, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide - pCO 2 (kPa), partial pressure of oxygen - pO 2 (kPa), actual bicarbonate - HCO 3 - (mmol/l), base excess - BE (mmol/l), saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen - O 2 -sat (%), and alveolar-arterial gradient of oxygen - A-aDO 2 (kPa). Among the aforementioned indices, the most significant changes relating to age and nutrition were recorded for pO 2 , O 2 -sat, and A-aDO 2 (ANOVA - P < 0.01; P < 0.001). e average values of these indices were significantly higher after the 12th week of age compared with the earlier period. Significant effects of these factors on the blood pH and metabolic compartments of acid-base balance were recorded when, during transition and particularly during solid diet feeding, higher values were determined compared with the milk feeding period. e insignificant dynamics of average values, as well as time tendencies were recorded for pCO 2 . e results showed that the milk-feeding period in calves was characterised by lower values of pH, HCO 3 - , BE, pO 2 and O 2 -sat, and higher values of A-aDO 2 , compared with the older calves.
Incorporation of triticale in layer diets

1. Diets containing either maize or triticale were fed unsupplemented or supplemented with meat meal or groundnut oil to White Leghorn pullets for two periods of 11 weeks each. 2. The egg production of birds fed on the unsupplemented triticale diet was significantly higher than that of the birds fed on the unsupplemented maize diet, but was not significantly different from that of the birds fed on the maize plus meat meal diet. 3. Protein quality of the unsupplemented triticale diet as judged by efficiency of nitrogen retention was similar or inferior to that of the unsupplemented maize diet. 4. The higher protein content of triticale and the increased intake of these diets seemed to be responsible for the better performance observed. 5. Addition of groundnut oil to the triticale diet did not improve either egg weight or production. 6. It is concluded that the quantitative substitution for triticale of maize does not adversely affect egg production and egg weight.
Cost-of-Capital Estimation and Capital-Budgeting Practice in Australia

We use a sample survey to analyse the capital-budgeting practices of Australian listed companies. We find that NPV, IRR and Payback are the most popular evaluation techniques. Real options techniques have gained a toehold in capital budgeting but are not yet part of the mainstream. Discounting is typically by the weighted average cost of capital, assumed constant for the life of the project, and with the same discount rate across divisions. The WACC is usually based on target weights for debt and equity. The CAPM is widely used, while other asset pricing models are not. The discount rate is reviewed regularly and is updated as conditions change. In most companies, project analysis takes no account of the value of imputation tax credits. Australian corporate practice is generally consistent with the practice of Australian price regulators, except that regulators take into account the value of imputation tax credits when computing the cost of capital.
Dominant species identity regulates invasibility of old‐field plant communities

Dominant species are known to exert strong influence over community dynamics, although little work has addressed how they affect invasibility. In this study, we examined whether dominant species identity and abundance affected invasibility of old-field plant communities. To quantify invasibility, we added seeds of 19 plant species into plots dominated by one of four different herbaceous perennial species (Andropogon virginicus, Bromus inermis, Centaurea maculosa, or Solidago canadensis). We found that, independent of species richness and abiotic variables, plots dominated by Andropogon were the least invasible, while Bromus and Centaurea plots had the highest invasibility. We examined several potential mechanisms by which these dominant species might influence invasibility, and found invasion to increase with decreasing litter biomass and increasing community species richness. The abundance of the dominant species was not a significant predictor of invasion. These results indicate that dominant species identity plays an important role in determining invasibility of plant communities, though exact mechanisms underlying these effects still need to be explored.
Self-medication for Oral and Non-oral Conditions among Visitors of Outpatient Clinics- Alexandria- Egypt

Aim: To assess the prevalence of self-medication for non-oral and oral conditions and associated factors. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration: The outpatient clinics of Alexandria University teaching hospital, Alexandria, Egypt in 2015. Methodology: Visitors responded to a pilot-tested Arabic questionnaire that collected information about medical and dental histories, self-medication and its reasons. The study outcomes were the most frequent non-oral and oral conditions for which antibiotics self-medication was used. Regression analysis was used to assess the association with independent variables and the relationship between the two outcomes. Results: The response rate was 94.3%. The prevalence of antibiotics self-medication for non-oral and oral conditions was 31.6% and 19.4%. The most frequent non-oral and oral conditions where antibiotics self-medication occurred were common cold and toothache (26.3% and 18.2%). Perceiving the condition as non-serious and leftover medications were associated with higher odds of antibiotics self-medication for common cold and toothache (OR= 1.99, 1.99 and 2.84, 1.81). Antibiotics self-medications for the two conditions were strongly associated (OR= 52.00). Conclusions: Self-medications for oral and non-oral conditions are associated and related to modifiable factors including how serious the patients perceive their condition to be and if they have access to left-over medication.
Effects of the physical environment on the growth and yield of field beans (Vicia faba minor) in the Canadian prairie

Summary The effects of the physical environment in Manitoba on the growth of Vicia faba minor cv. Diana were monitored during 1974–5. Seed yields and dry-matter production were considerably lower than have recently been achieved with similar varieties in Britain. Factors integral to the prairie environment are suggested to be the cause of this productivity differential. In particular, high soil moisture stress appears to be capable of severely reducing yields especially when experienced during the early phases of reproductive development. Satisfactory dry-mayEer production is not likely to be achieved if the seasonal soil heat accumulation (above 5 °C) is less than 1000 degree days. Low soil temperatures in the initial vegetative growth stage may also be responsible for the failure to achieve potential crop growth. Similarly high ambient temperatures (above 20°C) appear to be deleterious to crop growth. Field-bean heat units were defined to facilitate the examination of potentially useful atmospheric heat on crop growth.
Assessment of Speech Sound Production by Story-retelling in Persian Speaking Children: Introducing a New Instrument

Background: Speech and language pathologists should include connected speech assessment as part of their evaluation for children with speech sound disorders. The purpose of the present study was to design and validate an instrument for assessment of articulation by story-retelling for Persian children. Methods: 261 typically developing children, aged 4-5 years old in Iran, Tehran, in 2016-2017, were recruited in the current study. First, two stories were designed. Next, the expert panel reviewed those two stories and selected one story for assessment. The strengths of the test for discriminating between the two age groups (48-54 months and 55-60 months) and between boys and girls were investigated for construct validity. Test-retest was performed for 15 children. Also, inter-rater reliability was evaluated via calculating the correlation between the two examiners’ scores. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24, was used for statistical analysis. The significance level was set at (P<0.05). Results: There was 80% or more agreement in experts’ response to questions regarding content validity. All of the reliability values were higher than 0.85. No significant difference was observed between boys and girls (P=0.77), but there was a significant difference between the two age groups (P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between this test and phonetic test of the Persian version of diagnostic articulation and phonology (r=0.62, P=0.002). Conclusion: The Persian story for the assessment of speech sound production is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used to evaluate the articulation of Persian children.
Two-year results of the randomised Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT)

Background: DiRECT reported diabetes remission at one year for 46% of participants allocated to an integrated structured weight management programme. We now assess two-year findings. Methods: DiRECT is an open-label, cluster-randomised, controlled trial in primary care practices randomised to a weight management programme (intervention) or best-practice care by guidelines (control). We recruited individuals aged 20–65 years, with <6 years duration of type 2 diabetes, body-mass index 27–45 kg/m, and not receiving insulin. The intervention comprised withdrawal of anti-diabetes and antihypertensive drugs, total diet replacement (825–853 kcal/day formula diet) for 12-20 weeks, stepped food reintroduction (2–8 weeks), and then structured support for weight loss maintenance. Co-primary outcomes, analysed hierarchically, were weight loss >15 kg, and remission of diabetes, defined as HbA1c <6·5% (<48 mmol/mol) with no anti-diabetes medications. Findings: At 24 months, 53/149 (35·6%) of those commencing the intervention and 5/149 (3·4%) in the control group (adjusted odds ratio 25·8, 95% CI 8·3,80·8; p<0·0001) had remission, and 11·4% of intervention and 2·0% of the control group (adjusted odds ratio 8·2 (2·2,30·0), p=0·0015) had weight loss ≥15kg. Of those maintaining ≥10kg weight loss (45/272), 64% (29/45) achieved remission, and 24.2% (36/149) of the intervention group maintained ≥10kg weight loss. Adjusted mean differences between groups were, in changes in body weight -5·4 kg, (-6·9,-4·0), p<0·0001, in HbA1c -4·8 mmol/mol, (-8·3,-1·4), p=0·0063 despite >50% fewer anti-diabetes agent use in intervention group, and SBP -3·4 mmHg, (-6·7,-0·2), p=0·0397. Serious adverse events were similar at 12 months, but fewer occurred in intervention than control in the second year (9 vs. 22). Quality of life improved more from baseline in the intervention than the control group, adjusted mean difference 4·6 (0·4,8·9, p=0·032). Interpretation: This programme sustained remissions at 24 months for over a third of people with type 2 diabetes. Weight loss of ≥10 kg provides remission for two thirds. Funding: Diabetes UK.
Sex‐related variations of serum immunoglobulins during reproduction in gilthead sea bream and evidence for a transfer from the female to the eggs

A significant elevation of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration occurred in female gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata during spawning. Furthermore, a progressive rise of serum Ig level was observed throughout the process of sexual inversion (from functional male to functional female), suggesting that the synthesis of Ig could be regulated by sex-related factors (probably sexual hormones) involved in the process of oogenesis. The immunoglobulins of eggs were purified by affinity chromatography on protein A-sepharose. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis showed reactivity of the antiserum Pab1 with the Ig heavy and light chains, and some degradation products. This purification process yielded detectable amounts of Ig. The sex-related increase of serum Ig during the reproductive period, and the detection of Ig in eggs suggest a transfer of Ig from the blood of the adult female.
Leptin levels in gingival crevicular fluid during canine retraction: in vivo comparative study

Objective: To evaluate and compare the leptin levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and rate of canine retraction using an elastomeric chain and nickel–titanium (NiTi) closed coil spring. Design: In vivo, clinical study. Setting: Orthodontic department at ITS Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Ghaziabad, India. Participants: Twenty-seven patients reported to the Department of Orthodontics at ITS Centre for Dental Studies and Research. Methods: Twenty-seven patients were included in the study in which canine retraction was carried out with an elastomeric chain and NiTi closed coil spring on either side of the arch applying 150 g of force on both sides. GCF samples were collected before the commencement of canine retraction, on the first, seventh and 21st day after application of force and were analysed for leptin levels by the ELISA technique. Impressions for the study model were taken at baseline and after 21 days to measure the rate of tooth movement bilaterally with an electronic digital calliper. Results: The results obtained within both groups showed a significant decrease in leptin levels from baseline to 21 days (P = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in leptin levels between both groups, but leptin levels decreased more in the NiTi closed coil spring group. The rate of tooth movement is not significantly different between both groups, but space closure is faster in the NiTi closed coil spring group. Conclusions: Leptin levels in GCF showed a significant decrease during canine retraction using an elastomeric chain and NiTi coil spring; there was no significant difference in the rate of tooth movement between both the groups.
Serodiagnosis of Scrub Typhus cases by Different Diagnostic Tests

Scrub typhus has been one of the most covert emerging and re-emerging Rickettsial infections with increasing trend in incidences of the disease worldwide including India. This tropical febrile vector borne disease also known as “tsutsugamushi disease” is caused by the organism Orientia tsutsugamushi, a gram negative obligate intracellular slow growing bacteria. The infection is transmitted by bite of larval stage (chiggers) of mites belonging to the family Trombiculidae. The mite acts both as vector and reservoir of the bacteria and efficiently passes to its offsprings through transovarian transmission. The disease is also transmitted from larval stage of mites to rats, where man is an accidental host (Roopa et al., 2015).
Oricymba (Cymbellales, Bacillariophyceae), a new cymbelloid genus and three new species from the Nepalese Himalaya

Jüttner I. , Krammer K. , Van de Vijver B. , Tuji A. , Simkhada B. , Gurung S. , Sharma S. , Sharma C. and Cox E.J. 2010. Oricymba (Cymbellales, Bacillariophyceae), a new cymbelloid genus and three new species from the Nepalese Himalaya. Phycologia 49: 407–423. DOI: 10.2216/09-77.1 A new genus Oricymba is described with its type species based on Cymbella japonica Reichelt. In addition, three new species are described from the Nepalese Himalaya: O. subaequalis, O. latirotundata and O. subovalis. The new genus has slightly dorsiventral or almost symmetrical valves with polar raphe endings deflected to the dorsal side. It can be distinguished from other cymbelloid genera by two morphological characters. There is a ridge along the valve face: mantle junction, and areolae are slit-like and partially occluded by dentate projections. To date Oricymba has been found only in often nutrient-poor, freshwater habitats of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Korea and Japan.
Interspecific differences in the response of juvenile stages to physical stress: fluorometric responses of fucoid embryos to variation in meteorological conditions 1

Chl fluorescence during and immediately after low tide under four meteorological conditions was measured in embryos of three fucoid algae [Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. , Fucus vesiculosus L. , and Fucus distichus subsp. edentatus Bach. (Pyl.) H. T. Powell] vertically distributed in the intertidal zone in Québec, Canada. Artificial substrata with attached embryos of each species were outplanted into each zone and into two different microhabitats: under and outside an adult canopy. Several fluorescence measurements were made using pulse‐amplitude‐modulated (PAM) fluorometry, from which maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield (φPSII), relative electron transport rate (rETR), and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) were calculated. Fv/Fm, φPSII, and rETR decreased, and NPQ increased during low tide, most rapidly under the most desiccating meteorological conditions (i.e., sunny‐windy weather). The species occurring lowest in the vertical distribution, F. distichus subsp. edentatus, was the most affected, and the two highest species, A. nodosum and F. vesiculosus, only rarely differed. Tidal height itself also influenced the decline in fluorescence parameters, with more gradual declines in lower zones, except under the least desiccating conditions (i.e., cloudy‐calm weather). Recovery upon reimmersion was rapid in all circumstances. Under a canopy, decreases in maximum and effective quantum yields were more gradual than in exposed locations. Although the young stages of these species were affected by physical conditions experienced during low tide and their exact response depended on the precise meteorological conditions, differences in responses among species were surprisingly small. The abilities of young stages to withstand aerial conditions were, however, consistent with the zonation patterns of adults, and conditions under an adult canopy offered some protection.
Morphometric evaluation of AgNORs can help in identifying incipient cellular alterations in clinically normal-appearing oral mucosa adjacent to oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: The value of silver staining of nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) counts as a diagnostic aid and has been reported in several neoplastic entities. Previous studies have proven the value of the morphometric evaluation of AgNOR in the detection of incipient cellular alterations. Materials and Methods: Computer-assisted morphometric analysis of AgNORs was performed in normal oral mucosa and mucosa adjacent to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Morphometric values were compared between the study groups. Descriptive data were presented as mean ± SD; Student t-test was used for assessing the possible significant difference between the study groups. Results: The results of the present study showed a significant difference in all the four AgNOR-related parameters from epithelium adjacent to OSCC compared to the normal oral mucosa. Conclusion: The nucleolar organizing region (NOR)-related parameters assessed are biologically informative and easy to monitor routinely at a pathology laboratory. Further, AgNORs provide valuable data by which we can study the spectrum of nuclear changes in malignant and premalignant lesions.
The influence of dietary concentration of calcium and phosphorus on their retention in the body of the growing pig

SUMMARY Three gilts and three castrated males weighing 23 kg live weight were given four semi-synthetic diets containing increasing amounts of Ca and P. The Ca and P contents (% dry basis) and Ca:P ratios for the four diets were A, 0·30, 0·38, 1:1·27; B, 0·58, 0·68, 1:1·17; C, 0·94, 1·13, l:l·20; D, 1·16, 1·47, 1:1·27. Each animal was slaughtered at 41 kg live weight and the whole body contents of Ca and P determined. Six pigs were slaughtered at 23 kg live weight and their bodies also analysed for Ca and P contents. Dietary concentration of Ca and P did not influence rate or efficiency of live weight gain nor carcass characteristics. Net retention of Ca and P increased with increasing dietary concentration of these elements. Analyses of isolated femurs suggested that optimal mineralization of the bone was associated with a net retention of 8·2 g Ca/kg live weight gain. The data were used to calculate a value of 32·9 mg/kg live weight/day for the endogenous loss of Ca in pigs of 23–41 kg body weight. The values have been used to compute a mineral requirement of dietary calcium which is in excellent agreement with that derived from estimates in the literature.
Water Transport in and to Roots

THE UPTAKE OF WATER BY ROOTS FROM SOIL 246 The Cylindrical Flow Model . 246 Roots in Dry Soil 250 TRANSPORT ACROSS WHOLE ROOT SySTEMS 252 Basic Hydraulic and Osmotic Properties 252 Caveats Based on Possible Experimental Artefacts 256 Endogenous and Environmental Influences 257