Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contribution of Three-Dimensional Reconstructions from CT-Scan for Assessing the Factors Associated with Blunt Splenic Injury Severity

Purpose Analysis of influence of anthropomorphometry, splenic variability and crash’s circumstances on the severity of splenic injury. Methods Seventy-seven patients with blunt splenic trauma had a tomodensitometry at time of admission. Localisation, type, and lesion’s severity (AAST classification), were determined. Severe splenic lesion was defined by: Grade 4 or 5, lesion of entire parenchyma, or fracture. Three-dimensional splenic segmentation allowed calculation of volume, orientation (colatitude and azimuth), morphometry, morphology and span of hilar vessels. Anthropometric parameters were: Age, gender, BMI, and morphotype. Relationships between spleen, stomach, liver and 10th left rib were detailed. Results In univariate analysis, splenic parameters for a severer lesion were: Orientation of hilar side turned towards vertebral column (azimuth, p=0.05), spread conformation of hilar vessels (p=0.10), and high splenic volume (p=0.06). The younger the patient, the more severe was the splenic lesion (p=0.07). A full stomach and a left liver overflowing in the left hypochondrium, were associated with low gravity splenic lesion, (p=0.02 and p=0.03). In multivariable analysis, injured patients whose hilar area was vertically oriented, were more at risk of severe splenic lesion (OR=0.92, 95% CI (0.85-0.99), p=0.02). An abdominal-shaped liver was associated with low gravity splenic lesion (OR= 0.13, 95% CI (0.02-0.93), p=0.04). Conclusions Topographic and morphologic variability of the spleen condition its vulnerability in trauma cases. Using this analysis and the biomechanical behaviour of splenic tissue will allow for the creation of a splenic numerical model, and its integration in the virtual human scientific application of modern traumatology.
Effect of growth phase on the subsequent growth kinetics of psychrotrophic bacteria of raw milk origin

Psychrotrophs isolated at days 1, 3 and 5 from refrigerated raw milk were monitored for growth kinetics using conductance when they had been inoculated during their lag, log and stationary growth phases. The results indicated that there was a more rapid change in the microflora during the initial stages of storage when the lag phases of the 1, 3 and 5 day isolates were analysed. There was also evidence of the ‘suicide response’. In addition, the fact that the stationary phase cells showed the greatest exponential growth rate may be a contributory factor to their selective advantage.
Simulating Growth and Yield Responses of Sorghum to Changes in Plant Density

Though numerous field experiments have been conducted on the effects of plant density on growth and yield of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], tests showing the ability and validity of a sorghum simulation model to respond to changes in plant density have not been reported previously. Thus, a field experiment was conducted at ICRlSAT Center, Patancheru, India, in the 1983 rainy season on a Vertisol (fine, clayey, montmorillonitic, isohyperthermic Typic Pellustert) to test the validity of the sorghum simulation model, SORGF, for simulating the effect of plant density on growth and development of sorghum. Simulations were compared to data collected on phenology, leaf area indices (MI), total dry matter (TDM), and grain yield for five plant densities (4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 plants m−2) of two sorghum cultivars (CSH 6 and SPV 351). Observed TDM and grain yield increased up to 16 plants m−2, while simulated TDM and grain yield increased up to 20 plants m−2. The model, on average, underestimated TDM by 8% and overestimated grain yield by 2%. Good agreement between observed and simulated LAI, TDM, and grain yield across five plant densities and two cultivars was supported by the insignificant differences of observed and simulated values from a one-to-one line. The model was further validated using climatic data from the ICRISAT Center between 1976 and 1984. Simulated grain yield using plant densities of 12 plants m−2 were within 3% in 6 yr and between 11 and 20% in the other 3 yr of observed data using plant densities of 13 plants m−2. Results from this study suggest that the SORGF model appears useful for simulating the effect of plant density on the growth and yield of wellmanaged sorghum when input data on cultivar, climate, soil, and agronomic management are available.
Responses of sugarcane, maize, and soybean to phosphorus and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

The presence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi in long-term cane-growing fields associated with yield decline led to the supposition that VAM fungi may be responsible for the poor yields. A glasshouse trial was established to test the effectiveness of a species of VAM fungi, Glomus clarum, extracted from one of these North Queensland fields on the growth of sugarcane (Saccharum interspecific hybrid), maize (Zea mays), and soybean (Glycine max) for 6 phosphorus (P) rates (0, 2.7, 8.2, 25, 74, 222 mg/kg). For maize and soybean plants that received VAM (+ VAM), root colonisation was associated with enhanced P uptake, improved dry weight (DW) production, and higher index tissue-P concentrations than those without VAM (-VAM). By comparing DW responses of maize and soybean for different P rates, savings in fertiliser P of up to 160 and 213 kg/ha, respectively, were realised. Sugarcane plants were generally less responsive. Apart from a 30% DW increase with VAM when 2.7 mg P/kg was added, DW of +VAM plants was equivalent to, or worse than in the case of 222 mg P/kg, DW of -VAM plants. For all 3 host species, colonisation was least at the highest P application, presumably from excessive P within the plant tissue. Critical P concentrations for the 3 host species were below those reported elsewhere, and for soybean and sugarcane, the critical concentration for +VAM plants was lower than that of -VAM plants. There are 3 implications that arise from this study. First, VAM fungi present in cane-growing soils can promote the growth of maize and soybean, which are potential rotation crops, over a range of P levels. Second, the mycorrhizal strain taken from this site did not generally contribute to a yield decline in sugarcane plants. Third, application of P fertiliser is not necessary for sugarcane when acid-extractable P is <30 mg/kg if sufficient VAM propagules are present, or <47 mg/kg if a mycorrhizal response is not anticipated.
Effects of Myeloperoxidase on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Colonized Burn Wounds in Rats.

Objective: To achieve better therapeutic results in burn wound infections and to examine alternatives to antibiotics, we designed this study to elaborate the role of myeloperoxidase (MPO) on infected burn wounds in rats. Approach: We compared chemical properties as well as bacteriostatic ability of MPO in different concentrations with NeutroPhase. Subsequently, we applied MPO (MPO group), NeutroPhase (NeutroPhase group), NaCl+H2O2 (NaCl+H2O2 group), or NaCl (control group) on rat dorsal burn wounds inoculated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Their effects on MRSA-colonized wounds were evaluated by microscopy, histologic section, and Western blot. Results: MPO produced more H+ and HClO-, leading to a more acidic environment. Moreover, MPO inhibited the growth of MRSA more intensely after 6 h of inoculation ex vivo. In vivo the open wound rate in the MPO group was significantly lower, while the contraction rate and epithelialization rate of MPO group were higher than that of the control group, NaCl+H2O2 group, and NeutroPhase group on day 20. The hematoxylin and eosin staining of MPO group showed better wound healing than other groups. More vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was expressed in wound tissue of MPO group by Western blot. Innovation: This is the first study to use MPO for MRSA-colonized burn wound therapy. Conclusion: MPO displayed more effective bacteriostatic ability, possibly beneficial for MRSA-colonized wound healing.
Phosphorus export at the paddock, farm-section, and whole farm scale on an irrigated dairy farm in south-eastern Australia

Phosphorus (P) exported from agricultural land contributes to the eutrophication of inland water systems. Although P export has been extensively researched at the paddock scale, our understanding of farm-scale export is limited. This paper presents the results of a 3-year monitoring project that investigated P export at the paddock, farm- section, and whole farm scales on an irrigated dairy farm in south-eastern Australia. Annual average concentrations of 2.2-11 mg P/L, and annual loads of 2.5-23 kg P/ha were measured at the paddock and farm-section scale over the 3 years, with the quality of irrigation water applied having no significant effect on P export in surface runoff. At the farm scale, effective management of the water reuse system significantly reduced phosphorus export by up to 98%. During the 3-year period, P concentrations and loads exported in surface runoff consistently decreased between the paddock and farm-section scales (e.g. P-28 exported 13.8 kg P/ha, whereas S-4 exported 6.7 kg/ha in 2001), with the decrease in P export described using a scaling factor. Our results suggest that data on paddock-scale P export can rarely be proportionally assigned to predict section- or farm-scale export, at least on irrigated dairy farms in south-eastern Australia. Additional keywords: spatial scale, nutrient, surface runoff, overland flow.
Evaluation of salinity tolerance in rice genotypes

Salinity is considered as one of important physical factors influencing rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. Knowledge of salinity effects on rice seedling growth and yield components would improve management practices in fields and increase our understanding of salt tolerance mechanisms in rice. This study was designed to assess the role of Saltol QTL in regards to effects of salinity on plant growth and yield components of different genotypes of rice at different growth stages. A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the response of 30 rice genotypes to three levels of salt stresses (0, 60, 100 mM NaCl) at reproductive stage. The seedling stage response of these genotypes to salinity with electrical conductivity at 12 dSm -1 also investigated. Pollen viability, number of unfilled and filled grain and grain yield per plant were evaluated. The rice genotypes differed significantly for salt tolerance at seedling stage. The genotypes were also significantly varied for the traits measured at the reproductive stage. The interactions of genotypes × salinity treatments were significant for pollen viability, number of unfilled grain and grain yield. Grain yield reduction due to salinity was more sever for control to 60mM than for 60mM to 100mM. Pollen viability was found to be a robust criterion to screen the genotypes for salt tolerance at the reproductive stage. Pokkali cultivar possessing a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for salt tolerance at seedling stage (Saltol) mapped on chromosome 1 was used as reference for haplotyping. Thirty rice genotypes divided into 16 different haplotypes based on Saltol QTL. RM8094 and RM10745 microsatelite markers found to be the most effective markers for discriminating the salinity tolerant genotypes.
Bionomics of Mussidia nigrivenella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on three host plants.

Life table studies of Mussidia nigrivenella Ragonot, a pest of maize in Benin, showed that host plant species had a significant effect on larval survival and developmental time. The maximum percentage of larvae surviving was recorded on jackbean, Canavalia ensiformis (36%) and lowest on maize (18%). Mean developmental time for larvae was longest on maize (19.8 days) and shortest on jackbean (17.2 days). The number of eggs laid was highest for females from larvae fed on jackbean (x– = 176), followed by velvetbean, Mucuna pruriens (x– = 143), and lowest for females where larvae had fed on maize (x–= 127). Longevity of ovipositing females was higher on jackbean (5.4 days) than of those from any other host plants. According to the growth index and life table statistics, jackbean was the most suitable host plant, followed by velvetbean, and maize, the least suitable. Thus, jackbeans should be recommended for use in mass rearing programmes of M.nigrivenella , e.g. as a host for parasitoids in future biological control programmes. Because of the high suitability of jack- and velvetbeans for M.nigrivenella , planting of these increasingly important cover crops should be timed in such a manner that the emergence of female moths from mature pods does not coincide with maize plants in a suitable developmental stage for oviposition and development of young M. nigrivenella larvae.
Characteristics and Geomorphic Effect of Wood in New Zealand's Native Forest Streams

We surveyed the amount and geomorphic role of wood in 18 pristine native forest streams (channel width: 3-6 m) throughout New Zealand, and quantified the characteristics associated with piece stability and geomorphic effect. Wood piece numbers (18-66 per 100 m) and volumes (85-470 m 3 ha -1 ) were similar to or greater than found in many streams throughout the world. Forest type and geographic location had no discernable influence on wood abundance at a particular site, possibly due to the confounding influences of local features (e.g., tree fall regime) and methodology ('snap-shot' survey of a dynamic system). Half the pieces that were geomorphically active had moved, suggesting that stable pieces did not necessarily dominate geomorphic activity. Tree ferns were an important contributor to wood abundance in many of the streams studied.
Organic volatile sulfur in lakes ranging in sulfate and dissolved salt concentration over five orders of magnitude

Organic volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) were studied in six hypersaline lakes (southern Saskatchewan) and in dilute wetland ponds (Hudson Bay Lowlands, HBL). [SOa2-] (0.0002-64 g liter-‘) and salt concentration (0.003-370 g liter-‘) ranged over 5 orders of magnitude. Organic VSC concentrations in ponds and lakes with [SOd2-] 20gSO 42- liter-l, however, had VSC concentrations several orders of magnitude higher. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) was the dominant species, reaching a concentration of 3,050 nM in one salt lake-the highest concentration yet recorded. Carbonyl sulfide (COS), methanethiol (MSH), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), and carbon disulfide (CS,) were also detected. In the salt lakes, [DMS], [MSH], and [total VSC] were positively correlated (P < 0.05) to [SOa2-] but not to dissolved salt concentration (P < 0.05). The estimated mean atmospheric flux from the salt lakes ranged from 2 to 590 pmol S m-2 d-l. The low end of this range is similar to fluxes from Canadian Shield lakes and the ocean; the high end is 500 x higher. Fluxes from the HBL ponds (0.4-4 pmol S m-2 d-l) were similar to fluxes from Canadian Shield
EFFECT OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS VAR. ISRAELENSIS ON A GENETICALLY-DEFINED POPULATION OF BLACK FLIES (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE) AND ASSOCIATED INSECTS IN A MONTANE NEW HAMPSHIRE STREAM

Abstract A small, undisturbed stream in central New Hampshire was treated for 1 min with a 10 ppm suspension of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (B.t.i.) to determine the effect on an outlet-breeding black fly population and associated nontarget aquatic insects. The black fly larval population was eliminated and susbsequent adult black fly biting activity reduced near the treatment site although weather conditions may also have contributed to an observed decrease in biting activity. Some Chironomidae were killed by B.t. i. but they were not abundant enough to adequately assess impact on their populations. Temporary increases in the drift of two Ephemeroptera and two Trichoptera species were observed following treatment. Increase in rate of drift was inversely related to increase in distance from the treatment point. Slight increases in observed drift of three Plecoptera species could not be attributed directly to the B.t. i. treatment. No direct mortality caused by B.t. i. was observed in any stream insects studied except black fly larvae and some Chironomidae. Résumé Un petit ruisseau intact du centre du New Hampshire a été traité pendant 1 min. avec une suspension à 10 ppm du Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (B.t.i.) afin de déterminer ses effets sur une population de mouche noire et les insectes aquatiques non visés qui étaient présents. La population larvaire de mouche noire a été éliminée et l'intensité d'attaque de adultes près du site du traitement a été abaissée, bien qu'il se peut que les conditions météorologiques aient contribué à la baisse de l'activité des adultes. Certains chironomides ont été éliminés par le B.t. i. mais ils n'étaient pas assez abondants pour permettre une évaluation de l'impact sur leurs populations. Des augmentations temporaires de la dérive de deux espèces d'éphéméroptères et de deux espèces de trichoptères ont été observées suite au traitement. L'augmentation de la densité de dérive était inversement reliée à un accroissement de la distance du point de traitement. Des augmentations légères de la dérive de trois espèces de plécoptères n'ont pu être attribuées directement au traitement par le B.t. i. Aucune mortalité directement causée par le B.t. i. n'a été observée sur aucun des insectes étudiés sauf les larves de mouche noire et certains chironomides.
Characterization of Cytochromes in Lithotrophically and Organotrophically Grown Cells of Thiobacillus A2

SUMMARY: The dominant cytochrome in thiosulphate-grown Thiobacillus A2 was found to be of the c-type with a reduced α-band at 548 nm (c 548). This c 548 component did not constitute an integral part of the membrane carrier system. It did, however, appear to be part of a large complex not tightly bound to membranes. Reconstitution experiments showed that cytochromes of the membrane‘abc’ system could be reduced by the c 548 component and vice versa. The reduction of membrane cytochromes of either lithotrophic or organotrophic origin by thiosulphate electrons was achieved, but it required the presence of a soluble fraction containing cytochrome c 548. Evidence tending to rule out a reductive cleavage as the first step of the thiosulphate oxidation pathway in Thiobacillus A2 was obtained by following the reduction of partially purified c 548 particles under various conditions.
Impact of rewetting on the vegetation of a cut-away peatland

We tested whether rewetting improved environ- mental conditions during peatland restoration and promoted colonization and development of mire vegetation. Vegetation change was monitored in a cut-away peatland one year before, and four years after, rewetting. Colonizers before rewetting were perennials, mostly typical of hummocks or bare peat surfaces. The main variation in vegetation was related to variation in the amounts of major nutrients and water table level. The wettest site with the highest nutrient level had the highest total vegetation cover and diversity, as well as some species typical of wet minerotrophic mires. Raising the water table level above, or close to, the soil surface promoted devel- opment of wet minerotrophic vegetation. Diversity initially decreased because of the disappearance of hummock vegeta- tion but started to recover in the third year. Eriophorum vaginatum and Carex rostrata were both favoured, and bryophytes typical of wet habitats colonized the site. Moder- ate rewetting promoted the development of Eriophorum vaginatum seedlings and an increase in the cover of tussocks. Bryophytes typical of disturbed peat surfaces spread. In the control site development continued slowly towards closed hummock vegetation. The study showed that raising the water level to, or above, soil surface promotes conditions wet enough for a rapid succession towards closed mire vegetation.
Nanocladius (Plecopteracoluthus) asiaticus sp. n. (Diptera: Chironomidae) Phoretic on Dobsonfly and Fishfly Larvae (Megaloptera: Corydalidae)

The adult male, adult female, pupa, and larva of Nanocladius (Plecopteracoluthus) asiaticus sp. n. (Diptera: Chironomidae) are described and illustrated. Larvae live in coarse silken nets which usually are attached to the ventral side of the mesothorax of larval dobsonflies and fishflies (Megaloptera: Corydalidae) dwelling in stream riffles. The host species are Protohermes grandis and Parachauliodes continentalis in Japan, Protohermes costalis and Neochauliodes sinensis in Taiwan, and Neurhermes maculipennis in the Malay Peninsula. Larvae are not parasitic but may have a commensal relationship with their hosts; they feed on algae and detrital material caught on their silken nets, or on the body surface of their hosts. Pupation occurs in the fine silken net fixed to the lateral side of host thoracic regions, or occasionally to the undersides of hind legs.
Amino acid composition of edible parts of three-year-old experimental scaly crossbreds of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus 1758)

The aim of this study was to compare the amino acid (AA) composition of edible parts of three experimental groups of carp, i.e. a pure line of Přerov scaly carp (PS), a hybrid line of Přerov scaly carp and Northern mirror carp (PS × M72), and a hybrid line of Přerov scaly carp and Ropsha scaly carp (PS × ROP), with the quality of the edible parts of control hybrids of Hungarian and Northern mirror carp (M2 × M72) in harvest size (K3). A comparison between the controls (M2 × M72) and experimental carp (PS, PS × M72, PS × ROP) showed that their muscle tissues contained the same amounts of 10 AA [essential amino acids (EAA): Thr, Val, Leu, Phe, Lys, His; non-essential amino acids (NEAA): Asp, Gly, Ala, Tyr] of the 16 AA determined. Glu, Asp, Lys and Leu were the AA with the highest muscle concentrations. The total EAAsum and NEAAsum contents in the fastest-growing PS × ROP hybrid, in spite of specific differences found (P<0.05: Arg, Met; P<0.01: Pro), were practically identical to those found in the control group of M2 × M72 mirror carp. PS × ROP hybrid female and male muscle tissues differed (P<0.05) only in Met and Ala levels. Hard roes of experimental female carp (PS, PS × M72, PS × ROP) contained the largest quantities of Glu and Val, and that of control female carp (M2 × M72) the largest quantities of Glu and Gly. Hard roes of PS × ROP hybrids contained the largest quantities (P<0.01) of EAAsum (52.44±0.19%). Compared with hard roes, soft roes from all groups of carp contained more EAAsum (PS × ROP: 55.03±0.26%). The two most abundant AA in soft roes were Lys and Arg. The most abundant AA in the hepatopancreas in all carp groups were Glu, Asp, Leu and Arg. Hepatopancreas EAAsum levels in experimental carp (PS, PS × M72, PS × ROP) were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those in controls (M2 × M72).