Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant extinction dynamics in an insular metacommunity.

Changes in the composition of local communities through time (i.e. species turnover) is a common phenomenon in insular biology. However, the mechanisms promoting variation in species turnover, both among islands and among species, are poorly understood. In an effort to better understand the causes of variation in species turnover, we evaluated the colonization and extinction dynamics of plant populations on 18 small islands off the west coast of Canada. In 1997, we quantified total population sizes of 10 woody angiosperm species. A decade later, we resampled islands to test whether: 1) species turnover occurred, 2) colonization events were offset by extinction events, 2) variation in extinction rates among islands was associated with population sizes, average plant heights, island area, island isolation or each island's exposure to ocean-born disturbances, and 3) variation in extinction rates among species was associated with plant life history traits. Results showed that extinction events outnumbered colonization events, suggesting that the metacommunity is in ‘disequilibrium’. Variation in extinction rates among islands was unrelated to island area and isolation. However, extinction rates increased with exposure to ocean-born disturbances and decreased with both initial population sizes and average plant heights. Species with thicker, tougher leaves (i.e. high leaf mass per area) were less prone to extinction than species with thinner, more papery leaves. Overall results indicate that species turnover is common and that it is generated primarily by extinction. Variation in extinction rates appears to result from an interaction between among-island effects (exposure, population size and plant stature) and among-species effects (leaf toughness), suggesting that ocean-born disturbances play a key role in determining metacommunity structure.
On balanced exploitation of marine ecosystems: results from dynamic size spectra

Fisheries are often managed to protect small young fish and to harvest big old fish. This can be wasteful, leading to large parts of catches being discarded. A recent suggestion is that it could be better to distribute fishing more widely across species and body sizes, balancing it more closely to the natural productivity of different organisms. Here, we test effects of such fishing against more traditional methods using a model of a single fish species with a dynamic size spectrum together with a fixed spectrum of plankton. This has the feature that productivity is determined by the bookkeeping of biomass in the model, and decreases as fish grow larger. The results show that harvesting smaller fish (which have higher productivity) allows a greater sustainable biomass yield than harvesting larger fish (which have lower productivity); the greater spawning-stock biomass that comes from protecting large fish contributes to this. Balanced exploitation brings fishing mortality more in line with this natural variation in productivity. In addition, the resilience of the ecosystem to perturbations can be improved, and disruption to the size distribution of organisms in the ecosystem reduced. We argue that there are potentially real benefits to be gained by moving towards more balanced exploitation of marine ecosystems, unconventional though this is.
Identification of European species of Maja (Decapoda: Brachyura: Majidae): RFLP analyses of COI mtDNA and morphological considerations

Four species of crabs of the genus Maja have been described along the European coast: M. brachydactyla, M. squinado, M. goltziana and M. crispata . The commercially important species M. brachydactyla and M. squinado achieve the largest body sizes and are the most similar in morphology, and are therefore easily confused. The four species of Maja were identified using a novel morphometric index and a polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP). The relationship between carapace length and the distance between the tips of antorbital spines was used to distinguish adults of M. brachydactyla and M. squinado . PCR-RFLP analysis of a partial sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase type I (COI) revealed that the four species of the genus Maja can be unambiguously discriminated using the combination of restriction endonucleases enzymes Hpy CH4V and Ase I. The molecular identification may be particularly useful in larvae, juvenile and young crabs, when the morphological differences found in adults are not applicable.
HEAT STABILITY OF SUNFLOWER-HULL ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENT

Anthocyanin pigment was extracted from hulls of a sunflower genotype, Neagra de Cluj, using aqueous SO2 solutions of varying concentrations. Thermal stability of the pigment was studied between 65–95°C, and pH 1.0–5.0. Thermal degradation of the pigment followed first order kinetics. Calculated activation energy was 23.1 ± 2.2 kcal/ mole. Extraction of hulls with 1000 ppm SO2 solution gave highest anthocyanin content and best thermal stability. The pigment was most stable at pH 3.0.
Tri-Level Mixed-Integer Optimization for Two-Stage Microgrid Dispatch With Multi-Uncertainties

To meet the diverse operational requirements of microgrids with multi-uncertainties, a tri-level two-stage mixed-integer robust optimization model is proposed to solve the optimal scheduling problem with source-load power and unit N-1 uncertainties. In the first stage, the optimal goal is to obtain robust scheduling plans that can be applied effectively in satisfying the operation and adjustment constraints, as well as to find the minimal operating cost in the basic scenario. Considering the system may concern a specific operating factor (e.g., load satisfaction rate) under a N-1 contingency, the second stage of the model minimizes the total energy of load shedding and renewable energy abandonment in the worst scenario. As the proposed robust model is a multi-level coupled mixed-integer optimization problem, which is difficult to address by either the duality method or the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) method, a novel nested reformulation-and-decomposition (R&D) algorithm is proposed to handle this complex problem. Numerical simulations and tests have verified the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed robust model and the solution algorithm. Furthermore, the robust optimal schemes satisfy the engineering application more reasonably.
Amyloid β-Protein25-35Increases Cellular APP and Inhibits the Secretion of APPs in Human Extraneuronal Cells

Abstract Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is the core component of the senile plaques occurring during Alzheimer's disease and in its aggregated form is cytotoxic for neuronal and extraneuronal cells. In this study, the influence of the spontaneously aggregating fragment Aβ 25-35 on the expression and metabolism of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) was investigated in human extraneuronal cells. Cellular extracts and conditioned supernatants were analyzed by immunoblotting. Aβ 25-35 strongly increased the cellular content of APP in cultured epithelial cells from thyroid glands and kidneys as well as in the promyelogranulocytotic cell line HL-60. At the same time Aβ reduced the secretion of soluble APPs to less than one-third of its control value, but did not alter the secretion of fibronectin, which was used as a control protein. Despite these changes, APP transcription was not changed following Aβ 25-35 treatment. These results demonstrate that Aβ 25-35 strongly increases the APP content of extraneuronal cells by inhibiting its secretory processing. This may result in a deviation of APP metabolism towards an internal, potentially amyloidogenic pathway.
Effect of a thiolated polymer on oral paclitaxel absorption and tumor growth in rats

The anticancer agent paclitaxel is currently commercially available only as an infusion due to its low oral bioavailability. An oral formulation would be highly beneficial for patients. Besides the low solubility, the main reason for the limited oral bioavailability of paclitaxel is that it is a substrate of the efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Recently, it has been demonstrated that P-gp can be inhibited by thiolated polymers. In this study, an oral paclitaxel formulation based on thiolated polycarbophil was evaluated in vivo in wild-type rats and in mammary cancer-induced rats. The paclitaxel plasma level after a single administration of paclitaxel was observed for 12 h in healthy rats. Moreover, cancer-induced rats were treated weekly for 5 weeks with the novel formulation. It was demonstrated that (1) co-administration of thiolated polycarbophil significantly improved paclitaxel plasma levels, (2) a more constant pharmacokinetic profile could be achieved and (3) the tumor growth was reduced. These effects can most likely be attributed to P-gp inhibition. According to the achieved results, thiolated polymers are believed to be interesting tools for the delivery of P-gp substrates such as paclitaxel.
Heterochrony within the cassiduloid echinoids from the Castle Hayne Limestone of Southeastern North Carolina

We analyzed the morphological relationship between Echinolampas appendiculata, Rhyncholampas carolinensis and Eurhodia rugosa from the middle Eocene Castle Hayne Limestone in southeastern North Carolina. We also investigated the heterochronic relationship between R. carolinensis and E. rugosa. Specimens were analyzed quantitatively using a truss consisting of 18 distinct morphological measurements. Principle component analysis (PCA) of these data indicated that the three groups are morphologically distinct. The analysis also showed that the groups shared parallel growth trajectories. Together with the PCA analysis, bivariate analyses showed a strong heterochronic relationship between R. carolinensis and E. rugosa. Additionally, statistical analysis of the data indicated Echinolampas appendiculata exhibited the most morphological variability among the three groups. Extinct and extant members of the three genera were found to inhabit fairly distinct water depths and substrates, thus the groups may have divided up their environment according to water depth. In light of the morphological results and phylogenetic data we speculate that Rhyncholampas carolinensis and Eurhodia rugosa initially diverged from a Rhyncholampid ancestor. Competition between the variable E. appendiculata and a morphologically similar Rhyncholampid species may have provided the selective pressure for the evolution of the relatively deep-water cassiduloid Eurhodia.
On Existence of Common Malicious System Call Codes in Android Malware Families

Most of the existing Android malware detection mechanisms are based on machine learning algorithms. The problem with the machine learning approaches is the difficulty in finding the best features that uniquely characterize the malwares. Hence, in this article we explore the property that uniquely characterizes Android malware applications. Toward this, we model the system call sequence generated by a malware application as a stationary first-order ergodic Markov chain and prove the existence of typical patterns which contains the malicious system call code of the application. In our implementation, we find the occurrence of common malicious system call codes in the system call sequence of several malware families. Finally a malware detection mechanism is proposed based on the occurrence of malicious system call codes in the system call sequence of an application. We obtain a consistent accuracy of around 0.95 in balanced, slightly unbalanced, and highly unbalanced data sets. In the balanced and slightly unbalanced data sets we obtain greater precision than 0.90; whereas in the highly unbalanced data sets the precision obtained are slightly lower at 0.72.
Effect of Short-Duration Seawater Exposure on Plasma Ion Concentrations and Swimming Performance in Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Parr

The effect of seawater (sw) on plasma ion concentrations and critical swimming velocity (Ucrit) was investigated in hatchery-reared coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) parr exposed to one of four treatments: 24 h of seawater exposure (SW1), 5–7 d of seawater (SW5), 24 h in seawater followed by 24 h in fresh water (SW-FW), and a freshwater control (FWC). Only the SW1 fish demonstrated a reduced Ucrit and, at rest, elevated plasma [Na+], [Cl−], and [SO42−]. With exercise, SW1 fish were characterized by an increase in plasma ion concentrations and a decrease in both hematocrit (Hct) and muscle moisture content. There is a strong relationship between plasma [Na+] at rest and Ucrit, where an optimal swimming velocity is obtained in animals with resting levels of approximately 147 mEq∙L−1. Traditionally, the 24-h seawater challenge is used to test the hypoosmoregulatory ability in smolting salmonids, however, our data suggest that it may also predict the aerobic swimming potential of salmonids following seawater.
Construction Risks in Developing Countries: A Vietnam Case Study

Most construction projects in the developing countries are marred with delays, cost overruns and low satisfaction levels. This paper focuses on analysis of the data collected from a survey that include the twenty-three (23) common risk factors that cause non-performance in construction projects in developing countries. The factors were consolidated from an extensive literature review, and inputs were solicited from 103 construction practitioners in Vietnam. The study reveals the top five risk factors as the bureaucratic administrative system, financial difficulties of owner, slow payment of completed works, poor contractor performance, financial difficulties of contractor. Spearman’s rank-order correlation tests determined no significant differences between the participating groups. Factor analysis explored the correlations among the risks and yielded four outcomes – Lack of Site and Legal Information, Lack of Capable Managers, Poor Deliverables Quality, and Owner’s Financial Incapability. The findings lay the foundation for stakeholders in the developing countries’ construction industry to better plan and manage the risks for their projects and investment and develop innovative solutions to improve their construction project performances.
Effects of the “live high-train high” and “live high-train low” protocols on physiological adaptations and athletic performance

The present article reviews the effects of the traditional “live high-train high” (LHTH) protocol and the contemporary “live high-train low” (LHTL) protocol on physiological adaptations and on athletic performance at sea level based on results from studies in which athletes were assigned to an “altitude group” and “sea level group”. Consequently, the LHTH protocol and LHTL protocol were considered to provoke nearly similar physiological adaptations. On the other hand, the LHTL protocol appeared to be more effective than the LHTH protocol with respect to endurance performance at sea level. Furthermore, the LHTL protocol is suggested to possibly be effective for sprinting events as well. These results indicate that the LHTL protocol affords about 1 to 4% improvement in exercise of approximately 30-second to 17-minute duration. However, a recent meta-analysis suggested that the LHTH protocol improves the maximal power output of elite athletes. Furthermore, it is conceivable that interindividual differences greatly affect the results obtained from altitude training. Therefore, there is an urgent need to elucidate interindividual differences that are involved in physiological adaptations to hypoxic environments or improvements in athletic performance. Moreover, the relevant elucidation will require the adjustment of altitude (oxygen concentration), daily duration of exposure, and length of stay in concert with individual features. In some cases, a decision about whether or not to adopt the LHTL or LHTH protocol would be necessitated. In addition, the combination of the intermittent hypoxic training protocol with the LHTL protocol will require a detailed investigation.
Non-destructive determination of leaf chlorophyll content in four crop species

A recent non-destructive technique allows estimation of leaf chlorophyll content using the portable SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter. Measurements were taken on four species (winter wheat, maize, soyabean and tobacco) subjected to different nitrogen regimes or senescence status and the: non-destructive readings were compared with analytical results obtained by solvent extraction. In general, the relationship between the SPAD measurement and the analytical result was not linear and species was a factor in three out of four crops. Linear, quadratic and exponential curve fitting are presented; only die interpolation with a polynomial exponential function adequately descries the whole data set. The presence of statistically non-significant differences between the estimated values of wheat and maize on the one hand and significant: points of difference between those of tobacco and soyabean on the other suggests distinct behaviour patterns far monocots and cicots. This type of response maybe explained by differences, in the optical properties of pigments with differing sparial distributions (sieve effect) and therefore by in vivo and in vitro different procedures and the structural diversity of leaves belonging to the two subclasses.
A systematic review of the energy and climate impacts of teleworking

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) increasingly enable employees to work from home and other locations (‘teleworking’). This study explores the extent to which teleworking reduces the need to travel to work and the consequent impacts on economy-wide energy consumption. The paper provides a systematic review of the current state of knowledge of the energy impacts of teleworking. This includes the energy savings from reduced commuter travel and the indirect impacts on energy consumption associated with changes in non-work travel and home energy consumption. The aim is to identify the conditions under which teleworking leads to a net reduction in economy-wide energy consumption, and the circumstances where benefits may be outweighed by unintended impacts. The paper synthesises the results of 39 empirical studies, identified through a comprehensive search of 9000 published articles. Twenty six of the 39 studies suggest that teleworking reduces energy use, and only eight studies suggest that teleworking increases, or has a neutral impact on energy use. However, differences in the methodology, scope and assumptions of the different studies make it difficult to estimate ‘average’ energy savings. The main source of savings is the reduced distance travelled for commuting, potentially with an additional contribution from lower office energy consumption. However, the more rigorous studies that include a wider range of impacts (e.g. non-work travel or home energy use) generally find smaller savings. Despite the generally positive verdict on teleworking as an energy-saving practice, there are numerous uncertainties and ambiguities about its actual or potential benefits. These relate to the extent to which teleworking may lead to unpredictable increases in non-work travel and home energy use that may outweigh the gains from reduced work travel. The available evidence suggests that economy-wide energy savings are typically modest, and in many circumstances could be negative or non-existent.
Zooplankton-mediated carbon export: A seasonal study in a northern Norwegian fjord

Abstract In a northern Norwegian fjord throughout the productive season, sediment traps were consecutively deployed at four depths from March until October in order to study the role of zooplankton on vertical export of organic matter. The field campaign included 26 cruises to a permanent station located in the basin of Balsfjord (180 m), with the most intensive sampling conducted during spring. The zooplankton community greatly influenced the vertical flux of particulate organic carbon (POC) through production and sinking of faecal pellets (FP). Faecal pellets explained ~40% of the POC flux leaving the upper 100 m during the productive season (corresponding to ~10 g C m−2). The average monthly faecal pellet carbon (FPC) contribution ranged widely between 7 and 75% of POC. Euphausiids were the single most important contributor to the vertical FP flux and made up >90% of the FPC during certain periods. Faecal pellets produced by small and medium-sized copepods, although found in high abundance, played a minor role for the vertical flux, suggesting significant retention processes in the upper layers.
Training with elastic and conventional devices on body composition: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction: Given the practicality and low cost of elastic devices, a comparison with conventional devices may be able to quantify gains from both tools for further conclusions. Objective: Compare the effect of resistance training with elastic (tubes and resistance band) and conventional (weight machines and dumbbells) devices on body composition. Method: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PEDro and CENTRAL databases were searched from the earliest records to July 25, 2018. Data were described in standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Four studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis did not show superiority among the analyzed methods for the variables investigated (SMD = -2.04, 95% CI -7.56, 3.48, p < 0.00001, lean mass: SMD = 0.28, 95% CI -0.29, 0.85, p = 0.97, body fat: SMD = 2.77, 95% CI -0.05, 5.59, p = 0.92, body mass: SMD = 1.22, 95% CI -0.29, 2.74, p = 0.11). Conclusion: The results of the meta-analysis showed superiority of outcome from training in conventional devices only for the variable fat mass. For the other variables, no statistically significant differences were found. Elastic resistance can promote similar outcomes to resistance in different population profiles and from various protocols on variables related to body composition.
Benefits of Conservation of Plant Genetic Diversity to Arthropod Diversity

Abstract: We argue that the genetic diversity of a dominant plant is important to the associated dependent community because dependent species such as herbivores are restricted to a subset of genotypes in the host‐plant population. For plants that function as habitat, we predicted that greater genetic diversity in the plant population would be associated with greater diversity in the dependent arthropod community. Using naturally hybridizing cottonwoods ( Populus spp.) in western North America as a model system, we tested the general hypothesis that arthropod alpha (within cross‐type richness) and beta (among cross‐type composition) diversities are correlated with cottonwood cross types from local to regional scales. In common garden experiments and field surveys, leaf‐modifying arthropod richness was significantly greater on either the F1 (1.54 times) or backcross (1.46 times) hybrid cross types than on the pure broadleaf cross type ( P. deltoides Marshallor P. fremontii Watson). Composition was significantly different among three cross types of cottonwoods at all scales. Within a river system, cottonwood hybrid zones had 1.49 times greater richness than the broadleaf zone, and community composition was significantly different between each parental zone and the hybrid zone, demonstrating a hierarchical concentration of diversity. Overall, the habitats with the highest cottonwood cross‐type diversity also had the highest arthropod diversity. These data show that the genetics of habitat is an important conservation concept and should be a component of conservation theory.