Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alexithymic and autistic traits: Relevance for comorbid depression and social phobia in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder

High alexithymic traits and psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and social phobia are frequently observed among adults with autism spectrum disorder. In this study, we tested whether alexithymic and/or autistic traits are risk factors for depressive and social phobic symptoms in adults with autism spectrum disorder (n = 122), patients with social interaction difficulties other than autism (n = 62), and neurotypical participants (n = 261). Multiple regression analyses of these three groups demonstrated that both traits explained considerable variance of depressive and social phobic symptoms. In adults with autism spectrum disorder, alexithymic traits were predictive of depressive symptoms, while autistic traits predicted social phobic symptoms. In patients with social interaction difficulties other than autism, alexithymic and autistic traits were identified as predictors of social phobic symptoms, while no variable predicted depressive symptoms. In neurotypicals, both alexithymic and autistic traits were predictive of depressive and social phobic symptoms. Our results, therefore, highlight the importance of assessing both alexithymic and autistic traits in patients with and without autism spectrum disorder for identifying comorbid psychopathology. Depending on the underlying core symptomatology, alexithymic and/or autistic traits increase the risk of depressive and social phobic symptoms calling for therapeutic strategies to prevent or at least reduce comorbid psychopathology. Lay abstract Adults with autism often develop mental health problems such as depression and social phobia. The reasons for this are still unclear. Many studies found that alexithymia plays an important role in mental health problems like depression. People with alexithymia have difficulties identifying and describing their emotions. Almost every second person with autism has alexithymia. Therefore, we explored in this study whether alexithymia is linked to worse mental health in autistic people. We looked at two common diagnoses, depression and social phobia. We found that alexithymia increased symptoms of depression, while autistic traits increased symptoms of social phobia. Our results suggest that alexithymia and autistic traits can increase the risk of mental health problems. An early assessment could help prevent mental health problems and improve quality of life.
Effects of water temperatures, UV radiation and low vs high PAR on phlorotannin content and germination in zoospores of Saccorhiza dermatodea (Tilopteridales, Phaeophyceae)

Steinhoff F.S. , Wiencke C. , Wuttke S. and Bischof K. 2011. Effects of water temperatures, UV radiation and low vs high PAR on phlorotannin content and germination in zoospores of Saccorhiza dermatodea (Tilopteridales, Phaeophyceae). Phycologia 50: 256–263. DOI: 10.2216/09-107.1 Global climate change will have multiple effects on our environment and might especially change marine coastal ecosystems and their communities due to rising water temperatures and changing light regimes in the water column. Due to the key role of zoospores in the life-history cycle of kelps, we investigated how zoospores of the shallow water species Saccorhiza dermatodea (B. de la Pylaie) J.E. Areschoug respond to interactive effects of changing water temperatures, low/high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and UV radiation (UVR). Zoospores were examined with respect to germination pattern (germination rates, light micrographs) and phlorotannin content (Folin–Ciocalteu method). In summer 2007, we exposed S. dermatodea zoospores, obtained from fertile thalli in Kongsfjorden (Svalbard, Norway), to low PAR laboratory [UV-B∶UV-A∶PAR (W m−2) 8∶114∶100; 2–17°C] and high PAR outdoor experimental conditions [UV-B∶UV-A∶PAR (W m−2) 0.1∶5∶100; 7°C] for 8 h. Under low PAR+UVR conditions and at 2–12°C, almost 98% of zoospores germinated in all light treatments. The germination rate was reduced under PAR+UV-A+UV-B only in the 17°C and 7°C outdoor treatment, to 21.4% and 9.6%, respectively. Light microscopic investigations showed differences in germling appearance, growth and pigmentation in the outdoor treatment and at 17°C low PAR conditions, compared with all other treatments, after an exposure time of 8 h. However, phlorotannin content within zoospores remained unaffected by changing UV and low/high PAR conditions. These results suggest that combined effects of present water temperatures, high PAR and UVR can exhibit similar effects on germination as the combined effects of unnatural high temperatures (17°C), low PAR and UVR. With respect to global climate change, the ecological implications of the present study illustrate that zoospores of S. dermatodea are able to survive enhanced water temperatures up to 12°C. Moreover, high PAR in combination with UVR might potentially affect zoospores of S. dermatodea stronger than expected in clear waters.
Saldanha Bay, South Africa I: the use of ocean colour remote sensing to assess phytoplankton biomass

The efficacy of ocean colour remote sensing in assessing the variability of phytoplankton biomass within Saldanha Bay is examined. Satellite estimates of chlorophyll a (Chl a) were obtained using the maximum peak-height (MPH) algorithm on full-resolution (300 m) data from the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS). Subsurface Chl a maxima often occur within Saldanha Bay below the mean detection depth of the satellite (1.5 m) during periods of thermal stratification. Consequently, the MPH product was poorly correlated to in situ data from 4 m depth (r2 and average relative percentage difference [RPD] of 0.094 and 53% respectively); however, the coefficient of determination was much improved if limited to in situ data collected under conditions of mixing (r2 and RPD of 0.869 and 89%, respectively). Composites of monthly MPH Chl a data reveal mean concentrations consistent with in situ seasonal trends of phytoplankton biomass, confirming the capability of the MPH algorithm to qualitatively resolve surface Chl a distribution within the bay.
Mass modeling of two varieties of apricot (Prunus armenaica L.) with some physical characteristics.

In this study the mass of tow Iranian apricot varieties were predicted with using different physical characteristics in four models includes: Linear, Quadratic, S-curve, and Exponential. According to the results, the best and the worst models for prediction the mass of Ghavami cultivar were based on volume and length of the fruit with determination coefficients of 0.80 and 0.61, respectively. Also these results for Rajabali cultivar were based on criteria projected area and length of the fruit with determination coefficients of 0.97 and 0.63, respectively. Also observed that Exponential model was not suitable at all.
Plant carbon allocation in a changing world - challenges and progress: introduction to a Virtual Issue on carbon allocation: Introduction to a virtual issue on carbon allocation.

Plants are sessile organisms that, once germinated, have to cope with in situ environmental conditions for the rest of their life span. These conditions may be favourable for growth and development but may also be constraining or even harmful for their survival. Hence plants must employ available resources most strategically to optimize growth and development and to avoid stress and reduce harm or damage. In this context carbon (C) plays a central role as it is one of the most abundant and most versatile elements involved in plant metabolism. During photosynthesis carbon dioxide (CO2) is taken up from the air and converted to nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) that serve as both energy carrier and as a building block for anabolic processes like growth, defence or exchanges with other organisms (Hartmann & Trumbore, 2016). The partitioning of the primary products of photosynthesis into different functional pools is termed carbon (C) allocation and has been subject of investigations for many decades. For example, early botanists studied plant allocation responses as changes in growth patterns following manipulations like branch removal (Hartig, 1878). Several conceptual frameworks were developed decades ago to describe plant allocation strategies in terms of a functional equilibrium between aboveground and belowground organ biomass (Brouwer, 1963). Allocation has also been described as a trade-off in resource partitioning between different functional sinks, like growth and defence in the presence of herbivores and pathogens (Herms & Mattson, 1992). Mooney (1972) stated almost 50 years ago that ‘through a quantitative understanding of how different plants gain and allocate their resources it will be possible tomake predictions as to their success in any given physical environment in combination with any competitor and predator’. Understanding how C allocation is regulated is thus key for predicting plant responses to environmental changes (Dietze et al., 2014) and consequences for ecosystem functioning (Br€ uggemann et al., 2011). Yet, almost 50 years after Mooney (1972) our knowledge of the regulatorymechanisms ofC allocation is still poor due the complexity in assessing important C allocation components, in particular fluxes among metabolic processes, like photosynthesis, respiration or root exudation, and between different biomass pools, like primary and secondary metabolites (Poorter et al., 2012).
Delving into the Causes and Effects of Entomopathogenic Endophytic Metarhizium brunneum Foliar Application-Related Mortality in Spodoptera littoralis Larvae

The aim of the current study was to delve into the causes of mortality of Spodoptera littoralis larvae feeding on Metarhizium-colonized plants in the absence of fungal outgrowth on the cadavers as previous studies reported and to elucidate the possible indirect effects of this fungus-colonized diet. The effect was evaluated in experiments conducted using leaf discs of colonized plants and in planta using fungus-colonized whole plants. The mortality rates of larvae fed on Metarhizium-colonized melon leaves were 45.0% and 87.5%, and the average survival times were 6.6 and 3.1 days in experiments performed with discs and in planta, respectively. Notably, these mortality levels were not associated with observed apoptosis mediated by caspases 1, 3-7 and 8; thus, further investigation into the possible immune system reaction of the insect after the ingestion of colonized plants is required. The leaf consumption of S. littoralis larvae fed on melon-colonized leaves was lower than that on control plants in the disc experiments but not in experiments conducted in planta. In this regard, in experiments performed in planta, plant damage increased larval mortality in both fungally challenged and control larvae. There was also a meaningful effect of exposure to Metarhizium-colonized melon leaf discs on S. littoralis fitness, with significant reductions in 39.0% and 22.0% in female fecundity and egg fertility, respectively, detected in females emerging from pupae developing from larvae surviving exposure to colonized plant discs; all larvae died in the in planta experiments. Hence, the present work presents new findings revealing the high potential of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi to improve the outcome of foliar applications against chewing insects in the short, mid- and long term, by the reduction of the reproductive potential of surviving adults and reveals new insights into the development of bioassays with whole plants for more detailed evaluation of the impact of these fungi as endophytes used for plant protection.
Change in Tissue Mineral Elemental Concentration during Root Initiation and Development of Poinsettia Cuttings

Variation in tissue elemental concentration in apical stem cuttings of 'Lilo' and 'V-10 Amy' poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex. Klotzch) were studied during the initiation and development of adventitious roots. Changes in selected macro- and micro-element concentrations coincided with root initiation (i.e., Fe, Cu, and Mo accumulated in the basal portions of stem cuttings during early root initiation before root primordia elongation) ; P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations declined. During root primordia elongation and root emergence, Fe, Cu, and Mo and Mg, Mn, B, and Zn concentrations continued to increase at the cutting bases, but P and K concentrations remained low compared to when cuttings were initially inserted in the propagation medium. When all cutting of both cultivars had rooted, foliar N, Fe, and Mo concentrations declined, but Cu increased compared to when cuttings were initially propagated.
Optimization of culture parameters to enhance production of amylase and protease from Aspergillus awamori in a single fermentation

Concomitant production of amylase and protease by Aspergillus awamorinakazawa MTCC 6652 was enhanced in a single fermentation by media engineering and optimization of other important parameters. Wheat bran was considered as a suitable substrate for production of amylase and protease by A. awamori in a single fermentation as none of the additional substrate such as powder of peanut, corn, soybean seeds and sunflower seeds was effective in enhancing the concurrent production of enzymes further. Optimum amylase yield of 4528.4 ± 121U/gds and protease yield of 250.4 ± 10 U/gds was achieved with wheat bran to Czapek-dox ratio of 1:1.5 (w/v), 96 h incubation, 35˚C temperature, pH 5.5 and 85% relative humidity. Media engineered with 1% casein and 1% starch solution increased yield of amylase and protease by 2.07 fold (9386.5 ± 101 U/gds) and 3.73 fold (934.8 ± 67 U/gds), respectively, therefore, considered as the most suitable media for concomitant production of amylase and protease by A. awamoriin a single fermentation. Key words: Amylase, protease, solid state fermentation, optimization.
Miscanthus × giganteus nutrient concentrations and uptakes in autumn and winter harvests as influenced by soil texture, irrigation and nitrogen fertilization in the Mediterranean

Fertilization has a great impact on GHG emissions and crop nutrient requirements play an important role on the sustainability of cropping systems. In the case of bioenergy production, low concentration of nutrients in the biomass is also required for specific conversion processes (e.g. combustion). In this work, we investigated the influence of soil texture, irrigation and nitrogen fertilization rate on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentrations and uptakes in Miscanthus × giganteus when harvested at two different times: early (autumn) and late (winter). Our results confirmed winter harvest to significantly reduce nutrient removals by as much as 80% compared to autumn. On the other hand, a few attempts have been made to investigate the role of soil texture and irrigation on nutrients in miscanthus biomass, particularly in the Mediterranean. We observed an effect of soil mainly on nutrient concentrations. Similarly, irrigation led to higher nutrient concentrations, while its effect on nutrient uptakes was less straightforward. Overall, the observed differences in miscanthus nutrient uptakes as determined by the crop management (i.e. irrigation and nitrogen fertilization) were highlighted for autumn harvest only, while uptakes in all treatments were lowered to similar values when winter harvest was performed. This study stressed the importance of the time of harvest on nutrient removals regardless of the other management options. Further investigation on the environmental and economic issues should be addressed to support decisions on higher yields‐higher nutrient requirements (early harvest) vs. lower yields‐lower nutrient requirements (late harvest).
Semi-dry grasslands along a climatic gradient across Central Europe: Vegetation classification with validation

Abstract Question: What is the variation in species composition of Central European semi-dry grasslands? Can we apply a training-and-test validation approach for identifying phytosociological associations which are floristically well defined in a broad geographic comparison; can we separate them from earlier described associations with only a local validity? Location: A 1200 km long transect running along a gradient of increasing continentality from central Germany via Czech Republic, Slovakia, NE Austria, Hungary to NW Romania. Methods: Relevés with > 25% cover of Brachypodium pinnatum and/or Bromus erectus were geographically selected from a larger database. They were randomly split into two data sets, TRAINING and TEST, each with 422 relevés. Cluster analysis was performed for each data set on scores from significant principal coordinates. Different partitions of the TRAINING data set were validated on the TEST data set, using a new method based on the comparison of % frequencies of species occurrence in clusters. Clusters were characterized by statistically defined groups of diagnostic species and values of climatic variables. Results: Species composition changed along the NW-SE gradient and valid clusters were geographically well separated. Optimal partition level was at 11 clusters, six being valid: two clusters Germany and the Czech Republic corresponded to the Bromion erecti; two clusters from the Czech Republic and Hungary to the Cirsio-Brachypodion, and two clusters were transitional between these two alliances. Conclusion: The training-and-test validation method used in this paper proved to be efficient for discriminating between robust clusters, which are appropriate candidates for inclusion in the national or regional syntaxonomic overviews, and weak clusters, which are specific to the particular classification of the given data set. Nomenclature: Ehrendorfer (1973).
Lycopene Inhibit IMQ-Induced Psoriasis-Like Inflammation by Inhibiting ICAM-1 Production in Mice

Lycopene is the most abundant carotenoid in tomatoes, which has been identified to have the properties of anti-inflammation in addition to the capability to inhibit the expression of adhesion molecules. Intercellular adhesion molecules play a critical role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Here, we report that the topical use of a lycopene decreased imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like inflammatory responses, the progress of which was based on adhesion molecules. In vitro analysis showed that lycopene decreased keratinocyte and monocyte adhesion. Evidence suggests that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a main mediator of psoriasis pathogenesis. Therefore, it will be interesting to investigate the factors that contribute to the lycopene-mediated inhibition of ICAM-1 expression in psoriasis. We expect that lycopene will with potential value in the treatment of psoriasis.
Decrease in carbon stocks in an oxisol due to land use and cover change in southwestern Amazon

This study presents data on the influence of the land cover type on soil carbon stocks in an Oxisol in southwestern Amazon, Acre, Brazil, under three land cover types: mature forest, pasture and rubber tree plantation. Total soil carbon was calculated using carbon concentration in soil and soil bulk density. Accumulated soil carbon stock up to 1 m depth was greater in mature forest (96 Mg ha-1), followed by pasture (79.7 Mg ha-1) and then by rubber tree plantation (56.3 Mg ha-1); also the greatest carbon accumulation in the surface layers was in pasture. Such results demonstrate that we need not only carbon stocks information by soil type, but also precise information on the land cover classification within a region in order to generate better soil carbon stocks estimations. Also, it is important to notice that mature forest conversion to other land covers can be the source to the atmosphere of about 20 to 40% of the carbon stocked in the soil previously.
Performance of Bt‐susceptible and ‐heterozygous dual‐gene resistant genotypes of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in seed blends of non‐Bt and pyramided Bt maize

A seed blend refuge has been implemented in the U.S. Corn Belt for Bt maize resistance management. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a target pest of Bt maize in the Americas. The larvae of this pest are mobile, which may affect the efficacy of seed blend refuges. In this study, field and greenhouse trials were conducted to determine the performance of Bt‐susceptible (aabb) and ‐heterozygous dual‐gene‐resistant (AaBb) genotypes of S. frugiperda in seed blends of non‐Bt and pyramided Bt maize. Three field trials evaluated larval survival, larval growth, and plant injury with aabb in seed blends of Bt maize expressing Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2/Vip3A with 0–30% non‐Bt seeds. Greenhouse tests investigated the performance of aabb and AaBb in seed blends of Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2 with 0–30% non‐Bt seeds. In pure non‐Bt maize plots, after 9–13 d of neonates being released on the plants, 0.39 and 0.65 larvae/plant survived with leaf injury ratings of 4.7 and 5.9 (Davis's 1–9 scale) in the field and greenhouse, respectively. In contrast, live larvae and plant injury were virtually not observed on Bt plants across all planting patterns. Larval occurrence and plant injury by aabb on non‐Bt plants were similar between seed blends and pure non‐Bt plantings, suggesting that the blended refuges could provide an equivalent susceptible population as structured refuge under the test conditions. In the greenhouse, the two insect genotypes in seed blends performed similarly, indicating that the seed blends did not provide more favorable conditions for AaBb over aabb. The information generated from this study should be useful in managing S. frugiperda and evaluating if send blends could be suitable refuge options for Bt resistance management in the regions where the insect is a primary target pest.
Plastid phylogenomics and molecular evolution of Alismatales

Past phylogenetic studies of the monocot order Alismatales left several higher‐order relationships unresolved. We addressed these uncertainties using a nearly complete genus‐level sampling of whole plastid genomes (gene sets representing 83 protein‐coding and ribosomal genes) from members of the core alismatid families, Tofieldiaceae and additional taxa (Araceae and other angiosperms). Parsimony and likelihood analyses inferred generally highly congruent phylogenetic relationships within the order, and several alternative likelihood partitioning schemes had little impact on patterns of clade support. All families with multiple genera were resolved as monophyletic, and we inferred strong bootstrap support for most inter‐ and intrafamilial relationships. The precise placement of Tofieldiaceae in the order was not well supported. Although most analyses inferred Tofieldiaceae to be the sister‐group of the rest of the order, one likelihood analysis indicated a contrasting Araceae‐sister arrangement. Acorus (Acorales) was not supported as a member of the order. We also investigated the molecular evolution of plastid NADH dehydrogenase, a large enzymatic complex that may play a role in photooxidative stress responses. Ancestral‐state reconstructions support four convergent losses of a functional NADH dehydrogenase complex in Alismatales, including a single loss in Tofieldiaceae.
Effect of protein additives, sodium ascorbate, and microbial transglutaminase on the texture and colour of red tilapia surimi gel.

Summary Beef plasma protein (BPP) and egg white, at levels of 10, 20 and 30 g kg−1, and sodium ascorbate (SA) and microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), at levels of 1, 2 and 3 g kg−1, were individually added into red tilapia surimi. This gel was set at 40 °C for 90 min followed by heating at 90 °C for 30 min. Gel qualities were analysed and compared with those of non-supplemented red tilapia control gel. Compared with the control, each additive significantly affected gel strength due to an increase in breaking force. Although BPP could improve texture characteristics, higher addition levels of BPP significantly affected gel whiteness. The addition of SA and MTGase were found to increase surimi gel strength and improve whiteness. Amongst all treatments, the addition of 2 g kg−1 MTGase was found to provide the best gel qualities.