Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Breeding and Heterosexual Pairing in the Snapping Shrimp Alpheus estuariensis (Caridea: Alpheidae) in a Tropical Bay in Northeastern Brazil

We investigated aspects of the breeding biology, including the reproductive period, egg production, and heterosexual pairing of the snapping shrimp Alpheus estuariensis Christoffersen, 1984 in Pontal Bay, municipality of Ilheus, state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Samples were taken monthly during spring low tides from September 2011 to October 2012, on mud substrate in the intertidal zone. We obtained 305 females, of which 134 were ovigerous. The latter were observed in all months, with peaks in June and October 2012; this corresponded to months of higher rainfall indexes, suggesting continuous seasonal breeding. Seventy-five females had normal-appearing eggs and 59 had abnormal eggs (smaller mean size and whitish color). The abnormal eggs differed significantly in number and volume in relation to normal eggs in stage I. Eggs in three stages of embryonic development were observed, with a non-statistically significant reduction in mean fecundity between stages. Mean fecundity, calculated from females with normal eggs in stage I, was 154 ± 108.06 eggs. The mean volume of the eggs changed significantly during development, increasing 45% from stages I to III. A total of 86 male-female pairs were obtained. The sizes of paired males and females were positively correlated, although paired females were slightly larger than males. Formation of pairs begins early, when the females are smaller than the smallest ovigerous female. The mean size of male-female pairs with females carrying normal eggs was significantly larger than the size of male-female pairs with females carrying abnormal eggs. Based on the results provided here, the possible mating system of A. estuariensis is discussed.
The control efficacy of the weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), on the mango leafhopper, Idioscopus nitidulus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidea) in mango orchards in the Northern Territory

Abstract The mango leafhopper, Idioscopus nitidulus (Walker), is one of the most serious mango insect pests in the Oriental region. It was first detected in Darwin in the Northern Territory in 1997, and it has been one of the major mango insect pests since 1998. Successful control can be achieved by conventional growers with regular sprays of chemical insecticides, but no suitable control methods are available for organic growers. Weaver ants, Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius), have been used to control the main insect pests in cashew orchards since 1998. Three series of field experiments and five field surveys were conducted from 2001 to 2003 in the Darwin area to evaluate whether weaver ants, which are usually abundant in non-sprayed mango orchards, have the potential to control the mango leafhopper. In the field experiments, an average 3.2% of floral shoots and 10.9% of foliar shoots were damaged in the weaver ant treatment, which was similar to or better than in the insecticide treatment (6.7% of floral shoots and 29.9% of foliar shoots damaged). In the treatment without weaver ants or insecticides, the average damage was 30% for floral shoots and 53.4% for foliar shoots. In the field surveys, an average of 4.4% floral shoots were damaged on trees with abundant weaver ants, while 17.5% were damaged on trees with fewer weaver ants and 18.6% on trees with other ant species or no ants. This work indicates that weaver ants are efficient biocontrol agents of the mango leafhopper, and that it is important to maintain the ants at high levels for successful control of the leafhopper. Various aspects of using weaver ants in mango orchards are discussed.
Mapping Epitope Structure and Activity: From One-Dimensional Prediction to Four-Dimensional Description of Antigenic Specificity

Abstract Our knowledge of antigenic specificity has greatly increased in recent years mainly through X-ray crystallographic studies of proteins and peptides complexed with monoclonal antibodies. However, our ability to predict the location of antigenic sites in proteins remains limited partly because prediction algorithms reduce the complexity of epitopes to one-dimensional, linear peptide models. Epitopes and paratopes are relational entities definable by their mutual complementarity and adaptation potential as well as by their activity. A complete account of antigenic specificity demands the integration of both structural and binding activity data that can be achieved only through a spatiotemporal four-dimensional analysis. Failure to include the fourth dimension, i.e., time, in the analysis of antigen–antibody complementarity amounts to considering proteins as rigid bodies and ignores the mutual adaptation that occurs when the two partners interact. Reducing four-dimensional protein systems to three-dimensional or two-dimensional representations inevitably distorts our perception of the dynamic nature of epitopes.
Cereal aphids and the infectivity index for barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in northern England

Summary Suction traps at Leeds University Farm, N. Yorkshire, monitored aerial populations of cereal aphids over three autumns. Different migration patterns were observed between the four main species, Sitobion avenae, Metopolophium dirhodum, Rhopalosiphum padi and R. insertum. The relevance of these patterns to the epidemiology of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is discussed. Transmission tests revealed S. avenae to be the major vector of BYDV, rather than R. padi, which is responsible for disease outbreaks in the south and west of Britain. An Infectivity Index (II) of 50 has been advocated for R. padi-transmitted BYDV, above which economic damage is likely to occur. This value is shown not to be applicable to the Vale of York, and methods of adapting the data are proposed. Such adjusted II values depend on the behaviour and reproduction of the aphids during the transmission tests, and produce II values that correlate well with levels of field infection in the area.
Enhancing Patient Compliance for Usage of Laundry Detergents Free of Dyes and Perfumes: Potential Impact of Better Cleaning Performance

Sensitive skin, an often self-reported condition, is characterized by an unpleasant sensory experience to a variety of consumer products. Certain ingredients in consumer products, such fragrances and dyes, are believed to exacerbate skin sensitivities. Due to an increased prevalence of people reporting sensitive skin, a variety of consumer products are formulated for people with this condition. A segment of commercially marketed laundry detergents, commonly known as free detergents, have been formulated without dyes and perfumes to accommodate skin sensitivities. In the US and Canada respectively, 80% and 97% of dermatologist recommend the use of free detergents for their patients with sensitive skin. However, consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with free detergents, with 39% reporting they are not satisfied with their free detergent’s cleaning performance. When people switch from the leading free laundry detergent, they will switch to a non-free detergent 60% of the time, going against dermatologist recommendations and potentially further aggravating their skin sensitivities. Recently, a survey of US households with sensitive skin showed that 98.8% said that they would be more likely to consistently use a detergent that cleans better. Herein are reported data showing Tide Pods Free & Gentle outperformed other free detergents in cleaning across a wide variety of laundry stains and in SEM visual analysis of soil residues on fibers. It is postulated that the better cleaning detergent may help drive patient compliance with dermatologist recommendations for usage of a free detergent for their patients with sensitive skin.
Depression and quality of life among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Background. Cancer is a leading cause of death globally and in Indonesia. Cancer itself and the treatment often cause physical and psychological changes that affect patients’ quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to determine the level of depression and QoL in cancer patients. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study involved 94 respondents who had chemotherapy in a public hospital in Indonesia. The study was conducted from January to April 2018. The depression level was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI II) while patients’ QoL was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30. Data were analysis using Pearson correlation. Results. The present study found that the mean score of depression was 8.65 ± 6.53, which reflected their normal condition. The global QoL for patients with cancer in this study was high. The levels of depression and QoL in the study were contrary to previous studies. Fatigue and pain were the top two highest scores in the symptom scales. The study indicates moderate negative correlation between global QoL and depression. There is a need to develop intervention and management of patients undergoing chemotherapy to maintain patients’ QoL and psychological aspects of care. Palliat Med Pract 2020; 4, 1: 1–6
A Narrative Review of Early Oral Stepdown Therapy for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: Yay or Nay?

Abstract Historically, intravenous (IV) antibiotics have been the cornerstone of treatment for uncomplicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). However, IV antibiotics are expensive, increase the rates of hospital readmission, and can be associated with catheter-related complications. As a result, the potential role of oral antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated SAB has become a subject of interest. This narrative review article aims to summarize key arguments for and against the use of oral antibiotics to complete treatment of uncomplicated SAB and evaluates the available evidence for specific oral regimens. We conclude that evidence suggests that oral step-down therapy can be an alternative for select patients who meet the criteria for uncomplicated SAB and will comply with medical treatment and outpatient follow-up. Of the currently studied regimens discussed in this article, linezolid has the most support, followed by fluoroquinolone plus rifampin.
Fungi associated with foot rots on winter wheat in northwest Italy

In a 3-year survey on bread and durum wheat grown in Northwest Italy, brown root rot was the most important disease of the basal part of culm. Year, wheat-growing area, cultivar and their interactions significantly influenced brown root rot incidence. The most important fungal species isolated from lower stems with browning were Microdochium nivale, Drechslera sorokiniana, Fusarium avenaceum, F. graminearum, and F. culmorum Wojnowicia hirta, F. equiseti, F. oxysporum, F. solani, F. moniliforme, and Pythium spp. were frequently isolated. F. crookwellense was also isolated. Sharp eyespot was a frequent disease; take-all and eyespot occurred only occasionally
Gene Flow and Genetic Structure of Wild Soybean (Glycine soja) in Japan

In many parts of Japan cultivated soybean and wild soybean are sympatric. The objective of this study was to measure gene movement from cultivated soybean to wild soybean and within wild soybean in natural populations in Japan. Seven microsatellite markers that were found to have particularly high ability to discriminate components of the soybean complex in Japan were used to measure the extent of pollen and seed dispersal within and between populations of G. soja at seven localities (14 populations) in northern, central, and southern regions of Japan (1334 seeds/168 individuals) were measured. Each G. soja site consisted of two neighboring populations (100 m-2 km apart), which were adjacent to ( 50 m), cultivated soybean fields. Gene flow from G. max to G. soja was not detected. However, in populations of G. soja, the outcrossing rate ranged from 0-6.3% (average 2.2%), and the dispersal distance of pollen ranged from 5-25 m (average 10.5 m). In addition, 13 individuals of G. soja (7.7%) collected in four populations were assigned to neighboring populations (100-400 m). The results suggest the occurrence of long-distance seed dispersal in G. soja. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed a clear isolation by distance model, and a strong positive genetic correlation among individuals was observed within a range of 400 m (r = 0.168-0.551). Gene flow by hybridization among G. soja individuals occurs more frequently than the rare hybridization events between G. max and G. soja in Japan.
Risk assessment of patulin intake from apple containing products by young children

Patulin is a mycotoxin for which a provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 400 ng/kg bodyweight/ day has been set based on its most sensitive toxic effect, growth retardation. Apple containing products are the major source for patulin exposure, with major intake differences according to age and living region. Young children are most at risk of patulin intoxication, because they consume much higher amounts of apple products than adults. In this study, the patulin intake was calculated for Dutch children of 8 to 48 months and the risks of patulin intoxication were assessed. In addition, the bioaccessibility of patulin from apple containing products was investigated for a more refined risk assessment of patulin. The bioaccessibility of patulin was high, varying between 55 and 100%, and, consequently, no refinement of the risk assessment was possible. Based on the probabilistic intake calculations, children are exposed to levels below the PMTDI. Children aged 13-20 months with a high organic apple product intake have the highest patulin exposure, 342 ng/kg bodyweight/day at the upper confidence interval of the P95. No harmful effects are expected with the current patulin intake in young children. No concentration data are available for baby food (organic and conventional) and, therefore, concentrations were set at half the legal limit for intake calculations. Concentration data are needed for a more refined intake calculation for children younger than one year to estimate the actual risk in these children, because baby food comprises 23% of their diet.
Barriers to Increasing Diversity in Orthopaedics

Background: There are little data to explain why the surgical subspecialty of orthopaedic surgery struggles with improving the racial/ethnic composition of its workforce. The current work sought to determine what orthopaedic residency program directors and coordinators believe are the barriers to improving diversity at their own programs. Methods: Between November 17, 2018, and April 1, 2019, a 17-question survey was electronically distributed to the program directors and coordinators of 155 allopathic orthopaedic surgery residency programs. Seventy-five of 155 programs (48.4%) responded to the survey. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results: The most commonly stated barriers to increasing diversity within the orthopaedic surgery programs were the following: “We do not have enough minority faculty, which may deter the applicants” (69.3%), “We consistently rank minority applicants high but can never seem to match them” (56%), and “Not enough minorities are applying to our program” (54.7%). Programs with higher percentages of underrepresented minority (URM) faculty had higher percentages of URM residents (p = 0.001). Programs participating in the Nth Dimensions and/or Perry Initiative programs had a higher percentage of URM faculty as compared to the residency programs that did not participate in these programs (p = 0.004). URM residents represented 17.5% of all residents who resigned and/or were dismissed in the 10 years preceding the survey while also only representing 6% of all orthopaedic residents during the same time period. Conclusions: From the orthopaedic residency program perspective, the greatest perceived barrier to increasing the racial/ethnic diversity of residents in their program is their lack of URM faculty. Surveyed programs with more URM faculty had more URM residents, and programs participating in Nth Dimensions and/or Perry Initiative programs had a higher percentage of URM faculty.
Abatement of Toluene by Reverse-Flow Nonthermal Plasma Reactor Coupled with Catalyst

In order to make full use of the heat in nonthermal plasma systems and decrease the generation of by-products, a reverse-flow nonthermal plasma reactor coupled with catalyst was used for the abatement of toluene. In this study, the toluene degradation performance of different reactors was compared under the same conditions. The mechanism of toluene abatement by nonthermal plasma coupled with catalyst was explored, combined with the generation of ozone (O3), NO2, and organic by-products during the reaction process. It was found that a long reverse cycle time of the reactor and a short residence time of toluene decreased the internal reactor temperature, which was not beneficial for the degradation of toluene. Compared with the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor, toluene degradation efficiency in the double dielectric barrier discharge (DDBD) reactor was improved at the same discharge energy level, but the concentrations of NO2 and O3 in the effluent were relatively high; this was improved after the introduction of a catalyst. In the reverse-flow nonthermal plasma reactor coupled with catalyst, the CO2 selectivity was the highest, while the selectivity and amount of NO2 was the lowest and aromatics, acids, and ketones were the main gaseous organic by-products in the effluent. The reverse-flow DBD-catalyst reactor was successful in decreasing organic by-products, while the types of organic by-products in the DDBD reactor were much more than those in the DBD reactor.
A potential biosorbent from Moringa oleifera pod husk for crystal violet adsorption: Kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamic and desorption studies

: Moringa oleifera pod husk (MOPH), an agricultural waste, is presented as a biosorbent for the adsorption of crystal violet (CV) in water. MOPH was characterized using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The effects of adsorption parameters on adsorption capacity were optimized. Adsorption of CV by MOPH was rapid in the ﬁrst 10 min, and equilibrium was approached within 60 min at all initial CV concentrations. The adsorption kinetics study revealed a good correlation between the pseudo-second order model and the experimental results. The maximum monolayer capacity obtained by Langmuir model was 156.25 mg / g at 25°C. The negative values of thermodynamic parameters indicated a spontaneous and exothermic sorption process. The desorption of CV from MOPH was highest in aqueous acetic acid solution, and the re-adsorption study conﬁrmed the reusability of the MOPH biosorbent. Taking into account its abundance, low cost, non-toxicity and its effectiveness and reusability based on the present results, MOPH can be regarded as a promising biosorbent for the CV removal.
Controlling Resonance Lineshapes of a Side-Coupled Waveguide-Microring Resonator

Resonance lineshapes of a side-coupled waveguide-microring resonator (MRR) is crucial for the performances of MRR-based on-chip photonic devices. Much efforts have been made to modify the resonance lineshapes to other types, such as asymmetric Fano profiles. However, complex photonic structures are required to integrate with waveguide-MRR. Here, we model the light propagation in a waveguide-MRR into the interactions of a discrete resonance mode and a continuum waveguiding mode and propose the phase delay between the two states plays great roles in controlling the resonance lineshape into symmetric Lorentzian dips, Lorentzian peaks, and Fano lineshapes with arbitrary asymmetric factors. We experimentally verify this by fabricating silicon waveguide-MRR with an air-hole inserted in the bus-waveguide section coupled with the MRR, where the air-hole with varied dimensions could control the phase delay. The results not only have potentials to strengthen the performances of MRR-based devices, but also provide a simple strategy to control resonance lineshapes in other optical resonators, including photonic crystal cavity, microtoroid, etc.
Variabilidade espacial de atributos da fertilidade de um Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico sob Sistema Plantio Direto

O conhecimento da variabilidade espacial da fertilidade do solo e muito importante, principalmente, para a agricultura de precisao. Assim, durante o ano agricola 2009/2010, no municipio de Selviria (MS), no Cerrado Brasileiro, objetivou-se analisar a variabilidade espacial de atributos da fertilidade num Latossolo Vermelho Distroferrico sob plantio direto. Foi instalada a malha de amostragem para a coleta de solo, com 120 pontos amostrais, numa area de 3,0 ha e declive homogeneo de 0,055 m m-1. Foram determinados os teores de P disponivel, de materia orgânica, valor de pH (CaCl2), teores de K+, Ca+2, Mg+2, valores de saturacao por bases e por aluminio, nas profundidades de 0-0,10 m e 0,10-0,20 m. Efetuou-se a analise descritiva classica, com auxilio do software estatistico SAS, e em seguida foram modelados semivariogramas para todos os atributos, obtendo-se as respectivas validacoes cruzadas e mapas de krigagens com o GS+ 7.0. As maiores variabilidades dos atributos quimicos analisadas pelo coeficiente de variacao ocorreram na camada de 0,10-0,20 m de profundidade do solo. Todos os atributos quimicos pesquisados apresentaram dependencia espacial, sendo possivel mapear a area em estudo. Por representar a continuidade espacial dos semivariogramas obtidos no presente estudo, os valores dos alcances geoestatisticos recomendados para os atributos ora pesquisados deverao estar compreendidos entre 40,2 e 113,1 metros.
Assessment of the CERES-Rice model for rice production in the Central Plain of Thailand

CERES-Rice model was used to simulate growth and yield of four common rice varieties in Thailand with the attention on rate and timing of N application, a factor that most limits crop yield. The model predicted slightly higher grain yield than that observed for all varieties at N input of 75 kg/ha, but the differences between observed and simulated yields were not significant, except for varieties HSP and SPR90. The simulated grain[ratio ]straw ratio was significantly higher than the observed value for all varieties except that of HSP. There was no significant difference between the simulated and observed values of days to flowering. Generally, the model reasonably predicted the phenology and yields of RD23 and KDML105 varieties. The model was also used to compare the yields of KDML105 variety as influenced by rate and timing of N application grown in acid sulphate soils. There was a variation in predicted biomass yield with applied N rates at 0 and 150 kg/ha, but timing of application had no effect. In Aeric Endoquept and Sulfic Tropaquept soils at Suphan Buri and Pathum Thani rice research stations, the yield patterns remained unchanged and showed a positive response to N rate up to 75 kg/ha. The model estimated higher grain yields beyond 75 kg N/ha while the observed yield decreased. Based on the simulated yields for a 10-year period at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Pathum Thani, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom and Ratcha Buri rice research stations the varieties were ranked as: SPR90 > RD23 = HSP > KDML105. The model suggested that SPR90 is the most suitable variety for the central plain and its potential yield ranges from 4030 to 5600 kg/ha. Pathum Thani province, with acid sulphate soils, had the lowest potential for rice production.