Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Magnetic-reconnection-heated corona in active galactic nuclei: refined disc–corona model and application to broad-band radiation

A long-standing question in active galactic nucleus (AGN) research is how the corona is heated up to produce X-ray radiation much stronger than that arising from the viscous heating within the corona. In this paper, we carry out detailed investigations of magnetic-reconnection heating to the corona, specifically, studying how the disc and corona are self-consistently coupled with the magnetic field, and how the emergent spectra depend on the fundamental parameters of AGN. It is shown that diverse spectral shapes and luminosities over a broad bandpass from optical to X-ray can be produced from the coupled disc and corona within a limited range of the black hole mass, accretion rate, and magnetic field strength. The relative strength of X-ray emission with respect to optical/ultraviolet (UV) depends on the strength of the magnetic field in the disc, which, together with accretion rate, determines the fraction of accretion energy transported and released in the corona. This refined disc-corona model is then applied to reproduce the broad-band spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of a sample of 20 bright local AGNs observed simultaneously in X-ray and optical/UV. We find that, in general, the overall observed broad-band SEDs can be reasonably reproduced, except for rather hard X-ray spectral shapes in some objects. The radiation pressure-dominant region, as previously predicted for the standard accretion disc in AGN, disappears for strong X-ray sources, revealing that AGN accretion discs are indeed commonly stable as observed. Our study suggests the disc-corona coupling model involving magnetic fields to be a promising approach for understanding the broad-band spectra of bright AGNs.
Giant Faraday rotation of cobalt ferrite thin films deposited on silicon substrates for silicon photonic nonreciprocal device applications

In this study, crystalline cobalt ferrite thin films with large Faraday rotation (FR) coefficient were deposited on silicon by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering. An (100)-oriented MgO buffer layer was employed to solve the film/substrate discrepancy. A giant FR coefficient of 25 600 deg cm−1 was achieved for a cobalt ferrite film deposited at a substrate temperature (ST) of 600 °C. Moreover, the magnetic easy axis of the films switched from in-plane (IP) to out-of-plane orientation with increasing ST. This switching in the easy axis could be attributed to induced IP stress in the films with high deposition temperatures.
Risk for Pathological Contamination Fears at Coronavirus Time: Proposal of Early Intervention and Prevention Strategies

COVID-19 outbreak represents a stressful life event that might potentially trigger psychopathological symptoms in people with a pre-existing vulnerability. This is particularly relevant for the onset or exacerbation of pathological contamination fears in people with vulnerability to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or in those individuals with sub-threshold obsessive-compulsive symptoms, or who achieved recovery after a successful treatment. Strict movement restrictions and hygiene habits are essential to limit COVID-19 diffusion and delay its progression. However, the occurrence of dysfunctional, clinically relevant contamination fears may be the downside highlighting the importance of a more comprehensive knowledge on the vulnerability factors of OCD in order to inform policy making and risk communication on one hand, early identification and prevention on the other one. The importance of early identification and prevention of OCD during critical periods, such as the present one, is of paramount importance since this psychiatric condition is associated with a prolonged latency in the correct diagnosis and first professional contact which is in turn associated with worse prognosis and higher resistance to treatment.
Pollination biology of two winter-blooming giant columnar cacti in the Tehuacán Valley, central Mexico

Abstract In the neotropics, central Mexico and Venezuela, columnar cacti (mostly belonging to tribe Pachycereae) are pollinated mainly by bats. In the Tehuacan Valley 36 species of columnar cacti have their blooming peak almost simultaneously between April and June, and species with chiropterophilous pollination have been shown to be self-incompatible, fruiting only after bat pollination. Nectarivorous bats are abundant also during spring and summer, and migrate during autumn and winter. Two columnar cacti, Pachycereus weberi (tribe Pachycereae) and Pilosocereus chrysacanthus (tribe Cereae), flower during winter and early spring facing an apparent scarcity of bats. We hypothesized that under this condition, these plants may resemble the columnar cacti in extratropical deserts where both bats and diurnal vectors can effect seed production. However, we found that these two plant species have white, long tubular flowers, are nocturnal, self-incompatible and produce fruits only after the visitation of four nectar-feeding bats and two frugivorous bats. We found that nectar-feeding bats have a small resident population in the Valley. In addition these cacti species grow along possible routes of bat altitudinal migration. A long, and possibly variable flowering season may be also related to low pollen vector density.
Introgression of salt‐tolerance genes from Thinopyrum bessarabicum into wheat

SUMMARY Salt-affected soil is a major problem and has led to large areas of the earth's surface being unable to support agriculture. Wheat is not tolerant to high levels of salt; however, a number of its wild relatives, in particular Thinopyrum bessarabicum Savul. and Rayss, which grows on the Black Sea shore in the Crimea, are tolerant to high levels of NaCl. Thus the introgression of genes conferring salt tolerance from Th. bessarabicum into Triticum aestivum is one way in which salt-tolerant wheat varieties can be produced. This paper reviews the progress made in developing salt-tolerant wheat carrying Th. bessarabicum genes and salt-tolerant wheat/Th. bessarabicum amphiploids.
Taxonomy and phylogeny of the leafhopper genus Scoposcartula (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Abstract A taxonomic study and a phylogenetic analysis of the neotropical genus Scoposcartula Young were carried out based on characters of the external morphology and male and female genitalia. A key to the species of the genus and descriptions of the species that were not treated in detail in recent taxonomic papers are provided. Tettigonia sistens Walker, 1858 was found to be a junior subjective synonym of Scoposcartula basimacula (Walker, 1851). Some peculiar characters of the female genitalia were described and included in the analysis, such as a transverse sclerotised line on pygofer, a structure on the base of the first valvulae of ovipositor (herein named prevalvifer area), and teeth of the second valvulae of ovipositor with two tips (cusps) and a posterior flat area. The phylogenetic analysis, based on 82 characters, yielded four equally most parsimonious trees that recovered a monophyletic Scoposcartula.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE CELL WALL OF AMOEBIDIUM PARASITICUM

The cell wall of Amoebidium parasiticum Cienk. has been investigated by staining techniques and a chemical analysis of isolated wall preparations. The wall, prepared by mechanical rupture in a Virtis homogenizer, was hydrolyzed with various acids and the components of the hydrolysate qualitatively determined by chromatography with known standards. Quantitative results suggest that the wall contains 30% galactosamine, 10% galactose, 3% xylose, 30% protein, and 4% ash. The protein estimate is based on the assumption that the nitrogen not bound in galactosamine is protein nitrogen. No evidence for the presence of chitin or cellulose was found.
The Spermatogenesis of Oniscus asellus Linn., with Especial Reference to the History of the Chromatin

The main results of this study may be briefly summarized as follows: 1. The spermatogonic chromosomes are joined together in pairs in the synapsis to form sixteen bivalent chromosomes. 2. A longitudinal splitting of the thread takes place at this stage. 3. The distinctness maintained by the chromosomes up to the formation of the nuclear network of the resting spermatocyte and the manner of origin of the spermatocytic chromosomes from it lends support to the theory of their individuality in the resting nucleus. 4. In the structure and mode of origin of the bivalent chromosomes two main types may be distinguished: (a) the com-ponent chromosomes lie end to end, or (b) they lie side by side. 5. Inasmuch as univalent chromosomes are separated, the first maturation division is reducing. 6. Sphere substance (idiozome) is not observable, except for a short time during the prophases of the first spermatocyte. 7. The nucleolus of the spermatogonia disappears shortly after dissolution of the nuclear membrane, while that of thespermatocytes, first discovered in the synapsis, persists throughout the divisions. 8. The spermatids become associated in groups to form colonies of nuclei lying in a common plasma. 9. Within the latter arise bundles of fibres of great length, whose connection with the nuclei could not be demonstrated,as well as single fibres of greater delicacy which are continuous with the nuclei. 10. The mature sperm colony consists of a variable number of filamentous nuclei contained, together with the bundle of cytoplasmic fibres, in a tenuous sheath which is flagellate at its anterior extremity.
Patterns in abundance of fishes in main channels of the upper Mississippi River system

Abundance of fishes of the main channels of the upper Mississippi River system and of other large North American rivers is largely unknown because historic sampling methods have been inadequate. We used a bottom trawl to estimate spatial and temporal patterns in abundance in the navigation channels of Pool 26 of the Mississippi River and the lower Illinois River. Total biomass density averaged 21 and 29 kg·ha1 in the navigation channels of Pool 26 and the lower Illinois River, respectively. We identified spatial and temporal patterns in catches of key species using a generalized linear model based on the negative binomial distribution. Some species, including shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus), are persistent residents of the main channel. Multiple-season residents, including freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), rely heavily on the main channel during most of the year but leave it briefly, for example to seek thermal refugia in backwaters during winters. We suggest revision of the prev.
The comparative productivity of five ewe breeds. 4. Growth and carcase characteristics of purebred and crossbred lambs

The growth to slaughter and carcase characteristics of purebred and crossbred lambs from five ewe breeds were compared in an experiment in 1971 and 1972 at Temora Agricultural Research Station. The ewe breeds were a Border Leicester x Merino fixed halfbred (BLM), Corriedale, Polwarth, a South Australian strong wool (SA Merino) and a medium wool Peppin strain of Merino. In each year, ewes of each breed were joined either to their own breed of ram or to Dorset Horn rams. The analysis used tested whether differences between ewe breeds in crossbred performance were halved compared with the differences between ewe breeds in purebred performances. The results supported this hypothesis for all characters measured. The largest breed effects on lamb performance were found for growth rate. Compared with the overall mean, the growth rates to weaning for purebred lambs were 118%,102%, 90%, 99% and 91% 10 for the BLM, Corriedale, Polwarth, SA Merino and Peppin Merino, respectively. The deviations from 100% for crossbred lambs were halved. Differences between breeds for carcase traits were estimated at the same carcase weight. South Australian Merino lambs had a lower dressing percentage than lambs from . the other breeds. Polwarths had the greatest depth of fat at the 12- 13th rib. Skins from Merino lambs had shorter staples and higher visual counts than skins from the other breeds. However, it was concluded that breed differences in carcase and skin characters, independent of carcase weight, were of little value in an economic comparison of the breeds for total productivity.
Influence of Flat Covers and Sowing Density on Yield and Chemical Composition of Garlic Cultivated for Bundle-Harvest

Influence of Flat Covers and Sowing Density on Yield and Chemical Composition of Garlic Cultivated for Bundle-Harvest In 2003-2005 years the experiment of influence of flat covers usage (non-woven polypropylene and perforated polyethylene film) and clove sowing rate (20x2, 20x4, 20x6, 20x8 cm) on quantity and quality of garlic yield cultivated for bundle-harvest was carried out. Covering with non-woven polypropylene and perforated film was found to increase the yield of spring garlic cv ‘Jarus’ by 24.5% in comparison to open-field cultivation (control). Nevertheless the film type covered plants were higher, produced more leaves and longer leaves what resulted in higher weight per plant. On the other hand the leaves of garlic grown in open field contained significantly higher amount of dry matter and vitamin C compared to covered ones. Marketable yield of garlic was also considerably dependent of clove sowing rate. The highest yield was observed while 20x2 cm density was applied. However, significantly longest leaves and highest weight per plant were obtained at 20x4 cm sowing rate. Wpływ Płaskich Osłon Oraz Gąstości Sadzenia Na Plon Oraz Zawartość Składników Chemicznych Czosnku Uprawianego Na Zbiör Pączkowy W latach 2003-2005 przeprowadzono badania nad wpływem stosowania płaskich osłon (folia perforowana, włóknina polipropylenowa) oraz gęstości sadzenia ząbków (20x2, 20x4, 20x6, 20x8 cm) na wielkość i jakość plonu czosnku uprawianego na zbiór z zielonym szczypiorem. Stwierdzono, że osłanianie zwiększyło plon czosnku jarego odmiany ‘Jarus’ o 24,5% w porównaniu z jego uprawą na polu odkrytym (obiekt kontrolny). Rośliny osłaniane, bez względu na rodzaj osłon, były wyższe, miały więcej liści, dłuższy szczypior, o większej masie jednostkowej. Wykazano jednak istotnie większa, niż w uprawie pod osłonami, zawartość suchej masy oraz witaminy C w liściach roślin uprawianych na polu odkrytym. Plon handlowy czosnku zależał również istotnie od gęstości sadzenia ząbków. Największy plon roślin uzyskano z ząbków sadzonych w rozstawie 20x2 cm. Natomiast istotnie najdłuższy szczypior, o największej średniej masie jednostkowej dały rośliny sadzone w rozstawie 20x4 cm.
Habitat duration, predation risk and phenotypic plasticity in common frog (Rana temporaria) tadpoles

Summary 1. Common frogs (Rana temporaria) breed readily in small pools and thus expose their offspring to catastrophic mortality by desiccation. Amphibian larvae exhibit considerable phenotypic plasticity in metamorphic traits, and some species respond to environmental uncertainty by metamorphosing earlier and at smaller size. In a factorial laboratory experiment, we studied whether common frog tadpoles possess this ability. 2. We also studied the interaction between pool drying and predation risk, because in a previous study the presence of a predatory dragonfly larva delayed metamorphosis of the tadpoles. 3. We gradually removed water from half the experimental containers, while in the other half the water volume was kept constant. In the laboratory it was possible to remove the effect of increased water temperature in the decreasing volume treatment by using fluorescent lights. Tadpoles responded to decreasing volume by metamorphosing earlier and at smaller size. A greater proportion of the tadpoles metamorphosed in the decreasing volume treatment. 4. Tadpoles were less active at decreasing water level and there were significant positive correlations between activity late in the experiment and metamorphic size. This suggests that the metamorphic response to habitat drying is behaviourally mediated. 6. Early in the experiment, tadpoles developed slower in the presence of predators. At metamorphosis presence of a dragonfly larva had no effect in the whole data set, but when the constant volume treatment was analysed separately, larval period was longer in the presence of a predator. 7. Our results indicate that common frog larvae are able to respond to pond-drying adaptively by speeding up their development, and that temperature advantage is not needed to induce this adaptive plasticity. Furthermore, pond-drying seems to be a more important determinant of development rate than the presence of odonate predators.
Seasonal activity and feeding pattern of brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a Dartmoor stream in relation to availability of food.

In laboratory tests, brown trout were most active between dusk and dawn from spring to autumn, but the percentage of the total activity that occurred during daylight was higher in the summer than in the other two seasons. Analysis of the variation in the weight of stomach contents during 24 hr in the three seasons showed a higher peak in weight at noon in summer than in the other seasons. The difference was related to an increased consumption of material of terrestrial origin, which other work showed to be most available to the fish between 09.00 and 12.00 hr. No relationship was found between the times of maximum occurrence of benthic and emergent items in the stream and of their consumption by trout. The increase in daytime activity during the summer was also evidently related to increased consumption of terrestrial material.
The prognostic role of clinical, electroencephalographic and neuro-radiological parameters in predicting outcome in pediatric non-traumatic coma

Objective: To investigate early outcome of non-traumatic coma (NTC) in pediatric critical care in relation to prognostic role of clinical, electroencephalographic and neuro-radiological factors. Methods: A total of 77 children (mean(SD) age: 70.5±68.7 months, 55.8% were boys) with acute encephalopathy and NTC were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Data on patient demographics (age, gender, etiology of NTC) and four prognostic factors [Glasgow coma scores (GCS), pupillary light reflex (PLR), EEG and cranial MRI findings] and neurological outcome (ICU period and post-discharge 3rd month) were recorded in each patient. Results: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (35.1%) and CNS infection (22.1%) were the most common etiologies in the cohort. Favorable and unfavorable neurological outcome were noted in 57% and 43% of patients, respectively. Lack of PLR (OR 3.09, 95% CI: 2.17 to 4.40, p<0.001), GCS ≤5 (OR 7.85, 95% CI: 2.77 to 22.37, p<0.001), poor prognostic pattern in EEG (OR 13.76, 95% CI: 1.62 to 116.54, p=0.004) and presence of MRI lesions (OR 4.04, 95% CI: 1.15 to 14.19, p=0.029) were significant determinants of unfavorable neurological outcome. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings emphasize that combined used of clinical, EEG and MRG patterns might provide more accurate estimation of neurological outcome in pediatric NTC.
Determination of the betaine content of feed ingredients using high‐performance liquid chromatography

A series of studies was conducted to establish a methodology for the accurate and efficient determination of betaine in different feed ingredients. The final methodology involves an extraction step in which the feed sample is heated for 3 h in a methanolic KOH solution using a Goldfisch apparatus. Impurities are removed by the addition of activated charcoal and concentrated (36%) HCl. After centrifugation the extractant is passed through a strong cation exchange resin (Dowex 50W-X12, H+). The betaine retained in the column is eluted with 1.5 N HCl. A 2 ml aliquot of the elute is air dried and reconstituted with 1 ml of deionised water. HPLC separation with a cation exchange column (Partisil SCX-10) is used for the separation of betaine from other compounds. The mobile phase is kept constant at 50 mM KH2PO4 in water, and eluted compounds are detected by UV absorbance (200 nm). The flow rate is maintained at 1.5 ml min−1. This assay is very accurate over the range of betaine concentrations from 15 to 650 µg ml−1, with a lower detection limit in feeds of approximately 500 µg g−1 when 4 g of sample is extracted. Recovery assays done with standard betaine hydrochloride and hard red wheat resulted in a consistent recovery of 80%. Betaine content was quantified in several feed ingredients, including alfalfa (1.77 mg kg−1), wheat (3.96 mg kg−1), wheat middlings (4.98 mg kg−1) and poultry meal (0.77 mg kg−1). Betaine in corn and soybean meal was not detectable by this method, even when 16 g of sample was used (<125 mg kg−1). Betaine present in several feed ingredients should influence choline supplementation to animal feeds and may have implications for human health. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Dynamic Innovation Strategy Model in Practice of Innovation Leaders and Followers in CEE Countries—A Prerequisite for Building Innovative Ecosystems

The task of each firm’s strategic management is to identify those sustainable sources of competitive advantage that represent a way to achieve business goals and competitive advantage. Business management should be able to define determinants that fundamentally influence the innovation activity of business. Innovation leaders are influenced by the same set of determinants that allow them to maintain their position in the market. Identifying these determinants is a key source of knowledge for defining or adjusting corporate strategies, enabling sustainable benefits and for efficient building and functioning of countries’ innovation ecosystems based on cross-agents’ interactions leading to sustainable development. The goal of this paper is to identify the combination of innovation determinants in Dynamic Innovation Strategic Model (DISM) driving creation and sustaining innovation leaders’ competitive advantage in selected European countries belonging to the group of moderate innovators. Likewise, authors define a unique set or combinations of factors that will (fundamentally embedded in a company strategy) have a significant impact on the innovative production of the business, which are one of the key elements of innovative ecosystems. With the use of CIS data (from Eurostat) on the innovators and followers of nine EU countries and own regression models, the key determinants of the success of the innovation leaders and followers were found. These determinants are (also in appropriate combination) mainly: in-house R&D activities, co-operation with various partners, and marketing and design. The results clearly show that for innovative leaders, key determinants have a positive impact on produced innovations; for the followers, the same group has a negative influence.