Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Root Zone Water Quality Model Using Field-Measured Data from the Missouri MSEA

The USDA-ARS Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) is a comprehensive computer model developed to simulate water, chemical, and biological processes in the root zone of agricultural management systems. The model is capable of evaluating the effects of various cropping and management practices on surface and ground water quality. In this study, the performance of RZWQM Version 3.2 was evaluated for a claypan soil, particularly surface runoff and chemical loss to surface runoff predictions. The model was calibrated and evaluated using data collected from the Missouri Management Systems Evaluation Area (MSEA) and the Kingdom City runoff plots. Soil water predictions of the model compared well with those measured, particularly at the 15-, 60-, 75-, and 90-cm soil depths. In most cases, corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] yield predictions were within 15 and 20%, respectively, of those measured. Using the macropore option (constant cracking) greatly improved the prediction of chemical losses to seepage. Annual runoff simulated for corn and soybean under conventional and no-till systems was adequately predicted. The model underpredicted large runoff events and overpredicted runoff events that occurred after long dry periods when soil cracking was a dominant factor. The model overpredicted NO 3 -N concentrations in runoff but underpredicted concentrations in near-surface soils. Predicted and measured atrazine [6-chloro-N-ethyl-N'-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine] and alachlor [2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-N-(methoxymethyl)acetamide) concentrations in surface runoff compared well, particularly when the computed runoff was dose to that measured. In this study, the model was run using the option of constant cracking in the soil. To improve the predictions of agrichemical losses to runoff and seepage, RZWQM should include the capability to predict variable soil cracking based on soil moisture.
The C-terminus of SPE-11 is required for proper embryonic development in C. elegans

Figure 1: C-terminal mutations of SPE-11 fail to rescue a spe-11 deletion mutant. A. Cartoon of SPE-11 constructs for in vivo localization studies and functional analyses. All constructs were expressed as GFP fusions from the spe-11 promoter and 3’UTR. Putative nuclear localization signals (NLS) are indicated by vertical black bars. Mutated NLSs are indicated by vertical yellow bars. A yellow star for the GFP::SPE-11AAA mutant indicates the following amino acid changes: K289A, R292A, and K293A. B. Transgenic males expressing different GFP::SPE-11 (green) fusion constructs and mCherry-histone (red) were analyzed for proper localization in the spe-11(ok2143) mutant in diplotene nuclei and post-meiotic sperm. Insets are enlargements of post-meiotic sperm. Scale bar, 5 μm. C. The number of viable progeny produced by spe-11(ok2143) and spe-11(ok2143) expressing gfp::spe-11, gfp::spe-11NLS1mut, gfp::spe-11AAAmut, gfp::spe11NLS5mut, or gfp::spe-11∆295-299 (Error bars, SD. **p<0.001, *p<0.05).
Disease spread of non-specialised fungal pathogens from inoculated point sources in intraspecific mixed stands of cereal cultivars

SUMMARY Spread of Septoria nodorum from inoculated point sources was examined in pure stands and mixtures of two spring wheat cultivars Kolibri and Maris Butler. Gradients in disease were observed soon after inoculation; the presence of the more resistant cultivar (Maris Butler) in the mixtures retarded the outward spread of disease compared with the susceptible pure stand (Kolibri). Regression analysis suggested that gradients in incidence were influenced by nearness to the source whereas gradients in severity were not. Spread of disease was also examined in pure stands and mixtures for the host/pathogen combinations, winter wheat (cvs Maris Huntsman and Maris Ranger)/S. nodorum and winter barley (cvs Maris Otter and Hoppel)/Rhynchosporium secalis. In contrast to the spring wheat experiment, no gradients were observed; explanations for the uniform distribution of disease were (a) extensive spread prior to the period of assessment, (b) no physical barrier to dispersal due to the juvenile growth stage of the crop and (c) exhaustion of the point-source.
RAPD Variations in Selected and Unselected Blue Grama Populations

Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis H.B.K. Lag. ex Steud.) is one of the most widespread native grasses in western North America. Little is known about the genetic diversity of this spedes and the genetic shift in selected populations. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess the genetic variations of blue grama plants in 11 natural source populations (SPs) in southern Manitoba and two selected populations. Population 'BMSC' was a balanced multisite composite of 99 clones selected for higher seed yield from the 11 SPs. Population 'MSC' was a mass-selected composite of 25 clones with higher seed yield from eight SPs. Twelve RAPD primers were used to assay 108 original propagules from the 11 SPs and 96 seedlings from each selected population. A total of 69 polymorphic RAPD bands were detected. No unique RAPD bands were found for any SPs and 97.8% of the total RAPD variation was detected within SPs. Variation in RAPD markers was not associated with geographical distances. Highly significant changes in RAPD band frequency from their SPs were detected in both selected populations, but only MSC displayed the fixation of polymorphic bands. The estimated genetic shifts were small, 0.6% for BMSC and 1.9% for MSC.
Classification of basal Cucujoidea (Coleoptera : Polyphaga): cladistic analysis, keys and review of new families

Phylogenetic relationships among the basal Cucujoidea were reconstructed by a cladistic analysis of a data matrix consisting of 37 exemplar taxa and 99 adult and larval characters. Eight most parsimonious cladograms provided evidence for the polyphyly of Phloeostichidae, the paraphyly of Cucujoidea (with respect to the placement of Trogossitidae), and the monophyly of Protocucujidae + Sphindidae, Biphyllidae + Erotylidae, Cryptophagidae, Cucujidae + Silvanidae, Propalticidae + Laemophloeidae, and the Nitidulidae groups (Nitidulidae, Smicripidae, and Brachypteridae). The following families are elevated from subfamily to family status: Agapythidae (one genus), Phloeostichidae (four genera; the subfamilies Phloeostichinae and Hymaeinae are supressed), Priasilphidae (three genera), Tasmosalpingidae (one genus), and Myraboliidae (one genus). These families are described in detail and adult and larval keys to all families of Cucujoidea are provided. The genus Bunyastichus, gen. nov. (type species: B. monteithi, sp. nov.) is described in the family Phloeostichidae and the family Priasilphidae is revised with the following new taxa: Chileosilpha, gen. nov. (type species: C. elguetai, sp. nov.), Priasilpha (P. angulata, sp. nov., P. aucklandica, sp. nov., P. bufonia, sp. nov., P. carinata, sp. nov., P. earlyi, sp. nov., and P. embersoni, sp. nov.), Priastichus (P. crowsoni, sp. nov. and P. megathorax, sp. nov.).
Aphid responses to plants with genetically manipulated phloem nutrient levels

Abstract Aphids (Myzus persicae, Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Aulacorthum solani) are reared on potato plants with phloem sucrose concentrations reduced by up to two‐fold by expressing the antisense of the sucrose‐H+ symporter (StSUT1) gene. The performance of My. persicae and A. solani on the antisense plants is comparable or superior to that on the wild‐type plants, but Ma. euphorbiae increases more slowly on the antisense plants than on the wild‐type and fails to feed from the antisense line with the lowest phloem sucrose concentration. Electrical monitoring by electical penetration graphs reveals that Ma. euphorbiae either do not locate the sieve elements or withdraw their stylets prematurely from the sieve elements of these plants. This difference between Ma. euphorbiae and the other aphid species may reflect interspecific variation in response both to the low phloem sucrose in transgenic plants and to pleiotropic effects of the transgene on the wider physiology of the plants. All aphid species perform well on plants with phloem sucrose concentrations that, when administered via chemically‐defined diets, support little or no aphid growth. These results illustrate the need for caution in extrapolating conclusions reached for diet‐reared aphids to aphids on plants, and demonstrate the importance of plant‐based experiments for studies of the nutritional physiology of aphids.
The Climatological Analysis of Typhoon Tracks, Steering Flow, and the Pacific Subtropical High in the Vicinity of Taiwan and the Western North Pacific

Taiwan frequently suffers from typhoon hits in the boreal summer and fall. The location of Taiwan makes it vulnerable to the pathways of typhoons mainly determined by the position of the Pacific subtropical high. In order to clarify the linkage between typhoon invasion and associated large-scale environments from a climatological perspective, this study counts the historical typhoon invasion days for each month in the typhoon season to establish analyzed cases and then categorizes them with statistical thresholds. Besides, the categorized cases with less typhoon invasion are further sorted to distinguish different movements of tropical cyclones. Therefore, corresponding composites are applied for each category. The results reveal that when the subtropical high retreats eastward, the accompanying steering flow guides typhoons to make an early recurvature toward Japan and South Korea. While the subtropical high further extends its property to the west covering Taiwan, the steering flow on the south transfers typhoons moving westward to the South China Sea. However, when the subtropical high lies in areas between the above two scenarios, the steering flow along the periphery of the subtropical high continuously sends typhoons toward Taiwan and the vicinity, which greatly increases the threat to the island.
Effect of roasting time and temperature on volatile component profiles during nib roasting of cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao)

The effect of nib roasting time and temperature on volatile component profiles was studied using response surface methodology (RSM) which consisted of two independent variables: time (5–65 min) and temperature (110–170°C). A steam distillation extraction (SDE) method was used to extract and gas chromatograph–mass spectrometry equipped with an ICIS data system was used to identify the volatile compounds. Tetramethylpyrazine, trimethylpyrazine, phenethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, 3-methylbutyl acetate, phenylacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde and 2-phenylethanol were present in all treatments. Pyrazine formation increased as roasting time and temperature were increased. The number of pyrazines increased from 4 to 11 and 25, respectively, when roasting, time was increased from 5 to 35 and 65 min at 140°C. The unit area of esters increased (up to 1700–1800) when the roasting time was increased from 15 to 65 min (at 110–120°C). However, the unit area of carbonyls linearly decreased with an increasing roasting temperature at shorter time (5–25 min). The unit area of phenols was enormously reduced at the highest roasting temperature (160–170°C) with longest roasting time (45–65 min) while that of alcohol slightly decreased as roasting time and temperature were increased.
Assessing California Wintertime Precipitation Responses to Various Climate Drivers

Understanding how drivers of climate change affect precipitation remains an important area of research. Although several robust precipitation responses have been identified under continued increases in greenhouse gases (GHGs), considerable uncertainty remains. This is particularly the case at regional scales, including the West Coast of the United States and California. Here, we exploit idealized, single forcing simulations from the Precipitation Driver Response Model Intercomparison Project (PDRMIP) to address how climate drivers impact California wintertime precipitation. Consistent with recent work, GHGs including carbon dioxide and methane, as well as solar forcing, yield a robust increase in California wintertime precipitation. We also find robust California precipitation responses to aerosols but with opposite responses for sulfate versus black carbon aerosol. Sulfate aerosol increases California wintertime precipitation, whereas black carbon reduces it. Moreover, California precipitation is more sensitive to aerosols, particularly regional emissions from Europe and Asia, than to GHGs. These precipitation responses are consistent with shifts in the jet stream and altered moisture fluxes. Although the idealized nature of PDRMIP simulations precludes a formal attribution, our results suggest that aerosols can perturb precipitation and fresh water resources along the West Coast of the United States.
DNA-based Identification and Descriptions of Immatures of Kempnyia Klapálek (Insecta:Plecoptera) from Macaé River Basin, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Abstract: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) barcode (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI]) sequences have been used to associate adult and immature stages of stoneflies as a rapid and effective alternative to rearing immatures. However, no molecular associations have been made for Neotropical species, which have very few described immature stages. Kempnyia Klapálek (Perlidae) is an endemic South American genus. Currently, 20 females have been associated with males of the 40 valid species, but only 5 nymphs have been described. We collected stonefly nymphs at Macaé River Basin, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and Kempnyia nymphs were separated those in 6 morphotypes. These morphotypes were associated to nominal Kempnyia species using 38 COI sequences (471 base pairs [bp]) of immatures and identified adults of 10 species occurring in southern and southeastern Brazil. Based on a neighbor-joining analysis of Kimura-2-parameter (K2P) pairwise divergences, we found 6 genetic Kempnyia lineages at Macaé River Basin represented by all morphotypes of nymphs included in our study. These nymphs were associated with males of Kempnyia alterosarum, K. colossica, K. gracilenta, K. petersorum, K. obtusa, and K. varipes. Intraspecific divergences in Kempnyia varied from 0 to 15%, but ∼½ of comparisons had values >3%. These data are in agreement with previous studies with stonefly populations, which tend to show high COI divergences. Based on our results, we described previously unknown immatures of K. alterosarum, K. petersorum, and K. obtusa, and the male genitalia of K. varipes for the first time. We also described a new adult color morph of K. petersorum. Our study increased the number of Kempnyia species recorded at Macaé River Basin from 5 to 11. We recorded for the first time K. alterosarum and K. reticulata from Rio de Janeiro State and K. jatim from Espírito Santo State.
The effect of supplementation of diet with different amounts of fish oil and rapeseed oil on performance and egg quality in laying hens

In this study investigated effect of the different levels of fish and rapeseed oils, selenium, vitamin E and zinc in diet laying hens288 white-line layers were used from 45 weeks of age during 90 days. The performance and quality traits including egg weight, intake of feed, egg laying percentage, egg shell weight, white weight, weight and color of yolk were evaluated during the experiment. The results showed that the effect of adding of these supplements to diet of laying hens on performance (egg weight, egg production and feed intake) was not significant. An insignificant increase in yolk weight and significant egg yolk color were observed in treatments containing 2% fish oil and 2% rapeseed oil at a level of 0.2% selenium. A significant decrease in triglyceride levels was observed in treatments containing higher selenium levels. There was a non significant reduction in its cholesterol levels. The amount of vitamin E and selenium in egg yolk increased significantly with increasing fish oil level in diet. Also, higher levels of selenium plus fish oil in the diet increased the amount of useful fatty acids (omega-3) and reduced some unhelpful saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. This study showed that using organic selenium, vitamin E and zinc in diets, although didn’t affect performance of hens, but could reduce the level of cholesterol and triglyceride yolk and increase its peroxidation resistance.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis in COVID‐19 adult respiratory distress syndrome

Early reports of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) clinical features describe a hypercoagulable state, and recent guidelines recommend prophylactic anticoagulation for patients with COVID‐19 with low‐molecular‐weight heparin, but this would be contraindicated in the presence of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). We address the key clinical question whether HIT is also present during COVID‐19. We report 3 cases of thrombocytopenia with antiplatelet factor 4 antibodies among 16 intubated patients with COVID‐19 with adult respiratory distress syndrome, a higher‐than‐expected incidence of 19%. Each patient had evidence of thrombosis (pulmonary embolism, upper extremity venous thromboses, and skin necrosis, respectively). The serotonin release assay confirmed HIT in 1 case, and 2 cases were negative. We believe this is the first reported case of HIT during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Recognition that the thrombocytopenia represented HIT in the confirmed case was delayed. We recommend clinicians monitor platelet counts closely during heparin therapy, with a low threshold to evaluate for HIT.
Impacto del COVID-19 en el mercado de trabajo: un análisis de los colectivos vulnerables

espanolEl presente documento de trabajo recoge una reflexion sobre cual podria ser el impacto laboral provocado por la actual crisis sanitaria del COVID19. A traves de las estadisticas de paro registrado, afiliaciones a la Seguridad Social y en base al posible efecto sobre el empleo (analizando sus caracteristicas y composicion se determinan cuales seran los colectivos mas perjudicados y/o aquellos que se encuentran en una situacion laboral mas vulnerable. Al respecto los grupos poblacionales en riesgo suelen ser las mujeres sobre-representada en los sectores productivos mas afectados a medio plazo por la crisis sanitaria (Hosteleria, Turismo y Comercio), los jovenes entre los cuales se establece una elevada presencia del desempleo, los inmigrantes por presentar una situacion laboral mas precaria vinculada con la temporalidad, los mayores de 45 anos que han sido muy perjudicados por la ultima crisis del empleo y los trabajadores menos cualificados o que desarrollan ocupaciones elementales debido a que no pueden adaptar su puesto de trabajo a las condiciones requeridas por el periodo de alarma en relacion al teletrabajo. Ello establece un impacto laboral dispar entre los diferentes colectivos poblacionales que profundizara en las desigualdades laborales existentes dentro de nuestro mercado de trabajo. No se debe olvidar el componente humano que se escode detras de las estadisticas las laborales. EnglishThis working paper includes reflects on what the possible labor impact caused by the current health crisis of COVID19. Through the statistics of registered unemployment, affiliations to Social Security and based on the possible effect on employment, analysing its characteristics and composition, it is determined which groups will be most affected and / or those who are in a more vulnerable employment situation. In this regard, the population groups at risk are usually women who are over-represented in the productive sectors most affected in the medium term by the health crisis (Hospitality, Tourism and Commerce), young people among whom a high presence of unemployment is established, immigrants for presenting a more precarious employment situation linked to temporary employment, those over 45 years of age who have been severely affected by the latest employment crisis and those workers who are less qualified or engaged in elementary occupations because they are unable to adapt their jobs to the alarm period in relation to telework. This establishes a disparate labor impact among the different population groups that will deepen the existing labor inequalities within our labor market. The human component behind the labor statistics should not be forgotten.
Screening for resistance to potato cyst nematode using closed containers

SUMMARY A screening method is described whereby potato plants are grown in soil in closed plastic containers in the dark, producing root systems upon which potato cyst nematodes can reproduce. Tubers are planted in John Innes No. 2 compost at 30% moisture and inoculated with an egg suspension. The canisters are held at 20°C for 7 wk after which, visible developing females are counted. This method of screening is more rapid, economical and produces data as reproducible as those from conventional pot tests. The value of the test for detecting resistance early in a potato breeding programme is discussed.
Comparative Study between Nasogastric Versus Nasojejunal Feeding in Acute Severe Pancreatitis

Introduction and Aim of the Work: Nutritional support is an important part in the management of severe acute pancreatitis as it significantly reduces mortality and morbidity by inhibiting bacterial translocation and maintaining integrity of the GIT mucosa. The way of delivering the nutrients through the GIT either by nasogastric (NG) or nasojejunal (NJ) route remains a point of debate. This study was designed to compare the NG vs. NJ routes as a way of nutrition in patients with acute severe pancreatitis. Patients and Methods: 60 patients allocated in two groups. Group A received feeding through NG tube while group B received feeding through NJ tube. Effect of the two enteral feeding methods on the clinical condition of the acute severe pancreatitis, patient's tolerance to feeding, patient's general condition and on achieving satisfactory nutrition parameters of the patient were used to compare between the two methods. Results: The results obtained showed no significant difference between delivering the feeding either by NG or NJ tube by comparing the four indicators used in these studies. The effect on clinical condition of patients with acute severe pancreatitis, patient's tolerance to feeding, patient's general condition, and achieving satisfactory nutrition parameters. Conclusion: Both NG and NJ routes of feeding can be used in acute pancreatitis patients without any significant difference on clinical condition of patients with acute severe pancreatitis, patient's tolerance to feeding, patient's general condition, and both achieving satisfactory nutrition parameters.
Spawning site selection and redd gravel characteristics of sea trout Salmo trutta in the lowland streams of Lithuania

To date, no characterization of spawning habitats on scientific basis was made for the eastern Baltic salmonid populations. The aim of the present study was to characterize spawning habitat preferences and redd gravel structure of sea trout in lowland streams of western Lithuania. The redd position at the habitat-unit scale, microhabitat hydrological characteristics and the redd gravel structure have been analyzed. The spawning site selection by sea trout was related to the in-stream characteristics, but not to the riparian features. Redds were positioned mainly in the transitional pool-riffle zones, associated with close proximity to potential cover for spawners. At the microhabitat scale, sites with relatively consistent hydrological parameters (mode of water depth 0.25–0.40 m, flow velocity 0.4–0.7 m s−1 and Froude number 0.2–0.4) were selected from a wide range of available sites. Egg incubation conditions, in terms of the redd gravel structure in the spring, were of intermediate quality, while varied widely within particular reaches. According to the results of the present study, it is apparent that sea trout have particular preferences for spawning sites, which should be considered in emerging river-restoration projects.