Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Absence of nest density effects in a growing colony of California Gulls

Nest density has been considered to affect the success of gull colonies. From 19841993 I studied the California Gull Larus californicus colony at Mono Lake, California, which has increased 30-fold since 1916 and attained nest densities that are among the highest reported for the species. I found that the Upper Critical Density (UCD) approximated 50 nests/100 m2, but even at 77 nests/100 m2 there was no effect on egg size, clutch size, or fledging success. Shorter (6-8 yr) sampling periods, however, would have indicated that either positive or negative effects had occurred. Gulls evidently disperse after the UCD is attained, because concentrations above the UCD did not persist into subsequent breeding seasons. Density effects are sometimes inferred from comparing long-term changes in population size (as an index to density) with various population parameters. The role of nest spacing, however, is best investigated by comparing the performance of birds nesting at different densities in the same year. Because productivity is influenced by factors that act away from as well as within a colony, studies of nest density provide little information on factors affecting population changes. Apparent effects of nest density in two long-term studies of Herring Gulls L. argentatus deserve re-evaluation.
Study of diagnostic and prognostic parameters in Breast cancer patients without metastasis

ackground: Carcinoma of the breast is the most prevalent cause of mortality from cancer in women aged 40-69 years. The aim of the present study was to examine any alteration in the status of lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, gamma glutamyl transferase, Platelets, hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transferase and bilirubin in the plasma of breast cancer patients without distant metastasis, to establish their diagnostic and prognostic values.
A randomised comparison of the efficacy of a Coopdech bronchial blocker and a double-lumen endotracheal tube for minimally invasive esophagectomy

Background Both a bronchial blocker (BB) and a double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLT) can achieve lung collapse and one-lung ventilation (OLV) during thoracic surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare these two airway devices in terms of efficacy in video-assisted thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy for cancer. Methods A total of 55 patients underwent combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy for cancer were enrolled and divided into a Coopdech bronchial blocker group (CBB group, n=27) or a DLT group (DLT group, n=28). The primary outcome was the lung collapse scores at 1, 5, 10 minutes after the opening of the pleural and assessed using a verbal analogue scale via a real-time video view. Secondary outcomes including time for tube localization, incidence of tube displacement, postoperative sore throats, and surgeons’ satisfaction with surgical manipulations were collected. Results The patients in the CBB group achieved better lung collapse scores at 5 minutes (7.4±1.3 vs. 6.4±0.9 minutes, P<0.01) and 10 minutes (8.9±0.8 vs. 7.1±0.9 minutes, P<0.01) after opening the pleura, and they had lower incidence of postoperative sore throats [5 (18%) vs. 16 (57%), P<0.01] when compared with patients in DLT group. However, the time for tube localization were significantly longer in CBB group than in DLT group (210±120 vs. 125±60 s, P<0.05). There were no significant difference in tube displacement, hypoxemia (SpO2 <90%) during OLV, and in surgeons’ satisfaction with surgical manipulations. Conclusions CBB technique can be a potential alternative to the conventional DLT strategy for lung collapse and OLV during esophagectomy.
Moss-inhabiting diatoms from two contrasting Maritime Antarctic islands

1Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Ecology, Vinicna 7, CZ-128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic 2Wladyslaw Szafer Institute of Botany, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lubicz 46, PL-31-512 Cracow, Poland 3Botanic Garden Meise, Department of Bryophyta & Thallophyta, Nieuwelaan 38, BE-1860 Meise, Belgium 4University of Antwerp, Department of Biology, Universiteitsplein 1, BE-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium *Author for correspondence: k.kopalova@hotmail.com
MINIMUM-COST OPTIMAL DESIGN OF NONLINEAR FLUID VISCOUS DAMPERS AND THEIR SUPPORTING BRACES FOR SEISMIC RETROFITTING

In this paper, we present a new methodology for achieving economical retrofitting design solutions of 3-D irregular frames. Nonlinear fluid viscous dampers and their supporting braces are optimally distributed in irregular 3D frames and optimally sized. For generating optimal design solutions useful for practitioners, a realistic cost formulation is chosen as the objective function to be minimized. Constraints are imposed on interstory drifts at the peripheries. These are evaluated with nonlinear time-history analyses considering realistic ground acceleration records. The behavior of each damper-brace system is defined based on the Maxwell’s model for viscoelasticity. A fractional power-law is used to describe the nonlinear force-velocity relation of each damper, and the stiffening contribution of the supporting brace and of the damper is represented by linear springs. The damper-brace elements are divided into size-groups, that is, elements with the same mechanical properties. The properties of each size-group of dampers (damping coefficient and supporting brace stiffness), and the dampers’ distribution in the structure are optimally defined in the optimization process using Genetic Algorithms. The capability of the proposed methodology to achieve economical designs is demonstrated in a practical case. The numerical results establish also important benchmarks for other, more efficient, methods to be developed.
Cytotaxonomy of the Andropogoneae

1. A review of the cytology of the Sorgheae (excluding Sorghum) is presented. Chromosome behavior at meiosis is discussed whenever available.2. An artificial key is given for the eight genera. All but two have been studied cytologically and these are both monotypic. One is the primitive Lasiorrhachis and the other the very specialized Asthenochloa.3. Of the eighteen species reported, seven are studied meiotically for the first time.4. Five is concluded to be the most likely basic chromosome number for the subtribe, but one species (Cleistachne sorghoides) is 2n=36 and is considered to have a basic number of nine.5. Although polyploidy is common it seems to be less frequent than in other subtribes.6. Noticable differences in chromosome size are seen in different genera and subgenera but their relationship to phylogeny is not certain.7. A discussion of the phylogenetic patterns of the subtribe is presented. In general these patterns are rather direct with what appears to be two distinct lines of development. However, there are several suggestions of interconnections between these lines that need additional study.8. It is suggested that the time is ripe for detailed hybridization studies between species within the different genera, between the subgenera in Sorghum, between selected genera, and in a few cases between subtribes.
Trust: Promoting Interdependence, Knowledge Sharing & Collaboration in Scrum Teams

— Developing software using Scrum is predominantly a team-based activity. Consequently it is an intensely social endeavour. The Agile Manifesto strongly advocates using teamwork to develop software. Scrum is the most widely adopted Agile software development method currently being used both worldwide and in Ireland. The success of the Scrum team follows from the effective interdependence of the team members. Interdependent teams trust each other implicitly. However, little research has been conducted into the development and fostering of trust in co-located Scrum teams. Using a Constructivist Grounded theory study involving one team from a large multinational software development organisation in the West of Ireland we investigate how trust is developed and fostered in the team.
The Effectiveness of Interactive Learning in Manufacturing Engineering

Interactive learning is a pedagogical model that encourages students to be part of the lesson instead of passive observers, quietly sitting at a desk taking notes or memorizing information. Students interact with the material, each other and the teacher in an active way. The new emerging technologies that can overcome some of the potential difficulties in this area includes computer graphics, augmented reality, computational dynamics, and virtual worlds. Therefore, the manufacturing industry relies on new design concepts and methods undertake the challenges in integrating technologies to expedite the march towards industrial revolution 4.0. This paper reviews and investigates the current context of the use of interactive learning such as Virtual Reality(VR),Augmented Reality(AR),Computer aided design and manufacturing(CADCAM), computer graphics, computational dynamics and new emerging technologies that effect on students and lectures in learning and teaching environments for Manufacturing Engineering. Interactive learning is part of the factors that could influence the self-learning and regulations environments.
Does radiotherapy increase the risk of colorectal cancer among prostate cancer patients? A large population-based study

Objective: The survival of prostate cancer (PC) patients after radiotherapy (RT) has improved over time, but it raises the debate of increased risk of secondary colorectal cancer (SCRC). This study aimed to assess whether RT for PC treatment increases the risk of SCRC in comparison with radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods: A population-based cohort of PC patients treated only with RT or only with RP between January 2007 and December 2015 was identified from the Taiwan Cancer Registry. The incidence rate of SCRC development was estimated using Cox regression model. Results: In this study, total 8,797 PC patients treated with either RT (n = 3,219) or RP (n =5,578). Patients subjected to RT were elder (higher percentage of 70≧years, p < 0.0001) and more advanced clinically (stage III: 22.90% vs. 11.87%; stage IV: 22.15% vs. 13.80%, p < 0.0001), compared to those subjected to RP. More patients subjected to RT had a much higher percentage of autoimmune disease (22.34% vs. 18.75%, p < 0.0001) and osteoarthritis and allied disorders (16.31% vs. 12.98%, p < 0.0001). Besides, RT patients had a higher percentage of underlying Crohn's disease (0.25% vs. 0.05%, p = 0.0230). Although almost all selected factors were not statistically significant, they presented the positive risk of SCRC for those under RP compared with those among RT. Besides, for PC patients in clinical stage I and II, patients with RP may have borderline significantly protective effects of SCRC compared with those under RT (stage I, HR: 0.14; 95% C.I.:0.01-1.39; p = 0.0929; stage II, HR: 1.92; 95% C.I.:0.93-3.95; p = 0.0775). Kaplan-Meier curves for a 3-year-period, which demonstrated no statistical difference in the risk of SCRC free between PC patients undergoing RT and RP (p = 0.9766). Conclusion: Whether or not pelvic RT for PC is associated with an increased risk for SCRC on a population-based level remains a matter of considerable debate. From a clinical perspective, these PC survivors should be counseled accordingly and received continued cancer surveillance with regular colonoscopy follow-up.
Dairy Consumption and Metabolic Health

Milk and dairy foods are naturally rich sources of a wide range of nutrients, and when consumed according to recommended intakes, contribute essential nutrients across all stages of the life cycle. Seminal studies recommendations with respect to intake of saturated fat have been consistent and clear: limit total fat intake to 30% or less of total dietary energy, with a specific recommendation for intake of saturated fat to less than 10% of total dietary energy. However, recent work has re-opened the debate on intake of saturated fat in particular, with suggestions that recommended intakes be considered not at a total fat intake within the diet, but at a food-specific level. A large body of evidence exists examining the impact of dairy consumption on markers of metabolic health, both at a total-dairy-intake level and also at a food-item level, with mixed findings to date. However the evidence suggests that the impact of saturated fat intake on health differs both across food groups and even between foods within the same food group such as dairy. The range of nutrients and bioactive components in milk and dairy foods are found in different levels and are housed within very different food structures. The interaction of the overall food structure and the nutrients describes the concept of the ‘food matrix effect’ which has been well-documented for dairy foods. Studies show that nutrients from different dairy food sources can have different effects on health and for this reason, they should be considered individually rather than grouped as a single food category in epidemiological research. This narrative review examines the current evidence, mainly from randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses, with respect to dairy, milk, yoghurt and cheese on aspects of metabolic health, and summarises some of the potential mechanisms for these findings.
MicroRNAs: potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of different cancers

A thorough understanding of the tumor environment and underlying genetic factors helps in the better formulation of cancer management strategies. Availability of efficient diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers facilitates early detection and progression of the disease. MicroRNAs affect different biological processes participating in tumorigenesis through regulation of their target genes. An expanding list of unique RNAs and understanding of their regulatory role has opened up a new field in cancer research. Based on a comprehensive literature search, we identified 728 miRNAs dysregulated in sixteen cancer types namely bladder cancer (BC), breast cancer (BrC), cervical cancer (CC), colorectal cancer (CRC), esophageal cancer (EC), endometrial cancer (EnC), gastric cancer (GC), hepatocellular cancer (HCC), head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC), lung cancer (LC), ovarian cancer (OC), pancreatic cancer (PC), prostate cancer (PrC), renal cell cancer (RCC), skin cancer (SC), and thyroid cancer (TC). Expression of 43 miRNAs was either upregulated or downregulated in six or more of these cancers. Finally, seven miRNAs namely mir-18a, mir-21, mir-143/145, mir-210, mir-218, mir-221, showing maximum dysregulation, either up- or down-regulation in the majority of cancers, were selected for a detailed presentation of their expression and evaluation of their potential as biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of different cancers.
Assessing winter dietary quality in bighorn sheep via fecal nitrogen

Fecal indicators of nutritional status of wild ungulates are less constrained than blood or urine analyses. Thus, we assessed the potential for fecal nitrogen concentration to predict winter dietary quality for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in Wyoming. Dietary nitrogen concentration and percent in vitro dry matter digestibility increased linearly with increases in fecal nitrogen concentration for hand-plucked diets of wild sheep on 4 winter ranges and for tannin-free diets fed to 3 penned adult female bighorn sheep (2 were 1/8 mouflon [O. orientalis]). A linear'regression developed from field samples gathered in 2 winters accurately predicted winter dietary nitrogen concentrations using fecal nitrogen levels from other winters
Environmental Correlations with Male, Female and Clonal Biomass Allocation in the Forest Herb, Laportea canadensis

-Hypotheses predicting biomass allocation to male reproduction, female reproduction and clonal growth in different environments are tested for Laportea canadensis, a wind-pollinated, rhizomatous, monoecious herb of floodplain and mesic upland forests. Different environments in floodplain forests are associated with Laportea's allocation to male (fast drainage) vs. female (favorable growing conditions late in the season: heavy soil, high light and low density). In upland forests, both male and female allocations increase with productive conditions (high light and intermediate soil texture). Vegetative allocation decreases with stem density in upland forests, corresponding to the strawberry-coral model of Williams. All types of reproduction are size-dependent in Laportea. However, male reproduction requires larger minimum sizes than female reproduction, probably reflecting selection for longer distance wind-pollination. Clonal growth in Laportea allows persistence in dark upland areas with high amounts of litter, where seedling establishment is difficult. Upland plants also devote relatively little biomass to sexual reproduction and achene production. Reproductive specialization between male and female function within floodplains, and between fruit production and clonal spread within floodplains and between habitats, contributes to the competitive success of this species.
Phylogeny and Trichome Evolution in the Plant Family Brassicaceae

To estimate the evolutionary history of the mustard family (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae), we sampled 113 species, representing 101 of the roughly 350 genera and 17 of the 19 tribes of the family, for the chloroplast gene ndhF. The included accessions increase the number of genera sampled over previous phylogenetic studies by four-fold. Using parsimony, likelihood, and Bayesian methods, we reconstructed the phylogeny of the gene and used the Shimodaira–Hasegawa test (S-H test) to compare the phylogenetic results with the most recent tribal classification for the family. The resultant phylogeny allowed a critical assessment of variations in fruit morphology and seed anatomy, upon which the current classification is based. We also used the S-H test to examine the utility of trichome branching patterns for describing monophyletic groups in the ndhF phylogeny. Our phylogenetic results indicate that 97 of 114 ingroup accessions fall into one of 21 strongly supported clades. Some of these clades can themselves be grouped into strongly to moderately supported monophyletic groups. One of these lineages is a novel grouping overlooked in previous phylogenetic studies. Results comparing 30 different scenarios of evolution by the S-H test indicate that five of 12 tribes represented by two or more genera in the study are clearly polyphyletic, although a few tribes are not sampled well enough to establish paraor polyphyly. In addition, branched trichomes likely evolved Beilstein, Mark, 2007, UMSL, p.12 independently several times in the Brassicaceae, although malpighiaceous and stellate trichomes may each have a single origin.
Gamma Radiation Effect on Production of Four Pheromonal Components of Male Mediterranean Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

An analytical method enabling the collection and gas chromatographic analysis of delta-l-pyrroline that is released from calling males of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), was developed. Using this procedure along with previously reported methods for the analyses of geranyl acetate, ethyl-(E)-3-octenoate, and E, E-α-farnesene, we compared pheromone production among fruit-reared, factory-reared fertile, and factory-reared sterile male Mediterranean fruit flies in Guatemala. There were no significant differences in pheromone production (ng per male per hour) from 0600 to 1400 hours. In collections made from 1400 to 1700 hours, however, factory-reared fertile males produced significantly more of the three major terpene components (geranyl acetate, ethyl-(E)-3-octenoate, E, E-α-farnesene), whereas the factory-reared sterile males produced significantly more of the four-component blend (the three terpenes plus delta-l-pyrroline) than fruit-reared males. Sterile males produced a significantly higher percentage of ethyl-(E)-3-octenoate, based on the four component pheromone blend, during the 1000- to 1400-hour collections. Thus, the primary difference in pheromone production among the tested flies was that the fruit-reared males produced pheromone over a shorter time during the day. Gamma radiation did not affect adversely the amount of total pheromone produced but did affect component ratios in the pheromone blend.
A Scalable Solution to Network Design Problems: Decomposition with Exhaustive Routing Search

Many network design problems encompass two tasks, routing and resource allocation, that are so intricately intertwined as to contribute significantly to the intractability of such problems. In this paper, we make two contributions to addressing general network design problems of this nature. First, we present a new decomposition method that optimally decouples resource allocation from routing, making it possible to tackle each of these aspects separately. Second, we develop a recursive branch-and-bound algorithm to search the routing space exhaustively, yet in a scalable manner. We apply our method to a well-known intractable problem in optical networks, routing and spectrum assignment (RSA). Our results indicate that the recursive algorithm is able to search efficiently the entire routing space of topologies representative of large-scale wide area networks.
Carrot Yield Response to Nitrogen Rate

Increasing fertilizer costs as well as environmental concerns are causing growers to question present fertilizer use. Two studies were conducted to determine the response of fresh pack carrot (Daucus carota L.) cultivar Fanci Pak, to reduced rates of applied N. In the first study, effects of reducing N by 20 and 40%, applied either preplant broadcast or as a split-application, preplant broadcast + topdress, were equal to an accepted grower application of 72 lb N/acre preplant broadcast. Nitrogen did not affect carrot stand or Canada No. and total yield. Plant N concentration ranged from 3.2 to 4.1 % and was not affected by N treatments. In the second study, N was broadcast preplant at 88, 66, 44, 22, and 0 lb/acre. Carrot stand and Canada No. and total yield were not affected at N rates used. Plant N concentration was significantly increased by treatment in 1 yr of the 2-yr study.
Application of Electrospray in Preparing Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Optimization of Nanoparticles Using Artificial Neural Networks

Background: Electrospray (Electrohydrodynamic atomization) has been introduced as a novel approach to prepare nanoparticles. This work aimed to prepare SLNs through electrospray and evaluate factors affecting particle size of prepared Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs). Methods: SLNs were prepared by electrospray method. To study the factors affecting particle size of SLNs, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were employed. Four input variables, namely, Tween 80 concentration, lipid concentration, flow rate, and polymer to lipid ratio were analyzed through ANNs and particle size was the output. Results: The analyzed model presented concentration of Tween 80 (surfactant) and lipid as effective parameters on particle size. By increasing surfactant and decreasing lipid concentration, minimum size could be obtained, while flow rate and polymer to lipid ratio appeared not to be effective. Conclusion: Concentration of surfactant/lipid plays the most important role in determining the size.
All-t2g Electronic Orbital Reconstruction of Monoclinic MoO2 Battery Material

Motivated by experiments, we undertake an investigation of electronic structure reconstruction and its link to electrodynamic responses of monoclinic MoO2. Using a combination of LDA band structure with DMFT for the subspace defined by the physically most relevant Mo 4d-bands, we unearth the importance of multi-orbital electron interactions to MoO2 parent compound. Supported by a microscopic description of quantum capacity we identify the implications of many-particle orbital reconstruction to understanding and evaluating voltage-capacity profiles intrinsic to MoO2 battery material. Therein, we underline the importance of the dielectric function and optical conductivity in the characterisation of existing and candidate battery materials.