Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First-Principles Calculations of High-Pressure Physical Properties of Ti0.5Ta0.5 Alloy

In this paper, an in-depth theoretical study on some physical properties of Ti0.5Ta0. 5 alloy with systematic symmetry under high pressure is conducted via first-principles calculations, and relevant physical parameters are calculated. The results demonstrate that the calculated parameters, including lattice parameter, elastic constants, and elastic moduli, fit well with available theoretical and experimental data when the Ti0.5Ta0. 5 alloy is under T = 0 and P = 0 , indicating that the theoretical analysis method can effectively predict the physical properties of the Ti0.5Ta0. 5 alloy. The microstructure and macroscopic physical properties of the alloy cannot be destroyed as the applied pressure ranges from 0 to 50GPa, but the phase transition of crystal structure may occur in the Ti0.5Ta0. 5 alloy if the applied pressure continues to increase according to the TDOS curves and charge density diagram. The value of Young’s and shear modulus is maximized at P = 25 GPa . The anisotropy factors A ( 100 ) [ 001 ] and A ( 110 ) [ 001 ] are equal to 1, suggesting the Ti0.5Ta0. 5 alloy is an isotropic material at 28 GPa, and the metallic bond is strengthened under high pressure. The present results provide helpful insights into the physical properties of Ti0.5Ta0. 5 alloy.
Mediated hugs modulate impressions of Hearsay information

ABSTRACT Direct interpersonal touch affects the recipients' impression of the touch providers and information related to them. However, the applicability of this fact in mediated interpersonal touch remains unclear. In this study, we describe the alleviating effect of mediated interpersonal touch on social judgment and show that mediated hugs with a remote person affect the impression of the hearsay information about a third person. In our experiment, participants rated their impressions via a questionnaire and recall test. Results show that mediated hugs reduced negative inferences when people recalled information about the third person. As a possible underlying mechanism, we argue that stress reduction through mediated hugs moderates negative impressions of the third person. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Theobroma cacao, a host for Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Bacterial pathogens have not been reported in association with Theobroma cacao. However, three strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens isolated from chrysanthemum induced galls in seedling cacao plants grown in a greenhouse. Since T. cacao is thus a proven host for the crown gall bacterium, the Ti plasmid of A. tumefaciens may possibly be used as a vector for the introduction of selected DNA into cacao
Spatial conservation priorities are highly sensitive to choice of biodiversity surrogates and species distribution model type

Pressure to conserve biodiversity with limited resources has led to increasing use of species distribution models (SDMs) for spatial conservation prioritization. Published spatial prioritization exercises often focus on well-studied groups, with data compiled from on-line databases of ad-hoc collections. Conservation plans generally aim to protect all components of biodiversity, and it is implied that the species used in prioritization act as surrogates. Here, we assess the sensitivity of spatial priorities to model and surrogate choice using a case study from a fragmented agricultural area of south eastern Australia that is poorly represented in the national reserve system. We model the distributions of 30 species of bird, microbat and bee using two types of SDM; generalised linear models based on systematic surveys that yield presence and absence observations, and MaxEnt models based on biodiversity database records. Eight prioritization scenarios were tested using Zonation software, and were based on either the presence–background or presence–absence SDMs and combinations of surrogacy among the three taxa. We found low correlations between SDMs generated for the same species using different modelling frameworks (μ = 0.18, n = 26). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) estimates generated by MaxEnt were optimistic; on average 1.36 times higher than when tested against the systematic survey data. Conservation priorities were sensitive to the choice of surrogate and type of data used to fit SDMs, and though bats and birds formed moderately good surrogates for each other, there was less compelling evidence of surrogacy for bees. Because valid surrogacy is unlikely with most existing data sets, investment in high quality data for less-surveyed groups prior to planning should still be a priority. If this is not possible, then it is advisable to analyse the sensitivity of conservation plans to the assumed surrogacy and quality of data available.
Proliferating seed cones in Metasequoia glyptostroboidesHu & Cheng (Cupressaceae s.l., Coniferales) elucidate the evolution of seed cones and ovules in Cupressaceae s.l.

Proliferating seed cones are frequent in extant conifers. However, most proliferations are not useful for elucidating evolutionary scenarios, representing only chaotic mutations or a proliferation of the cone axis. In contrast the proliferating cones in Metasequoia studied here do not show a simple modification of a well understood pattern but show a known pattern with features that do not normally appear. A correct interpretation might allow a new hypothesis about the evolution of seed cones and ovules in conifers. In these proliferated Metasequoia seed cones several cone scales carried axillary, leafy short shoots instead of ovules. In most Cupressaceae, the shoot subtending the ovule – the so called seed scale – can no longer be detected. In proliferated seed cones a leafy short shoot replaces the ovules. This kind of proliferation can be regarded as an atavism, assuming that the sterile leaves on this short shoot represent transformed sterile ovules. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that the ovules in the axil of cone scales and the leaves formed on short shoots show a similarly centripetal or acropetal developmental pattern (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An outer membrane protein (OmpA) of Escherichia coli can be translocated across the cytoplasmic membrane of Bacillus subtllis

The translocation of secretory proteins derived from a Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus hyicus prolipase) or a Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli pre‐OmpA protein) bacterium across the cytoplasmic membrane was studied in E. coli and Bacillus subtilis. in both microorganisms, the prolipase was found to be secreted across the plasma membrane when either the pre‐prolipase signal peptide (38 amino acids in length) or the pre‐OmpA signal peptide (21 amino acids in length) was used. Expression of the gene encoding the authentic pre‐OmpA protein in B. subtilis resulted in the translocation of mature OmpA protein across the plasma membrane. Processing of the OmpA precursor in B. subtilis required the electrochemical potential and was sensitive to sodium azide, suggesting that the B. subtilis SecA homologue was involved in the translocation process. The mature OmpA protein, which was most likely present in an aggregated state, was fully accessible to proteases in protoplasted cells. Therefore, our results clearly demonstrate that an outer membrane protein can be secreted by B. subtilis, supporting the notion that the basic mechanism of protein translocation is highly conserved in Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.
The influence of thi values at different periods of lactation on milk quality and characteristics of lactation curve.

The experiment included 90 cows. Cows were chosen according to the time of calving, so that the first third of lactation occurred during the summer in 30 cows (G1), the second third of lactation occurred during the summer in 30 cows (G2), and in the last 30 cows the last third of lactation was in summer period (G3). The value of THI was between 72 and 82, which indicates the existence of the moderate intensity of heat stress. Heat stress does not damage the milk yield, milk fat and protein percentage on the level of the whole lactation, regardless of the lactation period in which the cows were exposed to stress. There was no correlation between THI and milk yield and quality at the level of the whole lactation. Heat stress did not show a significant effect on the parameters of lactation curve, except the peak of yield, which occurred later in cows exposed to heat stress. Increased value of THI showed nonsignificant effect on yield and quality of milk in the first third of lactation. In the middle and at the end of lactation THI was in a significant negative correlation with the yield and quality of milk. Our study showed a significantly lower heat-induced milk yield, milk fat and protein percent in the middle and at the end of lactation.
Effects of Light, Surface Sterilization, and Fungicides on the Germination of Black Huckleberry Seeds

Abstract Germination tests were conducted on seeds of black huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceumDouglas ex Hooker) to determine the effects of light exposure, surface sterilization, and fungicides. In total darkness, approximately 2% of seeds germinated. A single 24-h exposure to fluorescent light increased the rate to 37.4%. Daily exposure to 12 h of light for 77 d produced average germination rates of 78.6%. Surface sterilization in diluted household bleach (0.5% sodium hypochlorite) eliminated contamination by microorganisms without reducing germination percentages, but altered the germination versus time curves by shortening the lag period between sowing and radicle emergence. Treating seeds with captan or mancozeb fungicides increased the time necessary for germination and reduced the percentages of seeds that germinated. Light exposure is required for maximum seed germination. For germination trials where only maximum cumulative germination percentages are of interest, surface sterilization with bleach is a valuable tool. Seed treatment with captan or mancozeb fungicides can inhibit germination.
Spatial information in phased-array radar

In this study, the application of information theory to describe radar measurement problems is investigated. In Shannon's information theory, mutual information is used to quantify the reduction in the a priori uncertainty of the transmitted message. Similarly, the authors define the spatial information in the phased-array radar as the mutual information between range, direction of arrival (DOA), scattering properties, and the received signal. Such information content is composed of two parts. The first part is range-DOA information. The theoretical expression and its asymptotic upper bound are presented in a single target scenario. It is concluded that the range information is independent of DOA information at high signal-to-noise ratio. The relationship between the upper bound and the Cramer-Rao bound is discussed. The second part is scattering information. The corresponding expression is formulated theoretically. Based on spatial information, the authors put forth a definition of entropy error (EE) to evaluate the estimation performance in the phased-array radar. Numerical simulation of the information content confirms their theoretical observations. The regularity of information change reflects the information acquisition efficiency of a radar system, providing guidance for system designers. Numerical results of EE are also presented to demonstrate its effectiveness as an evaluation index.
A Systematic Revision of the Genus Erythrophyllopsis (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta)

Abstract A revision of the moss genus Erythrophyllopsis (Pottiaceae) recognized two species: E. andina and E. zanderi sp. nov. Barbula fuscula, Erythrophyllopsis boliviana, Glyphomitrium ferrugineum, Tortula semivaginata, and Trichostomum juniperinum are synonymized with E. andina. Erythrophyllopsis zanderi includes Zander's (1993) concept of Erythrophyllastrum andinum. Lectotypes for Barbula fuscula, Erythrophyllopsis boliviana, Trichostomum juniperinum, and Tortula semivaginata are here proposed. A new key, detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses of cpDNA sequences (trnL-trnF and trnG regions) suggest that Erythrophyllopsis is nested within Bryoerythrophyllum. A denser sampling and the use of other phylogenetic markers are required to better understand the generic and suprageneric relationships of Erythrophyllopsis.
Electrochemical Investigation of the Effect of Process Parameters on the Corrosion Behavior of Aluminum-Cladded Pressure Vessel Steel Using a Friction Stir Diffusion Cladding Process

Surface cladding and coatings are commonly used to protect structures against corrosion in corrosive environments. In this paper, electrochemical properties of friction stir diffusion cladded ASTM A516-70 with corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy grade 5052 are studied. The effect of process parameters, tool rotational and traverse speeds on the corrosion behavior of produced cladded steels was comparatively assessed. Electrochemical analyses revealed that the cladded steel sample provided good corrosion protection performance in comparison with the un-cladded steel substrate following an immersion test of up to 21 days in 3.5% NaCl medium. Increasing the tool traverse speed was found to negatively affect the corrosion resistance. Optimum parameters for the selected cladding system were found to be a 500 rpm tool rotational speed, and a 50 mm/min tool traverse speed for protection against general corrosion. Meanwhile, higher traverse speed demonstrated stable passivation behavior and, therefore, lower propensity for pitting localized corrosion. Post characterization of the exposed area indicated that tool shoulder marks were favorable spots for the accumulation of corrosion products.
Bat Species Richness and Community Composition along a Mega-transect in the Okavango River Basin

The Okavango River Basin is a hotspot of bat diversity that requires urgent and adequate protection. To advise future conservation strategies, we investigated the relative importance of a range of potential environmental drivers of bat species richness and functional community composition in the Okavango River Basin. During annual canoe transects along the major rivers, originating in the central Angolan highlands, we recorded more than 25,000 bat echolocation calls from 2015 to 2018. We corrected for possible biases in sampling design and effort. Firstly, we conducted rarefaction analyses of each survey year and sampling appeared to be complete, apart from 2016. Secondly, we used total activity as a measure of sample effort in mixed models of species richness. Species richness was highest in the Angola Miombo Woodlands and at lower elevations, with higher minimum temperatures. In total, we identified 31 individual bat species. We show that even when acoustic surveys are conducted in remote areas and over multiple years, it is possible to correct for biases and obtain representative richness estimates. Changes in habitat heterogeneity will have detrimental effects on the high richness reported here and human land-use change, specifically agriculture, must be mediated in a system such as the Angolan Miombo Woodland.
On the Diatom Genera Stephanopyxis EHR. and Skeletonema GREV. and their Classification in a Revised System of the Centrales

The structure of the siliceous wall components of the marine planktonic genera Stephanopyxis EHR. and Skdttomma GREV. have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy, The complex processes uniting the cells into filaments have been shown to be associated with rimoportules in Stephanopyxis and with fultoportules in Skeletonema* The two genera have been compared with other centric genera investigated in the scanning electron microscope by the author and his colleagues and the well established groups (Skeletonemaceae, Melosiraceae, Coscinodiscaceae) of centric diatoms have been retained but genera re-allocated amongst these. It is suggested that within the Skeletonemaceae there are two distinct sub-families, the Skeletonemineae and the Stephanodiscineae,
Are forest floors in mid-rotation stands of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) a sink for nitrogen and phosphorus?

We examined decomposition and nutrient dynamics in fresh litter and net N mineralization in old litter to deter - mine (i) if forest floor is a source of available nutrients in mid-rotation loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) stands and (ii) the effect of site preparation and vegetation control on forest floor nutrient dynamics. Four types of fresh litter were decom - posed in situ in mesh bags: two containing only pine (differing by history of stand management) and two pine-hardwood mixes (ratios 1:5 and 5:1). Litter bags were recovered every May and October for 26 months. Litter type, in particular the presence and amount of leaves, affected decomposition and nutrient dynamics in fresh litter. After 26 months, all fresh lit - ters lost 55% of mass; decay rate constants were 0.43 (needles) to 0.60 year -1 (leaves). Pine (1) and pine (2) and needles in mix 1:5 immobilized N. Almost all fresh litters also immobilized P. After 26 months of decay, N and P pools sug- gested an accumulation in the needles of 0.7-2.7 kg N·ha -1 and 0.2-0.5 kg P·ha -1 and mineralization of 1.1-3.7 kg N·ha -1 in mix 5:1 needles and mix 1:5 leaves. All fresh litters mineralized K, Ca, and Mg. Old litter was incubated in situ in capped polyvinyl chloride containers from May to November. Monthly rates of net N mineralization in old litter were de- termined in KCl extracts of NH4 + and NO3 - . Net N mineralization in old litter was 0.75-1.5 kg N·ha -1 per 6 months and
Cultural studies and genetics of sexuality of Ganoderma lucidum and G. tsugae in relation to the taxonomy of the G. lucidum complex.

Ganoderma lucidum and G. tsugae are two members of the G. lucidum complex that have had a controversial taxonomic relationship. The authenticity of the two widely distributed wood-rotting species was demonstrated by comparative studies. Specimens and isolates of both species were obtained from several locations in North America. Ganoderma lucidum is restricted to hardwoods. Its basidiospores were "smooth" walled, characterized by narrow, numerous inter-wall pillars, as observed by bright-field and scanning electron microscopy. Isolates of G. lucidum produced chlamydospores in culture and had an average growth rate of 7.8 mm/da at its optimum temperature range of 30-34 C. Ganoderma tsugae is restricted to conifers. Its basidiospores were "rough" walled and had broad interwall pillars. Isolates of G. tsugae did not produce chlamydospores in culture and had an average growth rate of 2.1 mm/da at the optimum temperature range of 20-25 C. Basidiospore sizes could not be used to distinguish the species. Mating systems were determined for both species as heterothallic and tetrapolar. Interspecific matings of homokaryons were completely incompatible. Cultures of G. resinaceum and G. valesiacum from Europe were similar in morphology and temperature relationships to North American cultures of G. lucidum and G. tsugae, respectively. Homokaryons of a European G. resinaceum isolate that fruited in culture were completely interfertile with homokaryons from North American collections of G. lucidum. History of the G. lucidum complex is considered with reference to the pleomorphic characteristics used in earlier taxonomy.
Do Loan Guarantees Alleviate Credit Rationing and Improve Economic Welfare?

By designing credit contracts with inversely related interest rates and collateral, banks can overcome the problems of adverse selection and moral hazard when there is an informational asymmetry in competitive credit markets. One salient result points out that, if borrowers’ insufficient endowments of wealth cause a binding collateral constraint, a credit rationing equilibrium arises because of collateral’s inability to achieve perfect sorting. The purpose of this paper is to examine the consequences of government loan guarantees on equilibrium credit contracts and economic welfare. More specifically, the effects of loan guarantees on interest rates, collateral, and credit rationing were studied. Our results suggest that government loan guarantees should target high-risk entrepreneurs. Loan guarantees targeting high-risk entrepreneurs reduce a pledge of collateral in credit contracts, drop social cost, and increase economic welfare. Under the circumstances that borrowers’ insufficient wealth causes a binding collateral constraint, loan guarantees targeting high-risk entrepreneurs alleviate the problem of credit rationing and improve economic welfare.
The transparent chamber adapted for cell culture and permitting access to the contained living tissue

The original procedure for introducing cells into a transparent chamber inserted in a rabbit’s ear was described by Clark ct al. in 1930. This consisted in using a ‘round table type’ chamber provided with an oblique hole in the table opening on the growing region which, when not in use, was occluded by a glass plug sealed in with paraffin. Small pieces of tissue could be introduced from below through this hole and deposited either above, in, o r below the thin layer of growing tissue. This was technically a difficult method and in many ways unsatisfactory. To simplify the handling and introduction of minute transplants Dr. H. T. Kirby-Smith developed a form of micromanipulator. With such an instrument very small bits of tissue could be handled. However, the proportion of unsuccessful implantations was very great and it was thought that the technique should be simplified. Accordingly, a chamber was constructed in such a manner that when inserted in the ear the central growing region could be exposed from above without disturbing the assembly in the ear. The tissue could then he covered again and the chamber allowed to continue its normal course. This process could be repeated many times 011 the same specimen.
Bisexual Women’s Experiences of Stigma and Verbal Sexual Coercion: The Roles of Internalized Heterosexism and Outness

In the current study, we examined how bisexual women’s unique experiences of sexual identity stigma might elevate their risk for verbal sexual coercion. Online survey data were collected from 350 self-identified bisexual women. Hayes PROCESS macro was used to test moderated-mediation and mediation analyses. Results indicated that anti-bisexual experiences (from both heterosexual and lesbian/gay individuals) were associated with greater internalized heterosexism (i.e., internalization of negative societal attitudes and stereotypes about one’s minority sexual orientation), which in turn was associated with increased odds of experiencing verbal sexual coercion. We did not find moderating effects of outness, such that internalized heterosexism mediated the relation between anti-bisexual experiences and verbal sexual coercion regardless of bisexual women’s levels of outness. Findings suggest that anti-bisexual experiences and internalized heterosexism are associated with bisexual women’s elevated risk for experiencing verbal sexual coercion. There is a need for targeted sexual violence prevention and risk reduction efforts that take into account the unique experiences and vulnerabilities of bisexual women in victimization risk. Results also highlight the need for campaigns that reduce sexual orientation-related stigma at the population level in order to prevent negative health outcomes among bisexual women.